Hazardous Substances
Update

August 2018
Hazardous Substances Update #181

In this issue we have a call for information on neonicotinoid use, show our new animated video explaining the value of working with Māori, talk about our role in regard to glyphosate, and have the latest decisions on applications.  

Articles

Video explains value of working with Māori

The EPA has developed a short video introducing New Zealand and international businesses to concepts that will help them engage with Māori, before applying to us for an environmental approval.

Māori cultural practices have a strong environmental basis, and the wellbeing of our land and its people are closely tied together. Individuals or businesses planning to submit an application or proposal to us need to engage with Māori groups whose interests could be affected by the application.

The video and more information is available on our website here. 

Call for neonicotinoid information

Neonicotinoids – pesticides that may harm bees and other pollinators if not applied correctly – have been used in New Zealand for more than 20 years. Following recently updated risk assessments published by the European Food Safety Authority the EPA is calling for information about three of them –clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam –to find out more about how and where they are being used within New Zealand.

Find out more on our website here.

Glyphosate - our role

Glyphosate substances are perhaps the most common herbicide in New Zealand and world-wide. In New Zealand, glyphosate has been used since 1976, and is currently sold under a large number of different brand names. It’s used in a wide variety of settings, including orchards, vineyards, pastures, vegetable patches, roadways, parks and sports fields and home

We set controls (rules) to ensure hazardous substances such as glyphosate, can be used in ways that safeguard people and the environment.

In the case of glyphosate, our current assessment controls advise that following the label instructions on all glyphosate products provides adequate protection for users. This is consistent with other regulators worldwide.

To find out more about how glyphosate is managed in New Zealand on our website here.

Recent decisions

Decisions on applications 
July 2018 

APP203467 by PGG Wrightson Ltd to import for release STINGER 450 containing glyphosate at 450 g/L present as the isopropylamine salt in the form of a soluble concentrate for use as a non-selective herbicide for many annual and perennial weeds in a wide range of end-use situations120 g/L clopyralid, for the control of broadleaf weeds in forage brassicas.
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 04 July 2018

APP203424 by Tui Products Limited to import or manufacture for release a soluble concentrate containing 360 g/L glyphosate present as the isopropylamine salt for use as a herbicide by home gardeners.
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 04 July 2018

APP203556 by Adama New Zealand Limited to import for release Tomahawk® 400, a herbicide containing 400g/L fluroxypyr as the methylheptyl ester in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate, for the control of certain broadleaf weeds in cereals and apples.
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 04 July 2018

APP202978 by Kenso Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd to import Castor 900 WG, a fungicide as a water dispersible granule formulation containing 900g/kg Chlorothalonil as the active contentfor the control of fungal diseases in fruit, ornamentals, turf, vegetables and wheat.
Decision: Application declined on 09 July 2018

APP203454 by ETEC Crop Solutions Ltd to manufacture Twin-Star, a herbicide containing fluroxypyr and ioxynil, for the control of; seedling docks, wireweed, cleavers, and young red and white clover, and suppression of volunteer potatoes, in onions.
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 11 July 2018

APP203564 by Virbac New Zealand Limited to determine if Multimin plus Chromium is hazardous
Decision: Determination made and notified on 12 July 2018

APP203560 by Alleva Animal Health Limited to determine if B571 is hazardous
Decision: Determination made and notified on 13 July 2018

APP203561 by Alleva Animal Health Limited to determine if A571 is a hazardous substance.
Decision: Determination made and notified on 13 July 2018

APP203510 by Adria New Zealand Limited to import Lavron 50WG insecticide.
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 16 July 2018

APP203623 by ETEC Crop Solutions Ltd to manufacture for release X-it GRASS®, an oil-miscible liquid containing 10 g/L haloxyfop-P-methyl for the control of tussock forming grasses.
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 16 July 2018

APP203610 by Department of Conservation - Canterbury Conservancy Office to import or manufacture Encapsulated PAPP mustelid bait in containment.
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 17 July 2018

APP203619 by Kiwicare Corporation Limited to manufacture LGNN 425, a ready-to-use granular insecticide containing 0.4 g/kg lambda-cyhalothrin. The substance is used for soil insect control in lawns and ornamental gardens.
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 17 July 2018

APP203079 by AgroFresh New Zealand Ltd. to determine if Smartfresh Inbox is hazardous
Decision: Determination made and notified on 19 July 2018

APP203488 by Kenso Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd to determine if Acetoken 840 EC Herbicide is hazardous.
Decision: Determined to be hazardous and notified on 19 July 2018

APP203582 by Adama New Zealand Limited to import Isoproturon 500 SC, a herbicide that contains 500g/L isoproturon in a suspension concentrate, and which is intended for use in the control of grass and broadleaf weed in wheat and barley.
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 31 July 2018

APP203645 by Renovo Technologies Ltd to import or manufacture RF-029 into containment
Decision: Approved with controls and decision notified on 31 July 2018

Withdrawn applications 

No hazardous substance applications, previously notified, were withdrawn in this period.

Amendments to approvals

HSR03058 by Ministry for Primary Industries - Wellington (Head Office) to amend application HSR03058. This application was for two substances: Aquathol K (approval HSR000946) and Aquathol Super K (approval HSR000947)
Decision: Amendment notified on 18 July 2018

APP203140 by Environmental Protection Authority to make a minor or technical amendment to the hazard classifications of FAE-Conc 399.
Decision: Amendment notified on 24 July 2018

Other news

Keep up to date with EPA consultation

You can comment on any of the public proposals we receive. Your input is an important contribution to the final decision.

For the latest information on public consultations, please see our website. We'll also tweet about any consultation openings and closings.