Technology of animal incineration
The idea behind the incinerator must have been adopted from the burn pit which was the earliest form of waste disposal. The burn pit was essentially a pile of highly combustible materials like dried twigs and branches that are set on fire; however, due to indiscriminate use, it is now being discouraged. Burn piles can also be a source of pollution because of the thick black smoke if combustion is not completed. Animal incineration is a treatment process for animal carcasses that also makes use of combustion where the end product is a reduction in the original volume by 80 to 85%. This means that even if animal incineration will not turn the carcass into ashes and flue gas, it significantly reduces the volume that will be thrown in the landfills. Animal incineration has a particularly huge benefit for the treatment of animal carcasses because pathogens are destroyed by the high temperature.
Issues on incinerators
Odors and dust are some of the issues against animal incineration but these are now well controlled in newer and more modern incineration plants. Another issue is the collection and delivery of animal carcasses to the incineration plant because of the health hazards but this problem has been solved through on-site incinerators that are commonly shared by neighboring livestock farms. Animal carcasses no longer have to be transported to incinerators in urban communities. Concerns over the emissions of incinerators have been significantly reduced by advances in emission control designs. Incinerators also have to comply with stringent environmental regulations imposed by both the federal government and individual states. Modern and well managed incineration plants make a very small contribution to air pollution. The ash residue from incineration is also considered as a non-hazardous solid waste that can be safely disposed of in the landfills. The volume of combusted waste is significantly lower which increases the life of landfills.
Responsibilities of the livestock owner
Regardless of the methods of disposal for animal carcasses, it is important for the dead animal to be disposed of within 48 hours. It can be stored for more than 48 hours from death if there is an enclosed structure that has been built for storage purpose with a freezer unit to prevent decomposition. The carcass can be left in the open during winter months when the ambient temperature is cold enough to ensure that the dead animal is completely frozen. It is also important to consider the directions of the inspector who will be appointed under the Health of Animals Act in Canada.