Dust is one of the main concerns of orchardists and berry-growers who have opposed a large-scale gold mine being set up near Roxburgh.
The mine, proposed by Kokiri Lime Company Ltd on 163ha of land north of Roxburgh, would cover land used now for horticulture and pastoral farming.
The company has applied for consents from the Central Otago District Council and Otago Regional Council and a two-day resource consent hearing starts on Thursday before three independent commissioners.
The alluvial mine would operate for about 15 years, employing up to 10 people. Seven of the 17 landowners involved have approved of the plans.
Both the district council's planning consultant, David Whitney, and the regional council's senior consents officer, Ralph Henderson, have recommended consent be granted, subject to conditions.
Daypoint Ltd, which owns some land within the mine area, and Roxdale Foods Ltd, which leases land owned by Daypoint next to that land, are among the opponents.
"The submitters consider that the potential adverse effects of dust emission could be highly detrimental to their business, health, and amenity if not adequately controlled,'' the two companies said in submissions.
Significant quantities of dust could enter doors and openings in the Roxdale factory and affect machinery and contaminate food products, they said.
The long-term economic effect on Roxburgh was another concern for them.
Although the proposal might generate employment and spending within the town and nearby towns during its operation, the application did not address the impact of relocating existing families, businesses and the loss of productive fertile land.
There was no economic assessment on the loss of mature productive orchards as a source of work for seasonal employment, the submissions said.
They and other opponents also cited the potential loss of the landscape and visual amenity and concerns about the water table being affected.
Travis Allison, of Cromwell, supported the mining company's plans and said the area needed such a project to boost the region's economy and encourage growth.
"Having previously worked as mine manager for other alluvial gold-mining companies, I have seen first-hand the benefits of such an operation within a small community.
"A large scale operation such as the mine proposed by Kokiri Lime, will not only bring in skilled labour, it will increase the demand and opportunities for industry-related services, such as housing accommodation, catering, engineering and maintenance,'' he said.
