Poultry Farm Odour and Health Risk Assessment - Guiding a Solution to Land-Use Conflict
A case study is presented of an odour and health risk assessment for an existing poultry farm located at Shanes Park, NSW. The odour study was designed to be quantitative, comprising odour monitoring at the site and subsequent air dispersion modeling and impact assessment based on odour acceptability criteria published by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). Specific attention was paid to the odour concentrations predicted at various potentially sensitive receptor sites which predominantly comprised neighbouring residences.
The health risk assessment was initially limited to a qualitative assessment, primarily aimed at conducting a literature review to identify possible chemical and pathogenic emissions from poultry farm operations and potential health impacts associated with downwind exposures to such operations. Following the review of available literature it became clear that considerable uncertainties currently exist regarding health risk potentials related to animal agriculture, including poultry operations, with regard to community exposures. Thus to provide more clarity in the case of the poultry operation being assessed, a more quantitative health risk analysis was undertaken.
The overall risk of human health effects occurring due to the poultry farms operations was classified as low to moderate. The overall risk to human well-being due to poultry farm operations was classified as moderate to high for nearby neighbours who are sensitive to such odours.
While the poultry farm was broadly considered to be operating under Best Practice for the type of operation, the study provided numerous additional Odour Management and Mitigation Measures that might be used to facilitate an outcome acceptable to both the farm operator and adjacent residents.
The case study both synthesises aspects of previous work in the field and builds upon and augments the existing scientific knowledge.
Keywords: Odour Impact, Poultry Farm, Health Risk Assessment