Port hinders solution to toxic gas problem

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 harbour 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.