APPENDIX 8.1 Description of the AERMOD Model · APPENDIX 8.1 Description of the AERMOD Model The AERMOD dispersion model has been recently developed in part by the U.S. Environmental

APPENDIX 8.1

Description of the AERMOD Model

The AERMOD dispersion model has been recently developed in part by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency (USEPA)(2)

. The model is a steady-state Gaussian model used to assess

pollutant concentrations associated with industrial sources. The model is an enhancement on the

Industrial Source Complex-Short Term 3 (ISCST3) model which has been widely used for

emissions from industrial sources.

Improvements over the ISCST3 model include the treatment of the vertical distribution of

concentration within the plume. ISCST3 assumes a Gaussian distribution in both the horizontal

and vertical direction under all weather conditions. AERMOD with PRIME, however, treats the

vertical distribution as non-Gaussian under convective (unstable) conditions while maintaining a

Gaussian distribution in both the horizontal and vertical direction during stable conditions. This

treatment reflects the fact that the plume is skewed upwards under convective conditions due to

the greater intensity of turbulence above the plume than below. The result is a more accurate

portrayal of actual conditions using the AERMOD model. AERMOD also enhances the

turbulence of night-time urban boundary layers thus simulating the influence of the urban heat

island.

In contrast to ISCST3, AERMOD is widely applicable in all types of terrain. Differentiation of

the simple versus complex terrain is unnecessary with AERMOD. In complex terrain,

AERMOD employs the dividing-streamline concept in a simplified simulation of the effects of

plume-terrain interactions. In the dividing-streamline concept, flow below this height remains

horizontal, and flow above this height tends to rise up and over terrain. Extensive validation

studies have found that AERMOD (precursor to AERMOD with PRIME) performs better than

ISCST3 for many applications and as well or better than CTDMPLUS for several complex

terrain data sets(7)

.

Due to the proximity to surrounding buildings, the PRIME (Plume Rise Model Enhancements)

building downwash algorithm has been incorporated into the model to determine the influence

(wake effects) of these buildings on dispersion in each direction considered. The PRIME

algorithm takes into account the position of the stack relative to the building in calculating

building downwash. In the absence of the building, the plume from the stack will rise due to

momentum and/or buoyancy forces. Wind streamlines act on the plume leads to the bending

over of the plume as it disperses. However, due to the presence of the building, wind streamlines

are disrupted leading to a lowering of the plume centreline.

When there are multiple buildings, the building tier leading to the largest cavity height is used to

determine building downwash. The cavity height calculation is an empirical formula based on

building height, the length scale (which is a factor of building height & width) and the cavity

length (which is based on building width, length and height). As the direction of the wind will

lead to the identification of differing dominant tiers, calculations are carried out in intervals of 10

degrees.

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In PRIME, the nature of the wind streamline disruption as it passes over the dominant building

tier is a function of the exact dimensions of the building and the angle at which the wind

approaches the building. Once the streamline encounters the zone of influence of the building,

two forces act on the plume. Firstly, the disruption caused by the building leads to increased

turbulence and enhances horizontal and vertical dispersion. Secondly, the streamline descends in

the lee of the building due to the reduced pressure and drags the plume (or part of) nearer to the

ground, leading to higher ground level concentrations. The model calculates the descent of the

plume as a function of the building shape and, using a numerical plume rise model, calculates the

change in the plume centreline location with distance downwind.

The immediate zone in the lee of the building is termed the cavity or near wake and is

characterised by high intensity turbulence and an area of uniform low pressure. Plume mass

captured by the cavity region is re-emitted to the far wake as a ground-level volume source. The

volume source is located at the base of the lee wall of the building, but is only evaluated near the

end of the near wake and beyond. In this region, the disruption caused by the building

downwash gradually fades with distance to ambient values downwind of the building.

AERMOD has made substantial improvements in the area of plume growth rates in comparison

to ISCST3(2)

. ISCST3 approximates turbulence using six Pasquill-Gifford-Turner Stability

Classes and bases the resulting dispersion curves upon surface release experiments. This

treatment, however, cannot explicitly account for turbulence in the formulation. AERMOD is

based on the more realistic modern planetary boundary layer (PBL) theory which allows

turbulence to vary with height. This use of turbulence-based plume growth with height leads to a

substantial advancement over the ISCST3 treatment.

Improvements have also been made in relation to mixing height(2)

. The treatment of mixing

height by ISCST3 is based on a single morning upper air sounding each day. AERMOD,

however, calculates mixing height on an hourly basis based on the morning upper air sounding

and the surface energy balance, accounting for the solar radiation, cloud cover, reflectivity of the

ground and the latent heat due to evaporation from the ground cover. This more advanced

formulation provides a more realistic sequence of the diurnal mixing height changes.

AERMOD also contains improved algorithms for dealing with low wind speed (near calm)

conditions. As a result, AERMOD can produce model estimates for conditions when the wind

speed may be less than 1 m/s, but still greater than the instrument threshold.

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APPENDIX 8.2

Meteorological Data - AERMET PRO

AERMOD incorporates a meteorological pre-processor AERMET PRO(23)

. AERMET PRO

allows AERMOD to account for changes in the plume behaviour with height. AERMET PRO

calculates hourly boundary layer parameters for use by AERMOD, including friction velocity,

Monin-Obukhov length, convective velocity scale, convective (CBL) and stable boundary layer

(SBL) height and surface heat flux. AERMOD uses this information to calculate concentrations

in a manner that accounts for changes in dispersion rate with height, allows for a non-Gaussian

plume in convective conditions, and accounts for a dispersion rate that is a continuous function

of meteorology.

The AERMET PRO meteorological preprocessor requires the input of surface characteristics,

including surface roughness (z0), Bowen Ratio and albedo by sector and season, as well as

hourly observations of wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover, and temperature. A morning

sounding from a representative upper air station, latitude, longitude, time zone, and wind speed

threshold are also required.

Two files are produced by AERMET PRO for input to the AERMOD dispersion model. The

surface file contains observed and calculated surface variables, one record per hour. The profile

file contains the observations made at each level of a meteorological tower, if available, or the

one-level observations taken from other representative data, one record level per hour.

From the surface characteristics (i.e. surface roughness, albedo and amount of moisture available

(Bowen Ratio)) AERMET PRO calculates several boundary layer parameters that are important

in the evolution of the boundary layer, which, in turn, influences the dispersion of pollutants.

These parameters include the surface friction velocity, which is a measure of the vertical

transport of horizontal momentum; the sensible heat flux, which is the vertical transport of heat

to/from the surface; the Monin-Obukhov length which is a stability parameter relating the

surface friction velocity to the sensible heat flux; the daytime mixed layer height; the nocturnal

surface layer height and the convective velocity scale which combines the daytime mixed layer

height and the sensible heat flux. These parameters all depend on the underlying surface.

The values of albedo, Bowen Ratio and surface roughness depend on land-use type (e.g., urban,

cultivated land etc) and vary with seasons and wind direction. The assessment of appropriate

land-use types was carried out in line with USEPA recommendations(3)

.

Surface roughness

Surface roughness length is the height above the ground at which the wind speed goes to zero.

Surface roughness length is defined by the individual elements on the landscape such as trees

and buildings. In order to determine surface roughness length, the USEPA recommends that a

representative length be defined for each sector, based on an upwind area-weighted average of

the land use within the sector, by using the eight land use categories outlined by the USEPA. The

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inverse-distance weighted surface roughness length derived from the land use classification

within a radius of 1km from Clones Meteorological Station is shown in Table A8.1.

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Sector Inverse Distance Weighted Land Use

Classification

Spring Summer Autumn Winter1

0-360 100% Grassland 0.05 0.10 0.01 0.01 (1) Winter defined as periods when surfaces covered permanently by snow whereas autumn is defined as periods when freezing

conditions are common, deciduous trees are leafless and no snow is present (Iqbal (1983))(24). Thus for the current location

autumn more accurately defines “winter” conditions in Ireland.

Table A8.1 Surface Roughness based on an inverse distance weighted average of the land use within a

1km radius of Clones Meteorological Station.

Albedo

Noon-time albedo is the fraction of the incoming solar radiation that is reflected from the ground

when the sun is directly overhead. Albedo is used in calculating the hourly net heat balance at

the surface for calculating hourly values of Monin-Obuklov length. A 10km x 10km square area

is drawn around the meteorological station to determine the albedo based on a simple average

for the land use types within the area independent of both distance from the station and the near-

field sector. The classification within 10km from Clones Meteorological Station is shown in

Table A8.2.

Simple Average Land Use Classification Spring Summer Autumn Winter

1

100% Grassland 0.18 0.18 0.20 0.20 (1) For the current location autumn more accurately defines “winter” conditions in Ireland.

Table A8.2 Albedo based on a simple average of the land use within a 10km × 10km grid centred on

Clones Meteorological Station.

Bowen Ratio

The Bowen ratio is a measure of the amount of moisture at the surface of the earth. The presence

of moisture affects the heat balance resulting from evaporative cooling which, in turn, affects the

Monin-Obukhov length which is used in the formulation of the boundary layer. A 10km x 10km

square area is drawn around the meteorological station to determine the Bowen Ratio based on

geometric mean of the land use types within the area independent of both distance from the

station and the near-field sector. The classification within 10km from Clones Meteorological

Station is shown in Table A8.3.

Geometric Mean Land Use Classification Spring Summer Autumn Winter

1

100% Grassland 0.40 0.80 1.0 1.0 (1) For the current location autumn more accurately defines “winter” conditions in Ireland.

Table A8.3 Bowen Ratio based on a geometric mean of the land use within a 10km × 10km grid

centred on Clones Meteorological Station.

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For the Attention of: Ms. Lisa Clarke Environmental Research Assistant College Proteins College Road Nobber Co. Meath Prepared by: Mr. Andrew Mahon Monitoring Team Leader Reviewed by: Mr. Neville Allen Environmental Scientist Report Ref: ECS4092-Odour Monitoring Date: 16th November 2011 Reporting Date: 22nd November 2011

This report shall not be reproduced except in full, without the approval of ANUA Environmental. All queries concerning the report or its contents should be forwarded to the Monitoring Team

ODOUR EMISSION MONITORING OF

BIOFILTERS AT THE FARRAGH PROTEINS FACILITY

CROSSDONEY, CO. CAVAN IPPC LICENCE NO P0025-04

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Report No. ECS4092R1

Farragh Proteins (Reg No. P0025-04) Page 2 November 2011

Executive Summary ANUA Environmental was commissioned by College proteins to undertake odour emission monitoring from the biofilter beds at the Farragh Proteins Facility in Crossdoney, Co. Cavan Under varying operational conditions An Environmental Scientist from ANUA Environmental subsequently visited the site on the 14th of November 2011 to undertake volumetric flow surveys of the biofilter outlets, and on the 16th of November 2011 to undertake odour sampling. Composite odour samples were taken from three different areas on the outlets of biofilters one and two. The Operational setup of the biofilter beds is detailed further in this report but separate samples were taken to monitor odour while biofilters one and two were and were not receiving non condensable gases respectively. This report is certified as accurate and representative of the sampling and associated analysis carried out. Respectively Submitted, ___________________ __________________________ Mr. Andrew Mahon Mr. Neville Allen Monitoring Team Leader Environmental Scientist

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 SCOPE

2.1 Scope of Project

Table 2.1: Parameter – Location 3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Odour Sampling and Olfactometry

3.2 Volumetric Flow

4.0 ACCREDITED QUALITY SYSTEM

4.1 ISO 17025 Accreditation 4.2 Interlaboratory Proficiency Schemes 4.3 Control Chain of Custody

5.0 RESULTS

Table 5.1: Biofilter Measurements Table 5.2: Biofilter One Flow Results Table 5.3: Biofilter Two Flow Results Table 5.5: Odour sampling Results

6.0 COMMENT

APPENDIX 1 Photographs of Monitoring Locations APPENDIX 2 Laboratory Report

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1.0 INTRODUCTION ANUA Environmental was commissioned by College Proteins to undertake odour and volumetric flow monitoring at the Farragh Proteins Facility in Crossdoney Co.Cavan. An ANUA Environmental Scientist subsequently visited the site on the 14th and 16th of November 2011 in order to conduct odour monitoring event at the facility. All samples were shipped to Odournet UK for subsequent analysis. This report details the sampling methodologies and procedures followed.

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2.0 SCOPE 2.1 Scope of Project

Table 2.1 shows the scope of the monitoring survey: The scope outlined below was determined by staff of College Proteins.

TABLE 2.1: PARAMETER - LOCATION

Sample I.D

Parameter Location Details Method

Bag 1 Odour

Volumetric Flow Biofilter One

No Process Gases being treated - Background

Bag 2 Odour

Volumetric Flow Biofilter One

Process Gases being treated – No Non-condensable Gases

Bag 3 Odour

Volumetric Flow Biofilter Two

Process Gases being treated – No Non-condensable Gases

Bag 4 Odour

Volumetric Flow Biofilter One Non-condensable Gases added to Process Gases being treated

Bag 5 Odour Volumetric Flow

Biofilter Two Non-condensable Gasesadded to Process Gases being treated

BS EN 13725

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3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Odour Monitoring and Olfactometry

Samples of gas of approximately 40 – 60 litres were collected via Teflon tubing into nalophane gas sampling bags by means of the “lung principle” method. Using this method, the sample bag is housed in a sealed carbuoy that is evacuated using a small air pump. The volume of air removed from the carbuoy is replaced by sample gas entering the bag, thus avoiding contamination of sample by pumps or meters. Sampling shall be carried out in accordance with I.S. EN 13725 ‘Air Quality – Determination of Odour Concentration by Dynamic Olfactometry’. Composite samples were taken from biofilters one and two from three different areas of the biofilter bed selected based on the finding of the velocity survey undertaken on the 14th of November 2011. Following collection of the samples, the samples bags were placed inside black plastic bags to reduce the potential for photoreaction of the constituents within the sample bag. The bags were then transported to the olfactomtery lab for analysis. All the bags were analysed within 30 hours of sampling.

The samples were analysed by Dynamic Olfactometry at the Odournet UK Ltd. laboratory complex. Odournet’s objective is to offer odour measurement and assessment services that conform to the highest possible technical and quality criteria and view these as essential elements of any defensible odour assessment procedure. The company is an active member of the Source Testing Association (STA) and subscribes to the operational code of the practice developed by this organisation with regard to conduct, technical content, health and safety and quality. The company are also member of the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA). All odour analysis and odour sampling services are undertaken using documented in-house procedures which comply fully with the requirements of ISO 17025: 2005. The Odournet laboratory is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of its services and products and routinely takes part in international inter-laboratory comparison studies. The Odournet UK Ltd laboratory is one of only 10 laboratories internationally (of the 36 participating laboratories) to achieve full compliance to the quality criteria set within the European standard for olfactometry. In 2007 it was one of only 12 laboratories internationally out of 71 participating laboratories to fully comply.

3.2 Volumetric Flow In order to measure volumetric flow from the surface of the biofilter media bed, a sampling hood with an area of 1.10m2 was placed on the surface of bed. Material from the bed was firmed down around the edges of the sampling hood. The Velocity was

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then measured from the exhaust pipe of the hood using a windvane. Due to the size of Biofilter One and Two these beds were divided into sub-sections on the day of monitoring, the hood was randomly places on an area of each section and measurements taken, these were then averaged to calculate a total volumetric flow.

4.0 ACCREDITED QUALITY SYSTEM 4.1 INAB Accreditation

ANUA Environmental analytical laboratories is accredited to ISO 17025 by the National Accreditation Board (INAB). ISO 17025 accreditation ensures that the laboratory operates a quality system with technically competent staff. The laboratory has accreditation since 1997 and it is the policy of the laboratory to achieve and maintain a high standard of quality consistent with client's requirements in all aspects of the work carried out within the laboratory.

4.2 Interlaboratory Proficiency Schemes

To ensure the accuracy of the analytical testing the laboratory participates in several external proficiency schemes. The ongoing competence of the laboratory and its staff is assessed by participation in various inter-laboratory proficiency testing schemes, such as LGC Aquacheck scheme and the EPA Intercalibration programme organised for environmental laboratories throughout Ireland. ANUA Environmental Analytical Laboratory services is listed on the EPA’s register of Quality Controlled Laboratories.

4.3 Control Chain of Custody

As part of the Quality System in place in ANUA Environmental measures are taken to ensure controlled chain of custody. An outline of the chain of custody is given overleaf.

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CONTROLLED CHAIN OF CUSTODY

SITE TRANSPORT LABORATORY

Sampling and

packaging of all samples were carried

out by ANUA: Technical Team:

Transport Document

Form

Transport to laboratory by

ANUA Technical

Team.

Sample Reception

Form

Receiving of samples at ANUA Environmental Laboratory complex by: Ms. Shona Fox., Laboratory Manager (Secure laboratory complex access to

authorised personnel only)

Storage of all samples for 1 month period after report issue.

Supervised Disposal

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5.0 RESULTS

The results of the monitoring carried out on 14th and 16th of November 2011 are presented in Tables 5.1- 5.4 below:

Table 5.1 Biofilter Bed Measurements Entire Biofilter Bed Monitoring Sub-sections

Location ID Length (m)

Width (m)

Area m2 Length

(m) Width

(m) Area m2

No. Of Sections

Biofilter One Section A

15.8 5.9 93.22 3.95 2.95 11.65 8

Biofilter One Section B

19.57 12.54 245.41 4.89 4.18 20.44 12

Biofilter Two 27.18 8.68 235.92 4.53 4.34 19.66 12 Note 1: Velocity measurements were taken from randomly selected areas within each sub-section of biofilters one and two

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Table 5.2 Volumetric Flow Data For Biofilter One

Location Temperature

(oC) Average

velocity m/s Note 1 Volumetric Flow

(Nm3/hr) Note 1 Section A-A 15.8 1.59 46.4 Section A-B 16.0 1.48 43.4 Section A-C 17.2 1.53 44.5 Section A-D 15.3 1.67 48.8 Section A-E 17.9 1.59 46.2 Section A-F 16.7 1.85 54.0 Section A-G 16.8 1.32 38.6 Section A-H 19.6 1.94 56.0 Section B-1 18.7 2.19 63.3

Section B-2 Note 4 18.3 2.37 68.8 Section B-3 17.4 2.29 66.7

Section B-4 Note 4 18.0 2.25 65.4 Section B-5 Note 4 19.6 2.41 69.5

Section B-6 16.3 1.85 54.0 Section B-7 19.3 1.99 57.5 Section B-8 17.8 2.08 60.4 Section B-9 15.2 2.02 59.2

Section B-10 15.2 2.27 66.4 Section B-11 19.1 1.79 51.8 Section B-12 14.5 2.21 64.8

Average 17.2 1.93 56.3 Total Surface area of Biofilter One (Section A and B) 338.6m2

Biofilter One Total Volumetric Flow Note 3 17, 865 Note 1: Flows were measured from the outlet pipe of the Biofilter hood on the day of monitoring; the area covered by this hood is approximately 1.10 m2

Note 2: All results are referenced to temperature 273K and pressure 101.325 kPa, with no correction for moisture or oxygen. Note 3: The total volumetric flow is calculated from the average volumetric flow per m2, by dividing the average measured volumetric flow from the sampling hood by the sampling hood area (approximately 1.10 m2) i.e. ((56.3/1.10)x338.6) Note 4: Area selected for Odour sampling

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Table 5.3 Volumetric Flow Data For Biofilter Two

Location Temperature

(oC) Average

velocity m/s Note 1 Volumetric Flow

(Nm3/hr) Note 1 Section A 19.2 1.89 54.6

Section B Note 4 19.0 2.42 70.1 Section C 19.2 2.40 69.5

Section D Note 4 19.0 2.30 66.6 Section E Note 4 17.5 1.99 57.8

Section F 19.2 2.13 61.6 Section G 18.4 1.57 45.6 Section H 19.2 2.13 61.6 Section I 13.4 1.75 51.6 Section J 19.4 1.06 30.5 Section K 17.5 2.07 60.2 Section L 18.4 1.83 53.1 Average 18.3 1.96 56.9 Total Surface area of Biofilter One (Section A and B) 235.9m2

Biofilter Two Total Volumetric Flow Note 3 12,175 Note 1: Flows were measured from the outlet pipe of the Biofilter hood on the day of monitoring; the area covered by this hood is approximately 1.10 m2

Note 2: All results are referenced to temperature 273K and pressure 101.325 kPa, with no correction for moisture or oxygen. Note 3: The total volumetric flow is calculated from the average volumetric flow per m2, by dividing the average measured volumetric flow from the sampling hood by the sampling hood area (approximately 1.10 m2) i.e. ((56.9/1.10)x235.9) Note 4: Area selected for Odour sampling

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Report No.ECS4092R1


TABLE 5.4: RESULTS OF ODOUR SAMPLING

Sample ID

Biofilter Id

Locations Time Notes Odour

Concentration ouE/m3

Volumetric flow per m2 (Nm3/hr) Note 2

Bag 1 Biofilter

One Composite sample from

sub-sections 2,4 & 5 08:30 – 08:45

No Process gas being treated, fans on

219Note 1,3 43.6

Bag 2 Biofilter


sub-sections 2,4 & 5 09:05 – 09:17 Normal operation 297 Note 1,3 54.5

Bag 4 Biofilter


sub-sections 2,4 & 5 11:05 – 11:13

Normal operation with non-condensable gases also

255 Note 1,3 49.0

Bag 3 Biofilter

Two Composite sample from sub-sections B,D & F

09:50 – 10:01 Process gas being treated 943 Note 1,3 50.2

Bag 5 Biofilter

Two Composite sample from sub-sections B,D & F

10:32 – 10:40 Normal operation with non-

condensable gases also 379 Note 1,3 52.4

Note 1: Analysis was carried out by Odournet UK ltd (ISO 17025 Accredited Test Method) Note 2: Velocity measurements were carried out at each odour sample location, these measurements were used to calculate a volumetric flow rate per m2 of the media bed for that sample. Note 3: Odournet Uncertaintiy - The confidence limits for a value x for one measurement according to EN13725, with a cover factor k = 2 are: x 2.21-1 ≤ x ≤ x 2.21. Based on repeated measurements of n-butanol reference gas the actual confidence limits at the Olfactolab UK are more favourable: for one measurement, including pre-dilution, the confidence limits are: x1.80-1 ≤ x ≤ x1.80 (k = 2). It is assumed that this uncertainty, based on verification with reference gases, is transferable to environmental samples. The most recent interlaboratory comparison result is A = 0.094.

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6.0 COMMENT The results of the volumetric flow survey carried out on biofilters one and two on the 14th of November are presented in tables 5.2 and 5.3 respectively. The survey was conducted to determine if there are areas of the biofilter beds where air was short-circuiting through the media in the biofilter. This would be highlighted by areas of higher volumetric flow. The results of this survey show that the performance of the media is similar across the entire area of both biofilter beds. The range of volumetric flows measured from the sub-sections on biofilter one were from 38.6 to 69.5 Nm3/hr (Average 56.3 Nm3/hr) and from 30.5 to 70.1 Nm3/hr (Average (56.9 Nm3/hr) from the sub sections of biofilter two. On the day of sampling the following process lines were fully operational at the Farragh Proteins facility:

1. Feather Line. 2. Poultry Line

3. Category Three Line

Composite odour samples from biofilters one and two were taken from three different sub-sections of the biofilter bed where volumetric flows were above the calculated average volumetric flowrate per sub-section detailed in table 5.4. Samples were taken from both biofilters one and two when the beds were and were not receiving non-condensable gases. The first sample on both beds was taken when the biofilters were not receiving non-condensable gases. After the first sample was taken the bypass valves were set to route the non-condensable gases through the biofilters. A period of twenty minutes (minimum) was allowed to pass after this change, before the second run of samples were taken to measure odour emissions with the non-condensable gases being treated by the biofilters. The results from this monitoring event show that there is very little change in odour emissions from the biofilter bed when the non-condensable gases are routed through the biofilters for treatment. Taking into account the uncertainty confidence limits quoted by odournet for the measurement of odour all samples from biofilters one and two fall within the same range of concentrations. This would indicate that the biofilter is performing well at present and is capable of treating the non condensables gases from the process in its current condition without an increase in odour emissions.

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APPENDIX 1

Site Photographs

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Photo 1. Biofilter two valve closed – Biofilter not receiving non-condensable gases

Photo 2. Biofilter two valve opened – Biofilter receiving non-condensable gases

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Photo 3. Biofilter one valve closed – Biofilter not receiving non-condensable gases

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Photo 4. Biofilter one valve opened – Biofilter receiving non-condensable gases

Photo 5. Biofilter one section B, showing sampling equipment and sampling grid on media bed

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APPENDIX 2

Laboratory Report

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APPENDIX 8.5

Dust Minimisation Plan

A dust minimisation plan will be formulated for the construction phase of the project, as

construction activities are likely to generate some dust emissions. The potential for dust to be

emitted depends on the type of construction activity being carried out in conjunction with

environmental factors including levels of rainfall, wind speeds and wind direction. The potential

for impact from dust depends on the distance to potentially sensitive locations and whether the

wind can carry the dust to these locations. The majority of any dust produced will be deposited

close to the potential source and any impacts from dust deposition will typically be within 100

metres of the construction area.

In order to ensure that no dust nuisance occurs, a series of measures will be implemented. Site

roads shall be regularly cleaned and maintained as appropriate. Hard surface roads shall be swept

to remove mud and aggregate materials from their surface while any un-surfaced roads shall be

restricted to essential site traffic only. Furthermore, any road that has the potential to give rise to

fugitive dust must be regularly watered, as appropriate, during dry and/or windy conditions.

Vehicles using site roads shall have their speed restricted, and this speed restriction must be

enforced rigidly. Indeed, on any un-surfaced site road, this shall be 20 km per hour, and on hard

surfaced roads as site management dictates. Vehicles delivering material with dust potential shall

be enclosed or covered with tarpaulin at all times to restrict the escape of dust.

Public roads outside the site shall be regularly inspected for cleanliness, and cleaned as necessary.

Material handling systems and site stockpiling of materials shall be designed and laid out to

minimise exposure to wind. Water misting or sprays shall be used as required if particularly

dusty activities are necessary during dry or windy periods.

Furthermore, during movement of the soil both on and off-site, trucks will be stringently covered

with tarpaulin at all times. Before entrance onto public roads, trucks will be adequately inspected

to ensure no potential for dust emissions.

At all times, the procedures put in place will be strictly monitored and assessed. In the event of

dust nuisance occurring outside the site boundary, significant dust producing activities will be

immediately terminated and satisfactory procedures implemented to rectify the problem before

resumption of operations.

The dust minimisation plan shall be reviewed at regular intervals during the construction phase to

ensure the effectiveness of the procedures in place and to maintain the goal of minimisation of

dust through the use of best practise and procedures.

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Farragh Proteins Crossdoney, Co. Cavan EPM IPPC Licence No. P0025-04

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EP 4.9 ASSESSMENT OF ODOUR IMPACT

Purpose

This procedure describes a systematic approach for the assessment, recording and reporting of potential odours from Farragh Proteins. Its aim is to achieve consistent assessment of the surrounding area of the factory by an environmental technician so he/she can make field observations and report the odour assessment.

Scope

This procedure describes a systematic approach of the assessment of odour through field observations and how the recording and reporting to management is carried out. This procedure has been designed for daily observation of the site and its surrounding area. Responsibility Transport Manager Environmental officer Plant Manager Production Manager

Associated Records Environmental incident and complaints log. Daily odour log.

Preparation for survey The environmental technician must be in a fit condition and adhere to the following rules:

The factory itself should not be entered before the odour survey is carried out the environmental technician should carry out the survey before and after work. The environmental technician should only come as far the front offices to retrieve the weather station information before the survey.

If an environmental technician has a cold, sore throat, sinus trouble etc. they should not carry out the assessment.

The environmental technician should not smoke or consume strongly flavoured food or drink, including coffee, for at least half an hour before the assessment is carried out.

The consumption of confectionery or soft drinks should he avoided immediately before and during the assessment.

Scented toiletries, such as perfume/aftershave should not be applied immediately before or during an assessment.

The vehicle used during the assessment should not contain any deodorisers.

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Requirements for the survey

1) Scaled map of the area, the map should show a compass directional.

2) Readings should be taken from the instromet (weather station) before the odour survey is carried out. The reading should include :

a) Wind direction and degrees.

b) Wind speed.

c) Air Temperature.

d) Pressure.

Procedure

1) Wind direction, wind speed, air temperature and pressure readings must be taken from the weather station before the survey is carried out.

2) The area where the wind is directed and 20ºc either side (potential risk area) must be marked off on the map.

3) Proceed to the area that needs to be surveyed. The assessment locations should be downwind of the site.

4) The assessment involves the environmental technician walking or driving, as far as access allows, to the chosen assessment locations. However the environmental technician shall get out of the car to make observations.

5) Observation points in the assessment area should be no more than 100 meters apart.

6) At each assessment location, the environmental technician should stop the car get out and smell. The period of assessment should be the same at each location (5 minutes recommended minimum).

7) To carry out the assessment, the environmental technician uses his/her own sense of smell to try and detect odours.

8) The olfactory bulb in the nose is responsible for transmitting smell information to the brain. It is located at the very back of the nose and thus it is important to give a distinct sniff during odour assessment in order to allow any odours present to reach the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is also responsible for:

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a) Enhancing discrimination between odours.

b) Enhancing sensitivity of odour detection.

c) Filtering out many background odours to enhance the transmission of a select few odours.

d) Permitting higher brain areas involved in arousal and attention to modify the detection or the discrimination of odours.

9) The environmental technician records his/her assessment by selecting, what is in his/her opinion, the most accurate descriptors for the odour if any present.

10) The assessment is recorded in the daily odour log book (Appendix 2) and the managing director, general manager and production manager are contacted with the recordings.

11) The assessment should be carried out 3 times a day in the morning at approximately 8.00am, afternoon at approximately 2.00pm and evening at approximately 6.00pm.

N/B: The odour assessment has added value if two or more environmental technicians take part. This gives the option to:

a) Make assessments together, but the opinions must not be discussed until the assessment is finished to avoid influence of others.

b) Alternatively one person stay on site and record the time of process events and the other person can go out on odour assessment to see if the events are linked to odour perception.

Action on the detection of an odour:

1) Following an odour assessment during which a potentially nuisance or interfering odour has been recorded, an inspection of Farragh Proteins site should be carried out in order to determine whether or not any odour can be linked to the facility and to evaluate any potential odour producing activities or locations.

2) Following the Site inspection it may be necessary to visit other local potential sources of odour to eliminate them as sources of the observed odour.

3) If an odour is detected the odour must be rated 1-5 (1 being very intense and 5 being very faint).

4) The assessment is recorded in the daily odour log book and the managing director, general manager and production manager are contacted with the recordings.

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Health and safety:

1) Do not try to detect odour while the vehicle is moving as this may take the concentration of your driving.

2) When stopping the vehicle at the observations points ensure it is pulled in off the road safely.

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Documents

APPENDIX 8.1 Description of the AERMOD Model · APPENDIX 8.1 Description of the AERMOD Model The AERMOD dispersion model has been recently developed in part by the U.S. Environmental