Aerial Pollutant Emissions from Animal Confinement Buildings

Larry Jacobson, Professor
Brian Hetchler, Research Associate
Verlyn Johnson, Information Technology Professional
David Schmidt, Assistant Extension Engineer
Five other university cooperators: Purdue University, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Texas A&M University, and North Carolina State University

Funding Source

CSREES/USDA

Objective

The objective of this multi-state, multi-year, federally-funded (IFAFS) project is to measure air emissions (NH3, H2S, CO2, and PM10 on a continual basis and odor values bimonthly) over the span of a year from six animal housing systems (pig farrowing, gestation, two different pig finishing buildings, chicken layer, and chicken broiler facilities) that are located in six different states.

Need or Impact

Information from this research will provide producers, technical assistance providers, regulators, and compilers of emission inventories at county, state, and federal levels with accurate information that is consistent with rigorous environmental protection requirements and rural socioeconomic needs. Once emission rates are known for the parameters mentioned, producers will be able to determine if they are in compliance with state or federal regulations and, if not, what mitigation technologies are needed to meet the governing air quality standards.

Project Status

Data collection was concluded in 2004 at all six sites. A one-year project extension was requested and granted to analyze the large amount of air emission data collected in the study. Presentation papers were prepared and presented at the Air & Waste Management Association annual meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in June 2005 for five of the six sites. Data is still being tabulated from several states for the final report to CSREES.