A retrospective application for resource consent from Cold Gold Clutha, which operates a dredge on a long stretch of the Clutha River below Roxburgh, has drawn one submission.
Ernie and Irene Brown have made it on the basis of ''intolerable'' noise levels endured ''every waking hour of every single day''.
They have suggested the dredge be relocated or operating hours reduced, but have said they neither support or oppose the consent application.
They do, however, oppose ''if it is to continue operating in its current location at Millers Flat''.
The company has consent to operate on the Clutha River from just below the Roxburgh township to Tuapeka Mouth.
Otago Regional Council consented operating hours are 7am to 10pm seven days a week with extra restrictions over Christmas-New Year and Easter holiday.
The Browns, of Millers Flat, say the dredge creates ''excessive noise ... which is enormously disturbing to us at our residential property.
''We are subjected to the constant drone of the engines plus the ensuing clatter of rocks and boulders as they pass through the dredge.
"Also, a jet-boat connected to the operation spends a great part of each day zooming non-stop around the dredge area, adding to the disturbance levels of the noise we have to endure.''
They say the noise is having ''a profoundly negative effect on our mental and social wellbeing''.
While they are fed up with the noise, they have acknowledged the company's investment and are hoping for an amicable solution.
They have suggested two solutions - the dredge be moved 500m north, or operating hours reduced to 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
The application for retrospective consent was sparked after the Browns made an inquiry to the Central Otago District Council (CODC) about the dredge's noise levels.
When council staff were checking the district plan in response to the query, it was discovered the company needed land use consent for some of its operations, and construction of a temporary slipway.
It already had consent from the Otago Regional Council, and a mining permit and access agreement from Land Information New Zealand.
The 24m suction dredge was launched just below the Roxburgh dam in February 2012 but experienced teething problems.
It was taken off the water near Ettrick in October last year, with six staff made redundant, and relaunched in August this year.
Maritime New Zealand rules state the vessel must be ''slipped'' for survey, repairs and/or alterations, the consent application said.
The regional council granted the company consent to form an access track to the river and erect a temporary slipway.
''It is CGCL understanding that this may also require CODC consent,'' the application said.
It also said noise-testing was being undertaken and an additional report would follow.
