Airborne emissions from intensive animal industries (such as
feedlots, piggeries, broiler and egglayer farms) can potentially
impart a negative impact on nearby sensitive receptors (for example
schools, residences and hospitals) should odour emissions reach
high levels.
Design criteria exist for odour and dust to
which compliance must be achieved in order to permit industry
operation. Additionally, legislatively decreed buffer distances for
intensive animal industries provide the horizontal separation
distance required between an emission source and sensitive
receptors at ground level, so that emissions are sufficiently
diluted to levels below ambient air quality criteria at the nearest
receptor.
An atmospheric dispersion model is typically
used to generate contour plots of predicted ground level
concentration centered on the industry. This plot permits
assessment of the relevant design criteria and any impact airborne
emissions may have upon nearby sensitive receptors.
GHD has conducted air quality assessments for
many intensive animal industries including the Rural Funds
Management proposed broiler farm complex at Lethbridge, Victoria.
GHD measured ground level concentrations of PM10 (respirable dust
less than 10 micron diameter) and odour arising from the operation
of the proposed facility. The application to develop the broiler
farm complex was granted subsequent to the assessment.