The decision to grant Fonterra permission to expand its Studholme plant could seriously impact Hector's dolphin population numbers in North Otago, a zoology professor says.
Fonterra passed the final hurdle to expansion this week after the appeal period to its consent approval lapsed without any appeals being lodged.
University of Otago marine biologist Liz Slooten, of Dunedin, said should Fonterra ever exercise its legal rights to expand its factory, the work would lead to an increase in pathogens that were harmful to mammals.
She said any increase in pathogens and chemicals discharged from the factory via a proposed outfall would impact the health of the dolphins, including their ability to breathe and breed.
The current Hector's dolphin population in the area numbered between 20 and 40.
"The council would have taken more notice of impacts on land.
"They still regard the ocean in the old-fashioned way, as a place to get your food and dump your rubbish.
"The dolphins are going to be breathing it in.''
Prof Slooten was an expert witness for the environment group, Wise Response Society, (WISE) during the Studholme submission process.
She questioned the science behind Fonterra's reports which presented the risks associated with the proposed ocean outfall saying they downplayed the risks to the dolphins and marine environment.
She chose to not appeal the decision as an individual, because of the cost of the appeal and time required.
Environment Canterbury and Fonterra declined to comment on her claims.
In the summary report of the consent decision the environment where the proposed ocean outfall would be placed was described as a gravel beach.
The outfall for treated wastewater, stormwater and condensate, would extend about 600m into the Pacific Ocean and the effects on Hector's dolphin and other marine mammals were considered likely to be less than minor, the report said.
