NATIONAL POLLUTANT INVENTORY
EMISSION ESTIMATION TECHNIQUE MANUAL
FOR
INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK - POULTRY RAISING
VERSION 2.0
JULY 2012
First published in December 1999
Version 2.0 published July 2012
ISBN: 06425 48137
 Commonwealth of Australia 2012
This manual may be reproduced in whole or part for study or training purposes subject to the inclusion of an
acknowledgment of the source. It may be reproduced in whole or part by those involved in estimating the
emissions of substances for the purpose of National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) reporting. The manual may be
updated at any time.
Reproduction for other purposes requires the written permission of the Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities
GPO Box 787, Canberra, ACT 2601,
e-mail: npi@environment.gov.au
web: www.npi.gov.au
phone: 1800 657 945.
Disclaimer
The manual was prepared in conjunction with Australian states and territories according to the National
Environment Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Measure.
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the contents of this guidance material are factually correct,
the Australian Government does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents and
shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or
reliance on, the contents of this manual.
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EMISSION ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES
FOR
INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK - POULTRY RAISING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1
THE PROCESS FOR NPI REPORTING........................................................................................................... 2
1.2
STRUCTURED APPROACH TO NPI REPORTING.......................................................................................... 2
1.2.1
Information required to produce an annual NPI report .................................................................. 2
1.3
ADDITIONAL REPORTING MATERIALS ....................................................................................................... 3
2
PROCESS DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................................... 4
2.1
LAYER PRODUCTION SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................. 4
2.1.1
Breeding farms ................................................................................................................................ 4
2.1.2
Hatcheries ....................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.3
Pullet rearing .................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1.4
Layer operations - cage................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.5
Layer operations - barn laid ........................................................................................................... 4
2.1.6
Layer operations - free range.......................................................................................................... 5
2.2
MEAT BIRD PRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.1
Meat chicken breeding farms and hatcheries .................................................................................. 5
2.2.2
Meat chicken farms ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.3
Turkey production systems .............................................................................................................. 5
2.2.4
Duck production systems ................................................................................................................. 5
2.3
MANURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ........................................................................................................... 5
2.3.1
Shed losses ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3.2
Storage losses .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.3.3
Storage and spreading losses .......................................................................................................... 6
3
EMISSION SOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 7
3.1
EMISSIONS TO AIR .................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.1
Fugitive emissions ........................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.2
Point source emissions .................................................................................................................... 7
3.2
EMISSIONS TO WATER .............................................................................................................................. 7
3.3
EMISSIONS TO LAND ................................................................................................................................. 7
4
THRESHOLD CALCULATIONS .............................................................................................................. 8
5
TECHNIQUES FOR ESTIMATING EMISSIONS ................................................................................. 11
5.1
5.2
6
EMISSION FACTORS ................................................................................................................................ 11
APPROVED ALTERNATIVE ...................................................................................................................... 12
TRANSFERS OF NPI SUBSTANCES IN WASTE ................................................................................. 13
6.1
REPORTING TRANSFERS FOR POULTRY RAISING OPERATIONS ................................................................. 13
7
NEXT STEPS FOR REPORTING ............................................................................................................ 15
8
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 16
APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS.............................................................................. 17
APPENDIX B: AMMONIA EMISSION FACTORS ...................................................................................... 18
APPENDIX C: AMMONIA TRANSFER FACTORS ..................................................................................... 19
APPENDIX D: MODIFICATIONS TO THE INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK - POULTRY RAISING
EMISSION ESTIMATION TECHNIQUE (EET) MANUAL ........................................................................ 20
(VERSION 2.0 NOVEMBER 2012) ........................................................................................................................ 20
APPENDIX E: SIMPLIFIED REPORTING FORM ...................................................................................... 21
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LIST OF FIGURES, TABLES, EQUATIONS AND EXAMPLES
Figure 1: Process for NPI reporting ........................................................................................................................ 2
Table 1: Layer production systems reporting threshold for ammonia emissions .................................................... 8
Table 2: Meat chicken production systems reporting thresholds for ammonia emissions ...................................... 8
Table 3: Turkey production systems reporting thresholds for ammonia emissions ................................................ 9
Table 4: Duck production systems reporting thresholds for ammonia emissions ................................................... 9
Table 5: Reporting transfers requirements ............................................................................................................ 14
Table 6: Layer production systems - ammonia emission factors .......................................................................... 18
Table 7: Meat chicken production systems - ammonia emission factors .............................................................. 18
Table 8: Turkey production systems - ammonia emission factors ........................................................................ 18
Table 9: Duck production systems - ammonia emission factors ........................................................................... 18
Table 10: Total Nitrogen and Phosphorus thresholds for transfers reporting and transfer factors ........................ 19
Equation 1: Ammonia emissions .......................................................................................................................... 11
Example 1: Assessing thresholds - sub-threshold facility ....................................................................................... 9
Example 2:Assessing thresholds - facility with an ammonia reporting requirement .............................................. 9
Example 3:Assessing thresholds - facility with an ammonia and fuel reporting requirement .............................. 10
Example 4: Estimating emissions of ammonia from a poultry facility ................................................................. 12
Example 5: Reporting transfers of NPI substances in waste ................................................................................. 14
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1
Introduction
The purpose of all emission estimation technique (EET) manuals is to assist Australian manufacturing,
industrial and service facilities to report emissions of listed substances to the National Pollutant
Inventory (NPI). This manual describes the procedures and recommended approaches for estimating
emissions engaged in the intensive livestock - poultry raising industry or related activities.
EET MANUAL
ANZSIC CODE
2006
INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK - POULTRY RAISING
0171 Poultry farming (meat)
0172 Poultry farming (eggs)
Note that the ANZSIC code is part of NPI reporting requirements. The NPI Guide contains an
explanation of the ANZSIC code.
This manual has been developed through a process of national consultation involving state and territory
environmental authorities and key industry stakeholders. Particular thanks are due to the Victorian
Farmers Federation, Australian Egg Corporation Limited, Australian Chicken Meat Federation,
Australian Chicken Growers Council, and the Feedlot Services Australia (FSA Consulting).
NPI substances are those that when emitted at certain levels have potential to be harmful. Australian,
state and territory governments have agreed, in response to international requirements, that industries
will report these emissions on an annual basis. NPI substances are set out in the NPI Guide and are
listed in categories which have a threshold; i.e. once annual ‘use’ of substances is above the threshold
their emissions and transfers must be reported.
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1.1
The process for NPI reporting
The process for NPI reporting can be seen in the following flow chart:
Step 1: Prepare a process flow chart for your facility.(Identify
the activities related to egg and meat production)
Refer to Section 2
Process description
Step 2: Determine the emission and transfer sources.
(Characterise outflows such as hatcheries and shed losses)
Refer to Section 3
Emission sources
Step 3: Determine whether any thresholds have been
exceeded.
(Quantify the number of birds, types and weights)
Refer to Section 4
Threshold calculations
Step 4: Estimate the emissions and transfers for your facility.
Refer to Section 5 & 6
Emissions estimation & transfers
Step 5: Report emissions to the NPI.
(Compile emissions and transfers from all sources for your
report)
Refer to Section 7
Next steps for reporting
Figure 1: Process for NPI reporting
1.2
Structured Approach to NPI Reporting
The first step in approaching NPI reporting is to download the NPI guide, it is available from the NPI
website www.npi.gov.au/publications/guidetoreporting.html.
The guide contains important information that you will need to complete your NPI report including
guidance on how to:
 Determine if any thresholds have been tripped;
 Estimating emissions and transfers in waste of NPI substances;
 How to report NPI emissions and transfers; as well as
 A complete list of the 93 NPI substances.
1.2.1 Information required to produce an annual NPI report
The following information is needed for the reporting period:
 meat producing industries will require knowledge of the live weight produced per year;
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 egg producers will require knowledge of the numbers of different bird types for the specific type of
production systems;
 the manure/litter management system employed at the poultry operation.
If any fuel burning equipment has been used on the facility, including on-site vehicles, additional data
will need to be collated:
 type and amount of fuel burned;
 pollution control devices employed;
 volume and throughput of fuels or organic liquids stored on-site.
1.3
Additional reporting materials
This manual is written to reflect the common practices employed in poultry raising operations. In some
cases it may be necessary to refer to other EET manuals to ensure a complete report of the emissions
for the facility can be made. Other applicable EET manuals may include, but are not limited to:




Combustion in boilers
Combustion engines;
Fuel and organic liquid storage
Fugitive emissions.
The reporting thresholds for combustion of fuels in boilers and/or engines are:





541,000 L petrol (equivalent to 400 tonnes);
478,000 L diesel (equivalent to 400 tonnes);
784,000 L LPG (equivalent to 400 tonnes);
17,800,000 MJ natural gas (equivalent to 400 tonnes) or
400 tonnes of coal or wood.
If you burned 400 tonnes or more of fuel (total) in a reporting period (a year, usually from 1 July to 30
June), you must consult the appropriate EET manual and report emissions of Category 2a substances. If
you burned 2,000 tonnes or more of fuel (total) you must report emissions of Category 2b substances.
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2
Process description
Poultry raising operations consist of several activities such as feedstock storage, feeding systems,
animal housing, disposal of biological matter, vehicle operation, waste removal, storage and treatment.
Some facilities may generate their own power by fuel combustion or use biogas to produce power onsite. Biogas is considered a fuel for NPI purposes, and must be considered against thresholds in the
NPI Guide.
2.1
Layer production systems
The layer industry can be categorised by a number of different production sectors, including breeder
farms, pullet rearing, hatcheries and layers.
Due to the different requirements of egg farms and breeder farms, egg producers often purchase day
old chicks or pullets, rather than operating their own breeding farm.
2.1.1 Breeding farms
Breeding farms keep breeding hens and roosters to produce fertile eggs. The birds that produce the egg
chickens are known as the parent or secondary stock. They are housed in sheds with either litter or
mesh flooring, or a combination of both. The fertile eggs produced by the parent stock are collected
daily and stored for transport to a hatchery. The parent stock is productive for about 12 months. At the
end of their productive life they are removed for meat processing. The spent litter is cleaned from the
sheds at the end of each 12 month cycle and the process repeated.
2.1.2 Hatcheries
Hatcheries incubate eggs collected from the parent stock until they hatch. The chicks produced are
consigned to either egg production or pullet rearing farms within hours of hatching. Sheds are washed
and disinfected at the end of each batch.
2.1.3 Pullet rearing
Pullet rearing facilities raise day old chicks to point of lay pullets (approximately 17 weeks of age).
These pullets are then transferred to egg production facilities or else sold offsite to other egg
enterprises. Pullets are generally reared in cages but may also be reared on litter-based systems.
2.1.4 Layer operations - cage
Caged layer systems produce around 80% of the eggs sold in Australia, as this is currently the most
cost effective system. The two forms of cages used in egg production are conventional cages and
environmental cages.
With conventional cage systems, the manure drops down under cages and is removed every six to
twelve months.
Sheds fitted with environmental cages have computerised climate control with tunnel ventilation. Most
of these sheds also have automated feeding systems and many are also fitted with conveyor belts under
the cages that collect and remove the manure. These belts are often fitted with a drying system that
removes moisture from the manure to optimise the shed environment and hence improve production.
Once removed from the shed, the manure is usually transported from the farm immediately for further
processing or use in agriculture.
2.1.5 Layer operations - barn laid
The barn laid system currently represents about 5% of egg production in Australia. These systems
comprise an automated nesting system with the hen group housed in sheds with litter and perches.
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2.1.6 Layer operations - free range
Free range systems currently represent about 15% of egg production in Australia.
Free range systems comprise weatherproof sheds with an adjoining outdoor range (sometimes covered
with mesh to minimise contact with wild birds). Increasingly, free range systems have automated
nesting, feeding and watering systems.
2.2
Meat bird production
Poultry meat production in Australia is dominated by the meat chicken industry, together with duck
and turkey meat production. The meat chicken industry in Australia is predominantly vertically
integrated with three large companies supplying 80% of the market.
2.2.1 Meat chicken breeding farms and hatcheries
As with the egg industry, meat chicken breeder farms keep breeding hens and roosters to produce
fertile eggs. The breeding stocks are productive for about twelve months, at which point they are
removed for meat processing. The manure, or spent litter, is cleaned from the sheds at the end of each
cycle and the process repeated.
The breeder farms generally use sheds that have a combination of roosting areas, with litter based
systems in the remainder of the shed. Pullets and cocks are grown out on rearing farms where a litterbased system is commonly used to raise the birds to productive age (approximately 18 weeks).
The hatcheries produce day-old chicks that are distributed to the grower farms.
2.2.2 Meat chicken farms
The meat chicken industry in Australia is mainly comprised of growers who generally grow out day old
chicks for processing under contract to companies. The contract growers own the farm and provide the
management, shedding, equipment, labour, bedding and other inputs to rear the poultry. The processing
company provides and owns the chickens and provides feed, medication and technical advice.
The industry generally uses litter-based systems for raising meat chickens. There is a small percentage
of free range operations that use a combination of sheds with litter and outdoor runs. Birds are typically
housed in tunnel ventilated sheds with controlled climate conditions.
2.2.3 Turkey production systems
Approximately 4.7 million turkeys are produced each year in Australia. Turkey breeders and grower
birds are predominantly raised on litter-based systems with the litter removed at the end of the breeding
cycle or production of a batch of birds. Breeder farms (eggs and rearing) will generally be conducted as
part of a separate operation, with the birds housed on litter.
2.2.4 Duck production systems
Approximately 5.3 million ducks are produced each year in Australia. Most flocks involve breeding
and growing out in separate operations, with an average grow out period of seven weeks. Litter-based
systems are the most common, with the litter removed at the end of the breeding cycle or batch of
birds. Sheds usually contain a concrete apron at the drinkers where excess liquid is directed out of the
shed to prevent excess wetting of the litter.
2.3
Manure management systems
Losses from stockpiled manure and composting processes will vary depending on the type of poultry
manure. There are two major categories of waste: manure mixed with litter and straight manure. These
two materials will differ in the rate of ammonia loss during stockpiling and composting processes. The
factors provided in this manual are based on assumptions and averages which would be typical of
Australian facilities.
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2.3.1 Shed losses
In Australian poultry farming systems, most manure and litter is removed immediately from the site of
production (i.e. from the facility). In these cases, reporting thresholds should be assessed against the
"Shed " columns in Tables 1 to 5 and similarly against the emission factors in Tables 6 to 10.
2.3.2 Storage losses
If litter is stored on-site in either stockpiles or used for composting, there will be volatilisation of
nitrogen to ammonia. The quantities in which this will occur depends on acidity, temperature and
whether the litter is covered or compressed.
If a facility is using this type of process, reporting thresholds should be assessed against the
"Shed + storage" columns in Tables 1 to 5, against the emission factors in Tables 6 to 9 and transfers
Table 10 where assumptions typical of Australian operations have been applied.
2.3.3 Storage and spreading losses
Fresh, stockpiled or composted litter or manure is typically spread on cropped or pastured land off-site.
Nitrogen losses will depend on the processing that the litter has been exposed to, as composted litter
will likely lose less ammonia on spreading compared to fresh or stockpiled litter.
Most losses of ammonia will occur within the first ten days of application.
If a facility is spreading litter on-site, reporting thresholds should be assessed against the "Shed +
storage + spreading" columns in Tables 1 to 5, against the emission factors in Tables 6 to 9 and
transfers Table 10. If the litter or manure is spread off-site, then procedures outlined in 2.3.2 above
should be followed.
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3
Emission sources
General information regarding emission sources can be located in the NPI Guide.
3.1
Emissions to air
Air emissions may be categorised as fugitive emissions or point source emissions.
3.1.1 Fugitive emissions
These are emissions not released through a vent or stack. Examples of fugitive emissions include dust
from stockpiles and volatilisation of ammonia from stockpiled manure. Emissions emanating from
ridgeline roof-vents, louvers, and open doors of a building are also examples of fugitive emissions.
Emission factors are the usual method for determining losses through fugitive emissions. Standard
emission factors for the release of ammonia from poultry raising operations are listed in Appendix B.
3.1.2 Point source emissions
Point source emissions are directed through a single point source into the atmosphere.
It is possible that in poultry operations, fuel may be combusted in a boiler, space heater and/or an
engine on-site. As a result of these activities, substances will be emitted from a stack as a result of fuel
combustion. Additional information on thresholds for common fuels can be found in section 1.3, the
NPI Guide, Combustion in boilers and/or the Combustion engines manuals.
3.2
Emissions to water
Emissions of substances to water from poultry raising are only likely to occur as a result of accidental
spillage. In the normal operation of a poultry raising operation, spent litter and feed should NOT enter
waterways.
If this does happen you are legally required to immediately contact your state or territory environment
agency for guidance. Any such emissions are also reportable to the NPI if thresholds are exceeded.
3.3
Emissions to land
In general, the substances generated by activities related to poultry when applied to land are considered
a voluntary transfer and not an emission to land. This applies to substances such as Total Nitrogen,
Total Phosphorus and other substances which when applied in acceptable concentrations are considered
beneficial to the land to which it is applied.
These substances can be reported as a transfer to a voluntary reporting transfer destination. Please refer
to Section 6 for information on the reporting of transfers.
For all other substances, discharges to land should be reported as an emission to land.
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4
Threshold calculations
The NPI Guide outlines detailed information on thresholds and identification of emission sources.
“Usage” of NPI substances is a determinant of whether NPI thresholds for Category 1 substances have
been tripped.
The usage of each of the substances listed as Category 1 under the NPI must be estimated to determine
whether the 10 tonnes reporting threshold is exceeded. If the threshold of a Category 1 substance is
exceeded, emissions of that substance from the facility (for all sources) must be reported, even if the
emissions of the substances are very low.
Usage is defined as the handling, manufacture, import, processing, coincidental production or other
uses of the substances. The threshold for ammonia, generated from the manure, may be tripped from
poultry raising activities.
This manual refers to average number of birds per year, this is the nominal capacity or average
number of birds being raised during the year, rather than the total number of birds which have been
raised at the facility. .
The number of poultry of each type required to trigger the NPI threshold for ammonia is shown in
Tables 1 to 5. If the threshold is reached, then the facility must report emissions of ammonia from the
operations conducted on-site.
Shed + storage + spreading refers to operations that store and spread manure on their own farm.
Table 1: Layer production systems reporting threshold for ammonia emissions based on average
number of birds / year
Bird type /
Average number of birds/yr required to trigger reporting
production system
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed + storage + spreading
Layer – high rise
Layer – belt
Layer – barn
Layer – free range
Layer breeder
Layer rearer – barn
Layer rearer – belt
36,400
294,100
50,800
40,500
33,400
191,900
318,500
36,400
60,800
31,700
27,600
22,800
106,600
129,400
28,000
37,200
24,400
22,000
18,200
78,600
87,800
Table 2: Meat chicken production systems reporting thresholds for ammonia emissions
Bird type/
Tonnes liveweight produced / yr required to trigger reporting
production system
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed+storage+spreading
1,212
827
659
Meat chicken shed
/ free range
Bird type/
production system
Meat chicken
breeder
Meat chicken
rearer
Meat chicken shed
/ free range
Average number of birds / yr required to trigger reporting
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed+storage+spreading
32,300
20,200
15,500
118,900
74,300
57,200
87,600
59,800
47,600
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Table 3: Turkey production systems reporting thresholds for ammonia emissions
Bird type/
Tonnes liveweight produced/yr required to trigger reporting
production system
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed+storage+spreading
822
1,126
Toms
Hens
Bird type/
production system
Turkey breeder
Turkey rearer
Toms
Hens
560
768
447
612
Average number of birds / yr required to trigger reporting
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed+storage+spreading
18,200
10,100
7,500
42,000
23,300
17,200
19,800
13,500
10,800
49,300
33,600
26,800
Table 4: Duck production systems reporting thresholds for ammonia emissions
Bird type/
Tonnes liveweight produced/yr required to trigger reporting
production system
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed+storage+spreading
930
Meat duck
Bird type/
production system
Duck breeder
Duck rearer
Meat duck
716
604
Average number of birds / yr required to trigger reporting
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed+storage+spreading
20,300
14,800
12,200
77,800
56,800
46,700
47,600
36,600
30,900
In addition to the above, facility operators are advised to check the NPI Guide for further information
on thresholds.
Example 1: Assessing thresholds - Using average number of birds
Facility A is a layer rearer operation where manure is removed via a belt. The same process is
undertaken at three sheds at the site. Manure is bagged and sold at the farm gate (i.e. it is not stored onsite).
During a twelve month period, the average number of birds on site is 300,000 birds.
From Table 1, it can be seen that the reporting threshold for this layer rearer operation with shed losses
(i.e. manure is removed from the site immediately after being removed from the shed) is 318 500 birds.
As the number of birds in this example falls below this number, Facility A does not have a
requirement to report emissions of ammonia to the NPI (however the facility should consult the
NPI Guide to ensure they do not have a reporting requirement under a different threshold, such as
combustion of fuel).
Example 2:Assessing thresholds - Using live weight produced
Facility B is a meat chicken operation where manure is removed at the end of each cycle, and
stockpiled on-site.
There are three cycles a year, with a total of 1,000 tonnes liveweight processed each year.
From Table 2, it can be seen that the reporting threshold for meat chicken operations with sheds, and
manure stored on-site is 827 tonnes liveweight per year. As the weight of birds is above this threshold,
Facility B has a requirement to report emissions of ammonia to the NPI.
Facilities with reporting requirements should consult Section 5 of this manual. If using emission factors
to estimate emissions consult Section 5.1 and Example 4.
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Example 3:Assessing thresholds - Using live weight and fuel combustion thresholds
Facility C is a duck rearer operation where manure is removed from the shed, stored on-site for various
durations of time, then spread on paddocks at the facility.
There are six cycles per year, with a total of 50,000 birds processed each year.
From Table 4, it can be seen that the reporting threshold for rearer operations with shed, storage, and
spreading is 46,700 birds. As the number of birds is above this threshold, Facility C has a requirement
to report emissions of ammonia to the NPI.
In addition to the above, the facility burns more than 400 tonnes of fuel in a year for the purposes of
heating, cooling, and for on-site vehicles. As the facility has exceeded the Category 2a threshold,
reporting is required for Category 2a substances.
In this situation, the facility should consult the following resources for further assistance in estimating
emissions of Category 2a substances:
 NPI Guide
 Combustion in boilers manual
 Combustion engines manual
These resources can be found on the NPI website.
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5
Techniques for estimating emissions
Emissions to air, land and water for every NPI substance that trips a threshold must be reported from
all point and fugitive sources on the facility. These are reported as “total point” and “total fugitive”
emission sources. The NPI Guide provides detailed information on thresholds and identifying emission
sources.
There are five types of emission estimation techniques (EETs) that may be used to calculate emissions
from your facility. These are:
 sampling data or direct measurement
 mass balance
 fuel analysis or engineering calculations
 emission factors, or
 an approved alternative.
Generally, poultry raising facilities report emissions for ammonia using the emission factor method,
however some facilities use engineering calculations, mass balance or an approved alternative
technique. The emission factor method, engineering calculations and mass balance are briefly
described in this section. Information on the other emission estimation techniques can be found in the
NPI Guide.
This manual seeks to provide the most effective emission estimation techniques for the NPI substances
relevant to the poultry raising industry. The absence of an EET for a substance in the manual does not
imply that an emission should not be reported to the NPI. The obligation to report on all relevant
emissions remains if reporting thresholds have been exceeded.
Emissions from Spills
You should note that the EETs presented in this manual relate principally to average process
emissions. However, it is important to recognise that emissions resulting from significant operating
excursions and/or accidental situations (e.g. spills) will also need to be estimated.
Emissions to land, air and water from spills must be estimated and added to process emissions when
calculating total emissions for reporting purposes. The emission resulting from a spill is the net
emission, i.e. the quantity of the NPI reportable substance spilled, less the quantity recovered or
consumed immediately (within 24 hours) during clean up operations.
5.1
Emission factors
An emission factor is a tool that is used to estimate emissions to the environment. In this manual
emission factors have been produced to estimate the amount of ammonia emitted from poultry urine
and manure associated with poultry farming. Emission factors for poultry raising are expressed as
kilograms of ammonia per bird.
The equation for estimating emissions of ammonia from poultry operations is as follows:
Equation 1: Ammonia emissions
ENH3/yr = EFNH3 × A/yr
Where:
ENH3 = Emission of ammonia per year
EFNH3 = Emission factor for ammonia specific for facility type and operation
A/yr = Activity, being the number of birds per year or tonnes liveweight produced per year.
Emission factors are listed in Appendix B. You must ensure that you estimate emissions for all
substances relevant to your process if a threshold for the substance is exceeded.
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Example 4: Estimating emissions of ammonia from a poultry facility using the average number
of birds / year
Facility D is a layer breeder operation that stores and spreads manure on-site. The facility has
determined from Table 1 that they do have a reporting requirement for ammonia, as the average
number of birds being processed during the year is 40,000.
The emission factor for this facility and operation type (0.551kg/bird/yr) is listed in Table 6,
Appendix B.
Using Equation 1:
ENH3/yr = EFNH3 × A/yr
ENH3/yr = 0.551 × 40 000
ENH3/yr = 22 040 kg/yr
An emission of 22,040 kg of ammonia must be reported to the NPI. In poultry operations, emissions of
ammonia are reported to the destination ‘Air Fugitive’.
5.2
Approved alternative
You are able to use emission estimation techniques that are not outlined in this document. You must,
however, seek the consent of your state or territory environmental agency. For example, if your
company has developed site-specific emission factors, you may use these if they have been approved
by your local environmental agency.
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6
Transfers of NPI substances in waste
The NPI requires the mandatory reporting of NPI substances that are transferred in waste to a final
destination. Transfers are required to be reported if a Category 1, Category 1b or Category 3 reporting
threshold is exceeded. For example, if the threshold has been exceeded for that substance (Category 1
substance) as a result of use of this substance on-site, transfers to the final destination of that substance
as well as the emissions are reportable. Both emissions and transfers are reportable in kilograms.
There is no requirement to report transfers of substances that are exclusively Category 2a or 2b (i.e. not
also listed as Category 1 substances). There is no requirement to report transfers of substances which
are both Category 1 and Category 2a or 2b if they have been tripped only by the fuel and energy use
threshold.
Reporting of transfers is required if wastes are transported to a destination for containment or
destruction which includes:
 a destination for containment including landfill, tailings storage facility, underground injection or
other long term purpose-built waste storage facility
 an off-site destination for destruction
 an off-site sewerage system and
 an off-site treatment facility which leads solely to one or more of the above.
A containment destination may be on-site or off-site, for example waste going to landfill. The transport
or movement of substances contained in waste to a sewerage system is also included.
The transfer of NPI substances to a destination for reuse, recycling, reprocessing, purification, partial
purification, immobilisation, remediation or energy recovery can be reported voluntarily. This is an
opportune way for facilities to promote good news stories to their local community.
Further information regarding transfers of waste, including how to estimate and report, can be found in
the NPI Guide.
6.1
Reporting transfers for poultry raising operations
With respect to poultry raising operations, Table 5 illustrates possible waste destinations and whether it
is mandatory (final destination) or voluntary (reuse) to report the transfer of an NPI substance.
As previously noted, if transferring waste containing NPI substances to a mandatory reporting
destination, it is necessary to determine the amount of the NPI substance(s) in that waste. For Total
Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus, if the amount exceeds the applicable threshold, and the destination is a
mandatory reporting destination, then reporting of the transfer is required.
While ammonia is the substance most commonly emitted from a poultry facility, it does not need to be
considered for transfers, as it is produced in the waste by the volatilisation of nitrogen (i.e. ammonia is
relevant to air emissions). Total Nitrogen is a substance which will likely need to be reported as a
transfer from facilities with a mandatory reporting destination for waste.
It is important to note that if the threshold for Total Nitrogen is exceeded, then transfers of both it and
Total Phosphorus are reportable.
Table 6 illustrates different operation types and the number of birds required to trigger reporting of
transfers in waste to a mandatory reporting destination.
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Table 5: Reporting transfers requirements
Waste stream containing NPI substances
Reporting requirements
Solid waste stockpiled on farm indefinitely
Solid waste sent to an off-site landfill
Solid waste spread on farm for fertiliser
It is recognised that the reuse of nutrients
contained in the solid waste is generally a
“beneficial reuse”.
However, individual substances in the solid waste
will only be considered as “reuse” when evidence
exists to demonstrate that the substance, in the
concentration range that is present in the solid
waste, provides a demonstrable benefit to the
receiving land.
When solid waste is applied which contains
substances in concentrations in excess of those
which benefit the land, it is an emission to land
for these substances and must be reported as such.
Solid waste transferred from farm for reuse as
fertiliser elsewhere
Reporting is mandatory
Discharge to final destination, reporting is
mandatory
Reporting is mandatory
Discharge to final destination, reporting is
mandatory
Reporting is voluntary for substances which
have demonstrated benefit (e.g. Total
Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus and other
substances when applied in acceptable
concentrations) to the land to which it is
applied
These substances can be reported as a transfer to a
voluntary reporting transfer destination.
Reporting as an emission to land is mandatory
for all other substances
For each NPI substance*, which exceeds the
Category 1, 1b, 2a, or 2b thresholds for the
facility as a whole, the amount of this substance in
the solid waste must be reported as an emission to
land.
(*excluding those substances for which emission
to land is not a valid destination e.g. PM10).
Reporting is voluntary
NPI substances in the waste can be reported as a
transfer to a voluntary reporting transfer
destination.
If your facility has exceeded the threshold and is required to report transfers, only the amount of the
actual substance(s) transferred is reportable (i.e. you should report only the amount of NPI substances
in the waste, not the total waste or total amount of manure).
Example 5: Reporting transfers of NPI substances in waste
Facility E (chicken layer breeder) has a manure management process whereby manure is removed from
the shed, and sent to landfill. From Table 5, it is mandatory to report transfers of waste to landfill in the
event the reporting threshold is tripped.
Facility E processes 40,000 birds a year. According to Table 10, the threshold for transfers reporting
for this type of operation is 15,800 birds per year. Therefore, Facility E must report transfers of Total
Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus, calculated using the following equation:
Total Nitrogen
Total Nitrogen
= 40,000 × 0.57
= 22,800 kg/yr
Total Phosphorus = 40,000 × 0.19
Total Phosphorus = 7,600 kg/yr
The facility reports a transfer of 22,800 kg/yr of Total Nitrogen and 7,600 kg/yr of Total Phosphorus
off-site to landfill. In addition to reporting the transfer, the facility also calculates and reports emissions
of ammonia.
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7
Next steps for reporting
This manual has been written to reflect the common processes employed in intensive livestock poultry raising. To ensure a complete report of the emissions for your facility, it may be necessary to
refer to other EET manuals. These include:
 Combustion in boilers;
 Combustion engines;
 Fuel and organic liquid storage;
 Fugitive emissions; and
 Meat processing.
When you have a complete report of substance emissions from your facility, report these emissions
according to the instructions in the NPI Guide. A simplified form is available in Appendix E for
reporting Ammonia emissions. If more than 400 tonnes of fuel is burned on site you must use the
online reporting system or standard paper form.
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8
References
ANZSIC: Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification, Australian Bureau of
Statistics and Statistics New Zealand 2006, ABS Catalogue 1292.0
Chastain, JP, Camberato, JJ & Skewes, P 2000, ‘Poultry manure production and nutrient content’,
Certified Animal Manure Managers Certification Program – Poultry. Clemson University, Clemson,
South Carolina.
FSA Consulting, Review of Emission Factors for the Estimation of Ammonia Emissions from Poultry,
December 2007, and references contained therein.
Perry, R. and Green, D., 1997, Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, 7th Ed., McGraw-Hill, New
York, USA.
J.S.Robinson, A.N.Sharpley, Release of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Poultry Litter, Journal of
Environment Quality, 1995
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Appendix A: Definitions and abbreviations
Term
ACMF
ANZSIC
biogas
EET
emission
facility
kg
tonne
volatilisation
Definition
Australian Chicken Meat Federation
Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification
a gas (produced from decomposition of waste) comprising methane and carbon dioxide
that can be used as a fuel
emission estimation technique
substances being released to the environment
any building or land from which a substance may be emitted, together with any
machinery, plant, appliance, equipment, implement, tool or other item used in
connection with any activity carried out at the facility
kilogram
1,000 kilograms
the process by which a substance evaporates to a gas at room temperature
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Appendix B: Ammonia emission factors
Shed + storage + spreading in Tables 6 to 9 refers to operations that store and spread manure on their
own farm.
Table 6: Layer production systems - ammonia emission factors
Bird type /
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed + storage +
production system
spreading
kg ammonia/ average number of birds /yr
0.275
0.275
0.357
Layer – high rise
0.034
0.164
0.269
Layer – belt
0.197
0.315
0.410
Layer – barn
0.247
0.362
0.455
Layer – free range
0.299
0.439
0.551
Layer breeder
0.052
0.094
0.127
Layer rearer – barn
0.031
0.077
0.114
Layer rearer – belt
Table 7: Meat chicken production systems - ammonia emission factors
Average number of chickens
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed + storage +
/production system
spreading
kg ammonia/tonne liveweight produced/yr
8.3
12.1
15.2
Meat chicken – shed/free
range
kg ammonia/average number of birds /yr
0.310
0.496
0.645
Meat chicken breeder
0.084
0.135
0.175
Meat chicken rearer
Table 8: Turkey production systems - ammonia emission factors
Average number of Turkeys
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed + storage +
/production system
spreading
kg ammonia/tonne liveweight produced/yr
12.2
17.9
22.4
Toms
8.9
13.0
16.3
Hens
kg ammonia/ average number of birds/yr
0.548
0.987
0.134
Turkey breeder
0.238
0.429
0.581
Turkey rearer
Table 9: Duck production systems - ammonia emission factors
Average number of ducks /
Shed
Shed + storage
Shed + storage +
production system
spreading
kg ammonia/tonne liveweight produced/yr
10.8
14.0
16.6
Meat ducks
kg ammonia/ average number of birds /yr
0.439
0.676
0.822
Duck breeder
0.129
0.176
0.214
Duck rearer
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Appendix C: Ammonia transfer factors
Table 10: Total Nitrogen and Phosphorus thresholds for transfers reporting and transfer factors
Poultry class
Average number of
Total Phosphorus
Total Nitrogen
birds to trigger
excretion transfer
excretion transfer
transfers reporting
factors
factors
for Total Nitrogen
(kg/birds/yr)
(kg/birds/yr)
and Total Phosphorus
Chicken – layer rearer
Chicken – layer breeder
Duck
Duck – layer rearer
Duck – rearer
Duck breeder
Meat chicken
Meat chicken breeder
Meat chicken rearer
Turkey – female
Turkey – male

10,700
15,800
20,000
23,100
13,000
5,200
27,300
4,300
15,800
11,100
6,400
0.28
0.19
0.15
0.13
0.23
0.58
0.11
0.69
0.19
0.27
0.47
0.82
0.57
0.43
0.37
0.67
1.69
0.31
2.02
0.57
0.80
1.37
Note: The Trigger value in the table is based on the minimum value for either Total Nitrogen
(15 tonnes per year) or Total Phosphorus (3 tonnes per year)
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Appendix D: Modifications to the intensive livestock - poultry raising
emission estimation technique (EET) manual
(Version 2.0 July 2012)
Page
Throughout
4
4
5
7
8-10
11-12
13
14-17
21
23-24
Outline of alteration
Removed references to Category 2a, 2b and 3 substances and associated calculations.
This includes discussions relating to total nitrogen.
Discussion now relates to ammonia emissions only.
Included ANZSIC 2006 codes.
Inserted a flow chart to show the NPI reporting process.
Included information required to produce an annual NPI report and additional
reporting materials.
Brief discussion on emission sources.
Reworked section on threshold calculations, provided simpler examples for
determining ammonia emissions.
Made brief mention of emission estimation techniques.
Included brief section on reporting for other substances.
Included section on reporting transfers of NPI substances in waste.
Emission factors have been reworked. New emission factors provided.
Included simplified reporting forms for estimating ammonia emissions.
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Appendix E: Simplified reporting form
This form is intended for poultry raising operations that are only required to report ammonia emissions
and transfers of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus. Larger facilities and/or those with a requirement to
report emissions of NPI substances from fuel burning should use the standard NPI Reporting Form, or the
NPI Online Reporting System (information is available from http://www.npi.gov.au/reporting/index.html).
Step 1 – Does your facility exceed the reporting threshold?
Enter the number of birds per year of each bird/production type in Column 1. Multiply Column 1 by the
factor relevant to your manure management activity (in Columns 2, 3, or 4). Enter your result in Column
5.
Column number
Bird type/production
system
1
Average number of
birds per year
2
Shed
3
Shed +
storage
4
Shed +
storage +
spreading
Layer – high rise
0.275
0.275
0.357
Layer – belt
0.034
0.164
0.269
Layer – barn
0.197
0.315
0.410
Layer – free range
0.247
0.362
0.455
Layer breeder
0.299
0.439
0.551
Layer rearer – barn
0.052
0.094
0.127
Layer rearer – belt
0.031
0.077
0.114
Turkey breeder
0.548
0.987
0.134
Turkey rearer
0.238
0.429
0.581
Duck breeder
0.439
0.676
0.822
Duck rearer
0.129
0.176
0.214
8.3
12.1
15.2
Meat chicken breeder
0.310
0.496
0.645
Meat chicken rearer
0.084
0.135
0.175
Turkeys – toms
12.2
17.9
22.4
Turkeys – hens
8.9
13.0
16.3
Meat ducks
10.8
14.0
16.6
5
Emissions of
ammonia
kg/yr
tonne liveweight
produced/yr
Meat chicken –
shed/free range
Total emission*
* If total emission is greater than 10 tonnes, you have exceeded the ammonia threshold and will need to
report to the NPI.
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Step 2 - Does your facility need to report transfers of Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus?
Please refer to table 6, if you need to report transfers, enter the number of birds per year of each
bird/production type in Column 1. Multiply Column 1 by the transfer factor (in Columns 2, 3). Enter
your results in Column 4, 5 and 6.
Column
Number
Poultry
class
Chicken –
layer
rearer
Chicken –
layer
breeder
Duck
1
2
3
4
Average
number of
birds per
year
Total
Phosphorus
excretion
transfer
factors
(kg/birds/yr)
Total Nitrogen
excretion
transfer factors
(kg/birds/yr)
Total
Phosphorus
excretion
kg/yr
0.28
0.82
0.19
0.57
0.15
0.43
5
Total
Nitrogen
excretion
kg/yr
6
Destination
Duck –
layer
0.13
0.37
rearer
Duck –
0.23
0.67
rearer
Duck
0.58
1.69
breeder
Meat
0.11
0.31
chicken
Meat
chicken
0.69
2.02
breeder
Meat
chicken
0.19
0.57
rearer
Turkey –
0.27
0.80
female
Turkey –
0.47
1.37
male
 Note: The Trigger value in the table is based on the minimum value for either Total Nitrogen (15
tonnes per year) or Total Phosphorus (3 tonnes per year)
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Step 3 – Provide your facility details
Please complete the following.
Information marked with an * will appear on the NPI public website. All fields are mandatory.
Facility details
Registered company name*1
Registered company address
Australian Company
Number (ACN)*
Australian Business Number
(ABN)
Physical location of the
facility (spatial coordinates)
Name of facility*1
Facility address*
Public contact details - who the public can contact
Position*2
Phone *3
Technical contact - who the NPI can contact
Name
Phone
Email
If you are an owner-occupier:
1 – and your registered name or farm name is the name of the owner-occupier, you may use an alternative
descriptive name (such as the name of the property).
2 – you may use a generic term such as “Manager” or “Environmental Manager”.
3 – you may use the phone number of your industry association if you have received their approval to do
so.
Pollution control/emission reduction activities – please note anything you do at the facility to reduce
emissions
Step 3 - Certification
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the information on this form has been provided using all
due care and diligence.
Name
………………………… Position ……….……………….
Signature
………………………… Date
………………………..
Once complete, this form should be faxed or posted to the NPI team in your state or territory. Visit
http://www.npi.gov.au/contacts/state-territory.html for contact details or call 1800 657 945.
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