Development of a Hydrogen Sulfide Model for Animal Production Sites in Minnesota

Larry Jacobson, Professor
David Schmidt, Assistant Extension Engineer

Funding Source

Minnesota Pork Producers Association

Objective

The objective of this project is to develop a hydrogen sulfide setback model, analogous to OFFSET (Odor From Feedlots–Setback Estimation Tool) for use by Minnesota pork producers.

Need or Impact

The need for some type of screening tool to assess if new or existing animal production sites in Minnesota exceed the state’s H2S ambient standard is urgent. Current methods for assessing this potential require individual, site-specific computer modeling that is often cost prohibitive to many producers. With the current economic challenges associated with animal agriculture, a low cost, high quality assessment tool is vital for the maintenance and growth of the state’s livestock industry.

Project Status

Hydrogen sulfide emission data has been sent to a post-doctoral student at the University of Nebraska. That individual is incorporating the emission data with weather data. We hope to develop some preliminary setback curves based on hydrogen sulfide using both the INPUFF2 and AERMOD dispersion models this winter (2004).