Method 240 SL is approved for use
Decision Date: 14 June 2022
An EPA decision-making committee has approved the application to import or manufacture the herbicide Method 240 SL.
Method 240 SL is used to combat wilding conifers and other woody plants. It contains the active ingredient aminocyclopyrachlor, which is new to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Method 240 SL decision document (PDF, 425 KB)
There are rules for using Method 240 SL
There are strict rules for how Method 240 SL can be packaged, labelled, stored, disposed, transported, handled, and used. The approval document sets out the rules.
- There is a maximum application rate of once a year, using a restricted amount.
- It is restricted to commercial use and can only be applied by professional users.
- It is limited to use on unimproved pasture, regional parks, or land administered by the Department of Conservation.
Method 240 SL approval document (PDF, 226 KB)
Background
Bayer CropScience Proprietary Limited, applied for approval to import or manufacture for release Method 240 SL.
The active ingredient, aminocyclopyrachlor, has not previously been approved in New Zealand. However, this active ingredient has previously been approved in the USA, Canada and Australia.
The application was opened for public consultation, and we received nine submissions. Three submissions supported the application and six opposed the application.
Quantitative environmental and human health risk assessments were undertaken. The science memorandum has details of the risk assessments.
Science memorandum (PDF, XXKB)