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Study targets science-based strategies for cutting feedlot dust emissions

Date posted: January 7, 2003

Alberta researchers are evaluating dust emissions from feedlots in the province to provide a scientific basis for management practices to reduce those emissions and their potential effects.

The two-year study slated for completion next spring is conducted by Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD), the Alberta Research Council and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Lethbridge Research Centre. It is measuring and analyzing emissions of particulate matter (PM) from Alberta feedlots. Many industrial and other activities contribute to overall PM levels and studies have shown that increasing levels carry with them an increased risk of health effects.

“Particulate matter has become one of today’s most important environmental issues and it encompasses many industries,” says Kris Chawla, an AAFRD engineer. “It’s recognized that feedlots and other agricultural operations contribute to the amount of airborne PM, but in order to evaluate the potential risk of those emissions and develop reduction strategies, a need exists for a sound, scientific understanding of their precise contribution.”

Under the Canada-wide Accord on Environmental Harmonization, the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment is developing standards for particulate matter and ozone, he says. Many Alberta stakeholder groups are involved in the development of strategies to meet their needs in managing the ambient PM level in Alberta.

The current feedlot study aims to determine the characteristics of PM emitted from various areas of feedlots, including feedbunks, holding pens and gravel roads, due to both animal or vehicle movement, and how that PM is dispersed in surrounding areas.

“Information and recommendations generated from our project will help others evaluate the exposure risk to humans and animals, associated with feedlot activities,” says Chawla. “This will help the industry to implement good management practices for emissions associated with specific types of operations, and evaluate the effect on the surrounding area.”

So far, researchers have collected both fine and coarse dust emission samples from two feedlots in southern Alberta. They are now analyzing the composition of those samples for their chemical and biological characteristics.

Analysis is expected to be completed by March 2003, says Chawla. Researchers will then develop recommendations for feedlot operators. “For example, if we find that 60 percent of the PM on a feedlot is from a gravel road, we can suggest producers keep their gravel roads moist to reduce the amount of dust that gets airborne. Also, by determining the specific composition of dust emissions, we’ll be able to tell producers which compounds should be their biggest concern.”

A key part of the study will be to determine the transport and dispersion of the PM in ambient air, says Chawla “It’s this information that will demonstrate for us how these particulates circulate throughout the feedlot and in areas surrounding the feedlot.”

The AgTech Centre, located in Lethbridge, Alta., is part of the Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Agricultural Engineering Branch. Its mandate includes all aspects of agricultural sustainability.

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Study targets science-based strategies for cutting feedlot dust emissions