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Nordiko has recently made a submission in response to ERMA in New Zealand's Re-Assessment of Methyl Bromide. The submission supports recapture technology, in the interim until alternatives are implemented, as a feasible requirement for the proposed continued use of methyl bromide, unrestricted emissions of which are damaging to both the atmospheric ozone layer and to human health. Nordiko’s submission draws on international experience with adopted recapture technologies to show that these systems are commercially viable, adaptable to large scale use and present a number of advantages including rapid and thorough gas evacuation. The re-assessment by ERMA has stirred considerable public interest over a matter of serious community concern. The authority is expected to consider each of the public submissions over coming months.
To find out more view the full submission here!
The New Zealand Government department responsible for approving and setting controls on hazardous substances – ERMA New Zealand: www.ermanz.govt.nz/ – has set February 26th 2010 as the deadline for public submissions in relation to a review of the use of methyl bromide in New Zealand. For biosecurity and trade reasons ongoing use has been supported in the agency’s preliminary assessment report, however community concerns over health and environmental effects, have prompted some groups to recommend a complete ban, as is occurring in the EU. Nordiko believes that the optimal solution could be to allow ongoing use, provided recapture technology is used, until effective substitutes are proven.
In December 2009 the West Australian Government awarded a tender for the supply of a very large scale fumigant gas recapture system to Nordiko. This is to be used to capture large quantities of fumigant gases such as methyl bromide, from structural fumigations of residential houses. The first use of the system is anticipated during March/ April 2010 at a very large (8,000 m3) home on the outskirts of Perth, where methyl bromide will be used to treat an infestation of European House Borer.
This system will be the largest practical application of gas recapture technology implemented in Australia, and possibly worldwide. The scale of the fumigation enclosure is comparable with many large grain silos and even ship holds. Nordiko’s General Manager Wil Grullemans said: "We are very appreciative of the WA Govt’s responsible approach to the use of toxic fumigants – recapture technology is able to be scaled up for these – and larger – fumigations. The implementation of this order is important, as there has been a misconception that large scale recapture systems are not feasible."
Around Australia, and many other parts of the world, structural fumigations are being performed, resulting in the release of hazardous gases into the community. Exposure of nearby residents and workers is very much at the mercy of local weather conditions – as many gases cannot be smelt or seen, at dangerous concentrations – people are exposed unknowingly. Use of recapture technology is the responsible choice, both for health and safety, as well as environmental reasons."
Following the strong interest from the Chinese and Hong Kong Governments, Nordiko held a successful recapture demonstration in Hong Kong. In collaboration with Johnson Group Fumigation Ltd, the demo was attended by fumigators, government officials and representatives from China and Hong Kong.
The concentration of gas inside the container was brought down from thousands of ppm, to below 5ppm (Hong Kong MB TWA level) within 1 hour. The recapture performance was successful through the series of two filters. Hong Kong is the third busiest container port in the world, with MB consumption of 48 tons per year. Methyl bromide emission is being considered as an important issue by the Hong Kong government.
This graph shows the evacuation efficiency of Nordiko’s system in Hong Kong completed in one hour. It can be seen that most traces of methyl bromide are removed in just 30 minutes.
“WORKSAFE Australia has released two Health and Safety Solutions for the fumigating and unpacking of shipping containers. WORKSAFE has recognised the severe danger in unpacking fumigated containers noting that, even after ventilation, some containers still contain toxic levels of methyl bromide that can damage the central nervous system. WORKSAFE has introduced two documents that outline the risks and necessary precautions that must be considered when dealing with fumigated goods.” For More Information please visit the following pages. For Fumigators: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe/Home/Forms+and+Publications/Health+and+Safety+Solution/Fumigated+shipping+containers+-+Clearance+of+methyl+bromide+by+fumigators For Unpackers: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe/Home/Forms+and+Publications/Health+and+Safety+Solution/Fumigated+shipping+containers+-+Venting+prior+to+unpacking+by+end+user |
US GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
Nordiko Quarantine Systems, an Australian company specialising in innovative environmental technology, has won the prestigious US EPA Climate and Stratospheric Ozone Award for 2008.
This Award was established by the US EPA in 1990 acknowledging “exceptional leadership, personal dedication, and technical achievements in protecting the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer”. Nordiko has been recognised for its efforts in reducing the release of ozone-depleting gases, using its range of Australian-developed fumigation and recapture systems, which trap harmful gases that can otherwise erode the ozone layer. Nordiko is the major supplier of this type of equipment to Belgium – the first country on earth to mandate its use.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the Nordiko technology has very significant occupational health and safety advantages, according to Nordiko’s Managing Director, Ken Fitzpatrick.
“By preventing the release of environmentally dangerous and highly toxic gases to areas where shipping containers are handled, this technology allows a much higher level of workplace safety, compared to existing practices”, Fitzpatrick notes.
The Award was presented to Nordiko in Washington DC on the 19th of May 2008, and was accepted by Nordiko’s Technical Director, Ken Brash.
This year, the US EPA also recognised the achievement of the Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service (AQIS), who have been honoured with a Climate and Stratospheric Ozone Award for 2008. Nordiko extends its congratulations to AQIS for its efforts in protecting the earth’s ozone layer that lead to the winning of this Award.
If you would like more information about this Award or Nordiko, please contact Nordiko on + 61 9906 5552, email info@nordiko.com.au or check out the rest of our website.
Following the 8th International Conference on Controlled Atmosphere and Fumigation in Chengdu in China which Nordiko attended in September 2008, contracts were negotiated for the supply of Methyl Bromide fumigation and recapture systems to the massive shipping port of Shanghai. When commissioned in January 2009, this will be the first use of Nordiko's technology in China, and shows this nation's sincerity in wanting to address the serious environmental challenges facing the world today - whilst protecting biosecurity and international trade, during the uncertain economic times we live in.
Canada Border Services Agency have taken the lead in North America in protecting the health and safety of their Border Service Officers, at the same time as improving throughput of trade. CBSA have ordered 20 Nordiko gas removal systems for installation at major ports around Canada, initially Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax and Montreal. Roll-out of the equipment is expected during May/June 2009, as warmer weather typically is associated with elevated levels of residual gases in imported containers.
A range of gases can be found inside containers, arising from previous fumigations but also from the cargoes themselves. These include: Methyl Bromide, Phosphine, Chloropicrin, Formaldehyde, Sulfuryl Fluoride, Hydrogen Cyanide amongst others. CBSA specified the latest Filter Module Ventilation System from Nordiko, with equipment rated to perform even in the extreme cold climate experienced in parts of Canada during winter.
Fast and efficient ventilation of at risk imported containers is extremely important before entry of personnel - a message increasingly recognised by both government and private sectors around the world.
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Wheeled Clip-On Console |
The Wheeled Clip-On Console is moveable by forklift or on wheels when on a flat surface. It is available as a fumigation and recapture console or as a ventilation system. |
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Nordiko now has an informative summary of what we do and how Nordiko can benefit your business available in various languages. Please visit the About Us International page to download a pdf and find out more. Current languages supported: English, 汉语 (Chinese), French, Dutch, German and Malay
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