| Major research effort focuses on objectively identifying fair separation distances between confined feeding operations and neighbouring residences, communities and land uses.
Alberta's Odour Control Team, a group of researchers from the University of Alberta, Alberta Research Council and Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development, is using a multi-pronged research strategy to scientifically define odour levels and establish clear, objective guidelines for Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) in Alberta.
"Currently, the human nose is the best instrument for measuring odour," says team member Sherry Perih, an Agricultural Engineer-in-Training with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. "Measurements may be conducted in the laboratory using an olfactometer (panel of certified evaluators) or in the field with trained odour 'sniffers.'"
Now researchers want to build on that experience and knowledge by developing a science-based siting tool for confined feeding operations (CFOs) and odour monitoring procedures to increase confidence in the licensing, siting and odour monitoring of CFOs in Alberta, she says. The project will:
- Develop standardized laboratory protocols and procedures to minimize variations and increase the statistical level of confidence in odour measurements.
- Scientifically measure odour emission rates (OER) used to develop a database for various CFOs.
- Calibrate air dispersion models to predict odour in the vicinity of CFOs using field data collected by trained odour "sniffers."
- Scientifically determine acceptable odour exposure levels at places of human residence or activity in proximity to CFOs.
- Quantify the MDS category factors in the new CFO regulations and develop a scientific tool for siting CFOs. This complements experience-based MDS.
- Identify new and existing odour measurement techniques that are cost effective.
"This science-based approach will be used to complement the current experience-based MDS, says Perih. "On the environmental side, proven scientific understanding of odour from livestock facilities, its impacts, and its socially acceptable levels, will add to existing siting tools that minimize negative impacts of odour."
On a societal level, producers and the general public will gain confidence in the regulation of livestock operations. "This increased confidence will arise from reliable scientific data supporting odour-related policies that guide the expansion of existing livestock operations and the siting of new operations."
Producers also stand to benefit, she says. "Increased confidence related to the potential odour impact of livestock operations will allow for easier expansion and development of the livestock industry. This project will ensure accurate assessment of odour control technologies, giving livestock producers the ability to make well-informed technological and economic decisions regarding odour control technologies."
The science-based approach will also provide regulators with the ability to make proper adjustments to the MDS based on proven odour-mitigating technologies proposed by producers, she says.
Air dispersion
One of the keys to this science-based approach is the Calibration of an Air Dispersion Model for Alberta Conditions study, says Perih, one of the leaders on this project.
"This study is the first step in calibrating standard air dispersion models to fit Alberta conditions for odours emitted from livestock facilities," she says. "Some of the challenges inherent in this study are the variable, transient natures of agricultural odours and the high costs of carrying out conventional olfactory measurements."
Steps in the research project so far include: calibration of olfactometry-based odour measurements to field measurements from trained observers; development of a field protocol to measure odour plumes; construction of a wind tunnel to measure surface emissions from storages; and collection of field data.
Work is currently underway to calibrate the model based on information collected. In 2001, two swine barns were selected in central Alberta. A field protocol was developed and trained observers (Nasal Rangers) from the U of A and AAFRD measured the odour dispersion for four weeks at each site at 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. For each test, five observers were positioned 950 metres downwind from the barn, spread across a 22.5 degree arc, and were moved 150 metres closer the barn every eight minutes.
Barn odour emissions were measured by olfactometry. Manure storages were measured using a wind tunnel, based on an Australian model, constructed by the AgTech Centre.
"This project will provide us with the background information and experience to underpin the Odour Team's objective of upgrading siting tools and MDS standards for Alberta."
Odour control team
The air dispersion study is one of the long-term goals of the Odour Control Team. The team's three-year goals are to: be able to measure odour with confidence; define acceptable community odour standards; develop a science-based siting tool; provide a selection of odour control tools to producers and communities that will be promoted through technology transfer and extension; create an effective communications network that has credibility with the public and the agriculture community.
"Our first priority is to develop odour sampling and measuring procedures," says Sherry Perih. "We want to ensure the accuracy of the technology and techniques we use to measure odour."
Defining community acceptability criteria for frequency, intensity, duration and offensiveness of livestock odour is also key. "One of the objectives here is to develop a siting tool that predicts the influence of odours from new and existing livestock operations on communities," she says. "An odour database is also in the works, which will include source information, odour concentrations, emission rates, etc."
Helping producers to control odour is also vital. A prime objective is the development of an odour management planning tool that evaluates odour control technology, design criteria, cost/benefits and management/monitoring requirements, she says. "We want to look at both in-barn and out-barn odour control and evaluate various odour control technologies, including biolfilters, oil sprinkling, manure additives, nutrition, manure application, etc."
Communication is critical in the Odour Team's efforts. "We want to establish a network and strategy with technology developers and researchers," says Perih. "As well, we will compile and disseminate appropriate and accurate odour information for Alberta conditions and the agricultural industry."
A major initiative of the Odour Control Team is to produce an Odour Control Manual based on the current literature and findings from the team's research. The manual will include general information about odour and odour control options, complete with cost, design criteria, odour control efficiency information and worksheets to guide producers through an odour assessment of their farm and help them develop an odour control plan.
By helping the industry minimize livestock production odour, the team will help the livestock industry co-exist respectfully with rural and urban communities. |