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Hayes, Enda T.
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Hayes, Enda T.
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Hayes, Enda T.
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- PublicationAssessment of the Impact of Ammonia Emissions from Intensive Agriculture Installations on Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas(Environmental Protection Agency, 2020-10-06)
; ; ; Atmospheric ammonia poses a significant threat to biodiversity and human health around the world. A high concentration can result in significant changes to the structure of ecosystems, as atmospheric ammonia is particularly harmful to a number of nitrogen-sensitive habitats (bogs, heath, semi-natural grasslands, etc.). In addition, ammonia reacts with other pollutants in the air to form particulate matter, which disperses over great distances. Atmospheric particulate matter has been linked to a range of pulmonary and cardiac issues in humans. Concentrations of ammonia in the air downwind of hotspot sources, such as pig and poultry farms, are likely to negatively affect the environment. The contribution of multiple sources of ammonia to cumulative impacts in Ireland is currently poorly understood. The AmmoniaN2K project aimed to assist the EPA licensing of intensive agriculture installations (pig and poultry farms) in Ireland. This work is particularly relevant to appropriate assessments on Natura 2000 sites under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), where modelling of contributions from agricultural sources is required. Emission rates generated and recommendations from detailed monitoring will support future assessments. The identification of farms below the Industrial Emission Directive (2010/75/EU) threshold will also assist the required cumulative impact assessments under appropriate assessment. This information has also aided the spatial reporting of emissions, which has benefited European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme concentration and deposition modelling. The emission rates generated can be used to validate and inform the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register reporting of national emissions in Ireland. Improving inventory reporting is a vital step to ensure compliance with limits set under the National Emissions Ceilings Directive (2016/2284/EU) –Ireland currently exceeds its ammonia emission limit under this directive. Monitoring on Natura 2000 sites has highlighted the need for alternative agricultural practices to reduce this impact. The AmmoniaN2K project quantified and assessed the impact of ammonia emissions from intensive pig and poultry units on Natura 2000 sites in Ireland. This was done by monitoring detailed ammonia emissions from 17 animal production houses across four farms. These rates are compared with best available techniques-ammonia emission levels (BAT-AELs), past monitoring in Ireland and recommended rates by Simple Calculation of Atmospheric Impact Limits (SCAIL-Agriculture). Dispersion modelling of all farms was conducted using monitored rates to identify distance downwind from where both impacts and estimated minimum contributions occurred. An approach to identify farms below the Industrial Emission Directive (2010/75/EU) threshold was developed, in order to identify the total number of intensive agriculture units that are proximal to Natura 2000 sites. The Mapping Ammonia Risk on Sensitive Habitats (MARSH) model, developed as part of this study, assigned a risk of impacts from all sources of ammonia (including cattle and sheep) to Natura 2000 sites in Ireland. This model was checked against monitoring on Natura 2000 sites, which also identified potential impacts at these locations.729 - PublicationMapping ammonia risk on sensitive habitats in IrelandThe aim of this study was to provide a simple, cost-effective, risk-based map of terrestrial areas in Ireland where environmental quality may be at risk from atmospheric ammonia. This risk-based approach identifies Natura 2000 sites in Ireland at risk from agricultural atmospheric ammonia, collating best available data using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In mapping ammonia risk on sensitive habitats (MARSH), the method identifies sources of ammonia, classifying them on a scale of risk from 0 to 5. These sources are subsequently summed based on a weighting determined by their contribution to national emissions divided by their potentially impacted area. A Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.72 allows for concentrations from United Kingdom's FRAME modelling to be applied to the MARSH model, which are corrected based on recent monitoring. Applying Designation Weighted Indicators (DWI), the MARSH model predicts that 80.7, 34.3 and 5.9% of Natura 2000 sites in Ireland may exceed ambient concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 μg/m3, respectively. A Nitroindex map of Ireland based on available lichen records was also developed and is presented as part of this study. This Nitroindex was used to identify areas where impacts have already been recorded, thus informing the classification of sites “at-risk”. The combination of both the MARSH and Nitroindex models ascertains which Natura 2000 sites are most at risk, thereby providing valuable data to relevant authorities. The MARSH model acts as a first step towards screening and assessing Natura 2000 sites most at risk from atmospheric ammonia, providing a tool to demonstrate compliance with the National Emissions Ceilings Directive.
526Scopus© Citations 12 - PublicationPredicting atmospheric ammonia dispersion and potential ecological effects using monitored emission rates from an intensive laying hen facility in IrelandAgriculture is responsible for 98% of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) in Ireland, of which pigs and poultry produce 7%; with laying hens specifically contributing 0.6%. Though a small proportion of the national NH3 total emissions, the ecological impacts on sensitive sites attributed to laying hen farms can be substantial. NH3 emission monitoring was conducted in Spring (February to March) and Summer (July to August) 2016 to account for seasonal variation. The total average emission and ventilation rate was 0.25 g bird−1 day−1 and 931 cm3 s−1 bird−1. This is lower than the previously used emission factor for the Irish national inventory of 0.5 g bird−1 day−1, but broadly similar to factors reported in the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). Dispersion modelling using monitored data indicated potentially acute effects within 84 m, critical level exceedance within 312 m and exceedance of 0.3 kg N ha−1 year−1 deposition within 2.9–5.2 km. The sensitivity of the model was tested using SCAIL-Agriculture emission and ventilation rates which showed P-values for one tailed critical level below 0.01 for all models, indicating that when normalised the maximum extents modelled by AERMOD were significantly different. This analysis showed emission rate having more influence than ventilation rate. Both parameters combined had the greatest increase in dispersion extent, on average 55.8% greater than the use of monitored rates. A deposition rate of 0.3 kg N ha−1 year−1 was modelled to occur within 5.1–7.7 km when using SCAIL-Agriculture rates. Indicating that the use of SCAIL-Agriculture recommended emission and ventilation rates would have been sufficiently precautionary to assess negative ecological effects on a Natura 2000 site under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). In relation to Appropriate Assessment (AA) screening, the use of any contribution from a source within a set distance may be an appropriate full AA trigger.
179Scopus© Citations 10 - PublicationThe influence of diet crude protein level on odour and ammonia emissions from finishing pig houses(Elsevier, 2004-02)
; ; ; ; ; ; Feed trials were carried out to assess the influence of crude protein content in finishing pig diets on odour and ammonia emissions. Eight pigs (4 boars and 4 gilts), average initial weight 70.8 kg (s.e. 3.167) were housed in two pens that were isolated from the rest of a pig house at University College Dublin Research Farm, Newcastle, Dublin, Ireland. Four diets containing 130, 160, 190 and 220 g kg−1 crude protein were fed during six four-week feeding periods (one treatment per room). The first week of the feeding periods served to allow odour build up in the pens and as a dietary adjustment period. The pens had partially slatted floors that were cleaned and had all the manure removed after each four-week period. Odour and ammonia concentrations were measured on days 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23 of each trial period. Odour samples were collected in Nalophan bags and analysed for odour concentration using an ECOMA Yes/No olfactometer. The odour threshold concentration was calculated according to the response of the olfactometry panel members and was displayed in OuE m−3, which referred to the physiological response from the panel equivalent to that elicited by 40 ppb v−1n-butanol evaporated in 1 m3 of neutral gas. Ammonia concentrations in the ventilation air were measured using Dräger tubes. The odour emission rates per animal for the 130, 160, 190 and 220 g kg−1 crude protein diets were 12.1, 13.2, 19.6 and 17.6 OuE s−1 animal−1, respectively (P<0.01). The odour emission rate per livestock unit (500 kg) for the 130, 160, 190 and 220 g kg−1 crude protein diets were 77.6, 80.0, 115.8 and 102.9 OuE s−1 LU−1, respectively (P<0.01). The ammonia emission rates per animal for the 130, 160, 190 and 220 g kg−1 crude protein diets were 3.11, 3.89, 5.89 and 8.27 g d−1 animal−1, respectively (P⩽0.001). There was no significant difference in the average daily intake and the average daily gain for the four diets (P>0.05). Manipulation of dietary crude protein levels would appear to offer a low cost alternative, in relation to end-of-pipe treatments, for the abatement of odour and ammonia emissions from finishing pig houses1138Scopus© Citations 114 - PublicationA dispersion modelling approach to determine the odour impact of intensive poultry production units in IrelandThe use of atmospheric dispersion modelling has become more common for the determination of odour impacts from existing poultry production facilities and the assessment of setback distances for new facilities. Setback distances for broiler, layer and turkey units were determined using the atmospheric dispersion model ISCST3 and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, Ireland) recommended criterion (C98.1-h <= 6.0 ou(E) m(-3)) and a new odour annoyance criterion (C-98,C-1-h <= 9.7 ou(E) m(-3)) developed in this study. For a typical size unit in Ireland, maximum setback distances of 660, 665 and 1035 in were calculated for 40,000 broilers, 40,000 layers and 10,000 turkeys respectively at the current limit (C-98,C-1-h <= 6.0 ou(E) m(-3)). However, if the suggested odour impact criterion (C-98,C-1-h <= 9.7 ou(E) m(-3)) is implemented, the maximum setback distances decrease to 460, 500 and 785 in for broilers, layers and turkeys, respectively.
1358Scopus© Citations 42 - PublicationOdour and ammonia emissions from intensive pig units in IrelandOdour and ammonia emissions were measured at four intensive pig units in Ireland. Odour samples were collected on-site and analysed for odour concentration using an olfactometer. Ammonia concentrations in the exhaust ventilation air were measured using a portable sensor. The geomean odour emission rates over the four pig units were 17.2, 44.4, 4.3, 9.9 and 16.8 ouE s−1 animal−1 for dry sows, farrowing sows, first stage weaners, second stage weaners and finishers, respectively. The mean ammonia emission rates, measured at two of the units, were 12.1, 17.1, 1.4, 2.9 and 10.0 g d−1 animal−1 for dry sows, farrowing sows, first stage weaners, second stage weaners and finishers, respectively. In general, the odour and ammonia emission rates were comparable to those reported in literature, although some odour emission rate figures were noticeably lower for finishing pigs in this study. The variability in the data highlights the need for individual site assessment.
1543Scopus© Citations 55 - PublicationOdour and ammonia emissions from intensive poultry units in IrelandOdour and ammonia emissions were measured from three broiler, two layer and two turkey houses in Ireland. The broiler units gave a large range of odour and ammonia emission rates depending on the age of the birds and the season. A considerable variation between the odour and ammonia emission rates was evident for the two layer units which may have been due to the different manure handling systems utilised in the houses. There was relatively little difference in the odour and ammonia emissions from the two turkey houses. As a precautionary principle, odour emission rates utilised in atmospheric dispersion models should use the maximum values for broilers and turkeys (1.22 and 10.5 ou(E) s(-1) bird(-1) respectively) and the mean value for the layers depending on the manure handling system used (0.47 or 1.35 ou(E) s(-1) bird(-1).
3332Scopus© Citations 69 - PublicationAtmospheric ammonia and nitrogen deposition on Irish Natura 2000 sites: Implications for Irish agriculture(Elsevier, 2021-09-15)
; ; ; ; ; With growing global demand for food, the agriculture sector worldwide is under pressure to intensify and expand, risking acceleration of existing negative biodiversity impacts. Agriculture is the dominant source of ammonia (NH3) emissions, which can impact biodiversity directly through dry deposition as NH3 and by wet deposition following conversion to ammonium (NH4) in the atmosphere. Nitrogen deposition is one of the leading causes of global decline in biodiversity alongside changing land use and climate. Natura 2000 sites which are intended to protect important habitats and species across Europe, require strict levels of protection to ensure designated features achieve favourable conservation status. Many of these sites are nitrogen-limited, and/or contain sensitive species such as lichens or mosses. This project carried out ambient NH3 monitoring on selected Irish Natura 2000 sites, in order to establish potential impacts from agricultural NH3. Monitoring on twelve Natura 2000 sites observed concentrations ranging from 0.47 to 4.59 μg NH3 m−3, from which dry deposition was calculated to be 1.22–11.92 kg N ha−1 yr−1. European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) was used to quantify wet deposited NH4 and nitrogen oxides (NOx), in addition to dry deposited NOx on monitored sites. Estimated total nitrogen deposition ranged between 5.93 and 17.78 kg N ha−1 yr−1. On average across all monitored sites, deposition was comprised of 50.4%, 31.7%, 7.5%, and 10.3% dry NH3, wet NH4, dry NOx and wet NOx respectively. Implications for Irish agriculture are discussed in the light of both this monitoring and the European Commission Dutch Nitrogen Case (C 293/17 & C 294/17), highlighting a number of recommendations to aid compliance with the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).274Scopus© Citations 12 - PublicationProfile of ammonia and water vapor in an Irish broiler production houseIreland produces approximately 8 million broilers annually from 550 farms. In Irish systems, broiler litter is allowed to build up during the 37 day growing cycle, after which it is removed and used for either land spreading or mushroom compost production. It is important to monitor key indoor environmental parameters in order to optimize bird performance but also to comply with legislation such as the EU National Emissions Ceilings Directive. This study used Off Axis - Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy to evaluate the ammonia and water vapor content of air within an Irish broiler house. Three broiler cycles were measured at different times of the year to account for seasonal variation, covering spring, summer and autumn. This paper examines the difference in ammonia and water concentrations at 1 m, 2.5 m, and 4 m above floor level following the flow of air from the ground through to the exhaust fan. Autumn had the highest concentration of ammonia indoors throughout the cycle with an average of 1.23 ppm, while summer had the lowest concentration for the majority of the cycle, though increased by a spike towards the end with an average of 0.69 ppm.
566 - PublicationAmmoniaN2K: Improving Environmental Assessments for Atmospheric Ammonia(2020-03-04)
; ; ; Since 2016 Ireland has exceeded it’s National Emissions Ceilings Directive limit for ammonia. With government led agricultural expansions (Food Wise 2025) it will be difficult for Ireland not only to meet targets required by the NECD Directive, but also to comply with the EU Habitats Directive to protect against environmental impacts on sensitive sites.96