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MCU14/0028 Appendix 3 chicken-meat-guidelines
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms
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Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 2 [OCR of page images] Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms
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© State of Queensland, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2012. The Queensland Government supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of its information. The copyright in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY) licence. Under this licence you are free, without having to seek permission from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, to use this publication in accordance with the licence terms. You must keep intact the copyright notice and attribute the State of Queensland, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as the source of the publication. For more information on this licence visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 3
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Contents 1.0 Overview 6 1.1 The industry 6 1.2 Purpose of the guidelines 6 1.3 Scope 6 1.4 Using the guidelines 7 1.5 Review of the guidelines 7 2.0 Planning framework – relevant instruments 8 2.1 Regional Planning 8 2.1.1 South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031 8 2.2 State Planning Policies 9 2.3 Queensland Planning Provisions 9 2.4 Local Government Planning Schemes 9 3.0 The development assessment process 10 3.1 Is a development permit required? 10 3.2 Pre-lodgement meeting 10 3.3 The stages of IDAS 11 3.3.1 Application stage 11 3.3.2 Information and referral stage 11 3.3.3 Notification stage 12 3.3.4 Decision stage 12 4.0 Planning and assessment of development applications 16 4.1 Location and site selection 16 4.2 Natural environment 19 4.3 Farm design 20 4.4 Surface and groundwater 22 5.0 Operational and management considerations 24 5.1 Environmental Management Plan 24 5.2 Key environmental management practices 25 5.2.1 Odour and dust 25 5.2.2 Acoustic management 25 5.2.3 Chemical storage and use 26 5.2.4 Community liaison and complaint management 27 5.2.5 Shed management 27 5.2.6 Waste management 29 5.2.7 Farm biosecurity 33 Bibliography 35 Definitions 39 Appendices 43 Appendix 1 – Fixed buffer distances 43 Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 4
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Appendix 2 – Calculating separation distances 46 A 2.1 Introduction 46 A 2.2 Concepts in calculating separation distances 46 A 2.3 S-factor formula for calculating separation distances 47 A 2.3.1 Farm size 49 A 2.3.2 Sensitive land use factor S1 49 A 2.3.3 Surface roughness factor S2 50 A 2.3.4 Terrain weighting factor S3 50 A 2.4 Example calculation – S-factor formula 52 A 2.5 Multiple odour sources and cumulative impacts 53 A 2.6 Plume dispersion modelling 54 Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 5
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1.0 Overview
1.1 The industry
The Queensland meat chicken industry makes a significant contribution to the Queensland
economy. The industry employs about 4000 people and produces 102 million birds annually from a
total investment of $600 million. It contributed $370 million in gross value of production (GVP) to
the Queensland economy in 20010–11 i .
Meat chicken farms are located close to processing plants to ensure the welfare of the chickens
during transport and to minimise the cost of transporting the chickens.
In the past, the locations of meat chicken farms in Queensland were typically on the urban fringe.
Urban encroachment has meant that meat chicken farms are now not always located in a rural
setting—some are now located within urban areas of South East Queensland (SEQ). Poultry
production systems and processes have also changed and intensified, resulting in an increased
potential for emissions and impacts on adjacent land which may no longer be used solely for rural
purposes. Proximity to neighbours and urban communities raises the potential for issues such as
odour, dust, pests, farm traffic, noise, and visual and lighting impacts. There are also concerns
about the impacts of waste management and potential for environmental impacts on groundwater
and surface water. It is therefore crucial for meat chicken farms to be appropriately located and
operated to ensure potential impacts on community health and amenity and the general
environment are minimised.
1.2 Purpose of the guidelines
The Queensland Guidelines for Meat Chicken Farms has been developed to provide information
for the planning, design and development of meat chicken farms across Queensland. Whilst not a
compliance, operational or management manual, it provides some advice on operational
arrangements, where relevant, to managing the potential impact of meat chicken farms on the
environment and broader community.
The purpose of the guidelines is to provide consistent information for the planning and
development of meat chicken farms to:
assist local government to include relevant provisions in Local Government Planning Schemes
assist proponents with the development of a new meat chicken farm or the expansion of an
existing farm
provide information about the meat chicken production system to assist local government
officers in assessing development applications
provide an overview of planning frameworks and the development assessment process.
Use of the guidelines by local governments and proponents will respond to the potential for
environmental and health impacts associated with meat chicken farms. In addition, it will contribute
to a more consistent decision-making process and increased certainty for the meat chicken
industry whilst reducing community conflict resulting from the expansion of the industry.
1.3 Scope
The guidelines apply to the development of new meat chicken farms and the expansion or
renovation of existing meat chicken farms.
i
DAFF Prospects for Queensland Primary Industries 2011-2012, March 2012
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The guidelines are not designed to cover poultry farming activity other than meat chicken production. Egg production is excluded from these guidelines because a significantly different production system is used. Free-to-range facilities are not considered as these require a specific site-by-site approach. The guidelines recognise the structure of the industry, particularly the typical involvement of both growers and processors in meat chicken production. Usually the grower directly owns and operates the rearing facility, while the processors provide and own the chickens, arrange transport, provide the feed, provide veterinary and management advice, and process and market the chickens. In most instances, the grower operates under a contract with a processing company, and the ongoing performance of the farm is therefore dependent on the actions of both the grower and the processor. The guidelines are not designed to provide site-specific details for all possible site variables and use of the guidelines alone will not necessarily ensure compliance with all planning and environmental management requirements. 1.4 Using the guidelines These guidelines describe the objectives and acceptable solutions that could be implemented when developing a meat chicken farm. These requirements are provided for all parties with an interest in the development and operation of meat chicken farms, but in particular the guidelines focus on requirements to be taken into account when a development application is being prepared or assessed. Proponents considering building a new facility, or expanding/renovating an existing farm, should use the guidelines to inform the planning and design of the facility and establishment of management practices to minimise environmental impacts. The guidelines alone will not ensure good planning and environmental management outcomes, nor provide an exhaustive list of acceptable solutions. Site-specific data, impact assessment and alternative solutions will also be required in many instances. 1.5 Review of the guidelines The guidelines are based on current information and knowledge. Further investigation, research and innovation in farm practice may in the future establish new and refined practices for the industry. Technology to control emissions from meat chicken farms continues to be tested. As technologies are proven, the details need to be readily available to inform the planning and development approval process. Current and ongoing research relating to human health and amenity impacts of emissions from meat chicken farms will also inform future planning and development approval processes. The state government will from time to time revise the guidelines as new peer reviewed information relating to the design, operation, management and environmental impact of meat chicken farms becomes available. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 7
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2.0 Planning framework – relevant instruments
The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) provides a framework for managing the process by
which development takes place. The framework includes regional plans, state planning policies
and standard planning scheme provisions and local government planning schemes.
2.1 Regional Planning
Regional planning plays a key role in helping Queensland meet the challenges associated with
managing rapid growth, population change and economic development, and protecting the
environment and infrastructure provision across multiple local government areas.
Regional plans operate in conjunction with other statutory planning tools, including state planning
policies, local government planning schemes, state planning regulatory provisions and
development assessment processes. Statutory regional plans generally take precedence over
most planning instruments, however where required, state planning regulatory provisions can
override the regional plan. Non-statutory regional plans provide strategic advice and direction, but
do not prevail over other planning instruments.
Regional plans identify:
desired regional outcomes
policies and actions for achieving desired regional outcomes
future regional land use pattern
regional infrastructure provision to service the future regional land use pattern
key regional environmental, economic and cultural resources to be preserved, maintained
or developed.
Regional plans are developed in partnership with local governments, the community and
stakeholders.
2.1.1 South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031
The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031 (SEQ Regional Plan) provides the
framework for managing growth and development in the SEQ region to 2031. It is the pre-eminent
plan for the SEQ region.
Two components of the SEQ Regional Plan are relevant to the establishment of meat chicken
farms:
The Urban Footprint identifies land to meet the region’s urban development needs to 2031.
Through the allocation of regional land use categories, the SEQ Regional Plan has clarified that
the land within the Urban Footprint is intended for a range of urban activities within the planning
horizon of the plan. There is no need for existing land uses (e.g. poultry farms) within the footprint
to cease operation within this timeframe.
The SEQ Regional Plan identifies 85 per cent of the region as a Regional Landscape and Rural
Production Area (RLRPA). Urban activities will not be approved in these areas within the planning
horizon of the plan. While a proportion of this area comprises protected national and conservation
parks, water storage and state forests, the majority is privately-owned farmland and contributes
significantly to the regional economy. The SEQ Regional Plan proposes policies to help rural
communities, towns and villages remain viable. Subject to local planning scheme provisions, the
RLRPA is the preferred location for meat poultry farms in SEQ.
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2.2 State Planning Policies A state planning policy (SPP) is a statutory instrument for expressing the state’s policy on a specific issue. State interests can apply to the whole or part of the state and provide overall policy direction for regional plans and for local governments' planning schemes. They may also provide detailed codes and standards used in technical aspects of development assessment. SPPs must be considered in assessing and deciding an application. They also have effect in preparing and amending planning schemes. Existing and proposed SPPs should be considered when identifying land for a meat chicken farm. SPPs address the compatibility of land uses and separation distances required between meat chicken farms and other forms of development. Current SPPs can be referenced at http://www.dlgp.qld.gov.au/policies/state-planning-policies.html 2.3 Queensland Planning Provisions The SP Act allows the making of standard planning scheme provisions, known as the Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP). The QPP provides a consistent format and structure for local government planning schemes across Queensland through: standardised structure format land use administrative definitions zones levels of assessment overlays infrastructure planning provisions development of assessment codes administrative matters. The QPP further provides for local government to incorporate local content and variation to reflect the context of the local government area. The QPP prescribes standard land-use definitions and zones that must be included in planning schemes across Queensland as, and when, schemes are updated. Poultry farming is covered by the definition of ‘intensive animal industry’ and included under the Rural Zone (Level 1). The QPP also provides for the development and adoption of standardised assessment codes. 2.4 Local Government Planning Schemes A planning scheme is an instrument made by a local government that advances the purposes of the SP Act by providing an integrated planning policy for the local government's planning scheme area. Planning schemes must appropriately reflect the standard planning scheme provisions; identify the strategic outcomes for the planning scheme area; include measures that facilitate achieving the strategic outcomes; coordinate and integrate the matters dealt with by the planning scheme; include a priority infrastructure plan; and include a structure plan for any land in the planning scheme area that is a declared master plan area. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 9
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3.0 The development assessment process
The Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS), established under SP Act, provides a
single legal administrative framework for the assessment and approval of almost all development
in Queensland.
It is advantageous to undertake a pre-lodgement meeting with the relevant local government
before the formal submission of a development application.
The information and referral stage of IDAS serves two purposes: firstly, it provides an opportunity
to ask the applicant for more information; secondly, it provides for consideration of other interests
by referral agencies that are outside the scope of the assessment manager.
Most meat chicken farm developments, as prescribed by local planning schemes, require public
notification with subsequent appeal rights for submitters.
The decision stage of IDAS sets out the requirements for assessment managers when assessing
development applications.
3.1 Is a development permit required?
A development permit must be obtained prior to assessable development being carried out.
Development applications are made to the assessment manager, which in most circumstances for
meat chicken farms is the local government where the farm is to be located.
Assessable development is prescribed by local planning schemes and the Sustainable Planning
Regulation 2009 (SP Regulation).
Local planning schemes vary from local government to local government. There is considerable
variation in the definitions of meat chicken farms, what development is assessable and the level of
assessment required.
The SP Regulation prescribes assessable development and this includes meat chicken farms that
come within the definition of Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) 4 (Poultry farming) under the
Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Regulation). Poultry farming consists of farming a
total of more than 1000 birds for:
producing eggs or fertile eggs
rearing hatchlings, starter pullets or layers
rearing birds for meat, including:
- chickens
- ducks
- geese
- guineafowl
- turkeys.
3.2 Pre-lodgement meeting
Proponents of meat chicken farm development are encouraged to consult with local government
early in the planning stages. Consultation with local councils will provide preliminary feedback on
the appropriateness of the proposed meat chicken farm providing for increased certainty in the
development process.
Many local governments provide a pre-lodgement service that enables an applicant to discuss a
proposal with them prior to lodging the development application.
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The idea of seeking pre-lodgement advice is to help identify issues relevant to the proposal or site location, and to identify strategic objectives for the development of the area. It should not be used to seek determination of the application (i.e. advice on whether the application will be approved/refused or a relaxation of a development standard granted). It is also possible (and recommended) to discuss a proposal with a referral agency (if applicable) during the conceptualisation phase of the project. A referral agency may also provide a response on a matter prior to lodging the application with the assessment manager. A fee may be charged by local government for pre-lodgement advice. For further information contact the relevant local government. 3.3 The stages of IDAS 3.3.1 Application stage A development application must: be made to the assessment manager be in the approved form or made electronically using Smart eDA be accompanied by any mandatory supporting information specified for the application be accompanied by the required fee include the land owner’s consent, if this is required under the SP Act include evidence of resource entitlement if the development involves a state resource. Further information is provided by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning fact sheet Development assessment—properly made applications available on that department’s website. 3.3.2 Information and referral stage An IDAS referral agency is a generic term and covers both ‘advice’ agencies and ‘concurrence’ agencies. If there is a requirement under the SP Regulation for an entity other than the assessment manager to have input into the assessment of a development application, it is referred to that agency. A referral may be for the purpose of seeking advice on an application, or for determining any requirements an agency may impose on an application. The type of referral that applies is prescribed in the SP Regulation. Referral agencies operate within a defined jurisdiction. An advice agency may make recommendations and offer advice on conditions of approval or regarding refusal of an application. It cannot make a request for further information or direct the decision about the application. An advice agency can ask the assessment manager to treat its response as a properly made submission and therefore opens up appeal rights. A concurrence agency, in addition to offering advice, has the power (within the jurisdiction defined in the SP Regulation) to direct the outcome of an application. It can require certain conditions be imposed on an approval, that an approval be for part only of the development or for a preliminary approval only, or that an application be refused. Local governments have devolved responsibility for administering meat chicken developments that are an ERA. As a result, local governments deal with the application as an assessment manager for the ERA. The applicant may be required under Schedule 7 of the SP Regulation to refer the application to other concurrence agencies. The assessment manager or a concurrence agency for an application may ask any person for advice or comment about the application at any stage of IDAS. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 11
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3.3.3 Notification stage
Development applications requiring impact assessment must be publicly notified. This is known as
the public notification stage of IDAS. Submissions may be made by people other than the applicant
or a concurrence agency during the public notification period for impact assessable development
or a combined application including an impact assessable component. Submissions may influence
the outcome of an application and must be accepted by the assessment manager if properly made.
Public notification of development applications ensures that the public is aware of the development
and gives them the opportunity to make submissions about it. A properly made submission will
secure for the submitter the right to appeal to the Planning and Environment Court about the
assessment manager’s decision.
Many local governments require impact assessment for meat chicken farms of particular intensity
and particular zoning/locality. It is necessary to check the local planning schemes to determine
what level of assessment applies to the proposed development.
Meat chicken farm developments that fall under the definition of ERA 4 (Poultry farming) in the EP
Regulation are generally prescribed as impact assessable development and therefore require
public notification.
3.3.4 Decision stage
Assessable development may require code assessment, impact assessment or both.
The environmental impacts of a development are assessed as part of the decision stage of IDAS
for all development applications (code assessable or impact assessable).
If an application (or part of an application) requires code assessment, the assessment manager
must assess the part of the application against the matters specified in the SP Act to the extent
that the matters are relevant to the development.
The assessment manager must also have regard to the common material, any development
approval for, and any lawful use of, the land subject of the application, any referral agency’s
response and the purposes of any instrument containing an applicable code.
If an application (or part of an application) requires impact assessment, the assessment manager
must assess the part of the application against the matters specified in the SP Act to the extent
that the matters are relevant to the development.
If the administering authority is the assessment manager or a referral agency for a development
application for an activity (e.g. ERA 4 Poultry farming), in assessing the application the
administering authority must:
comply with any relevant regulatory requirement ii
ii
Regulatory requirement means a requirement under an environmental protection policy or a regulation for the
administering authority to:
a) grant or refuse to grant, or follow stated procedures for evaluating, any of the following applications:
i. a development application for which the administering authority is the assessment manager or a referral
agency
ii. an environmental authority application
iii. an application for approval of a transitional environmental program
b) impose, change or cancel a condition on a development approval for a Chapter 4 activity, an environmental authority
or an approval of a transitional environmental program.
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consider the standard criteria iii and any additional information given in relation to the
application.
The administering authority must for making an environmental management decision relating to an
activity, consider the following matters:
each of the following under any relevant environmental protection policies:
- management hierarchy
- environmental values
- quality objectives
- management intent
environmental values declared under this regulation
the characteristics of the contaminants or materials released from carrying out the activity
the nature and management of, including the use and availability of technology relating to, the
processes being, or to be, used in carrying out the activity
the impact of the release of contaminants or materials from carrying out the activity on the
receiving environment, including the cumulative impact of the release with other known
releases of contaminants, materials or wastes
the characteristics of the receiving environment and the potential impact on it from carrying out
the activity
for each affected person iv for the activity—the order of occupancy or use between the person
carrying out the activity and the affected person
iii
Standard criteria means:
a) the principles of ecologically sustainable development as set out in the National Strategy for Ecologically
Sustainable Development
b) any applicable environmental protection policy
c) any applicable commonwealth, state or local government plans, standards, agreements or requirements
d) any applicable environmental impact study, assessment or report
e) the character, resilience and values of the receiving environment
f) all submissions made by the applicant and submitters
g) the best practice environmental management for activities under any relevant instrument, or proposed instrument, as
follows:
i. an environmental authority
ii. a transitional environmental program
iii. an environmental protection order
iv. a disposal permit
v. a development approval
h) the financial implications of the requirements under an instrument, or proposed instrument, mentioned in paragraph
g) as they would relate to the type of activity or industry carried out, or proposed to be carried out, under the
instrument
i) the public interest
j) any applicable site management plan
k) any relevant integrated environmental management system or proposed integrated environmental management
system
l) any other matter prescribed under a regulation.
iv
Affected person means a person affected, or who may be affected, by the release of a contaminant or waste from
carrying out the activity.
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the remaining capacity of the receiving environment to accept contaminants or wastes released
from future activities while protecting environmental values
the quantity and type of greenhouse gases released, and the measures proposed to
demonstrate the release is minimised using best practice methods that include strategies for
continuous improvement.
If the application is for an increase in the scale or intensity of the poultry farm, the administering
authority must assess the application having regard to the proposed activity and the existing
activity, and the total likely or potential environmental harm these activities may cause.
The assessment manager must also have regard to the common material, any development
approval for, and any lawful use of, the land subject of the application, and any referral agency’s
response.
Once the application has been assessed, the assessment manager must decide to either approve
(in whole or in part) or refuse the application. If a concurrence agency has given a response about
the application, the assessment manager is bound by that response. If the application is approved,
the assessment manager may impose conditions on the approval and must impose conditions
required by a concurrence agency.
The administering authority must for making an environmental management decision relating to an
activity, consider whether to impose conditions about the following matters:
implementing a system for managing risks to the environment
implementing measures for avoiding or minimising the release of contaminants or waste
ensuring an adequate distance between any sensitive land uses v and the relevant site for the
activity to which the decision relates
limiting or reducing the size of the initial mixing zone or attenuation zone vi , if any, that may be
affected by the release of contaminants
treating contaminants before they are released
restricting the type, quality, quantity, concentration or characteristics of contaminants that can
be released
the way in which contaminants may be released
ensuring a minimum degree of dispersion happens when a contaminant is released
protecting environmental values, and meeting quality objectives, under relevant environmental
protection policies
recycling, storing, transferring or disposing of waste in a particular way
rehabilitating land to achieve particular outcomes
measuring the ongoing protection of environmental values that are, or may be, adversely
affected by the activity.
The Environment Protection Act 1994 envisages that it is possible for a development approval to
contain a valid condition which allows the emission of odour beyond the boundary of a property on
which poultry farming is conducted.
v
Sensitive land use means a sensitive land use under any relevant environmental protection policies.
vi
Attenuation zone means the area around a release of contaminants to groundwater in which the concentration of the
contaminants in the release is reduced to ambient levels through physico-chemical and microbiological processes.
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After deciding the application, the assessment manager must give the applicant and any referral agencies a decision notice. Copies of the decision notice will also be provided to all principal submitters. A development approval attaches to the nominated lots on plan. Under the EP Act, to lawfully carry out a poultry farming ERA, a person must obtain a registration certificate from the local government. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 15
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4.0 Planning and assessment of development
applications
This section provides information for local government to use in considering the site and design
assessment of development applications for a meat chicken farm.
Proponents should be aware that a development application will be assessed against the local
government's planning scheme.
4.1 Location and site selection
Meat chicken farms must be appropriately located on suitable sites having particular regard to the
scale of the farm, land size and location, topography, potential for environmental impacts and
potential for impact on surrounding sensitive land uses. New farms should be located on land that
is suitably separated from sensitive land uses, yet within proximity to feed suppliers and processing
facilities.
The provision of separation distances between meat chicken farm developments and sensitive
land uses/non-rural zones is a way of achieving a balance between the development of the meat
chicken industry and concerns of the community. Fixed buffer distances are also used to provide
protection to the environment while allowing for ecologically sustainable development.
Meat chicken farms should be located within a rural zone (standard Queensland Planning
Provisions Zone).
Also there should be appropriate separation and buffer distances for meat chicken farms (refer to
Appendixes 1 and 2) from drinking water catchments, declared water catchment and groundwater
recharge areas, and other locational requirements to ensure that rural zones are capable of
accommodating future industry growth.
To reflect the strategic intent of minimising the potential for land use conflicts, farms should be
appropriately separated from non-rural zones.
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Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Meat chicken farms must: The meat chicken farm is separated from:
be developed so as not to cause unlawful non-rural zones
environmental harm vii as a result of: sensitive land uses in the rural zone
- noise surface water, wells and bores
- odour, particulate matter or other air declared fish habitats defined in the
emission Fisheries Act 1994 and regulation
- water contamination High Ecological Value waters defined in
- visual appearance the Environmental Protection (Water)
- traffic associated with the farm Policy 2009 (EPP Water).
- lighting.
be separated from one another to (Appendixes 1 and 2 provide a guide on
minimise the risk of animal to animal separation and buffer distances)
disease transfer between farms
be elevated to enable adequate Note 1: When assessing separation distances
ventilation and drainage the S-factor methodology should be used for
have adequate vehicle access meat chicken farms up to 300 000 birds, and
not be subject to flooding odour dispersion modelling should be used for
be provided with a reliable water supply farms with more than 300 000 birds. Odour
and electricity supply dispersion modelling can also be used for meat
be located within reasonable proximity to chicken farms with less than 300 000 birds, if
processing plants separation distances are less than required by
not interfere with sites or places of the S-factor methodology.
significant cultural heritage or nature
conservation. Note 2: Odour dispersion modelling should be
carried out based on best practice modelling
under Queensland conditions, e.g. 'Best Practice
Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry–
Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological
Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)'.
A2
The land the meat chicken farm is
developed on has an appropriate area and
dimensions to provide for adequate
setbacks of buildings, sheds, dams, internal
roads and waste disposal areas from:
sensitive land uses in the rural zone
non-rural land zones
surface water, wells and bores
declared fish habitat areas defined in the
Fisheries Act 1994 and regulation
High Ecological Value waters defined in
the Environmental Protection (Water)
Policy 2009 (EPP Water).
(Appendixes 1 and 2 provide a guide on
separation and buffer distances)
vii
Environmental harm is defined in the Definitions section of this document.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 17
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A3
The land the meat chicken farm is
developed on has adequate area for the
sustainable management and utilisation of
litter, or alternative methods for
management and offsite disposal of litter
(e.g. composting).
A4
The following separation distances are
maintained to provide appropriate animal
biosecurity measures:
1000 metres between new and existing
meat chicken farm complexes and any
alternative form of intensive poultry
farming (chickens, turkeys, guineafowl,
ducks, geese, quails, pigeons,
pheasants, partridges, ostriches and
emus reared or kept in captivity)
5000 metres between a meat chicken
farm complex and a meat chicken
breeder farm.
A5
The land the meat chicken farm is
developed on:
has an average gradient of less than
10%
has a development footprint, including
waste areas, access points and
driveway, that are not subject to flooding
by the 100 year ARI event
is accessed by an all-weather road
network
is generally not low lying
has a permanent three phase electricity
supply
has a good quality and reliable water
supply. Back-up water supply (tanks) or
contingency for at least two days water
is provided in case of breakdown or loss
of supply.
A6
The development of the meat chicken farm
complies with state and federal nature
conservation and cultural heritage legislation
and regulations such as:
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Heritage Protection Act 1984
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Heritage Protection Amendment Act
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 18
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Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage
Act 2003
Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
Nature Conservation Act 1992 and
regulations
Nature Conservation (Koala)
Conservation Plan 2006
A7
The development of the meat chicken farm
complies with:
State Planning Policy 1/92 Development
and the Conservation of Agricultural
Land
Strategic Cropping Land Act 2011 and
regulation
State Planning Policy 1/12 Protection of
Queensland’s Strategic Cropping Land
4.2 Natural environment
Meat chicken farms must be developed and managed so that the potential for significant impacts
on the natural environment are minimised. This is achieved by avoiding removal of significant
vegetation and by ensuring appropriate separation distances to surface water.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Buildings, sheds, other structures, and waste Buildings (excluding residential or
disposal areas must be sited, constructed administrative buildings), sheds, other
and managed so that operation of the meat structures and waste disposal areas must be
chicken farm does not cause unlawful set back from surface water, and declared
environmental harm. fish habitat areas in accordance with the
distances set out in Appendix 1.
P2
The development of the meat chicken farm A2
does not cause the loss of biodiversity at Any vegetation clearing associated with the
state, regional or levels or interfere with development of the meat chicken farm
ecological processes. complies with the Vegetation Management
Act 1999, the Vegetation Management
P3 Regulation 2000, the State Policy for
Meat chicken farms do not cause the loss or Vegetation Management – version 2, SPP
degradation of surface waters, marine parks 2/10 Koala Conservation in South East
or declared fish habitats. Queensland, and the Regional Vegetation
Management Code for South East
Queensland Bioregion – version 2 and
vegetation clearing requirements contained
within the relevant local government
planning scheme.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 19
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A3
The development of the meat chicken farm
complies with the:
Strategy for the conservation and
management of Queensland’s wetlands
Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 and regulation
Nature Conservation Act 1992 and
regulations and plans
Environmental Protection Act 1994 and
regulations
State Planning Policy 2/02 Planning and
Managing Development Involving Acid
Sulphate Soils
State Planning Policy 1/03 Mitigating the
Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and
Landslide
Queensland Coastal Plan 2011
4.3 Farm design
The design of meat chicken farms is a key element to a sustainable operation, reducing the
potential for adverse impacts on surrounding sensitive land uses. Site layout, roads, stormwater
drainage systems, farm construction methods and water and feed supply systems must be
designed to prevent, minimise, manage (in this order) the potential for such impacts. Landscaping
should also be used to minimise the visual impact of meat chicken farm buildings and handling
areas. The design and operation of the meat chicken farm must be such as to ensure the
provisions of the EP Act and regulations are achieved.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
The built form of the development is Sheds and other structures are sited to
integrated into the landscape, and utilises achieve the separation and buffer distances
site topography, existing vegetation recommended in Appendixes 1 and 2.
supplemented by augmented planting to
minimise the visual impact of the A2
development. Sheds should be orientated with the long
axis east- west where possible so as to
P2 minimise solar heat absorption (but not at
The built form of the development is oriented the expense of the other acceptable
considering local meteorological conditions outcomes).
including wind patterns and atmospheric
stability, solar patterns and topographic A3
characteristics of the land, to reduce the Fans on tunnel-ventilated sheds should be
potential for impacts on the amenity of located on the end of the shed that is
surrounding sensitive land uses. furthest from sensitive land uses to minimise
the impacts of odour.
P3
All sheds are designed to be bird proof and A4
to minimise rodent entry when in operation. Sheds must be constructed so that native
birds are unable to enter.
P4 Sheds must be designed to minimise rodent
The use of existing vegetation and entry and a baiting program must be
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 20
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supplementary plantings to minimise visual implemented to control rodents.
impacts of the development footprint.
A5
P5 Retention of existing trees and other
Driveways are located so as to minimise vegetation where practicable with provision
adverse impacts on external traffic networks of supplementary planting to ensure
and sensitive land uses. vegetated buffers are established and
maintained between the meat chicken farm
P6 and sensitive land uses (refer to the
Sight distances to and from driveways are vegetated buffer element design section of
sufficient to ensure safe operation. the Planning Guidelines: Separating
Agricultural and Residential Land Uses
P7 1997).
Access points and driveways are designed
and constructed to a standard appropriate for A6
the design traffic type and volumes. Driveways are located so that they do not
interfere with the function of adjoining roads.
P8
The access and driveway must be designed A7
to ensure that: Access points and roads are located to
ingress and egress for all vehicles is in a minimise noise impacts on neighbouring
forward gear sensitive land uses.
access gates are located so that service
vehicles can be wholly located on site A8
when accessing the premises. Sight distances at driveways must comply
with the requirements of the relevant Local
P9 government or Department of Transport and
Any external lighting must be designed so as Main Roads (TMR).
to not have an adverse impact on
surrounding sensitive land uses. A9
The driveway and access points must be
P10 constructed to the standard required by the
A reliable water and electricity supply is relevant local government or TMR.
provided.
A10
A suitable area must be provided so that:
all vehicles can turn around and leave
the property in a forward gear
all service vehicles can park fully on site
while accessing the premises
vehicles can be washed and disinfected
before and after entering the meat
chicken farm complex (production area).
A11
All external lighting is designed and
operated in accordance with the Australian
Standard AS4282: The control of obtrusive
effects of outdoor lighting.
A12
A reliable source of drinking water that
complies with the poultry drinking water
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standards in the National Farm Biosecurity
Manual Poultry Production is available.
A13
A back-up water supply must be maintained
which has a minimum of two days water
supply available at all times for emergency
use.
A14
Strategies are implemented for managing
power supply failures (e.g. installation of
back-up generators).
4.4 Surface and groundwater
Stormwater management is important to ensure that development does not adversely impact on
the environmental values and water quality of a waterway or wetland. Meat chicken farming is an
intensive use and requires active management of stormwater to ensure that run-off and leachate
from nutrient rich sources do not pollute surface waters (creeks, rivers, dams, lakes, etc) and
groundwater.
Performance criteria Acceptable solution
P1 A1
The design and operation of the meat No acceptable solution.
chicken farm incorporates integrated water
management elements so that: A2
stormwater peak discharges and run-off Locating the meat chicken farm complex
volumes are not increased (including sheds and waste storage areas)
natural drainage lines and hydrological on land that is not subject to flooding by the
regimes are maintained as far as 100 year ARI event.
practicable.
A3
P2 Wash down water should be:
The environmental values and quality of the collected and stored in a suitably sized
receiving waters within or downstream of the effluent pond
development are maintained. applied sustainably to utilisation areas.
P3 A4
Stormwater must be prevented from entering Nutrient, pathogen and contaminant levels
all sheds and waste storage areas. in stormwater discharged from the meat
chicken farm do not exceed the water
quality guideline levels of the Australian and
New Zealand guidelines for fresh and
marine water quality 2000 and the relevant
regional plan prior to release into the
environment.
A5
Buffer zones are provided around the meat
chicken farm complex and litter utilisation
areas (see Appendix 1) to reduce the risk of
surface water contamination.
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A6
The base of all sheds is elevated above
natural ground level to ensure that
stormwater run-off does not enter the sheds.
A7
Onsite waste storage and management
areas (e.g. litter and dead birds) should be
protected from stormwater run-off by the
construction of diversion banks and be
located on an impermeable base.
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5.0 Operational and management considerations
This section details the operational and environmental management considerations when
assessing a development application for a meat chicken farm and attaching environmental
conditions to a development approval. It also provides applicants with a guideline for operating and
managing a meat chicken farm.
5.1 Environmental Management Plan
All meat chicken farms should develop and implement site-based EMPs that will aim to minimise
the potential for operational impact on the surrounding environmental values and the amenity of
neighbouring communities.
The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has produced a national
Environmental Management System (EMS) for the meat chicken industry with an example and
explanatory notes for developing an EMP. The EMS should only be considered as a starting point
and application of such framework will need to further articulate site-specific considerations as well
as identifying assumptions supporting air quality or acoustic modelling assessment.
The EMP is a formal commitment that all reasonable and practical efforts will be made to operate
the meat chicken farm in an environmentally sustainable manner. The EMP provides a system for
documenting:
environmental hazards and risks of the meat chicken farm
how these risks will be minimised by design and management strategies
the process for monitoring the effectiveness of the design and management strategies
how the results of the monitoring will be reported.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Documentation must demonstrate that the A site-specific EMP is developed by the farm
environmental risks of the meat chicken farm owner/manager and implemented in
development have been identified and accordance with the National Environmental
appropriate design and management Management System for the Meat Chicken
measures have been considered and will be Industry. The EMP must include:
implemented to minimise the risks and an assessment of environmental and
impacts to the environment. community health risks
strategies and measures for minimising
environmental and community health
risks and contingency actions for
managing problems that may arise
planned courses of action in cases of
incidents or emergencies relating to all
significant risks, including unexpected
increased odour emissions, a high
incidence of bird deaths, disease
outbreaks and fire, in accordance with
risk management principles.
A2
The EMP is maintained and updated as
required by the farm owner/manager and is
available for inspection by the relevant
regulatory authority.
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5.2 Key environmental management practices
5.2.1 Odour and dust
The operation of meat chicken farms generates dust and odour emissions. Dust and odour have
the potential to impact the environment, human health and amenity. A combination of sound design
of sheds, good farm management practices, regular cleaning and maintenance of facilities,
effective pollution control and waste management, and provision of adequate separation distances
are required to minimise offensive odours and unacceptable dust impacts.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Development and operation of the meat Design and environmental management
chicken farm must prevent or minimise practices ensure that emissions from the
emissions of odour, dust and air pollutants. meat chicken farm does not cause unlawful
environmental harm or environmental
nuisance or impact human health and
wellbeing.
5.2.2 Acoustic management
Noise from meat chicken farms has the potential to adversely affect nearby sensitive land uses
(continuous and intermittent noises). Typical sources include truck and tractor movements, feed
equipment and fans on sheds. The transmission of noise and resulting impacts are affected by
many factors, including atmospheric conditions, local topography, and natural and artificial barriers.
Residents are much more sensitive to noise during the evening and night, and the potential for
sleep interruption is of particular concern. The potential impacts and effect of noise on nearby
sensitive land uses can be minimised during the design and planning stage of development. Noise
levels generated by meat chicken farms, including associated activities such as vehicle
movements, must not cause unacceptable acoustic impacts on surrounding sensitive land uses.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Development and operation of the meat Noise from the operation of the meat
chicken farm must prevent or minimise noise chicken farm does not cause unlawful
emissions. environmental nuisance.
A2
The following design and operational
provisions should be considered to minimise
the potential for noise impact on surrounding
sensitive land uses:
Access points and roads are located to
minimise noise impacts on neighbouring
sensitive land uses.
Access roads are designed to avoid the
use of sharp turns.
The design and siting of all mechanical
equipment, including fans, pneumatic
feed systems and other equipment,
minimises the generation of mechanical
noise and the likelihood of off-site
vibration.
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Shed cleaning and the removal of spent
litter should be undertaken during
daylight hours to minimise noise
impacts.
Meat chicken farm operators should
endeavour to minimise noise at all times
from equipment and machinery,
especially where a farm is close to
sensitive land uses.
Regular on-farm environmental risk
assessment is undertaken to ensure that
noise risk is low.
5.2.3 Chemical storage and use
Farm fuel must be stored and used in a way that ensures it does not impact on surface water,
groundwater and soil, and complies with the provisions of the EP Act and regulations.
Chemicals must be stored and used in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011
and regulations and any local government requirements.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
The storage and handling of dangerous All agricultural chemicals used on meat
chemicals comply with the requirements of chicken farms are registered by the
the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 Australian Pesticides and Veterinary
and the Workplace Health and Safety Medicines Authority.
Regulation 2011
P2 A register of all dangerous goods and
Strategies are implemented that minimise combustible liquids stored and handled on
risks from the storage and use of chemicals the farm must be kept and maintained. If
to human health and the environment. required, Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) should be available for all
chemicals stored and used.
A2
Sheds are closed during chemical
applications to minimise the risk of off-site
chemical spray drift. Sheds are closed for
recommended time after spraying with
odorous or toxic substances.
There is no spray drift or run-off that impacts
sensitive land areas.
Chemicals and fuel are stored and used
safely, according to manufacturer’s
instructions. Empty drums and other
chemical containers are disposed of in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
.
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5.2.4 Community liaison and complaint management
Liaison between the property owner/manager and neighbours can be helpful in communicating
information for the purposes of avoiding and managing complaints. Open lines of communication
help in identifying problems, verifying complaints and successfully applying relevant remedies to
minimise the impact of farm operations on neighbouring sensitive land uses. Strategies for
managing community liaison, with a focus on environmental performance of the meat chicken farm
should be implemented.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcome
P1 A1
The meat chicken farm must incorporate Communication strategies that include:
strategies for managing community liaison, Neighbours to be informed of unusual
with a focus on environmental performance. events or problems that may affect their
amenity. The expected timeframe of the
impact, and the mitigation strategies that
have been initiated should also be
communicated.
Where a complaint is received by the
meat chicken farm it should be
investigated and any problems found
should be rectified. The complainant
should be informed of the outcome of
the investigation and any actions taken
to rectify any identified problem.
Full details of complaints received,
results of investigations and corrective
actions are recorded in a complaint
register.
Farm management participation and
cooperation to assist in resolving
disputes relating to environmental
impacts of the meat chicken farm.
5.2.5 Shed management
The management of meat chicken sheds will determine the extent to which the farm impacts on the
surrounding environment (particularly those activities that have the potential to cause odour). The
activities covered in this section are the stocking density of sheds, management of bedding
materials and litter, litter clean-out and shed and equipment maintenance.
The management of bedding materials and litter influences whether a meat chicken farm will cause
odour or dust nuisance. When litter becomes too dry, dust problems occur and when litter
becomes too wet, odour problems occur. Both of these situations have the potential to result in
environmental nuisance being caused, poor bird health and potential health problems for farm
workers.
Sheds are generally allowed one to two weeks down time after bird harvest for shed clean-out,
disinfection and fumigation between batches. This minimises the risk of disease. There are three
common practices adopted in Queensland for litter clean-out:
Single use litter – Spent litter is removed after each batch of chickens and replaced with fresh
litter. There is total replacement of all spent litter.
Partial re-use – Litter is removed from the brooder and placed in the second half of the shed
or removed entirely. If time permits the litter to be re-used, it is heaped to allow pasteurisation
and then respread in the second half of the shed. Fresh litter is placed in the brooder.
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Multi-use litter – Only caked material is removed and litter may be re-used after each batch of
chickens. Shed is disinfected with litter in place, or litter is heaped in the shed for a period of
time for pasteurisation. Litter may be used 3–5 times.
Details on litter clean-out can be found in the Meat Chicken Technical Environmental Note 1, FSA
Environmental – http://fsaconsulting.net/pdfs/Note%201-Litter%20Clean-out%20V2.pdf
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
Sheds stocking densities must be managed Sheds must be stocked at densities that
to ensure: comply with the Animal Care and Protection
the minimum standard of animal welfare Regulation 2002.
is complied with and/or exceeded
bird health and performance is not A2
reduced. The material for bedding should:
be dry, light and highly absorbent
P2 dry rapidly
Bedding should be appropriate for use in remain friable
meat chicken sheds. be free of contaminants such as heavy
metals and preservatives
P3 be suitable for use as a soil conditioner
The moisture content of the shed litter must or fertiliser
be managed to minimise odour, dust and be cost-effective.
ammonia emissions.
A3
Litter and manure beetles need to be Litter moisture in the sheds should be
controlled to avoid damage to insulation and maintained between 15 and 30 per cent
wood structures and to reduce the risk of moisture content (wet basis).
disease spread.
Extra dry bedding material or dry litter
P4 should be added to areas of wet litter in the
Shed cleaning, sanitation and fumigation shed or the wet litter should be removed
practices that: and replaced.
minimise the risk of disease transmission
between batches Evenly distribute at least 45 mm of
minimise noise, dust and odour impact uncompacted bedding to sheds at the start
from shed cleaning on sensitive land of a batch.
uses.
Waterers must be maintained and repaired
P5 to minimise leakage that will result in wet
Sheds and equipment must be maintained patches in the shed litter
and repaired to minimise odour, dust and
noise emissions from the meat chicken farm. Control measures (such as pesticide
application, composting spent litter, total
shed clean-out or a combination of these)
should be implemented to control manure
beetles.
A4
Avoid cleaning sheds when litter is
excessively dry or wet to minimise dust and
odour impacts.
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Where possible shed cleaning should be
undertaken when the wind is blowing away
from sensitive land uses. (Note: Side
shutters and curtains and/or doors should be
open when cleaning out sheds to avoid the
build up of gases that may impact on the
health and safety of workers).
Shed cleaning must be undertaken so that
impacts on sensitive land uses is avoided.
A5
Shed walls and roofs must be maintained
and leaks repaired immediately to prevent
wet patches in the litter.
The ventilation system and evaporative
cooling systems must be maintained to
ensure air movement is at design level and
the correct atmosphere (temperature and
humidity) in the sheds.
Water reticulation systems and drinkers
must be maintained and leaks repaired
immediately to prevent wet patches in the
litter.
5.2.6 Waste management
Adequate waste management practices are critical to minimising the potential for significant odour
impacts on sensitive land uses, contamination of surface and groundwater, and potential impacts
on human health. Waste management on a meat chicken farm is concerned with:
storage and disposal of spent litter
on-site spent litter stockpiling and composting (where applicable)
general wastewater from operation of the meat chicken farm
collection, storage and disposal of dead birds
sustainable utilisation of spent litter.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcome
P1 A1
Waste management must be conducted so Spent litter is removed during daylight hours
that: to minimise impacts (e.g. light, noise and
unlawful environmental harm is not odour).
caused
the off-site release of contaminants does A2
not occur Spent litter is transported from the farm in
the quality of any surface water or enclosed vehicles to avoid spillage and
groundwater is maintained. emissions.
A3
Provision is made to contain any spillages of
litter and clean spillages up promptly.
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A4
Short-term spent litter stockpiles (less than a
week) are:
covered prior to permanent removal to
avoid nutrient leaching from rainfall and
to minimise dust and odour emissions
stockpiled on an impermeable base
bunded to prevent entry and
contamination of stormwater run-off.
A5
Spent litter composting areas are:
located in an area where the depth to
the watertable exceeds 2 metres
located on an impermeable base to
avoid leaching of nutrients and possible
groundwater contamination
bunded to prevent entry and
contamination of stormwater run-off
well drained to avoid pooling of run-off
set up so that run-off is collected in a
wastewater collection system
managed to avoid dust and odour
emissions and reduce pathogens in the
litter. Composting of spent litter should
be complete in 6 to 8 weeks and
another 4 weeks allowed for curing. For
composting, the optimum moisture
content is around 50 to 55 per cent wet
basis. The optimum carbon to nitrogen
ratio is between 15:1 and 30:1, and the
optimum temperature is between 60 and
65 degrees Celsius (refer to FSA
Consulting – Meat Chicken Technical
Environmental Note 3 Composting and
Pasteurising Spent Litter).
A6
Site drainage from meat chicken sheds and
composting areas must ensure that all
contaminated run-off is directed to an
appropriately sized effluent pond.
A7
Nutrient, pathogen and contaminant levels
in stormwater discharged from the meat
chicken farm must not exceed the water
quality guideline levels of the Australian and
New Zealand guidelines for fresh and
marine water quality 2000 and the relevant
regional plan.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 30
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A8
Off-site bird disposal:
Dead birds are collected, placed in an
enclosed container, and taken off-site
daily, or collected and stored at or below
4 degrees Celsius until regular collection
(dead birds are only to be removed from
refrigeration and placed in bins on the
morning of collection).
Dead bird bins must be kept closed
while awaiting collection. They should
not be filled to overflowing.
Dead bird bins must be animal and fly
proof.
Bins should not be located adjacent to,
or in full view of, public roads while
awaiting collection
A9
Composting of dead birds (only where
permitted):
The compost facility is located in an
area where the depth to the watertable
exceeds 2 metres.
The compost facility must be located on
an impermeable base to avoid leaching
of nutrients and possible groundwater
contamination.
Compost facilities should be well
drained to avoid pooling of run-off.
Compost facilities should be bunded to
prevent entry and contamination of
stormwater run-off.
In areas of high rainfall the compost
facility should be covered to prevent
ingress of stormwater.
Run-off from compost facilities must be
collected in a wastewater collection
system.
Carcass compost facilities need to be
managed to promote carcass decay,
minimise dust and odour emissions and
reduce pathogens:
- A co-composting material should be
used to add carbon and should have
a sufficiently dry moisture content
(<30% wet basis).
- An appropriate balance of C:N ratio
(25:1 to 30:1) should be maintained.
- Carcasses must be covered with at
least 300 mm of composting
material.
- The temperature inside the compost
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- The optimum moisture content for
carcass composting is around 50 per
cent.
- Carcasses should be composted for
between 4 and 6 weeks (refer to FSA
Consulting – Meat Chicken Technical
Environmental Note 5 Composting
Carcasses in Open Bays and Piles).
A10
Spent litter must be applied to sufficient
areas of land so that nutrient applications do
not exceed:
the rate at which a nutrient can be taken
up by the plant and removed from the
site
the amount that can be safely stored in
the soil
the amount released to the atmosphere
in an acceptable form.
Note: Information relating to the utilisation of
chicken litter can be found at:
http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/27_15557.htm
A11
Spent litter should be applied when crops
are actively growing or just after planting to
ensure nutrient uptake and to minimise
nutrient losses by leaching.
Spent litter applied to bare soil should be
incorporated as soon as possible after
spreading.
A12
Avoid spreading spent litter on land that is:
immediately adjacent to a watercourse
(minimum 50 m buffer should be
maintained)
located within 250 m of tidal waters or a
wetland
subject to frequent flooding
steep (greater than 10 per cent slope)
rocky or highly erodible
highly impermeable.
A13
Avoid spreading spent litter when it is
excessively dry or wet to minimise dust and
odour impacts.
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Where possible spreading of spent litter
should be undertaken when the wind is
blowing away from sensitive land uses.
5.2.7 Farm biosecurity
Biosecurity is the protection of the economy, the environment, human health and social amenity
from the negative impacts of pests, diseases and contaminants (Queensland Biosecurity Strategy,
BQ).
Biosecurity is about managing risk to meet biosecurity objectives. It is essential that a risk
assessment be conducted for each farming enterprise to establish what level of risk exists in each
phase of its operations and introduce measures appropriate to these levels.
Biosecurity and quarantine are integral parts of any successful poultry production system.
Biosecurity refers to those measures taken to prevent or control the introduction and spread of
infectious agents to a flock. Such infectious agents, whether they cause clinical or subclinical
disease, significantly reduce the productivity, profitability and long-term financial viability of a
poultry operation (National Farm Biosecurity Manual – Poultry Production 2009).
The National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Chicken Growers, published by the Australian Chicken
Meat Federation (2010) establishes standards for all aspects of meat chicken production. It was
developed from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry National Farm Biosecurity
Manual – Poultry Production (2009) and identifies areas of risk common to most meat chicken
farms, and appropriate measures to minimise these risks.
Disease outbreaks can significantly affect meat chicken farms and the meat chicken industry
through substantial loss of income and can create significant environmental problems through the
need for disposal of large numbers of birds. The risk of disease transmission within the industry
can be reduced through appropriate farm location and management.
It is important to recognise that poultry are routinely subject to a number of respiratory viral
diseases that only infect birds. These viruses are not capable of infecting humans and are not a
public health concern. These agents are indeed highly infectious for poultry and it is the airborne
spread of these agents from chicken to chicken that dictates the farm biosecurity guidelines for
distances between poultry operations.
Performance criteria Acceptable outcomes
P1 A1
The operation of the meat chicken farm must Biosecurity policies are designed and
implement and maintain biosecurity implemented to ensure:
measures that: meat chicken farms are separated from
prevent the introduction of infectious one another to minimise the risk of
disease agents to a meat chicken farm disease transfer between farms. The
prevent the spread of disease agents following separation distances should be
from an infected area to an uninfected maintained:
area - 1000 metres between new and
minimise the incidence and spread of existing meat chicken farm
microorganisms of public health complexes and any alternative form
significance. of intensive poultry farming
(chickens, turkeys, guineafowl,
ducks, geese, quails, pigeons,
pheasants, partridges, ostriches and
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 33
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- 5000 metres between a meat
chicken farm complex and a meat
chicken breeder farm
meat chicken farms have a perimeter
fence or otherwise well defined
boundary that establishes a clearly
defined biosecurity zone
surface water used for meat chicken
drinking water or cooling water in sheds
must be treated in accordance with the
requirements of the National Water
Biosecurity Manual Poultry Production
persons entering a meat chicken farm
strictly follow the biosecurity protocols to
avoid cross contamination
trucks collecting dead birds, picking up
birds for processing and delivering feed
strictly follow farm biosecurity protocols
to avoid contamination on-farm
an area is made available for vehicles to
be washed and disinfected before and
after entering the meat chicken farm
complex (production area)
grazing livestock and other domestic
animals do not have access to the
production area at any time
rodents and feral animals on the farm
are controlled
contact between the flock and native
animals and/or wild birds is prevented
compost facilities are located away from
sheds and boundary fences
composting areas are kept neat and
clean at all times to keep away rodents,
cats, dogs, feral animals, scavenging
birds and flies
shed openings are to remain closed or
screened at all times when the sheds
contain birds, other than for the purpose
of facilitating access or egress.
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Bibliography Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/A/AborCultHA03.pdf Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2010C00807 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Amendment Act 2006 http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2006A00152 Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/A/AnimalCaPrA01.pdf Animal Care and Protection Regulation 2002 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/A/AnimalCaPrR02.pdf Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality 2000 http://www.mincos.gov.au/publications/australian_and_new_zealand_guidelines_for_fresh_and _marine_water_quality Australian Standard AS4282-1997 Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting, 1997, SAI Global Best Practice Guidelines for using poultry litter on pastures, NSW DPI, 2007. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/140359/best-practice-guidelines-for- using-poultry-litter-on-pastures.pdf Chicken Litter – Issues Associated with Sourcing and Use, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, 2007. https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/07-035 Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/C/CoastalProtA95.pdf Coastal Protection and Management Regulation 2003 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/C/CoastalProtR03.pdf Control of odour and dust from chicken sheds – Review of add-on technologies, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, 2009. https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/09-034 Draft Queensland Planning Provisions version 3.0 October 2011 http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/state-planning/qpp-3.pdf Environmental Code of Practice for Poultry Farms in Western Australia, State Government of Western Australia, 2004 http://portal.environment.wa.gov.au/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/DOE_ADMIN/GUIDELINE_REPOSI TORY/POULTRY_0.PDF Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2011C00014 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2000 http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2010C00413 Environmental Protection Act 1994 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtA94.pdf Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtR08.pdf Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtWaMP00.pdf Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtNoPo08.pdf Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtAirPo08.pdf Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProWateP09.pdf Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 35
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Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of Poultry Farms in South Australia, State
Government of South Australia, 1998
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nd%20Regulation/Legislation/Ag%20and%20food/poultry_farm_guidln.pdf
Guidelines for Assessment of Road Impacts of Development
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/ace67ef2-b6c3-46a3-91a7-
39f790c309fe/garid_guidelines_200406.pdf
Interim Guide to Road Planning and Design Practice
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/7a5a9d81-c02c-486c-882a-
57f8adeb35d8/interimguide_jun%2010.pdf
Marine Parks Act 2004
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/M/MarinePA04.pdf
Marine Parks Regulation 2006
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/M/MarinePR06.pdf
McGahan, E and Tucker, R, 2002, Meat Chicken Technical Environmental Note 1, Litter clean-out.
FSA Environmental – http://fsaconsulting.net/pdfs/Note%201-Litter%20Clean-out%20V2.pdf
McGahan, E and Tucker, R, 2002, Meat Chicken Technical Environmental Note 3, Composting
and Pasteurising Spent Litter. FSA Environmental –
http://www.fsaconsulting.net/pdfs/Note%203-Composting%20Chicken%20Litter%20V2.pdf
McGahan, E and Tucker, R, 2002, Meat Chicken Technical Environmental Note 5, Composting
Carcasses in Open Bays and Piles. FSA Environmental
http://www.fsaconsulting.net/pdfs/Note%205-
Composting%20Chicken%20Carcasses%20V2.pdf
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals Domestic Poultry 4th Edition SCARM Report 83,
2002, CSIRO Publishing
http://www.publish.csiro.au/Books/download.cfm?ID=3451
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals Land Transport of Poultry 2nd Edition PISC
Report 91, CSIRO Publishing
http://www.publish.csiro.au/Books/download.cfm?ID=5391
National Biosecurity Manual – Contract Meat Chicken Farming, 2003, Australian Chicken Meat
Federation Inc
http://www.chicken.org.au/files/_system/Document/biosecuritychickenfarming.pdf#14
National Environmental Management System for the Meat Chicken Industry, Rural Industries
Research and Development Corporation, 2003
https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/03-038
National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Chicken Growers, 2010, Australian Chicken Meat Federation
Inc
http://www.chicken.org.au/files/_system/Document/Biosecurity/National%20Farm%20Biosecuri
ty%20Manual%20for%20Chicken%20Growers%20-%20April%202009%20-
%20Version%20090423.pdf
National Farm Biosecurity Manual – Poultry Production, 2009, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry,
http://www.chicken.org.au/files/_system/Document/Biosecurity/DAFF%20AHA%20poultry-
biosecurity-manual.pdf
National Water Biosecurity Manual – Poultry Production, 2009, Commonwealth of Australia
http://www.aitoolkit.org/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/documents/FINAL%20Water%20Biosecurity
_FOR%20WEB.pdf
Nature Conservation Act 1992
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConA92.pdf
Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConKP06.pdf
Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConAdR06.pdf
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 36
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Nature Conservation (Forest Reserves) Regulation 2000 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConFRR00.pdf Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConPdAR06.pdf Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Regulation 1994 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/N/NatureConPdAR94.pdf NSW Meat Chicken Farming Guidelines – Managing planning, development and environmental issues, NSW Agriculture, 2004 http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/251182/nsw-meat-chicken-farming- guidelines.pdf PAE Holmes, 2011. Review of Air Quality Assessment Issues for Poultry Operations in Queensland. PAE Holmes, 2011. Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry – Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing Pest Management Act 2001 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/P/PestManA01.pdf Pest Management Regulation 2003 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/P/PestManR03.pdf Planning Guidelines: Separating Agricultural and Residential Land Uses 1997 http://dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/plng-guide-sep-ag.pdf Planning Guidelines: The Identification of Good Quality Agricultural Land 1993 http://dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/plng-guide-identif-ag-land.pdf Queensland Coastal Plan http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/coastalplan/pdf/qcp-web.pdf Queensland Heritage Act 1992 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/Q/QldHeritageA92.pdf Queensland Heritage Regulation 2003 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/Q/QldHeritageR03.pdf Queensland Planning Provisions 4 October 2010, version 2.0 http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/state-planning/qpp-2.0.pdf South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 http://dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/plan/seq/regional-plan-2009/seq-regional-plan-2009.pdf Seqwater Development Guidelines -Development Guidelines for Water Quality Management in Drinking Water Catchments http://www.seqwater.com.au/public/sites/default/files/userfiles/file/pdfs/31365%20SEQWater%2 0Development%20Guidelines%20July2010%20vF_0.pdf State Planning Policy 1/03 Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/publications/spp/pdf/spp.pdf State Planning Policy 1/12 Protection of Queensland’s strategic cropping land http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/land/planning/pdf/strategic-cropping/planning-policy-cropping- land.pdf State Planning Policy 1/92 Development and the Conservation of Agricultural Land 1992 http://dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/spp1-92.pdf State Planning Policy 2/02 Planning and Managing Development Involving Acid Sulphate Soils http://www.dlgp.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/ass-spp-oct-02.pdf State Planning Policy 2/10 Koala Conservation in South East Queensland http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife- ecosystems/wildlife/koalas/koala_crisis_response_strategy/documents/koala-spp.pdf State Planning Policy 3/11 Coastal Protection http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/coastalplan/pdf/spp-guideline.pdf State Planning Policy 5/10 Air, Noise and Hazardous Materials 2010 http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/noise/documents/air-noise-hazard- policy.pdf Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 37
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Strategic Cropping Land Act 2011
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/ACTS/2011/11AC047.pdf
Strategic Cropping Land Regulation 2011
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/SLS/2011/11SL307.pdf
Strategy for the conservation and management of Queensland’s wetlands
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/register/p00565aa.pdf
Sustainable Planning Act 2009
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/S/SustPlanA09.pdf
Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/S/SustPlanR09.pdf
Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/T/TorresStIsCuA03.pdf
Vegetation Management Act 1999
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/V/VegetManA99.pdf
Vegetation Management Regulation 2000
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/V/VegetManR00.pdf
Victorian Code for Broiler Farms, State Government of Victoria, 2001
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA256F310024B628/0/C40E10EC0B092ED5CA2572E40014501E/$
File/Broiler+Code++-+Final+Report+Vol+2.pdf
Victorian Code for Broiler Farms, State Government of Victoria, 2009a
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/animals-and-livestock/poultry/code-broiler-farms/broiler-
code-part-1
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/36052/Broiler-Code-Chapters-6-7.pdf
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/36060/Broiler-Code-Chapters-8-End.pdf
Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkHSA11.pdf
Workplace Health and Safety (Codes of Practice) Notice 2005
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkplHSaCPN05.pdf
Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkHSR11.pdf
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Definitions Advice agencies – Defined in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 as an entity prescribed under a regulation as an advice agency for the application, or if the functions of the entity in relation to the application have been devolved or delegated to another entity - the other entity. Assessment manager – The agency responsible for deciding if a planning application has been properly made, issuing acknowledgment notices, determining the referral agencies that require input into the application assessment and determining whether the application is successful through an assessment of the environmental impact of proposals against the provisions of the EP Act and relevant industry guidelines. AUSPLUME – EPA Victoria regulatory Gaussian dispersion model. Best Practice Environmental Management (BPEM) – The underlining philosophy of BPEM is the adoption of management practices that reflect the best information and technologies presently available. The best management practices continually change as new information and research demonstrates improved methods. Hence, BPEM encourages continual improvement. Buffer zone – The distance between the meat chicken farm complex and relevant features and/or the distance between the utilisation area and relevant features (refer Appendix 1). Bund – Watertight wall designed to prevent liquid escaping or entering as a result of seepage or leaks. CALPUFF – Air quality dispersion model (American). Centroid – A centroid is a point 25 m out from the exhaust end of a tunnel ventilated meat chicken shed, assuming that 90 per cent or more of the total emissions from the shed are discharged by fans and the shed is operated only as a fan-forced tunnel shed. Each shed will have its own centroid for the purposes of calculating separation and buffer zone distances. Where it cannot be demonstrated that 90 per cent of the emissions will be discharged from fans in sheds operated as fan-forced tunnel sheds, the centroid concept is not applicable. Community amenity – A fact or condition being agreeable to the community. Concurrence agencies – Defined in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 as an entity prescribed under a regulation as a concurrence agency for the application, or if the functions of the entity in relation to the application have been devolved or delegated to another entity - the other entity. Contaminant – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as: a gas, liquid or solid an odour an organism (whether alive or dead), including a virus energy, including noise, heat, radioactivity and electromagnetic radiation a combination of contaminants. Contamination – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as the release (whether by act or omission) of a contaminant into the environment. Controlled drainage area – An area that collects contaminated stormwater run-off and excludes clean rainfall run-off. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 39
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Daytime – The period between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm. Development approval – An approval required to expand or develop a new poultry farm under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and IDAS system. Dispersion modelling – Computer-based software modelling used to mathematically simulate plume dispersion under varying atmospheric conditions. It is used to calculate special and temporal fields of concentrations and particle deposition due to emissions from various source types. Environmental harm – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as any adverse effect, or potential adverse effect (whether temporary or permanent and of whatever magnitude, duration or frequency) on an environmental value, including environmental nuisance. Environmental nuisance – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as unreasonable interference or likely interference with an environmental value caused by: aerosols, fumes, light, noise, odour, particles or smoke an unhealthy, offensive or unsightly condition because of contamination other ways prescribed by regulation. Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) – An activity prescribed in regulation if: a contaminant will or may be released into the environment when the activity is carried out release of the contaminant will or may cause environmental harm. Environmental value – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as: a quality or physical characteristic of the environment that is conducive to ecological health or public amenity or safety other quality of the environment identified and declared to be an environmental value under an environmental protection policy or regulation. Evening – The period between 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm. Friable – A material that crumbles easily. General environmental duty – Defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as, a person must not carry out any activity that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the harm (the general environmental duty). Grower – Farmer who provides shedding and the care of birds from when they arrive on the farm until they are removed for processing. Groundwater – All water below the land surface that is free to move under the influence of gravity. IDAS – The Integrated Development Application System. Integrator – Company that owns birds and provides food and technical advice for the grower to grow-out birds until they are picked up for processing. Local government – The council for the area in which the existing or proposed poultry farm is located. Major water supply storage – Any public water supply storage, lake, lagoon, marsh or swamp. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 40
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Material change of use – Defined in the Operational Policy as a 'material change in intensity or scale for an environmentally relevant activity (ERA)' (Environmental Protection Agency, 2004a). There needs to be a change in the intensity or scale and the change needs to be a material one. Meat chicken farm complex – Includes the sheds used to produce meat chickens and associated infrastructure (e.g. silos) and any nearby spent litter/compost stockpiles. It excludes any spent litter utilisation areas. For tunnel-ventilated sheds it includes a distance of 25 m out from the exhaust end of the sheds. Must – Refers to a requirement that needs to be complied with to meet relevant legislation, including acts, policies or regulations. Non-rural zone – Land that is not zoned as the rural zone in local government planning schemes. Night-time – The period between 10.00 pm and 7.00 am. Odour units (OU) – Concentration of odorous mixtures measured in odour units. The number of odour units is the concentration of a sample divided by the odour threshold or the number of dilutions required for the sample to reach the threshold. This threshold is the numerical value at which 50 per cent of a testing panel correctly detect an odour. Olfactometry – A procedure where a selected and controlled panel of up to eight screened and trained panelists are exposed to a series of diluted odour samples in a controlled sequence. The odour concentration results are analysed using standard methods to determine the point at which half the panel can detect the odour. Pathogens - Organisms that can cause infections or disease, such as a bacterium, viruses, fungi or protozoa. Poultry Farming (ERA 4) - Farming a total of more than 1000 birds for: producing eggs or fertile eggs rearing hatchlings, starter pullets or layers rearing birds for meat: - chickens - ducks - geese - guineafowl - turkeys. Pollution – Direct or indirect alteration of the environment causing contamination or degradation. Prescribed ventilated shed – A shed that is fitted with a mechanical ventilation system, is not tunnel ventilated and has a water-based cooling system or stirring fans. Referral agencies – Defined in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 as an advice agency or a concurrence agency. Riparian land – Any land that adjoins or directly influences a body of water. It includes the land immediately beside creeks and rivers (including the bank), gullies that sometimes run with water, areas surrounding lakes and wetlands and river floodplains that interact with the river during flood times. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 41
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Rural zone – Land zoned as the rural zone in local government planning schemes to: provide for a wide range of rural uses including cropping, intensive horticulture, intensive animal industries, animal husbandry, animal keeping and other primary production activities; provide opportunities for non-rural uses that are compatible with agriculture, the environment, and the landscape character of the rural area where they do not compromise the long-term use of the land for rural purposes; protect or manage significant natural features, resources, and processes, including the capacity for primary production. Sensitive land use – Means each of the following defined uses: child care centre, community care centre, community residence, dual occupancy, dwelling house, educational establishment, health care services, hospital, hostel, multiple dwelling, office, relocatable home park, residential care facility, retirement facility, short-term accommodation, tourist park. Note—definition from SPP 5/10 Separation distance – The separation distance is the shortest distance measured from the centroid of the meat chicken shed to the nearest point of a sensitive land use in a rural zone or to the closest boundary of the non-rural zone. Surface water - Surface water includes dams, impoundments, lakes, wetlands, swamps, tidal waters and all watercourses where rainfall is likely to collect. TAPM – Air pollution model (CSIRO). Temperature inversion – A temperature inversion is said to occur when the air temperature increases with height above ground level. A surface inversion is commonly experienced in hollows and valleys, especially in winter on calm, clear nights when radiation has caused considerable cooling and air has sunk to form a pool of cold air, while the air is warmer on the mountain slopes above. It is also usual in fairly level areas in temperate latitudes for a temperature inversion to develop above the surface at night, when there has been clear sky and light wind for some time. In winter the inversion may reach a considerable height and may persist for several days, resulting in fog formation and often trapping pollution. Third party advice agencies – Agencies consulted by the assessment manager to assist in assessing and deciding on the merits of a planning application. Although not formally recognised in legislation, they can provide non-binding advice to the assessment manager to assist in understanding issues and in decision making. Topography – The shape of the ground surface as depicted by the presence of hills, mountains or plains i.e. a detailed description or representation of the features, both natural and artificial, of an area, such as are required for a topographic map. Watercourse – A watercourse is a river, creek or other stream, including a stream in the form of an anabranch or a tributary, in which water flows permanently or intermittently, regardless of the frequency of flow events - in a natural channel, whether artificially modified or not; or in an artificial channel that has changed the course of the stream (refer to the Water Act 2000). Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 42
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Appendices Appendix 1 – Fixed buffer distances This appendix indicates minimum fixed buffer distances that meat chicken farm complex and waste utilisation areas should be from surface water and other features. Fixed buffer distances are included largely to permit a simple, conservative evaluation of required buffer distances. Both site-specific separation distances to sensitive land uses and fixed buffer distances should be complied with. One way to achieve separation and buffer distances for new meat chicken farms is to ensure that development occurs on an appropriately sized block or parcel of land. It is suggested that a minimum area of 100 hectares located in a rural zone would be needed, if the fixed buffer and separation distances are to be achieved. Fixed buffers allow the development of vegetation strips that provide visual separation from other land uses which can potentially improve amenity. It is suggested that where land for new development does not have significant vegetative areas that the planting and ongoing maintenance of vegetation strips should be considered. The local council should be contacted to determine the fixed buffer distances, or methods for their calculation, applicable to the local government area. The Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP) are the standard planning provisions made by the Planning Minister. The QPP provide a consistent form for planning schemes across Queensland through standardised structure, format, land use and administrative definitions, zones, levels of assessment, overlays, infrastructure planning provisions, development assessment codes and other administrative matters. The QPP identify land uses that may be attached to particular zones. Broadly it is appropriate that intensive animal industries, as a rural activity, occur in a rural zone. Where intensive animal industry activities occur in proximity to a non-rural zone, where it is more likely that the cluster of activities in that zone are non-agricultural in nature, then it is reasonable that there be greater separation between the activities in different zones. Fixed buffer distances required for a meat chicken farm complex and waste utilisation areas from surface water and water supply storage are shown in Table 1. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 43
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Table 1 – Buffer distances from meat chicken farm complexes and waste utilisation areas to
surface water and water supply storage (based on Seqwater Development Guidelines)
Feature Surveyed Surveyed Water Upper Wetlands Other
bank of an bank of a supply flood and tidal surface
intermittent permanent well, margin waters waters (not
water water bore level of covered by
course course and/or an urban the other
dam water categories)
supply
storage
Separation 50 100 250 800 250 100
distance
(m)
Fixed buffer distances required for a meat chicken farm complex from its property boundary and
public roads are shown in Table 2.
Table 2 – Buffer distances from meat chicken farm complexes to relevant features
Feature Distance (m)
Non-rural zone (closest boundary) 300
Property boundary (within a rural zone) * 100
Public road – carrying > 50 vehicles per day 200
Public road – carrying < 50 vehicles per day 100
Notes:
1. The measuring point for a public road should be the surveyed boundaries of the road on the same side of the road
as the meat chicken farm operation.
2. Traffic volume excludes vehicles associated with the meat chicken farm.
3. These are fixed buffer distances.
* The fixed buffer distance to the property boundary applies to new meat chicken farm developments and not
to the expansion of existing meat chicken farms that have previously been approved with a lesser distance to
the property boundary. This fixed buffer distance to the property boundary has been included so that there is
sufficient distance between the meat chicken farm complex and the property boundary for the establishment
of vegetative buffers.
Fixed buffer distances required for spent litter utilisation areas from property boundaries and public
roads are shown in Table 3, depending on the type of utilisation system employed. Spent litter
utilisation areas are not included as part of the meat chicken farm complex because of the often
infrequent application of the spent litter and the diverse spread of application areas on a farm.
These distances are in addition to separation distances for the meat chicken farm complex and are
determined separately. The following categories describe the utilisation method employed, with the
specified buffer distances for each category listed in Table 3.
Category 1: Spent litter that is spread immediately (i.e. not stockpiled/composted) and remains on the
soil surface for more than 24 hours (i.e. not immediately ploughed in).
Category 2: Mechanical spreaders are used. The spread material remains on the soil surface for less
than 24 hours. Spent litter has been stockpiled prior to spreading.
Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 44
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Category 3: Spent litter that has been composted. Spent litter applied in combination with immediate
incorporation of material into the soil and not exceeding the nutrient (N, P and K)
requirements of the crop grown.
Where more than one category of utilisation is used the more (or most) stringent category controls
will apply.
Table 3 – Buffer distances surrounding spent litter utilisation areas
Distances (m)
Category No.
1 2 3
Non-rural zone (closest boundary) 300 150 75
Property boundary (within a rural zone) 25 15 10
Public road – carrying > 50 vehicles per day 50 25 10
Public road – carrying < 50 vehicles per day 25 15 0
Notes:
1. Distances should be measured from the perimeter of the area used for applying spent litter.
2. The fixed buffer distances surrounding spent litter utilisation areas are to be used as a guide. Dispensation may be
obtained for these distances following site specific assessment from the local government.
3. Traffic volume excludes vehicles associated with the meat chicken farm operation.
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Appendix 2 – Calculating separation distances A 2.1 Introduction Separation distances between meat chicken farms (with tunnel-ventilated sheds) and sensitive land uses can be calculated using two general approaches. These approaches, the S-factor formula approach and plume dispersion modelling for meat chicken farms are discussed in this appendix. The approaches and matters for consideration outlined below are based on work undertaken in 2011 by odour modelling consultants PAE Holmes on behalf of the Queensland Government. The S-factor formula approach is only applicable to farms with a maximum of 300 000 birds. For farms with more than 300 000 birds detailed plume dispersion modelling should be undertaken. Plume dispersion modelling can also be used for meat chicken farms with less than 300 000 birds, if available separation distances are less than required by the S-factor methodology. When considering a new development or expansion of an existing meat chicken farm, the S-factor formula approach can be used to obtain an indication if the available separation distances would be suitable for the proposed development. While the minimum buffer distances and minimum land area for a new meat chicken farm provide a simple evaluation of buffers, a site-specific assessment of separation distances between meat chicken farms and sensitive land uses must also be undertaken. This site-specific assessment includes both the calculated separation distances to sensitive land uses and the fixed buffer distances. The local government should be contacted to determine the fixed buffer distances, or methods for their calculation, applicable in a particular local government area. Sites that have multiple separate meat chicken farm units on the one property should apply the separation formula to the combined units and for each sensitive land use apply the separation distances and buffer zones from the closest farm odour centroid. Guidance should be obtained from the local government authority to apply the calculations individually to separate units on the same property. A 2.2 Concepts in calculating separation distances Optimum separation distances between a meat chicken farm and sensitive land uses depend on a number of factors. These include the type of sensitive land use, topographical features (terrain), vegetation and surface roughness between the farm and sensitive land uses, and the size of the meat chicken farm. Separation distance refers to the shortest distance measured from the centroid (see definition of ‘centroid’) of the meat chicken shed to the nearest wall of a sensitive land use in a rural zone or to the closest boundary of the non-rural zone. Odour has been identified as the principal community amenity concern for meat chicken farms. Hence the focus of separation distance requirements is the limiting of the potential for nuisance odours. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 46
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Separation distances for the meat chicken farm complex are measured from the centroid of the
odour source, which is not necessarily the centre of the sheds. For tunnel-ventilated sheds the
measuring point is taken to be 25 m out from the exhaust end of each shed.
Centroid
25 m
Both the site-specific separation distances and the fixed buffer distances to other features must be
complied with.
A 2.3 S-factor formula for calculating separation distances
The separation distance formula only applies to farms with a maximum of 300 000 birds. For farms
larger than this, refer to Section 2.6. For farms with more than 300 000 birds, the formula is
unreliable for several reasons: more complex layout, larger spread of sheds around the site and
the increased distance of odour plume travel, which can begin to create more complex plume
patterns. The formula is designed to be used for simple farm layouts where a ‘centroid’ can be
easily identified and sheds are not located hundreds of metres from the centroid.
The separation distance provided between a meat chicken farm and sensitive land uses depends
upon a number of factors, including:
size – defined as the number of birds in the complex
meat chicken farm design and management, which for the purpose of the formula approach is
assumed to comply with current best practice
meat chicken farm site, considering:
- proximity to a sensitive land use (within a rural zone)
- proximity to a non-rural zone
- topographic setting and features (hills, undulating valleys, etc.) between the meat chicken
farm and the receptor
- vegetation/surface roughness between the meat chicken farm and the receptor
- terrain effects around the site, particularly on meteorology of the area.
Site-specific separation distances are based on the dispersion of odours from their source.
Different air quality objectives were chosen depending on whether the distance is to be calculated
to a sensitive land use in a rural zone or to a non-rural zone.
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Calculation of separation distances for each sensitive land use within a rural zone and the closest
boundary of the non-rural zone is as follows:
Separation distance (D) = N0.63xS1xS2xS3
N – Maximum number of birds (to be housed on the farm at any one time) divided by 1000.
0.63
– Exponent determined using the results of modelling.
S1 – Sensitive land use factor for estimating the relative odour impact potential of a development.
S2 – Surface roughness factor for estimating the potential changes to odour dispersion due to changes in
the land surface.
S3 – Terrain weighting factor for estimating the potential changes to odour dispersion in situations where
meteorological conditions may be influenced by local terrain influences.
Note: The separation distance formula only applies to farms up to 300 000 birds.
The S-factors to be used with this formula are presented in Table 1.
The available separation distances between the meat chicken farm and sensitive land uses are
generally the key factors limiting the number of birds that can be accommodated on a particular
site. Separation distances require assessment in all directions to ensure that the potential for
unacceptable odour nuisance is minimised. Where other significant odour sources are located in
proximity to the proposed meat chicken farm, the cumulative odour impact from both sites may
require consideration.
Table 1 – Summary of S-factors for use with Level 1 calculations
Factor description Value
S1 – Sensitive land use factor
Receptor type
Sensitive land use (within a rural zone) 30
Non-rural zone (closest boundary of the non-rural zone) 50
S2 – Surface roughness factor
Surface roughness features
Limited ground cover/short grass 1.00
Undulating hills 0.93
Level wooded country 0.85
Heavy timber 0.77
Significant hills and valleys 0.68
S3 – Terrain weighting factor
Terrain Weighting factor
Downslope of site Upslope of site
Flat 1.0 1.0
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Valley drainage zone – 1.2 1.0
(Broad valley >10 km and/or a valley or gully with low
side walls, where the average slope from centre of
valley/gully to confining ridgeline is <2%)
Valley drainage zone – 1.5 1.0
(Average slope from centre of valley/gully to confining
ridgeline is 2–5%)
Valley drainage zone – 2.0 1.0
(Average slope from centre of valley/gully to confining
ridgeline is >5%)
Low relief at >2% from farm site 1.2 -
(Not in a valley drainage zone, but the source lies
above the receptor at an average grade of more than
2%)
All other situations 1.0 1.0
Notes:
S1 – Sensitive land use factor – refer to Section 2.3.2 for determination of the appropriate factor.
S2 – Surface roughness factor - refer to Section 2.3.3 to enable calculation of an appropriate factor.
S3 – Terrain weighting factor - refer to Section 2.3.4 to enable calculation of an appropriate factor.
The minimum reduction factor allowed for surface roughness and terrain weighting (S2 X S3) is 0.68.
A 2.3.1 Farm size
N refers to the maximum number of birds (divided by 1000) to be housed on the farm at any one
time.
A 2.3.2 Sensitive land use factor S1
The sensitive land use factors presented in Table 2 account for the variation in odour sensitivity
and risk of exposure of residents neighbouring a meat chicken farm. The meat chicken farm
sensitive land use factor will require calculation for all relevant sensitive land uses and may be
different for each one.
Table 2 – Values of sensitive land use type S1
Sensitive land use Factor
Sensitive land use (within a rural zone) 30
Non-rural zone (closest boundary of the non-rural zone) 50
Notes:
1. The definitions in Table 2 should be based on local government land use zoning as stated in planning schemes and
associated maps and the relevant regional plan.
2. When determining the location of the sensitive land uses, land zoning and pending development applications
lodged, but not yet under construction should be taken into account. The local government can provide this
information.
3. Public areas such as camping grounds or picnic areas should be considered as part of the assessment. The
frequency of use and the time of day the area is occupied provide guidance to the level of protection required. For
example, day-use only areas are a substantially lower risk for odour impact than areas frequently used at night.
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A 2.3.3 Surface roughness factor S2
The surface roughness factor varies according to the roughness of the land surface between the
meat chicken farm and the relevant feature (closest sensitive land use). The principal elements that
determine surface roughness are vegetation density and surface topography. Recommended values
of surface roughness are provided in Table 3. The values presented in this table are not to be
summed (i.e. only the value for the single category which best represents the site conditions should
be selected).
The roughness factors given in Table 3 assume that the selected roughness is continuous between
the meat chicken farm and the sensitive land use. Where roughness is variable or non-continuous,
judgement should be used in selecting an appropriate composite factor.
The values in Table 3 should be used with care, and a number of qualifications apply to their use. For
sensitive land uses located at larger distances, multiple surface roughness factors may apply over
different sections of the separation distance. In this instance, the surface roughness factor applied
should be selected after considering the relative weighting of the different factors. When selecting
factors based on the presence of vegetation, some consideration should be given to the potential for
the vegetation to be cleared during the life of the meat chicken farm. For example, off-site vegetation
is beyond the control of the meat chicken farm but may be regarded as permanent depending on the
owner of the land (e.g. national park/state forest where no timber harvesting is undertaken).
Table 3 – Values of surface roughness factor S2
Surface roughness features Notes Factor
Cropland or grass, few trees 1 1.00
Undulating hills 2 0.93
Level wooded country 3 0.85
Heavy timber 4 0.77
Significant hills and valleys 5 0.68
Notes:
1. Open country with few or scattered trees. Topography would be predominantly flat to slightly undulating.
2. Situations where topography consists of continuous rolling, generally low level hills and valleys, but without sharply
defined ranges, ridges or escarpments (assumes minimal vegetation).
3. Open forest country with tree density not sufficient to provide a continuous canopy but sufficiently dense to influence air
movement. There would be little or no lower storey vegetation. The density is such that the vegetation can be considered
as a continuous belt.
4. Generally tall forests with dense timber stands, providing a continuous canopy. There is limited understorey vegetation
mainly associated with regrowth.
5. Situations where one or more lines of hills sufficiently large enough to influence air movement exist between the relevant
feature and the meat chicken farm.
A 2.3.4 Terrain weighting factor S3
The terrain weighting factor (S3) relates to the potential for an odour plume to be exaggerated in
particular directions depending on local topography. A variety of terrain weighting factors have
been developed in recent years, based on both modelling (e.g. Pacific Air & Environment (2003c))
and more subjective judgement. Work conducted by PAE Holmes as background to this version of
the formula used more refined model inputs than in past work. The results, taken with other work,
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showed that it is not feasible to define a set of weighting factors covering highly detailed terrain
types, since the relationship between regional wind patterns and local terrain is highly variable and
not able to be classified beyond a fairly basic level.
The factors are shown in Table 4, along with the direction in which each factor should be applied.
The slope referred to is determined by the topographical features of each site.
Table 4 – Values of terrain weighting factor S3
Weighting factor
Terrain
Downslope Upslope
Flat 1.0 1.0
Valley drainage zone – 1.2 1.0
(Broad valley >10 km and/or a valley or gully
with low side walls, where the average slope
from centre of valley/gully to confining ridgeline
is <2%)
Valley drainage zone – 1.5 1.0
(Average slope from centre of valley/gully to
confining ridgeline is 2–5%)
Valley drainage zone – 2.0 1.0
(Average slope from centre of valley/gully to
confining ridgeline is >5%)
Low relief at >2% from farm site 1.2 -
(Not in a valley drainage zone, but the source
lies above the receptor at an average grade of
more than 2%)
All other situations 1.0 1.0
Notes:
1. These factors may not apply where:
a) sea-breezes are a significant influence on weather patterns (i.e. in coastal regions)
b) odour is emitted from elevated vent sources (If sheds are fitted with elevated vents proceed to Section 2.6
Plume dispersion modelling).
2. These terrain weighting factors should be applied:
a) by checking the location of the meat chicken farm in relation to the topography
b) for the range of distances applicable to meat chicken farm impacts. However, the application of these
weighting factors is dependent on the homogeneity of terrain between source and sensitive land use. For
example, if the terrain remains similar between the meat chicken farm and sensitive land use the weighting
factor can be applied for an indefinite distance. The weighting factor is, however, less reliable if significant
terrain changes occur between source and sensitive land use.
3. The use of these terrain weighting factors does not affect the application of surface roughness factors discussed in
Section 2.3.4.
O
4. Downslope factors should be applied across an angle of 90 centred on the terrain feature. Upslope factors should
O
be applied across an angle of 60 centred on the terrain feature.
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A 2.4 Example calculation – S-factor formula
Example 1
Consider a proposed new 200 000 bird facility, consisting of five tunnel-ventilated sheds.
Step 1 – Location of sensitive land uses
The site is located 1200 m west of a small village. A number of farm houses are sited on properties
adjoining the proposed meat chicken farm site—the nearest is located 770 m to the north, another
900 m to the west and another 850 m to the south. The local government has been consulted
regarding the boundary of residential zonings for the village. The meat chicken farm site, village
boundary zone and neighbouring farm houses have been located using a GPS unit with +/- 5 m
accuracy.
The S1 factors are:
50 for the boundary of the village zone—this is a non-rural zone.
30 for the three neighbouring farm houses (sensitive land uses) to north, south and west.
Step 2 – Determination of surface roughness factor S2
The property is located in an area of flat to undulating topography, with mixed farming and forestry
land the dominant land uses. The forestry land has not been logged for many years, with logging or
clearing unlikely to occur in the near future. The land between the proposed meat chicken farm and
the farmhouse to the north is undulating with an established 100 m thick continuous timber belt
along the northern boundary within the property. Forestry land extends from the eastern boundary
of the property to the boundary of the village zone. The land between the proposed meat chicken
farm site and the farmhouses to the south and west is flat to undulating with scattered clumps of
trees and a few trees along fences.
The surface roughness used for the village would be heavy timber (S2S = 0.77) due to the well-
established continuous stand of forestry and the fact that it is unlikely to be cleared.
The surface roughness used for the farmhouse to the north would be level wooded country
(S2S = 0.85) due to the undulating nature of the terrain plus the continuous belt of established
timber within the property in those directions.
The surface roughness used for the farmhouses to the south and west of the proposed
development would be limited ground cover/short grass (S2S = 1.0) due to the flat to undulating
nature of the terrain and the lack of a continuous, thick tree cover.
Step 3 – Determination of terrain weighting factor S3
The terrain of the area is flat to undulating, thus the terrain weighting factor S3 = 1.
Step 4 – Calculation of required separation distances
The required separation distance for the farmhouse to the north:
Check S2*S3 – > 0.68
D = (200000/1000)0.63 * 30 * 0.85 *1.0 = 718 m
This is less than the actual distance of 770 m.
The required separation distance for the farmhouses to the west and south:
Check S2*S3 - > 0.68
D = (200000/1000)0.63 * 30 * 1.0 *1.0 = 845 m
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This is less than the actual distance of 900 m (west) and 850 m (south).
The required separation distance from the boundary of the village zone:
Check S2*S3 - > 0.68
D = (200000/1000)0.63 * 50 * 0.77 *1.0 = 1084 m
This is less than the actual distance of 1200 m and exceeds the minimum requirement of 300 m.
Example 2
Consider the proposed meat chicken farm development described in the previous example. The
maximum number of birds allowed on the site can be calculated.
The factor values are calculated in the same manner as presented in the previous examples.
Maximum bird numbers require calculation for the distance available for each combination of
receptor class/surface roughness category.
Maximum bird numbers (N) = 1000 * (D / (S1 * S2 * S3))1/0.63 = (D / (S1 * S2 * S3))1.59
Maximum bird numbers for the site (farmhouse north) N = 1000 * (770 / (30 * 0.85 *1.0)) 1.59 =
225,487 birds.
Maximum bird numbers for the site (farmhouse west) N = 1000 * (900 / (30 * 1.0 *1.0))1.59 =
223,163 birds.
Maximum bird numbers for the site (farmhouse south) N = 1000 * (850 / (30 * 1.0 *1.0))1.59 =
203,776 birds.
Maximum bird numbers for the site (village) N = 1000 * (1200 / (50 * 0.77 *1.0))1.59 = 237,146
birds.
The maximum number of birds allowed on the proposed site is 203 776, with the limitation being
the distance to the farmhouse to the south.
A 2.5 Multiple odour sources and cumulative impacts
Odours from meat chicken farms are complex mixtures of many odorants. The cumulative and
interactive effects of individual odorants are not well understood but it is generally assumed that
where two or more sources of a complex mixture of odorants are located in proximity, the potential
odour impact on sensitive land uses is the sum of the potential individual impact of all odour
sources. This approach is likely to provide a conservative assessment of the potential cumulative
odour impacts.
The necessity of including other odour sources in odour modelling needs to be judged based on
individual site assessments. The major factors influencing the potential interaction of odour plumes
will be:
size of each facility
prevailing meteorological conditions and topography of the area
design and management of each facility.
A simple method for assessing the need to include other facilities in modelling is to use the S-factor
formula (Section 2.3) to calculate separation distance for each facility. The calculated separation
distances essentially approximate the extent of any potential odour impact. Where the ‘odour
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plume’ from any neighbouring facility overlaps the ‘odour plume’ from the facility being assessed,
cumulative odour impact is recommended and the neighbouring facility should be included in the
assessment.
It is suggested that if the neighbouring facility’s calculated ‘odour plume’ from the separation
distance formula (Section 2.3) overlaps, then the calculated separation distances and buffer zones
will need to be increased by 50 per cent (i.e. multiply the distance by 1.5). If the calculated
separation distances are likely to impact on sensitive land uses, then odour modelling is required to
determine variable separation distances (Section 2.6), with all facilities included.
The S-factor formula for calculating separation distances should not be used if there are other
significant odour sources on-site. These may include long-term spent litter storages or composting
facilities. In order to determine separation distances for these developments, site specific odour
dispersion modelling assessment is required.
A 2.6 Plume dispersion modelling
Where initial separation distance estimates from the S-factor formula approach (refer to section
2.3) are inadequate, and there is reason to believe that site-specific factors may favour the
development of the proposed farm or the farm is greater than 300 000 birds, it is recommended
that plume dispersion modelling be conducted.
This should entail a modelling-based study along the lines of the methodology set out in the
guideline 'Odour Impact Assessment for Developments' (Environmental Protection Agency,
2004b). This will include:
estimation of hourly varying emission rates based on factors such as bird numbers, bird age,
ventilation (or ambient temperature) and preferably design and management factors. An
example of odour emissions modelling that incorporates design and management factors is
contained in Ormerod & Holmes (2005). More information is provided in the report ‘Best
Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry – Plume Dispersion Modelling and
Meteorological Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)’
use of site-specific meteorological data, obtained either through a suitably configured and sited
on-site weather station, or from a recognised meteorological model (e.g. The Air Pollution
Model [TAPM], developed by CSIRO). In the case of data derived from a simulation model,
evidence of suitable model settings and validation of model performance in the region is
necessary. Also, even short-term deployment of a weather station on site can help to confirm
behaviour of important conditions such as drainage flows, and is recommended.
Recommendations on meteorological data for use in odour assessments have been produced
for the pig industry and are relevant also to meat chicken farms (Pacific Air & Environment,
2003a)
additional guidance regarding surface roughness factors for use in dispersion modelling can be
found in the separate report ‘Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry –
Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)'
use of a suitable plume dispersion model - refer to ‘Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland
Poultry Industry – Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing (PAE
Holmes,2011)’
appropriate configuration of odour sources in the dispersion model. Consideration should be
given to the best parameterisation of the odour sources in the model, taking into account the
fact that exhaust air is normally vented horizontally but may differ in temperature from the
ambient air significantly at times, resulting in buoyant effects in the near field. Such behaviour
may be significant in relation to impacts at sensitive sites, especially if they are within 500
metres or there is complex terrain. Refer to ‘Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry
Industry – Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)’.
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In addition, modelled odour levels should be assessed against the following criteria: 2.5 OU, 99.5%, 1 hour average for a sensitive land use in a rural zone 1.0 OU, 99.5%, 1 hour average for the boundary of a non-rural zone. Note: The stringent recommendation for a non-rural zone takes into account a risk-based odour assessment procedure, such as that used in New South Wales. The value of 1 OU (99.5%, 1 hour average) is approximately equivalent to the odour performance criterion for urban areas in New South Wales (2 OU, 99%, 1 second). This recommended impact criterion is significantly more stringent than the ‘default’ odour criterion generally used in Queensland, as set out in 'Odour Impact Assessment for Developments' (Environmental Protection Agency, 2004b). Where local governments require independent third party reviews of any air quality reports submitted. Dispersion modelling and associated odour impact assessment should be conducted by a consultant based on the ‘Best Practice Guidance for the Queensland Poultry Industry – Plume Dispersion Modelling and Meteorological Processing (PAE Holmes, 2011)’. Queensland Guidelines Meat Chicken Farms 55
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