The possibility of a cold inversion layer causing Methyl Bromide, vented during fumigation, to remain at a low level and drift over Picton has long been disputed by supporters of methyl bromide use in Shakespear Bay.
Below is proof that such inversion layers do indeed form in the area in the summer, and that they do hold clouds and gases down allowing them to drift over Picton.
I’ll hand you over to Pete…
Kia Ora,Yesterday sat 7th of Feb, I received a call from a lady who said that when driving from Shakespear bay to Picton the air coming from their air vents became very moist .They rang because they suspected that Zindia might have secretly fumigated under tarps and they could of been exposed to methyl bromide.I leapt into the truck and roared down the road , the first thing I noticed while driving down Waikawa Rd was a large cloud bank in Picton Harbour at very low level.I drove to the top of the Domain and could see that there was no fumigation , but was surprised to see that a brisk Nor west wind was blowing a cloud bank from Double Cove, across the Grove Arm and was thick above Shakespear Bay and the Picton community.Cold inversion layer forms over Grove Arm and Shakespear Bay
This is a classic example of the cold inversion layer, many people think that it is a myth, like the NMHDept, and the MDC. others believe it only occurs during the winter months.Inversion layer traps cloud over Shakespear Bay
Well here is proof that it also occurs during the summer, yesterday was one of the hottest days of the year.Thick cloud bank held down over Picton by inversion layer
Kind regards.Pete & Takutai
Our District Council have Objectives and Policies in place under the Marlbourough Sounds Resource Management Plans to deal with Hazardous Substances. They are aware, and have been for some years, of the problems associated with Methyl Bromide. Council therefore should be able to provide to the community reports on the use of MB with dates and quantities used. I believe Port Marlborough would be required under legislation (Health and Safety?) and by Council to provide such records. Further the Council should be able to provide monitoring dates and their assessment on the risk to the community. This would include the cumulative long term effect of MB and Council’s method to prevent or mitigate any adverse affect as stated in the MSRM. I assume this has been done by Council and we have nothing to fear?
It seems everyone is in paralysis mode until such time as ERMA decides what its stance on Methyl Bromide will be. In the meantime Picton people are being treated as guinea pigs. If in the future effects are found, as is the case with various other pesticides, it will be too late for those people. Here’s hoping the MDC and Marl Port Company will use the precautionary principle and stop the fumigation using methyl bromide at Shakespeare Bay.