Decision Document for Permit Number P0430/13A Strathview Farm (Andrew Wright)
CONDITION(S)
1.1The permitted activities
JUSTIFICATION
The Permit covers the rearing of poultry for meat production (broilers) and the storage of wastes including carcasses.
Bird numbers quoted in the application are 169,000 broilers which will be housed in 1 existing and 4 newly
constructed sheds. Litter will be exported for landspreading in RoI, mushroom composting and combustion in
authorised facilities. The operator may also wish to export litter for spreading to land in Northern Ireland at some
time in the future. A land bank in Northern Ireland has not yet been identified but permit conditions (2.3.5.1, 2.3.5.5
and IMP8) require the operator to submit a full Nutrient Management Plan prior to first exporting litter for landspreading in Northern Ireland. There is no storage of litter on site other than in the houses awaiting cleanout.
Carcasses will be stored on site prior to export for rendering at a DARD approved facility.
The houses will be heated by means of space heaters fuelled by LPG. At some time in the future the operator may
install biomass boilers and permit conditions have been included to control emissions from this activity.
1.2.1 The site
The site boundary is as shown on the site plan. The site encompasses the poultry sheds, surrounding hard standing
areas, waste water tanks, gas tanks, feed tanks, carcass skip, generators, associated fuel tanks and the swale. IMP9
requires an amended site plan to be submitted prior to installation of a biomass heating system.
1.3 Overall Management
These are standard conditions.
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1.4 Pre-operation conditions
As four of the five houses will be newly constructed there are a number of pre-operation conditions.
Condition 1.4.1 requires the construction of swales for the treatment of lightly contaminated site drainage.
Conditions 1.4.2 and 1.4.3 will ensure that a tank is in place to store dirty wash water and that the systems are in
place to route dirty water to the tank from the yard and houses.
Condition 1.4.4 is to ensure that the ventilation system in the 4 proposed houses matches that assumed in the air
quality and odour impact assessment submitted as part of the Planning application.
Condition 1.4.5 requires a system to be installed to divert heavily contaminated runoff to the waste water tank and to
allow lightly contaminated runoff to flow to the swale.
Condition 1.4.6 is to ensure that the Inspectorate is notified at least two weeks before the installation becomes
operational.
Condition 1.4.7 requires the operator to provide collision protection for LPG storage tanks.
Condition 1.4.8 ensures that suitable bunding is provided for the generator and associated fuel storage.
Condition 1.4.9 ensures that a suitable store is provided for pesticides and veterinary medicines and condition 1.4.10
ensures that there is sufficient metering of all water used on the site.
These conditions will ensure that the impacts of the installation on sensitive receptors will be minimised or reduced
to an acceptable level.
1.5 Off site conditions
There are no off site conditions.
1.6 Minor operational changes
These are standard conditions.
2.1 Farm Management
Techniques
These are standard conditions. Under IMP6, the operator, or another responsible person in control of the installation,
will be required to complete training on Pollution Prevention and Control (e.g. Lantra IPPC Course) and will pass on
the knowledge gained to others on the installation.
2.2.1 – 2.2.3 Raw Materials and
Water
These are standard conditions. Improvement condition IMP1 has been added to ensure that an audit of water use is
undertaken within 3 years of the effective date of the permit. Pre-Operation Condition 1.4.10 requires water meters
to be installed to enable water usage of specific activities to be monitored prior to the site capacity exceeding 40,000
birds.
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2.3.1 Feed delivery, milling and
preparation
2.3.2 Storage of agricultural fuel
oils and other materials
2.3.3 Minimising emissions from
housing
2.3.4 Litter storage
2.3.5 Litter spreading
2.3.6 Odour
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These are standard conditions. No feed milling is proposed on site and deliveries of feed will be blown into fully
covered, sealed bins.
These are standard conditions. Pre-Operation condition 1.4.7 has been added to ensure that suitable collision
protection is provided for any gas tanks on site. Pre-Operation condition 1.4.8 has been added to ensure that the
generator installation and any fuel tanks associated with the generator are suitably bunded to contain any potential
leaks or spills of fuel, coolant or lubricant. Pre-Operation condition 1.4.9 has been added to ensure that all chemicals
are correctly stored.
A waste water tank for the storage of house and yard washings is to be constructed in accordance with Schedule 2 of
the Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (Preoperation condition 1.4.2). Arrangements for isolating contaminated run-off and diverting it to the waste tank are
required by condition 2.3.3.3. A swale, as described in the application, will be constructed to treat lightly
contaminated storm run-off (Pre-operation condition 1.4.1). Yard drainage will be diverted to the swale (lightly
contaminated) or the waste water tank (heavily contaminated) by means of a diverter (Pre-operation condition 1.4.5).
The installation and operation of a biomass heating system should help improve the quality of the litter and reduce
emissions from the houses (ammonia, odour). The biomass heating system is an indirect heating system (hot water)
which will reduce production of CO2 and water vapour within the houses.
Litter may not be stored on site other than in the houses prior to clean-out. Trailers will be loaded close to the poultry
shed doors.
Litter may be exported from the site for use in mushroom composting or combustion in authorised facilities as well
as landspreading in RoI. The relevant regulatory authority (Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, DAFM) in
the RoI has been notified in writing of the proposed export of litter from the poultry farm. Relevant legislation
(Animal Veterinary Health Certificates, TRACES etc) and record requirements will be complied with. The operator
may also wish to land-spread litter in Northern Ireland at some time in the future. A land bank in Northern Ireland
has not yet been identified but permit conditions (2.3.5.1, 2.3.5.5 and IMP8) require the operator to submit a full
Nutrient Management Plan prior to first exporting litter for spreading in Northern Ireland on operator controlled or
third party land.
The operator estimates that up to 1,255 tonnes of litter per year will be produced from the installation.
This is a standard condition. The existing poultry house is naturally ventilated and the four proposed houses will be
forced fan ventilated. An odour management plan was provided as part of the permit application and a full air quality
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2.3.7 Operation of biomass boiler
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and odour impact assessment with the Planning Application (G/2014/0173/F). The closest 3rd party dwelling is
approximately 190 metres from the nearest poultry house. Both the odour impact assessment and IPRI check odour
modelling indicate that the odour impact from this site is not likely to be significant at this distance, i.e. odour levels
are predicted to be below the 3.0 OU/m3 guideline value, as set out in the Environment Agency’s H4 Odour
Management Guidance of March 2011. Other 3rd party dwellings are located approximately 216, 226 and 297 metres
from the nearest poultry houses. In each case, odour levels are predicted to be below the 3.0 OU/m3 guideline value.
The installation and operation of biomass boilers should help improve the quality of the litter and reduce emissions
from the houses (ammonia, odour). The biomass heating system is an indirect heating system (hot water) which will
reduce production of CO2 and water vapour within the houses.
It is considered that people should not be unduly affected by odour emissions from the poultry unit provided the
conditions set out in the permit are strictly adhered to.
The poultry houses will be heated by LPG-fuelled space heaters. However, at some time in the future the operator
may install a biomass heating system. In preparation for this conditions (2.3.7.1 to 2.3.7.5) and improvement items
(IMP9 and IMP10) have been added requiring the operator to submit details of the proposals to install a biomass
heating system and to ensure correct installation, maintenance and operation of the boilers and that appropriate
biomass fuel is used.
The installation and operation of biomass boilers should help improve the quality of the litter and reduce emissions
from the houses (ammonia, odour). The biomass heating system is an indirect heating system (hot water) which will
reduce production of CO2 and water vapour within the houses.
2.4 Discharges to Groundwater
This is a standard condition. No hazardous substances or non-hazardous pollutants will be applied to land and are
therefore unlikely to cause problems.
2.5 Waste minimisation
These are standard conditions requiring wastes to be avoided or minimised. Permit condition 2.9.1.11 requires
records of wastes to be kept. Improvement condition IMP2 has been added to ensure that a waste audit is undertaken
within 36 months of the effective date of the permit.
Carcasses will be disposed of by rendering in a DARD-approved rendering facility.
This is a standard condition. A number of design features are incorporated into the broiler houses to reduce energy
consumption, e.g. a high level of insulation in walls and roofs. Improvement condition IMP3 has been added to
2.5.2 Disposal of carcasses
2.6 Energy Use
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ensure that an energy audit is undertaken within 36 months of the effective date of the permit.
2.7 Accident Prevention and
Management
2.8 Noise and vibration
These are standard conditions. A satisfactory accident management plan was provided with the permit application.
2.9.1 Recording
These standard conditions state the requirements for recording.
2.9.2 Emissions and Monitoring
No specific controls are required on either emissions to air or water.
2.10 Decommissioning
These are standard conditions. A satisfactory site closure plan was submitted with the application and conditions
2.10.1 and 2.10.2 ensure that this plan is maintained and reviewed.
IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAMME
IMPs 1-3 require the operator to carry out water, waste and energy audits respectively within 3 years of the effective
date of the permit.
IMP4 requires kerbing to be installed to contain heavily contaminated runoff.
IMP5 requires a review of animal housing and management within 12 months of permit issue with a view to the
potential reduction of emissions to all media.
IMP6 is to ensure that appropriate training is undertaken by appropriate staff on the installation within 6 months or
when a suitable course is available..
IMP7 requires a site drainage review within 12 months of permit issue.
IMP8 requires a nutrient management plan to be submitted prior to the export of litter for landspreading in Northern
Ireland.
IMP9 and IMP10 control the emissions from biomass boilers which may be installed at some time in the future.
A noise management plan was provided and the conditions enforce the requirement to keep this up to date. Standard
conditions with limits on the timing of feed deliveries have been added to enforce what is stated in the noise plan.
Permit condition 2.8.2 requires deliveries of feed, apart from emergencies, to be restricted to between the hours of
0700 and 2200 Monday to Saturday, or as otherwise agreed in writing with the Chief Inspector. Given the restriction
in feed delivery times and the fact that the nearest 3rd party receptor is approximately 190m from the site, further
noise control measures are not considered necessary.
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CONSULTEE COMMENTS
Public Health Agency (PHA)
Comments and measures in permit where applicable
Based upon the available information (no air quality and odour study was submitted with the PPC application, but
was subsequently submitted with the Planning Application) and providing the operator carries out all proposed
mitigation measures, PHA has no concerns.
District Council
Ballymena Borough Council has no immediate concerns but pointed out that sensitive receptors are located around
the installation. The “Air Quality and Odour Impact Assessment – Moy Park – Wright Poultry Farm – Rp 001
2014099l”, dated 22nd July 2014 predicts odour levels to be below the 3.0 OU/m3 guideline value, as set out in the
Environment Agency’s H4 Odour Management Guidance of March 2011. This was confirmed by IPRI ADMS check
modelling. No further permit conditions are considered necessary.
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Based upon the available information and providing the operator complies with the relevant guidance, FSA has no
concerns. No further permit conditions are considered necessary.
Conservation, Designations and
Protection (NIEA – CDP)
CDP state that they are satisfied that there will be no significant effects on Frosses Bog ASSI, (ammonia
concentration 1.4% of the critical level at 5.9km) from this installation but remain concerned about in-combination
effects on designated sites in the area.
The closest European site is Main Valley Bogs SAC at a distance of 6.3km. The results of the “Air Quality and
Odour Impact Assessment – Moy Park – Wright Poultry Farm – Rp 001 2014099l”, dated 22nd July 2014 (submitted
with the Planning Application) predict that ammonia concentrations arising from the poultry farm will be acceptable
at all designated habitats within a 10km radius of the installation, i.e. the maximum process contribution was
predicted to be 2% of the guideline value for Main Valley Bogs SAC.
IPRI screening using the Air Quality Modelling and Assessment Unit (AQMAU) Environment Agency screening
tool (V4.4) predicts that the contribution of ammonia from the farm will not be significant on this site, being 1.3% of
the critical level, i.e. less than the 4.0% threshold above which it is considered significant and an in-combination
assessment would be required with other PPC installations in the area.
(Thresholds as set out in the Environment Agency guidance document “Assessing the impact of ammonia releases
from new and expanding intensive farms on nature conservation sites” January 2012).
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IMPACTS ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
European sites
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The closest European site is Main Valley Bogs SAC at a distance of 6.3km. The results of the “Air Quality and
Odour Impact Assessment – Moy Park – Wright Poultry Farm – Rp 001 2014099l”, dated 22nd July 2014 (submitted
with the Planning Application) predict that ammonia concentrations arising from the poultry farm will be acceptable
at all designated habitats within a 10km radius of the installation, i.e. the maximum process contribution was
predicted to be 2% of the guideline value for Main Valley Bogs SAC.
IPRI screening using the Air Quality Modelling and Assessment Unit (AQMAU) Environment Agency screening
tool (V4.4) predicts that the contribution of ammonia from the farm will not be significant on this site, being 1.3% of
the critical level, i.e. less than the 4.0% threshold above which it is considered significant and an in-combination
assessment would be required with other PPC installations in the area.
(Thresholds as set out in the Environment Agency guidance document “Assessing the impact of ammonia releases
from new and expanding intensive farms on nature conservation sites” January 2012).
ASSIs
The closest designated site is Glarryford ASSI, at a distance of 2.8km. As it is designated an earth science site by
virtue of its geology, no adverse impact due to air emissions from the poultry farm is likely on designated features.
Main Valley Bog/Frosses Bog ASSI lies at a distance of 6.3km from the installation. The Air Quality Modelling and
Assessment Unit (AQMAU) Environment Agency screening tool (V4.4) predicts that the contribution of ammonia
from the farm will not be significant on this site, being 1.3% of the critical level, i.e. less than the 20% threshold
above which it is considered significant and an in-combination assessment would be required with other PPC
installations in the area. (Thresholds as set out in the Environment Agency guidance document “Assessing the
impact of ammonia releases from new and expanding intensive farms on nature conservation sites” January 2012).
There are eight other ASSIs in the area, but these lie at greater distances (i.e. >7km) from the installation and are
therefore unlikely to be significantly impacted.
Other environmental receptors
Emissions to the atmosphere should be low due to good litter quality, and the design of the roof fans on the proposed
poultry houses expels exhaust air into the atmosphere in a manner that should not result in dust deposition on roofs.
This should ensure that odours from this installation should not be noticeable at sensitive receptors.
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The installation will be well maintained having clean yard surfaces. House wash water will be conveyed directly to
waste tanks in a fail safe manner. Pre Operation Conditions have been included to ensure that all heavily
contaminated yard drainage is diverted to waste water tanks to be disposed of in accordance with DARD CoGAP
and that a swale is constructed to treat all lightly contaminated site drainage to minimise potential for pollution of
ground and surface waters (pre-operation 1.4.1). Pre-Operation Conditions also require gas tanks and feed bins to be
protected from collision (1.4.7); fuel to be adequately contained to minimise potential for surface or ground water
pollution (1.4.8) and chemicals to be adequately contained within a suitable store (1.4.9). All litter is removed from
the installation in covered trailers for combustion, mushroom composting at authorised facilities or land-spreading.
All carcasses are removed from the site for rendering at an approved rendering facility.
People
The existing poultry house is naturally ventilated and the four proposed houses will be forced fan ventilated. An
odour management plan was provided as part of the permit application and a full air quality and odour impact
assessment with the Planning Application (G/2014/0173/F). The closest 3rd party dwelling is approximately 190
metres from the nearest poultry house. Other 3rd party dwellings are located approximately 216, 226 and 297 metres
from the nearest poultry houses. The “Air Quality and Odour Impact Assessment – Moy Park – Wright Poultry Farm
– Rp 001 2014099l”, dated 22nd July 2014 predicts odour levels to be below the 3.0 OU/m3 guideline value, as set
out in the Environment Agency’s H4 Odour Management Guidance of March 2011. This was confirmed by IPRI
ADMS check modelling.
The installation and operation of biomass boilers should help improve the quality of the litter and reduce emissions
from the houses (ammonia, odour). The biomass heating system is an indirect heating system (hot water) which will
reduce production of CO2 and water vapour within the houses.
It is considered that people should not be unduly affected by emissions (odour, dust, noise) from the poultry unit
provided the conditions set out in the permit are strictly adhered to.
Overall BAT demonstration and
draft determination.
The application and additional information submitted indicates that appropriate measures are in place for controlling
pollution from the site, including measures to control the risk of the pollution of waterways and the handling/storage
of waste materials on the site. The site is designed with a high level of containment. The releases to air from the
poultry farm are predicted to be low. The installation is not a major energy user and is not likely to give reasonable
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cause for annoyance due to noise. The combination of measures proposed in the application and required by the
draft permit is considered to represent the Best Available Techniques for an installation of this nature and it is
proposed that a permit should be granted for this installation.
The draft determination of this application (P0430/13A) is that a permit should be granted.
Completed by NIEA - Industrial Pollution & Radiochemical Inspectorate
Date: 16th January 2015
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