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  • AgResearch amendments « 16 March 2010 « ERMA has made minor amendments to the AgResearch outdoor containment approvals involving GM cattle .
  • Discussion Paper Updating the Hazardous Substances (Compressed Gases) Regulations 2004 « 12 March 2010 « Following receipt of submissions on the proposed improvements, ERMA New Zealand will advise the Minister on these submissions, and on international best practice and standards for the safe management of compressed gases.
  • Discussion Paper Updating the Hazardous Substances (Tank Wagons and Transportable Containers) Regulations 2004 « 10 March 2010 « This paper seeks your thoughts on the proposed improvements, whether in support, or recommending alternative improvements to the regulations.
  • Notice of hearing - AgResearch application ERMA200223 « 8 February 2010 « To develop in containment genetically modified goats, sheep and cows to produce human therapeutic proteins, or with altered levels of endogenous proteins for the study of gene function, milk composition and disease resistance
  • Pharmaceutical Active Ingredients « 2 February 2010 « Proposed Group Standard for Pharmaceutical Active Ingredients.
  • GS Labelling Amendment Consultation « 18 January 2010 « ERMA New Zealand has prepared a Consultation Document on the Authority?s assessment of certain matters relating to a proposed amendment to the group standards.
  • Quantity limits for Explosives handled at Ports « 12 January 2010 « ERMA New Zealand commissioned Opus International Consultants Limited (Opus) to undertake a study of the handling of shipments of explosives at selected New Zealand ports.The summary of the report is linked to the explosives page.Detailed reports were also prepared for each of the ports and these have been provided to the respective port companies.
  • Update to submissions to app ERMA200223 « 24 December 2009 « Please contact ERMANZ (submissions@ermanz.govt.nz) if you have not received acknowledgement of your submission by 15 January 2010
  • Amendment to Scion field trial « 21 December 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (the Authority) has made an amendment to the Scion field test approval (GMF99005) granted in January 2001 that allowed Scion to field test, in the Bay of Plenty (Rotorua), over a period of nine years, Pinus radiata and Picea abies plants genetically engineered for herbicide resistance. The duration of the field test was extended for a further eight years. This amendment is considered to be minor in effect.
  • Annual 1080 Report Released « 15 December 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has released its second annual report on the aerial use of 1080. It includes details of aerial pest control operations undertaken in 2008, reports on incidents and research projects completed or underway.
  • Application to import or manufacture PAPP Paste « 11 December 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has received an application to import or manufacture PAPP Paste. The substance will be used to manufacture pastes for use as vertebrate poisons for ground control of pests, with its main targets being stoats and feral cats.
  • Amendment to approval for field testing genetically modified trees « 8 December 2009 « The Forest Research Institute (trading as Scion) has applied for a minor amendment to extend the duration of its approval for the field testing of genetically modified pine and spruce trees. (GMF99005)
  • Amendments to approvals for field testing genetically modified cattle « 2 December 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has received two applications from AgResearch for minor amendments to their approvals for field testing genetically modified cattle (application GMF98009, parts I and II, and application GMD02028)
  • Consultation on information required to assess the safety of new pesticides to beneficial invertebrates. « 27 November 2009 « Consultation on proposal for data requirements for evaluating the effects of pesticides on bees and other beneficial invertebrates
  • Deadline for submissions on methyl bromide reassessment extended « 23 November 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has extended the deadline for submissions on the reassessment of fumigant methyl bromide.
  • Consultation on updating HS regulations « 18 November 2009 « ERMA New Zealand, in conjunction with the Ministry for the Environment, is calling for public submissions on proposals to amend the hazardous substances classification framework under the HSNO Act to reflect the current United Nations Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).A discussion paper will be available for public comment from 18 November 2009 until 19 February 2010.
  • Five-year phase out for AZM insecticide « 6 November 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has released its decision regarding AZM insecticide. The insecticide azinphos methyl is to be phased out over five years. In its decision, the Authority revoked three approvals to import, manufacture or use AZM formulations not currently in use New Zealand.
  • Submissions sought on AgResearch application « 6 November 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions on an application by AgResearch to conduct GM research on goats, sheep and cows in containment at its Ruakura research facility.The research aims to learn more about gene function, milk composition and disease resistance.
  • ERMA wants public input on review of methyl bromide « 5 November 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is calling for public submissions on its reassessment of the fumigant methyl bromide.The application for reassessment is being released today for public submission and includes a preliminary recommendation for tighter controls on the use of the substance.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. Home Page - http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/archives/media-releases/2009/mr-20091105.html
  • Endosulfan disposal reminder « 27 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is reminding people that all stocks of the prohibited insecticide endosulfan must be safely disposed of by 17 January 2010. Home Page - http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/archives/media-releases/2009/mr-20091027.html
  • Application to Amend Group Standards « 21 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand Consideration Paper. Application to Amend Group Standards - Extension of Alternative Labelling Provisions. Home Page - http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/groupstandards/amendment.html
  • Organic Peroxides,Toxic[6.1],Corrosive Group Standard 2009 « 16 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has released a new Group Standard which comes into force on the 12 November 2009. The Group Standard is the Organic Peroxides, Toxic [6.1], Corrosive Group Standard 2009.
  • Modified reassessment LPG,Propane and Butane « 9 October 2009 « The LPG Association of NZ Inc has submitted an application for the modified reassessment of LPG, Propane and Butane. The submission period has opened on this reassessment and will close on 23 November 2009.
  • CE intiated reassessment LPG,Propane and Butane « 9 October 2009 « CE intiated application for the modified reassessment of specific aspects of the approvals for LPG, Propane and Butane has been prepared by the staff of ERMA New Zealand on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority.
  • Consultation- Pyrotechnic Approved Handler Assessment Forms « 9 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is seeking input from interested parties on Outdoor Pyrotechnic Display Approved Handler Assessment Forms.
  • Yearly Chemical Review « 9 October 2009 « Consultation on a review of the classifications of up to 40 chemicals is now underway at ERMA New Zealand. Application documents can be found on the ERMA New Zealand website.
  • Chemical Safety in the Workplace « 5 October 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has published a workbook titled "Chemical Safety in the Workplace" a step-by-step guide. ERMA New Zealand welcomes feedback about the workbook.
  • Call for submissions on priority list of hazardous substances for reassessment « 24 September 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is seeking public input into a revised list of hazardous substances it considers priorities for reassessment.
  • New biological control agent to control woolly nightshade « 17 September 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved an application to introduce the lace bug Gargaphia decoris to control the weed woolly nightshade.
  • Methyl Bromide Reassessment « 11 August 2009 « ERMA New Zealand is pleased to report that work on the reassessment of fumigant methyl bromide is well under way. To read more about the steps involved in the process, the expected timeline and background to the reassessment, visit the methyl bromide section of the website.(http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/methyl bromide/)
  • Yearly Chemical Review Grounds Decision « 6 August 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has completed the 2009 Yearly Chemical Review: To establish whether there are sufficient grounds to justify a reassessment of the substances listed in schedule 1.
  • Group Standard Amendment « 5 August 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has completed the Summary of Submissions for a proposed amendment to the group standards. This amendment has been requested by ACCORD Australasia Ltd ("the applicant"). The proposal affects a number of the group standards published by ERMA New Zealand on 1 July 2006.
  • Notice of Hearings - Azinphos-Methyl and Biological Control Agent « 24 July 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is holding a hearing commencing at 9.00am on Tuesday 12 May 2009 at their offices, Level 1 BP House, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington on an application by Environment Bay of Plenty to: Import and release from containment the lace bug Gargaphia decoris (Hemiptera, Tingidae) as a biological control agent for the weed woolly nightshade. The hearing is open to the public, though only the applicant and those that have made a submission to be heard can participate.
  • How to obtain a CSL licence « 1 July 2009 « With a Controlled Substance Licence now being required for people to possess explosives, ERMA New Zealand has released a question and answer page together with the new licence forms.
  • Controlled substances licence required for explosives « 8 June 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has decided that people who possess certain types of explosives must undergo a Police check.This check is a key requirement in obtaining a controlled substances licence.
  • Submissions sought on Zinc Phosphide « 8 June 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions on an application by Leeston company Pest-Tech to import or manufacture microencapsulated zinc phosphide. The zinc phosphide will be used to manufacture a paste for use as a vertebrate toxic agent (poison) for ground control of pests, with its main target being the brush tail possum.
  • Authority revokes Approvals « 14 May 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority has revoked approvals for the import, manufacture and use of the herbicide methylarsinic acid (MSMA) in New Zealand. MSMA is an arsenic-based, persistent agrichemical used to control paspalum and kikuyu in fine turf. It has the potential to accumulate in the environment and to impact on human health.
  • Hearing « 28 April 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority is holding a hearing commencing at 9.00am on Tuesday 12 May 2009 at their offices, Level 1 BP House, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington on an application for:"the modified reassessment of certain explosives. The addition of a control requiring persons in possession of certain explosives to hold a controlled substances licence. To obtain a licence, a person must be "fit and proper.
  • Submissions sought on Application NOR08003 « 27 April 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) is seeking submissions on Application NOR08003 to import for release the lace bug Gargaphia decoris to be used as a biological control for the weed woolly nightshade. Submissions opened on Monday 27 April and close on Tuesday 9 June.
  • Review of current Fees and Charges Schedule. « 15 April 2009 « The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) is considering implementing changes to its current Fees and Charges Schedule. Notice of the proposed changes is given pursuant to section 21 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. Your feedback is highly valued and the proposed fee changes will not be finalised until all submissions are considered.
  • Consultation on Cosmetic Standards Amendments « 31 March 2009 « Under Part 6A of the Hazardous Substances and New Organism Act, ERMA New Zealand wishes to begin public consultation on several proposed changes to Group Standards that were printed in 2006. ERMA New Zealand proposes to amend the Cosmetic Products Group Standard in order to take into account changes in the EU Cosmetics Directive and also to correct minor technical errors.
  • Approved Handler Test Certificate Renewals « 26 March 2009 « The first Approved Handler Test Certificates are now coming up for renewal. ERMA New Zealand has brought together information on renewals in a new microsite which can be accessed either through http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/approvedhandlers/ or through the Hazardous Substances home page http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/index.html
  • 1080 Home Page « 25 March 2009 « ERMA New Zealand has brought together reports on aerial 1080 operations, best practice guidelines and other relevant information in a new 1080 microsite. The site is accessed either through http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/1080/ or through the Hazardous Substances home page http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/index.html

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