The rubbish was strewn around a former gravel-dredging area by the Clutha River, off Barnego Rd, on the outskirts of Balclutha.
Last month the Otago Daily Times was contacted by a Balclutha man, who wanted to remain anonymous, who said he came across the illegal dump in February and contacted the Clutha District Council with his concerns. He was told to contact the Otago Regional Council (ORC).
When the ODT first visited the site early last month, there was a washing machine, five containers labelled as agricultural products, sheep remains and household waste among the rubbish dumped on gravel and in the grass. By April 3 the rubbish had doubled, with 10 containers labelled as agricultural products, a mattress and more household waste.
Some Balclutha residents were concerned the liquid in the containers was toxic.
The area is provides anglers' access and is popular with walkers.
According to Clutha District Council records, the land was a mix of riverbed and Crown land, and the issue was referred to the ORC. Its environmental services manager, Martin King, said staff removed rubbish about a week ago and found that containers supposedly containing chemicals probably had milk in them.
The council was satisfied no chemicals were dumped. A landowner, also concerned about the amount of rubbish being dumped, had since blocked the area off, Mr King said.
