February 28, 2003
If you use herbicides, fungicides or insecticides in your workplace, 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 transfer of organophosphate pesticides and organophosporus herbicides are part of the group of pesticides that are being transferred from the transitional parts of the HSNO Act to the new regulatory framework established by the Act. The public consultation provides the opportunity for people to present their views on, and be informed of the proposed classifications and controls. The public consultation period starts on Friday, 28 February 2003 and ends Friday, 11 April 2003.
The transitional provisions allow for about 150 pesticide products, of which 90 contain organophosphate pesticides as 'active ingredients' while the remaining 60 contain organophosphorus herbicides' as active ingredients to be considered for transfer. Examples of organophosphorus herbicides presently being transferred include the well-known product, 'Round-up', as well herbicides containing glyphosate and glufosinate salts. Examples of contact and systemic organosphosphates being transferred include chlorpyrifos and dimethoate.
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 documents give the opportunity to comment on the proposed HSNO classifications and controls, as well as the practical application of these controls, as compared to previous legislation requirements.
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 those classification and controls applied and then a 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.
This transfer process is separate to the reassessment process. Chlorpyrifos and dimethoate are two organophosphates which are on the ERMA New Zealand Chief-Executive Priority list for reassessment. Overseas, these organophosphates are presently also being reviewed, with its use being limited overseas. Reassessment is a separate process and all interested parties have the opportunity to comment under that process when and if it occurs.
The public consultation and formal submission period on organophosphorus herbicides and organosphosphate insecticides and fungicides end on 11 April 2003. You are invited to comment on the proposed HSNO classifications and controls that have been assigned to these groups of pesticides.
Submissions on the document should be sent to ERMA New Zealand by 11 April 2003.
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.
Tel: +64 4 918-4865