Description of the requirements for electronic monitoring of air purification systems in stables

Decision amending the electronic monitoring of air purification systems and amending Article 2.17.1 of the VLAREM [Flemish Government Decree concerning general and sectoral provisions on environmental safety]

Measures to reduce ammonia emissions are a way for livestock farms and manure processing plants to meet the reduction targets imposed on them under the Nitrogen Decree of 24 January 2024. The Decree of 19 April 2024 on ammonia emission reduction measures contains a list of these measures as an annex.

It is greatly important that these measures function effectively, thereby ensuring that the intended ammonia emission reductions are achieved through the measures put in place. One of the most effective types of measures involves air purification systems, which remove ammonia from the stable air.
The air purification systems can be divided into air washing systems, whereby a distinction is made between biological air washing systems and chemical air washing systems, and biobeds.
This draft Decree adapts the rules for air purification systems, as set out in Chapter 5 of the Annex to the Decree on ammonia emission reduction measures, whereby older air purification systems already installed must also comply with provisions allowing proper electronic monitoring. In addition, the roles and responsibilities of other parties involved, namely the data supplier and the maintenance party, are further clarified