PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
Q57/19 Version 1
Decision Document for Permit Number P0438/14A (Trevor Montgomery)
Decision Document
CONDITION(S)
JUSTIFICATION
1.1 The permitted activities
1.2.1 The site
1.3 Overall Management
The Permit covers the rearing of poultry for the production of poultry meat and waste storage - including carcasses
prior to 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. A land bank in
Northern Ireland has not yet been identified but permit conditions (2.3.5.1, 2.3.5.5 and IMP7) require the operator to
submit a full Nutrient Management Plan prior to first exporting litter for land-spreading in Northern Ireland. The
houses will be heated by means of LPG fuelled heaters. At some time in the future the operator may install biomass
boilers and permit conditions have been included to control emissions from this activity.
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.
IMP8 requires an amended site plan to be submitted prior to installation of a biomass heating system.
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
2.2.1 – 2.2.3 Raw Materials and
Water
2.3.1 Feed delivery, milling and
preparation
2.3.2 Storage of agricultural fuel
oils and other materials
Q57/19 Version 1
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 section 2 of 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.
These conditions will ensure that the impacts of the installation on sensitive receptors will be minimised or reduced
to an acceptable level.
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.
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. 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.
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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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
2.3.3 Minimising emissions from
housing
2.3.4 Litter storage
2.3.5 Litter spreading
Q57/19 Version 1
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, combustion in an authorised
facility or land-spreading in Northern Ireland in accordance with a nutrient management plan.
Litter will be exported from the site for use in mushroom composting, combustion in authorised facilities or landspreading 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 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 IMP7) require the operator to submit a
full Nutrient Management Plan prior to first exporting litter for land-spreading in Northern Ireland on operatorcontrolled or 3rd party land.
An anaerobic digestion outlet has not yet been identified but permit conditions (2.3.5.1 and IMP6) require the
operator to submit details prior to first exporting litter to this outlet.
The operator estimates the litter produced on the site to be up to 546T per year.
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
2.3.6 Odour
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
Q57/19 Version 1
These are standard conditions. The closest third party dwelling is approximately 187m south by east of the poultry
site. There are other 3rd party dwellings at distances of 215, 244, 264 and 288m. 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 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 LPG fuelled 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
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
Management
2.8 Noise and vibration
Q57/19 Version 1
2.9.1 Recording
These are standard conditions. A satisfactory noise management plan including complaints procedure was provided
with the application. The closest third party dwelling is approximately 187m south by east of the poultry site.
Significant noise impacts are not considered likely from this installation at these distances provided permit
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.
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.
CONSULTEE COMMENTS
Public Health Agency (PHA)
No major 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”.
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
District Council
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
NIEA Conservation,
Designations and Protection
(NIEA-CDP)
Q57/19 Version 1
The closest third party dwelling is approximately 187m south by east of the poultry site. There are others 3rd party
dwellings at distances of 215, 244, 264 and 288m. At these distances, significant impacts from odour and dust
emissions from a poultry site of this size are not expected. The results of NIEA in-house air impact screening
indicates that odour impacts 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 Craigavon Borough 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.
No further conditions are considered necessary.
In their response, NIEA-CDP stated that they had assessed the application on the basis of 68,000 birds (as per the
Planning Application) and not the number proposed in the PPC permit application (70,000 birds). They required the
number of birds be limited to 68,000 to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on the selection features of
Montiaghs Moss SAC/ASSI, Lough Neagh ASSI, and Lough Neagh & Lough Beg SPA, Portmore Lough ASSI,
Ballynanaghten ASSI and Maghaberry ASSI.
Use of the AQMAU (EA Air Quality Monitoring Assessment Unit) Ammonia Screening Tool (v4.4) predicts an
ammonia contribution of 0.042ug/m3 (1.4%) from the proposed farm (@ 70,000 birds) on the closest designated site
(Ballynanaghten ASSI at 1.7km). The predicted impact at the closest European Site (Montiaghs Moss SAC/ASSI at
3.6km) is predicted at 0.013ug/m3 (1.3%). The predicted impacts are below the threshold (4.0%) 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).
NIEA-CDP also recommended that all runoff generated in the hardstanding areas surrounding the proposed poultry
houses should be considered ‘dirty’ water and that it should be collected in the wash tank shown on the site drawing
submitted with the application. Permit condition 2.3.3.3 requires drainage from contaminated yard areas to be
collected in a tank.
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
IMPACTS ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
European sites
ASSIs
Other environmental receptors
People
Q57/19 Version 1
The closest European site is Montiaghs Moss SAC/ASSI @3.6km. Use of the AQMAU (EA Air Quality Monitoring
Assessment Unit) Ammonia Screening Tool (v4.4) predicts an ammonia contribution of 0.013ug/m3 (1.3%) at this
distance. The predicted impact is below the threshold (4.0%) above which it is considered significant and an incombination 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).
The closest ASSI is Ballynanaghten @1.7km as discussed above.
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
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). 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.
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 dwelling is approximately 187m south by east of the poultry site. There are other 3rd party
dwellings at distances of 215, 244, 264 and 288m. 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.
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
Overall BAT demonstration.
Q57/19 Version 1
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 (P0438/14A) is that a permit should be granted.
Completed by:
Date:
NIEA – Industrial Pollution & Radiochemical Inspectorate
21st January 2015
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