Genera Limited has applied for resource consent to discharge contaminants into air from fumigation for quarantine application or pre-shipment application at the Port of Tauranga. The application is to continue, and modify, the fumigation activities authorised by existing resource consent number 62719.
The Applicant is seeking authorisation for the discharge of the following contaminants to air associated with the fumigation activities:
- Methyl Bromide (MB);
- Phosphine;
- Ethanedinitrile (EDN).
As a result of the decisions of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on the MB Reassessment and on the use of EDN, the Applicant has revised the Proposal to align the regulatory controls of the EPA with the resource consents. The fumigation activities are proposed to be undertaken within the Port and setback from the Port boundary by a buffer. The revised application includes detail on the methodology for undertaking the fumigation activities, including a number of Standard Operating Procedures specifically relating to the handling of fumigants. Specifically, the Application is for:
Methyl Bromide
MB is an odourless, colourless gas, used internationally as a broad spectrum fumigant. MB is of high toxicity by oral, subcutaneous and inhalation routes of exposure. MB is also a known irritant to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract in humans. MB is an Ozone Depleting Gas (ODG). The use of MB is authorised in New Zealand for biosecurity use, as long as there is a continued reduction in its use and alternatives are used where possible.
The proposed fumigation process for MB includes:
- securely containing the fumigation area;
- the application of fumigant within the contained space;
- the circulation of the fumigant for a specified period of time (depending on concentration requirements and material being fumigated);
- the implementation of recapture technology (which includes sucking the fumigant out of the application area through a carbon filter); and
- the managed ventilation of the fumigation area to allow for the dispersal of remaining fumigant.
Phosphine
Phosphine is a colourless, flammable, and explosive gas at ambient temperature that has the odour of garlic or decaying fish. Phosphine is widely used as a rapid acting fumigant that does not leave residue on the stored product as an alternative to MB. The Applicant is proposing to continue to use phosphine for fumigation activities of ship holds (when ships are in transit), cargo under sheets and grain/flour in containers. Fumigation events using Phosphine are typically for periods of 10 to 15 days.
EDN
EDN, also known as cyanogen, is a toxic, colourless gas with a pungent and penetrating almond-like odour. It has a boiling point of -21°C and is normally supplied as a pressurised liquid. The Applicant is proposing that the management of fumigation activities with EDN includes the use of buffer zones, active monitoring and an adaptive management monitoring regime. No recapture of EDN is proposed and controls would be put in place to manage venting.
The Revised Application utilises fumigation methodology so that ‘effective recapture’ is achieved for all MB fumigation activities. As such, the Proposal is considered as a discretionary activity under the Regional Natural Resources Plan. Previously, prior to the EPA Decision and the revision of the application, the Applicant had identified that in some instances effective recapture of MB is unable to be employed and as a result, the Proposal fell to be considered as a non-complying activity. A term of 10 years is sought.
Submissions
Submissions have closed.
This application is under appeal.
Hearing agenda
RM19-0633 Genera Limited - Hearing Agenda
Related documents
Advert Notification
Revised application documents
Application documents
Further information
Technical reviews
Evidence received
Environment Court Decision
