Two Galatea farmers are seeking legal advice because they believe Environment Bay of Plenty staff caused the deaths of 19 calves.
Shona Pedersen and Gavin Iles were horrified last month to find that nearly a quarter of their calves - worth between $400 and $500 each - haddrowned in the Rangitaiki River, 16km north of Murupara.
They believe a jetboat that regional council staff were using to carry out minimum water flow tests spooked the animals into the water.
With help from locals, the pair managed to rescue most of their calves, some of which had drifted 3km downstream.
But 19 animals drowned after becoming too exhausted to stand or being trapped under tree roots along the river's edge.
Paul Dell, Environment BOP's group manager of regulation and resource management, investigated the incident and wrote to the farmers last weekend outlining his findings.
Mr Dell would not comment yesterday about the letter's contents but Ms Pedersen said the council was "ultimately denying any responsibility".
The Whakatane branch of Federated Farmers was helping the pair to seek legal advice on what further action could be taken.
Ms Pedersen said she was extremely annoyed by the council's response and would pursue the matter.
