Protocol and techniques to evaluate emission control technologies from animal production operations

Protocols for the evaluation of emission control technologies for animal production systems should include: both an overview of the treatment principles and statements that document claimed reductions for specifics aerosols parameters. At least two or more farms where the technology (assuming it is commercially available or at a working prototype stage) is operating needs to be identified before field testing is begun. Also the technology should have been operating for six months or until the active treatment system has stabilized. The protocol needs to have a statistical approach or method for tests that use either manure or air analysis. Standard test methods need to be used when available or documented methods for evaluating the specific technology. If continuous monitoring is utilized at least 24 hours of data need to be collected and if possible up to 48 hours during both a warm AND cold seasonal period if the technology will be located in a temperate area. If grab samples are taken instead of continuous sampling, several collections need to be done to determine if there are diurnal and/or seasonal effects. Samples collected need to be documented and the methods noted along with animal production data (daily gain, feed efficiencies, etc) and any feed and manure sampled collected analyzed or stored (frozen) for later reference. The most recent maintenance of facilities, and especially the technology being tested, also needs to be documented. Finally, test results needs to be reported in layman's format that will be understood by technology suppliers and animal producers.