Public comment is being sought on plans to expand the Terrara Sand Mine on the Shoalhaven River at Nowra.

The mine operates between Pig Island and the southern bank of the river, dredging material which goes through a processing plant and is stockpiled on the Terrara Road.

The company has existing permission to produce up to 100,00 tonnes a year, but in recent times has been processing about 70,000 tonnes per annum.

There are no plans to change the hours or operation, or go above the existing production approval, but in its application the company says it wants to expand the area of its dredging operations.

Expansion of the dredging area would allow the company to continue operations for another 25 years, and regularise some un-authorised dredging,  which has taken place in recent years, outside the lease area.

Subject to approval material,  would be removed further upstream and around the north western tip of Pig Island, upstream of the existing operations.

Public comment on the proposal closes early next month.