Port hinders solution to toxic gas problem
A plan to reduce methyl bromide use at New Zealand’s biggest port by debarking logs instead of fumigating is in limbo because the port won’t allow the operation on the wharves.
Action groups say the Port of Tauranga needs to do more to find solutions to a problem that is damaging the environment and putting people’s health at risk.
A Stuff investigation revealed the port is one of the world’s biggest emitters of methyl bromide, a toxic gas which depletes the ozone layer and has to be phased out under an international treaty.
The ports in Whangarei and Napier are also big users.
New Zealand’s use of the gas has increased hugely over the past decade as exports of raw logs, particularly to China, have skyrocketed. China, which takes 75 per cent of New Zealand’s raw timber, insists on fumigation to kill insects but, as an alternative, has for many years accepted logs with the bark removed.
Eastland Port in Gisborne has a debarking operation that means it doesn’t use methyl bromide.
In Tauranga, Kiwi Forest Industries (KFI) has a debarking operation on the wharves and wants to add a second, faster machine which it believes could reduce methyl bromide use by up to 80 per cent. But it needs more space and a longer lease so its bank will loan the money to purchase the machinery.
The company had no comment but sources familiar with the negotiations said the port refused to extend its lease beyond the standard three years.
Dan Kneebone, the port’s property and infrastructure manager, said the port was ‘‘strongly supportive of increased debarking’’.
He said while it wouldn’t entirely solve the issue – India, the second biggest market, does not accept debarked, unfumigated logs – ‘‘it will go a very long way to reducing methyl bromide use’’.
Kneebone said the port had offered KFI space at its Hewletts Rd log yard, across the road from the wharves at Mt Maunganui, where there was more room.
‘‘We have to ensure dust and debris does not wash into the har- bour so we believe the Hewletts Rd site is the most suitable location for a bigger operation,’’ he said. But sources say the operation needs to be on the wharves, close to ships, to avoid doublehandling. ‘‘Financially you couldn’t do it off-site – it’s about logistics – every time you pick up the logs it costs you a couple of dollars,’’ one forestry source said.
Steffan Browning, a former Green MP and member of the Tauranga Moana Fumigant Action Group, said the port should be doing more to help the industry reduce methyl bromide use. He said debarking was part of the solution – but the industry would still have to meet a 2020 deadline for recapturing all methyl bromide.