Strategic Planning for the Marlborough Sounds

Open letter from the Pete Beech of the Guardians to the Marlborough District Council Kia Ora, I’m disappointed that I was unable to attend your workshop to discuss long term strategic planning of the Sounds. As you know my whanau are the sixth generation to have lived here in Totaranui, the name means that the…

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Methyl Bromide Draft Code of Practice for Port Marlborough

Proposed by The Guardians of the Sounds Site Specific Code of Practice for Use of Methyl Bromide in Shakespeare Bay That no release of fumigant gas shall be released to atmosphere when there is evidence of a cold inversion layer present in the form of cloud cover over Port Shakespeare and Picton that would allow…

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MDC may address Methyl Bromide use through Sounds Resource Management Plan

Marlborough District Council Media Statement The Marlborough District Council will consider including conditions under which fumigants like Methyl bromide may be used at the port of Picton when it drafts the new Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan. Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman says at present the use of such fumigants is permitted because the issue is…

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Inversion Layer Holds Methyl Bromide Down Over Picton

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…

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Health Issues of Methyl Bromide

Methyl Bromide (odourless colourless gas) Acute inhalation toxicant Associated with the respiratory system eg chest pain or difficulty in breathing. A skin irritant Blisters, rashes, itching. An eye irritant A target organ systemic toxicant Early symptoms and signs headaches, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting. Long term effects consists of: dizziness drowsiness irritability emotional lability impairment of…

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Methyl Bromide Threat Again in Picton

Methyl Bromide Fumigant Bouquet for Picton This Valentines Day Fumigation Threat Rises Again In Picton Fumigation of logs with the highly toxic gas methyl bromide is intended to resume in a few weeks at Port Marlborough, Picton. On 14 February this year, fumigation with the neuro-toxic and ozone depleting gas is planned for a shipment…

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