1080 - Resource Consent Application - Summary

Environment Canterbury (ECan) is proposing to apply for a resource consent to apply the pesticide 1080 in targeted areas within the Canterbury region for the control of possums, rabbits and wallabies. This is not a new activity, but the consents have previously been held by landowners or contractors carrying out the 1080 work. ECan seeks one consent for the region to try to achieve a more consistent and effective approach to 1080 application in the region. ECan is responsible for managing pests within the Canterbury region, and possums, rabbits and wallabies are part of their containment control programme under the Regional Pest Management Strategy 2005-15. To meet this responsibility ECan seek a resource consent for the use of 1080 for possum, rabbit and wallaby control. ECan has engaged Golder Associates (NZ) Limited, a ground engineering and environmental services consultancy, to prepare the Assessment of Environmental Effects report for the resource consent application.

Why is ECan applying for resource consent?

A resource consent is required for 1080 operations where there is a possibility of 1080 entering waterways – such as aerial spreading of 1080 or ground-based laying of 1080 bait on land beside rivers. The spreading of 1080 using ground-based laying methods does not require resource consent if there is no risk of 1080 entering a waterway. If granted, the resource consent would only be used by contractors certified by ECan.

Why use 1080?

ECan considers 1080 to be the most effective method of pest control for rabbits, possums and wallabies in large areas where the entire area needs to be treated and access is difficult. Wherever possible, ground control of 1080 will be carried out in preference to aerial control. Trapping and shooting of pests are viable methods in some areas which are small and easily accessible.

However, aerial control is sometimes the only effective option for rugged, inaccessible areas where it is difficult to cover the entire area using ground control methods. It is essential to apply 1080 across the entire area and avoid leaving uncontrolled areas from within which pests may re-establish. Possums graze on native vegetation and prey on native
animals, particularly native birds, and can carry bovine tuberculosis (Tb) which they can spread to cattle and deer. Rabbits can graze extensive areas of farmland and become a significant pest for farmers. Wallabies can also have a significant impact on vegetation suchas tussock grasslands.