Clarification re use of Endosulfan
Contrary to a Green Party news release issued today, Wellington City Council no longer uses Endosulfan. It has been used
historically from time to time on golf course greens and crouquet lawns on a strictly-limited basis to control worms -
but it was withdrawn from use earlier this year. It has not been used on sportsfields to our knowledge for at least 15
years.
Our understanding is that the product is under review by ERMA and that internationally it is being phased out. Generally
around the country it is existing stocks of Endosulfan-based agrichemicals that are being run down.
The City Council's Agrichemical Policy has been in place for more than a decade. Its principal aims are to only use
low-toxicity chemicals - accepting that from time to time, more toxic chemicals may have to be used that do not meet all
the desired criteria of using low-toxicity, non-persistent and non-controversial chemicals.
ENDS