The gold mining company which hopes to dredge in the upper Clutha River is waiting on a decision following a November hearing which garnered a series of critical submissions.

Cold Clutha Gold Ltd wants to move its dredging operation - a 23.9m long, self-powered, steel commercial vessel with a suction-style dredge - from the mid-reaches of the Clutha, where it has been dredging since 2012, to an area between Luggate and the top of Lake Dunstan.

During the hearing previous employees of Cold Clutha Gold were among the 36 people or groups who submitted against the proposal.

The operation would require consents from Otago Regional Council, Central Otago District Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council, and planners from all three councils had recommended the consents be declined ahead of the three-day hearing.

Former Cold Clutha Gold employees and marine engineer Reginald Hall told the commissioners the operation had had a range of environmental shortfalls.

These included its use of “dirty, noisy engines”, which he said were highly likely to result in an oil spill.

He also recalled unsanitary disposal of human waste, with faeces thrown off to boat and into the river, and crew urinating over the edge of the vessel.

A more recent employee of the company said the same happened during his employment.

Other submitters included Otago Fish & Game, Central Otago Whitewater Ltd, and neighbouring landowners, whose concerns over the proposal ranged from environmental harm to noise and safety.

Cold Clutha Gold says it has operated at its current site without any complaints for 10 years.

The company requested public notification of the application so any interested parties could “engage in the process”.

ORC consents acting manager Alexandra King told the Wānaka App there was currently no timeframe for a decision.

“The hearing is adjourned and the commissioners are waiting on the applicant to provide further information,” she said.

PHOTO: Supplied