Approved Turitea Weed Control Plan by Mercury

PEST PLANT MONITORING AND CONTROL PLAN FOR THE TURITEA WIND FARM

R1950s-xii

PEST PLANT MONITORING AND CONTROL PLAN FOR THE TURITEA WIND FARM

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii May 2019

Project Team: Keely Paler - Report Author Astrid van Meeuwen-Dijkgraaf - Peer Review William Shaw - Peer Review

Prepared for: Mercury NZ Ltd Hamilton

WELLINGTON OFFICE: 22 RAIHA STREET, ELSDON, P.O. BOX 50-539, PORIRUA Ph 04-237-7341; Fax 04-237-7496 HEAD OFFICE: 99 SALA STREET, P.O. BOX 7137, TE NGAE, ROTORUA Ph 07-343-9017; Fax 07-343-9018, email ecology@wildlands.co.nz, www.wildlands.co.nz

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PEST PLANT MANAGEMENT GOALS

SITE OVERVIEW

PEST PLANTS 4.1 Overview 4.2 National pest plant accord 4.3 Unwanted organisms register 4.4 Regional pest management plan 4.5 Palmerston North City 4.6 Tararua District Council 4.7 Department of Conservation’s environmental pest plants 4.8 Agricultural pest plants

2 2 2 4 4 5 5 5 6

PEST PLANT HYGIENE 5.1 Selection of and preparation of a clean-down site 5.2 Vehicle, machinery, and equipment hygiene 5.3 Material other than machines

7 87 8 11

PEST PLANT MONITORING 6.1 Overview 6.2 Initial survey and control 6.3 Drive-by surveys 6.4 Monitoring of control effectiveness 6.5 Annual walk-over surveys 6.6 Post-construction walking transects

12 12 12 13 13 14 14

PEST PLANT MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL 7.1 Control priorities 7.2 Pest plant management units 7.3 Management methods 7.4 Reporting

15 15 20 3735 3836

PLAN REVIEW

3836

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

3836

REFERENCES

3937

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

APPENDICES 1. 2. 3.

Relevant consent conditions Pest plants species recorded at the Turitea Wind farm Species-specific control methods

4038 4139 4442

Reviewed and approved for release by:

_______________________ W.B. Shaw Director/Principal Ecologist Wildland Consultants Ltd

ď&#x192;&#x201C; Wildland Consultants Ltd 2019 This report has been produced by Wildland Consultants Ltd for Mercury Energy Ltd. All copyright in this report is the property of Wildland Consultants Ltd and any unauthorised publication, reproduction, or adaptation of this report is a breach of that copyright.

ÂŠ 2019

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

INTRODUCTION Mercury NZ Ltd was granted resource consents in 2011 for the proposed Turitea Wind Farm, on the northern end of the Tararua Range. Sixty turbine sites are consented: 33 in the Northern Zone and 27 in the Southern Zone. At this stage, only the northern section is being constructed, which will require earthworks, vegetation clearance and other site disturbances, and may potentially spread pest plant species within or introduce novel pest plant species to the site. This Pest Plant Monitoring and Control Plan for Turitea Wind Farm (hereafter referred to as the Pest Plant Plan) sets out methods to monitor and control pest plants currently on site, and those that may be introduced as a result of construction or wind farm activities. It outlines methods for preventing the introduction of new weeds, techniques for detecting any new weed establishments, and methods for management and control of all pest plant species within the Turitea wind farm. This Pest Plant Monitoring and Control Plan addresses the Northern Turbine Zone (Figure 1).

PEST PLANT MANAGEMENT GOALS The goals of pest plant management for the Turitea Wind Farm are to:   

Maintain existing pest plant species densities and distributions at baseline levels. Prevent establishment of novel pest plant species. Control pest plants within indigenous plantings at Browns Flat.

This will be achieved by:  

Undertaking regular pest plant monitoring and control operations. Establishing and maintaining effective weed hygiene practices.

SITE OVERVIEW Within the Turitea wind farm site there will be two main construction zones and one restoration zone which will be subjected to different activities at different times: 

The Northern Turbine Zone is comprised of 33 consented turbines in the northern-most section of the site. These turbines will be the first to be constructed.



The Transmission Corridor involves clearing areas to install power pylons. These will be helicoptered into location and do not require the creation of other roads and tracks.



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In addition, Mercury has long-term leases with several different land managers. These Land Manager Zones will have implications on current and future land use and the identity of plant species considered to be pests. ď&#x201A;ˇ

Private landowners (Priv), directly affected by the wind farm infrastructure (excluding transmission line). The majority of this land is comprised of pasture grassland which is used for agricultural purposes.

ď&#x201A;ˇ

Palmerston North City Council manages two areas of land which will be affected by the Turitea Wind Farm - Turitea Water Supply Catchment (TWSC), which mainly comprises indigenous forest and scrub. Within the Northern Turbine Zone, 14 of the consented turbine locations lie within the Turitea Water Catchment Reserve. - Browns Flat (BF), which is mainly comprised of rank grassland and valley floor riparian wetlands.

PEST PLANTS

4.1

Overview A range of introduced plant species are pests, or prone to becoming pests. Environmental and agricultural pest plant species are likely to be present within the Turitea Wind Farm site. Environmental pest plants are those that take over and dominate indigenous ecosystems and habitats. Agricultural pest plants reduce the productive capacity of agricultural land. Pest plant species currently known to be present at the Wind Farm site are listed in Appendix 2, along with priorities for control. The National Pest Plant Accord, the Unwanted Organisms Register, and the Horizons Regional Pest Management Plan identify pest plant species of concern that need to be monitored and controlled. Whilst species listed in these plans should be prioritised for control, any new environmental pest-plant species identified during the weed monitoring process will also need to be included in this Plan, and controlled as appropriate.

4.2

National pest plant accord National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)1 is an agreement to prevent the sale and/or distribution of specified pest plants where either formal or casual horticultural trade is the most significant way of spreading the plant species in New Zealand.

Listed on Ministry for Primary Industries Unwanted Organisms Register accessed on 08 January 2019 https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/finding-and-reporting-pests-and-diseases/pest-anddisease-search?Customisnppa=1 ÂŠ 2019

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Plant species known from near the wind farm site and listed in the NPPA are:   4.3

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)1 Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum)2

Unwanted organisms register The Unwanted Organisms Register3 is a list of unwanted organisms which are defined in the Biosecurity Act 1993 as any organism a chief technical officer believes capable of causing unwanted harm to any natural and physical resource or to human health. It also includes any new organisms under the Environmental Risk Management Authority or any organism specified in the Second Schedule of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. It is an offence to breed, knowingly communicate, exhibit, multiply, propagate, release or sell an unwanted organism unless permission is obtained from a chief technical officer. Plant species which may be present at the wind farm site and listed on the Unwanted Organisms Register are:   

4.4

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)1 Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum)2 Tradescantia fluminensis

Regional pest management plan Horizons Regional Council’s Regional Pest Management Plan lists species subject to pest plant control activities. Pest plants are assigned to one of four categories (Exclusion, Eradication, Progressive Containment or Sustained Control), which are described below. Exclusion Programme Exclusion pest plants are present in New Zealand, but not yet established in the Manawatu-Wanganui Region, although they have the potential to become a serious pest in the future. The principle objective for Exclusion pest plants is to prevent their establishment in the region. Section 100V of the Act may be used to instigate emergency control of new incursions of pests that are not otherwise listed in this Plan. No Exclusion pests are known from the Turitea Reserve. Eradication Programme These pests are present in the Manawatu-Wanganui Region but are limited in their size or extent of infestation, or their eradication is feasible and a cost-effective solution to protecting production or environmental values into the future. The principle objective for Eradication pest plants is to eradicate them from the region. In the short to medium term, eradication involves reducing infestation levels of the subject to zero levels. This category includes potentially invasive pests where their

1 2 3

Not found within Turitea Reserve but present in Gordon Kear Forest. Not found within Turitea Reserve but present along Kahuterawa Road. Listed on Ministry for Primary Industries Unwanted Organisms Register accessed on 08 January 2019 https://www1.maf.govt.nz/uor/searchframe.htm © 2019

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rate of increase or geographic extent is not well known, but is assumed to be at low densities or low geographic spread. One Eradication pest plant species may be present within the Turitea Reserve: 

Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum)1

Progressive Containment Programme The intermediate outcome is to contain and reduce the geographic distribution of the pest to an area over time. Containment usually arises in situations where the subject is at high densities in part of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region, but of low extent or limited range. Eradication is not feasible, but it is feasible to prevent the pest from spreading to other parts of the Region or to eradicate the pest from other parts of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region. Five Progressive Containment Programme pest plant species may be within the Turitea Reserve:     

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)2 Broom species (Cytisus sp.) Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Yellow ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris)

Sustained Control Programme The Sustained Control Programme covers species which Horizons District Council has determined the levels of which can be cost-effectively reduced to reduce their impacts on economic values and/or environmental values are (i.e. that the cost of control is less than the opportunity costs that arise if these pests go unmanaged). These pests are widespread within the Manawatu-Wanganui Region. The focus is on ensuring pest plant densities do not reach a level where they are causing significant impacts. Sustained control is a strategy for pests of low to moderate densities, but of such wide geographical spread that they cannot be easily eradicated. No Sustained Control pests are known from the Turitea Reserve. 4.5

Palmerston North City Pest plant policy refers to the Horizons Pest Management Strategy.

4.6

Tararua District Council Pest plant policy refers to the Horizons Pest Management Strategy.

4.7

1 2

Department of Conservation’s environmental pest plants

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Environmental pest plants are species which invade indigenous ecosystems and adversely affect the survival of indigenous flora and fauna. A comprehensive list of these has been collated by the Department of Conservation (Howell 2009) and the following environmental pest plant species may be present within the Turitea Wind Farm:                           4.8

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)1 Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) Tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis) Wild broom (Cytisus scoparius) Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa) Blackberry (R. fruticosus agg.) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Browntop (Agrostis capillaris) Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) Red fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra) Floating sweetgrass (Glyceria maxima) Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) Perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne) Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum subsp. arundinaceum) Jointed rush (Juncus articulates) Soft rush (Juncus effusus) Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora) Tradescantia fluminensis Californian thistle (Cirsium arvense) Marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre) Scotch thistle (Cirsium vulgare) Purple cudweed (Gamochaeta spicata) Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) Lotus (Lotus pedunculatus) Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum)2 Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum)

Agricultural pest plants Agricultural pest plants are species that interfere with the farming objectives of the land. As many of the turbines are to be built within pasture areas used primarily for grazing and other farming purposes, the introduction of agricultural pest plants may have an impact on landowners. AgPest from AgResearch have developed an agricultural pest directory listing agricultural pests and provides practical information on them. The following pest plant species have been recorded: 

1 2

Annual poa (Poa annua)

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

               

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) California thistle (Cirsium arvense) Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata) Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Giant buttercup (Ranunculus acris) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)1 Mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum) Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides) Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) Scotch thistle (Cirsium vulgare) Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) Sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) Wild broom (Cytisus scoparius) Woolly mullein (Verbascum Thapsus)

PEST PLANT HYGIENE The following pest plant hygiene methods address the protocol required to prevent the introduction of new pest plant species to the site. A nominated person will manage any current or future pest plant issues. They will be responsible for developing skills in identifying common agricultural and environmental pest plans and must know how to access services necessary for the identification of suspect plants. A visual inspection for pest plants should be conducted as part of routine Health and Safety, Risks and Hazards check of the site, and the nominated person must know how to respond to the presence of particular pest plants. A Pest Plant Plan will be available at the site office that identifies all pest plants known from the site and outlines best practice protocols for dealing with each species. A useful resource is https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/. If new species are located then information about these will be added to the Pest Plant Plan. A suitably qualified (e.g. Grow Safe certified) and experienced person will control or otherwise remove pest plants and maintain a record in the Pest Plant Plan of where the plants were located, how the plants were controlled (or removed and disposed of), and the success of these control operations. These records will be available at the site office. In addition, a map of the site will mounted in a highly visible location illustrating pest plant focus areas where extra precautions may be necessary to avoid relocating pest plants; this map as a minimum will highlight areas of new-to-the-site species, species known to spread quickly, or hard to control pest plant species. To educate all staff on site, photographic examples of all relevant plant pests will be displayed in the site office. All staff will be instructed to look out for and remove such plants from the site or their machinery once identified. Such plants shall be

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

placed in the designated “Pest Plant Bin” for appropriate disposal. Staff will be encouraged to contribute to the records in the Pest Plant Plan. Other hygiene methods proposed to reduce the spread of pest plants are listed below. 5.1

Selection of and preparation of a clean-down site Heavy machinery should be cleaned down at the end of each job or when moving onto the site. Clean-down procedures include washing, blowing, vacuuming, sweeping, steam-clearing and dislodging unwanted material from equipment, machinery and personnel. An appropriate site needs to be chosen and prepared for clean-down activities. Contractors must undertake the following, as appropriate:

5.2



Consult with the landholder and Horizons Regional Council pest plans Officer about an appropriate clean-down site. In many situations, clean-down is best undertaken in the vicinity of where the work has been undertaken rather than moving elsewhere on the property or onto a new site.



Select a site (or sites) at the edge of or close to areas where pest plants already exist or will not grow, e.g. land sloping back into an infested area or adjacent areas not susceptible to pest plant infestation such as sealed road.



Always locate clean-down sites at least 30 metres from a watercourse or stormwater drain and where runoff or other clean-down products will not enter the watercourse. This will prevent spread of pest plants downstream or pollution of the watercourse.



When water is used, the clean-down area should be mud-free and gently drained away from the vehicle, e.g. gently-sloped, well-grassed, gravelled, or paved surface.



When water is used and large quantities of effluent result or there is a risk of extensive overland flow and low soil infiltration or high soil erosion, then the clean-down area should be bunded and a sump constructed to dispose of effluent.



Mark, map and record clean-down sites with the landowner and the Horizons Regional Council pest plants Officer for subsequent monitoring and pest plant control.

Vehicle, machinery, and equipment hygiene General Clean-Down Procedure The Site Manager will be responsible for ensuring that vehicles, machines, or items of equipment are cleaned thoroughly. Contractors must follow this general clean down procedure to a high standard, as appropriate, at the end of each job and before moving to a new location. A log should be kept of what was cleaned, when and if any unwanted organisms found, what were they and what was done with them. If the contractor can not provide proof that cleaning has been undertaken at the previous location then cleaning will be undertaken at the designated cleaning site at the new works location.

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

Park the vehicle, machine or item of equipment safely (e.g. overhead power line precautions taken).



Inspect the vehicle, machine or item of equipment inside and out for soil and plant material, including seeds. Remove guards, covers or plates if required. Put any suspect plants or plant parts into the bins provided.



Knock off clods of mud. Use a crow bar if necessary.



Use a vacuum, compressed air, or a brush for removing plant material from the radiator and other small spaces.



Clean down with a high pressure hose and stiff brush or crowbar. Use freshwater when washing down in the field. Start with the underside of the vehicle then progress to the sides and upper body.



Clean any associated implements (e.g. buckets).



Check for and remove loose soil or plant material that could be readily dislodged, and dispose of appropriately.



Steam clean or rinse vehicle with clean water when cleaning in wash bays.



Sweep or vacuum the cabin, including mats, floor and under the seat.



Wash effluent away from vehicle. Do not drive through wash effluent.

Specific Clean-Down Procedures: Tractors and Other Wheeled Machinery Contractors responsible for tractors and other wheeled machinery must systematically inspect and clean, as appropriate, according to the following procedure: 

Remove shields and covers where necessary.



Wash down the body of the tractor including engine compartment grill, chassis, undercarriage, cab steps, hollow sections in front axle tubes, guards and axle housing, around fuel tank, hollow sections in draw-bars, general holes, ledges, gaps and crevices in body including damaged boots and covers plates where material may lodge.



Clean tyres including inside and outside wheels, rims, spaces between dual wheels and chains, if fitted.



Clean around mechanisms such as gearboxes and three point linkages.



Clean the engine bay, including radiator, oil cooler, grill, air filters and sound deadening panels.



Clean attached implements such as buckets and blades, including teeth and adaptor plates.



Clean hydraulic arms, in particular crevices where material may lodge.

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii



Clean the cabin, including mats, floor and under seats.



Recheck around the outside of machine and replace shields and covers.

Specific Clean-Down Procedures: Ground-Engaging Equipment Contractors responsible for ground-engaging equipment such as ploughs, discs, drills, seeders, posthole diggers, vegetation planting equipment and rippers must systematically inspect and clean, as appropriate, using to the following procedure: 

Remove bulk of soil by scraping or dislodging with a crowbar or similar.



Clean bearing housings.



Dislodge soil from and wash or brush down discs, shears, cutters, and tynes.



Dislodge soil from and wash wheels, tyres, and conveyors.



Clean out any holding bins.



Dislodge soil from and wash or brush down chassis, frames, hollow frames and axles.



Clean down lifting mechanisms.



Dislodge soil from and wash down or brush safety guards.

Specific Clean-Down Procedures: More Delicate Equipment All equipment that could be damaged by water-blasting must systematically inspected and cleaned, as appropriate, according to the following procedure: 

Detach front and clean where practical.



Remove shields and covers where practical.



Blow or brush down the outside of the machine.



Clean the stone trap/s if fitted.



Clean all elevators, slides, augers, drums and concaves.



Clean around mechanisms such as gearboxes and pullies.



Clean the straw spreader or chopper.



Run the machine at high speed to ensure everything is dislodged.



Check and clean around the fan housing, sieves and screens.



Clean the engine bay including radiator, grill, air filters, and oil cooler.



Brush or blow out grain bins and seedling trays.

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5.3



Clean-out pickup and around bale chamber and knotters area (balers only).



Clean the cabin, including mats, floor and under the seat.



Recheck around the outside of machine and replace shields and covers: - Use only compressed air or a large vacuum cleaner. Empty vacuum cleaner bag on the property at a site agreed to with the landowner or in the pest plant bins provided. - Do not clean with high water pressure. This can cause serious damage to equipment.

Material other than machines 

Any material delivered to the site needs to be covered during transportation to prevent contamination. These measures can include covering with material such as tarpaulin, enclosing materials in a container, or chemical (or other appropriate) treatment.



Base metal and sealing chips will only be accepted from inspected and clean quarries or sources. The waybill should be inspected to ensure that the material has come from an approved source.



Any outside top soil or mulch that may be required will be inspected, for pest plants prior to delivery. If possible the soil or mulch should be steam treated prior to delivery to kill seeds, or quarantined on site for at least four weeks to determine how weedy the material may be.



Sites of stockpiled and exposed soil, on disturbed land, act as pseudo-colonising substrate, where generalist pest plant species are likely to emerge or colonise from the local pest plant seed bank in the stripped topsoil. If soil is required to be stored on site for short periods (e.g. less then a couple of weeks) then they will be covered with tarpaulins or weed matting cloth to prevent weed seeds establishing on the soil and to slow the growth of any pest plans contained within the soil.



If soil is to be stored or exposed for a longer period then the mound or strip will be sprayed with an appropriate grass seed mix to retain the soil and help prevent pest plans establishing.



Nursery stock arriving to be replanted will be inspected and any pest plans and liverworts removed and disposed of (to a sanitary landfill site), before planting out. A specific site needs to be set aside for this replanting stock. If possible, steam-cleaned soil will be obtained for replanting the nursery stock to reduce the risk of pest plant invasion.



Note that in Palmerston North there is also the risk of translocating the plague skink (Lampropholis delicata) and/or its eggs with soil and planting stock. Ensure that planting stock and soil are sourced from a supplier that has good plague skink management procedures in place, or is not known to be within the plague skink area. All plant stock should be inspected for eggs prior to and during planting and any observed eggs should be reported to determine best course of action.

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii



Earthworks will be accompanied with stormwater and sediment control measures (including revegetation), to reduce sedimentation (and transport of pest plant propagules) and nutrification of natural and manmade waterways which degrade riparian margins (and others) and enhance their suitability for pest plant establishment. This is especially important within the Turitea Water Catchment Reserve and all associated waterways.

PEST PLANT MONITORING

6.1

Overview Monitoring inspections for pest plant species will be carried out by suitably qualified and experienced people. This will be undertaken across the entire wind farm and in any adjacent habitats which may be affected by construction, which have been defined for the purpose of this project as being within 10 metres of any construction works. These inspections will be undertaken once prior to works commencing and then at three-monthly intervals (as a minimum) from the start of construction and throughout the construction phase until one year after completion of construction. The locations of pest plants located will be recorded and then controlled or removed as per best practice protocols set out in the Pest Plant Plan. One year after construction has been completed, the frequency of monitoring will be reassessed. However, pest plant inspections and associated pest plant control will be undertaken at a minimum of annually for the duration of wind farm operation in all areas that were affected by construction works. Shorter monitoring intervals may be required if problematic pest plant species are present. Such monitoring methods allow the early detection of pest plants into the site, or of pest plants that are spreading within the site.

6.2

Initial survey and control An initial survey for pest plant species will be carried out in the month prior to construction commencing. This survey will establish a baseline of pest plant abundances and distributions, and will be used to inform and add to listed pest plant species in Appendix 3. It will be carried out by a suitably experienced person who will search for pest plant species along the entire extent of works, including within ten metres of any construction works. If the construction work is carried out in stages, then this initial survey should also be staged. Any pest plants located during this survey will be identified, their locations recorded and mapped on the pest plant map, as described in the ‘Pest Plant Hygiene’ section above. Any high priority species will be controlled as soon as possible and at a minimum, prior to works commencing. High priority species to be controlled are:    

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          

Bluebell Yellow ragwort Himalayan honeysuckle (SRR and within the STZ) Lodgepole pine1 Radiata pine (wildings) Blackberry Woolly nightshade2 Tradescantia Gorse Hemp agrimony Spanish heath

All other pest plants located at the site will either be controlled or efforts made to ensure they don’t spread beyond their current distributions. 6.3

Drive-by surveys Drive-by surveys of the wind farm will be carried out pre- and post-construction, every three months from the start of construction until one year after the completion of construction, as per Consent Condition 41.2. At the one-year post construction anniversary, drive-by surveys shall be undertaken at least annually, or more frequently as required. This will require two people to drive slowly along all areas subject to wind farm construction and note and map the location (including GPS coordinates) and infestation size (area) of any new pest plant species. If novel or unknown species are seen then a sample of the plant(s) is to be collected for identification or verification, and photographs are to be taken and added to the Pest Plant Plan. The locations of any new pest plant species or populations will be added to the Pest Plant Plan and methods for control and/or removal of these species. The person or contractor in charge of pest plant control will receive a copy of the information for any new locations or new to the site pest plants so that these can be dealt with in a suitable manner. As the wind farm is constructed, areas difficult to view during drive-by surveys (within the wind farm footprint and within ten metres of any construction activities), should be identified and noted in the Pest Plant Plan and on the Pest Plant Map. These areas then need to be surveyed by systematic post-construction walk-through inspections.

6.4

Monitoring of control effectiveness Monitoring of pest plants is essential in order to measure the success of ongoing pest plant control activities.

1 2

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All pest plant control activities should be recorded and, as a minimum, the following data should be collected: staff persons present (Team Leader identified), general weather conditions, ground covered during the work (via GPS tracking), weed species controlled and control method, amount and type of chemicals used, and any new weed infestations located. All staff will carry GPS units to track their movements, and record points of interest such as certain weed locations or infestations A map of pest plant species will be used throughout the process to keep track of and illustrate the location of pest plants. It should also indicate any pest plant focus areas where extra precautions may be necessary to avoid relocating pest plants, and should be used to highlight areas of new to the site species, species known to spread quickly or hard to control pest plant species. This map should also reflect areas subjected to pest plant control. Various iterations of this map should be kept as a record of pest plant locations and pest plant control through time. Quality control of previous pest plant control operations will need to be assessed concurrently by searching for new plant incursions, using drive-by surveys (as outlined above) and walking transects (Section 6.6), to search for pest plant species in areas previously subjected to pest plant control. For key species identified in the Pest Plant Plan, the density and area of the pest plant infestation needs to be measured and photopoints will be established on appropriate vantage points to ensure that the target is achieved. To determine whether pest control operations have been successful, there should be similar or fewer pest plants than recorded during the baseline surveys, i.e. a zero net increase in pest plant species or pest plant densities. During the baseline or any subsequent surveys, if any of the pest plants discovered are on a total destruction or eradication list of Horizons Regional Council, the Department of Conservation, or the Ministry for Primary Industry, then the lead agency shall be informed of the presence of the pest. Those pests shall be managed in accordance with the advice given by the lead agency. Additionally, pest plant control at revegetation plantings should control all pest plant species, to enable the establishment of an indigenous canopy. 6.5

Annual walk-over surveys During the construction phase and after one-year post-construction, all areas affected by construction activities will be walked over at least annually to locate and assess any difficult to spot pest plants, for example, species which are low stature or obscured by taller plants or topography. This will include scanning for pest plants within ten metres of the construction footprint. GPS tracks will be recorded by staff undertaking these annual walk-overs to ensure that all areas affected by construction activities are surveyed adequately. New infestations or new species will be noted in the Pest Plant Plan and on the Pest Plant Map, and will be subjected to management and control procedures, as listed below.

6.6

Post-construction walking transects

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Walking transects will be used post-construction of the wind farm as a quality control mechanism to ensure adequacy of pest plant surveys and pest plant control. The pest plant species, pest plant density, and location of pest plants will be recorded along these transects every three months for the first two years post construction and at least annually thereafter for up to 10 years. Permanent walking transects will be established in at least five areas with a high likelihood of pest plant establishment. These areas should include the pest plant hygiene stations, adjacent to imported soil or on-site soil stockpiles, entry points to the site, areas with significant infestations that are being controlled, or areas near pest plants of concern. For every one hectare of construction footprint within these high likelihood areas, 100 metres of permanent transects will be established. For example, the northern fill site comprises approximately five and a half hectares, so would require 550 metres of transect lines to traverse the affected areas, extending at least 10 metres beyond. The purpose of these transects is to carry out quality control for the removal of pest plants from highly affected areas, and monitoring of pest plant control success. All areas noted in Section 6.3 as being difficult to view during drive-by surveys will need to be surveyed at least annually using transects at least one 100 metre transect per hectare of area. The pest plant species, pest plant density, and location of pest plants will be recorded along these transects every three months for the first two years post-construction and at least annually thereafter for a further three years. The purpose of these transects is to ensure that the whole site is adequately surveyed for pest plants, including areas not immediately visible from vehicle-accessible areas. Any new pest plant species or infestations will be added to the Pest Plant Map as specified in the section above on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pest Plant Hygieneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Species, locations, and area of coverage for pest plant species seen on these transects will be noted in the Pest Plant Plan and on the Pest Plant Map, and will be subject to active management and control procedures as set out below.

PEST PLANT MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

7.1

Control priorities All environmental and agricultural pest plants (refer to Section 4 and Appendix 2) that are currently on land intended for wind farm purposes or are introduced as part of wind farm activities should be removed or controlled. Additionally, an area at Browns Flat is not part of a construction zone, but will be restored with indigenous plant species as part of a mitigation package (Wildland Consultants 2019b) and will also need to be subject to pest plant control. Pest plant species have been ranked according to their relative priority for control. For some species, this ranking is dependent on its location within the wind farm. These rankings are listed in Appendix 2. This list may be adjusted or amended as additional pest plant species are discovered or if the densities of these species change over time.

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Plants which have been ranked as a high priority for control are either species listed in the National Pest Plant Accord, the Unwanted Organisms Register, or within this Horizons Regional Council Pest Management Plan, or are currently present in low densities, so should be controlled to prevent further establishment and spread. These species require management as soon as possible. Plants which have been ranked as a moderate priority for control tend to be ones which can have a significant impact on indigenous and/or agricultural ecosystems, and are currently present in moderate or occasional densities within the wind farm site. These species require active management. Plants which are listed as having a low priority for control are ones which have a low impact on indigenous and/or agricultural ecosystems, or are common or widespread within the wind farm. These species should be controlled in areas to prevent their spread or establishment of any infestation, or should be controlled to prevent their impact on revegetation plantings. Some plant species have been listed as requiring no control at this stage as they are providing ecological benefits, including a food source for indigenous bird species or a nurse crop allowing for the establishing of indigenous plant species. Rankings for these species may need to be reassessed again at a later date. These species-based rankings provide the basis for prioritisation of pest plant control activities. This prioritisation is further determined by the current vegetation type and intended land use. The following vegetation/habitat types will be subjected to different pest plant control methods: Areas of Himalayan honeysuckle-indigenous scrub have regenerated since pine stands were felled in 2011. These areas initially regenerated with a high proportion of exotic species, dominated by Himalayan honeysuckle, but were relatively quickly succeeded by indigenous broadleaved scrub. It is anticipated that pine stands felled in 2018 will follow a similar regeneration trajectory. Himalayan honeysuckle should therefore not be subject to control as it is acting as an effective â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nurseryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plant, enabling the establishment of indigenous species able to out-compete the exotic species. Other pest plant species in these vegetation types include licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) and blackberry (Rubus. fruticosus agg.), which should be controlled as soon as possible as they are currently not widespread and may become an issue if left uncontrolled. Areas of pasture grassland, which are currently farmed, are comprised almost entirely of exotic species. Most of these species are appropriate for grazing purposes. However, some agricultural pest plant species occur or have the potential to be introduced as a result of wind farm construction activities, such as ragwort, nettles and thistles. It would be appropriate to control these species within a 10 metre buffer of wind farm works to ensure they do not negatively affect the viability of pasture for farming activities. Browns Flat is comprised of a high proportion of rank grass and exotic species, including Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), and lotus (Lotus pedunculatus). These species are preventing widespread

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Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

establishment of indigenous plants (Wildland Consultants 2019a). It would be appropriate to locally control these species in areas subjected to indigenous revegetation activities. This should be continued until a time where the indigenous plants have successfully established and can out-compete exotic rank species. Additionally, gorse, broom, and Himalayan honeysuckle are not currently widespread in Browns Flat and may have negative ecological impacts, reducing the quality of indigenous vegetation particularly in sphagnum-dominated wetland habitats, and these species should be controlled within this environment. Tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis) and pine (Pinus radiata) are not recommended or control species at Browns Flat. Tree lucerne provides a valuable food source for birds and has not significantly spread since about 2005, while radiata pine suppresses rank grass enabling the establishment of indigenous plant species, although the pines will need to be removed at some stage. Areas of mature forest or horopito forest/scrub currently have low levels of pest plant species. This is particularly the case within the Turitea Water Catchment Reserve. Any new pest plant species found in these areas should be controlled to prevent their establishment.

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Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

7.2

Pest plant management units Pest plant management units will be used as a framework for all activities. These units are informed by the vegetation types, the construction or revegetation activities to be undertaken and the currently prevalence of pest plant species. Figure 3, below, includes the different vegetation types in each of the management units, which include a 10 metre buffer around proposed construction activities. Management Unit 1: Private land within the northern turbine zone.

Common Name

Moderate

Scientific Name

Montbretia Broom species (exotic) Spanish heath Hemp agrimony Licorice plant Bluebell Yellow ragwort Himalayan honeysuckle 1 Lodgepole pine Radiata pine (wilding) Blackberry 2 Woolly nightshade Tradescantia Gorse Water pepper California thistle Marsh thistle Scotch thistle Foxglove Eucalypt Cudweed Catsear

High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Mosaic of Rimu/Tawa forest, Tawa forest and secondary forest High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Crocosmia Ă&#x2014;crocosmiiflora Cytisus sp. Erica lusitanica Eupatorium cannabinum Helichrysum petiolare Hyacinthoides sp. Jacobaea vulgaris Leycesteria formosa Pinus contorta Pinus radiata R. fruticosus agg. Solanum mauritianum Tradescantia fluminensis Ulex europaeus Persicaria hydropiper Cirsium arvense Cirsium palustre Cirsium vulgare Digitalis purpurea Eucalyptus sp. Gamochaeta coarctata Hypochaeris radicata

Felled pines

High High High High High High High

Not found within Turitea Reserve but present in Gordon Kear Forest. Not found within Turitea Reserve but present along Kahuterawa Road. ÂŠ 2019

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Pasture grassland High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Plantation forest High High High High High High High High High

Secondary broadleaved forest

High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Moderate

Common Name

Scientific Name

Felled pines

Mosaic of Rimu/Tawa forest, Tawa forest and secondary forest

Prunella vulgaris Ranunculus acris Ranunculus repens

Selfheal Giant buttercup Creeping buttercup

Pasture grassland

Plantation forest

Secondary broadleaved forest

Moderate Moderate Moderate

Management Unit 2: Turitea Reserve within the northern turbine zone.

Common Name

Scientific Name

1 2

High

Himalayan honeysuckleindigenous scrub High

High High High High High

High

High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Horopito forest and scrub High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Moderate

Felled pines

Not found within Turitea Reserve but present in Gordon Kear Forest. Not found within Turitea Reserve but present along Kahuterawa Road. ÂŠ 2019

Pasture grassland High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Plantation forest High High High High High High High High High

Secondary broadleaved forest

High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Moderate

Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Formatted: Line spacing: single, Tab stops: 0.5 cm, Left

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Common Name

Scientific Name

Felled pines

Himalayan honeysuckleindigenous scrub

Horopito forest and scrub

Gamochaeta coarctata Hypochaeris radicata Prunella vulgaris Ranunculus acris Ranunculus repens

Cudweed Catsear Selfheal Giant buttercup Creeping buttercup

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Pasture grassland Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Plantation forest

Secondary broadleaved forest

Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland

Management Unit 3: South Range Road and Tracks to Power Pylons 36-44.

Common Name

Scientific Name

1 2

Horopito forest and scrub High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Plantation forest High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Not found within Turitea Reserve but present in Gordon Kear Forest. Not found within Turitea Reserve but present along Kahuterawa Road. ÂŠ 2019

Secondary broadleaved forest High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Formatted: Line spacing: single, Tab stops: 0.5 cm, Left

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Management Unit 4: Power Pylons 31-35.

Common Name

Scientific Name

1 2

(Sparse remnant emergent podocarps)/mixed secondary forest High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Horopito forest and scrub

Indigenous shrubs/rank grasses shrubland

High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Formatted: Line spacing: single, Tab stops: 0.5 cm, Left

Not found within Turitea Reserve but present in Gordon Kear Forest. Not found within Turitea Reserve but present along Kahuterawa Road. ÂŠ 2019

Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Formatted: Line spacing: single

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Management Unit 5: Power pylons and access tracks to Pylons 25-30. Common Name

Scientific Name

Montbretia Broom species (exotic) Spanish heath Hemp agrimony Reed sweetgrass Licorice plant Bluebell Yellow ragwort Himalayan honeysuckle 1 Lodgepole pine Radiata pine (wilding) Blackberry 2 Woolly nightshade Tradescantia Gorse Water pepper California thistle Marsh thistle Scotch thistle Foxglove Eucalypt Red fescue Cudweed Yorkshire fog Catsear Soft rush Selfheal Giant buttercup Creeping buttercup

1 2

Crocosmia Ă&#x2014;crocosmiiflora Cytisus sp. Erica lusitanica Eupatorium cannabinum Glyceria maxima Helichrysum petiolare Hyacinthoides sp. Jacobaea vulgaris Leycesteria formosa Pinus contorta Pinus radiata R. fruticosus agg. Solanum mauritianum Tradescantia fluminensis Ulex europaeus Persicaria hydropiper Cirsium arvense Cirsium palustre Cirsium vulgare Digitalis purpurea Eucalyptus sp. Festuca rubra subsp. rubra Gamochaeta coarctata Holcus lanatus Hypochaeris radicata Juncus articulatus Juncus effusus Prunella vulgaris Ranunculus acris Ranunculus repens

Horopito forest and scrub High High High High

Horopito/rank grasses shrubland High High High High

High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Moderate

Plantation forest

High High High High

High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

High High High High High

Rank pasture

High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

High High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Moderate

Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Not found within Turitea Reserve but present in Gordon Kear Forest. Not found within Turitea Reserve but present along Kahuterawa Road. ÂŠ 2019

Pasture grassland

Formatted: Line spacing: single, Tab stops: 0.5 cm, Left

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Management Unit 6: Private land required for Pylons 1-24 and the associated access tracks. Common Name

Scientific Name

1 2

Broadleaved indigenous hardwood High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Moderate

Manuka and or kanuka

Not found within Turitea Reserve but present in Gordon Kear Forest. Not found within Turitea Reserve but present along Kahuterawa Road. ÂŠ 2019

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Pasture grassland High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Plantation forest High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Management Unit 7: Browns Flat Rehabilitation Area. Common Name Montbretia Broom species (exotic) Spanish heath Hemp agrimony Reed sweetgrass Licorice plant Bluebell Yellow ragwort Himalayan honeysuckle 1 Lodgepole pine Radiata pine (wilding) Blackberry 2 Woolly nightshade Tradescantia Gorse Water pepper California thistle Marsh thistle Scotch thistle Eucalypt Yorkshire fog Soft rush Lotus

1 2

Scientific Name Crocosmia Ă&#x2014;crocosmiiflora Cytisus sp. Erica lusitanica Eupatorium cannabinum Glyceria maxima Helichrysum petiolare Hyacinthoides sp. Jacobaea vulgaris Leycesteria formosa Pinus contorta Pinus radiata R. fruticosus agg. Solanum mauritianum Tradescantia fluminensis Ulex europaeus Persicaria hydropiper Cirsium arvense Cirsium palustre Cirsium vulgare Eucalyptus sp. Holcus lanatus Juncus articulatus Juncus effusus Lotus pedunculatus

Rank Pasture High High High High High High High High High High High High High High High Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Not found within Turitea Reserve but present in Gordon Kear Forest. Not found within Turitea Reserve but present along Kahuterawa Road. ÂŠ 2019

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

7.3

Management methods Work will be carried out during appropriate seasons when weeds can be more easily identified and targeted for control. Weed control methods to be used are described below, but the exact method to be used for each plant will depend on the species, its growth stage and location, and the weather conditions on the day when control is carried out. Isolated weeds, not on the list, and other items of interest will be recorded (GPS coordinates) and location data will be downloaded at the end of each control visit. Methods for control of relevant species are outlined in Appendix 3. All pest plant control operations should first consider options for a manual approach, but if the application of chemicals is required, then this should be undertaken in line with the manufacturers’ guidelines, current best practice procedures, and NZ Standards of agrichemical management (Agrichemical Users’ Code of Practice, NZS 8409 2004: The Management of Agrichemicals). It is recommended that all staff will be Growsafe certified. Any chemicals used, the type of chemical and the quantities applied, will be recorded. All mixing of chemicals, and cleaning and refuelling of equipment will be carried out greater than 20 metres from surface water bodies, and care will be taken to minimise the risk of spillage. The volume of herbicide used will be minimised by favouring more direct and manual methods over foliar spraying. Agrichemical use will be recorded throughout the project. In particular:  Only Glyphosate or direct application methods (cut-and-paste) may be used over flowing water or where there is potential for spray drift into or over water.  All mixing of spray chemicals and cleaning of equipment shall be undertaken at a sufficient distance (>20 metres) from any surface water body, with appropriate techniques used to reduce the risk of spillage.  Direct application or manual methods (e.g. cut and stump painting, drill and inject) should be used to minimise the volume of herbicide used and non-target effects.  Manual releasing of pest plant species from non-target plant species should be undertaken prior to foliar spraying where practicable. Methods to be used include:  Cut stump and treat: Used to control woody pest plants and larger climbers that have woody stems, e.g. broom. Trunks/stems of the plant will be cut close to the ground and herbicide immediately applied to the stump. This will be either a gelbased herbicide in an applicator bottle, or a liquid in a small hand held spray bottle. This is generally recommended for woody pest plants between 0.5 metres and 3.0 metres high.  Cut, release and foliar spray: This method will be used if any thin-stemmed, multi-stemmed climbers are discovered within the 10 metre buffer. It is most applicable where cutting and stump treating is impractical, the small stems do not

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

give sufficient surface area to adequately absorb the herbicide, and where the lower stems of the weed have enough leaves that can take up the herbicide. This method involves cutting the climber at such a height that leaves enough foliage to uptake the chemical, pulling it away from desirable plant(s), and foliar spraying the section of lower foliage. The remaining section of the pest plant can be left hanging in trees to decompose over time. Where the weeds are climbing over desirable vegetation, any parts to be sprayed will be removed and isolated from the desirable vegetation. ď&#x201A;ˇ Foliar spray: This method will be used on woody pest plants, e.g. gorse. This is effective for large patches, particularly of seedlings, and isolated plants, where there are no immediately adjacent desirable species. Foliar spray would be applied evenly to the plants, ensuring good cover is achieved. This method cannot be carried out when rain is imminent and/or during windy periods. ď&#x201A;ˇ Hand-pulling (non-herbicide manual control): This method will be used on seedlings and small plants of any of the weed species, provided that the entire plant and root system can be removed to ensure that resprouting does not occur. All pest plants removed from the site will be placed in a designated bin, the contents of which will be disposed of at an appropriate landfill. Any areas of bare soil will be revegetated as soon as possible to prevent the establishment of further pest plant species. 7.4

Reporting An annual report will be submitted to the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council's Environmental Compliance Manager by 1 July each year for 10 years following the commencement of construction works, outlining the results of the pest plant monitoring and control works and reporting on compliance with the Pest Plant Monitoring and Control Plan.

PLAN REVIEW This plan will be reviewed by the consent holder if required. Any review amendments will be provided to Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council's Environmental Compliance Manager for review, acting in a technical certification capacity. Any amendments shall not be implemented until technical certification has been obtained.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Mason Jackson and Duncan Annandale from Mercury are thanked for initiating this project and providing useful information

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REFERENCES Agresearch: AgPest. Accessed 09/01/2018 (http://agpest.co.nz/identify/) Biosecurity New Zealand 2018: Pest and disease search. Accessed 09/01/2019 (https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/finding-and-reporting-pests-anddiseases/pest-and-disease-search?Customisnppa=1). Groundtruth. 2018: Native forest restoration and carbon; Browns Flat scoping study. Prepared for Palmerston North City Council. 13 pp. Horizons Regional Council 2017: Horizons Regional Council Regional Pest Management Plan 2017-2037. 73 pp. Howell C. 2009: Consolidated List of Environmental Weeds in New Zealand. Department of Conservation Research & Development Series 292. 42 pp. Ministry for Primary Industries: Unwanted Organisms Register. Accessed on 8 January 2019 (https://www1.maf.govt.nz/uor/searchframe.htm). Weedbusters NZ 2019: Weedbusters. Accessed 08/01/2018 (https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/). Wildland Consultants 2019a: Assessment of indigenous revegetation trial plots at Turitea. Wildland Consultants Ltd Contract Report No. 1950s-xi. Prepared for Mercury Energy, Wellington. 57 pp. Wildland Consultants 2019b: Rehabilitation and revegetation plan for Turitea Wind Farm. Wildland Consultants Ltd Contract Report No. 1950s-xi. Prepared for Mercury Energy, Wellington. 57 pp.

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Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

APPENDIX 1

RELEVANT CONSENT CONDITIONS Weed Monitoring and Control 40.

The Consent Holder shall undertake weed monitoring and control over the areas disturbed by construction and those areas adjacent to the disturbed areas that may, as a result of construction, be adversely affected by weeds.

41.

For the purposes of condition 40, the Consent Holder shall engage a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist to prepare a Weed Monitoring and Control Plan that shall include details of the following matters:

41.1

The species to be monitored and controlled (by reference to their status in relevant plans such as the Regional Plant Pest Management Strategy), including provision to review those species should a new species be identified within the weed monitoring and control areas (identified above) once construction has commenced. The list of weeds to be monitored is to include ecologically-threatening species and shall also take account weeds of concern to the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional, Palmerston North City and Tararua District Councils, and that are listed in the National Pest Plant Accord.

41.2

The frequency of weed monitoring inspections across the entire wind farm layout, and adjacent habitats that could be affected, to be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced person or persons. These shall occur at 3-monthly intervals from the start of construction until 1 year after the completion of construction. At the 1 year post construction anniversary, weed monitoring shall be undertaken annually, or more frequently as required.

41.3

The specification of control intensity requirements and control measures for particular types of weeds.

41.4

Details of weed hygiene controls, including equipment wash-down sites and facilities, the sources and hygiene requirements for quarried material, and preventative measures to prevent weeds being transported to and from the site from and to other locations.

42.

The Weed Monitoring and Control Plan shall be integrated with the Rehabilitation/Revegetation Plan to the extent that both plans relate to the same areas.

43.

The Weed Monitoring and Control Plan shall be submitted to the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council's Environmental Compliance Manager for review, acting in a technical certification capacity, no later than 6 months prior to the commencement of any construction works. A response should be provided within 30 working days of receipt. Construction activities must not commence until written certification has been obtained.

44.

The Consent Holder shall undertake the weed monitoring and control in accordance with the Weed Monitoring and Control Plan and shall submit an annual report to the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council's Environmental Compliance Manager by 1 July each year for 10 years following the commencement of construction works, outlining the results of the weed monitoring and control works and reporting on compliance with the Weed Monitoring and Control Plan.

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Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

APPENDIX 2

PEST PLANTS SPECIES RECORDED AT THE TURITEA WIND FARM This appendix lists environmental pest plants and the agricultural pest plants recorded at the Turitea Wind Farm. Where specific locations are known this information is provided including estimates of density. The inclusion of any species in the National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA), the Horizons Regional Pest Management Plan (HRPMP), or the Unwanted Organisms Register (UOR), Palmerston North City (PNCC) and Tararua District Councils (TDC) are identified in the appropriate column. Priority for control is based in part on a species being scheduled in on of the Accord, Horizons Pest Management Plan, or on the Unwanted Organisms Register, but also on the current population size estimate (better to control plants when there is only a small population) and the perceived risk (based on experience from other locations). Pest plant species previously recorded from within the wind farm project area and their priority for control as determined by their location in the different vegetation/habitat types. Note some species are recorded on multiple lines if it occurs in different zones and has different priorities between zones, e.g. Japanese honeysuckle would be low priority in NTZ but very high priority on Browns Flat. Table 1: Pest plant species recorded at Turitea Wind Farm. Scientific Name

Known or Potential Distribution

Density Details

Throughout site, mainly grasslands Throughout site, grasslands and clearings

Can be high.

Common Name

Achillea millefolium

Yarrow

Agrostis capillaris

Browntop

Cerastium fontanum Chamaecytisus palmensis

Mouse-ear chickweed Tree lucerne

Cirsium arvense

Priority for Control Low

Reason for Control

Throughout site Throughout site

Low.

California thistle

Throughout site

High.

Moderate

Cirsium palustre Cirsium vulgare Crocosmia Ă&#x2014;crocosmiiflora

Marsh thistle Scotch thistle Montbretia

Throughout site Throughout site Throughout site

Moderate Moderate High

Cytisus sp.

Scotch broom

High. High. Unknown, but present along Pahiatua Aokautere Road. Low

Low High

High Low

Reduces productivity of pasture. Can provide a nurse crop for the establishment of indigenous species.

Moderate.

Moderate

Moderate.

Moderate

High.

Moderate

Dominates low canopy habitats, preventing the seedlings of indigenous species from establishing. Was listed as a problem weed in forest and scrub reserves 1991. Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants. Poisonous to humans and livestock. Reduces the productivity of pasture.

Dactylis glomerata

Cocksfoot

Horopito scrub/ forest, Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland, Browns 1 Flat Pasture grassland Himalayan honeysuckleindigenous scrub Elsewhere within the site Throughout site

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

Pasture grassland

High

E1828150 N5519160 ÂŠ 2019

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Unwanted Organisms Register

Horizons Regional Council

Only control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants. Control not currently required as indigenous species are able to establish in this vegetation type. Reassess at a later date if required.

Widespread in areas without taller canopy species. High.

Low

National Pest Plant Accord

Only control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants. This species provides food for indigenous bird species, which can provide a source of seed rain, and is a nitrogen-fixing species, allowing for the establishment of indigenous species, therefore control is not required at this stage, however this can be reassessed if necessary at a later date, as tree lucerne can accumulate large quantities of long-lived seeds in the soil seed bank. Reduces productivity of pasture, increases stock susceptibility to scabby mouth. Invasive in high rainfall areas Reduces productivity of pasture Inhibits the establishment of indigenous plant seedlings. Likely to be introduced as part of construction activities as it spreads via soil movement, and vegetation dumping and can form high densities and corms and rhizomes multiply rapidly and it also grows from fragments. Presence in Turitea Wind Farm is currently unknown, but present along Pahiatua Aokautere Road. Relatively rare, therefore control is required to reduce its future spread. Dominates low canopy habitats, preventing seedlings of indigenous species from establishing.

DOC List

Agricultural Weeds

Yes

Yes Yes

Production Pest Progressive Containment

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

Cytisus scoparius

Yes

Willow herb

Throughout site

Moderate.

Priority for Control Low

Spanish heath

Horopito scrub/ forest, Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland, Throughout site, especially Browns Flat. Throughout site

Low.

High

Low.

Moderate

Remove wildings to prevent spread.

Low- one known infestation Moderate.

High

Currently has a localised distribution at Turitea, but is known to form dense colonies, preventing recruitment of indigenous species and is a known pest in wetlands. Able to displace indigenous tussock species, so control is required in areas of Chionochloa tussockland along the ridge.

Low.

Moderate

Scientific Name Epilobium ciliatum Erica lusitanica

Eucalyptus sp.

Eucalypt 2

Red fescue

Gamochaeta coarctata

Cudweed

Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland Pasture grassland

Glyceria maxima

Reed sweetgrass

Browns Flat

Unknown.

High

Helichrysum petiolare

Licorice plant

Throughout site

High

Helminthotheca echioides

Oxtongue

Pasture grassland

Low - one known infestation Low.

Holcus lanatus

Yorkshire fog

Browns Flat

Moderate.

Moderate

Bluebell

Throughout site

High

Hypochaeris radicata

Catsear

Pasture grassland

Low - one known infestation Moderate.

Jacobaea vulgaris

Yellow ragwort

Throughout site

Moderate

High

Unknown Unknown Very high

Moderate Moderate Low

Competes with and replaces indigenous species in wet habitats. Competes with and replaces indigenous species in wet habitats. Provides a nurse crop, allowing indigenous species to establish

Low

High

Species can produce dense thickets that replace and exclude other species, therefore control of isolated plants is required throughout the rest of the site.

Tall fescue

Browns Flat Browns Flat Himalayan honeysuckleindigenous scrub Throughout site apart from Himalayan honeysuckleindigenous scrub Throughout site

Moderate.

Low

Rye grass

Private farmland

High

Moderate.

Low

Lotus

Elsewhere within the site Browns Flat

Unknown.

Moderate

Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants. A preferred pasture grass species, therefore should not be controlled on pastoral land. Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants. Can be a pest plant in wetlands.

Soft rush Himalayan honeysuckle

Lotus pedunculatus

Moderate

Low

Moderate

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

National Pest Plant Accord

Unwanted Organisms Register

Horizons Regional Council

Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants. Forms dense stands in disturbed and bare sites, preventing the establishment of indigenous seedlings. Currently low densities.

Festuca rubra subsp. rubra

Lolium arundinaceum subsp. arundinaceum Lolium perenne

Reason for Control

Hemp agrimony

Juncus articulatus Juncus effusus Leycesteria formosa

Density Details

Eupatorium cannabinum

Hyacinthoides sp.

Known or Potential Distribution

Common Name

Can be very competitive at high densities as they have fast growth rates, can spread rapidly and reduce the nutrients and water available to other species. Forms dense mats on water and in damp areas, replacing most other species and degrading the habitat for indigenous plants and fauna. Isolated garden escape which reproduces by seed and vegetatively from stem fragments and can grow to form dense stands that crowd out indigenous plants. This species is not commonly found in pastures but where it does occur its prickly character discourages grazing close to plants, reducing the access of livestock to more useful pasture plants. Able to out-compete indigenous species in wetlands and is thus controlled by DOC in wetland areas. May also be spread as a result of wind farm construction as seeds are commonly spread on contaminated machinery. An isolated garden escape which can spread rapidly. Spanish variety is invasive in the UK and has been recorded spreading rapidly in New Plymouth (NZ). At high densities this species could interfere with the productivity of grasses and clovers in pasture habitats. Forms dense stands in disturbed and grazed areas, is unpalatable to cattle, deer, and horses, and can prevent the establishment of seedlings of indigenous plant species.

DOC List

Agricultural Weeds

Yes

Eucalyptus delegatensis Yes

Yes

Yes Production Pest Progressive Containment

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Scientific Name

Known or Potential Distribution

Common Name

Density Details

Persicaria hydropiper

Water pepper

Pasture grassland

Low

Pinus contorta

Lodgepole pine

Throughout site

Pinus radiata

Radiata pine

Throughout site

Poa annua Prunella vulgaris Ranunculus acris

Annual poa Selfheal Giant buttercup

Pasture grassland Pasture grassland Pasture grassland

Unknown, but present in Gordon Kear Forest. Moderate, few wildings. Moderate.

Ranunculus repens Rubus sp. (R. fruticosus agg.)

Creeping buttercup Blackberry

Pasture grassland Throughout site

Solanum mauritianum

Woolly nightshade

Throughout site

Sonchus oleraceus

Sow thistle

Tradescantia fluminensis

Tradescantia

Trifolium dubium

Low

Priority for Control Moderate High

Isolated plants, which reduce the productivity of pasture. May cause dermatitis in livestock or humans. Known from Gordon Kear, but its presence in Turitea is uncertain. If located in Turitea, then this species is a high priority for control as it can form high densities stands.

High

Remove wildings to prevent spread.

Low Moderate Moderate

Reduces productivity of pasture. Reduces productivity of pasture. Able to rapidly spread where it dramatically reduces the productivity of pasture. Competes with sown pasture species for water and nutrients. Smothers most low-growing species, inhibits the establishment of indigenous plant seedlings, and reduces the productivity of pasture. Plants are relatively isolated, so are a high priority for control. Known from Kahuterawa Road, but its presence at Turitea is uncertain. If located at Turitea, then this species is a high priority for control as it can form dense, often pure stands, inhibit or prevent establishment of indigenous plant seedlings, and slow regeneration of indigenous vegetation. Can grow into a tall, bushy plant but has very little impact on pasture as it is readily grazed by stock Smothers ground in light to deep shade, preventing the establishment of indigenous seedlings. Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants. Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants. Isolated plants, easy to control as this species forms pure associations temporarily in many habitats, inhibiting the establishment of indigenous plant seedlings.

Moderate High

High

Pasture grassland

Unknown, but present in Kahuterawa Road. Moderate.

Throughout site

Unknown.

High

Throughout site

High.

Low

Trifolium repens

White clover

Throughout site

High.

Low

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

Browns Flat

Low.

High

Elsewhere within the site

Low.

Moderate

Pasture grassland

Low.

Low

Verbascum thapsus

Woolly mullein

ÂŠ 2019

Reason for Control

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Control required due to low densities, with priority given around plantings to prevent species smothering plants. Forms dense stands that exclude stock and replace pasture Can replace more useful species in poorly maintained pasture.

National Pest Plant Accord

Unwanted Organisms Register

Horizons Regional Council

DOC List

Agricultural Weeds Yes

Unwanted organism

Yes

Environmental Pest Progressive Containment

Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Unwanted organism

Yes

Production pest Progressive Containment Production Pest Eradication

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Yes Unwanted organism

Yes

Production pest Progressive Containment

Yes

DRAFT APPENDIX 3

SPECIES-SPECIFIC CONTROL METHODS

Achillea millefolium

Pest Plant Common Name Yarrow

Knapsack foliar

Clopyralid

25mls per 10 litres

Agrostis capillaris

Browntop

Knapsack foliar

Haloxyfop

Cerastium fontanum

Knapsack foliar

Banvine

Chamaecytisus palmensis

Mouse-ear chickweed Tree lucerne

60ml/10 litres +cropoil 5mls 110 mls 10 litres

Knapsack foliar

Cirsium arvense

California thistle

Knapsack foliar

Brushkiller Picloram & Triclopyr Clopyralid

Cirsium palustre

Marsh thistle

Clopyralid

Cirsium vulgare

Scotch thistle

Clopyralid

Crocosmia Ă&#x2014;crocosmiiflora

Montbretia

Knapsack - foliar spray

Metsulfuron

Cytisus sp.

Broom species (exotic) Broom species (exotic)

Hand pull seedlings/small plants Knapsack - foliar spray

Metsulfuron

Dactylis glomerata

Cocksfoot

Knapsack - foliar spray

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

Epilobium ciliatum

Erica lusitanica Erica lusitanica

Pest Plant- Scientific Name

Cytisus sp.

Control Method(s)

Chemical(s)

Application Rate

60mls per 10 litres+ surfactant 20mls 25ml/10 Litres +wetting agent 25ml/10 Litres+ wetting agent 25ml/10 Litres+ wetting agent 5g/10 litres water + 20ml surfactant

Timing Year round

Remarks May need follow up on mature plants

Warm moist conditions Active growth Till bud early flowering stage Till bud early flowering stage Till bud early flowering stage OctoberFebruary Year round

May need follow up

5g/10 litres water

NovemberFebruary

Do not spray if seed pods have turned brown.

Haloxyfop

25mls per 10 litres

Knapsack - foliar spray

Tordon pasture boss

60 mls per 10 litres

Willow herb

Knapsack - foliar spray

Vixen (glufosinate+oxyfluorfen)

100mls 10 litres

Spanish heath Spanish heath

Foliar spray Cut and treat stumps

Metsulfuron Triclopyr

5g/10 litres water 60ml/1 litre water

If at advanced stage add crop oil Active growth from full leaf to early flowering Do not apply in wet or cold conditions Year round Year round

DRAFT

ÂŠ 2019

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Follow-up control will be necessary.

DRAFT

Pest Plant- Scientific Name Eucalyptus sp.

Pest Plant Common Name Eucalypt

Control Method(s)

Chemical(s)

Application Rate

Timing

Cut and treat stumps

Glyphosate gel.

Neat

Year round

At ground level

Basal method

Triclopyr and syntol oil or XTree Basal

Year round

Bore cut and poison

Straight Glyphosate 560

20% Triclopyr and 80% syntol oil or neat XTree Basal Neat

Application needs to be 5× the diameter from ground level Cuts need to overlap

Spring to autumn

Year round

Eupatorium cannabinum

Hemp agrimony

Knapsack - foliar spray

Triclopyr

60mls/ten litres

Festuca rubra subsp. rubra

Red fescue

Knapsack - foliar spray

Glyphosate Green 510

Gamochaeta coarctata

Cudweed

Knapsack - foliar spray

Agpro2,4-D ester 680

70mls 10Litres +surfactant 50mls 10 litres

Glyceria maxima

Reed sweetgrass

Knapsack - foliar spray

Glyphosate Green 510

100mls 10litres+ surfactant

Helichrysum petiolare Helminthotheca echioides Holcus lanatus

Licorice plant Oxtongue Yorkshire fog

Knapsack - foliar spray Knapsack - foliar spray

Agpro 2,4-D ester 680 Haloxyfop

50mls 10litres 25mls 10 litres

Hyacinthoides sp. Hypochaeris radicata Jacobaea vulgaris Juncus articulatus

Bluebell Catsear Yellow ragwort Jointed rush

Dig out all bulbs Knapsack - foliar spray Knapsack - foliar spray Knapsack - foliar spray

Clopyralid Glyphosate Green 510 Glyphosate Green 510

35mls 10Litres 100ml/10 litres water 200ml/10 litres water

Juncus effusus

Soft rush

Knapsack – foliar spray

Glyphosate Green 510

200ml/10 litres water

Juncus effuses

Soft rush

Knapsack – foliar spray

Metsulfuron

10g/10 litres water

Leycesteria formosa

Himalayan honeysuckle Himalayan honeysuckle Himalayan honeysuckle Tall fescue

Knapsack - foliar spray

Metsulfuron

Knapsack - foliar spray

Triclopyr

5g/10 litres water plus 10ml surfactant 60ml/10 litres water

Cut and treat stumps

Metsulfuron

5g/1 litre water

Year round

Cut and treat stumps

Glyphosate Green 510

100ml/1 litre water

Year round

Rye grass

Knapsack - foliar spray

Haloxyfop

25ml/ 10Litres

Not when drought stressed

DRAFT

Leycesteria formosa Leycesteria formosa Lolium arundinaceum subsp. arundinaceum Lolium perenne

Remarks

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Late autumn early winter early spring

During active growth Active growth October-March NovemberMarch Year round NovemberMarch Year round Year round

When growing near watercourse When growing in dry areas

DRAFT

Lotus pedunculatus

Pest Plant Common Name Lotus

Knapsack - foliar spray

Pinus contorta

Lodgepole pine

Bore cut & spray

Pinus radiata

Radiata pine

Pinus radiata

Radiata pine

Poa annua

Annual poa

Hand pull seedlings/small plants Ring bark or fell larger trees Knapsack - foliar spray

Glyphosate Green 510

Prunella vulgaris Ranunculus acris

Selfheal Giant buttercup

Knapsack - foliar spray Knapsack - foliar spray

Agpro 2,4-D ester 680 Agpro MCPA

140 mls 10Litres+ surfactant 70mls/ 10litres 50 mls 10 litres

Ranunculus repens

Creeping buttercup

Knapsack - foliar spray

Agpro MCPA

50mls /10litres

Rubus sp. (R. fruticosus agg.)

Blackberry

Knapsack - foliar spray

Metsulfuron

5g/10 litres water

Rubus sp. (R. fruticosus agg.)

Blackberry

Knapsack - foliar spray

Triclopyr

60ml/10 litres water

Solanum mauritianum

Woolly nightshade

Triclopyr

100ml/1 litre water

Year round

Sow thistle

Seedlings/small plants hand pull Saplings - cut and treat stump Knapsack - foliar spray

Clopyralid

50 mls 10 litres

Tradescantia fluminensis

Tradescantia

Knapsack - foliar spray

Triclopyr

60ml/10 litre water

Actively growing plants NovemberMarch

Trifolium dubium Trifolium repens Ulex europaeus

Suckling clover White clover Gorse

Knapsack - foliar spray Knapsack - foliar spray Knapsack â&#x20AC;&#x201C; foliar spray

Clopyralid Clopyralid Metsulfuron

Ulex europaeus Verbascum thapsus

Gorse Woolly mullein

Cut and treat stumps Knapsack - foliar spray

Triclopyr Tordon Pastureboss

17mls 10 litres 17mls 10 litres 5g/10 litres water plus 10ml Pulse 60ml/1 litre water 60 mls 10 litres

Pest Plant- Scientific Name

Solanum mauritianum Sonchus oleraceus

Control Method(s)

DRAFT Woolly nightshade

ÂŠ 2019

Chemical(s) Terbuthylazine mix I.e. Ag pro Valzine 500 Glyphosate Green 510

Application Rate 55mls/ 10litres straight

Timing

Remarks

Spring or autumn Spring till autumn Year round Year round

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

Year round Active growth Summer to autumn Summer to autumn DecemberApril DecemberApril Year round

Year round Year round NovemberMarch October-March During active growth

2 applications necessary 2 applications necessary

Pull away from nontarget species before spraying.