It is unlikely an asphalt manufacturing plant will be set up near Lowburn soon, as developers review its viability in the current economic climate.
Last month, Downer EDI Works Ltd was granted a discharge permit for operation of an asphalt manufacturing plant on land at the Parkburn Quarry near Lowburn.
Up to 17,000 tonnes of asphalt could be produced annually, depending on contracts and applicant sources, Downer's application stated.
Downer South Island operations manager Mark Keane said the company first applied for a permit in 2007 at a time when the economics of the project were more favourable.
Having been granted an Otago Regional Council permit, the company would continue to pursue the development, pending an economic review, Mr Keane said.
"We'll probably review the actual purchase and placement of an asphalt plant at Parkburn in the next three to six months.
"I wouldn't expect there would be anything in place in the next 12 months."
The permit, which expires on March 17, 2024, was granted subject to 19 conditions, after four opposing submissions were received from nearby landowners, including staff at organic vineyard Kawarau Estate.
Concerns focused on potential air-borne contaminants and any corresponding negative effects on the surrounding environment.
Noise, dust, and odour were also highlighted by opponents.
Fulton Hogan was the only other submitter, and took a neutral stance.
Mr Keane said Fulton Hogan's existing asphalt plant at the quarry would likely reduce its production, with the new plant taking on more material.
As there was an existing plant on site, emissions from a new plant were not likely to change or have greater impact on the environment, he said.
"It's not going to mean a doubling of material produced, just a slight increase.
"With new technology we can produce the same amount of material with less emissions, and we anticipate a neutral impact," he said.
