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COMMENTARY: Ammonia-Based Air Quality Permits for Idaho Dairies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 May 2008

R. E. Sheffield  and
B. Louks
R. E. Sheffield*
Affiliation:
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
B. Louks
Affiliation:
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Boise, Idaho
*
Address correspondence to: R. E. Sheffield, Assistant Professor, E. B. Doran Building, Room 111, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803; (e-mail)rsheffield@agcenter.lsu.edu
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Abstract

A Best Management Practice (BMP)-based air permitting program has been developed for large dairies in Idaho. General “Permits to Construct” are being issued for the emission of ammonia to all new and existing dairies based on the type of facility, manure handling system, and dominant land application method. A list of BMPs to control ammonia emissions has been developed, and each practice was given a score for its relative control of ammonia emission. Producers then select which BMPs will be installed or implemented on the farm and will be reviewed for compliance by the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Inspections during the summer of 2006 found that 95% of all permitted dairies were in compliance with the Rules for the Control of Ammonia from Dairy Farms, with an average score of 32.9 ± 6.1 points of BMPs, exceeding the 27 points required. Solid separation of manure, corral harrowing, low-pressure irrigation, composting, and rapid manure removal from outdoor lots were found to be the most common BMPs.

Environmental Practice 10:13–19 (2008)

Type
FEATURES
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 10 , Issue 1 , March 2008 , pp. 13 - 19
Copyright
Copyright © National Association of Environmental Professionals 2008

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References

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