Investigation of the impact of intensive broiler rearing on local fine particulate matter concentrations

During the review and assessment of air quality process, South Norfolk Council identified that poultry rearing could be a significant source of particulate matter and therefore required more detailed study. Using standard emission data for poultry rearing dispersion modelling confirmed that there was potential for an exceedance of the UK objective for fine particulate matter (PM10). However, it was recognised that the emission data available were based on very limited information and further monitoring was required to investigate the issue fully. Accordingly, an air quality monitoring programme was set up to measure PM10 concentrations around a large broiler-rearing facility. This used both a TEOM- and Partisol-type instrument to allow direct comparison with the UK objective and to provide continuous results to use with wind direction monitoring to assist in identifying the source of particulate matter in the area. The results from the monitoring showed that an exceedance of the UK objective was unlikely, although the broiler sheds did appear to result in a significant increase in PM10 concentrations in the area, with average concentrations increasing by nearly 12 mu g/m(3) when the wind direction carried emissions from the sheds to the monitoring site. Given that the test site was located near a very large broiler farm, it was considered that it was unlikely that broiler-rearing activities would result in an exceedance of the UK objective for PM10.