Landscape variability and impacts Landscape variability and impacts - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Landscape variability and impacts Landscape variability and impacts

• f ammonia in relation to
• f ammonia in relation to

the Habitats Directive the Habitats Directive

Mark Sutton CEH Edinburgh Presentation to ALTERNET Network of Excellence Summer School, Peyresq, France, 5 Sept 2008 729 729

The problem The problem

• Farming is not just a force for

environmental protection

• Some aspects of farming lead to

environmental pollution (even when following “good practice”) Examples:

– Leaching of nitrates to soils and water courses – Emissions of ammonia to the atmosphere

The new polluters! The new polluters!

Erasmus Darwin (1731 Erasmus Darwin (1731-

• 1802)

1802)

On the benefits of ploughing in manure…

“Although

Although [the decomposition] is accomplished is accomplished more slowly more slowly, yet it is atten , yet it is attended with less lo ed with less loss of ss of carbonic acid, of volatile alkali carbonic acid, of volatile alkali [ammonia], of , of hy hydrogen, an drogen, and of the flui d of the fluid matter of heat; d matter of heat; all of which all of which are emitted in are emitted in great quantity during the great quantity during the rapi pid fermentati d fermentations o

• ns of lar

large heaps of manures, an e heaps of manures, and d are waste are wasted in the atmo d in the atmosphere, or on unproli sphere, or on unprolific fic grounds.” grounds.” [i.e., to semi-natural land]

Haber Haber Process Centenary 2008 Process Centenary 2008

• Limited natural supply of Nr from

mined nitrate and guano

• Needed for agriculture and military

security

• Haber-Bosch: 200 atmos; 450-500 ºC

N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) ⇔ 2 NH3 (g)

• Patented 1908 by Fritz Haber
• Commercialized by Carl Bosch
• Basis of the 20thC ‘green revolution’

Carl Bosch Fritz Haber

Global N production & dispersion Global N production & dispersion

Galloway et al. Science (15 May 2008)

Atmospheric Nr deposition (mg N m-2 year-1)

Human Nr Production: (Tg yr-1) 1860: 15 1995: 156 2005: 191 2005 sources: Haber Bosch: 121 Biol N fixn: 45 NOx emission: 25

60 30 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0.75 0.5 0.25 0.1

Atmospheric Nr deposition (mg N m-2 year-1)

NH3 emission Dispersion in the atmosphere Particles containing NH4

+

Reactions in the atmosphere Dry deposition Long-range transport in the atmosphere as particles Wet deposition of NH4

+ and NH3

NH3 as a gas

Ammonia in the atmosphere Ammonia in the atmosphere

Agricultural activities Ecological impacts

Effects of ammonia on the Effects of ammonia on the environment environment

Ammonium nitrate contributes substantially Ammonium nitrate contributes substantially to particulate matter (PM) concentrations to particulate matter (PM) concentrations

• Reduced visibility
• Human heath

impacts

Parma, Emilia Romagna, Italy

NH3 emission

Nitrogen reduces the abundance of Nitrogen reduces the abundance of woodland flowers woodland flowers

Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) Velvet grass (Holcus lanatus) Lost at the expense of:

Does N drive forest C sequestration? Does N drive forest C sequestration?

de Vries, Sutton et al. Nature 15 Feb 2008

Re Re-

• interpreting the nitrogen interaction

interpreting the nitrogen interaction

Sutton et al. Global Change Biology 2008

1 2 3 4 5 6 10 20 30 Nitrogen deposition (kg N ha

• 1 yr-1)

Net Ecosystem Productivity (Mg C ha

• 1 yr
• 1)

DCDN Magnani (wet N) 726 Magnani wet

Re Re-

• interpreting the nitrogen interaction

interpreting the nitrogen interaction

Sutton et al. Global Change Biology 2008

1 2 3 4 5 6 10 20 30 Nitrogen deposition (kg N ha

• 1 yr-1)

Net Ecosystem Productivity (Mg C ha

• 1 yr
• 1)

DCDN Magnani (wet N) 726 EMEP (wet N) 428 EMEP (total N) 177 Magnani wet EMEP total N

Sutton et al. Global Change Biology 2008

1 2 3 4 5 6 10 20 30 Nitrogen deposition (kg N ha

• 1 yr-1)

Net Ecosystem Productivity (Mg C ha

• 1 yr
• 1)

DCDN Magnani (wet N) 726 EMEP (wet N) 428 EMEP (total N) 177 EFM (simulation) 150 Magnani wet EFM simln EMEP total N

Re Re-

• interpreting the nitrogen interaction

interpreting the nitrogen interaction

Sutton et al. Global Change Biology 2008

1 2 3 4 5 6 10 20 30 Nitrogen deposition (kg N ha

• 1 yr-1)

Net Ecosystem Productivity (Mg C ha

• 1 yr
• 1)

DCDN Magnani (wet N) 726 EMEP (wet N) 428 EMEP (total N) 177 EFM (simulation) 150 EFM (clim corr) 68 Magnani wet EFM simln EMEP total N EFM clim corr

Re Re-

• interpreting the nitrogen interaction

interpreting the nitrogen interaction

Regional Up Regional Up-

• Scaling up ammonia fluxes

Scaling up ammonia fluxes

Gaseous NH3 Aerosol NH4

+

FRAME model & UK Network

Dominant NH3 sources

Nitrogen deposition in the UK Nitrogen deposition in the UK

NH3 dry deposition NH4 wet deposition NO3 wet deposition NOy dry deposition Outputs from the FRAME model. CEH Edinburgh and Univ. Edinburgh

Areas in the UK where nitrogen deposition exceeds Areas in the UK where nitrogen deposition exceeds environmental limits environmental limits

The problem with low resolution The problem with low resolution regional assessments regional assessments

Dealing with spatial scale Dealing with spatial scale

European exceedances

• f the critical load

for nitrogen National targets and policy Ecosystem protection

Implications of landscape level variability Implications of landscape level variability

• Nature areas near farms are more at risk
• Edges of woodland areas at high risk (the

bits that are seen)

• The exeedance is so massive that there is

no way that realistic national emission strategies will avoid impacts of ammonia

What should get the priority? What should get the priority?

• We need food – so surely we can’t close down all

the farms?

• Do we demand a pristine environment everywhere
• r are some losses acceptable?
• Should we move from blanket “common misery”

abatement to spatially targetted approaches? (→winners & losers)

• If we cannot protect everywhere, how do we

prioritize what should be protected?

Importance of the Habitats Directive Importance of the Habitats Directive

• A series of designated sites across Europe

(Natura 2000):

– Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) (Ecosystems) – Special Protection Areas (SPAs) (Birds)

• EU envisage a high level of protection.
• Precautionary principle applied

Article 6 (3) Article 6 (3)

Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the

• pinion of the general public.

Application to air pollution and ammonia Application to air pollution and ammonia

• Air pollution disperses: so has implications for

remote developments

• High degree of uncertainty with air pollution

impacts.

• Where doubt – then a plan should be refused

(unless “overriding public interest”)

• E.g. if critical loads already exceeded (~15 kg N

ha-1 year-1), what is a significant amount of extra N deposition? 0, 1, 10 kg?

729 729

“Nitrogen deposition & Natura 2000” Brussels, May 2009

Landscape planning for Landscape planning for ammonia & nitrogen mitigation ammonia & nitrogen mitigation

Four Four-

• way benefit of trees

way benefit of trees in spatial planning for ammonia in spatial planning for ammonia

Direction of Wind

• 1. Sheltering

Reduces Emissions

• 2. Recapture of NH3
• n the farm
• 4. Recapture of NH3

from livestock under trees

Nature Reserve

• 3. Improved dispersion

away from farm

Ammonia sources

30% 80% 15% 30%

Designing woodland buffer zones Designing woodland buffer zones

• Choice of trees, canopy

structure and planting area to maximize direct benefits

• Consideration of other

benefits

– Screening effect round farms – Biodiversity in farm woodlands – Increase in “core area” of existing reserves – Buffering for aquatic pollutants

Scenario of tree planting around two SACs Dragosits et al. Environ. Sci. & Policy 2006 and EC Environment News Service

Fertilizer manufacture Atmospheric N2 fixed to reactive nitrogen (NR)

NR

Crops for food & animal feed

NR Nitrogen oxides (NOx) Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Ammonia (NH3) Leached Nitrate (NO3

• )

Further emission

• f NOx & N2O

carrying on the cascade

Livestock farming Natural ecosystems

Ammonium nitrate in rain (NH4NO3)

Nitrate in Streamwaters

The The Nitrogen Nitrogen Cascade Cascade

Abatement may swap one pollutant for another in the nitrogen cascade

Example Example

• utputs of the
• utputs of the

LANAS model LANAS model

Ammonia Policy Ammonia Policy Case Studies Case Studies Examples on the SMALL scale Examples on the SMALL scale

Example 1: Public Planning Enquiry Example 1: Public Planning Enquiry

“ “The Barn The Barn” ”, Three Legged Cross , Three Legged Cross

• Farmer wanted to start a free range chicken farm in Dorset
• Tiny “environmentallly friendly” farm (only 2500 chickens)
• But: farm right next to a Special Area of Conservation

(SAC) heathland designated under the Habitats Directive.

• Farming is not considered “development”, but he needed

planning permission for a house to live there.

• Small example, but this is the first time in the UK that the

issue of ammonia effects has been “tested” in a public

• inquiry. Therefore wider implications.

The Stakeholders The Stakeholders

In favour

– Farmer – Farmer’s agents – Farmers lawyer

Against

– East Dorset District Council: Planning Authority – English Nature (national body responsible for Natura2000) – Lawyer of Council and English Nature – Neighbours – Former Girlfriend…

Other personal positions

– Joint Nature Conservation Committee (UK body) – Scientific expert ☺

Holt & West Moors SSSI, Three Holt & West Moors SSSI, Three-

• Legged Cross

Legged Cross Public Planning Enquiry Public Planning Enquiry

Application:

• New poultry farm

Issues:

• SSSI part of cSAC
• Ammonia deposition
• Nitrate leaching

At issue: The Farmer At issue: The Farmer’ ’s view s view

• Wants a house and a business
• Argues that any ammonia issue is a red herring, as

permission only needed for the building not the chickens

• Even if ammonia is relevant, argues that the farm

is too small to have an effect with only 2500 chicken (some farms have >500,000 birds)

• Argues that, with good practice, emissions are

negligible anyway.

At issue: English Nature At issue: English Nature’ ’s view s view

• The building and farm activity have to be considered as a

whole, as he would only get permission in this area as “accommodation for an agricultural worker”

• The heathland is designated as a Special Area of

Conservation (SAC) – the EU Habitats Directive affords this the highest level of protection.

• Before permission can be granted under the Habitat

Regulations: it must be demonstrated that there would be no adverse effect (onus of proof on the farmer)

• The scientific evidence suggests that there would be

negative effects of ammonia emissions on the heathland.

My evidence My evidence

• Expert witness for English Nature and the local council – The

job is to report scientific understanding rather than to campaign for either agriculture or environment.

• I described the emission, dispersion and deposition process to

the English Nature barrister and was then cross-examined.

• I gave expert judgement of “possible” effects 300 m into the

SAC, and “probable” effects 50 m into the SAC.

• I applied a screening model (SCAIL), which suggested an

extra 15 kg N deposition /hectare/year from the farm .

• My expectation was that lichens and other healthand plants

would be lost, which are “designated features” of the SAC.

Decision on the Public Inquiry Decision on the Public Inquiry

• Your view?
• The Inspector upheld English Nature and the

Council’s views completely:

– Link between house and the farm – Effects of ammonia are real – Regulation 6 (3) of the Directive: he had to refuse it.

Example 2: Example 2: Moninea Moninea Bog, N. Ireland Bog, N. Ireland

• SAC citation: “Moninea Bog is one of the best

remaining examples of an active raised bog within the drumlin landscape that occurs across the southern counties of Northern Ireland.”

• Existing poultry farm adjacent to SAC:

IPPC permit refused, but continuing to operate without permit. Appealed against Public prosecution; Hearing July 2008.

Moninea Moninea Bog, Bog, Northern Ireland Northern Ireland

Ammonia concentrations

(22) (20) (18) (10) (5) (15) (6) (1) (2) (13) (21) (8) (16, 17) (19) (19b) (22) (20) (18) (10) (5) (15) (6) (1) (2) (13) (21) (8) (16, 17) (19) (19b)

Polytrichum moss

Lichen: Cladonia uncialis

Site 17 Lichen: Cladonia portentosa

Bog moss Sphagnum imbricatum

☺

Ammonia Policy Ammonia Policy

Developments at the European scale Developments at the European scale

• Developments in the UNECE Convention on

Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP)

• UNECE Task Force on Reactive Nitrogen

New New “ “Critical Levels Critical Levels” ” for NH for NH3

3 Expert Workshop on Ammonia under the UNECE “Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution.” Old Critical Level 8 µg m-3 (annual mean) New Critical Levels Lichens & bryophytes* 1 µg m-3 Other vegetation 3 (2-4) µg m-3 * including habitats where lower plants essential to ecosystem integrity

Implications of the Implications of the new critical level new critical level

Threshold of 1 µg m-3 exceeded over 85% of England & 60% of UK Sulphur dioxide largely gone. Ammonia is now the major air pollution driver of lichen biodiversity.

Conclusions: Ammonia problems Conclusions: Ammonia problems

• In 2020 ammonia the largest contributor to

acidification, eutrophication and particulate matter

• Current ammonia abatement is small compared

with other sectors: more effort is required.

• Given costs and spatial variability, it is not feasible

to protect all European ecosystems, while maintaining a viable livestock sector.

Conclusions: Ammonia and Strategies Conclusions: Ammonia and Strategies

• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are the

logical priority for biodiversity protection

• Need an integrated view of the N cycle, linking

agricultural NH3, N2O and NO3- losses (inc. acidification, eutrophication & PM).

• Better coordination of NECD, Kyoto, Nitrates

Directive/WFD and CBD

• Established a new UN-ECE

“Task Force on Integrated Nitrogen” to address these links.

Nr & Society Nr & Society The The NitroNet NitroNet Poll Poll

• Water quality
• Air pollution
• Greenhouse gas balance
• Ecosystems and biodiversity
• Soil quality

In collaboration with The Green Room, BBC News.

If one molecule of reactive nitrogen has multiple effects in the environment, what priority would you give to minimizing the following threats? (Score each 1-5)

Nr & Society Nr & Society The The NitroNet NitroNet Poll Poll

In collaboration with The Green Room, BBC News.

BBC News Article

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7496036.stm

NitroNet Poll

www.nine-esf.org/?q=nitronet_poll

• The public view

reflects a wide range of Nr priorities

• All Nr issues must be

addressed

• Ecosystems and

biodiversity rated highest

2 3 4 Soil Quality Ecosystems & Biodiversity Greenhouse Gas Balance Air Pollution Water Quality Score

Ammonia and Nitrogen Ammonia and Nitrogen Foodprints Foodprints

What can you do for climate change?

– Use less fuel

What can you do to untangle the NitroNet?

– Eat less meet

WHO recommendations

– Europeans exceed recommended intake animal protein – Reducing intake would benefit your health and the environment.

http://www.clrtap http://www.clrtap-

• tfrn.org

tfrn.org