Cleanfill
Cleanfill materials are natural soils such as clay, soil, and rock, and some manufactured materials such as concrete, brick or tiles.
Composting
If you’re planning on running a composting operation of any size, there are some rules in the regional Water Plan and Waste Plan that you need to take into consideration.
Contaminated land
Contaminants in soil can cause adverse effects on both human health and the environment through both short-term and long-term exposure. You can find the HAIL (Hazardous Activities and Industries List) database here.
Critical source areas
Critical Source Areas (CSAs) are landscape features that collect runoff and direct it to water bodies, and need to be managed to reduce sediment, bacteria and phosphorus getting into waterways.
Forestry
The forestry sector is important to Otago's economy. However, forestry can have negative effects on our environment, especially water quality.
Dust
Dust can come from natural sources (like soil) and human-made sources (like industrial factories).
Dust suppression
Our road maintenance protects you from negative environmental effects, such as dust generation on unsealed roads.
Home heating
Home fires are a significant source of air pollution in some Otago towns. Get tips on reducing air pollution, heating your home economically, and the fireplace rules & regulations in Otago right here.
Intensive Winter Grazing
We know that intensive grazing is an essential element of many Otago farming systems, but when it’s not managed well it can result in significant nutrient and sediment losses into waterways that may negatively impact on water quality.
Odours
If unpleasant smells bother you, let ORC know. Industry, farming, and treatment facilities can cause disruptions. ORC helps with effective odour management.
On-site wastewater
It is estimated that around 14,600 Otago properties, or 38,000 people (around one in five Otago residents) are serviced by septic tanks.
Outdoor burning
Some outdoor burning is allowed, but are you burning rubbish or toasting marshmallows? We have tips to help you reduce the pollution caused by outdoor fires.
Outdoor tyre storage
Each year, New Zealand accumulates millions of used tyres, resulting in larger outdoor stockpiles. To address safety and environmental concerns, regulations for storing tyres outdoors have been put in place, including guidelines for different quantities of tyres.
Plans and strategies
Discover all our regional and corporate plans, policies, and strategies here. Explore policy documents protecting our environment, scientific reports aiding communities, and strategic plans guiding Otago's future. Access historical data but ensure you're using the latest version.
Private bore water supplies
Some properties source their water from private bores, tapping into underground aquifers. Protect your health by securing your borehead to prevent contamination and regularly test the water to meet NZ Drinking Water Standards.
Residential earthworks
Earthworks are a necessary part of preparing land for residential development, but if the right practices aren’t used, soil can be lost to water bodies.
Stock truck effluent
Stock effluent spillage from cartage trucks onto Otago roads can be dangerous to other road users and cause problems.
Whitebait — what you need to know
Between 1 September and 30 October you can fish for this delicacy, but please remember that whitebait numbers are in decline so take only what you need and make sure you protect their habitat so there are plenty more to catch in future years.
