Decision Document for Permit Number P0463/14A (John & Gareth Culbertson)
CONDITION(S)
1.1The permitted activities
1.2.1 The site
1.3 Overall Management
JUSTIFICATION
The Permit covers the rearing of poultry for the production of poultry meat and waste storage - including carcasses
prior to on-site incineration or transfer off site for rendering in an authorised facility. Bird numbers quoted in the
application are 70,000 broilers. The birds will be housed in 2 new houses of steel construction with high speed roof
mounted fans.
A proportion of the litter produced on the farm will be exported for spreading to land in the Republic of Ireland.
Some manure may also be exported for mushroom composting, anaerobic digestion or combustion in authorised
facilities.
The operator may also wish to land-spread litter in Northern Ireland at some time in the future on operator controlled
or third party land. A land bank in Northern Ireland has not yet been identified but permit conditions (2.3.5.1 and
IMP7) require the operator to submit a full Nutrient Management Plan prior to first exporting litter for landspreading in Northern Ireland.
In the future, the Operator may install a biomass heating system to heat the poultry houses.
The site boundary is as shown in bold 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.
These are standard conditions.
PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
1.4 Pre-operation conditions
1.5 Off site conditions
1.6 Minor operational changes
2.1 Farm Management
Techniques
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Condition 1.4.1 requires the operator to inform the Chief Inspector 14 days prior to the 40,000 bird capacity being
exceeded and therefore the permit becoming effective. Pre-Operation Condition 1.4.2 requires a suitable wash water
tank to be constructed prior to the installation being stocked above 40,000 birds. Pre-Operation Condition 1.4.3 has
been added to ensure that a separate drainage system is provided to collect wash water from the houses and drain it
directly to the waste water tanks without relying on a diverter. Pre-Operation Condition 1.4.4 has been added to
ensure that the yard areas associated with the poultry houses are suitably designed and contained with all heavily
contaminated yard drainage directed to waste water tank(s) and all lightly contaminated site drainage directed to
swale. Condition 1.4.5 requires the operator to provide collision protection for LPG storage tanks. Condition 1.4.6
ensures that suitable bunding is provided for the generator and associated fuel storage. Condition 1.4.7 ensures that a
suitable store is provided for pesticides and veterinary medicines and condition 1.4.8 ensures that there is sufficient
metering of all water used on the site. Condition 1.4.9 requires the operator to construct a swale to treat the lightly
contaminated drainage from the site.
There are no off-site conditions.
These are standard conditions.
These are standard conditions. IMP4 has been added to ensure appropriate IPPC training is completed within 12
months of the effective date of the permit or as soon as a course becomes available.
2.2.1 – 2.2.3 Raw Materials and
Water
These are standard conditions. Pre-Operation Condition 1.4.8 requires water meters to be installed to enable water
usage of specific activities to be monitored prior to the site exceeding 40,000 birds. 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.
2.3.1 Feed delivery, milling and
preparation
2.3.2 Storage of agricultural fuel
oils and other materials
These are standard conditions. Feed will be blown into fully covered and sealed bins.
These are standard conditions. Pre-Operation condition 1.4.5 has been added to ensure that suitable collision
protection is provided for any gas tanks on site. Pre-Operation condition 1.4.6 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 1.4.7 has been added to ensure that all chemicals
are correctly stored.
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2.3.3 Minimising emissions from
housing
2.3.4 Litter storage
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Pre-Operation Condition 1.4.9 requires a swale to be constructed for the treatment of lightly contaminated site runoff. Pre-Operation Condition 1.4.2 requires an underground tank to be installed to collect poultry house wash water
and heavily contaminated site run-off associated with the new poultry house. Pre-Operation Condition 1.4.3 has been
added to ensure that a separate drainage system is provided to collect wash water from the houses and drain it
directly to the waste water tanks without relying on a diverter. Pre-Operation Condition 1.4.4 has been added to
ensure that the yard areas associated with the two poultry houses are contained with all heavily contaminated yard
drainage directed to waste water tank(s) and all lightly contaminated site drainage directed to swale.
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 will be loaded directly from the poultry sheds onto covered trailers and removed from site for export to the
Republic of Ireland for land-spreading, mushroom composting, anaerobic digestion for combustion in an authorised
facility or land-spreading in Northern Ireland in accordance with a nutrient management plan.
2.3.5 Litter spreading
Litter will be exported from the site for use in mushroom composting, anaerobic digestion, combustion in authorised
facilities or land-spreading in the Republic of Ireland. 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 on
operator controlled or third party land. A land bank in Northern Ireland has not yet been identified but permit
conditions (2.3.5.1 and IMP7) require the operator to submit a full Nutrient Management Plan prior to first exporting
litter for land-spreading in Northern Ireland.
The operator estimates the litter produced on the site to be up to 546T per year.
2.3.6 Odour
These are standard conditions.
The closest third party dwellings are approximately 220m South of the poultry site. Check odour screening carried
out by NIEA indicates that the odour guideline value of 3 OU/m3 (as set out in the Environment Agency H4 Odour
Management Guidance, March 2011) is unlikely to be breached at any of the third party dwellings in the area.
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
2.3.7 Operation of biomass
heating system
2.4 Discharges to Groundwater
2.5 Waste minimisation
2.5.2 Disposal of carcasses
2.6 Energy Use
2.7 Accident Prevention and
Management
2.8 Noise and vibration
Q57/19 Version 1
Measures described in the odour management plan provided with the application shall be implemented. A
satisfactory complaints procedure was submitted with the odour management plan.
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 mean of hot water heaters. The hot water will initially be provided by means of
LPG boilers. 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 (IMP8 and IMP9) 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.
No emissions from the permitted installation shall give rise to the introduction into groundwater of any hazardous
substance or non hazardous pollutants.
These are standard conditions. IMP2 has been added to ensure a waste minimisation audit is undertaken within 3
years of the effective date of the permit.
These are standard conditions. Carcasses will be disposed of to a DARD approved rendering plant, or via on-site
incineration.
These are standard conditions. A number of features have been incorporated into the design of the poultry houses to
reduce the energy consumption e.g. high levels of insulation in the walls and roof. The operator does not participate
in a Climate Change Levy Agreement. Therefore, IMP3 has been added to ensure an Energy Audit is carried out
within 3 years of the effective date of the permit.
These are standard conditions. The plan provided with the application was considered satisfactory.
These are standard conditions. A satisfactory noise management plan including complaints procedure was provided
with the application. The closest third party dwellings are approximately 220m South of the poultry site.
Significant noise impacts are not considered likely from this installation at these distances provided permit
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conditions are adhered to. 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.
2.9.1 Recording
These are standard conditions stating the requirements for recording and monitoring
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.
IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAMME
IMP1 has been added to reinforce the need for a water audit to be undertaken within 3 years of the effective date of
the permit. IMP2 requires a waste minimisation audit to be undertaken within 3 years of the effective date of the
permit. IMP3 ensures that the operator will either become part of a CCLA or submit an energy audit within 3 years.
IMP4 will ensure that the operator, or another responsible person working on the installation, will complete training
in Pollution Prevention and Control. IMP5 requires the operator to carry out and submit a review of the site drainage
plan after the site is constructed. IMP6 requires the operator to submit details of the proposals to export litter for
anaerobic digestion. IMP7 requires the operator to submit a Nutrient Management Plan for land-spreading on any
land in Northern Ireland at least 1 month prior to export for land-spreading. IMP8 and IMP9 control the emissions
from biomass boilers which may be installed at some time in the future. IMP10 requires the operator to submit
evidence that the incinerator complies with the Animal By-Product requirements.
Comments and measures in permit where applicable
No concerns were raised by The Public Health Agency. They state that “the principal potential public health
concerns in relation to such facilities would be emissions to air, water and land (ammonia, dust, odours,
contaminated run-off) and possibly noise. If the applicant carries out all the mitigation measures during the
construction and operational phases as outlined in the application then the Public Health effects would be minimal
and the PHA would have no immediate concerns regarding adverse health effects of the facility related to IPPC
issues”.
The closest third party dwelling is approximately 220m South of the poultry site. At this distance, significant impacts
from odour and dust emissions from a poultry site of this size are not expected. The results of NIEA in-house air
CONSULTEE COMMENTS
Public Health Agency (PHA)
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Q57/19 Version 1
District Council
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
impact assessments indicate that odour impacts (ie. < 3OU/m3 guideline value) from the site will be acceptable at all
existing 3rd party dwellings and that dust impacts will be acceptable at all existing dwellings.
No concerns were raised by Lisburn City Council. No further conditions are considered necessary.
The FSA states that a well managed poultry production facility should present a very low risk of compromising the
safety of the food chain and concludes that provided the operator complies with relevant technical guidance it is
unlikely there will be any unacceptable effects on the human food chain as a result of the operations at the facility.
NIEA Conservation,
Designations and Protection
(NIEA-CDP)
In their response NIEA-CDP stated that using SCAIL to project the likely output of ammonia to nearby designated
sites including Ballynanaghten ASSI, Maghaberry ASSI and Clarehill ASSI a stocking density of 70,000 birds
would result in a process contribution of less than 10% of the critical level of each site.
The closest ASSI’s are Clairehill ASSI @2.3km (earth science site); Ballynanaghten ASSI @5.5km (lowland
meadow); Magheraberry ASSI @6.4km and Lough Neagh & Lough Beg Ramsar @7.5km. Use of the AQMAU (EA
Air Quality Monitoring Assessment Unit) Ammonia Screening Tool (v4) and the SCAIL-Agriculture screening tool
predicts that impacts will not be significant ie. <0.02 at all local habitats (<0.7% of critical level). The predicted
impacts are below the threshold (20%) above which it is considered significant and an in-combination assessment
would be required with other PPC installations in the area (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” –
August 2013).
IMPACTS ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
European sites
ASSIs
Other environmental receptors
There are no designated European sites within 10km of the proposed farm.
The closest ASSI’s are Clairehill ASSI @2.3km (earth science site); Ballynanaghten ASSI @5.5km (lowland
meadow); Magheraberry ASSI @6.4km and Lough Neagh & Lough Beg Ramsar @7.5km. See NIEA-CDP section
above for further details.
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
1.4.9). Pre-Operation Conditions also require gas tanks and feed bins to be protected from collision (1.4.5); fuel to be
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
People
Overall BAT demonstration.
Q57/19 Version 1
adequately contained to minimise potential for surface or ground water pollution (1.4.6) and chemicals to be
adequately contained within a suitable store (1.4.7). 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.
All litter is removed from the installation in covered trailers for combustion, anaerobic digestion, mushroom
composting at authorised facilities or land-spreading. All carcasses are removed from the site for rendering at an
approved rendering facility.
Odour, Dust or Noise impacts are not expected to be significant at any existing dwellings provided permit conditions
are adhered to. Satisfactory Noise and Odour Management Plans, including complaints procedures, were provided
with the application. Noise, dust or odour concerns were not raised in any of the consultation responses received.
The closest third party dwellings are approximately 220m South of the poultry site. Check odour screening carried
out by NIEA indicates that the odour guideline value of 3 OU/m3 (as set out in the Environment Agency H4 Odour
Management Guidance, March 2011) is unlikely to be exceeded at any of the third party dwellings in the area.
Measures described in the odour management plan provided with the application shall be implemented. A
satisfactory complaints procedure was submitted with the odour management plan.
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.
The application and additional information submitted indicates that appropriate measures have been taken to control
the risk of pollution of waterways and that procedures are in place for the control of 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 cause for
annoyance due to noise. The combination of measures proposed in the application and required by the permit is
considered to represent the Best Available Techniques for an installation of this nature.
The determination of this application (P0463/14A) is that a permit should be granted.
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Completed by:
NIEA - Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate
Date:
May 2015
Q57/19 Version 1
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