Public submissions are open on an application to reassess restrictions on the use of Meteor, a substance used to thin pip fruit.

On November 12 2018 a decision-making committee appointed by the Environmental Protection Authority decided there were grounds for the reassessment because of ‘information showing a significant change of use’.

This is a modified reassessment and is only considering some proposed changes. 

The applicant, AgriNova NZ Limited, wants to reduce both the maximum application rate and the restricted entry interval (how long access to the treated area is restricted after spraying). It also proposes that buffer zones may be reduced as a consequence of reduced application rates.

AgriNova has identified no potential adverse effects associated with the proposed changes.

It says the potential benefits are: 

• reduced risk to environment due to applying a lesser amount of active substance  
• an increase in efficiency and flexibility of crop management and better utilisation of staff   
• an enhanced ability to monitor for pests and disease.

The application is being publicly notified to enable people to provide us with additional information they believe we should be aware of, such as positive or negative effects of the proposed changes.

Submissions close at 5pm on May 1. 

Details are available on the EPA website.

Source:  Environmental Protection Authority