23 October 2014

Proposed manufacture of 1080-baited pellets no risk to Rolleston residents

The business behind the plan to manufacture possum bait pellets containing the pesticide 1080 at Rolleston’s Izone industrial park says there is no risk to people’s health or the environment in the proposal.

Malcolm Thomas, Managing Director of Pest Control Research (PCR), says he completely understands that people have concerns about pesticide manufacture and might be worried about risks to their health, the health of their children and the environment. However he assures Rolleston residents that they will be in no danger if the plant achieves planning approval.

“Let me make this very clear,” Thomas says, “if the plant gets the go-ahead there will be:
• no discharge to air
• no discharge to the ground or water; and
• no toxic waste discharge.”

Thomas says Pest Control Research is a responsible company with a high priority for safety and environmental protection. It is committed to working with regulatory authorities to provide the assurances the community needs.

“It is important to note that we have not yet lodged an application to the Selwyn District Council for planning permission to produce the 1080-baited pellets at Izone,” Thomas says. “Meanwhile we are happy to provide information about the scope of our proposals and the reality of risk.”

Thomas says he is concerned that some of the information circulating about PCR’s proposal is inaccurate and alarmist.

“We are not proposing to manufacture 1080 itself, as some have claimed. The proposal is to manufacture cereal-based possum pellets containing 1080 pesticide. This is a very different process to actual 1080 manufacture and can be done completely within what is termed a closed manufacturing process. Any dust is kept inside the machinery and recycled back into the system. No waste is produced and no discharge to air occurs.

“There is no waste discharge, so there is zero risk of any part of our process getting into streams or aquifers or being dispersed onto the land. With the processes we use it simply cannot enter the food chain and presents no risk to any food (human or animal) products being made by other companies at Izone.”

Safety procedures
Pest Control Research will use extensive, well proven processes for assuring public and environmental safety, Thomas says.

“Our proposals will first have to go through a consent process with Selwyn District Council, with all of the safety and regulatory requirements and restrictions that go with that. Other authorities will also be involved, including the Environmental Protection Authority and the Ministry for Primary Industries. All of these organisations, like PCR itself, have a vested interest in ensuring that public safety is not at risk, and that New Zealand’s agricultural and environmental standards are protected.

“There will be a strict process for handling any ingredients and final products containing the pesticide 1080. Everything will arrive in sealed containers and be opened within the factory building in a specially designed, double-sealed dangerous goods area. This prevents the possibility of any spills escaping outside of the storage area. And all 1080-baited pellets will be put into strong, sealed bags and shrink-wrapped onto pallets for storage and transport.”

Thomas notes that PCR will generate less traffic than other businesses of similar size at Izone. He says that only one vehicle per week is expected to leave the factory area.

“Any toxic product or ingredient coming into or leaving the site will be sealed in specially designed containers that comply with the rules for transportation of dangerous goods. Dust and leakage from such containers is practically impossible.

“Our building will have the highest standards of safety including a double-sealed dangerous goods area, an extensive fire suppression system with a monitored alarm and full compliance with modern earthquake standards.

“We have no intention,” Thomas concludes, “of endangering people or the environment and can assure Izone workers and Rolleston residents that our processes will prevent this.”

ENDS

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