Based on these facts, the poultry industry requested a large-scale project to investigate emission reduction options for various poultry species (broiler chickens, pullets, laying hens, and turkeys). The aim is to reduce emissions directly within the barn, thereby improving the barn climate, animal health, and consequently, lowering overall pollution levels.
Livestock farming faces enormous problems regarding emissions and the resulting pollution. Problems with local residents and authorities during the permitting process for barns alone are increasing significantly. Furthermore, due to legal changes in various federal states, particularly concerning issues with local residents, even existing and permitted barns can be subject to intervention.
As a result, the authorities have the legal power to issue retroactive regulations regarding emissions and immissions from agriculture. This creates enormous uncertainty for existing farms and planning difficulties for future expansions. Therefore, the implementation of verified and approved emission reduction measures, both inside and outside the barn, is all the more important.
Installations above a certain size fall under the IPPC Directive, which, in addition to an operating permit, mandates the application of "best available technology" (BAT) with regard to pollution prevention, energy efficiency, and waste management. National authorities are responsible for issuing permits. This directive applies not only to industrial plants but also to intensive poultry farming or rearing operations with more than 40,000 places.
The EU, with its IPPC office in Seville, sets detailed requirements for future emission reduction studies and specifies the measurement technology to be used across Europe. This also includes Austrian proposals for emission reductions for the BAT lists, also known as BREFS. If the data collected and measures investigated within the project are accepted by the EU, this should subsequently be easily achievable for the Austrian authorities at the state and municipal levels.
The proposed project aims to have the feed additives and mitigation measures used recognized as "Best Available Technology", as this would allow these products to be used and recognized by farms that do not meet IPPC or EIA standards.
