Initial indications show strong support for an appeal by the New Zealand and Otago Fish and Game councils to prevent dams being built on the Nevis River.
Otago Fish and Game council chairman Niall Watson said more than 100 submissions were received before the deadline of October 3, and although there had not been a final report on the submissions, it appeared at this stage that there was strong support for the appeal.
The councils want the Water Conservation (Kawarau ) Order 1997 altered to protect the Nevis River, which flows from its source at the southern end of the Garvie and Hector Ranges, to its confluence with the Kawarau River about 50km northeast.
The order has given some protection to the river, but does not preclude the river being used for hydro-electric power generation.
Pioneer Generation has plans to build two dams on the Nevis and chief executive Peter Dowling said the company would be making a submissions to the tribunal on the basis that the Nevis clause in the 1997 order should stand.
Mr Watson said he had had some indication a pre-hearing would be held before Christmas.
"It will depend on the weight of the submissions. We're not expecting the actual hearing to take place before Christmas but that would be for the Ministry for the Environment to confirm."
