The Environmental Protection Authority is calling for submissions on an application by Trical Inc. for a modified reassessment of the soil fumigant Tri-Form 60.
The applicant is seeking modification of a control that would allow the substance to be applied to soil at a minimum temperature of 5°C, provided the soil is immediately sealed with plastic sheeting.
Tri-Form 60 is a liquid soil fumigant containing 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin that is used prior to the planting of agricultural crops.
In its application, Trical Inc. states that allowing Tri-Form 60 to be used at lower temperatures "will result in greater benefits, lower costs and lower risks to the environment."
Submissions from the public and interested parties are now being sought. Submissions can be made by letter, by email to submissions@epa.govt.nz or through the EPA’s website at www.epa.govt.nz.
Submissions close on 31 October 2012.
Once submissions have been received, a hearing may be held before a decision is made by a committee of the Environmental Protection Authority.