Advisory Notice - Clopyralid
Clopyralid Advisory Notice:
Clopyralid Letter:
Kia ora,
This email is to let you know the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is releasing an advisory notice and advice about products containing the substance clopyralid.
This email has been sent to you so that you can distribute this information to your members, franchisees or constituents.
Why we are releasing an advisory notice and advice
Clopyralid is used in herbicide products designed to eradicate broadleaf weeds in commercial turf, in pasture, and crops. We are releasing this advisory notice to raise awareness about the damage clopyralid can cause to plants if it gets in to compost, how each part of the supply chain has responsibilities to ensure this does not happen, and the rules around its use.
About the advisory notice and supporting guidance
The advisory is mostly educational. It is aimed at informing manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, users and users’ clients of the impact clopyralid can have on plants when it makes its way into the commercial and domestic compost supply. It is also a reminder of the rules and regulations for products containing clopyralid.
The advisory and surrounding information is designed to ensure there can be no excuse for misuse.
We have attached to this email a letter for the various parts of the supply chain, and the Advisory notice. We will also make two web pages available through our website - one for those in the supply chain, and one for domestic gardeners. These are referenced in the letter.
Spreading the message
Our current information indicates the highest likelihood of contamination comes from commercial contractors spraying domestic lawns or sports turf, and subsequently contaminated grass clippings make their way to composting facilities. There is evidence this happens through kerbside green waste collection and through mowing contractor disposals.
However, as there are instances where contamination has occurred through other parts of the supply chain, including manure from animals that have grazed on or been fed plant produce that has been sprayed with products containing clopyralid, we have extended our audience outside the turf industry.
We are asking each part of the supply chain to spread this message as the resulting costs to councils, commercial compost suppliers and commercial compost consumers can be high.
In both turf and arable / pastoral use, following the current controls and labelling instructions is sufficient to prevent the contamination.
Dates we are releasing the information
Today, Thursday 9 November: The letter and advisory notice will be sent through various channels to manufacturers, suppliers and users. The web content will be published.
Tuesday 14 November: We will publish the advisory notice on our website and issue a media release.