Picton Fumigators May Fail Safety and Indian Requirements

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The Marlborough District Council, Port Marlborough, log exporter Zindia and fumigator Genera, should all be deeply ashamed at the release of tonnes of highly toxic ozone destroying methyl bromide gas from Port Shakespeare last Friday night, according to the Soil & Health Association of NZ.
Soil & Health also questions whether the fumigations would have met the log destination country India’s phyto-sanitary requirements due to cold conditions over the relatively short fumigation period.
Port Marlborough allowed methyl bromide release in Picton from log stack fumigation tarpaulins and from the hold of the ship Ideal Bulker on Friday night in conditions and volumes that would not be permitted in neighbouring Port Nelson.
Nelson City Council’s air plan for the Port of Nelson was developed with the assistance of an Environment Court process with considerable scientific expert evidence including air modelling of where any released gas might go. Marlborough District Council could immediately make an air plan variation to match that of Nelson.
As supported by the Environment Court in Nelson and also the European Parliament, release of methyl bromide is based on the use of recapture technology. Europe is to ban use of methyl bromide by March 18 next year; with any emergency derogation using a fraction of current use, and at least 80% of any gas used being recaptured.
“Risking unacceptable levels of toxic gas exposure to inter-island shipping passengers and staff, by releasing hundreds of kilos of highly toxic gas at a time, is absolutely reckless,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning. “The fumigators said they would slowly release the gas but pulled some large covers off in close to a minute.”
“The neurotoxic gas was released during the night in cold conditions and variable breezes with no idea where the gas was actually going or who might be exposed to it, before its ultimate destination of damaging the ozone layer and aggravating climate change.”
“In the Nelson air plan, any release must happen during specific daylight hours, following recapture of most of the toxic gas, yet log exporter Zindia, fumigation company Genera and Port Marlborough and its owner the Marlborough District Council, in full knowledge of the Environment Court’s findings use effectively no standard in Picton. Monitoring around a few sites at the Port edges is a pot luck approach at detecting methyl bromide which could be going anywhere, and in no way relates to Nelson’s approach.”
“Port Nelson’s own fumigation Code of Practice has strict protocols on methyl bromide use and recapture of the majority of the gas, and there is no reason why Port Marlborough should have anything less. The recapture in Nelson is based on immediate human safety, yet another great danger globally is the effect of Zindia’s tonnes of methyl bromide on the ozone layer and climate change. Port Marlborough has yet to make its Code of Practice publicly available.”
“Zindia and Genera should be looked at very hard by the Indian Government as to whether they have met the pre-shipment phyto-sanitary requirements for logs being imported into India. India does not want some of New Zealand’s indigenous timber damaging insects and has strict requirements on timber treatment to ensure its biosecurity needs, yet it appears those requirements may have been treated as casually as the safety of Picton and the ozone layer.”
India – Logs to India require fumigation with methyl bromide at:
. 48gm/m3at >21°Cfor24hours.
. 56 gm/m3 at 16-20°C for 24 hours.
. 64gm/m3at 11-15°C for 24 hours.
. 72 gm/m3 at 10-11 °C for 24 hours.
Picton’s weather was bleak throughout the fumigation period and certainly fell below 10 degrees centigrade, making effective fumigation doubtful.
“As I sailed into Picton on the Interislander ferry Arahura, during methyl bromide fumigant release near 9-30pm on Friday evening, the breeze was coming through the cutting from the fumigated log ship and log stacks a few hundred metres away,” said Mr Browning. “My photographs and videos show the proximity to the ferry and the fluctuating windsock at the ferry terminal.”
“On arrival at about 10pm at the Shakespeare Bay observation point, that had no public warning signs, the raised ship hatches allowing methyl bromide fumigant release were visible, and soon after, two major log stacks had their covers removed within minutes. No warning signs, no gas recapture, no care, and an oscillating breeze.”
“The wind which was mostly southerly in Picton was much more variable and often very quiet at the observation point and photographs of the log ship’s flag support that. The complex Sounds valley system of land and sea make assumptions on released fumigant gas direction difficult, and as done in Port Nelson, air modelling must be undertaken ahead of new Marlborough District Council rules around fumigation. In the meanwhile all fumigation at Port Shakespeare must stop.
“Soil & Health has campaigned against methyl bromide fumigation for many years and now vindicated by the decisions of the European Parliament and findings of the Environment Court, will continue to campaign for a clean green Aotearoa New Zealand and against methyl bromide use. Soil & Health has a vision of an Organic 2020.”

Picton getting tonnes of toxic gas again

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Two environmental organisations are calling for Port Marlborough and its owner the Marlborough District Council to make an immediate stop to the use of pre-shipment methyl bromide log fumigation at Picton’s Shakespeare Bay.

Fumigation of logs under tarpaulins is underway at Picton for the first time since September 2007, for deck loading on the log ship the Ideal Bulker. The ship’s hold is also to be fumigated with the highly toxic and ozone depleting methyl bromide gas in the next few days, when 3 tonnes of the gas will be released into the air.

Guardians of the Sounds and the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand believe the shipment, following one in February that used 4 tonnes of the neurotoxic gas in just the ship’s hold, is a snub to the health concerns of the Picton community and to New Zealanders concerned at the extreme effects on climate change by ozone depleting gases. The cold still conditions in Picton today are some of the least safe for release of methyl bromide. The Picton community and ferry travellers have not been informed of the current fumigation.

“The crude release of 3 tonnes of ozone depleting gas into the atmosphere this week in Picton is also in direct contrast to the European Parliament’s resolution of 25 March 2009, banning all uses of methyl bromide in less than a year, including those used for quarantine and pre-shipment,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“Ozone depleting substances have a global warming potential up to 14,000 times greater than carbon dioxide. It is as if the Marlborough District Council and Port Marlborough had not heard of climate change or its seriousness, or really understand what the word toxic means.”

“In February we were led to believe by the log exporter Zindia, that there was to be just a single shipment of gas released without filtration,” said Guardians Chairperson Peter Beech.

“We are very disappointed, that in the face of persistent opposition from the people of Picton, concerned about the risks posed to their community’s health and safety by tonnes of extremely toxic gas released to the atmosphere, that Port Marlborough continues to agree to fumigations.”

“We hold Zindia the exporter, Genera the fumigation company, Port Marlborough and its owner Marlborough District Council, all to account. Considering the deaths of Nelson port workers by motor neurone disease attributed to methyl bromide fumigations, release to the air around Picton of that gas, that attacks the respiratory and nervous systems and body organs, and is carcinogenic, makes those responsible potentially merchants of death,” said Mr Beech.

“Following public outcry and an extensive Environment Court case in Nelson, with scientific modelling of where released gas might go, methyl bromide log fumigations without recapture of the gas, can no longer happen in Nelson,” said Mr Browning

“If Zindia is not able to operate its substandard fumigation in Nelson, then why in Picton? The answer lies with Marlborough District Council choosing to operate in the interests of commerce while gambling with the health and safety of its community and its environmental reputation.”

“The Council and its subsidiary Port Marlborough can stop the fumigation instantly. Port Marlborough has final sign off to any fumigation and does not need to accept fumigation on its property. They successfully stopped fumigation previously when other commercial imperatives linked with community concerns.”

“Strangely while almost all Marlborough District Councillors state opposition to the fumigations, they and the Mayor are failing to immediately correct the inadequate district air plans. Who is calling the shots in Council?”

“In keeping with Brand New Zealand’s Clean Green 100% Pure image, and Soil & Health’s vision of an Organic 2020, the release of toxic or ozone depleting gases must be stopped.”

Notes
Methyl bromide (CH3Br) is an odourless, colourless gas, used as a pre-shipment (QPS) fumigant pesticide that kills all pests and is extremely toxic to humans. Human exposure to methyl bromide has potentially serious acute impacts on the central nervous system and internal organs that can be fatal, with a range of neurological and cancer causing effects associated with chronic exposure. Methyl bromide use is limited internationally due to health risks and its serious ozone depleting properties, although due to log exports a 300% increase in its use in New Zealand occurred from 2001 – 2007.

Picton Methyl Bromide History
Methyl bromide gas used for export log fumigation has been vented from Port Marlborough’s Shakespeare Bay facility in the past. This is close to Picton’s wharves and township and was halted in September 2007 following major public meetings organised by Guardians of the Sounds in opposition to the fumigation.

Motor Neurone Disease
An international motor neurone disease expert, Canterbury University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Shaw, in 2007 said that statistically it appeared the Port Nelson motor neurone disease rate was 25 times the international average. At least six port workers had died from the disease, which causes progressive muscular atrophy.

That number is potentially double with ex-Nelson port workers dying in other parts of NZ. Nelson may have the second highest motor neurone death rate in the world.

European Parliament Position
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/474&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Beyond protecting the ozone layer, the reduction of ozone depleting substances also plays a significant role in fighting climate change. Ozone depleting substances have a global warming potential up to 14,000 times greater than carbon dioxide. Without the Montreal Protocol global greenhouse gas emissions would be 50% higher than they are today….
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ozone/review.htm

Ends.

Contact
Steffan Browning
Spokesperson
The Soil & Health Association of NZ
021 725655
steffan@buyorganic.co.nz

Pete Beech
Chairman
Guardians of the Sounds
0275 404407 (03) 5736891
p.beech@ xtra.co.nz
www.guardiansofthesounds.co.nz

Brussels, 25 March 2009 – Commission welcomes agreement in Parliament on ozone layer
The Commission welcomes the vote today by the European Parliament that confirms the first reading agreement reached between Parliament and Council on reinforcing ozone legislation. The agreement comes less than a year after the Commission’s proposal was presented. In addition to updating current legislation on the protection of the ozone layer in light of scientific developments, the new regulation reinforces measures on the illegal trade and remaining uses of ozone depleting substances, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons. It also confirms the ban on the use of methyl bromide from early 2010 and bolsters measures on the management of banned substances in older products.

Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: “Ozone depleting substances have caused greater UV radiation to reach the earth, which endangers human beings and the environment. I welcome the European Parliament and the Council’s swift adoption of this new legislation which further restricts the use of these substances in the European Union. The new legislation should help the ozone layer recover from 2050 onwards and also contribute to our efforts to mitigate climate change.”

Building on the successes of the Montreal Protocol
International measures to protect the ozone layer in the stratosphere have had remarkable success. In the EU, current legislation – generally more ambitious than the 1987 Montreal Protocol that regulates these substances internationally – helped achieve a 99% phase-out of ozone-depleting substances, thus demonstrating its commitment to lead in the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.

Beyond protecting the ozone layer, the reduction of ozone depleting substances also plays a significant role in fighting climate change. Ozone depleting substances have a global warming potential up to 14,000 times greater than carbon dioxide. Without the Montreal Protocol global greenhouse gas emissions would be 50% higher than they are today.

Strengthening EU legislation on the ozone
The legislation agreed on by the European Parliament today follows from the Commission’s proposal presented in August 2008. The aim of the new legislation is to adapt EU legislation on the protection of the ozone layer to the latest scientific developments and simplify it. It also strengthens the measures on the illegal trade and use of ozone depleting substances in the EU and introduces measures to prevent the dumping of these substances – or obsolete equipment relying on these substances – in developing countries.

The new legislation restricts further the use of some ozone depleting substances, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl bromide. It bans the use of virgin HCFCs from 2010 while allowing the use of recycled HCFCs under certain conditions until the end of 2014. Production of HCFCs for export – mainly to developing countries where the phase out is lagging by about ten years – would cease by 2020 in decremental steps and caps instead of the original deadline of 2025. It also mandates the Commission to adopt tougher provisions on ozone depleting substances trapped – or “banked” – in products such as insulation foams in buildings in addition to already existing obligations on the recovery and elimination of substances in air conditioners and refrigeration equipment.

Measures on methyl bromide will be tightened under the new ozone legislation. All uses of the substance will be banned by March 2010, including those used for quarantine and pre-shipment.

The legislation also expands the list of substances for which reporting is required, but that are not yet covered by the Montreal Protocol.

Background
The discovery in the early 1980s of a significant decrease in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere over the Antarctic led to governments agreeing in 1987 on a Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer – the Montreal Protocol. Thus began the phasing-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) according to a set timetable.

By 2007 all 191 parties signatory to the protocol had reduced their use of ozone depleting substances by 95% from the base year. Industrialised countries achieved the highest results since developing countries were given a delayed timetable. In its 2007 report, the Montreal Protocol Scientific Assessment Panel (SAP) confirmed that the ozone layer is slowly recovering – but slower than projections – thanks to the control measures introduced by the Protocol.

As a result of international efforts scientists report that it is now possible for the ozone layer to fully recover sometime between 2050 and 2075. However, the scientists warned that a number of challenges remain to ensure this happens, particularly emissions from “banked” substances, exempted uses and new ozone depleting substances. The SAP expressed concerns about the growing production of HCFCs in developing countries. The parties to the protocol subsequently agreed in 2007 on an accelerated HCFC phase-out schedule.

More information:

Commission proposal: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ozone/review.htm

European Parliament legislative resolution of 25 March 2009 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on substances that deplete the ozone layer (recast) (COM(2008)0505 – C6-0297/2008 – 2008/0165(COD))

(12) In view of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2032/2003 of 4 November 2003 on the second phase of the 10-year work programme referred to in Article 16(2) of Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1896/2000 (7) which banned the use of methyl bromide as a biocide by 1 September 2006, and Commission Decision 2008/753/EC which banned the use of methyl bromide as a plant protection product by 18 March 2010, the use of methyl bromide for quarantine and pre-shipment applications should also be banned by 18 March 2010.

Article 12

Quarantine and pre-shipment applications and emergency uses of methyl bromide

1. By way of derogation from Article 5(1), until 18 March 2010 , methyl bromide may be placed on the market and used for quarantine and for pre-shipment applications for treatment of goods for export provided that the placing on the market and use of methyl bromide are allowed respectively under Directive 91/414/EEC and Directive 98/8/EC as transposed by the Member State concerned.

Methyl bromide may only be used on sites approved by the competent authorities of the Member State concerned and, if economically and technically feasible, under the condition that at least 80 % of methyl bromide released from the consignment is recovered.

2. The calculated level of methyl bromide which undertakings place on the market or use for their own account in the period from 1 January 2010 to 18 March 2010 shall not exceed 45 ODP tonnes.

Each undertaking shall ensure that the calculated level of methyl bromide which it places on the market or uses for its own account for quarantine and pre-shipment applications shall not exceed 21 % of the average of the calculated level of methyl bromide which it placed on the market or used for its own account for quarantine and pre-shipment in the years 2005 to 2008.

3. In an emergency, where unexpected outbreaks of particular pests or diseases so require, the Commission, at the request of the competent authority of a Member State, may authorise the temporary production, placing on the market and use of methyl bromide. Such authorisation shall apply for a period not exceeding 120 days and to a quantity not exceeding 20 metric tonnes and shall specify measures to be taken to reduce emissions during use provided that the placing on the market and use of methyl bromide are allowed respectively under Directive 91/414/EEC and Directive 98/8/EC.

New editor at Organic NZ

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New Zealand’s leading organics and sustainable living magazine, Organic NZ, has just appointed Philippa Jamieson as editor, starting with the next issue, out in the news stands late October.

Ms Jamieson, a freelance writer and editor, has contributed to Organic NZ for several years. Her book The Wild Green Yonder: Ten Seasons Volunteering on New Zealand’s Organic Farms, was published last year, and this year she volunteered on six organic farms in Europe.

“More and more people are farming and growing organically, eating organic food and using organic products in homes and businesses,” said Ms Jamieson.

“Organic NZ offers information and inspiration for people wanting to live healthy, sustainable lifestyles, as well as practical tips for farmers and home gardeners.”

The magazine is published by the not-for-profit Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, the world’s oldest organisation dedicated to organic production, founded in 1941. Philippa Jamieson, a long-time member of Soil & Health, sat on the association’s national council from 2006-2008, taking on the role of co-chair in 2007.

“Philippa brings a wealth of experience to the editor role, and an understanding of Soil & Health’s philosophy and aims,” said Steffan Browning, Soil & Health co-chair and spokesman. “Organic NZ is the flagship of our association, carrying news of our campaigns and articulating our commitment to genuine sustainability and our vision of an Organic 2020.”

“For New Zealand to live up to our clean, green reputation, we must clean up our act,” Ms Jamieson said. “Organic NZ is reporting on the positive changes going on around the country, and is an expression of Soil & Health’s motto of healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people.”

Mapua report shows systemic problems with environmental protection

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The investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment into the toxin-contaminated site at Mapua, shows a typical example of the cavalier attitude to chemicals, community health and environmental protection by local and central government agencies, according to the Soil & Health Association of NZ.

Soil & Health wants an independent environmental monitoring and enforcement agency to be established.

“The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and the Tasman District Council (TDC) both shared a part in under resourcing remediation, complicity in poor worker and community protection, poor monitoring of toxic emissions, and a conflict of interest in compliance standards and enforcement at Mapua,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“The general approach uncovered in the PCE’s investigation results and those that should be revealed in the coming Departments of Health and Labour reports, could be matched at New Plymouth’s Paritutu Dow Chemical situation and at any 1080 aerial drop, methyl bromide log fumigation facility and many pesticide applications in New Zealand agribusiness.”

“Environmental monitoring as reported in MfE’s own Environment 07 report was another example of government hiding the reality of environmental protection in New Zealand. Mapua shows further incompetence and a lack of commitment to put people and the environment ahead of money,” said Mr Browning.

The PCE’s recommendations included:

“The Minister for the Environment establishes a mechanism for appointing a pool of independent, technically expert environmental auditors to assist with the management and remediation of contaminated land; and develops guidelines for when an accredited environmental auditor may be required, and the matters that such auditors may certify.”

“Independence in science research, monitoring and auditing is critical if New Zealand is to be a truly sustainable nation. Currently agencies such as MfE, the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA), and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) are caught by economic and trade agenda’s, leaving communities and under resourced and under committed local authorities to the perils of pesticide abuse,” said Mr Browning.

“Staff at the Mapua cleanup have had their health seriously affected, as have workers exposed to methyl bromide at Port Nelson, as had the community at Paritutu, or benlate exposed staff at Christchurch City Council gardens, but where was the real concern from government or council agencies? They have ducked for cover and used non-independent industry sourced science to downplay the harm.”

“The PCE’s exposure of another example of poor community and environmental care has to be a turning point. A strong independent agency that can protect the environment and those in it must be established.”

Soil & Health has a vision of an Organic 2020, and is committed to environment free of synthetic pesticides

—— ——

Notes:

Some excerpts from the PCE Mapua documents, in no particular order:

Two matters stand out as being of serious significance:

1.The limited range of the substances measured means that we cannot rule out the fact that people may have been exposed to a range of toxins, most notably dioxins as well as mercury compounds, especially between September 2004 and November 2005.

2.The design and management of the plant meant that from June 2004 until November 2004, the risk of the generation and emission of a range of toxins, most notably dioxins, was elevated.

Some of the resource consent conditions around discharges to air contained significant problems which made compliance difficult. Clear, measurable and enforceable resource consent conditions were required. It seems that TDC, for whatever reason, did not have sufficient expertise on hand to deliver these.

For different reasons, much of the atmospheric monitoring data cannot be relied upon. There have been failures by EDL, MfE, MfE’s consultants and TDC in this regard. We simply do not have good enough data to determine whether there have been emissions to air from the site beyond those included in the THI.

With respect to emissions to air, it appears that TDC failed to enforce the resource consent conditions. However, it should be noted that the Peer Review Panel was instrumental in getting key measurements carried out.

MfE did not appear to have appropriate expertise in its project team to safely and appropriately manage this project (even with EMS in place). They also did not appear to have the capability to identify serious issues and take a precautionary approach in those circumstances.

EDL’s Close-out Report to MfE5 estimated that soil passed through the MCD plant during the works contained a total of 21,177 kg of DDX and ADL. In addition, approximately 45 kg of pesticide was sent off-site for destruction. The output treated soil was estimated to contain a total of 2,588 kg of pesticide.

On 5 December 2006, MfE wrote to EDL to vary the contractual target DRE down to 80 percent. The justification for this step is unclear. The variation letter indicates that achieving the 90 percent target in soils that were only moderately contaminated was proving difficult. However, this does not seem to be an extenuating circumstance, because the 90 percent target was for overall DRE, not for individual batches; and because highly contaminated soils contained more DDX and ADL than moderately contaminated soils, they contribute more to the overall DRE.

Scion’s GE trees damage NZ’s reputation on Arbor Day and World Environment Day

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The State Owned Enterprise (SOE) Scion (formerly Forest Research Institute), whose ‘science’ is involved in massive GE tree plantation projects in Brazil and the USA, has a failed GE tree field trial at its Rotorua site that is is still growing. This is despite public assurances that the trees would be removed, according to the Soil & Health Association of NZ.

A month ago Scion said its experimental GE field trial was coming to an end and the 50 trees remaining, after protestors earlier cut down 19, would be removed in the next few weeks. Last week Scion received permission from ERMA (Environmental Risk Management Authority) to compost the fifty 5 metre tall trees within the field trial site, but the trees are still in the ground. Scion has said it intends to remove the trees before June 13.

“Does Scion need a hand to remove their remaining illegal trees?” asks Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning. “I am visting the site this morning saw included and like many New Zealanders would be only too pleased to help.”

“With World Environment Day this year hosted in New Zealand and falling today on Arbor Day, it would have been desirable if New Zealand had no environmentally risky trees in its environment.”

“Everyday the trees remain growing is another day of risk, with Scion still not meeting consent requirements set down by ERMA.”

In late 2007 Soil & Health had identified Scion’s breaches of several consent conditions including that of the risk of GE pollen release by incorrect pruning. Following the protestors’ breach of the trial’s security fence, MAF Biosecurity NZ investigated and Scion subsequently decided its experiment was finished just 4 years into its potential 22-year term.

The success of Soil & Health and fellow NGO GE Free NZ in bringing the field trial to an end is soured by Scion’s ‘science’ involvement with GE eucalypt research for giant GE forest company ArborGen, one third formed by Fletcher Forest’s spin off company Rubicon. ArborGen is planning further large-scale GE eucalypt plantations in the USA and Brazil.

“Scion and Rubicon’s involvement with large-scale GE brings shame to New Zealand’s clean, green GE free reputation at a time when the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (Bonn from 12th -31 May) has been grappling with designing controls for GE trees,” says Mr Browning.

The New Zealand delegation sided with Australia and Canada and opposed African nations’ calls to suspend the release of GE trees until there is more conclusive proof of their environmental safety. This includes the effects of such trees on animals, insects and microbes that live on and around the trees.

Instead of New Zealand representing its citizens and taking a stand against the risk of global ecological disaster, MFAT (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and MAF are looking after old money and giant multinationals. These commercial imperatives are blocking good science and precaution.”

“Scion has significant other high quality research and activity that it should focus on. GE research whether for biofuels or timber sullies Scion’s reputation.”

“Poor science with a New Zealand label also has the potential to ruin the clean green reputation that New Zealand’s biggest earners, primary production and tourism, currently enjoy.”

Soil & Health has a vision of an Organic 2020 and is opposed to GE in food and environment.

Wellington Regional Council’s independence compromised

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Toxic methyl bromide gas again wafted out from under a huge tarpaulin on Wellington’s waterfront under dangerous conditions last night from the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) majority owned CentrePort.

The independence of GWRC from CentrePort’s commercial focus is being questioned by the Soil & Health Association.

Soon after 7pm a cover over 15 shipping containers containing logs fumigated with neurotoxic and ozone depleting methyl bromide gas was removed in almost still conditions near Wellington’s busy Aotea and Waterloo Quays. Immediately after another row of containers was covered for fumigation.

“While hundreds of cars were going past, the gas would have been moving slowly in an invisible, odourless and tasteless poisonous mass and may well not have been detected due to monitoring inadequacies,” says Soil & Health Association spokesperson Steffan Browning. “GWRC and CentrePort’s increased monitoring will only prove anything if they chance to be at the ideal spot, but they cannot predict well, what or where that spot is.”

“GWRC states that the monitoring is independent, however last night Centreport staff were taking monitoring results. Centreport with its commercial focus favouring log fumigation is majority owned by GWRC and neither organisation can be truly independent.”

“Two Regional Councillors are on the Centreport board and the political pressure to delay stopping dangerous release of methyl bromide was evident at yesterday’s GWRC regulatory committee meeting when human health came second to business as usual. Some staff and councillors had discouraged Councillor Paul Bruce’s motion for an abatement notice from being served on the fumigator and port.”

“Soil & Health is impressed with the concern of some other Councillors, who could see that the strategy being supported yesterday was not going to quickly address the health risks to the community. Soil & Health urges the Councillors as representatives of the community to reconsider the abatement option.”

“It is doubtful that the same staff and business as usual councillors will want to stand at the Stadium carpark or on Waterloo or Aotea Quay or at the downwind ferry terminal, or be on a dragon boat or twilight sailing, when the tarpaulins come off today.”

“Last week’s event, when strong winds ripped tarpaulins and caused the fumigators to prematurely release hundreds of kilograms of toxic gas without controls, should be enough to ensure an abatement notice stops gas release until safe facilities that can capture the fumigant are installed.”

“Does Wellington want the same appalling statistics of motor neurone disease as is the case with Nelson Port workers? Have the Wellington authorities checked or will they try and fudge the data as Occupational Safety and Health and others did in Nelson, and blend the statistics across the whole community?”

“Soil & Health is committed to removal of ozone depleting neurotoxic fumigants from our clean green environment and aims for an Organic 2020.”

Photos available:
Photo 1 shows a yacht sailing less than 1 hour after gas was released last night with fumigated containers part hidden behind logs. The yacht / Waterloo Quay – Stadium / Ferry Terminal: which were the unlucky sites last night?
Photo 2 shows tarpaulin covered containers behind the log stack at Waterloo Quay. This is part of the huge tarpaulin that will be removed today in northerly winds. Who and where will be unlucky today?

Soil & Health boosts Methyl Bromide protest

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Soil & Health today joined with Green Party members including MP Sue Kedgley, Greenpeace, and student protestors outside Wellington’s CentrePort log yard to alert morning commuters to the use of methyl bromide there.

“The morning event included white protective suited protestors with gas masks and banners demonstrating the serious risks of the neurotoxic gas that is released to the Wellington air in large quantities following fumigation of export logs,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“The Greater Wellington Regional Council appears to be stalling a ban of the release to air of the toxic and ozone destroying gas.”

“We have met with the Council and since then there have been improvements in observation of the fumigation, but the monitoring results so far prove that they do not know where the gas is escaping to and whose health might be affected.”

“It is an insult to the intelligence of Wellington people for Council to suggest that the gas is not exceeding health standards when hundreds of kilograms are being released with each fumigated log shipment.”

“Everyone knows that methyl bromide destroys the atmospheric ozone layer. Greater Wellington Regional Council can show leadership by insisting that methyl bromide gas be recaptured after use or discontinue its use. New Zealand, with an increase in methyl bromide use of more than 300% since 2001, is a world leader in skin cancer caused by high ultra violet radiation that is increased by weakened atmospheric ozone.”

Methyl bromide (CH3Br) is an odourless, colourless gas, used as a pre-shipment fumigant pesticide that kills all pests and is extremely toxic to humans.

Human exposure to methyl bromide has potentially serious acute impacts on the central nervous system and internal organs that can be fatal, with chronic exposure associated with a range of neurological effects such as motor neurone disease.

“The log exporters’ concern about economic impact must be a very big second to the health risks posed to the community and the damage to the ozone layer. Gas capture technology must urgently be installed if log exports are to continue from Wellington,” said Mr Browning.

“A public statement is now needed from the Port Company and Regional Council, that release of toxic fumigants into the atmosphere at Wellington will stop permanently.”

“Clean alternatives to toxic or ozone depleting gases must be implemented in keeping with Brand New Zealand’s Clean Green 100% Pure image, and Soil & Health’s vision of an Organic 2020.”

Christmas is over Scion, take the GE trees down

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It’s time for Scion to pull down its Rotorua GE Christmas trees, says the Soil & Health Association.

“Scion appears unable to manage its genetic engineering tree experiments to meet the requirements of its ERMA consent, so like any Christmas trees, their time is up,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.

The genetically engineered tree field trials at the Rotorua base of CRI Scion (formerly Forest Research Institute Ltd) have rabbits and cats free ranging in and out of the trial, and the weekly fence inspection requirements of the ERMA (Environmental Risk Management Authority) consent have clearly not been followed for years according to Scion’s annual ERMA reports and photographic evidence collated for Soil & Health’s Organic NZ magazine.

“The consistent rabbit breaches show that the Ministry for the Environment (MfE), ERMA, MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) and Scion, are all falling down in their responsibilities. Scion first in its lax approach to the GE experiment conditions, MAF for not monitoring Scion’s compliance thoroughly, ERMA for not recognising the consistency of the breaches in repeated Scion annual reports, and MfE for falling down in its overview position.”

“Further, the requirement to have all experimental trees topped at 5 metres has not been followed, with one clearly left to exceed that height. Also prunings are being mower mulched on site instead of the required incineration.”

“With all levels of authority not taking genetic engineering risks seriously it will not be surprising if the community takes control of such field trials.”

“Scion and other crown research institutes have valuable contributions to make in traditional breeding and plant development techniques that do not create environmental risk, or risks to New Zealand’s clean green marketing image,” said Mr Browning.

Ditch the Diet Coke, the facts are out

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True Independence Needed For NZFSA Aspartame Review.

The Soil & Health Association of NZ is impressed with the Phoenix Organics ‘Think Before You Drink’ anti-aspartame campaign and their bringing into the public arena the shonky science and politics behind the approval of the artificial sweetener.

“Having 20,000 bottles of Phoenix Organic Cola with labels highlighting concerns with aspartame, is a great counter to Coca-Cola’s ‘Make Every Drop Matter’ pro-aspartame campaign,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“Soil & Health wants Diet Coke out of all schools in 2008 as a step towards withdrawing aspartame out of all New Zealand food and drinks, and the certified organic Phoenix drinks show there are wholesome alternatives.”

“Phoenix and Soil & Health share a concern that the decisions of New Zealand food safety authorities accept outcomes from apparent corrupt international scientific and political processes. Aspartame was introduced to the worlds food supply in 1983 aftercorrupt US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) processes.” corrupt.”

“The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) continues to claim that aspartame is one of the most studied substances in the world, yet conveniently brushes aside the fact that while all industry-funded studies do not show a problem, the overwhelming majority of independent studies do.”

“Of 166 studies felt to have relevance for questions of human safety, 74 had Nutrasweet (an aspartame brand) industry-related funding and 92 were independently funded. One hundred percent of the industry funded research attested to aspartame’s safety, whereas nearly all of the independently funded research identified problems.”

“Soil & Health is also concerned that the current Government review of NZFSA decision-making processes, including decisions around A2 milk and aspartame, will not be as independent as proposed.”

The review is using the services of international expert Dr Stuart Slorach because of his experience in risk management as Chair of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) during its critical establishment phase, and as Chair of the international food standards setting agency, the Codex Alimentarius.

“However EFSA has often slavishly followed the mantra of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is highly influenced by giant food industry interests, and the Codex approach is based more on trade and economics than genuine consumer protection. Dr Slorach is more likely to give a tick of approval to NZFSA’s aspartame decision-making, considering EFSA’s approach so far,” said Mr Browning.

“Ditching Diet Coke, enjoying organic juices and getting genuine independent research will be great Christmas presents for New Zealand consumers.”

Soil & Health advocates natural sweeteners, following its motto: Healthy Soil, Healthy Food and Healthy People.

Notes:

* Aspartame (951, Equal, Nutrasweet) is an artificial sweetener found in over 6000 products including diet drinks, sugar free products, dietary supplements, sports drinks and medications.
* Aspartame has been linked to many health symptoms, including those expressed as ADHD, anxiety, depression, irritability, confusion, memory loss, insomnia, dizziness, migraines, cramps, abdominal pain, numbness or tingling of extremities, rashes, chronic fatigue, and sight and personality changes.

NZFSA A2 spin just tip of iceberg

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The Soil & Health Association of NZ wants to see dramatic changes to New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s (NZFSA) focus, following the further evidence of its communications spin supporting large food industry interests.

NZFSA was found to have manipulated the release of Professor Boyd Swinburn’s report querying A1/A2 milk safety and spun it saying that ‘there was no evidence of a food safety issue.’

“Soil & Health is also concerned about the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), because of their business-based economic priorities when making risk analysis decisions,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“Their risk management systems feel rotten when decision after decision is stacked in the interest of short-term economic imperatives, and community and environmental health is placed behind business.”

“Evidence showing that NZFSA manipulated scientific opinion surrounding the possible health implications of New Zealand’s dominant milk supply comes as no surprise to Soil & Health.”

“It appears Treasury, followed by Ministerial directives to NZFSA, is thwarting a precautionary approach to food safety, and with a change of policy directive NZFSA could instead rapidly focus on the best health interests of the community.”

“Soil & Health has campaigned vigorously on issues of food safety and toxins, including pesticide residues and food additives, to NZFSA, FSANZ and ERMA, and has found that responses are the same as those generated by big business. The level of PR spin is inappropriate from agencies mandated to protect the community and environment.”

“The media spin around sugar replacement Aspartame (phenylalanine, 965, NutraSweet, Equal) is a prime example of NZFSA and FSANZ supporting the Coca Colas and Wrigley’s of the world, rather than addressing the genuine health concerns of New Zealanders. The media material used by NZFSA matches that of the manufacturers of this neurotoxic, carcinogenic food additive.”

“The Coca Cola Company and Ajinomoto, an aspartame manufacturer, are in turn using NZFSA’s industry-led spin as a recommendation in glossy public advertising. Coca Cola’s full page advertisement ‘It’s Time To Air Some Truth About Sweeteners’ in a paper’s liftout last weekend, uses both NZFSA and FSANZ positions to announce ‘Low-kilojoule sweeteners are safe.’

“This is self-perpetuating spin and it is time for NZFSA to break the cycle,” said Mr Browning.

“The current attempt by NZFSA to exempt genetically modified microbes from having maximum residue limits in food is another risky move that has no benefit for anyone except the Monsantos of the world. The mooted increase in some acceptable pesticide levels in food is also about big producer convenience and adds nothing to the health of New Zealanders.”

“ERMA’s reassessment of most chemicals also has an outcome that is very predictable. Unless banned or extremely restricted by our trading partners, reassessment decisions offer no real interruption to the status quo, meaning ongoing heavy use of toxins in our environment and food chain. Recent examples are Hydrogen Cyanimide (Hi-Cane) as used in the kiwifruit industry, where safe management alternatives submitted by Soil & Health were ignored, and the 1080 decision, which gave no real incentives for alternatives.”

“ERMA’s decisions supporting field trials of genetically engineered crops also favour its friends in crown research institutes and business, and lack genuine consideration of community concerns. ERMA’s touted independence of government and business is a sham when its decisions are examined.”

“Soil & Health calls for the urgent implementation of a precautionary approach that puts health and the environment well out in front of economic imperatives,” said Mr Browning.

Soil & Health has a motto of Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy People, and promotes a diet free from synthetic additives.