A quarry situated off Old Dunstan Rd, between Clarks Junction and Rocklands Station, will almost certainly be used to source material for the construction of Meridian Energy's Project Hayes wind farm in Central Otago.
Meridian project delivery manager Paul Wilson, of Christchurch, gave evidence about the design and construction phases of the $2 billion wind farm, in an Environment Court appeal hearing on the project yesterday.
When cross-examined by Central Otago District Council lawyer Graeme Todd, Mr Wilson said it was almost 100% certain the quarry would be used if Project Hayes received consent.
"We have an agreement in principle with the current quarry owners and operators. The site was investigated for its suitability for concrete production . . .
"It has been confirmed as having a suitable material in quantities we anticipate will be necessary for the construction of Project Hayes," Mr Wilson said.
Northern parts of Old Dunstan Rd, which traversed the Lammermoor Range, would no longer be used by heavy construction vehicles, he said.
Mr Wilson said parts of the road had previously been planned for use by such vehicles, although changes meant only smaller, personal vehicles would be used on those sections.
"We consider now that we've no need to transport material such as aggregates, or any trucks, over that section of the road. It will only be used for light traffic, predominantly related to personal vehicles for access to the construction site," Mr Wilson said.
It is estimated up to 150 construction workers may be on site at any time.
During cross-examination by Maniototo Environmental Society counsel Mike Holm, Mr Wilson said Meridian would construct the wind farm in stages from south to north, so the entire 92sq km site would not be left open at any one time.
"Our objective is to keep fill [disposal] sites contained as we go, so materials we have disturbed won't migrate across the site.
We will progressively move through the site and complete any earthworks and restoration works as quickly as practicable," he said.
Project Hayes, which with 176 turbines would be the largest wind farm development in the southern hemisphere, would take five years to construct.
During winter months when construction would slow or stop, Meridian would use a variety of techniques to protect the land, including the application of straw mulch.
