The timing of upgrades to a Southland meat processing plant have proved a significant point of discussion during a three-day consent hearing.
Alliance Group last year applied to renew applications to take water for processing purposes from and discharge it into the Mataura River.
It also asked to use an existing weir to dam and divert water.
While days one to three included evidence from Alliance, yesterday focused on policy.
For Alliance, John Kyle said it was on the way to meeting requirements of the new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.
He noted the Alliance plant added to the overall degradation of the Mataura River and planned multimillion-dollar upgrades were its contribution to amending that. These would take 15 years to implement.
Commissioners also heard evidence from Environment Southland (ES).
Consent conditions, if approved, were discussed and specifics fine-tuned in response to Alliance evidence.
Commissioner John Maassen said various experts raised concerns about timing.
Throughout the hearing these focused on planned plant upgrades and consent duration.
ES witness Dr Peter Wilson questioned the need for further assessment of pathogen sampling if ultraviolet treatment could be installed as soon as possible.
He said E. coli concentrations were elevated at all sites tested and exceeded the limits for popular bathing sites more than 80% of the time.
Planning consultant Ian Mayhew said when it came to public health, a conservative approach should be taken.
However, he accepted a longer-term consent than he initially recommended as long as there were strong conditions.
He also said another study would not help people wanting to ‘‘dive off the bridge’’ this summer.
Commissioner Maassen said they would consider the timing of the ultraviolet treatment installation seriously.
A final reply and closing would be made after conditions were finalised.
A decision must be made within 15 working days after the hearing closes, unless further information was requested.
The decision was not expected this year.
