What is the guidance on odor control?

Odor Control:  (FPR Manual, Chapter 8, pg 99)

The following list provides general guidance concerning land application and odor control:

• keep FPRs well aerated
• select land application areas that are distant from neighboring residences
• avoid spreading when wind is blowing toward populated areas or when nearby neighbors are likely to be engaged in outdoor activities
• spread in the morning when air is warming and rising rather than in late afternoon  
• spread on turbulent and breezy days to dissipate and dilute odors
• avoid spreading near heavily traveled roads and clean up any spills promptly  
• incorporate odorous FPRs into soil immediately
   liming FPRs can reduce biological activity and odors; however, sometimes this only changes the odor and it remains objectionable.

Nuisance Prevention (FPR Manual, Chapter 8, Pag 103):

Land application is to be conducted in a manner to prevent odors, vectors, ponding of liquids, public nuisances or adverse effects to the soil, food chain, or the environment.

Can they really spread in the Winter and on snow? 

Short answer:  Yes.  Adding FPRs to a manure pit will consume it's storage capacity and thus allow it to be spread with restrictions...

Method of Application:  (PA FPR Manual, Chapter 8, Page 97)
“Field application of FPRs is not permitted on snowcovered ground. Remember, the potential for a pollution incident is greatest in the winter, and therefore so is your liability.” 

Weather Condition: (PA FPR Manual, Chapter 8, Page 104)
Land application when the field is frozen can occur when no storage capacity or other means of storage or disposal exists at the generation facility. During these conditions, the slopes at the land application area cannot exceed 3% and sufficient vegetation must exist to prevent runoff of FPRs.

Further winter spreading is limited to 5000 gallons per acre.

Can FPRs affect the soil quality? 

Absolutely!

Fats and Oils (PA FPR Manual, Chapter 8, Page 67)
 This refers to fats and oils of plant and animal origin. Certain FPRs, particularly meat and poultry processing sludges, contain significant quantities of fats and oils. Overapplying such FPRs can decrease the permeability of some soils. Limiting the application rate of oil and grease to 1.5% of the 254-5400-1000 / September 14, 2001 / Page 67 Chapter 8: Recycling FPRs as Soil Conditioners or Fertilizers soil weight, or about 30,000 lb/acre annually, is recommended. Caution is warranted when land applying liquid FPRs containing significant levels of fats and oils on existing vegetation. Such applications run the risk of smothering plants by clogging leaf pores.

Heavy Metals and PCBs (PA FPR Manual, Chapter 8, Page 71)

Parameters listed in Table 8.2 are regulated because plants can absorb excessive levels. Animals and humans consuming these plants can accumulate heavy metals and PCBs in body tissue. Cadmium content of land-applied materials must be carefully monitored for this reason. Copper, nickel, and zinc are regulated, not because they necessarily present a threat to animals or humans, but rather because at high concentrations these elements can inhibit plant growth. This inhibition is called phytotoxicity. FPRs should not ordinarily contain excessive concentrations of heavy metals or PCBs. However, two metals potentially in excess in certain FPRs are chromium and molybdenum. These are used for corrosion control in cooling water and boiler water blow-down. They may also be present in air conditioner water