Southland’s key landfill is owned and operated by AB Lime in Winton.
In a effort to become the "premier landfill for the southern regions of the South Island", it applied last year to Environment Southland and the Southland District Council for 35-year resource consents to operate its landfill without a limit on accepted waste.
It would not increase its footprint or capacity.
At present it is limited to taking 100,000 tonnes of waste a year.
In January, 20 nearby properties were notified of the application, as were two others due to potential cultural effects.
Seven submissions were received.
Of these, five opposed the plans and wished to be heard at an upcoming hearing.
One was in support but did not wish to be heard, and another called for conditions.
A neighbouring-property submitter described their reason behind opposition being concerns of toxic leachate, air quality and what they describe as a lack of management of what was already being dumped at the site.
Another submitter said a few years ago there was a problem with odour.
"During this time the landfill had accepted an increased tonnage of special waste from 6297 tonne in 2017 to 15,561 tonne in 2018.
"Does this not indicate that an unlimited amount of waste will increase the odour problems that already exist?"
They were concerned what the knowledge of "being the dumping ground for all provinces’ special waste", would have on property value.
Another notified property owner described the impact of emergency waste accepted in previous years.
"This is of most concern to us due to the awful experience three years ago when the dead cows/oysters were deposited at the landfill."
AB Lime’s site received waste from the response to the bonamia outbreak and to Mycoplasma bovis. It has also taken asbestos, medical, methamphetamine-related and aluminium dross waste.
The submitter described a horrendous odour which affected their quality and enjoyment of life.
Alone in submitting in support, one neighbouring property owner said they thought AB Lime had a great plan.
Hokonui Runanga and Te Runanga o Awarua with Waihopai Runaka also submitted.
The Hokonui Runanga submission did not oppose or support but requested conditions.
Their joint submission asked that a consent duration of 17 years was more appropriate, and asked Te Ao Marama to be added to the list of those notified if any waste was accepted under a crisis or emergency response conditions.
