PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
Q57/19 Version 1
Decision Document for Permit Number P0442/14A (Michael McCullagh)
CONDITION(S)
Decision Document: 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 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.
Currently, no litter shall be spread to land on the farm. In the event that on farm utilisation is proposed permit
conditions (2.3.5.5 and IMP7) require the operator to submit a full Nutrient Management Plan prior to first exporting
litter for land-spreading on land under his control in Northern Ireland.
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 quantity of 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 boiler
2.4 Discharges to Groundwater
2.5 Waste minimisation
2.5.2 Disposal of carcasses
Q57/19 Version 1
These are standard conditions. The closest dwelling is that of the applicant and lies approximately 65m west of the
poultry site. The closest third party dwelling is approximately 150m north-northwest of the poultry site. There are
other 3rd party dwellings at distances of approximately 210, 270 and 365m. Outline planning permission
(H/2012/0186/O) has been granted for a new dwelling at a site approximately 185m to the north east of the proposed
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 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.
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
2.6 Energy Use
2.7 Accident Prevention and
Management
2.8 Noise and vibration
Q57/19 Version 1
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 dwelling is approximately 150m north-northwest 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.
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.
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
CONSULTEE COMMENTS
Public Health Agency (PHA)
District Council
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
NIEA Conservation,
Designations and Protection
(NIEA-CDP)
Q57/19 Version 1
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 (odour, gases, effluent etc) and the
possibility of 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 150m north-northwest of the poultry site. There are other 3rd party
dwellings at distances of approximately 210, 270 and 365m. Outline planning permission (H/2012/0186/O) has been
granted for a new dwelling at a site approximately 185m to the north east of the proposed poultry site.
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.
Magherafelt District Council has no immediate concerns but pointed out that sensitive receptors are located around
the installation (one within and one slightly beyond a 150m radius, addresses unknown). Supporting documentation
supplied with the permit application indicates the closest dwelling to be that of the applicant, lying approximately
65m west of the poultry site. The closest third party dwelling is approximately 152m north-northwest of the poultry
site. There are other 3rd party dwellings at distances of 210, 270 and 365m. Outline planning permission
(H/2012/0186/O) has been granted for a new dwelling at a site approximately 185m to the north east of the proposed
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. No further permit 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.
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
Carn/Glenshane Pass SAC/ASSI and the River Roe and tributaries SAC/ASSI.
Use of the AQMAU (EA Air Quality Monitoring Assessment Unit) Ammonia Screening Tool (v4.4) predicts an
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
Q57/19 Version 1
ammonia contribution of 0.008µg/m3 (0.8% of the habitat critical level) from the proposed farm (@ 70,000 birds) on
the closest designated site (Carn/Glenshane Pass SAC/ASSI at 5.0km). The closest point of the River Roe and
tributaries SAC/ASSI lies approximately 6.6km from the poultry site. The ammonia contribution from the poultry
farm is predicted to be 0.004µg/m3 (0.13% of the habitat critical level) at this distance.
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).
IMPACTS ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
European sites
ASSIs
Other environmental receptors
The closest European site is the Carn/Glenshane Pass SAC/ASSI at 5.0km. The closest point of the River Roe and
tributaries SAC/ASSI lies approximately 6.6km from the poultry site. Use of the AQMAU (EA Air Quality
Monitoring Assessment Unit) Ammonia Screening Tool (v4.4) predicts an ammonia contribution of 0.008µg/m3
(0.8% of the habitat critical level) from the proposed farm (@ 70,000 birds) on the Carn/Glenshane Pass SAC/ASSI.
The ammonia contribution from the poultry farm on the River Roe and tributaries SAC/ASSI is predicted to be
0.004µg/m3 (0.13% of the habitat critical level).
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).
The closest ASSI is Carn/Glenshane Pass @ 5.0km, 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, anaerobic digestion or mushroom composting at authorised facilities or land-spreading. All carcasses
are removed from the site for rendering at an approved rendering facility.
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PPC Farm Permit Decision Document Template for new applications (general)
People
Overall BAT demonstration.
Q57/19 Version 1
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 dwelling is that of the applicant and lies approximately 65m west of the poultry site. The closest third
party dwelling is approximately 150m north-northwest of the poultry site. There are other 3rd party dwellings at
distances of approximately 210, 270 and 365m. Outline planning permission (H/2012/0186/O) has been granted for a
new dwelling at a site approximately 185m to the north east of the proposed 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 (P0442/14A) is that a permit should be granted.
Completed by:
Date:
NIEA – Industrial Pollution & Radiochemical Inspectorate
3rd February 2015
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