Improving chemical assessment for a healthier, safer environment
The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Hazardous Substances Assessments) Amendment Bill has been introduced to Parliament. It received its first reading last week.
Environment Minister David Parker said the Bill will lead to better protection of people and the environment from hazardous substances such as industrial chemicals and agrichemicals.
“The purpose of this bill is to amend the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act) to improve the assessment and reassessment of hazardous substances. Such substances include chemicals used in industry and agriculture”, David Parker said during his first reading speech for the Bill.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is the regulator of hazardous substances used in New Zealand. It approves new chemicals and sets controls over them. It also reassesses substances which are already in use to ensure existing controls are still fit for purpose.
The proposed changes will speed up these processes including enabling the EPA to make better use of information from international regulators.
“The HSNO Act’s purpose is to protect the environment, and the health and safety of people and communities, by preventing or managing the adverse effects of hazardous substances and new organisms.
“Taking longer to process reassessments mean safety and environmental controls might not be up to date and fit for purpose.
“These changes will make a real difference to the EPA’s ability to regulate chemicals in New Zealand”, David Parker said.
The changes only relate to hazardous substances - there are no changes to the new organisms provisions of the HSNO Act.
The next step is for the Bill to amend the HSNO Act to be considered by Parliament including the Environment Select Committee.
ENDS