The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is seeking to improve the flood flow capacity of the Whakaehu / Silver Stream, a critical sub-catchment within the Lower Taieri River system. This watercourse serves as a floodway, and in the 1970s, a drainage scheme was implemented along an 8 km stretch of the Silver Stream to reduce flood risk for Mosgiel. This involved deepening the stream and constructing stopbanks. However, over time, sediment accumulation has diminished the stream’s ability to manage floodwaters, reducing its capacity.

To address this issue, ORC has obtained consent to remove accumulated sediment (alluvium) from outside the wetted bed. This initiative is intended to improve the stream’s flood capacity and while avoiding ecological impacts.