A dispersion modelling approach to determine the odour impact of intensive poultry production units in Ireland

Curran, T. P.; Hayes, Enda T; Curran, Tom; Dodd, V. A.

Abstract

The use of atmospheric dispersion modelling has become more common for the determination of odour impacts from existing poultry production facilities and the assessment of setback distances for new facilities. Setback distances for broiler, layer and turkey units were determined using the atmospheric dispersion model ISCST3 and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, Ireland) recommended criterion (C98,1-h ≤ 6.0 ouE m-3) and a new odour annoyance criterion (C98,1-h ≤ 9.7 ouE m-3) developed in this study. For a typical size unit in Ireland, maximum setback distances of 660, 665 and 1035 m were calculated for 40,000 broilers, 40,000 layers and 10,000 turkeys respectively at the current limit (C98,1-h ≤ 6.0 ouE m-3). However, if the suggested odour impact criterion (C98,1-h ≤ 9.7 ouE m-3) is implemented, the maximum setback distances decrease to 460, 500 and 785 m for broilers, layers and turkeys, respectively. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2006
• Journal: Bioresource Technology
• Print ISSN: 0960-8524
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 97
• Issue: 15
• Pages: 1773-1779
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2005.09.019
• Keywords: poultry, atmospheric dispersion modelling, odour, setback distance, meteorological data
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1046345
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2005.09.019
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Lead author. Doctoral research conducted at University College Dublin (UCD), funded by the Irish Agricultural and Food Development Authority (Teagasc). Conclusions on odour dispersion from poultry units are significant for the agricultural and environmental policies of the Irish government and for the agricultural environmental management practices of the Irish EPA.