Avoid offensive odours with well-designed and well-managed feedlots
Katestone’s client, Agricultural Development Services Australia (AgDSA), was engaged to obtain the environmental approvals for a feedlot expansion. To obtain environmental approval usually requires the proponent to commission quantitative odour and dust impact assessments to demonstrate to the satisfaction of regulators that adverse impacts on sensitive receptors will not occur.
Odour is a critical issue for cattle feedlots. Compliance with the odour impact assessment criterion is generally accepted to also demonstrate that dust levels would be acceptable.
Katestone’s air quality assessment investigated the potential increases in odour levels in the surrounding region and at sensitive receptors due to proposed expansion.
Our modelling demonstrated the potential effects of the proposed changes. Our team provided feedlot managers with a method of investigation and assessment that helped them identify whether the planned changes will likely have any impact on sensitive receptors that could hinder compliance and approval.
The assessment used the TAPM and CALMET meteorological models and the CALPUFF dispersion model to predict ground-level concentrations of odour associated with the expanded feedlot. Dispersion modelling results were then assessed against the required regulatory standards for odour.
Our team has extensive experience with the MLA guidelines for feedlots and the odour criterion that are published in each Australian state. We are able to help speed the approval process by providing feedback as to whether a proposal might fit.
Katestone’s odour impact assessments are an important planning tool for feedlots where design scenarios can be tested for compliance prior to investment in the approval processes.
In recent years our team has completed assessments and peer reviews of about 30 feedlots across QLD, NSW, SA and NT. Katestone also developed the Cattle Heat Load Toolbox (CHLT) in 2002, an industry-funded website that provides a Heat Stress Risk Forecast tailored to each feedlot location. Currently provided by Weather Intelligence (A Katestone Company), CHLT has been supporting Australian feedlots in the management of heat stress by providing actionable warnings shown to improve animal welfare and increase profitability.
How can Katestone help you?
Katestone’s fit-for-purpose studies have supported numerous proposed industrial, infrastructure and agricultural developments. Katestone has assisted its clients to reduce emissions whilst improving operations and mitigating operational risks. We assist our clients with the management of air quality, odour, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change associated with planned or existing operations.
Our clients benefit from studies that quantify the potential impacts on air quality across the lifetime of a project. We have also contributed significantly to the development of air quality management policies and legislation throughout Australia by conducting targeted research and analysis.
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