The Otago Regional Council is warning people to take "appropriate sediment management precautions"following 19 complaints of sediment discharging from earthworks into waterways in the past month.
Council compliance manager Tami Sargeant said in the same period last year the council received only one pollution complaint related to sediment discharge.
"Wet, wintry conditions can increase the chances of sediment discharging from earthworks, which is why we're reminding people to take the appropriate sediment management precautions before commencing work,"Ms Sargeant said.
Of the 19 complaints in the last month, the majority were in the Queenstown Lakes District and Dunedin, split about half each, while there was one in the Waitaki district.
In some cases, more than one complaint was received about the same incident.
Ms Sargeant said it was important that developers were aware of the rules around earthworks.
“Some of the highest risk areas right now are around residential developments.
"Developers need to be aware of the requirements for sediment management in ORC’s Water Plan, including provisions of Plan Change eight.
"If you have a consent, you must adhere to the consent conditions and take the necessary steps to keep disturbed sediment from reaching waterways,"Ms Sargeant said.
Heavy rain last week prompted another overflow from the Alpha Series Two subdivision stormwater pond into Wanaka's Bullock Creek Hatchery springs. This has occurred regularly over the past few years.
Queenstown Lakes District Council chief engineer Ulrich Glasner said the council was "only days away"from finalising negotiations with Fish and Game to divert stormwater overflows from the Alpha Series subdivision through its land.
"We have a verbal agreement, we just need signatures,"Mr Glasner said.
Otago Regional Council compliance officers were still investigating some of the more recent sediment discharges, Ms Sargeant said.
No prosecutions have been started at this stage, she said.
