ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
DECISION
Application Code
HSC05016
Application Type
To import or manufacture hazardous substances in
containment under Section 31 of the Hazardous
Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996
Applicant
Dow AgroSciences New Zealand Limited
89 Paritutu Rd
Purpose of the Application
New Plymouth
To import into containment GF-1674 for the purpose of
field testing to assess its ability to control weeds in
crops.
Date Application Received
13 July 2005
Consideration Date
23 August 2005
Considered by
Rob Forlong, Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand
1
Summary of Decision
1.1
The application to import into containment the hazardous substance GF-1674 is
approved with controls in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Hazardous
Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (the HSNO Act) and the HSNO
(Methodology) Order 1998 (the Methodology).
1.2
The substance has been given the following unique identifier for the ERMA New
Zealand Hazardous Substances Register:
GF-1674
2
Legislative Criteria for Application
2.1
The application was lodged pursuant to section 31 of the HSNO Act. The decision was
determined in accordance with section 32, taking into account additional matters to be
considered in that section and matters relevant to the purpose of the HSNO Act, as
specified under Part II of the HSNO Act and the provisions of Part III of the Third
Schedule of the HSNO Act. Unless otherwise stated, references to section numbers in
this decision refer to sections of the HSNO Act.
2.2
Consideration of the application followed the relevant provisions of the Methodology.
Unless otherwise stated, references to clauses in this decision refer to clauses of the
Methodology.
3
Application Process
3.1
The application was formally received on 13 July 2005.
3.2
Project Team:
Amanda McKenzie
Applications Advisor (Hazardous Substances)
Sue Scobie
Senior Science Advisor (Hazardous Substances)
Peter Jackson
Advisor (Māori Unit)
Report review and sign-out by:
Noel McCardle
Applications Team Leader (Hazardous
Substances)
3.3
The applicant supplied the following documents:
 The application
 Confidential appendices.
3.4
The following Government departments were advised of the receipt of the application
(in accordance with clause 2(2)(e)) and given the opportunity to comment:
 The Ministry of Health
 The Department of Labour (Workplace Group)
 The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary
Medicines Group (ACVM Group)).
3.5
A response was received from the Ministry of Health advising that “with appropriate
HSNO controls, the Ministry has no issues to raise at this time relating to the
acceptance of this application based on non-confidential information provided from a
public health perspective (non-occupational)”.
3.6
The applicant was provided with a copy of the proposed controls for GF-1674 and
given the opportunity to comment on them. No comments were received.
4
Consideration
Sequence of the Consideration
4.1
This application was considered by the Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand under
delegated powers from the Authority (section 19(2)(e) of the HSNO Act).
4.2
In accordance with section 32 of the Act, the approach adopted when considering this
application was to confirm whether the application was for one of the purposes
ERMA New Zealand Decision: Application HSC05016
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specified in section 30, to identify and assess the risks and to determine whether the
substances could be adequately contained by controls to provide for each of the matters
specified in Part III of the Third Schedule of the Act.
Purpose of the Application
4.3
The purpose of the application is to import GF-1674 into containment. The substance is
a herbicide, intended for use on economically important weeds. The intention is to
conduct small-scale contained field trials to provide information for the registration of
this herbicide.
4.4
As the purpose amounts to “research and development on any hazardous substance”, I
consider that the application qualifies for consideration under section 30(ba) of the Act.
Life Cycle
4.5
Dow AgroSciences New Zealand Limited plans to import up to 50 litres of GF-1674
over a period of five years. It will be stored by Dow AgroSciences New Zealand
Limited and will be dispensed into spray mix quantities prior to transporting to the trial
site, where the spray mixtures will be prepared and applied. Disposal procedures for
surplus samples, spray mixtures and used containers are detailed in the Management
Plan supplied by the applicant.
Hazardous Properties
4.6
I note that a containment application requires only sufficient understanding of the
hazardous properties to ensure that any risks can be managed by the containment
controls.
4.7
The applicant has assessed the available information, which is limited, and has
identified that the substance GF-1674 triggers the thresholds for aquatic ecotoxicity.
4.8
As there is limited information available, I have assumed that the substance may trigger
both toxic and ecotoxic hazards and consider that this sufficient for me to determine
whether any risks can be managed by the containment controls.
4.9
I have taken this into account in my review of the substance’s hazardous properties, and
consider that the information is sufficient for me to determine whether any risks can be
managed by the containment controls.
Identification and Evaluation of the Significant Risks of the Substances in
Containment
4.10
In accordance with sections 5, 6, and 8 and clauses 9 and 11, I considered the potential
risks of escape from containment under the headings of environmental, human health
and welfare and Māori issues and concerns.
4.11
In the application, the applicant identified and assessed potential risks, and detailed
proposals for, and impacts of risk management. I have reviewed the applicant’s
assessment of the risks and agree that it is suitable for the consideration below.
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Risks to the Environment
4.12
If released off target, the substance has the potential to cause adverse effects on the
aquatic environment.
4.13
On the basis of the lifecycle of the substance outlined in paragraph 4.5, adverse effects
could arise from:
 An accident during storage, use or transportation, resulting in release of the
substance
 Failure to follow correct disposal procedures as outlined in the Management Plan
 Failure to follow the correct operational procedures as set out in the controls,
resulting in release of the substance.
4.14
I consider that, taking into account the properties of the substance, the quantity
involved, the containment regime proposed by the applicant, the containment controls
in Appendix 1 and controls in place under other legislation, there are no significant
risks to the environment. I consider that the controls in place are not too onerous to be
complied with and therefore the risks to the environment are negligible.
Risks to Human Health and Welfare
4.15
Although there is limited information on the substance, I consider that the substance has
potential to cause adverse effects on human health.
4.16
On the basis of the lifecycle of the substance outlined in paragraph 4.5, adverse effects
could arise from:
 An accident during storage, use or transportation, resulting in release of the
substance
 Failure to follow correct disposal procedures as outlined in the Management Plan
 Failure to follow the correct operational procedures as set out in the controls,
resulting in release of the substance.
4.17
I consider that, taking into account the properties of the substance, the quantity
involved, the containment regime proposed by the applicant, the containment controls
in Appendix 1 and controls in place under other legislation, there are no significant
risks to human health and welfare. I consider that the controls in place are not too
onerous to be complied with and therefore the risks to human health and welfare are
negligible.
Māori issues and concerns
4.18
I have considered the potential Māori cultural effects of this application in accordance
with the Methodology clauses 9(b)(i) and 9(c)(iv) and sections 6(d) and 8 of the HSNO
Act, and the assessment framework contained in the ERMA New Zealand User Guide
“Working with Māori under the HSNO Act 1996”.
4.19
I note that GF-1674 may have hazardous properties that trigger HSNO toxicity and
ecotoxicity thresholds. There is the potential for these substances to have a negative
impact on Māori and the mauri of iwi, cultural tāonga and the environment.
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4.20
After careful consideration of the evaluation completed by Kaupapa Kura Taiao, I am
unaware of any likely impact GF-1674 could have on Māori culture or our traditional
relationships with ancestral lands, water, sites, wāhi tapu, valued flora and fauna or
other taonga.
4.21
I find no evidence to suggest that the controlled use of GF-1674 will breech the
principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and see no requirement for the applicant to consult
with Māori regarding this application.
4.22
This assessment is made on the condition that the substance is handled, blended, stored,
transported, used and disposed of, in accordance with the explicitly stated HSNO
controls, and any controls stipulated in other applicable Acts. However, should
inappropriate use, or an accident, result in the contamination of waterways or the
environment, it is suggested that the appropriate authorities be notified including the
relevant iwi authorities in that region. This action should include advising them of the
contamination and the measures taken to contain and remedy it.
5
Containment and Controls
5.1
I have evaluated the adequacy of the containment arrangements proposed by the
applicant and the controls listed in Appendix 1, and note that these cover the matters set
out in Part III of the Third Schedule of the Act, being
 To limit the likelihood of escape of any contained hazardous substances or
contamination by hazardous substances (for example, control 10)
 To exclude organisms from a facility (for example, control 7)
 To exclude unauthorized people from the facility (for example, control 6)
 To prevent unintended release of the substances by experimenters working with the
substances (for example, control 9)
 To control the effects of any accidental release of the substances (for example,
control 19)
 Inspection and monitoring requirements (for example, control 24)
 Qualifications required of the person responsible for implementing the controls (for
example, control 13).
5.2
I am satisfied that, with adherence to the controls listed in Appendix 1 and those
controls in place under other legislation, the substance GF-1674 can be adequately
contained.
6
Decision
6.1
I have considered this application under section 31 to import into containment a
hazardous substance, and pursuant to section 32, I am satisfied that this application is
for a purpose specified in section 30(ba).
6.2
Having considered the risks associated with the lifecycle of GF-1674, I am satisfied that
the controls imposed, including those in place under other legislation, will result in the
substance being adequately contained.
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6.3
In accordance with clause 36(2)(b) of the Methodology I record that, in reaching this
conclusion, I have applied the criteria specified in section 32 of the Act.
6.4
I have also applied the following criteria in the Methodology:
 clause 9 – equivalent of sections 5, 6 and 8;
 clause 11 – characteristics of substances;
 clause 21 – the decision accords with the requirements of the Act and regulations;
 clause 22 – the evaluation of risks – relevant considerations;
 clause 24 – the use of recognised risk identification, assessment, evaluation and
management techniques.
6.5
The application to import into containment the hazardous substance GF-1674 is thus
approved pursuant to section 32 of the Act, with controls as set out in Appendix 1.
23 August 2005
Rob Forlong
Date
Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand
ERMA New Zealand Approval Code:
GF-1674: HSC000195
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Appendix 1: List of controls that apply to the
hazardous substance GF-1674
1. The trials shall be undertaken in accordance with the Management Plan which
accompanied the application. Modifications of the Management Plan may be approved in
writing by ERMA New Zealand providing that they comply with the following controls.
2. Notwithstanding the requirements of control 1 above, the trials shall also comply with the
following controls:
3. The trials may be carried out at a location that is not defined until an infestation of the
target pest has been found, only if the applicant;
- has permission from the owner of the land to carry out the trial; and
- notifies ERMA New Zealand of the locations as per control 22.
4. The trial sites shall be chosen so as to prevent the substance entering any surface water or
groundwater system.
5. The trial sites shall be located to prevent any building where people live or work being
exposed to the substance.
6. Access to the trial sites shall be by permission of the Trial Director1 or owner of the
property on which it is located. The trial site boundaries shall be clearly marked and
distinctly visible from outside the trial site throughout the life of the trials. The trial sites
shall be signed indicating that unauthorized access is not allowed, that the site is subject
to a trial, and that the crops should not be removed or disturbed.
7. In any location where it is possible for grazing animals to access the trial site, the trial
sites shall be secured by stock proof fencing to exclude grazing animals for the duration
of the trial.
8. The substance shall be stored in accordance with the Code of Practice for the
Management of Agrichemicals NZS8409: 2004.
9. The substance shall be mixed, diluted and prepared in any other way prior to application
in accordance with the relevant sections of the Code of Practice for the Management of
Agrichemicals NZS8409: 2004.
10. The substance shall be securely packed in suitable containers that comply with the
Hazardous Substances (Packaging) Regulations 2001, and shall be labelled in accordance
with the Hazardous Substances (Identification) Regulations 2001. A Safety Data Sheet
shall accompany each shipment.
11. The substance shall be transported in compliance with any relevant requirements of the
Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 1999.
1
The Trial Director is the individual appointed by the applicant to be responsible for the overall conduct of
the trial in accordance with the Management Plan and approval controls.
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12. The substance shall be applied by way of hand-held/operator-worn equipment, using
hydraulic pressure or compressed CO2 or air on plots specifically designated and marked
for each treatment, in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Management of
Agrichemicals NZS8409: 2004. Special attention shall be paid to the minimisation of
spray drift, and in particular to the avoidance of drift beyond boundaries agreed with the
owner of the trial site.
13. The personnel applying the substance to the crops shall be able to demonstrate that they
have the qualifications necessary to carry out the trial. Ways of demonstrating this would
include the holding of an appropriate Growsafe certification or an Approved Handler
qualification. They should also be aware of the Management Plan and the controls in
place in order to adequately manage the substances.
14. No sprayed produce shall be consumed by people or animals or offered for sale.
15. Sprayed produce shall be disposed of by ploughing in, by mulching or by burial at an
approved landfill (not to be diverted to any composting operation). Sprayed produce may
also be desiccated and left to decay in the field where it will be ploughed in.
16. The amount of spray prepared shall be adequate for the trial site, but if there is any
surplus spray mix it shall be disposed of within the trial site by being further diluted and
sprayed over a marked and designated non-crop and non-grazed area at the site.
17. Any equipment used shall be rinsed after use with the appropriate detergent or
decontaminant, and rinsate disposed of within the trial site by being sprayed over a
marked and designated non-crop and non-grazed area at the site.
18. Surplus substance remaining at the end of the trials shall be returned to Dow
AgroSciences New Zealand Limited for secure storage in an exempt laboratory, exported
or degraded to a non-hazardous substance (note that once the trials are complete the
substances do not have approval to be present in New Zealand except in an exempt
laboratory).
19. Any accidental spillage of the unmixed substance or spray mix shall be contained,
prevented from entering waterways, and absorbed with an appropriate absorbent material.
This material shall be placed into sealed containers and disposed of at an appropriate
waste disposal facility (which may include a landfill), subject to the facility’s waste
acceptance policy.
20. A record shall be kept of all use of the substance. This record shall cover all matters
referred to in Regulation 6 of the Hazardous Substances (Classes 6, 8 and 9 Controls)
Regulations 2001.
21. Information on appropriate safety precautions necessary to provide safeguards against the
substance’s toxic and ecotoxic properties shall accompany the substances at all stages of
its lifecycle. Personal protective equipment shall be worn when handling the substance
during the use stage of the lifecycle.
22. The Department of Labour, [Attn. HSNO Project Manager (Workplace Group), P O Box
3705, Wellington] and ERMA New Zealand shall be informed in writing (by letter, fax or
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email) of the location, start, and completion of the trials. Notifications shall include the
following details:
Substance name
ERMA Application number
ERMA Approval number
ERMA Applications Advisor
GF-1674
HSC05016
HSC000195
Amanda McKenzie
23. If for any reason a breach of containment occurs, the Trial Director shall notify the
Department of Labour and ERMA New Zealand within 24 hours of the breach being
detected. It is suggested that if a breach in containment results in contamination of a
waterway, the relevant iwi authorities be advised.
24. The Authority or its authorised agent or properly authorised enforcement officers, may
inspect the facilities and trial sites at any reasonable time.
25. This approval remains in place for the term of any concurrent approval required under the
Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997, to a maximum of five
years.
26. The maximum total quantity of GF-1674 that shall be imported under this approval is 50
Litres.
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