Media release

8 April 2016

Submissions open on change to insecticide application method

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions on an application from DuPont Limited to extend the use of the insecticide Exirel to allow aerial application. Exirel is an insecticide containing the active ingredient cyantraniliprole. It was assessed and approved for use by the EPA in June 2013, with controls limiting its use to ground-based application methods.

The EPA has determined that there are grounds for a modified reassessment of Exirel, as an application for aerial use represents a significant change in the use pattern of the substance. The current approval for ground-based application of Exirel is for a maximum of three applications per year and a minimum interval of seven days between applications.

The modified reassessment application is for controlling the same pests (caterpillars and aphids) in the same crop (fodder brassica). The applicant is seeking this change to application methods to allow aerial application on uneven terrain and during wet conditions. The applicant has proposed an aerial application rate of 15 g ai/ha, a maximum of three times per year, within a minimum interval of 14 days between applications. This is lower than the currently approved maximum application rate of 50 g ai/ha for ground-based methods. The applicant has proposed downwind buffer zones for both ground-based application (5 metres) and aerial application (100 metres) to protect sensitive areas such as waterways. There are no buffer zones in the current approval.

The public are invited to make submissions on the application to the EPA. The submission period for this application opens on Friday 8 April 2016 and close at5pm on Monday 23 May 2016.

• View application details and information

The EPA’s role is to decide on applications under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act to import and manufacture hazardous substances. We put controls in place to manage the risks of hazardous substances to safeguard people and the environment.

ENDS

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