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Agricultural
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Aquaculture
Dale Bumpers College
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Arkansas Air QualityAir Quality Overview • Clean Air Act • Agriculture/Forestry • Animal Operations • Swine • Current Research • Current U.S. Regulatory Activity • Current AR Regulations • Other Air Quality Concerns Air Quality Overview Arkansas typically ranks in the top 1/3 of the states for quality air, meaning our normal air condition is cleaner than that of most states. The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) ranks regions and enforces air code violations by attainment or non-attainment zones throughout the United States. Visit http://airnow.gov for more information (including sites for teachers, children, etc.). The best conditions were rated in Brewster, Edwards, Kinney, Terrell and Verde Counties in southwest Texas, basically pristine areas with little population and enterprise. On a statewide basis, North Dakota has a more uniformly “clean” air rating than other states. The best regional air quality in Arkansas was measured in the Ozark and Ouachita regions, especially from Ashley to Pike Counties. Arkansas is one of only a few states in the U.S. that has consistently met all federal air quality standards for criteria pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides (NO)x, hydrocarbons and lead. Areas of concentrated population typically have more ambient air pollutants. Some sources that discharge emissions that reduce air quality ratings (EPA non-attainment standards) include motor vehicles, coal power generation, concentrated industries and fires. Benton, Crittenden, Garland, Independence, Jefferson and Pulaski counties in Arkansas are likely to have the greatest air quality concern. EPA ranks Arkansas high among states on ammonia discharges and relatively low on carbon monoxide, lead and (NO)x pollutants. Clean Air Act Air quality fluctuates during the day and over periods such as seasons. Where EPA designates a lack of “attainment”, restrictions and sanctions may be a part of regulatory action. Under the Clean Air Act, emissions of “greenhouse gases” (Methane, (NO)x and carbon compounds are key agricultural-related airborne elements) are under voluntary controls and are being traded by selling carbon credits to power generation industries to “offset” their emissions. All motor vehicle emissions contribute carbon monoxide, (NO)x, particulates, etc., especially in populated areas like Pulaski County. Emissions from coal power plants and other manufacturing facilities add volatile organic compounds (VOC) and stack gases. In certain areas, paper mills and wild fires reduce air quality with particulates, gases and odors. Local enterprises that include industrial production, wood processing, agricultural processing and agricultural production contribute air emissions in their immediate vicinity. Small particulates, called PM2.5, are currently proposed as the standard for measuring particulate emissions and the basis for meeting future regulations set by EPA. Regulations in effect now are based on particulate diameters measuring 10 microns and larger (PM10). Substantial science base has proven that the troublesome particles that reach human lungs fall largely in the range immediately larger than PM2.5. In recent years, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has focused on the elevated levels of ozone in ambient air, especially in the Little Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (LR/NLR MSA) and Memphis MSA. Based on concerns for elderly and children’s lungs, outdoor air in the Little Rock area was categorized as unhealthy for three days from mid to late June in 2005 because of the high ozone levels for these unusually sensitive populations. During the three-day period, the LR/NLR MSA ground level concentrations exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Visit the ADEQ website for zone updates at http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/air/ozone/ozonedays.asp For more information on enforcement activities and permit requirements, go to ADEQ’s Air Division website at http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/air/default.htm. Mike Bonds is currently the Chief of the Air Division; you can reach him by phone at 501- 682-0730. Agricultural enterprises introduce air emissions that include various particulates, gases and odors. At times, the following can be air pollutants: agricultural processing emissions; confined animal operation emissions; dust from tillage; ammonia and other gases (such as methane, hydrogen sulfide and a multitude of complex gases); and smoke from burning rice and wheat straw, wild fires and “controlled forest burns.” Airborne particulates in animal confinement operations involve manure, dander, poultry feathers, hair and feed. Poultry-house environments have dust, ammonia and other gases, bacteria and other contaminants that are respiratory concerns. These items related to production may be irritating or chronic health concerns. Ammonia is produced from nitrogenous compounds and causes a sharp, pungent odor. Ammonia concentration in poultry and swine confinements increases when ventilation is decreased. Elevated gas concentrations, such as ammonia in animal confinement, may also be detrimental to optimal poultry and swine production. Dust, ammonia and other air contaminants vary with animal activity and management that includes watering, feeding and ventilation. Approximately 150 different gases have been identified in swine confinement buildings. Ammonia and dust are the most prevalent swine-related contaminants. Additional ventilation may reduce peak ammonia concentrations in winter, etc. Studies concerning reduced protein diets, feed additives and manure additives continue. A low protein diet seems to reduce ammonia; rapid manure (including urine) removal is probably the most helpful. Feed and manure are the primary constituents of airborne dust. Active swine increase dust; a reduction of dust also reduces airborne ammonia. Again, feed and manure management and maintaining moist bedding materials and uniform ventilation help. Spraying soybean oil at low rates has reduced dust. A well-managed swine facility in Iowa kept ammonia and dust below expected respiratory problems. Research into air emissions and ways to reduce them in animal confinement production are an emphasis in several states: Poultry
Swine
Current U.S. Regulatory Activity The ramifications of the Clean Air Act for agriculture are unfolding, with permits, penalties and enforcement under consideration. More than 2000 animal feeding operations in the US have signed agreements with the EPA regarding air compliance plans. Based on EPA’s response, emissions will be monitored for two years beginning in 2006. No enforcement action will be taken during the monitoring, but at the conclusion EPA representatives have stated that animal operations must be in compliance with air codes. Current AR Regulations
Other Air Quality Concerns Odor isn’t regulated in Arkansas, but citizens of the communities of Lockesburg and Houston have banned swine farming within the city limits. Other zoning ordinances have been proposed but have not succeeded outside of incorporated city limits. Incorporated municipalities have planning authority up to five miles beyond city limits. Wheat and rice stubble fires have contributed to poor visibility and related traffic accidents. More commonly, the fires destroy fence posts, interrupt power distribution, and plane flights and occasionally burn farm equipment. Gary Huitink, Associate Professor |
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University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture |
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