Report reveals drop in 1080 use

Report reveals drop in 1080 use

The total land area treated with 1080 during 2015 was almost two-thirds less than that of 2014.

The Environmental Protection Authority’s 2015 edition of the Annual 1080 Report shows 374,227 hectares were treated with 1080 in 2015, compared with 967,012 hectares in 2014.

Ray McMillan, Manager of EPA’s Hazardous Substances Compliance team says: “The decrease is primarily due to the one-off nature of the Battle for our Birds programme run by the Department of Conservation during 2014.

“1080 is one of the most closely monitored hazardous substances in New Zealand and the best form of pest control to protect native plants and animals. Aerial drops are considered the most effective form of pest control on rugged or remote land.

“However, like any pesticide its use needs to be carefully managed,” he adds.

Tighter restrictions of aerial applications were introduced when 1080 was reassessed in 2007. Since then operators are obligated to report on their activities so that the EPA can actively monitor 1080 use, and promote sound pre-operation planning and operational management.

The 2015 report shows these restrictions are resulting in a low number of reported incidents, with fewer than half being caused by operators.

In 2015 there were six operator breaches of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act, the same as in 2014. All breaches were investigated and no evidence was found of adverse effects on public or operators’ health, or on land or waterways.

“None of the 446 water samples taken after the aerial drops contained 1080 above approved safe levels,” added Mr McMillan.

The report shows operators are complying with guidelines to ensure that Māori, local communities, landowners and other affected groups are adequately consulted with before an aerial drop.

It also includes information about research into alternatives to 1080, and how to improve its use.

Ends

Find out more about the EPA’s regulatory role in the use of 1080 in New Zealand: http://www.epa.govt.nz/hazardous-substances/pop_hs_topics/1080_control/Pages/1080_control.aspx

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