The Waitaki District Council is throwing its support behind a resource consent application by the Alliance Group's Pukeuri freezing works because of its importance to the district's economy.
Alliance Group has applied to the Otago Regional Council to renew its air discharge permit, due to expire on April 30.
The permit covers discharges from the plant, including odours and its smokestack.
Now, the Waitaki council's assets committee has decided the council should write a submission in support of the discharge consent being granted.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said the environmental performance of the freezing works was "virtually clean".
Over the years, the company had installed the latest systems to ensure it met environmental standards.
Cr Peter Garvan described supporting the works' application as "a no-brainer".
The works employed 1000 people and made a major economic contribution to the district.
"There would not be a town [Oamaru] without it," he said.
Cr Pam Spite said it was vital the council supported what was "a large part of the community".
Alliance Group has been consulting neighbours of the plant and other groups in the community about its application, seeking feedback which has been lodged with the regional council.
It has appealed for written support for the applications, which were required for the ongoing operation of the plant.
