Original source · versioned page text
Ridgewood_12-002_PrelimOMP_110913
PRELIMINARY OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
PROPOSED POULTRY GROWING SHEDS
124 TOP FORESTRY ROAD
RIDGEWOOD
Prepared for:
W Donald Milligan Pty Ltd
Prepared by:
MWA Environmental
11 September 2013
Max Winders & Associates Pty Ltd tas MWA Environmental
Level 15, 241 Adelaide St, Brisbane GPO BOX 3137, Brisbane Qld 4001
P 07 3002 5500 F 07 3002 5588 E [email protected]
W www.mwaenviro.com.au
ABN 94 010 833 084
See the original
The page text is free to read. Viewing or downloading an original file needs an account.
Log in to see the originalLog in to download the original file
Large file: the download may take up to a minute.
Searchable page text hides email addresses. Original files are unchanged and may show email addresses.
Full text of the other 35 pages
Page 2
MWA Environmental
DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET
MWA Environmental
Level 15 241 Adelaide Street Job Name: Ridgewood
GPO Box 3137 Brisbane 4001
Job No: 12-002
Telephone: 07 3002 5500
Facsimile 07 3002 5588 Original Date of Issue: 11 September 2013
Email: [email protected]
DOCUMENT DETAILS
Title: Preliminary Operational Management Plan – Proposed Poultry Growing Sheds –
124 Top Forestry Road, Ridgewood
Principal Author: Mr Ben Hyde
Client: W Donald Milligan Pty Ltd
Client Address: 124 Top Forestry Road, Ridgewood QLD 4563
Client Contact: Mr David Milligan
REVISION/CHECKING HISTORY
Version Number Date Issued By Checked By
1 Report 11/09/13 BH PAK
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
DISTRIBUTION RECORD
Destination Version Number
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Client (electronic) 1
Max Watterson & Assoc. 1
(electronic)
File Copy 1
MWA Enviro Library 1
Ridgewood 12-002 11 September 2013
Page 3
MWA Environmental
CONTENTS TABLE
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 1
1.1 PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT.......................................................................... 1
1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................... 2
1.3 SURROUNDING LAND USES ..................................................................... 2
1.4 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................... 3
2.0 CONSTRUCTION PHASE .................................................................... 5
3.0 INTEGRATED SITE ACTIVITY............................................................. 6
3.1 POULTRY FARM OPERATIONS ................................................................ 6
3.1.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................ 6
3.1.2 SHED PREPARATION........................................................................... 7
3.1.3 FEED DELIVERIES ............................................................................... 8
3.1.4 DEAD BIRD MANAGEMENT .............................................................. 8
3.1.5 BIRD PICK-UP ....................................................................................... 9
3.1.6 SHED CLEANOUT................................................................................. 9
3.1.7 LITTER STOCKPILING....................................................................... 11
3.2 AVOCADO FARM OPERATIONS ............................................................. 13
3.2.1 EXISTING OPERATIONS ................................................................... 13
3.2.2 LITTER APPLICATION....................................................................... 15
4.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT ................................. 18
FIGURES
ATTACHMENTS
Ridgewood 12-002 11 September 2013
Page 4
MWA Environmental
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT
MWA Environmental has been engaged by W Donald Milligan Pty Ltd to
prepare a Preliminary Operational Management Plan for a proposed
development of eight (8) poultry growing sheds at Ridgewood.
This document has been prepared in response to a Sunshine Coast Regional
Council (“SCRC”) ‘Outstanding Issues Request’ (28 June 2013) (“the
outstanding issues request”). The relevant extract from the outstanding
issues request is as follows:
The purpose of this document is to inform SCRC regarding the integrated
operation of the proposed poultry farm and the existing avocado farm. This
document is not intended to act as an operational manual for the site.
Development approvals for poultry farms commonly require that a Site-Based
Environmental Management Plan be implemented prior to the commencement
of use. The Site-Based Environmental Management Plan will outline the
environmental management responsibilities, actions, performance criteria and
potential corrective actions to minimise the potential for environmental harm
and/or nuisance from the activity.
As far as applicable and practicable to the site, the poultry growing, litter
stockpiling and litter spreading procedures will be undertaken in accordance
with the recommendations outlined in relevant regulatory and industry
guidance, including:
• Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Guidelines: Meat Chicken Farms (2012)
• NSW Department of Primary Industries Best Practice Management for
Meat Chicken Production in NSW - Manual 2 – Meat Chicken Growing
Management (2012)
• Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation National
Environmental Management System for the Meat Chicken Industry -
Publication No. 03/038 (2003)
Ridgewood 12-002 1 11 September 2013
Page 5
MWA Environmental 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION The subject site has a real property description of Lot 21 on SP226606 and a street address of 124 Top Forestry Road, Ridgewood. The site is approximately 7 kilometres west of Cooroy. The location and extent of the subject site is shown on Figure 1. The site is currently operated as a commercial avocado farm with extensive terracing off ridgelines throughout the site. The use of the site for commercial horticulture is proposed to continue in conjunction with the broiler farm. The topography of the site is comprised of a main ridgeline running generally north-south through the centre of the site, with several smaller ridgelines branching off to the west. The current nature of the site is shown on the aerial photograph included as Figure 2. 1.3 SURROUNDING LAND USES Land uses surrounding the site are generally rural properties. A number of smaller rural properties are situated to the south of the subject site, along Top Forestry Road. State Forest adjoins the subject site to the west. The surrounding land uses are shown on the aerial photograph included as Figure 2. The minimum setback distance between the proposed poultry sheds and a surrounding residence is approximately 850 metres. The available setback distances from the subject site boundary to sensitive receptors is summarised in Table 1 below for the receptor locations shown on Figure 2. Ridgewood 12-002 2 11 September 2013
Page 6
MWA Environmental
Table 1: Setback Distances from Nearest Property Boundary to
Sensitive Receptors
Distance from Residence
Residence
to Site Boundary (m)
1 415
2 250
3 365
4 610
5 970
6 1450
7 520
8 550
9 825
10 925
1.4 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
It is proposed to construct eight (8) poultry growing sheds on the subject site.
The poultry sheds are proposed to be 100 to 130 metres long by 16.0 to 16.5
metres wide aligned along the ridgelines through the site. Necessary
earthworks to supplement the existing terracing will be undertaken to provide
level pads for the sheds and service roadways.
The locations of the proposed poultry sheds on the subject site are shown on
Figure 3.
Based upon typical stocking densities, the proposed sheds will have the
capacity to be stocked with 29,600 to 38,480 birds per shed with numbers
thinned at stages during the batch cycle. On the basis that all sheds are
stocked at the same time, the potential number of birds within the farm is in
the order of 250,000 birds.
The spent litter removed from the poultry sheds at the completion of each
batch is proposed to be stockpiled within two bunded areas as shown on
Callaghan & Toth Plan 01 Rev D Page 9 (September 2013) (refer
Attachment 1) and are generally described as follows:
Northern Stockpile Area (adjacent Shed 5)
300 lineal metres of stockpile within a 120m x 22.5m bunded area
76 lineal metres of reserve stockpile within a 82m x 14m bunded
area
Southern Stockpile Area (adjacent Shed 3)
110 lineal metres of stockpile within a 75m x 19m bunded area
Ridgewood 12-002 3 11 September 2013
Page 7
MWA Environmental The spent litter will be spread throughout the avocado orchard within 4 to 5 weeks of removal from the poultry sheds as a replacement to the imported commercial fertilisers currently used at the site. Smaller amounts of custom blended commercial fertilisers will be required to supplement the nutrients available from the poultry litter. The farm will be accessed via the existing roadway through the site off Top Forestry Road. Ridgewood 12-002 4 11 September 2013
Page 8
MWA Environmental
2.0 CONSTRUCTION PHASE
The construction phase of the development would be expected to progress
through the following stages:
• Initial clearing and preparation for earthworks using heavy machinery such
as bulldozer, tractor, excavator etc.
• Bulk earthworks to prepare pads for poultry sheds and form internal
roadways and stormwater management system using heavy machinery
such as bulldozer, excavator, grader etc.
• Construction of sheds including steel framing, insulated wall panels and
insulated roofing.
• Fit-out of mechanical ventilation and computer control system, heaters,
feed silos, feed system and drinker system.
• Commissioning testing.
The construction phase of the poultry farm involves significant earthworks and
structures and will be managed by the contractor in accordance with a
construction management plan. It is not feasible to provide such detail at
development application stage.
Environmental impacts during the construction phase of the project will be the
responsibility of the contractor and managed under a construction Environmental
Management Plan which addresses issues including:
• Stormwater Management (sediment control)
• Dust Management
• Noise Management
• Waste Management
Typically a construction Environmental Management Plan is prepared by the
contractor prior to commencement of works.
Ridgewood 12-002 5 11 September 2013
Page 9
MWA Environmental
3.0 INTEGRATED SITE ACTIVITY
3.1 POULTRY FARM OPERATIONS
3.1.1 OVERVIEW
The poultry farm will grow chickens from one day old at delivery to a target
weights for market generally between 1.8kg and 3.8kg. This ‘batch’ process
typically takes 55 to 59 days with birds being removed (‘catch-out’ or ‘thin-
out’) several times between approximately 35 days and 59 days of age to
cater to the target market. A farm will typically process 5 to 6 batches per
year with a period of approximately two weeks between batches to allow for
shed clean-out, maintenance and preparation.
The preference of poultry processors is typically for all sheds at a farm to be
stocked with new birds within a period of a few days to allow for efficiency
by way of synchronisation of feed, catch-out and cleanout schedules. There
is the potential to ‘stagger’ stocking of sheds to minimise the overall peak
odour emissions from a farm (i.e. peak emission periods from all sheds do
not coincide). However, this is typically a measure that may be considered
as a corrective action in accordance with a Site-Based Environmental
Management Plan in the event of a farm causing odour nuisance.
Modern poultry sheds are mechanically ventilated with climate control
provides by heaters and evaporative cooling pads. Walls are typically
constructed of insulated panels and roof structures insulated.
Automated feed systems transfer grain from the silos to trays within the
sheds. Drinking systems are commonly ‘nipple drinkers’ to minimise
spillage and associated moisture build-up in the shed bedding material
(‘litter’).
Litter can be replaced either completely at the end of each batch or partially
reused (wet and heavily loaded litter removed and some litter reused).
Typically, litter moisture content and odour emissions are more readily
managed if fresh litter is used each batch but ultimately this is a function of
the management of the farm.
Typically a vertically integrated company (‘processor’) supplies the day old
chicks, feed and medication then ultimately remove birds from the sheds
and transport to processing facilities. The ‘grower’ / farmer is generally
responsible for providing the infrastructure, supplying litter and managing
the farm.
Attachment 2 presents a diagram summarising the typical timing phases of
the poultry batch cycle including the following inputs and outputs:
Ridgewood 12-002 6 11 September 2013
Page 10
MWA Environmental
• Litter Delivery - input
• Bird Delivery - input
• Feed Deliveries - input
• Dead Bird Removal - output
• Bird pick-up / catch-out timing (typical) - output
• Litter removal and shed cleanout - output
Further information regarding each of these elements of the poultry farm
operation is provided in the following sections.
3.1.2 SHED PREPARATION
Prior to the receipt of day old birds on-site the sheds are prepared as
follows:
• Delivery and spreading of litter material:
o Typically 45mm to 75mm depth
o Litter material is commonly sawdust, wood shavings, straw
and rice hulls with the particular material selected based
upon cost and availability.
o Litter is typically spread within the shed using a bobcat or
small tractor.
o Estimated 8 trucks to deliver litter for 8 sheds over a period of
3 days.
o Estimated 2 persons on-site to deliver and distribute litter
with assistance from the farm manager.
• Delivery of feed (grain) to silos:
o Transfer by truck mounted feed blower
o Estimated 4 trucks to deliver initial feed for 8 sheds over a
period of 1 to 5 days prior to stocking with birds.
o Typically 1 delivery driver on-site.
• Delivery of day old birds:
o Bird deliveries undertaken using a purpose built semi-trailer
which delivers the birds in crate directly to each shed, with
typically 100 birds per crate.
o Bird deliveries are typically made during daylight hours.
o Estimated 3 trucks to deliver birds for 8 sheds over a period
of 2 to 3 days.
o Estimated 2 to 3 persons on-site to deliver and stock birds
with assistance from the farm manager.
Ridgewood 12-002 7 11 September 2013
Page 11
MWA Environmental
The shed preparation activities typically occur during daylight hours.
The Hayes Traffic Engineering report1 indicates that bird deliveries are
typically undertaken using semi-trailers and feed deliveries using 19m B-
doubles.
Litter deliveries are commonly made with a walking floor semi-trailer to
deliver litter directly into the shed.
3.1.3 FEED DELIVERIES
Feed (grain) is stored within silos adjacent to the poultry sheds. Feed is
transferred to silos using a truck-mounted blower system.
The demand for feed increases with the bird mass in the sheds throughout a
batch. A typical profile of feed delivery requirements through a batch for the
8 shed farm is provided in the, as follows:
Week 1: 2 deliveries
Week 2: 3 deliveries
Week 3: 5 deliveries
Week 4: 6 deliveries
Week 5: 10 deliveries
Week 6: 10 deliveries
Week 7: 24 deliveries
Feed deliveries typically occur during daylight hours.
Hayes Traffic Engineering report indicates that the delivery of grain will be
using 19m B-doubles.
Typically only the delivery driver would be on-site for feed deliveries.
3.1.4 DEAD BIRD MANAGEMENT
Dead and injured birds are removed from the sheds at least once per day by
the farm manager.
1 Traffic Engineering Report 11347 - MCU: Agricultural Use Poultry Farm - Milligan Farms (Hayes Traffic
Engineering, June 2013)
Ridgewood 12-002 8 11 September 2013
Page 12
MWA Environmental
Dead birds are to be stored on-site in a refrigerated environment (below 4
degrees Celsius). On the morning of pick-up, dead birds may be transferred
to animal and fly-proof bins for collection at a suitable location on-site. The
dead bird collection is typically made near the entrance of the site to avoid
biosecurity issues associated with the collection truck entering the
production area.
The frequency of dead bird collections varies and frequent collection is not
critical if appropriate refrigerated storage is provided on-site. It is estimated
that dead bird collections will be on an approximate weekly basis but may
be more frequent towards the end of the batch depending upon storage
capacity.
Dead bird collections typically occur during daylight hours.
3.1.5 BIRD PICK-UP
Bird pick-ups can occur from approximately day 35 of the batch onwards
and the timing and number of birds removed at each time is dictated by
market demand for various poultry products whilst remaining within the total
bird mass capacity of the sheds (kg per m2). Commonly a significant pick-
up is made around day 35 and then two or three further pick-ups through
until the end of the batch at day 55 to 59.
Pick-up typically occurs at night to reduce bird stress during collection and
transport.
Catching of birds is typically done by hand with appropriate sized birds
being gathered into cages within the sheds. The cages are then transferred
by forklift to trucks for transport.
The Hayes Traffic Engineering report indicates that bird removal is expected
to generate 44 semi-trailer trips for an 8 shed farm. These trips will be
distributed over two to four catch-out events over the batch.
The bird pick-up crew typically comprises in the order of 5 to 6 people on-
site.
3.1.6 SHED CLEANOUT
Once the final bird pick-up has been completed the poultry sheds are
cleaned out to:
• Remove spent litter material which is to be replaced;
• Clean feed and drinker systems; and
• Clean mechanical ventilation system.
Ridgewood 12-002 9 11 September 2013
Page 13
MWA Environmental
A disinfection process may also be undertaken between batches.
Litter can be replaced either completely at the end of each batch or partially
reused (wet and heavily loaded litter removed and some litter reused).
Typically, litter moisture content and odour emissions are more readily
managed if fresh litter is used each batch but ultimately this is a function of
the management of the farm. If part of the litter is to be reused for the
following batch then it is usually piled within the shed until the
commencement of preparation for the arrival of new birds.
The volume of litter potentially generated by a full clean-out has been
calculated as follows for the purpose of designing the stockpile areas:
• 75mm depth of litter within the 8 sheds (conservative
assumption)
• full litter replacement of all sheds at the end of each batch
(conservative assumption)
• total floor area of 8 sheds 13,695m2
Total litter volume of 1027m3 per batch2
Poultry farms without the capacity to reuse spent litter on-site export the
material from site as a waste product for application on pastures and/or
composting by an external company. The litter would be collected by an
approved regulated waste transport company and delivered to the off-site
location for application or processing. The Hayes Traffic Engineering report
notes that this litter export process can generate up to 5 additional truck and
dog trips per day.
Litter is typically removed from the shed using a bobcat or small tractor.
Shed cleanout is typically undertaken during daylight hours.
A component of the proposed development is to reuse the spent litter on-
site as a fertiliser for the avocado orchard to largely replace the use of
imported fertilisers. For this purpose, the spent litter will be removed from
the sheds by bobcat, tractor and/or loader and transferred to truck to be
stockpiled at either of the two bunded stockpile areas. Further details are
provided in Section 3.1.7 below.
In the event that litter cannot be stockpiled on the site at the end of a batch
then, as regularly occurs at poultry farms without the capacity to reuse the
material on-site, it may be removed from the site as waste.
2 0.075 x 13695 = 1027m3
Ridgewood 12-002 10 11 September 2013
Page 14
MWA Environmental
3.1.7 LITTER STOCKPILING
Litter is to be stored within two bunded areas as shown on Callaghan & Toth
Plan 01 Rev D Page 9 (September 2013) (refer Attachment 1) and are
generally described as follows:
Northern Stockpile Area (adjacent Shed 5)
300 lineal metres of stockpile within a 120m x 22.5m bunded
area
76 lineal metres of reserve stockpile within a 82m x 14m bunded
area
Southern Stockpile Area (adjacent Shed 3)
110 lineal metres of stockpile within a 75m x 19m bunded area
The stockpile areas are to be constructed as bunded areas to minimise
stormwater inflows and contain runoff. The surface will be clay capped
to minimise infiltration. Runoff captured within the bunded areas will be
treated via a wet sediment basin and bioretention basin to remove
sediment and nutrients prior to discharge to the orchard with overland
flow directed to the dams. Further detail in relation to the management of
potential water quality impacts from the bunded compost stockpile areas is
contained in the Stormwater Treatment and Water Quality Management
Plan (Callaghan & Toth, Version 3, September 2013).
Litter will be transferred to the stockpile areas by truck and the initial
stockpiles formed by tractor, bobcat or backhoe. The stockpiles will be
covered using polyethylene sheet or similar to minimise fugitive dust and
odour emissions during the storage period.
It has been determined by the proponent that the use of a compost turning
machine (tow-behind tractor) will be the most efficient means of stockpiling
the spent litter and maintaining aerobic conditions to minimise odour
emissions during the stockpiling period. Potential systems are
manufactured by ‘JPH Equipment’
(http://ozturners.com.au/icwp/products/compost-turners/) and Seymour
Rural Equipment Pty Ltd (http://www.seymourrural.com.au/compost-turner-
4000.html) and can integrate stockpile covers (i.e. pick and replace covers
after turner passes along stockpile). The compost turning machines
produce linear stockpiles approximately 1.5 metres high by 3 metres wide.
Advice from the manufacturer is that a Seymour ‘Compost Turner 4000’
produces linear stockpiles that will hold approximately 2.5m3 of litter per
lineal metre of stockpile.
Ridgewood 12-002 11 11 September 2013
Page 15
MWA Environmental
The required length of stockpiles is calculated as follows:
• Total litter volume of 1027m3
• Stockpile capacity of 2.5m3 of litter per lineal metre
Total 410 lineal metres 3 of stockpile required
Based upon advice from Seymour Rural Equipment Pty Ltd, Callaghan &
Toth has designed the two bunded stockpile storage areas to accommodate
up to 486 lineal metres of the litter stockpiles. This provides a reserve
stockpile length of 76 metres as a redundancy in the event that a larger litter
volume is produced from the sheds than anticipated or that a smaller
volume compost turning machine is used as the site.
Available compost turning machines include the ability to pick up and relay
the covers over the stockpiles.
The litter stockpiles will be turned at least weekly but potentially twice
per week to maintain aerobic conditions. Litter turning should only be
undertaken when prevailing winds are:
• below 10 km/h to minimise fugitive dust and odour emissions; and
• from the northeasterly to southeasterly sector to ensure that odour
emissions are directed away from sensitive receptors.
In order to minimise the potential cumulative odour impact from the
stockpiling and spreading of the spent litter, the proponent intends to
spread all litter within 4 to 5 weeks of the shed clean-out. Under this
operational regime, odour emissions from the stockpiling and spreading of
the spent litter occur during the period when only minor emissions are
generated from the broiler sheds.
Further detail in relation to the potential odour impact of the litter stockpiling
is provided in the MWA Environment letter Response to Sunshine Coast
Regional Council Outstanding Issues Request – Proposed Poultry Growing
Sheds, Ridgewood (L18113/BH/12-002, 11 September 2013).
The stockpiling of litter will be undertaken by on-site manager and existing
farm staff. No specific vehicle movements will be generated on the external
road network through the stockpiling and application of litter within the
avocado orchard. The replacement of imported fertiliser with the litter will
reduce the traffic generation of the existing avocado orchard.
3 1027m3 ÷ 2.5m2 = 410 metres
Ridgewood 12-002 12 11 September 2013
Page 16
MWA Environmental
3.2 AVOCADO FARM OPERATIONS
3.2.1 EXISTING OPERATIONS
The existing orchard currently comprises two varieties of avocados, the
Shepard and Hass. Traditionally dry matter samples of the product are
taken from February to determine whether the avocados achieve the
relevant industry standard prior to harvest and marketing. Once this
sampling and sizing has been determined as correct to proceed with
harvest, there is then a window of time February through to realistically
October to harvest, without pushing bienniality4 in the trees.
The farm has the ability to store fruit on-site and pre-cool for transport to the
various destinations nationally and internationally, a quantity of no less than
5000 units. This fruit can then also be stored past the October period if
required to attract a premium return without detriment to the product. There
is capacity for up to double that amount for non-refrigerated storage prior to
packing.
Because of the extensive equipment range and adoption of high speed
packing equipment, the farm has the ability to process up to 450 pieces of
fruit per minute. This requires shed staff of between 5 and 9 personnel,
subject to the speed and grading that is designated and the premium market
requires.
To supply the shed with the required fruit for orders, it is dependent on
whether the farm is strip picking or select picking. Either way, there is
versatility in that packers can also pick if required. Fruit is then stored in the
rooms and packed at high speed when required. This procedure allows the
farm to operate around the weather patterns very effectively. Typically,
about a dozen staff can supply the right size and quantity required. Staffing
is, however, highly variable with occasions of 35 or 40 people in previous
years and also some seasons with rotation of 10 to 15 people.
There is a family staff working on the farm in addition to permanent staff,
one for nearly 20 years and the other more than 10 years, and regular
seasonal workers, one of which has been working at the farm for 20 years.
Once the commercial quantities have been harvested and the flower is
beginning to incept it is necessary to irrigate and apply foliar applications of
Boron to assist with fruit health and set. This is followed by calcium
applications. Under-tree maintenance duties are required, granular fertiliser
applications, weedicide applications, side slashing to throw as much mulch
as able to be generated under the trees. The available mulch is limited at
present and will be rectified by the proposed reuse of composted litter
material.
4 Undesirable condition where trees can produce a quality harvest only every second year
Ridgewood 12-002 13 11 September 2013
Page 17
MWA Environmental
All plantings on the property currently receive poultry manure as their pre-
planting preparation as has been used throughout the various crops grown
at the site for over 20 years. The only constraint to using poultry manures
more extensively at present is the cost of getting the material onto site.
Poultry manure is the perfect fertiliser for avocados when supplemented
with the other necessary elements.
Pruning happens in these stages:
1. Shape
2. Size
3. Light
4. Skirt
All of these duties are completed with staff by mechanical methods e.g.
pruning machine, chainsaws, handsaws and secateurs. This is an ongoing
rotation.
The farm progresses through fertilising, foliar applications for flowering and
fruit set. Injections for prevention of phytophthora are required, a cost which
will be reduced when the composted material is able to be utilised at the
orchard.
Once fruit reached pin-head size and greater (typically by the end of
October) then nutrition, irrigation, best farming practices apply until harvest
cycle begins.
All other farming jobs can be scheduled to accommodate the harvest and
inclusive of pruning after trees are stripped, needling etc. The mulching
operation and staff available through the year make the operational process
of spreading the composted material to integrate into the existing practice.
The necessary equipment and knowledge is already available at the farm,
with the addition of the selected compost turning machine to prepare the
material the only additional requirement.
Based upon the above, the applicant has advised that there is significant
flexibility in the scheduling of avocado operations to ensure that peak
activities do not coincide with peak activity at the poultry farm. The avocado
operations are able to be scheduled around the broiler activities (e.g. shed
preparation, bird pick-ups) to avoid on-site conflict. This management will
ensure that traffic impacts on the external network are not a concern.
Ridgewood 12-002 14 11 September 2013
Page 18
MWA Environmental
3.2.2 LITTER APPLICATION
The only direct integration of the proposed poultry farm and the existing
avocado orchard is the re-use of spent litter from the poultry sheds as
fertiliser / mulch within the terraced orchard area.
Timing
Following removal from the poultry sheds, the spent litter will be stockpiled
and turned for a period of up to 4 to 5 weeks prior to application. Under the
proposed operational timeframe, all litter is to be spread within 4 to 5
weeks of being removed from the sheds to ensure that odour emissions
do not coincide with peak emissions from the following batch of birds.
If, due to unforeseen circumstances, litter is not able to be spread within the
available 4 to 5 week period then in the event of odour nuisance, the litter
may be removed from the site by a regulated waste transport company as
occurs for many broiler farms that do not have to ability to reuse the material
on-site.
Volume
Based upon a full replacement of litter from all sheds at the end of the batch
and a conservative 75mm depth of litter the potential litter volume is
1027m3. This volume of litter is to be spread at a depth of 0.05m over an
area of approximately 2.0ha. The average footprint of each tree is 5m x 8m
(i.e. 40m²); therefore each batch of litter will compost approximately 500
trees. With 5.8 cleanouts of the sheds each year there will be in the order of
2900 trees composted each year.
An audit of the trees for the purpose of legal proceedings disclosed that
there are 6,651 avocado trees in production and numerous additional trees
in the orchard (refer to Alwyn Peffer & Company Pty Ltd correspondence
included as Attachment 3). Advice from the applicant is that a conservative
estimate would be an additional 1,100 wind break and planted native trees
within the orchard that are currently fertilised and maintained. The existing
tree count within the orchard for application of the litter as fertiliser is well
over 7,000.
Several areas previously planted to mango trees are lying fallow with
terracing and irrigation in place; it is intended that these areas are to be
planted to avocados with approximately 3,500 additional trees to be planted.
As such, the capacity of the orchard is considered to be sufficient to accept
the volume of litter that will be produced by the poultry sheds.
Ridgewood 12-002 15 11 September 2013
Page 19
MWA Environmental
Spreading Method
Given the spatial constraints of the orchard terraces, litter is expected to be
spread using a relatively small ground-driven spreader mounted to a small
tractor. The farm currently operates two spreader systems suitable for this
purpose, a Marshall 800 Series Multispread - Trailed - 2.5T
(http://www.marshallspreadersales.com.au/800-series-multispread.html)
and a Vicon SuperFlow 604 (http://ien.vicon.eu/Spreading-
Equipment/Fertiliser-Spreaders/Rear-Mounted-Pendulum-Spreaders/Vicon-
SuperFlow-604-1654).
These spreader systems typically have a fairly short broadcast distances
and low velocity which will minimise potential for excessive dust (and
associated odorous particles) to be released to the atmosphere. The
vegetated terrace structures will assist in reducing entrainment of litter in the
atmosphere during periods of high wind speeds. This notwithstanding, it
may be necessary to dampen the surface of the litter by irrigation during
high wind conditions to minimise potential fugitive dust (and odour)
emissions.
Agronomist’s Analysis
Myriad International Pty Ltd has undertaken nutrient calculations and
prepared advice included as Attachment 45. The agronomist’s advice
indicates that:
“…while all the poultry manure compost produced on farm can be utilised by
the orchard additional manufactured fertiliser nutrient will be required to
meet the demands of your Avocado production system.”
and
“Phosphorus contained in compost is predominately in the Citrate form
which is extremely stable in the soil and not water soluble. The citrate form
of Phosphorus tightly binds to the soil and only a small percentage is
available for crop uptake. The application of the compost will greatly reduce
the potential movements of Phosphorus on the farm due to water runoff.
This is compared to the standard practice of reliance on manufactured
fertilisers which are water soluble Phosphorus based and move readily move
with water flows unless managed.”
The Myriad International analysis thus indicates that use of spent litter in
preference to manufactured fertilisers will not result in an increase in
nutrient loading that could impact on ground and surface waters. In order
to monitor nutrient loading, farm management will undertake soil and leaf
analysis to ensure the composted poultry litter is supplying appropriate
ratios of nutrients and minerals to the trees.
5 Nutrient calculations proposed Broiler production system (Myriad International, August 2013)
Ridgewood 12-002 16 11 September 2013
Page 20
MWA Environmental
The agronomist’s advice also indicates that odours from the litter when
spread are expected to be negligible. MWA Environmental considers it
appropriate to implement management practices to minimise potential for
odour emissions from the spreading of litter to cause nuisance.
Water Quality
Litter is to be spread on the terraces containing avocado trees (avoiding
steep slopes where runoff is not intercepted by terraces) which will act
to control runoff from the fertilised areas. In accordance with the
Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Guidelines:
Meat Chicken Farms (2012) a minimum vegetated buffer of 50 metres is
to be maintained between litter spreading areas and waterways,
including Blackfellow Creek. Runoff from the majority of the avocado
orchard (38 hectares) will continue to be directed to onsite dams.
Further detail in relation to management of water quality impacts from
spreading of litter in the orchard is provided in the Stormwater Treatment
and Water Quality Management Plan (Callaghan & Toth, Version 3,
September 2013). The report concludes the use of spent litter as proposed
can be managed to not adversely impact on local waterways.
Odour
Fertiliser application is an integral component of the existing use and advice
from the proponent is the manures have previously been applied at the site
without generating any significant odour nuisance.
The proponent intends to apply litter within 4 to 5 weeks of the clean-out
from the sheds. Odour emissions from the litter will deplete reasonably
quickly following application (substantially reduced over several days). This
operational program will ensure that odour emissions from the spreading of
litter do not coincide with peak odour emission periods from the next batch
of birds in the poultry sheds.
It is recommended that a minimum setback of 50 metres is retained from
spreading areas to the southern, eastern and northern property
boundaries to avoid near-field odour influence on adjacent properties.
Operating in accordance with this buffer recommendation will provide for
separation distances of more than 300 metres from spreading areas to
surrounding residences.
Litter should be spread during the 6am to 6pm period only and when
prevailing winds are from the northeasterly to southeasterly sector
ensure that odour emissions are directed towards the state forest and away
from sensitive receptors.
Low velocity spreading equipment should be used to minimise release of
dust (and associated odours) into the atmosphere. During high wind speed
periods it may be appropriate to dampening applied litter to minimise
potential fugitive dust (and odour) emissions.
Ridgewood 12-002 17 11 September 2013
Page 21
MWA Environmental
4.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Technical assessments undertaken by MWA Environmental (odour, dust and
noise), Callaghan & Toth (stormwater treatment and water quality management)
and Myriad International (agronomy) indicated that the proposed poultry farm and
reuse of spent litter within the avocado orchard can be managed to not cause
environmental hard or nuisance.
Best-practice management of the farm will be necessary to minimise potential
impacts by way of environmental emissions. It is recommended that the site be
management in accordance with a Site-Based Environmental Management Plan
to be implemented prior to the commencement of use.
As far as applicable and practicable, the site should be operated in accordance
with regulatory and industry guidance on the management of the poultry farming
and on-site reuse of spent litter on-site. The following documents are relevant to
the proposed activities:
• Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Guidelines:
Meat Chicken Farms (2012)
• NSW Department of Primary Industries Best Practice Management for
Meat Chicken Production in NSW - Manual 2 – Meat Chicken Growing
Management (2012)
• Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation National
Environmental Management System for the Meat Chicken Industry -
Publication No. 03/038 (2003)
Ridgewood 12-002 18 11 September 2013
Page 22
MWA Environmental FIGURES Ridgewood 12-002 11 September 2013
Page 23
LEGEND
SITE
SWIFT PARK
DRAWING REFERENCES
Cadastral: © The State of Queensland (DERM) DCDB.
COOROY
Br
uc
e
Hi
Rooaadd
gh
w
ay
CCr
rdss R
roo
ww
ford
s
s
wfo
Be
WEST
AAs
lli
raw
GGe
shh
evv Cr COOROY
Cra
C
eerr ee
BB
ss
LLaa
k
u
u
nn
RRoo
ee
Ro
ttttee
aadd ad
rrffll
y y
d
nnee
LLaa
nnee
Rooaad
tf
tfiirree LLaa
CARTERS RIDGE N
e
eyylloonn R
Rooaadd
SSppii
C
rreeeekk R
C
llli
li C
C
Bee
ad
oyy B
Coooorro
C
Olldd
O
SITE
Ro
RIDGEWOOD 0 1 2
try
kilometres
res
d
Fo
Rooaad CLIENT
ed
nsseenn R W DONALD MILLIGAN PTY LTD
Top geen
JJoorrg PROJECT
Unnam
CCee RIDGEWOOD
yyll
oonn
Noise and Air Quality
RRo Impact Assessment
oaa EERWAH VALE Proposed Poultry Growing Sheds
PPaa
dd
dd
124 Top Forestry Road Ridgewood
ddy
yM
TITLE
Me
Archer
Road
ello
onn
LOCATION AND EXTENT
L
Laa
OF SUBJECT SITE
nn
ee
JOB RIDGEWOOD
JOB NO. 12-002
FIGURE 1
DATE 11/09/13 DRAWING NUMBER
SCALE 1:65,000 (A4)
REV.
12-002-1
BELLI PARK
Max Winders & Associates Pty Ltd tas MWA Environmental
Level 15, 241 Adelaide St, Brisbane. GPO BOX 3137, Brisbane Qld 4001
P 07 3002 5500 F 07 3002 5588 E [email protected]
W www.mwaenviro.com.au
ABN 94 010 833 084
Page 24
rs
LEGEND
Site Boundary
Bu
Proposed Poultry Sheds
tte
Nearest Residences (R1-R10)
rfl
y
N
R10
La
R9 DRAWING REFERENCES
ne
Aerial - Nearmap 25/01/10.
Cadastral - © The State of Queensland (DERM) DCDB.
Aerial is not orthorectified, overlays are best fit.
R8
s
van
E
d
Roa
R7 Ki
ng
ylon
ek
Roa Pa ire
e
d rro itf
re
t p
C
S
C
La
lli
ne
R10
Old
Be
roy
Coo
R1
R6
CLIENT
W DONALD MILLIGAN PTY LTD
PROJECT
RIDGEWOOD
Noise and Air Quality
ad
Impact Assessment
Ro
Proposed Poultry Growing Sheds
124 Top Forestry Road Ridgewood
try
TITLE
ores
AERIAL
pF
PHOTOGRAPH
Ca
To
rroon Lane
R2 JOB RIDGEWOOD
FIGURE 2
JOB NO. 12-002
R3 DATE 11/09/13 DRAWING NUMBER
SCALE
ad 1:17,000 (A4)
en RoREV. 12-002-2
e ns
Jorg
R5
R4
00 375
375 750
750 Max Winders & Associates Pty Ltd tas MWA Environmental
Level 15, 241 Adelaide St, Brisbane. GPO BOX 3137, Brisbane Qld 4001
P 07 3002 5500 F 07 3002 5588 E [email protected]
W www.mwaenviro.com.au
metres
metres ABN 94 010 833 084
Page 25
CLIENT
W DONALD MILLIGAN PTY LTD
PROJECT
RIDGEWOOD
Noise and Air Quality
Impact Assessment
Proposed Poultry Growing Sheds
124 Top Forestry Road Ridgewood
TITLE
DEVELOPMENT
LAYOUT
JOB RIDGEWOOD
JOB NO. 12-002
FIGURE 3
DATE 11/09/13 DRAWING NUMBER
SCALE AS SHOWN
REV.
12-002-3
Max Winders & Associates Pty Ltd tas MWA Environmental
Level 15, 241 Adelaide St, Brisbane. GPO BOX 3137, Brisbane Qld 4001
P 07 3002 5500 F 07 3002 5588 E [email protected]
W www.mwaenviro.com.au
ABN 94 010 833 084
Page 26
MWA Environmental
ATTACHMENT 1
Callaghan & Toth Plan 01 Rev D Page 9
(September 2013)
Ridgewood 12-002 11 September 2013
Page 27
fe S10 HOM ¥81 SOP
To NYId
sees 97 1 G ROS
6 ddVd
t1-6 an Ive CSTE | O|
1-8 [ION WSWa_INGWIGS-GaSUGA_| O |
1-9] DORI CONE CGAY |S
c1-a} Januvau c30Nne aay |v
207, ‘syojep_vosspau ang
NOISE
9099ZZdS
QL GvON SS390V G3SOd0ud
VHOE LL
i
ypvlond v IND ale oS
{ usccoce So
L ay
a
4
re (we) wooo |_| PP 7
Ls9021 WSd ia) oo 4
coven ow wrep [| pea i
trosnces 2s omc nt \ aoe Ny
nye NS : \ ‘ ubsis CIVOOSSY \th
S02 x08 Od : ; .
sisouiBug o1nespAH ‘
23 euouuoNAUg “ALD bs, -
4 :
\ BOL ueyseyleg )
Page 28
MWA Environmental
ATTACHMENT 2
Typical timing phases of the poultry batch cycle including
the following inputs and outputs
Ridgewood 12-002 11 September 2013
Page 29
RIDGEWOOD POULTRY FARM
OPERATIONAL FLOW CHART
Days 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29 35 36 42 43 49 50 56 57 63 64 70 71 77 78 84 85 91 92 98 99
Delivery
EXTERNAL SUPPLY FeedWeek Feed Delivery Feed Delivery Feed Delivery Feed Delivery Feed Delivery Feed Delivery Feed Delivery Feed Delivery Feed Delivery Feed Delivery Feed Delivery
1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
AND DISPATCH 2 Loads 3 Loads 5 Loads 6 Loads 10 Loads 10 Loads 24 Loads 15+ Loads 2 Loads 3 Loads 5 Loads 6 Loads
Litter Delivery
Feed Deliveries
Bird Delivery
Litter Delivery
Feed Deliveries
Bird Delivery
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Dead Bird Collection
Bird Pickup 1
Bird Pickup 2
Contingency Spent
Litter Removal Option
Bird Pickup 3
Bird Pickup 4
Broiler Growing Cycle 55-59 Days
POULTRY FARM Broiler Growing Cycle 55-59 Days (Refer Preliminary Operational Management Plan)
(Refer Preliminary Operational Management Plan)
Shed Cleanout
(Refer
Prelim OMP) Sheds Empty
Maintenance Period
(Refer Prelim OMP)
Spent Litter Removal
35 Days Spent Litter Storage,Turning and Application To Orchard
AVOCADO FARM (Refer Preliminary Operational Management Plan)
Details Provided in Preliminary Operational Management Plan
Page 30
MWA Environmental
ATTACHMENT 3
Alwyn Peffer & Company Pty Ltd
Correspondence regarding tree count
Ridgewood 12-002 11 September 2013
Page 31
Alwyn Peffer & Company Pty Ltd ACN 061 214 159 CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ABN 9 O48 GAT IOTO Level 6 10 Market Street Brisbane Qld 4000 GPO Box 1454 Brisbane Qld 4001 Phone (07) 3221 6877 Fax (07) 3221 7955 11 September, 2013 [email protected] Principal: Alwyn Peffer Mr and Mrs D W Milligan PO Box 191 COOROY QLD 4563 Dear David and Gen The block counts provided to us for both McCullough Robertson Lawyers and Vincents Forensic Accountants show that there were 6,651 avocado trees in your orchard engaged in the production of the fruit. We are of course aware of numerous other trees but 6,651 trees is the number we believe are currently in commercial production. Should you have queries regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to contact our office. With kind regards Mb se AL PEFFER Mil222/treenumbers/1/ap Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Page 32
MWA Environmental
ATTACHMENT 4
Nutrient calculations proposed Broiler production system
(Myriad International, August 2013)
Ridgewood 12-002 11 September 2013
Page 33
Myriad International Pty Ltd
PO Box 1910
Sunshine Plaza QLD 4558
Australia
Tel +61 (0)459 990 036
[email protected]
ABN 79 145 658 877
ACN 145 658 877
Friday, 2 August 2013
W Donald Milligan Pty Ltd
Top Forestry Road
Cooroy Qld 4563
Attn: David Milligan
RE: Nutrient calculations proposed Broiler production system
Dear David
As requested a detailed analysis has been conducted in relation to the nutrient production potential
(predominately Nitrogen) being generated by a proposed poultry broiler system to be located on your property
at Cooroy which is an established Avocado orchard of 7000 trees.
Figures provided by you in relation to shed size, number, batch turnover and litter depth for the poultry
enterprise as well as details of the existing Avocado orchard parameters have been overlaid in a model with
industry data on Poultry Litter analysis and the creation of compost from such litters.
The analysis has revealed that while the poultry manure compost that will be produced by the proposed system
will supply Nitrogen, the actual nutrient requirements of your existing 7000 tree Avocado orchard are greater.
This indicates that while all the poultry manure compost produced on farm can be utilised by the orchard
additional manufactured fertiliser nutrient will be required to meet the demands of your Avocado production
system.
Table 1: Total poultry manure compost weight generated per annum applied across the farms 7000 avocado trees to
calculate the compost per tree available for application versus the annual Nitrogen requirement per tree if compost was
the sole Nitrogen source available.
Compost Nitrogen* (total) Compost Dry weight Compost Wet weight**
(kgs / tree) (kgs / tree) (kgs / tree)
Poultry Manure compost N 5 285 571
Tree requirements compost N 8 457 914
Balance -3 - 171 - 342
*Initial fresh manure has average 3.5% Nitrogen, composting process reduces Nitrogen by 50 % to 1.75%. Availability of Nitrogen for tree
use is 15 % of total hence for every 1kg Nitrogen required by the tree 6.66 kgs of Dry Weight compost is required.
** Compost wet weight = Final compost weight at 50 % moisture
Additional fertiliser input into the farm of manufactured fertiliser has been calculated below as poultry manure
compost will be an insufficient Nitrogen nutrient source.
Table 2: Calculated rate of additional manufactured fertiliser required per tree to meet nutrient shortfall of the annum
production volume of compost generated on farm from the broiler system
Fertiliser per tree Fertiliser Farm
(kgs) (tonnes)
Manufactured Fertiliser (12:2:14) 3.75 26
Phosphorus contained in compost is predominately in the Citrate form which is extremely stable in the soil and
not water soluble. The citrate form of Phosphorus tightly binds to the soil and only a small percentage is
available for crop uptake. The application of the compost will greatly reduce the potential movements of
Phosphorus on the farm due to water runoff. This is compared to the standard practice of reliance on
Page 34
manufactured fertilisers which are water soluble Phosphorus based and move readily move with water flows unless managed. The application of the poultry manure compost will be via a commercial band spreader where the compost is delivered as a band under the tree drip line for maximal nutrient uptake. This form of application provides the highest nutrient recovery into the tree and builds a strong root system and tree canopy. Movement of the compost after application is considered to be extremely low due to soil ground cover with tree mulch, exposed roots, surface terrain under the drip line and interow plant coverage. Further the design of the farm with a terrace system to recover all rainwater for irrigation eliminates any threat of nutrient leaving the farm. Composted poultry manure behaves far differentially to fresh manures as the composting process forms long chain carbon molecules. The initial fresh manure volatile / water soluble components are converted to highly stable soil conditioning compounds, low in nutrient value which are highly valued in sustainable cropping systems. As the poultry manure has been composted, odours when spreading application operations are occurring will be zero as the ammonia has been lost through the composting process prior to application. The use of the Poultry Manure compost as a base fertiliser and combined with additional manufactured nutrient will result in a highly productive and sustainable farming operation where soil organic carbon levels will increase with time and provide a strong foundation for tree health. Where conventional separate tree orchards and chicken production systems have high energy losses through their input supply, operation and transport, the proposed system is highly horizontally integrated and results in a far greater utilisation of energy and nutrient which is concentrated in the final avocadoes leaving the farm. Attached is Table 3 detailing the variable and calculations in the model as well as references used to source the key variables. Please contact myself if you require and further details or clarification of information provided. Yours Sincerely __________________ Andrew Olley B.Agr.Sc. MAIAST, CPAg Fertcare Advisor A01 Mb +61 (0) 437 077 220 [email protected] www.myriadint.com.au
Page 35
TABLE 1 : W Donald Milligan Pty Ltd - Free Range Broiler Nutrient Calculations
Raw Litter Production Nitrogen Requirements
Shed Size (m) Length 100 Width 16 Avocadoes
Area 1600 m2 No Trees 7000
Trees / ha 125 10 x 8 m plantings
Litter Depth 75 mm No Hectares 56
Volume Litter / shed 120 cubic metres Nitrogen required / ha 5 150 kgs
Nitrogen required / tree 1.2 kgs
Shed Cycles per year 5.8 Total Nitrogen Required 8400 kgs
Number Sheds 8 8.4 tonnes
Total Wet Volume per annum 5568 cubic metres Total Farm Nitrogen Requirement Annually
Bulk Density Litter 1 0.5 tonnes per cubic metres
Dry matter Conversion 2 0.75 Nitrogen required 8.4 tonnes
Total Dry Matter per annum 2088 tonnes Compost Nitrogen availability 6 15 %
Nitrogen component 3 3.5 % Farm Compost Nitrogen requirements 56 tonnes
73 tonnes Tree Compost Requirements 8 kgs
Composting Raw Litter Farm Nitrogen Balance
Nitrogen losses 4 50 % Chicken Compost Nitrogen Inputs 37 tonnes
Chicken Compost supplied per tree 5 kgs
Nett Nitrogen 37 tonnes
Farm Nitrogen compost requirements 56 tonnes
System Production per annum Tree Compost Requirements 8 kgs
Nitrogen 37 tonnes Nitrogen Balance -19 tonnes
Nitrogen Balance per tree -2.8 kgs
Page 36
TABLE 3 : W Donald Milligan Pty Ltd - References
Bulk Density Litter 1 NSW Government. Industry & Investment. Best practice guidelines for using poultry litter on pastures.
Neil Griffiths, District Agronomist, Industry Development Pastures, Paterson (Tocal) 1998
Dry matter Conversion 2 NSW Government. Industry & Investment. Best practice guidelines for using poultry litter on pastures.
Neil Griffiths, District Agronomist, Industry Development Pastures, Paterson (Tocal) 1998
General Industry information regarding the water content of manures
Nitrogen component 3 NSW Government. Industry & Investment. Best practice guidelines for using poultry litter on pastures.
Neil Griffiths, District Agronomist, Industry Development Pastures, Paterson (Tocal) 1998
General Industry information regarding the Nitrogen content of manures
Nitrogen losses 4 NSW Government. Industry & Investment. Best practice guidelines for using poultry litter on pastures.
Neil Griffiths, District Agronomist, Industry Development Pastures, Paterson (Tocal) 1998
Nitrogen required / ha 5 Incitec Fertiliser - Nutrient Analysis Systems.
Avocado Nitrogen requirements bearing trees over 4 years old
Myriad International. Andrew Olley
20 years consultancy work based on soil and production management with W Donald Milligan Pty Ltd, Cooroy
Compost Nitrogen availability 6 United States Department Agriculture (USDA) Umass Extension Service
University of Massachusetts
Compost Use and Soil Fertility 2013
by Frank Mangan, Allen Barker, Steven Bodine, and Peter Borten