The clearance of indigenous tussock on the Lammermoor Range
as a result of Meridian Energy's proposed Project Hayes wind
farm development would have a more than minor effect on
ecology at the site, an Environment Court appeal hearing was
told yesterday.
Wildland Consultants Ltd botanist and ecologist Kelvin Lloyd,
of Dunedin, gave evidence at the hearing on the potential
effect of about 300ha of indigenous vegetation being cleared
across the proposed 92sq km site.
Dr Lloyd said the overall effect of vegetation clearance
would have a more than minor effect on the area's ecology,
although the clearance would not occur in a single area, but
would be dispersed in small areas across the site.
In his written evidence, Dr Lloyd said road construction
along the alignment of existing farm tracks would have minor
effects on indigenous vegetation, but the construction of
turbines, new roads, and significant extensions to existing
roads would result in the clearance of indigenous tussock
grassland which was more than minor.
He had identified nine nationally or regionally threatened or
uncommon plant species within the Project Hayes site, on
which about 150km of roads would be constructed or modified.
Dr Lloyd said he had identified one area within the Project
Hayes boundary, on part of Loganburn Station, which he
considered to be significant in terms of inherent ecological
values, which Meridian had agreed to protect.
He also said, like most other tussock grasslands subject to
pastoral use, the proposed Project Hayes area had been
periodically burned, oversown, and top-dressed, which reduced
the stature of tussock plants and tussock density.
There was a comprehensive network of farm tracks and roads
within the wind farm site, which was used for farming and
public access, as well as for maintenance of the electricity
transmission facilities in southern parts of the area.
Construction and use of the roads and tracks had resulted in
varying levels of vegetation clearance and physical
disturbance, which had reduced dominance of indigenous
plants, he aid.
Dr Lloyd proposed replanting of tussock would be best in
November and February and said coral broom could be
propagated and planted within the Project Hayes site to
increase the plant's numbers.
He said Meridian was responsible for managing gorse, Scotch
broom, and any pines on the property which, if done, would
partly mitigate adverse ecological effects of the
development.
"The wind farm project will have adverse effects on
indigenous vegetation and habitats, but I would not describe
the tussock grasslands as being comparatively unmodified.
"A relatively large area of tussock grassland would be
cleared but, in my opinion, the adverse effects of this would
be mitigated adequately by protection of indigenous tussock
grassland and other vegetation in the 95ha Loganburn Gorge."
