The public now has to the chance to respond to a proposal to dam North Canterbury's Waitohi River.
The damming is a part of one of the country's biggest farm irrigation schemes.
The Waitohi Irrigation and Hydro Scheme is an alternative to the controversial plan to dam the South Branch of the Hurunui River which was opposed by recreational users and environmentalists.
Submissions on the alternative scheme are open until November 5 after which independent commissioners will make a decision on whether the proposal can proceed.
