IPPC and intensive pig production in England and Wales: Compliance costs, emission abatement and affordability

Abstract:

EU Directive 96/61/EC on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC), for the first time, applies comprehensive environmental regulation to the intensive livestock sector. In this context, this paper assesses the impact of IPPC on the environmental and financial performance of intensive pig installations, using three case studies in England and Wales. Particular attention is paid to the impact of best available techniques (BAT) and standard conditions of the permit on capital and operating costs, and on commercial viability. Key environmental and economic performance indicators are used to compare with and without IPPC situations.

The case studies confirm that IPPC will have greatest impact on animal housing and waste management systems. There are risks, however, that BAT prescriptions may not ensure a completely integrated approach to environmental protection throughout the whole production process. Furthermore, given the current depressed state of the sector, IPPC compliance could threaten the viability of existing production units. IPPC could, however, drive innovation and structural change in the pig industry.