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