We request the following information held by or on behalf of Public Health Wales in relation to the risks to human health from IPUs and associated AD plants in Wales, particularly in areas with high concentrations of IPUs, such as the Wye Valley:
1. any studies or research conducted or commissioned, or papers/reports published by Public Health Wales over the last 5 years relating to the potential impacts of pollution from IPUs and associated AD plants on human health (e.g.,the impacts of ammonia and bioaerosol emissions from IPUs and associated AD plants and the impacts of water pollution caused by the spreading of poultry manure from IPUs and digestate from associated AD plants on agricultural land in river catchments);
2. any specific quantitative or qualitative information gathered or commissioned to be gathered by Public Health Wales over the last 5 years in relation to the levels of water, soil or air pollution attributable to IPUs and associated AD plants and the risks this may present to human health;
3. any internal guidance notes, correspondence or public position statements produced or published by Public Health Wales over the last 5 years on the potential risks to human health from pollution caused by IPUs and associated AD plants; and
4. any correspondence or other communication with other public bodies or agencies (such as Natural Resources Wales, the Welsh Government or local authorities), over the last 5 years in relation to the potential impacts on public health of pollution from IPUs and associated AD plants.
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Thank you for your recent request dated 20th June 2023.
Most evidence concerning the health effects associated with intensive farming operations comes from occupational studies. While health effects among farmers exposed to high levels of bioaerosols are well documented, there is also a potential impact on respiratory health among communities, especially children, living near intensive farming operations. The most recent published review of the literature[1] recognised the potential impact on children living near to such sites but also concluded that the current evidence is not sufficient to recommend an increase in the distance required for a risk assessment from 100m to 250m; the latter being the limit used for composting facilities. Until more robust evidence becomes available, Public Health Wales recommends that local planning authorities and regulators ensure that, where there are sensitive receptors within 100m from the boundary of an intensive farming operation, the applicant undertakes a detailed risk assessment that objectively considers how the operator will effectively manage and minimise emissions including ammonia, odour and bioaerosols (through the application of Best Practicable Means and industry practice).
[1] Douglas et al (2017) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.10.019
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If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint or request a review of the decision, you should write to the Corporate Complaints Manager, Public Health Wales NHS Trust, 3, Number 2, Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ.
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint or review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Trust. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Information Commissioner for Wales
2nd Floor
Churchill House
Churchill Way
Cardiff
CF10 2HH
Telephone: 029 2067 8400
Email: wales@ico.org.uk