Port Otago is engaging the public in a series of open days as part of its application to renew its long-term consent for inshore dredging disposal.
An open day was held at Port Chalmers Town Hall yesterday, giving the public an opportunity to view plans and discuss options for an extended dredging disposal site adjacent or near to the harbour entrance.
Another open day will be held today at the Mercure Leisure Lodge, in Duke St, Dunedin, where port staff and project consultants will be available to discuss the proposal.
The existing three-year resource consent to dispose of dredged material at three inshore disposal sites - Heyward Point, Spit Beach and Shelly Beach - expires in December 2016.
In order for the port to be authorised to continue disposing of dredged material at these sites, section 124 of the RMA requires that a renewal application be submitted to the Otago Regional Council no later than June 18, 2016.
Port Otago is seeking a long-term consent for disposal activity next year, including extending the Heyward Point site, which has been used for disposing of dredged material since the 1880s.
Port Otago harbour services manager Rebecca McGrouther said the company had been canvassing the views of local interest groups to monitor any effects from dredging.
''We've been working closely with local surfers since 2013 to determine how coastal processes and historical disposal sites affect popular surf spots at Aramoana and Whareakeake [Murdering Beach].
''This has included surf cameras to monitor waves, models of disposal options and feedback on wave conditions via the Port Otago website.''
Ms McGrouther said the open days would allow the public to view the scientific work completed to date, watch a video of Port Otago's dredge New Era operating in Otago Harbour, take part in interactive waveplay models and engage with Port Otago staff and independent consultants.
Today's open day will be held from 3pm to 7.30pm.
