Twenty-one appeals over the regional council's proposed rural water quality regulations were lodged with the Environment Court in June.
The council released its proposed plan change 6A (water quality) last year, heard submissions last September and notified the plan publicly in April.
The process now involved court-ordered mediation between all parties to either settle issues before a court hearing or narrow down the points to be heard in court.
Those appealing included three district councils, environmental groups, farmers, irrigation companies, land-care groups and industry group representatives. For the first round of mediation, a week-long session was held involving 85 people.
Council policy and resource planning director Fraser McRae said the sessions were held behind closed doors and without prejudice.
''It's our biggest involvement [in Environment Court mediation] by a long way.''
A court-appointed mediator facilitated the sessions.
Given the potential for problems, there was a ''very good spirit'' and sense of co-operation between parties in the attempt to come to a common agreement, he said.
The council had circulated further material to the parties involved and a further two days of mediation were scheduled for next week.
A decision on whether any further mediation or a court hearing would be held would be made by the mediator.
The mediation was funded by the Environment Court through fees paid by parties when lodging their appeals.
