Methyl bromide reassessment
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 can continue 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. These are now open for submissions from the public.
A final decision will be made in mid-late 2010 once the application, public submissions and any other information relevant to the reassessment has been considered by the Environmental Risk Management Authority.
To view the Application for Reassessment, click here.
To view the Executive Summary to the document, click here.
For all application documents including appendices click here
For background information and details on the submission process,
follow the links on the left-hand side of this page.
The reassessment of methyl bromide had been foreshadowed for some time, due to:
- its increased use for fumigating logs for export;
- public concerns about possible health effects on workers; and
- the environmental effects of methyl bromide as an ozone depleter.
The whole process is expected to take about two years to complete, with a decision due mid-late 2010.
The reassessment application has been prepared by Agency staff on behalf of the Chief Executive. It evaluates the risks, costs and benefits of the use of methyl bromide in New Zealand and makes recommendations as to its future use here.
That evaluation and recommendations opened for public submissions on 5 November 2009. Submissions close on 26 February 2010. A hearing or hearings will be held if any submitters wish to speak directly to the Authority before it makes its decision.
Once submissions have been received, an Update Paper will be prepared for the decision-making committee of the Authority. This will include a summary of submissions and any further relevant new information as well as the staff’s final recommendations in light of submissions.
This will be published on the ERMA New Zealand website.
ERMA New Zealand will also provide further updates on the reassessment’s progress.
To receive updates, register at reassessments@ermanz.govt.nz
Last Updated Nov 2009