The ideal separation distance between a livestock facility and the nearest neighbor to avoid an odor nuisance has not been determined, and is somewhat subjective. For a well designed and maintained facility with neighbors that are familiar with swine production a separation distance of 1,000 ft may be sufficient. If a city or town is close by then a separation distance of 1/2 mile from town or more would be recommended. New swine facilities should be located several miles from towns that are growing significantly in population. Odor strength and weather conditions can influence odor dispersion. Always try to locate new facilities where odor problems can be avoided or minimized.

State and local governments may both have regulations for separation distances. Be sure you contact both state and local government agencies early in the planning process and before any land is purchased.

Be a good neighbor

Attend public meetings and inquire about alternative systems. If the public knows that you are concerned about the environment, and are open to ideas they may be more tolerant if temporary odor problems arise. Also, always take some action to a complaint you receive. Check with neighbors before spreading manure on cropland to be sure that you do not ruin any of their family or community events. Neighbors and people in your community are consumers of pork, and keeping customers happy is important in any business. Finally, as urban and rural populations share more of the same land area, it is critical that producers create a good public impression by following recommendations which reduce odor and protect water quality.

In South Carolina, the prevailing wind direction is highly variable depending on proximity to the coastal region, hills, forests, or mountains. Coastal sea breezes can effect local wind patterns many miles inland. Local conditions need to be observed. Buildings and waste storages should be located so that prevailing winds do not carry odors in the direction of the farm residence or neighbors

Air drainage is a factor to consider when constructing a new facility in hilly areas. During calm summer evenings the air near the ground begins to cool and drifts down-slope since cool air is heavier than warm air. If a livestock building or waste storage is located uphill from a town or cluster of houses the cool air will flow past the livestock facility, may pick up unpleasant odors, and may create a nuisance around dwellings in its path. This pattern of cold air drainage will be repeated at regular intervals throughout the year. It is important to avoid placing an odor generator in the path of an air drainage stream. As a result, it is best to choose a site that is not up-slope from close neighbors.

Unfortunately many people "smell" with their eyes. Providing a natural or artificial barrier between facilities and the public eye can reduce the localized environmental impact of your livestock operation, especially when it comes to odors. Consider planting several rows of fast growing trees or shrubs, building a soil berm or even a high windbreak fence between barns and manure storages and a public road. Natural and artificial barriers can also help to filter and disperse odors coming from facilities and manure storages. Another public perception is that if an operation looks bad it also smells bad. Keep facilities well maintained. Grass should be mowed regularly and equipment stored (especially manure spreaders, slurry tanks, and pumps). Locating livestock facilities and waste storages away from the public view and maintaining a "tidy" farmstead will draw less attention to your site and improve the image of the entire operation.