1

Animal Feeding Operations: Air Quality Issues and Options

William SchrockOffice of Air Quality Planning & Standards, US EPA

Presentation at the NACAA Permitting WorkshopPhoenix, AZ

February 27, 2007

2

Overview

• Introduction

• National Air Emissions Monitoring Study

• Short-term Goals for EPA

3

Landscape

• Animals being concentrated

• Public air quality complaints abundant

• Lawsuits increasing against farms

• CAA applicability confusing

• Political fallout likely for either inaction or heavy-handed control

4

• EPA & USDA asked National Academy of Science (NAS) to conduct the AFO air emissions study

• NAS study conclusions:– No reliable emission factors for AFO exist– Additional data needed to develop estimating methodologies– Current methods for estimating emissions not appropriate– Use process-based approach

• Consent agreement developed in response to:– Public concerns– NAS report

• Consent agreement developed by:– EPA– Industry representatives

• Proposed agreement coordinated with:– Agricultural industry representatives– State & local government officials– Environmental organizations– Citizen groups

Agreement Overview

5

• What is the Agreement? Voluntary consent agreement open to contract growers and integrators. Industry agrees to pay to conduct emissions testing. Targeted AFO sectors:

– Swine– Poultry

• Layers• Broilers• Turkey

– Dairy

• Federal Register Notices:– Signed on Jan. 21, 2005– Published on Jan. 31, 2005 (70 FR 4958)– “Initial” public comment period closed on March 2, 2005– Re-opening comment period from April 1 through May 2, 2005– Extending signup period to July 1, 2005

• Information available at:– www.epa.gov/fedrgstr– www.epa.gov/airlinks/airlinks3.html– www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/agreements/caa/cafo-agr-0501.html

Agreement Overview (cont)

6

Monitoring Study - Signups

• EPA received approximately 2,700 agreements representing over 13,000

farms. Number of Farms Represented in AFO Consent Agreement

Dairies, 4% of all Farms

Swine, 42% of all Farms

Broilers, 35% of all Farms

Layers, 19% of all Farms

7

Monitoring Study - Overview

• Purpose: gather data for developing emission estimating methodologies

• Funding provided by participating AFO• Monitor for:

– Particulate matter– Hydrogen sulfide– Volatile organic compounds– Ammonia

• Monitoring anticipated to begin in early 2007 and continue for 2 years

• Data made available to the public

8

Monitoring Study – Site Selection

• Focuses on three AFO sectors– Swine– Poultry– Dairy

• Types of operations– Sow, nursery, finisher (swine)– layers, broilers, hatchery, pullet (poultry)– Dairy

• Manure Management Techniques– Liquid system– Solid system

• Regional representation• Proximity to potential principal investigators

9

Monitoring Study – Site Selection

10

Monitoring Study – Work Plan Development

• EPA has approved the monitoring plan & sites:– Approved on November 29, 2006 – Plan included:

– Quality Assurance Project Plans (1 each for lagoons and barns)– Standard Operating Procedures (76 unique SOP’s drafted)

– 24 monitoring sites approved

• EPA anticipates monitoring will begin in Spring ‘07

11

Monitoring Study – The Challenges

Changing Climatic ConditionsPartially Enclosed and Naturally Ventilated

Changing Feed Rations

Animal MovementsLarge Open Sources

12

Monitoring Study – Overcoming The Challenges

•Changing Climatic Conditions–Regional Representation–Continuous Monitoring–Heated Sampling Lines

•Partially Enclosed and Naturally Ventilated Structures–Numerous Emission Sampling Points–Multiple meteorological sampling points–Monitor Mostly Mechanically Ventilated Buildings

•Large Open Sources–Use Open-Path Measurement Techniques ($$$)–Monitor on a quarterly basis to keep cost down

•Changing Feed Rations–Sample Feed–Continuous Monitoring

•Animal Movements–Attempt to track animals electronically–Continuous Monitoring

13

Approach to Naturally Ventilated & Partially Enclosed

N

Thermocouple

Air samplingRH/Temp probePM10, continuousActivity sensor

TSP, gravimetric

PM2.5, gravimetric

Wind sensorSolar sensorS

Ultrasonic anemometer

187.5

31.4

Instrument shelter

Heated raceway

61.0 0FIS

Differential Pressure

31.4

S

2 2 2

4444 44

2 2 2

1 3 3 3 3 3 3

1

7 7 7

10 9 99 9 9 9

77 7 10

6 8 8 8 8 8 8

6

Exercise lots between barns

11

Gas sampling location group

5

5

Barn 2 (103 ft x 615 ft)

Barn 1 (103 ft x 615 ft)

N

Thermocouple

Air samplingRH/Temp probePM10, continuousActivity sensor

TSP, gravimetric

PM2.5, gravimetric

Wind sensorSolar sensorS

Ultrasonic anemometer

187.5

31.4

Instrument shelter

Heated raceway

61.0 0FIS

Differential Pressure

31.4

S

2 2 2

4444 44

2 2 2

1 3 3 3 3 3 3

1

7 7 7

10 9 99 9 9 9

77 7 10

6 8 8 8 8 8 8

6

Exercise lots between barns

11

Gas sampling location group

5

5

Barn 2 (103 ft x 615 ft)

Barn 1 (103 ft x 615 ft)

14

Approach for Large Open Sources

15

Approach for Large Open Sources

Open-Path FTIR Concept

wind

16

What’s Next?

• Order equipment and assemble monitoring trailers – 6 months• Train staff and mobilize equipment to the field – concurrent w/

above• Begin data collection – staggered throughout Spring 07• Data collection – Spring 07 + 2 years• Complete data analysis and publish Emission Estimating

Methodologies – 18 months after completion of data collection• Participants must comply with any applicable requirements – 120

days after publication of Emission Estimating Methodology

17

Goals for Next 2-3 Years

• Settle issues of CAA requirements– Emission estimation (e.g., emission factors,

potential to emit)– Source definition– Applicability cutoff (i.e., size cutoff)– Fugitive/non-fugitive– Control technology effectiveness– Monitoring, reporting and recordkeeping

• Find an Ag-appropriate approach to Title V and PSD/NSR

18

Goals (cont.)

• Resolve ambient air quality issues

• Provide catalyst for best management practices (BMP) implementation

19

Thanks.

Questions?