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Spotlight.....By Howard Person |
May, 2000 |
Making choices among odor-control technologies that are appropriate for a specific livestock operation is challenging, to say the least. One of the critical questions is: "What difference does it make?". The OFFSET Model—recent research developed by the University of Minnesota—addresses this question.
There are two components to the odor-control process:
- collecting measurements of odor emissions from various components of livestock operations
adapting an odor dispersion model, calibrated and validated for predicting the distance that odors will travel under a variety of weather conditions — the validation work must be done under actual field conditions.
Based upon hourly weather data, the OFFSET Model makes it possible to predict how frequently detectable odors will occur at various distances from the odor-producing component 16 directions around the facility.
A scaled plot can then be used in choosing a new facility site. This model also makes it possible to look at a variety of odor-control technologies and observe what impact they have upon how far odors will travel. This helps address the question: "What difference does it make?".
Michigan State University is currently adapting the University of Minnesota’s OFFSET Model using Michigan’s climate. Presently, we have data collected from nine locations around the state.
Michigan’s Right-to-Farm program is currently considering the OFFSET Model to be part of the Generally Accepted Agricultural Practices for Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanded Livestock Operations (GAAMPS) and will be reviewed annually.
Currently available odor emissions data is relatively broad ranging and I view the OFFSET Model as an important development that will require continuous growth and adjustment. However, there will still be an ongoing need to develop data for both current and new technologies.