Northlake Investment Ltd was fined $42,500 today (Tuesday September 3) for discharging silt into the Clutha River two years ago.

The sentencing in the Queenstown District Court follows Northlake’s prosecution in June this year. 

Northlake, as well as its contractors Civil Construction Limited, were fined for discharging silt and sediment-laden water, generated by earthworks in the subdivision, into the Clutha River by a natural flowpath. Civil Construction pleaded guilty to the charge, and was convicted and fined in January.

The discharge, in August 2017, resulted in discolouration in the Clutha River for more than 500m downstream.

Otago Regional Council (ORC) chief executive Sarah Gardner said today’s sentencing highlighted the importance of improved environmental management during development, and the need during times of rapid growth for developers and contractors to adopt best practices.

“Water is ORC’s number one priority. We are prepared to take serious enforcement actions when our water plan rules are breached. We take our responsibilities - the responsibilities of all Otago in appropriately managing water resources - very seriously,” she said.

Northlake denied the charge, but was also ordered to pay legal costs and disbursements and witness costs.

PHOTO: Supplied