Superintendency of the Environment holds workshop for the pig industry, a key step to implement the new odor standard

More than 50 industry representatives, including ChileCarne, took part in this key activity for the proper implementation and monitoring of the new regulation.

To promote the implementation of Chile’s new odor emission standard for pig farms, the Superintendency of the Environment (SMA) held an online workshop for producers. The event was attended by more than 50 sector representatives, including ChileCarne’s team members and representatives from pork producers and exporters.

The new regulation, enacted via Supreme Decree No. 9 of 2023 of the Ministry of the Environment, lays down strict parameters to regulate pig farms odor emissions. The regulation focuses on mitigating odor nuisances on the surrounding communities, ensuring an improvement of the sector’s sustainable performance, and an environmentally friendly production.

The workshop began with a comprehensive update on the results of the first stage of the standard’s implementation and the requirements for its first year. According to the SMA, 82 farms completed the initial survey, which helped classify farms by size. The SMA identified 10 large-size farms, 14 medium-sized, and 53 small ones, in addition to 5 farms that won’t be subject to the regulation as they have less than 750 heads. Along with the initial survey, the companies identified all odor-emitting units, an essential element for the next phase, in which specific limit values will be set for each facility.

Regarding the obligation to submit an initial report via the recently enabled “Odors module” of the Atmospheric Monitoring System (SISAT) online platform, only 25 farms supplied 100% of the information requested, which is why the workshop continued with a detailed explanation of the improvements made to the platform in recent months, in order to overcome initial difficulties.

Through a real-time demonstration, participants learned how to upload data, including current operational practices and reports with the required emission rates. All the above aims to improve the understanding of the system, as part of the assistance for compliance provided by the authority.

The SMA also indicated that farms with missing information have already been notified, asking companies to upload it in the next few days. They also explained that operational practice reports can be edited if any adjustments are required.

The new interface allowing companies to upload the online monitoring proposal was also explained, and each farm was asked to update the data as soon as possible. Finally, they SMA explained that the information regarding the 10 large-sized farms is pending review by the agency. Once the process is completed, emission limit values will be set for all facilities under this category.

ChileCarne’s participation in the workshop responds to the commitment of the pork producing and exporting sector to comply with the new environmental standards. The association learned about the improvements to the reporting platform, a key tool to effectively implement and monitor the many obligations established by the regulation.

The SMA urged producers to make sure they receive a confirmation for all reports uploaded to SISAT and to take the necessary steps to correct any issues if they do not. The importance of the next steps was also highlighted, starting with the issuance of the resolutions that will set the corresponding emission limit values and the compliance assessment in the fourth year of the standard’s implementation, as stated in the regulation.

For more information, please visit https://portal.sma.gob.cl/index.php/sma-realizo-taller-para-titulares-sujetos-a-la-norma-de-emision-en-planteles-porcinos/ (in Spanish).