Methyl bromide reassessment
Following an extensive reassessment process, the Environmental Risk Management Authority has completed its review of the use of the fumigant methyl bromide.
The decision revokes the approvals of two substances, but allows the continued use of one formulation for quarantine use and pre-shipment treatment of goods only.
The Authority has imposed a strict management regime for methyl bromide fumigations, and is requiring recapture of the gas within 10 years.
It has also recommended more research into alternatives and recapture be undertaken.
The decision to allow the continued use of methyl bromide for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes acknowledges that the rules around its use ensure the safety of people and the environment.
However, further controls address the strong concerns of the communities where methyl bromide is used, particularly when the fumigant is being ventilated.
These include strengthening exposure limits, requiring air quality monitoring and reporting, and imposing buffer zones.
In July 2008, the Environmental Risk Management Authority decided
there were grounds for the reassessment of the fumigant methyl bromide –
the first step in a process to determine if it could be continued to be
used in New Zealand and if so, the conditions of such use.
In November 2009, after more than 12 months spent
researching and evaluating information from New Zealand and
overseas, staff at ERMA New Zealand completed their preliminary
recommendations.
That evaluation and recommendations (published in the Application for Reassessment) opened for public submissions on 5 November 2009 and closed on 26 February 2010.
A number of submitters asked to speak directly to the Authority at a hearing. Hearings were held in Wellington, Nelson, Picton, Tauranga and Auckland in May 2010.
An Update Paper was prepared by the staff of ERMA New Zealand for the decision-making committee of the Authority before the hearings.
After extensive consideration of all the evidence put before it, the Authority released its decision on the reassessment in November 2010.
Read a Summary of the decision. [Word 808kb]
Read the full Decision. [pdf - 303kb]
Last Updated Nov 2010