Ethanedinitrile (EDN): An alternative to methyl bromide

This set of frequently asked questions (FAQs - attached at the end of this news item) has been prepared to answer your questions about EDN – a potential alternative phytosanitary fumigant to methyl bromide.
 
The Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction (STIMBR) has been seeking a suitable alternative for the fumigant methyl bromide which is currently used to treat about 22% of the logs exported from New Zealand. For the past four years STIMBR has been undertaking research to determine if ethanedinitrile (EDN) would be a suitable alternative. EDN is efficacious against forest insects, is cost effective, does not harm the atmosphere as methyl bromide does, it breaks down quickly, and does not accumulate in the environment. Hence STIMBR believes EDN is a sustainable treatment for logs and timber.
 
The EPA has publically notified that it has received an application from Draslovka, the manufacturer seeking an approval to import EDN for use on logs and timber in New Zealand. The EPA will accept submissions on the application until 12 April 2018.
 
Refer: https://www.epa.govt.nz/public-consultations/open-consultations/new-fumigant-for-logs-and-timber/
 
Since January 2011, STIMBR has led a research programme investing over $22 million seeking alternative phytosanitary treatments to methyl bromide, suitable physical treatments; and, tools and technologies to reduce methyl bromide emissions. When the EPA formulated the controls included in the 2010 Reassessment, the expectation was that several alternative fumigants would be available by 2020. Only one has emerged – EDN.
 
Once EDN is approved by the EPA, the Ministry for Primary Industries will seek approval from our trading partners to allow the use of EDN as a phytosanitary treatment for forest products they import from New Zealand. STIMBR is providing robust scientific evidence to support market access negotiations for the use of EDN as a log fumigant.
 
The EPA has publically notified that an application has been made seeking an approval to import EDN for use on logs and timber in New Zealand. The EPA will accept submissions on the application until 12 April 2018.​

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