December 18, 2002
If you use timber preservatives and antisapstains, now is your chance to comment on the proposed controls being attached to these groups of pesticides, under the Transitional Provisions of the HSNO Act.
The public consultation on the transfer of timber preservatives and antisapstains from the transitional parts of the HSNO Act to the new regulatory framework established by the Act provide the opportunity for people to present their views on, and be informed of the proposed classifications and controls.
The transitional provisions allow for timber preservatives and antisapstains that are lawfully registered or in the process of being registered under section 21 of the Pesticides Act 1979 on 2 July 2001 to be considered for transfer. Timber preservatives and antisapstains are two of the blocks of pesticides being scheduled for transfer.
This includes the transfer of substances that contain copper chrome arsenate (CCA) in treating timber. The transfer process is completely separate to the ERMA New Zealand review of CCA. This consultation is based on the transfer of substances existing in New Zealand on July 2001 from old pieces of legislation to the HSNO Act. The consultation document gives the opportunity to comment on the proposed HSNO controls for timber preservatives and antisapstains. Reassessment is a separate process and all interested parties have the opportunity to comment under that process when and if it occurs.
The overall transfer process involves preparation of a list of substances to be considered for transfer, classification and assignment of HSNO default controls, consultation on the classification and controls applied and review of the classifications and controls with regard to the submissions received from interested parties.
This is followed by writing the policy for drafting into regulations under s160 (1)(a) of the HSNO Act, the legal drafting and promulgation of technical policy into regulations.
The public consultation and formal submission period on timber preservatives and antisapstains end on 28 February 2003. The extended timeframe is to allow foradequate time for submissions to be made, given the holiday period. You are invited to comment on the proposed HSNO classifications and controls that have been assigned to these groups of pesticides.
You may submit your comments by:
Email addressed to: Transfer@ermanz.govt.nz or Mail addressed to:
Andrea Eng
Manager (Transfer of Substances)
ERMA New Zealand
P O Box 131
Wellington
Media Contact:
Uma Cannon, Public Awareness Advisor
Phone 04 918 4865