Otago Regional Council (ORC) is investigating a complaint about gold dredging on the Clutha/Mata-Au River near Tarras.

Upper Clutha resident Kim Fogelberg told the Wānaka App that damage to the riverbank was discovered recently in an area of beach at a scientific reserve opposite Jolly Rd, Tarras.

Kim said the dredge had dredged out over 100 metres of riverbank, where dredging is not a permitted activity.

“I personally, have no issue with small, hobbyist dredging setups and believe there are many people out there who enjoy dredging in a responsible and low-impact way,” she said.

More than 100 metres of river bank have been dredged, according to a complaint.

“However, this particular setup has shown that some individuals cannot be trusted to act responsibly.”

Kim said the rules exist to stop riverbank erosion, which destabilises a naturally formed environment.

“It would be easy for this dredge to operate elsewhere in the Upper Clutha, in areas with limited access except by river, away from the public eye,” she said.

ORC compliance manager Carlo Bell confirmed that ORC was aware of the complaint, which was lodged through the council’s pollution hotline in January.

“The matter is still subject to a current investigation,” Carlo said. 

“As that investigation has not yet concluded we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”

PHOTOS: Supplied