Strict controls placed on methyl bromide

Strict controls placed on methyl bromide fumigations

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has imposed strict controls on methyl bromide fumigations, including the requirement for recapture of the gas within 10 years.

The new regime enhances the safety of people and the environment by strengthening expos ure limits, imposing buffer zones, requiring air quality monitoring, notification and annual reports.

The decision, announced today, also requires all methyl bromide fumigations to be recaptured within 10 years, and has recommended more research into alternatives and recapture be undertaken.

The approvals for two methyl bromide/chloropicrin formulations used to fumigate soil have been revoked, leaving only one substance still able to be used in New Zealand, for quarantine use and pre-shipment (QPS) t reatment of goods only.

Such QPS use is permitted under the Montreal Protocol.

The decision comes after an extensive reassessment of the substance by ERMA New Zealand, which considered the risks, costs and benefits of using methyl bromide and evaluated the positive and negative effects on human health, the environment, the market economy, Mā ori interests and the wider community.

Methyl bromide is a broad-scale fumigant used internationally and in New Zealand.

It is required by New Zealand ’ s trading partners for treatment of timber exports as a biosecurity measure, and also protects New Zealand from the invasion of pest species. However, it is a highly toxic substance with known health effects if it is not used and managed properly.

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 commun ities where methyl bromide is used, particularly when the fumigant is being ventilated.

Today ’ s decision recognises that public opinion on the use of methyl bromide is divided.

A number of submitters spoke directly to the decision-making committee at hearings around the country in May 2010.

Environmental Risk Management Authority Committee Chair Helen Atkins says the Committee took full account of the concerns about the risks and costs involved in the use of methyl bromide, but acknowledged the cri tical importance of methyl bromide in relation to quarantine and export use.

Ms Atkins says the decision recognises that there is no single, practical alternative to methyl bromide for all of its uses. This includes quarantine treatment for fruit, veget ables and other imported goods, as well at pre-export quarantine fumigation of logs and cut timber.

She says recapture within 10 years is “appropriate and necessary” for New Zealand to meet its obligations under the Montreal Protocol to reduce use of met hyl bromide, because of its ozone-depleting properties.

A summary of the decision is attached to this email.

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Further information on the reassessment can be found below:

Methyl Bromide Homepage

Read the full decision

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