Bad Odour

Although associated with most animal production systems, are of particular concern in intensive livestock production systems and in processing animal products. This is related more to the siting of the enterprises in urban and peri-urban areas where there is impact on large residential populations or work environments. | Intensive Animal Production Systems Slaughterhouses, Tanneries and Dairies Environmental Assessment: Pressure State Response Indicators Policy Pressures and Policy Options

Intensive Animal Production Systems

The problem associated with animal production system is primarily related to the management of the disposal of animal wastes. When manure and other organic matter decomposes in the presence of adequate oxygen - aerobic decomposition - in other words in an open environment, few malodorous gases are produced. Spreading low levels of manure on open land as a fertiliser and as a means of disposing of waste causes few problems.

However, the decomposition of manure in a low oxygen environment - anaerobic decomposition - results in the release of odorous and sometimes dangerous gases, including ammonia, amines, hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans and methane. Anaerobic decomposition occurs when wet manure is piled up or when liquid manure is stored in tanks.

There are additional problems associated directly with animal production odour, including animal body odours and odours associated with feed handling.

Management interventions are related to hygiene and treatment. Zoning restrictions and other regulations may govern acceptable practices, including housing and ventilation, storage, location, disposal and treatment of wastes.

Field spreading needs to be carefully managed, time of spreading can reduce nuisance and rapid cover systems and direct injection educes exposure.

Technological interventions include agitation, aeration and composting, the use of additives and biogas production.

Slaughterhouses, Tanneries and Dairies

As with animal production facilities, odour is a particular problem associated with processing animal products. Smoke from meat curing adds to the problems. There have been cases where emissions of hydrogen sulphide have been high enough to cause serious health concerns, and resulted in symptoms of dizziness, nausea and blackouts.

Problems are associated with:

- Slaughterhouses - Curing, burning skins and disposal of other wastes;
- Tanneries - Treating leather, disposal of wastes;
- Dairies - Emissions from processing and cleaning processes.

To some extent, a reduction in odour can be achieved through direct interventions such as including absorbents and biofilteron exhaust systems in plant design and construction.

However, the main management interventions again relate to basic hygiene and waste disposal and may be covered by local regulations.

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