Farmers are being encouraged to contact Environment Southland catchment staff if they have any concerns about stopbanks following flooding in the region.
In a statement, Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management said catchment staff spent Monday assessing floodbanks and have had to prioritise some work for the Mataura banks and the Boundary Creek floodbank.
The Mataura floodbanks have some seepage. Work was being carried out to bore holes and fill them with polymer to form a wall in the middle of the bank to strengthen them and stop the flow of water.
Staff are looking at an upgrade for the Boundary Creek floodbank.
"It is important that farmers let catchment staff at Environment Southland know if they are wanting to drain the ponding water from their paddocks through the floodbanks", Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management said.
"The creating of a hole in the bank needs to be done in stages, not in one big chunk. This is being allowed because of the state of emergency and is not something that can happen regularly."
Environment Southland catchment staff must be on site when the hole is backfilled to ensure the work is done properly.
The catchment team has been assessing known concerns so far and is starting a detailed assessment of all stopbanks in Southland on Tuesday.
"The team is aware there have been some issues, for example in the Cattle Flat, Waikaia area, and so repairs will be prioritised as they are inspected."
