attachment no. a - environmental protection agency · in 1966 and consists of a concrete imhoff...

Shannonbridge WWTPOffaly County Council Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation

Application Attachments

Attachment No. A.1

Supporting Information

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Attachment No. B.1

Drawing of the agglomeration served by the waste water works showing theboundary.

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Attachment No. B.2

Drawings of the site boundary and overall site plan, including labelled discharge,monitoring and sampling points.

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Attachment No. B.3

Drawings of the primary discharge point, including labelled monitoring andsampling points associated with the discharge point.

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Attachment No. B.4

Drawings of the secondary discharge point(s), including labelled monitoring andsampling points associated with the discharge point(s).

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Attachment No. B.5

Drawings of storm water overflow point(s) associated with the waste water works,including labelled monitoring and sampling points associated with the dischargepoint(s).

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Attachment No. B.6

The most recent planning permission, including a copy of all conditions, andwhere an EIS was required, copies of any such EIS and any certificationassociated with the EIS. Where planning permission is not required for thedevelopment, provide reasons, relevant correspondence, etc.

Not applicable as construction of existing Waste Water Treatment Workspredates planning/EIS requirements.

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Attachment No. B.7 (i)

Location of discharges located within Shannon Free Airport DevelopmentCompany area

Not Applicable

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Attachment No. B.8(ii)

Pending Development

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Information on calculated p.e to be contributed to the WWTW as a resultof granted planning permissions

FileNumber

DecidedDate

ApplicantName

DevelopmentAddress

Development Description NotBuilt

08162 13/11/ 2008 SEAN DOLAN MAIN STREETSHANNONBRIDGECO OFFALY

DEMOLITION OF EXISTINGPUBLIC HOUSE ANDCONSTRUCTION OF 6 NO.HOUSES, ASSOCIATE BOUNDARYWALLS, REAR GARDENS,SITEWORKS, LANDSCAPING,ACCESS ROAD, FOOTPATHS,SERVICE CONNECTIONS AND TORAISE LEVELS TO REAR OF SITE

18

Additional PE 18

Percentage of projected p.e. to be contributed by non-domestic activities

Additional Non-Domestic PE = 0 = 0%

Ability of WWTW to accommodated extra hydraulic and organic load

An additional P.E of 18 will bring the total population equivalent forShannonbridge WWTW to 364 P.E., which is below the design capacity of theproposed WWTW of 500 P.E. We can, therefore, state that this extra hydraulicand organic load would not pose an environmental risk to the receiving waterhabitat following construction of the proposed WWTW.

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Attachment No. B.8(iii)

Relevant Fees

Not Required

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Attachment No. B.9

The most recent development programme, including a copy of any approvedfunding for the project and a timeframe for the completion of the necessary worksto take place.

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Shannonbridge Sewerage Scheme Development Programme

Note: Shannonbridge WWTW is located adjacent to the Shannon Callows. Thisarea is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA), Special Area of Conservation(SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). Owing to the sensitive nature of thearea around the WWTW, Offaly County Council propose to relocate the WWTW tothe south east of the village, outside the boundary of the Shannon Callows, asdescribed in this section.

Shannonbridge is currently served by a network of mainly combined sewers,which is now more than 40 years old. All of the foul flow in the village is directedto a sewage pumping station located in the village prior to being pumped to theexisting WWTW.

As part of the Offaly Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme No.1., a newsewerage scheme including works to the collection system and waste watertreatment plant is proposed to provide for the sustainable development of thevillage over the next 20 years. The existing sewer network would be extended tocater for all existing and proposed properties included in the development plan forthe village. The new/upgraded system would be constructed based on completeseparation of surface water and foul flows from new developments. New stormwater sewers are proposed to provide for the collection of surface runoff fromroads and new developments and, where possible/economic, to remove surfacewater from the existing combined drainage system. New foul sewers would bedesigned to convey a flow rate of 6 multiples of the calculated dry weather flow.It is proposed to retain the existing foul sewers and provide a new surface waterdrainage system for the Main Street, which would be expected to significantlyreduce the quantities of surface water entering the foul/combined system.Elsewhere, a new foul sewer is proposed to serve undeveloped zoned residentiallands in the County Development Plan, and would be connected to the villagepumping station.

A major civil, mechanical and electrical refurbishment is proposed to bring theexisting pumping station to a satisfactory standard. These refurbishment workswould include replacement of the 2 No. existing dry well pumps with modernsubmersible dry mounted pumpsets, new level controls, new station pipeworkincluding sluice valves and non-return valves, a dry well ventilation system andimproved access. A new rising main is proposed to convey raw sewage from thevillage to the new proposed location for the WWTW. This rising main would be100mm diameter and approximately 1.2km in length. Also, a small number ofdefects on existing sewerage pipes would require local repairs.

The existing Waste Water Treatment Works serving Shannonbridge was installedin 1966 and consists of a concrete Imhoff tank and sludge drying beds, located onan area of raised ground on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. Owing to thesensitive nature of the area around the WWTW, and as part of the Offaly Grouped

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Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme, Offaly County Council propose to relocatethe WWTW to the south east of the village, outside the boundary of the ShannonCallows. It is proposed to relocate the WWTW to alleviate two main problems withthe existing site location, i.e. flooding risk associated with the existing locationand planning permission difficulties associated with environmental issues due tothe sensitive surroundings (Shannnon Callows). The proposed location is shownon drawings Shannonbridge-09, -10 and -11. Also indicated is proposed newrising main of approximately 1155m, required to transport foul flow from therefurbished pumping station to the relocated WWTW. A new outfall ofapproximately 700m in length, to a new discharge point in the River Shannon, isalso indicated. A design PE of 500 is proposed for the new WWTW, with finaleffluent discharge standards of 25/35 (BOD/SS), in addition to a 2mg/l totalphosphorus limit. The proposed BOD and Suspended Solids limits are in line withthose set by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I.254/2001), with the Total Phosphorus limit equal to that set for discharges tosensitive areas.

The type of plant that would ultimately be installed at Shannonbridge wouldlargely depend on the outcome of the procurement options assessment and in thespecifications used in terms of the design life required for tanks and processequipment. An extended aeration plant, as shown in the proposed layout, wouldbe considered the most likely process to be ultimately installed. It is proposedthat the plant would comprise at least two hydraulically independent treatmentstreams so that isolation of one of the streams for the low loads in the early yearsof operation, and subsequently for maintenance purposes, could be provided.

At Shannonbridge the process proposed would generate an excess of sludge andit is proposed to provide dedicated storage for this sludge. A picket fencethickener having sufficient capacity for storage of sludge for 2 weeks is proposed.This would be expected to take the unthickened sludge from around 1% tobetween 2 and 4% thereby more than halving the volume to be transported forfurther treatment. A picket fence thickener with an appropriate surface loading forthe expected arisings at Shannonbridge is shown on the proposed layout referredabove. This would be provided with a draw off pipe and bauer connection forsludge withdrawal.

Shannonbridge is included in Offaly County Council’s Water Services InvestmentProgramme as part of the Offaly Grouped Towns and Villages Sewerage SchemeNo.1. While a preliminary report has been prepared describing the aboveproposed works and estimated costs for same, DoEHLG approval of the specificimprovement measures identified in this report is awaited.

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Attachment No. B.10

Relevant correspondence issued in relation to a Section 63 Notice

Not Applicable

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Attachment No. B.11

The most recent licence issued under the Foreshore Act 1933

Not Applicable

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Attachment No. C.1

Supporting documentation with regard to the plant and process capacity, systems,storm water overflows, emergency overflows, etc., including flow diagrams of eachwith any relevant additional information.

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The existing Waste Water Treatment Works serving Shannonbridge was installedin 1966 and consists of a concrete Imhoff tank and sludge drying beds, located onan area of raised ground on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. Refer todrawings Shannonbridge-01 and -02 in Attachment A.1 for details of site location,site layout and flow diagram.

Shannonbridge WWTW is located adjacent to the Shannon Callows. This area is aproposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) andSpecial Protection Area (SPA). Owing to the sensitive nature of the area aroundthe WWTW, Offaly County Council propose to relocate the WWTW to the southeast of the village, outside the boundary of the Shannon Callows. The wastewater from the village would be pumped from the upgraded pumping station,located in the village, through approximately 1155m of new rising main to thenew WWTW. A new outfall, approximately 700m in length, would discharge thetreated effluent to a new location along the River Shannon. Refer to drawingsShannonbridge-09, -10 and -11 in Section B.9 for details.

At present, effluent is pumped to the existing WWTW via a 100mm diameterrising main, where it is directed to a concrete Imhoff tank via an inlet chamber.In the Imhoff tank process, waste matter is decomposed through bacterial action.It consists of an upper chamber in which sedimentation takes place, from whichcollected solids slide down inclined bottom slopes to an entrance into a lowerchamber, in which the sludge is then collected and digested.

There are two 200mm diameter outlet pipes which lead from the Imhoff tank.One outlet pipe transports the clarified (settled) liquid to a channel adjacent tothe sludge drying beds and on to a 225mm diameter outfall pipe, which thendischarges the treated effluent to the River Shannon. A 200mm diameter by-passpipe runs around the Imhoff tank from the inlet chamber and connects to thisoutlet pipe from the tank. The flow to this pipe is controlled via a penstock valvelocated at the inlet chamber to the Imhoff tank and it is only used duringmaintenance of the tank.

The second outlet pipe runs from the Imhoff tank to the sludge drying beds. Here,surplus sludge withdrawn from the settling process is left to dry for easierhanding and disposal. However, as this outlet and the sludge drying beds havebeen out of commission for a number of years, the sludge is now removeddirectly from the base of the Imhoff tank and is transported by tanker to Ferbaneor Birr for dewatering (depending on the capacity of either WWTW to treat thesludge), prior to onward transportation for landspreading in Borris-in-Ossory, Co.Laois.

The WWTW has exceeded its design life and the quality of the effluent from theplant has deteriorated in recent years

C.1.1 Storm Water Overflows

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As Shannonbridge Sewerage Scheme was built prior to the publication of‘Procedures and Criteria for Storm Water Overflows’, we would conclude that thestorm water overflow from the village pumping station may not meet the designcriteria established in this document.

A new sewerage scheme is proposed for Shannonbridge including works to thecollection system, the existing pumping station and provision of a new WWTW toprovide for the sustainable development of the village over the next 20 years. Itis expected that the existing overflow arrangement in the pumping station will beupgraded, with the overflow arrangement conformation to the ‘Procedures andCriteria for Storm Water Overflows’ document, previously referred to.

C.1.2 Pumping StationsThere is one pumping station on the Shannonbridge collection system located inthe village.

There are 2No pumps located in this pumping station, 1 No. duty and1 No. standby.

An emergency overflow is provided to relieve the system in the eventof hydraulic overloading and/or mechanical failure;

Details of storage capacity at each pump station; The pumping rate ofthe operational pump is estimated at 17.2l/s - Storage capacity ofWetwell 1 & 2 = 21.88m3

In the lifetime of the pumping station there has been only one knownoverflow discharge from the pumping station, which occurred due to ablockage in the rising main at the entrance to the WWTW. Theoverflow discharges to a drainage ditch adjacent to the pumpingstation, as illustrated in drawing Shannonbridge-08 in AttachmentB.5. This ditch, in turn, discharges to the River Shannon immediatelydownstream of the WWTW outfall location,

A major civil, mechanical and electrical refurbishment is proposed as part of theupgrading works to the sewerage system, to bring this pumping station to asatisfactory standard.

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Attachment No. D.1 (i)

Discharges to Surface Water

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Note to ‘Emissions to Surface/Ground Waters’ and ‘Dangerous SubstanceEmissions’ tables.

With reference to ‘Emissions to Surface/Ground Waters’ and ‘DangerousSubstance Emissions’ tables for characteristics of current emissions, please notethat we have given the ‘as discharged maximum daily average’ value measured inthe effluent over the 12 months prior to this application.

Refer to drawing Shannonbridge-06, -07 and -08 in Attachments B.3, B.4 & B.5for location of discharge points.

As far as is known, the nearest drinking water abstraction point downstream ofShannonbridge WWTW is located at Banagher Water Treatment Works, Co.Offaly, and is located approximately 13km downstream of Shannonbridge WWTWeffluent point. Considering the high dilution levels available not only in the RiverShannon, but also considering the confluence of the Rivers Blackwater and Brosnabetween the discharge point and Banagher Water Treatment Works, it is notconsidered that the effluent from Shannonbridge WWTW will have any significanteffect on the quality of drinking water from this location.

Shannonbridge WWTW is located adjacent to the Shannon Callows. This area is aproposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) andSpecial Protection Area (SPA). The possible effects of discharging the effluent intothis area are discussed in Attachment F.1.

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WWD Licence Application - Shannonbridge - Page: 1

WWD Licence Application

Agglomeration details

Contact details

Leading Local Authority Offaly County CouncilCo-ApplicantsAgglomeration ShannonbridgePopulation Equivalent 346Level of Treatment SecondaryTreatment plant address Shannonbridge WWTW,

Shannon Banks,Shannonbridge,Co. Offaly.

Grid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 196687 / 225166EPA Reference No:

Contact Name: Tom ShanahanContact Address: Áras an Chontae,

Charleville Road,Tullamore,Co. Offaly

Contact Number: 057 – 9346800Contact Fax: 057 – 9346868Contact Email: [email protected]

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WWD Licence Application Annex I

Table D.1(i)(a): EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS (Primary Discharge Point)

Discharge Point Code: SW-1

Emission Details:

Local Authority Ref No: UnknownSource of Emission: Treated EffluentLocation: Shannonbridge WWTWGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 196648 / 225149Name of Receiving waters: River ShannonWater Body: River Water BodyRiver Basin District Shannon IRBDDesignation of Receiving Waters: SAC/SPA/pNHAFlow Rate in Receiving Waters: 3.6 m3.sec-1 Dry Weather Flow

20 m3.sec-1 95% Weather FlowAdditional Comments (e.g.commentary on zero flow or otherinformation deemed of value)

'0' = Unknown

(i)Volume emittedNormal/day 77.85 m3 Maximum/day 233.55 m3

Maximumrate/hour

9.73 m3 Period of emission(avg)

60 min/hr 24 hr/day 365 day/yr

Dry Weather Flow 0.0009 m3/sec

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Table D.1(i)(b): EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS - Characteristics of The Emission

(Primary Discharge Point)


For Orthophosphate: this monitoring should be undertaken on a sample filtered on 0.45µm filter paper

For Phenols: USEPA Method 604, AWWA Standard Method 6240, or equivalent.

Substance As discharged

Unit ofMeasurement

Sampling Method Max Daily Avg. kg/day

pH pH Grab = 7.44

Temperature °C Grab = 18.6

Electrical Conductivity (@ 25°C) µS/cm Grab = 1453

Suspended Solids mg/l Grab = 137 10.67

Ammonia (as N) mg/l Grab = 61.62 4.8

Biochemical Oxygen Demand mg/l Grab = 275 2.94

Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/l Grab = 546 42.51

Total Nitrogen (as N) mg/l Grab = 63.84 4.9

Nitrite (as N) mg/l Grab = 0.018 0.0014

Nitrate (as N) mg/l Grab = 0.5 0.0389

Total Phosphorous (as P) mg/l Grab = 7.49 0.583

OrthoPhosphate (as P) mg/l Grab = 6.734 0.524

Sulphate (SO4) mg/l Grab = 71.09 5.534

Phenols (Sum) µg/l Grab = 28.733 0.00224

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Table D.1(i)(c): DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS -

Characteristics of The Emission (Primary Discharge Point)





Unit ofMeasurement


Atrazine µg/l Grab < 0.01 0.000000779

Dichloromethane µg/l Grab < 1 0.00007785

Simazine µg/l Grab < 0.01 0.000000779

Toluene µg/l Grab = 54.906 0.004274

Tributyltin µg/l Grab < 1 0.000000779

Xylenes µg/l Grab < 1 0.000000779

Arsenic µg/l Grab = 1.5 0.000117

Chromium µg/l Grab = 2.9 0.000226

Copper µg/l Grab = 360.6 0.0281

Cyanide µg/l Grab < 5 0.00038925

Flouride µg/l Grab = 640 0.049824

Lead µg/l Grab = 5.1 0.000397

Nickel µg/l Grab = 4.8 0.0003737

Zinc µg/l Grab = 175 0.13624

Boron µg/l Grab = 352.1 0.02741

Cadmium µg/l Grab = 1 0.00007785

Mercury µg/l Grab < 0.03 0.00000234

Selenium µg/l Grab = 1.7 0.0001323

Barium µg/l Grab = 47.9 0.003729

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Table D.1(ii)(a): EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS (Secondary Discharge Point)


Emission Details:

Local Authority Ref No:Source of Emission: WWTW By-Pass OverflowLocation: Shannonbridge WWTWGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 196648 / 225149Name of Receiving waters: River ShannonWater Body: River Water BodyRiver Basin District Shannon IRBDDesignation of Receiving Waters: SAC/pNHA/SPAFlow Rate in Receiving Waters: 3.6 m3.sec-1 Dry Weather Flow


'0' = Unknown

(i)Volume emittedNormal/day 0 m3 Maximum/day 0 m3

Maximumrate/hour

0 m3 Period of emission(avg)


Dry Weather Flow 0 m3/sec

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Table D.1(ii)(b): EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS - Characteristics of The

Emission (Secondary Discharge Point)





Unit ofMeasurement


pH pH Grab = 0

Temperature °C Grab = 0

Electrical Conductivity (@ 25°C) µS/cm Grab = 0

Suspended Solids mg/l Grab = 0 0

Ammonia (as N) mg/l Grab = 0 0

Biochemical Oxygen Demand mg/l Grab = 0 0

Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/l Grab = 0 0

Total Nitrogen (as N) mg/l Grab = 0 0

Nitrite (as N) mg/l Grab = 0 0

Nitrate (as N) mg/l Grab = 0 0

Total Phosphorous (as P) mg/l Grab = 0 0

OrthoPhosphate (as P) mg/l Grab = 0 0

Sulphate (SO4) mg/l Grab = 0 0

Phenols (Sum) µg/l Grab = 0 0

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Table D.1(ii)(c): DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS -

Characteristics of The Emission (Secondary Discharge Point)





Unit ofMeasurement


Atrazine µg/l Grab = 0 0

Dichloromethane µg/l Grab = 0 0

Simazine µg/l Grab = 0 0

Toluene µg/l Grab = 0 0

Tributyltin µg/l Grab = 0 0

Xylenes µg/l Grab = 0 0

Arsenic µg/l Grab = 0 0

Chromium µg/l Grab = 0 0

Copper µg/l Grab = 0 0

Cyanide µg/l Grab = 0 0

Flouride µg/l Grab = 0 0

Lead µg/l Grab = 0 0

Nickel µg/l Grab = 0 0

Zinc µg/l Grab = 0 0

Boron µg/l Grab = 0 0

Cadmium µg/l Grab = 0 0

Mercury µg/l Grab = 0 0

Selenium µg/l Grab = 0 0

Barium µg/l Grab = 0 0

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Table D.1(iii)(a): EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS (Storm Overflow)


Emission Details:

Local Authority Ref No:Source of Emission: Pumping Station OverflowLocation: Shannonbridge Village Pumping StationGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 197101 / 225377Name of Receiving waters: UnknownWater Body: River Water BodyRiver Basin District Shannon IRBDDesignation of Receiving Waters: NoneFlow Rate in Receiving Waters: 0 m3.sec-1 Dry Weather Flow


'0' = Unknown

(i)Volume emittedNormal/day 0 m3 Maximum/day 0 m3

Maximumrate/hour

0 m3 Period of emission(avg)


Dry Weather Flow 0 m3/sec

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EntityName StationName StationLocalCode SamplePurpose SampleLabCode SampleDate CompletionDate Easting Northing Ammonia Ammonia as NBOD Chemical Oxygen Demand Conductivity @ 20°C Nitrate as N Nitrates(NO3) Nitrites(N) Nitrites(NO2) Ortho-phosphate pH Phosphate(P2O5) Temperature Total Nitrogen Total Oxidised Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Total Suspended SolidsShannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Influent Shannonbridge 6733 Discharge Monitoring - TP 08437549 04/06/2008 0 0 57.65 268 712 1072 NT NT 40.1 7.86 NT 74 11.27 418Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Influent Shannonbridge 6733 Discharge Monitoring - TP 08437647 06/08/2008 0 0 38.7 82 290 849 NT NT 11.94 7.66 NT 22 6.32 140Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Influent Shannonbridge 6733 Discharge Monitoring - TP 08437770 14/10/2008 0 0 10.4 58 352 303 NT NT 5.2 7.33 NT 16.8 2.41 142.5Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Influent Shannonbridge 6733 Discharge Monitoring Influent 09438128 13/05/2009 0 0 28.86 213 521 NT NT NT NT 7.34 43 6.18 258Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Influent Shannonbridge 6733 Discharge Monitoring Influent 09438288 26/08/2009 0 0 30.28 148.5 292 NT NT NT NT 7.88 21.2 5.92 166

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Attachment D.1 (ii)

Discharges to Groundwater

Not applicable

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Attachment D.1 (iii)

Private Waste Water Treatment Plants

Not Applicable

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Attachment No. D.2

Tabular Data on Discharge Points

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PT_CD PT_TYPE LA_NAME RWB_TYPE RWB_NAME DESIGNATION EASTING NORTHING

PointCodeProvidelabelID’s

Point Type (e.g.,Primary/ Secondary/Storm WaterOverflow)

Local Authority Name(e.g., Donegal CountyCouncil)

Receiving WaterBody Type (e.g.,River, Lake,Groundwater,Transitional,Coastal)

Receiving WaterBody Name (e.g.,River Suir)

Protected Area Type(e.g., SAC,candidate SAC,NHA, SPA etc.)

6E-digit GPSIrish NationalGridReference

6N-digit GPSIrish NationalGridReference

SW1 Primary Discharge Offaly County Council River Shannon SAC/pNHA/SPA 196648 225149SW2 Secondary Discharge Offaly County Council River Shannon SAC/pNHA/SPA 196648 225149SW3 Pumping Station

OverflowOffaly County Council Drainage Ditch Unknown None 197101 225377

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Attachment No. E1

Waste Water Discharge Frequency and Quantities – Existing & Proposed

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Note: Composite sampling or continuous flow monitoring is not place on theprimary discharge points. There are no plans or timescales for the provision ofcomposite sampling or continuous flow monitoring as it is Offaly County Council’spolicy to use grab sampling for plants that are below 500 design P.E in size.

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TABLE E.1(i): WASTE WATER FREQUENCY AND QUANTITY OF DISCHARGE – Primary and

Secondary Discharge Points

Identification Code for Discharge point Frequency of discharge (days/annum) Quantity of Waste Water Discharged

(m³/annum)

SW-1 365 28415.249999999

SW-2 0 0

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TABLE E.1(ii): WASTE WATER FREQUENCY AND QUANTITY OF DISCHARGE – Storm Water

Overflows

Identification Code for Dischargepoint

Frequency of discharge(days/annum)

Quantity of Waste WaterDischarged (m³/annum)

Complies with Definition of StormWater Overflow

SW-3 0 0 No

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Attachment No. E2

Monitoring and Sampling Points.

Refer to drawings Shannonbridge-04 and Shannonbridge-05 in Attachment B.2for locations of sampling points.

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Offaly County Council Sampling Locations for UWWT Regulations (2009)

Co-Ordinates Frequency/yrSite name Sampling location River Name X Y

EffluentShannonbridgeWwTW 196710 225179 4u/s Shannonbridge Shannon Bridge Shannon 196723 225380d/s Shannonbridge Banragh Island Shannon 197419 224174

Note: Shannonbridge WWTW does not have the related receiving watersmonitored by the Shannon RBD Laboratory, 2009.

Offaly County Council Proposed Sampling Schedule 2009

Location Shannonbridge

Sampling Points Inlet, Outlet

Type of sample Grab

Minimum Requirements 0

Annual Total 4

BOD 2

COD 2

Suspended Solids 2

Total N 2

Ammonia (NH3-N) 2

pH 2

Conductivity 2

Nitrates (NO3) 2

Total P 2

Ortho P 2

Sulphate (S04) 2

FOGs 2

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INDEX

SOP NUMBER: TITLE:1 Measurement of Biochemical Oxygen Demand2 Measurement Of Chemical Oxygen Demand3 Measurement of Ammonia-Salicyclate Method4 Total Nitrogen (Test N’ Tube) TNT Persulfate Digestion Method5 Total Phosphorous (Test N’ Tube) Acid Persulfate Digestion6 Measurement of Orthophosphate- Ascorbic acid7 Nitrate High Range (Test N’ Tube) – Chromotropic Acid Method8 Nitrite Low Range – Diazotization Method9 Composite Sampler Operation10 Collection and Handling of Samples11 Measurement of pH12 Measurement of Dissolved Oxygen13 Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids14 Measurement of Ammonia- Nessler Method15 Measurement of Conductivity16 Oxi330 Cleaning17 Re-setting fume hood time18 HR 200 Analytical Balance Calibration

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ANALYTICAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

SOP NO. Env. Lab No: 10 PAGE: 1 of 5

PREPARED BY: Catherine Hogan DATE: 27/06/08

TITLE: Collection and handling of samples Version: 001

1.0 WARNING AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONSRoutine field safety precautions shall be followed by analysts taking grab / compositesamples from rivers, lakes and sewerage treatment plants.

2.0 INTRODUCTIONThere are two methods of Sampling used by Offaly County Council Environment Lab

2.1 GRAB SAMPLING2.2 COMPOSITE SAMPLING.

2.1 Grab sampling is just what it sounds like; all of the test material is collected atone time. As such, a grab sample reflects performance only at the point in timethat the sample was collected, and then only if the sample was properlycollected. Grab samples are taken from plants that are below 500 design P.Ein size. Grab samples are also taken from rivers i.e. upstream and downstreamof WWTP. A grab sample would also be taken from possible potentialpollution sites when investigating a complaint.

2.2 Composite Sampling is done using a 24hr portable sampler see SOP NO. EnvLab 009. Composite samples provide a more representative sample and showa more accurate picture of the performance of the Treatment Plant in theprevious 24hrs. Composite samples are taken in the larger plants i.e. >500 P.Ein size.Composite samples should be collected in a cooled storage container tomaintain the integrity of the samples, after the 24hrs the samples should becollected and transported back to the laboratory for immediate analysis

2 APPARATUS

2.2 Sampling Apparatus/ Scoopers2.3 Sample Bottles2.4 Dissolved Oxygen Meter2.5 Sterile anti-bacterial wipes2.6 Permanent pen2.7 Gloves2.8 Field Log Sheet (C.S 15)2.9 Composite Sampler

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3 SAMPLE TAKING AND HANDLING4.1

A) Field Log Sheet (C.S 15)

The field log sheet should be used when out sampling to record the date andtime, type of sample, method used to collect the sample e.g. Composite orgrab, location, name of person that collected the sample and any comments.This sheet can also be used to record DO and Temp. of river samples.

B) Sample Labels

A label must be put on all samples collected to identify the sample when it isbrought back to the laboratory.

C) Chain of custody record

A chain of custody record should accompany every sample that issubcontracted i.e. in the case of a major pollution incident such as an oil spill.It must include the following: sample number, signatures of collector, date andtime and address of collection, sample type, if sample is preserved or not andthe turnaround time required. The form also includes information on analysisrequested.

4.2 Sampling Methods

Samples are taken over 24hr using the composite sampler or manually usingthe sample apparatus (scooper) in the case of grab samples. There is aseparate scooper for river samples and influent/effluent samples. The samplestaken for monitoring of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations aretaken in clean 1000ml plastic bottles. If sampling a pollution incident e.g. anoil spill always consult with the subcontracting laboratory to enquire aboutpreservation and sampling containers and where possible use appropriatecontainers provided by the laboratory.

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4.3 Procedure for Collecting Samples.

a) River Samples

River samples are to be taken from Bridges if at all possible, safety mustalways be taken into account when sampling from bridges or banks of rivers.In the case of a pollution incident the sampling order is downstream, dischargepipe and then upstream.The scooper should first be rinsed out with the water that is to be sampled,then position the scooper facing the direction of the flow of the river and fillthe scooper, next rinse out the bottle with some sample then fill the samplebottle to overflow (unless using a sample bottle with preservative). Cap thebottle, label and return to the laboratory. If taking the DO of the river sampleleave some sample in the scooper and use this to measure the DO. See section4.4 for sample storage. If using an external lab ensure chain of custody recordis completed.

b) Influent/Effluent Samples

The effluent sample should be taken first (if taking a grab sample) followed bythe influent to avoid contamination. The scooper should first be rinsed outwith the liquid to be sampled, next rinse the sample bottle, then fill the samplebottle to full to overflow.When collecting the effluent from a composite sampler,

first turn off the sampler disconnect the sampling tube and wire Shake the bottle to mix the sample Rinse out the sample bottle with some sample Fill the sample bottle to overflow (unless using a sample bottle with

preservative). Take the sampling pipe out of the channel, rinse off and place back

into plastic bag for transport back to the laboratory. See section 4.4 for sample storage. If using an external lab ensure chain of custody record is completed.

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SOP NO. Env. Lab No: 10 PAGE: 4of 5



Table 4.1 Specific requirements for Sampling

Sample Type Equipment Tests to becarried out onsite

Volume Location

Waste Watertreatmentplants

1. Scooper andpole.2.1 litre plasticsample bottle3.Gloves4.Antibacterialwipes5. CompositeSampler.6. Permanentmarker andlabels.

1 litre Samples aretaken from theinfluent andeffluent(compositesamples).. Rinse scooperthen bottlewith samplefirst then takesample.

River Samples 1. Scooper andpole.2.1 litre plasticsample bottle3.Gloves4.Antibacterialwipes5. Permanentmarker andlabels.

For riversamples, DOandTemperaturereading shouldbe taken onsite.

1 litre Upstream andDownstream ofWWTP

Pollutionincident

Contact theconsultinglaboratory fordetails.1. Chain ofcustody record.2. Field logsheet3. Permanentmarker4. Cameras5. GPS

Variesdepending onthe type ofincident.

This willdepend on thetype ofanalysis to becarried out bythe consultinglab. 1 litre isneeded formost physicaland chemicalanalysis.

Record alllocations usingGPS on thefield log sheet.

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4.4 Sample Storage and Preservation.

Temperature and DO should be tested on site as these parameters can change veryquickly. Microbiological activity may affect the nitrate-nitrite-ammonia content, pHor BOD concentration and therefore the shorter the time that elapse betweencollection of a sample and its analysis the better. All samples should be storedovernight at <4ºc if analysis cannot commence immediately, the temperature shouldthen be increased to 20ºc ± 1ºc before analysis commences or room temperature. Inthe case of samples for Dangerous Substance analysis these bottles must not beoverfilled as there are preservatives in the bottles and overfilling will cause loss of thepreservative.

5. CALIBRATION STANDARDS.

Refer to SOP Env. Lab.11 for the pH meter, SOP Env. Lab 15 for the Conductivitymeter and SOP Env Lab.12 for dissolved oxygen measurement.

6. ANALYTICAL PROCEDURE

6.1 Conductivity measurementRefer to SOP Env. Lab. No15 Place the probe in the sample and record the readingon the laboratory sheet C.S 1.

6.2 pH measurement.Refer to SOP Env. Lab. No 11 Place the probe in the sample and record the readingon the laboratory sheet C.S 1.

6.3 Dissolved Oxygen measurementRefer to SOP Env. Lab. No 12. Place the probe in the sample and record the readingon the field log sheet C. S 15 along with the Temperature.

7. SOP APPROVAL

SIGNED: DATE:Catherine Casey

Environmental Technician.

APPROVED: DATE:Ide O Connell

Assistant Scientist

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Assessment Manager: DH3 (2802Testing Multiple_018) Page 1 of 8

Schedule of Accreditationissued by

United Kingdom Accreditation Service21 - 47 High Street, Feltham, Middlesex, TW13 4UN, UK

EURO Environmental Services

Issue No: 018 Issue date: 02 October 2009

2802

Accredited toISO/IEC 17025:2005

Unit 35

Boyne Business Park

Drogheda

Co Louth

Ireland

Contact: Mr G Fitzpatrick

Tel: +00 353 41 984 5440

Fax: +00 353 41 941198

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.euroenv.ie

Testing performed by the Organisation at the locations specified below

Locations covered by the organisation and their relevant activities

Laboratory locations:

Location details Activity Location code

AddressUnit 35Boyne Business ParkDroghedaCo LouthIreland

Local contactDamien O’Reilly

Tel: +00 353 41 984 5440Fax: +00 353 41 984 6171

Support Functions:Quality SystemQuality audit Administration

Sampling and TestingEnvironmental AnalysisStack emissions Testing

A

Site activities performed away from the locations listed above:

Location details Activity Location code

Customer Sites requiringStack Emissions Testing

Local contactGeoff Fitzpatrick

Tel: +00 353 41 984 5440Fax: +00 353 41 984 6171

Stack emissions Testing B

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United Kingdom Accreditation Service21 - 47 High St ree t , Fe l t ham, Mi dd l esex, TW 13 4UN, UK

2802


EURO Environmental ServicesIssue No: 018 Issue date: 02 October 2009

Testing performed by the Organisation at the locations specified


DETAIL OF ACCREDITATION

Materials/Products tested Type of test/Propertiesmeasured/Range of

measurement

Standard specifications/Equipment/Techniques used

LocationCode

Filter papers and rinsesolutions

Physical Testing

Weighing of Particulate Matter BS EN 13284-1:2002(SOP 108)

A

SOILS Chemical Testing

AntimonyArsenicBariumCobaltSeleniumSilverStrontiumThalliumVanadium

SOP 224 using ICP-OES A

Available lime SOP 304 A

Available phosphorus SOP 301 using Morgans P test andcolorimetry (based on standard soilanalysis for REPS, Dept ofAgriculture, Nov 2004)

A

Exchangeable magnesiumand exchangeable potassium

SOP 303 using Morgans extractantand ICP-OES(based on standardsoil analysis for REPS, Dept ofAgriculture, Nov 2004)

A

Documented In-House Methods tomeet the requirements of theEnvironment Agency MCERTSPerformance Standard - ChemicalTesting of Soil

pH SOP 300 using meter A

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2802






measurement


LocationCode

SOILS (cont’d) Chemical Testing (cont’d) Documented In-House Methods tomeet the requirements of theEnvironment Agency MCERTSPerformance Standard - ChemicalTesting of Soil (cont’d)

Metals:BerylliumCadmiumChromiumCopperLeadManganeseNickelZinc

SOP 224 using ICP-OES A

WATERS Chemical Tests

Potable Water, surfacewater, groundwater,industrial effluent andsewage effluent

Elements:AntimonyArsenicBarium

SOP 177 by ICP-MS A

BerylliumBoronCadmiumCaesiumChromiumCopperGalliumLeadLithiumManganeseNickelRubidiumSeleniumStrontiumThalliumUraniumZinc

Potable water, surface water,groundwater and industrialeffluent

AluminiumIronVanadium

SOP 177 by ICP-MS A

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2802






measurement


LocationCode

WATERS (cont’d) Chemical Tests (cont’d)

Potable water only CobaltSilverTin

SOP 177 by ICP-MS A

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) SOP 316 A

Potable Water, surfacewater, groundwater,industrial effluent andsewage effluent

Alkalinity SOP 102 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Ammonia SOP 114 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Chloride SOP 100 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Colour SOP 108 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Fluoride SOP 115 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Nitrite SOP 118 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Orthophosphate SOP 117 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Silica SOP 152 by automated discreteanalyser

Total Oxidised Nitrogen (TON) SOP 151 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Total Hardness SOP 111 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Total phosphate SOP 166 by automated discreteanalyser

A

Biochemical Oxygen Demand SOP113 A

pH SOP 110 A

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2802






measurement


LocationCode

WATERS (cont’d) Chemical Tests (cont’d)

Potable Water, surfacewater, groundwater,industrial effluent andsewage effluent (cont’d)

Conductivity

Turbidity

SOP 112

SOP 109

A

A

Potable water, surface waterand industrial effluents

Trihalomethanes:BromodichloromethaneDibromochloromethaneChloroformBromoform

SOP 186 by headspaceautosampler and GCMS detection

A

Potable waters, industrialand sewage effluents

Sulphate SOP 119 by automated colorimetry A

Elements:CalciumMagnesiumPotassiumSodium

SOP 184 by ICP-MS A

Industrial effluent, surfaceand groundwater

Chemical Oxygen Demand SOP 107 A

Surface Water andGroundwater

Nitrate SOP 103 by automated colorimetry A

Industrial Effluent Suspended solids SOP 106 A

BTEX:benzenetolueneethylbenzeneo-xylenem/p-xylene

SOP 179 using headspaceautosampler and GCMS detection

A

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2802






measurement


LocationCode

Testing of Stack emissionsto Atmosphere

Sampling with subsequentanalysis by an ISO/IEC 17025Accredited Laboratory

National, European, Internationaland Environment Agency specifiedstandards including MIDs andDocumented In-House workinstructions to meet therequirements of the EnvironmentAgency (MCERTS) PerformanceStandard and to meet therequirements ofDD CEN/TS 15675:2007/BS EN 15259:2007

Total Particulate Matter(0 to 50 mg/m³)

BS EN 13284-1:2002(SOP 101)

B

Total Particulate Matter(0 to 50 mg/m³)

BS ISO 9096:2003(SOP 101)

B

Hydrogen Chloride BS EN 1911-1:1998(SOP 148)

B

Hydrogen Fluoride BS EN 15713:2006(SOP 129)

B

Sulphur Dioxide BS EN 14791:2005(SOP 167)

B

Metals BS EN 14385:2004(SOP 113)

B

Mercury BS EN 13211:2001(SOP 152)

B

Dioxins and Furans BS EN 1948-1:2006(SOP 147)

B

Polycyclic AromaticHydrocarbons (PAHs)

BS ISO 11338-1:2003(SOP 149)

B

Speciated VOC’s- Dry Stacks only

BS EN 13649:2002(SOP 232)

B

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2802






measurement


LocationCode

Testing of Stack emissionsto Atmosphere (cont’d)

Sampling with subsequentanalysis by an ISO/IEC 17025Accredited Laboratory (cont’d)

Sampling and On-Lineanalysis

National, European, Internationaland Environment Agency specifiedstandards including MIDs andDocumented In-House workinstructions to meet therequirements of the EnvironmentAgency (MCERTS) PerformanceStandard and to meet therequirements ofDD CEN/TS 15675:2007/BS EN 15259:2007 (cont’d)

Pressure, temperature andvelocity

BS EN 13284-1:2002(SOP 101)

B

Water Vapour BS EN 14790:2005(SOP 122)

B

Carbon Monoxide* BS EN 15058:2006(SOP 161 - NDIR analyser)

B

Oxygen* BS EN 14789:2005(SOP 161 and SOP 227 - ValidatedZirconium cell analyser)

B

Oxides of nitrogen* BS EN 14792:2005(SOP 161 - Chemiluminescenceanalyser)

B

Total Gaseous OrganicCarbon*(TOC/VOC)(20 - 500 mg/m³)

BS EN 13526:2002(SOP 156 - FID analyser)

B

Total Gaseous OrganicCarbon*(TOC/VOC)(0 - 20 mg/m³)

BS EN 12619:1999(SOP 155 -FID analyser)

B

Carbon monoxide* ASTM D6348-03(SOP 227- FTIR analyser)

B

Nitric Oxide* ASTM D6348-03(SOP 227 - FTIR analyser)

B

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2802






measurement


LocationCode

Testing of Stack emissionsto Atmosphere (cont’d)

Sampling with subsequentanalysis by an ISO/IEC 17025Accredited Laboratory (cont’d)

Sampling and On-Lineanalysis (cont’d)

National, European, Internationaland Environment Agency specifiedstandards including MIDs andDocumented In-House workinstructions to meet therequirements of the EnvironmentAgency (MCERTS) PerformanceStandard and to meet therequirements ofDD CEN/TS 15675:2007/BS EN 15259:2007 (cont’d)

Sulphur Dioxide* ASTM D6348-03(SOP 227 - FTIR analyser)

B

END

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Attachment No. E3

Tabular Data on Monitoring and Sampling Points

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PT_CD PT_TYPE MON_TYPE EASTING NORTHING VERIFIED

Point Code Provide label ID’sassigned in section E ofapplication

Point Type (e.g.,Primary,Secondary, StormWater Overflow)

MonitoringTypeM = MonitoringS = Sampling

6E-digit GPSIrish NationalGrid Reference

6N-digit GPSIrish NationalGrid Reference

Y = GPS usedN = GPS not used

aSW1u Primary & PumpingStation Overflow

S 196723 225380 Not known

aSW1d Primary & PumpingStation Overflow

S 197419 224174 Not known

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Attachment No. E4

The sampling data pertaining to the discharge based on the samples taken in the 12months preceding the making of the application.

Note: Sampling schedules are compliant with the Urban Waste Water TreatmentRegulations, 2001 and the Water Framework Directive requirements.

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CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS

Unit 35,Boyne Business Park,Drogheda,Co. LouthIreland

Tel:Fax:Web:email:

+353 41 9845440+353 41 [email protected]

Gavin CobbeOffaly County CouncilCharleville RdTullamoreCo Offaly

13/08/2009

13/08/2009

Lab Report Ref. No. 6820/031/01

Date of Receipt

Date Testing Commenced

Received or Collected

Condition on Receipt

Date of Report

Customer

Collected by Euro

Acceptable

18/09/2009Customer PO

Test Parameter SOP Analytical Technique Result Units

Environmental Science & ManagementWater,Soil & Air Testing

Customer Ref Shannon Bridge WWTP 13/08/09

Acc.

Trade EffluentSample Type

mg/L CaCO3541102 ColorimetryAlkalinity (Industrial Eff.)mg/L as N61.62114 ColorimetryAmmonia (Industrial Eff.)

mg/L as NH479.23119 CalculationAmmonia as NH4ug/L<0.96177 ICPMSArsenicug/L<0.01191 HPLCAtrazineug/L41.3177 ICPMSBariummg/L275113 ElectrometryBOD (Industrial Eff.) UKASug/L156.5177 ICPMSBoronug/L<0.09177 ICPMSCadmiumug/L1.7177 ICPMSChromiummg/L546107 ColorimetryCOD (Industrial Eff.) UKAS

uscm -1@25C1453112 ElectrometryConductivity (Industrial Eff.) UKASug/L150177 ICPMSCopper ug/L<5138 ColorimetryCyanideug/L<1154 GCMSDichloromethane

%5.5715 DO MeterDissolved oxygen (%)mg/L0.52715 DO MeterDissolved Oxygen (mg/l)mg/L0.64115 ColorimetryFluoride (Industrial Eff.) UKASug/L3.2177 ICPMSLeadug/L<0.73179 GCMSm-& p-Xylene (Industrial Eff.)ug/L<0.2178 ICPMSMercuryug/L<0.47177 ICPMSNickel

mg/L as N<0.270103 ColorimetryNitrate (Industrial Eff.)mg/L as NO3<0.09103 CalculationNitrate as NO3

mg/L as N0.018118 ColorimetryNitrite (Industrial Eff.)

Date : 18/09/2009

Results shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the approval of EURO environmental servicesResults contained in this report relate only to the samples tested

Katherine McQuillan - Deputy Technical ManagerWeb Certificate

Acc. : Accredited Parameters by ISO 17025:2005

All organic results are analysed as received and all results are corrected for dry weight at 104 C

Page 1 of 2

PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com

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http://www.euroenv.ie

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.pdffactory.com



Tel:Fax:Web:email:

+353 41 9845440+353 41 [email protected]


13/08/2009

13/08/2009


Date of Receipt




Date of Report

Customer

Collected by Euro

Acceptable




Customer Ref Shannon Bridge WWTP 13/08/09

Acc.

Trade EffluentSample Type

mg/L as NO20.059118 CalculationNitrite as NO2mg/L as N63.84104 Digestion/ Distillation/ TitrimeNitrogen (Total Kjeldahl)mg/L as N<0.27151 ColorimetryNitrogen (Total Oxidised) (Industrial UKASmg/L as N63.840 CalculationNitrogen (Total)

ug/L<0.35179 GCMSo-Xylene (Industrial Eff.)pH Units7.2110 ElectrometrypH (Industrial Eff.) UKAS

ug/L28.733223 GCMSPhenols (Total)mg/L as P6.734117 ColorimetryPhosphate (Ortho) Industrial Eff.mg/L as P7.482166 Digestion/ ColorimetryPhosphate (Total) Industrial Eff.

ug/L<0.10204 HPLCPolyaromatic Hydrocarbonsug/L<0.74177 ICPMSSeleniumug/L<0.01191 HPLCSimazine

mg/L as SO448.37119 ColorimetrySulphate (Industrial Eff.) UKASmg/L128106 GravimetrySuspended Solids (Ind Effluent) UKAS

degrees C18.6715 DO MeterTemperatureug/L41.447179 GCMSToluene (Industrial Eff.) UKASmg/L82.44316 TOC analyser (NPOC)Total Organic Carbon

ug/L as Sn<10 GCMSTributyltin*ug/L<1179 GCMSXylene (Total)ug/L113.1177 ICPMSZinc

Date : 18/09/2009





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EntityName StationName StationLocalCode SamplePurpose SampleLabCode SampleDate CompletionDate Easting Northing Ammonia Ammonia as N BOD Chemical Oxygen Demand Conductivity @ 20°C Nitrate as N Nitrates(NO3) Nitrites(N) Nitrites(NO2) Ortho-phosphate pH Phosphate(P2O5) Temperature Total Nitrogen Total Oxidised Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Total Suspended SolidsShannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent Shannonbridge 6732 Discharge Monitoring - TP 08437455 26/03/2008 0 0 45.85 141.6 376 1071 NT NT NT 7.58 NT 52.5 6.84 101Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent Shannonbridge 6732 Discharge Monitoring - TP 08437550 04/06/2008 0 0 59.25 163 590 1081 0.4 NT 10.1 7.22 NT 64 6.97 133Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent Shannonbridge 6732 Discharge Monitoring - TP 08437648 06/08/2008 0 0 39.85 128.8 135 965 0 0 15.55 7.22 NT 20 6.84 106Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent Shannonbridge 6732 Discharge Monitoring - TP 08437771 14/10/2008 0 0 12.7 69 147 404 0.7 0.0038 6.35 7.24 NT 18 3.33 105.5Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent Shannonbridge 6732 Discharge Monitoring Effluent 09437983 25/03/2009 0 0 37.75 205 513 NT NT NT NT 6.78 NT 54.8 NT 6.51 134Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent Shannonbridge 6732 Discharge Monitoring Effluent 09438129 13/05/2009 0 0 19.35 212 468 NT ND NT NT 7.44 NT 62.8 NT 7.49 137Shannonbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent Shannonbridge 6732 Discharge Monitoring Effluent 09438289 26/08/2009 0 0 29.18 143 176 NT 0.5 NT NT 7.32 NT 16.8 NT 4.42 72

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Attachment No. F.1

Impacts of Waste Water Discharges on Receiving Waters

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For smaller waste water treatment plants of less than 2,000 PE, the Urban WasteWater Treatment Regulations, 2001, require that the waste water receives‘appropriate treatment’ prior to discharge to freshwater and estuaries. The term‘appropriate treatment’ in the regulations implies treatment to a standard thatallows the receiving waters to meet the relevant water quality standards fromother regulations. Relevant standards in the case of Shannonbridge WWTW andthe associated extent of the Shannon River are as follows:

European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters)Regulations 2009 (SI 272/2009)

EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations, 2001 (SI254/2001) - Urban

Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) Drinking Water Regulations (SI 278 of 2007). Dangerous Substances Directive Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)

Offaly County Council undertake routine sampling of the River Shannon fromvarious stations including one at Shannonbridge, located at the bridge itself, some0.3km upstream of the existing discharge point of Shannonbridge WWTW. Thelocation of the downstream sampling point is at Banragh Island, approximately0.7km downstream of the existing discharge point (refer to drawingShannonbridge-05 in Attachment B.2 for locations). Samples from these locationsare tested by Euro Environmental Services, the results of which are in thisattachment and are described in the attached Tables F(i)(a) and F(i)(b).Shannonbridge WWTW does not have the surrounding receiving waters monitoredby the Shannon River Basin District Laboratory, 2009. The closest monitoringpoint located upstream of Shannonbridge WWTW is located at Clonmacnoise,approximately 8km upstream of Shannonbridge WWTW discharge point. Theclosest downstream monitoring point is at Banagher Bridge, located approximately13km downstream of Shannonbridge WWTW discharge point, but it is not anofficial monitoring site as there is a very high dilution factor. The existingenvironment, in terms of water quality, will therefore be determined by reviewingthe Euro Environmental Services results only.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a framework for the protectionof all waterbodies based upon River Basin Districts. As the Shannon River is locatedin the Shannon International River Basin District (SIRBD), the catchmentmanagement plan for the area is detailed in the draft River Basin ManagementPlan for this district. The Management Plan’s overall objectives are to achieve thefollowing by 2015:- improve quality of receiving waters where necessary in order to achieve at least‘good’ status- achieve protected areas objectives- prevent deterioration of the receiving waters, in particular maintaining ‘high’ or‘good’ status

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- progressively reduce chemical pollution of surface waters.By adhering to this management plan, the Local Authority will ensure thatimprovements of water quality required under the European CommunitiesEnvironmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 are achieved.

Under the draft River Basin Management Plan for the SIRBD, the receiving waterssurrounding Shannonbridge WWTW are designated as having ‘poor’ ecologicalstatus, with their chemical status yet to be determined. Under theCharacterisation and Analysis Summary Report of the SIRBD, 2005, the receivingwaterbody is defined as ‘at significant risk’ of pollution from Point Pressures, andtherefore at risk of not achieving its water quality objectives i.e. restoring ‘good’ecological status to the waterbody by 2015. In this report, the most significantpoint source pressure resulting in an ‘at risk’ result was discharges from WasteWater Treatment Works.

As discussed in Attachment B.9, a new sewerage scheme including works toShannonbridge WWTW is proposed. Owing to the sensitive nature of the areaaround the WWTW, Offaly County Council propose to relocate the WWTW to thesouth east of the village, outside the boundary of the Shannon Callows, with anew outfall to a new discharge point in the Shannon. A PE of 500 is proposed forthe new WWTW, with final effluent discharge standards of 25/35 (BOD/SS), inaddition to a 2mg/l total phosphorus limit. Following a review of assimilativecalculation for the proposed PE and effluent limits, we can state that the proposedeffluent limits will ensure Shannonbridge WWTW complies with both the EuropeanCommunities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 andthe Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001.

Below are calculations for the assimilative capacity of the receiving water body inrelation to the monitored parameters for which limits have been set.NOTE: All calculations below are based on the following equation, using theaverage of the previous 12 months sample data for CBACK and CEFF values:

CFM = (CEFF*QEFF) + (QBACK*CBACK)(QEFF + Q BACK)

where CFM Concentration in the fully mixed final effluent/receivingwater (mg/l)

CEFF Concentration of the treated effluent (mg/l)QEFF Effluent flowrate (m3/day)QBACK Background flow in the stream as 95 percentile (m3/day)QMEAN Background flow in the stream as a mean (m3/day)CBACK Background level in the receiving Water (mg/l)

BOD CEFF = 212.5 mg/lQEFF = 77.85 m3/dayQBACK = 1,728,000 m3/day

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CBACK = 2 mg/l

CFM = 2.01 mg/l

Suspended CEFF = 121.2 mg/lSolids QEFF = 77.85 m3/day

QBACK = 1,728,000 m3/dayCBACK = 2 mg/l

CFM = 2.005 mg/l

Ortho- CEFF = 5.53 mg/lphosphastes QEFF = 77.85 m3/day

QMEAN = 2,764,800 m3/dayCBACK = 0.0125 mg/l

CFM = 0.01266 mg/l

Total Phosphorus CEFF = 6.414 mg/lQEFF = 77.85 m3/dayQMEAN = 2,764,800 m3/dayCBACK = 0.124 mg/l

CFM = 0.1242 mg/l

Total Ammonia CEFF = 44.45 mg/lQEFF = 77.85 m3/dayQBACK = 1,728,000 m3/dayCBACK = 0.05 mg/l

CFM = 0.052 mg/l

NOTE: No assimilative calculations were completed for Nitrates as the receivingwaters are not classified as nutrient sensitive in Table 2.10 of the Characterisation& Analysis Summary Report for the Shannon International River Basin District.

As illustrated by the calculations above, the Shannon River provides significantdilution to the effluent concentrations. Despite the high levels of concentrations ofthe above parameters in the effluent, the dilution levels in the receiving watersare such that there is a negligible increase in their concentrations after theeffluent is discharged into the receiving waters, when compared to theconcentrations measured upstream of the effluent discharge point. This isreflected in the measured results of these parameters downstream of the effluentdischarge point (refer to attached tables), where measured concentrations of

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these parameters downstream of the effluent discharge point are, in general, inline with those measured upstream of the effluent discharge point. The EuropeanCommunities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 setstarget standards and classifications for emission levels in rivers and lakes. Table 9of Schedule 5 indicates a ‘high’ ecological status is achieved for a river waterbody with a BOD level of 2.2mg/l (95%ile), a Total Ammonia level of 0.090(95%ile) and an Orthophosphate (MRP) level of 0.025 (mean). The aboveassimilative capacity results would put the receiving waters of ShannonbridgeWWTW in this category. In accordance with Table 10 of Schedule 5 of theseRegulations, the measured concentrations in the receiving waterbody, bothupstream and downstream of the effluent discharge point, of Arsenic, Chromium,Copper, Cyanide, Toulene, Xylenes and Zinc are all within the EnvironmentalQuality Standards (EQS) set to achieve a ‘high’ or ‘good’ ecological status. We cantherefore conclude that the quality of the receiving waters is not affected bydischarging the effluent from Shannonbridge WWTW to the River Shannon.

As previously discussed, under the draft River Basin Management Plan for theSIRBD, the chemical status of the receiving waters surrounding ShannonbridgeWWTW has yet to be determined. The attached tables indicate levels ofdangerous substance in the receiving waters both upstream and downstream ofthe discharge effluent point. In accordance with Table 11 of Schedule 6 of TheEuropean Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations2009, the measured concentrations of Atrazine, Dichloromethane, Lead, Nickeland Simazine in the receiving waters are within those limits set for achieving a‘good’ chemical status. Although the limits of detection for Mercury and Tributyltinon the attached tables are above the limits set in Table 12 of Schedule 6, it is notexpected that the Regulation limits are exceeded for these substances. Measuredconcentrations of Flouride in the receiving waters are within those limits set bythe Dangerous Substances Regulations S.I. No. 12 of 2001. Despite elevatedconcentrations of some of these substances measured in the effluent (refer totables in Attachment D.1), the high dilution levels available in the receivingwaters result in the effluent from Shannonbridge WWTW having little effect on thelevels of dangerous substances in the receiving waters, with values measureddownstream of the discharge effluent point similar to those measured upstream.We can therefore conclude that emissions of main polluting substances to thereceiving waters are unlikely to impair the environment.

Concentrations of BOD, Suspended Solids and COD measured in the effluentexceed those limits set by the second schedule of the Urban Waste WaterTreatment Regulations, 2001. As Shannonbridge WWTW does not provide for theremoval of phosphorus, measured concentrations of Total Phosphorus and Ortho-phosphates in the effluent are also high. The poor plant performance is related tothe existing plant exceeding its design life and no longer providing effectivesecondary treatment, along with the combined nature of the sewerage network.The Lough Derg and Lough Ree Catchment Management Study (published in2003) examined the quality of the waters of the upper Shannon River Basin. The

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final report included recommendations regarding the need to improve the qualityof waste water treatment at various local authority sewage treatment plants inthe catchment, including a number of plants in County Offaly. Although the reportdid not identify any specific improvements required at the Shannonbridge plant,as discussed in Attachment B.9, a new sewerage scheme including works to thecollection system and waste water treatment plant is proposed to provide for thesustainable development of the village over the next 20 years. Owing to thesensitive nature of the area around the WWTW, Offaly County Council propose torelocate the WWTW to the south east of the village, outside the boundary of theShannon Callows, with a new outfall to a new discharge point in the Shannon. APE of 500 is proposed for the new WWTW, with final effluent discharge standardsof 25/35 (BOD/SS), in addition to a 2mg/l total phosphorus limit. The proposedBOD and Suspended Solids limits will bring the effluent concentration levels inline with those set by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I.254/2001). The discharge from the new WWTW will also be subject to furtherscrutiny/approval under the Water Framework Directive.

As far as is known, the nearest drinking water abstraction point downstream ofShannonbridge WWTW is located at Banagher Water Treatment Works, Co.Offaly, and is located approximately 13km downstream of Shannonbridge WWTWeffluent point. Considering the high dilution levels available not only in the RiverShannon, but also considering the confluence of the Rivers Blackwater and Brosnabetween the discharge point and Banagher Water Treatment Works, it is notconsidered that the effluent from Shannonbridge WWTW will have any significanteeffect on the quality of drinking water from this location.

We note that Shannonbridge WWTW is located adjacent to a Special Area ofConservation (SAC), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a proposed designatedNatural Heritage Area (pNHA), (refer to drawing Shannonbridge-12 attached).The designations and associated conservation objectives concern an area ofseasonally flooded, semi-natural, lowland wet grassland along both sides of theRiver Shannon, namely the Shannon Callows. It is understood that ConservationManagement Plans are being prepared in connection with all of the SACs inIreland, including the Shannon Callows site. However, the plan for the ShannonCallows site has not yet been completed and a ‘Site Synopsis’ documents,prepared in 2002 and 2003, is all that is currently available to describe theNPWS’s conservation objectives for the site, and are included in this attachment.We note that the site of the WWTW itself is outside the boundary of the SAC andSPA. However, as has been previously noted, Offaly County Council propose torelocate the WWTW to the south east of the village and further outside theboundary of the Shannon Callows, as described in Attachment B.9. Although therelocated WWTW will still discharge into the designated SAC and SPA, theupgrading works proposed will significantly improve the quality of the treatedeffluent to a final effluent discharge standard of 25/35 (BOD/SS), in addition to a2mg/l total phosphorus limit. The proposed BOD and Suspended Solids limits arein line with those set by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001

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(S.I. 254/2001), with the Total Phosphorus limit within the limit set for sensitiveareas.

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TABLE F.1(i)(a): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING

Primary Discharge Point



Discharge Point Code: SW-1MONITORING POINT CODE: aSW-1dGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 197419 / 224174

Parameter Results (mg/l) Samplingmethod

Limit ofQuantitation

Analysismethod /technique

13/08/09 22/09/09

pH = 8.4 = 8.2 Grab 0.01 Electrometry

Temperature = 19.1 = 17.5 Grab 0 DO Meter

Electrical Conductivity (@25°C)

= 368 = 360 Grab 0.5 Electrometry

Suspended Solids < 2 < 2 Grab 2 Filtration/Drying @104C

Ammonia (as N) = 0.9 = 0.85 Grab 0.01 Colorimetry

Biochemical Oxygen Demand < 2 < 2 Grab 2 Electrometry

Chemical Oxygen Demand = 17 = 30 Grab 5 Colorimetry

Dissolved Oxygen = 5.65 = 6.17 Grab 0 DO Meter

Hardness (as CaCO3) = 0 Grab 0 x

Total Nitrogen (as N) = 1.9 = 2.05 Grab 0 Calculation

Nitrite (as N) < 0.003 = 0.004 Grab 0.002 Colorimetry

Nitrate (as N) = 0.22 = 0.36 Grab 0.28 Colorimetry

Total Phosphorous (as P) = 0.012 = 0.025 Grab 0.021 Digestion/Colorimetry

OrthoPhosphate (as P) < 0.005 < 0.005 Grab 0.006 Colorimetry

Sulphate (SO4) = 18.18 = 17.43 Grab 1 Colorimetry

Phenols (Sum) < 0.1 < 0.1 Grab 0.1 GCMS

Additional Comments: '0' = Unknown

'x' = Not Taken

'0'=Not taken

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TABLE F.1(i)(b): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING (Dangerous Substances)



Parameter Results (µg/l) Samplingmethod



13/08/09 22/09/09

Atrazine < 0.01 < 0.01 Grab 0.01 HPLC

Dichloromethane < 1 < 1 Grab 1 GCMS

Simazine < 0.01 < 0.01 Grab 0.01 HPLC

Toluene < 0.28 < 0.28 Grab 0.25 GCMS

Tributyltin < 1 < 0.02 Grab 1 GCMS

Xylenes < 1 < 1 Grab 1 GCMS

Arsenic < 0.96 < 0.96 Grab 0.17 ICPMS

Chromium < 0.93 < 0.93 Grab 0.58 ICPMS

Copper < 0.2 = 1 Grab 0.21 ICPMS

Cyanide < 5 < 5 Grab 5 Colorimetry

Flouride = 100 = 160 Grab 0.02 Colorimetry

Lead < 0.38 < 0.38 Grab 0.02 ICPMS

Nickel < 0.47 = 1.4 Grab 0.27 ICPMS

Zinc < 4.6 = 6.6 Grab 0.63 ICPMS

Boron = 37.1 = 111.2 Grab 5.51 ICPMS

Cadmium < 0.09 = 0.1 Grab 0.01 ICPMS

Mercury < 0.2 < 0.03 Grab 0.028 ICPMS

Selenium < 0.74 < 0.74 Grab 0.54 ICPMS

Barium = 18.6 = 31.4 Grab 0.78 ICPMS

Additional Comments:

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TABLE F.1(i)(a): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING




Discharge Point Code: SW-1MONITORING POINT CODE: aSW-1uGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 196723 / 225380




13/08/09 22/09/09





Suspended Solids = 2 < 2 Grab 2 Filtration/Drying @104C










OrthoPhosphate (as P) = 0.02 < 0.005 Grab 0.006 Colorimetry


Phenols (Sum) > 0.1 < 0.1 Grab 0.1 GCMS


'x' = not taken

'0'=Not taken

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TABLE F.1(i)(b): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING (Dangerous Substances)






13/08/09 22/09/09









Copper < 0.2 < 0.2 Grab 0.21 ICPMS


Flouride = 170 = 80 Grab 20 Colorimetry

Lead < 0.38 < 0.38 Grab 0.02 ICPMS


Zinc < 4.6 < 4.6 Grab 0.63 ICPMS

Boron = 66 = 165.8 Grab 5.51 ICPMS



Selenium < 0.74 = 0.9 Grab 0.54 ICPMS



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TABLE F.1(ii)(a): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING

Secondary Discharge Point







13/08/09 22/09/09





Suspended Solids < 2 < 2 Grab 2 Filtration/Drying @104C










OrthoPhosphate (as P) < 0.005 < 0.005 Grab 0.006 Colorimetry


Phenols (Sum) < 0.1 < 0.1 Grab 0.1 GCMS


'x' = Not Taken

'0'=Not taken

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TABLE F.1(ii)(b): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING (Dangerous Substances)






13/08/09 22/09/09









Copper < 0.2 = 1 Grab 0.21 ICPMS


Flouride = 100 = 160 Grab 0.02 Colorimetry

Lead < 0.38 < 0.38 Grab 0.02 ICPMS


Zinc < 4.6 = 6.6 Grab 0.63 ICPMS

Boron = 37.1 = 111.2 Grab 5.51 ICPMS



Selenium < 0.74 < 0.74 Grab 0.54 ICPMS



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TABLE F.1(ii)(a): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING








13/08/09 22/09/09





Suspended Solids = 2 < 2 Grab 2 Filtration/Drying @104C










OrthoPhosphate (as P) = 0.02 < 0.005 Grab 0.006 Colorimetry


Phenols (Sum) > 0.1 < 0.1 Grab 0.1 GCMS


'x' = not taken

'0'=Not taken

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TABLE F.1(ii)(b): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING (Dangerous Substances)






13/08/09 22/09/09









Copper < 0.2 < 0.2 Grab 0.21 ICPMS


Flouride = 170 = 80 Grab 20 Colorimetry

Lead < 0.38 < 0.38 Grab 0.02 ICPMS


Zinc < 4.6 < 4.6 Grab 0.63 ICPMS

Boron = 66 = 165.8 Grab 5.51 ICPMS



Selenium < 0.74 = 0.9 Grab 0.54 ICPMS



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13/08/2009

13/08/2009


Date of Receipt




Date of Report

Customer

Collected by Euro

Acceptable




Customer Ref Shannon Bridge Upstream 13/08/09

Acc.

Surface WaterSample Type

mg/L CaCO3168102 ColorimetryAlkalinity (Total)mg/L as N0.15114 ColorimetryAmmonia (Surface Water)

mg/L as NH40.19119 CalculationAmmonia as NH4ug/L<0.96177 ICPMSArsenicug/L<0.01191 HPLCAtrazineug/L26.6177 ICPMSBariummg/L<2113 ElectrometryBOD (Surface Water) UKASug/L66.0177 ICPMSBoronug/L<0.09177 ICPMSCadmiumug/L<0.93177 ICPMSChromiummg/L16107 ColorimetryCOD (Surface Water) UKAS

uscm -1@25C366112 ElectrometryConductivity (Surface Water) UKASug/L<0.2177 ICPMSCopper ug/L<5138 ColorimetryCyanideug/L<1154 GCMSDichloromethane

%67.3715 DO MeterDissolved oxygen (%)mg/L6.2715 DO MeterDissolved Oxygen (mg/l)mg/L0.08115 ColorimetryFluorideug/L<0.38177 ICPMSLeadug/L<0.73179 GCMSm-& p-Xyleneug/L<0.2178 ICPMSMercuryug/L<0.47177 ICPMSNickel

mg/L as N0.22103 ColorimetryNitratemg/L as NO30.97103 CalculationNitrate as NO3

mg/L as N<0.003118 ColorimetryNitrite

Date : 18/09/2009





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Tel:Fax:Web:email:

+353 41 9845440+353 41 [email protected]


13/08/2009

13/08/2009


Date of Receipt




Date of Report

Customer

Collected by Euro

Acceptable




Customer Ref Shannon Bridge Upstream 13/08/09

Acc.


mg/L as NO2<0.003118 CalculationNitrite as NO2mg/L as N3.36104 Digestion/ Distillation/ TitrimeNitrogen (Total Kjeldahl)mg/L as N0.22151 ColorimetryNitrogen (Total Oxidised)mg/L as N3.580 CalculationNitrogen (Total)

ug/L<0.35179 GCMSo-xylenepH Units8.4110 ElectrometrypH (Surface Water) UKAS

ug/L<0.10223 GCMSPhenols (Total)mg/L as P0.020117 ColorimetryPhosphate (Ortho)mg/L as P0.226166 Digestion/ ColorimetryPhosphate (Total)

ug/L<0.10204 HPLCPolyaromatic Hydrocarbonsug/L<0.74177 ICPMSSeleniumug/L<0.01191 HPLCSimazinemg/L2106 Filtration/ Drying @ 104CSolids (Total Suspended)

mg/L as SO418.17119 ColorimetrySulphatedegrees C19.2715 DO MeterTemperature

ug/L<0.28179 GCMSToluenemg/L7.90316 TOC analyser (NPOC)Total Organic Carbon

ug/L as Sn<10 GCMSTributyltin*ug/L<1179 GCMSXylene (Total)ug/L<4.6177 ICPMSZinc

Date : 18/09/2009





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Tel:Fax:Web:email:

+353 41 9845440+353 41 [email protected]


13/08/2009

13/08/2009


Date of Receipt




Date of Report

Customer

Collected by Euro

Acceptable




Customer Ref Shannon Bridge Downstream 13/08/09

Acc.


mg/L CaCO3165102 ColorimetryAlkalinity (Total)mg/L as N0.07114 ColorimetryAmmonia (Surface Water)

mg/L as NH40.09119 CalculationAmmonia as NH4ug/L<0.96177 ICPMSArsenicug/L<0.01191 HPLCAtrazineug/L18.6177 ICPMSBariummg/L<2113 ElectrometryBOD (Surface Water) UKASug/L37.1177 ICPMSBoronug/L<0.09177 ICPMSCadmiumug/L<0.93177 ICPMSChromiummg/L17107 ColorimetryCOD (Surface Water) UKAS

uscm -1@25C368112 ElectrometryConductivity (Surface Water) UKASug/L<0.2177 ICPMSCopper ug/L<5138 ColorimetryCyanideug/L<1154 GCMSDichloromethane

%61.0715 DO MeterDissolved oxygen (%)mg/L5.65715 DO MeterDissolved Oxygen (mg/l)mg/L0.10115 ColorimetryFluorideug/L<0.38177 ICPMSLeadug/L<0.73179 GCMSm-& p-Xyleneug/L<0.2178 ICPMSMercuryug/L<0.47177 ICPMSNickel

mg/L as N0.22103 ColorimetryNitratemg/L as NO30.97103 CalculationNitrate as NO3

mg/L as N<0.003118 ColorimetryNitrite

Date : 18/09/2009





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Tel:Fax:Web:email:

+353 41 9845440+353 41 [email protected]


13/08/2009

13/08/2009


Date of Receipt




Date of Report

Customer

Collected by Euro

Acceptable




Customer Ref Shannon Bridge Downstream 13/08/09

Acc.


mg/L as NO2<0.003118 CalculationNitrite as NO2mg/L as N1.68104 Digestion/ Distillation/ TitrimeNitrogen (Total Kjeldahl)mg/L as N0.22151 ColorimetryNitrogen (Total Oxidised)mg/L as N1.900 CalculationNitrogen (Total)

ug/L<0.35179 GCMSo-xylenepH Units8.4110 ElectrometrypH (Surface Water) UKAS

ug/L<0.10223 GCMSPhenols (Total)mg/L as P<0.005117 ColorimetryPhosphate (Ortho)mg/L as P0.012166 Digestion/ ColorimetryPhosphate (Total)

ug/L<0.10204 HPLCPolyaromatic Hydrocarbonsug/L<0.74177 ICPMSSeleniumug/L<0.01191 HPLCSimazinemg/L<2106 Filtration/ Drying @ 104CSolids (Total Suspended)

mg/L as SO418.18119 ColorimetrySulphatedegrees C19.1715 DO MeterTemperature

ug/L<0.28179 GCMSToluenemg/L7.63316 TOC analyser (NPOC)Total Organic Carbon

ug/L as Sn<10 GCMSTributyltin*ug/L<1179 GCMSXylene (Total)ug/L<4.6177 ICPMSZinc

Date : 18/09/2009





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SITE SYNOPSIS

SITE NAME: RIVER SHANNON CALLOWS

SITE CODE: 000216

The River Shannon Callows is a long and diverse site which consists of seasonally

flooded, semi-natural, lowland wet grassland, along and beside the river between the

towns of Athlone and Portumna. It is approximately 50 km long and averages about

0.75 km wide (reaching 1.5 km wide in places). Along most of its length the site is

bordered by raised bogs - many, but not all, in the process of large-scale harvesting -

esker ridges and limestone-bedrock hills. The soils grade from silty-alluvial to peat.

This site has a common boundary, and is closely associated, with two other sites of

similar habitats, River Suck Callows and Little Brosna Callows.

The River Shannon Callows is mainly composed of lowland wet grassland. Different

plant communities occur, depending on elevation, and therefore their flooding

patterns. Two habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive are well

represented within the site – Molinia meadows and lowland hay meadows. The

former is characterised by the presence of the Meadow Thistle (Cirsium dissectum)

and Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), while typical species in the latter include

Meadow Fescue (Festuca pratensis), Rough Meadow-grass (Poa trivialis), Downy

Oat-grass (Avenula pubescens), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Ribwort

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa). In places these

two habitats grade into one another.

Low-lying areas of the callows with more prolonged flooding are characterised by

Floating Sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans), Marsh Foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus) and

wetland herbs such as Yellow Cress (Rorippa spp.), Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis

scorpioides) and Common Spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris). Most of the callows

consist of a plant community characterised by Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera),

Brown Sedge (Carex disticha), Common Sedge (Carex nigra), and herbs such as

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) and Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre). While the

more elevated and peaty areas are characterised by low-growing sedges, particularly

Yellow Sedge (Carex flava agg.) and Star Sedge (Carex echinata). All these

communities are very diverse in their total number of plant species, and include the

scarce species Meadow-rue (Thalictrum flavum), Summer Snowflake (Leucojum

aestivum), and Marsh Stitchwort (Stellaria palustris).

Two further Annex I habitats, both listed with priority status, have a minor though

important presence within the site. Alluvial forest occurs on a series of alluvial islands

just below the ESB weir near Meelick. Several of the islands are dominated by well

grown woodland of mainly Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Willows (Salix spp.). The

islands are prone to regular flooding from the river.

At Clorhane, an area of limestone pavement represents the only known example in Co

Offaly. It is predominantly colonised by mature hazel woodland, with areas of open

limestone and calcareous grassland interspersed. The open limestone pavement

comprises bare or moss covered rock or rock with a very thin calcareous soil cover

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supporting a short grassy turf. The most notable plant in the grassy area is a

substantial population of Green-winged Orchid (Orchis morio), which occurs with

such species as Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Quaking Grass (Briza

media), sedges (Carex caryophyllea, C. flacca), Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus

corniculatus), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), and Narrow-leaved Plantain

(Plantago lanceolata). Ferns associated with the cracks in the paving include

Asplenium trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria, A. adiantum-nigrum, Polypodium australe.

Bryophytes include Grimmia apocarpa and Orthotrichum cf. anomalum. Anthills are

common within the open grassland. The Hazel wood is well-developed and has

herbaceous species such as Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Common Dog-violet (Viola

riviniana), Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) and Herb Robert (Geranium

robertianum). The wood is noted for its luxuriant growth of epiphytic mosses and

liverworts, with such species as Neckera crispa and Hylocomium brevirostre. Yew

(Taxus baccata) occurs at one area.

Other habitats of smaller area but equal importance within the site are lowland dry

grassland, drainage ditches, freshwater marshes and reedbeds. The dry grassland

areas, especially where they exist within hay meadows, are species-rich, and of two

main types: calcareous grassland on glacial material, and dry grassland on levees of

river alluvium. The former can contain many Orchid species, Cowslip (Primula

veris), abundant Adder's-tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum) and Spring-sedge

(Carex caryophyllea), and both contain an unusually wide variety of grasses,

including False Oatgrass (Arrhenatherum elatius), Yellow Oatgrass (Trisetum

flavescens), Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratense), and Meadow Brome (Bromus

commutatus). In places Summer Snowflake also occurs.

Good quality habitats on the edge of the callows included in the site are wet broad-

leaved semi-natural woodland dominated by both Birch (Betula pubescens) and Alder

(Alnus glutinosa) and dry broad-leaved woodland dominated by Hazel (Corylus

avellana). There are also areas of raised bog, fen on old cut-away bog with Black

Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans), and a 'petrifying stream' with associated species-rich

calcareous flush which supports Yellow Sedge (Carex lepidocarpa), Blunt-flowered

Rush (Juncus subnodulosus) and Stoneworts (Chara spp.).

Two legally-protected plant species (Flora (Protection) Order 1999) occur in the site:

Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa) in drainage ditches, and Meadow

Barley (Hordeum secalinum) on dry alluvial grassland. This is one of only two known

inland sites for the Meadow Barley in Ireland. The Red Data Book plant Green-

winged Orchid (Orchis morio) is known from dry calcareous grasslands within the

site, while the site also supports a healthy population of Marsh Pea (Lathyrus

palustris).

The site is of International Importance for wintering waterfowl as numbers regularly

exceed the 20,000 threshold (mean of 34985 for 5 winters 1994/94-1998/99). Of

particular note is an Internationally Important population of Whooper Swans (287).

A further five species have populations of national importance (all figures are means

for 5 winters 1995/96-1999/00): Mute Swan (349), Wigeon (2972), Golden Plover

(4254), Lapwing (11578) and Black-tailed Godwit (388). Species which occur in

numbers of regional or local importance include Bewick’s Swan, Tufted Duck,

Dunlin, Curlew and Redshank. The population of Dunlin is notable as it is one of the

few regular inland flocks in Ireland. Small flocks of Greenland White-fronted Goose

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use the Shannon Callows; these are generally associated with larger flocks which

occur on the adjacent Little Brosna Callows and River Suck Callows.

Shoveler (an estimated 12 pairs in 1987) and Black-tailed Godwit (Icelandic race)

(one or two pairs in 1987) breed within this site. These species are listed in the Red

Data Book as being threatened in Ireland. The scarce bird Quail is also known to

breed within the area. The Callows continues to hold over 40% of the Irish population

of the globally endangered Corncrake, although numbers have declined in recent

years. A total of 66 calling birds were recorded in 1999. The total population of

breeding waders (Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe and Curlew) in 1987 was one of three

major concentrations in Ireland and Britain. The breeding Redshank, numbers was

estimated at 10% of the Irish population, making it Nationally significant. Also, the

Annex I species Merlin and Hen Harrier are regularly reported hunting over the

callows during the breeding season and in autumn and winter.

This site holds a population of Otter, a species listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats

Directive, while the Irish Hare, which is listed in the Irish Red Data Book, is a

common sight on the callows.

The Shannon Callows are used for summer dry-stock grazing (mostly cattle, with

some sheep and a few horses), and permanent hay meadow. About 30 ha is a nature

reserve owned by voluntary conservation bodies. The River Shannon is used

increasingly for recreational purposes with coarse angling and boating accounting for

much of the visitor numbers. Intermittent and scattered damage to the habitats has

occurred due to over-deepening of drains and peat silt deposition, water-skiing,

ploughing and neglect of hay meadow (or reversion to pasture). However, none of

these can as of yet be said to be serious. Threats to the quality of the site may come

from the siting of boating marinas in areas away from centres of population, fertilising

of botanically-rich fields, the use of herbicides, reversion of hay meadow to pasture,

neglect of pasture and hay meadow, disturbance of birds by boaters, anglers,

birdwatchers and the general tourist. The maintenance of generally high water levels

in winter and spring benefits all aspects of the flora and fauna, but in this regard,

summer flooding is a threat to breeding birds, and may cause neglect of farming.

The Shannon Callows has by far the largest area of lowland semi-natural grassland

and associated aquatic habitats in Ireland and one in which there is least disturbance

of natural wetland processes. Botanically, it is extremely diverse with two legally

protected species of plants and many scarce species. Excellent examples of two

habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive occur within the site – Molinia

meadows and lowland hay meadows with good examples of a further two Annex

habitats (both with priority status). In winter the site is internationally important for

numbers and species of waterfowl. In spring it feeds large numbers of birds on

migration. And in summer it holds very large numbers of breeding waders, rare

breeding birds and the endangered Corncrake, as well as a very wide variety of more

common grassland and wetland birds. The presence of Otter, an Annex II species,

adds further importance to the site.

22.10.2003

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SITE SYNOPSIS

SITE NAME: MIDDLE SHANNON CALLOWS SPA

SITE CODE: 004096

The Middle Shannon Callows SPA is a long and diverse site which extends for

approximately 50 km from the town of Athlone (at southern point of Lough Ree) to

the town of Portumna (northern point of Lough Derg). The site averages about 0.75

km in width though in places is up to 1.5 km wide. Water levels on the site are greatly

influenced by the very small fall between Athlone and Portumna and by the weir at

Meelick. The Shannon Callows has a common boundary with two other sites of

similar habitats, the River Suck Callows and the Little Brosna Callows, both of which

are also Special Protection Areas.

The site has extensive areas of callow, or seasonally flooded, semi-natural, lowland

wet grassland, along both sides of the river. The callows are mainly too soft for

intensive farming but are used for hay or silage or for summer grazing. Other habitats

of smaller area which occur alongside the river include lowland dry grassland,

freshwater marshes, reedbeds and wet woodland. Along most of its length the site is

bordered by raised bogs, now mostly exploited for peat, esker ridges and limestone-

bedrock hills. The diversity of semi-natural habitats and the sheer size of the site

attracts an excellent diversity of bird species and significant populations of several

species.

The composition of the lowland wet grassland varies, depending on elevation and

flooding patterns. Two habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive are

well represented within the site – Molinia meadows and lowland hay meadows. The

former is characterised by the presence of the Meadow Thistle (Cirsium dissectum)

and Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), while typical species in the latter include

Meadow Fescue (Festuca pratensis), Rough Meadow-grass (Poa trivialis), Downy

Oat-grass (Avenula pubescens) and Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa). In places these

two habitats grade into one another.

Low-lying areas of the callows with more prolonged flooding are characterised by

Floating Sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans), Marsh Foxtail (Alopecurus geniculatus) and

wetland herbs such as Yellow Cress (Rorippa spp.), Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis

scorpioides) and Common Spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris). Most of the callows,

however, consist of a plant community characterised by Creeping Bent (Agrostis

stolonifera), Brown Sedge (Carex disticha), Common Sedge (Carex nigra), and herbs

such as Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) and Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre).

Scarce plant species associated with the grassland include Meadow-rue (Thalictrum

flavum), Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) and Marsh Stitchwort (Stellaria

palustris).

The dry grassland areas, especially where they exist within hay meadows, are species-

rich, and can contain many orchid species and such species as Cowslip (Primula

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veris), Adder's-tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum) and Spring-sedge (Carex

caryophyllea), as well as an unusually wide variety of grasses. In places along the

edge of the callows there occurs wet broad-leaved woodland dominated by both Birch

(Betula pubescens) and Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and dry broad-leaved woodland

dominated by Hazel (Corylus avellana). There are also areas of raised bog and fen on

old cut-away bog with species such as Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans).

Two legally-protected plant species (Flora (Protection) Order 1999) occur in the site:

Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa) in drainage ditches, and Meadow

Barley (Hordeum secalinum) on dry alluvial grassland. The Red Data Book plant

Green-winged Orchid (Orchis morio) is known from dry calcareous grasslands within

the site, while the site also supports a healthy population of Marsh Pea (Lathyrus

palustris).

The Middle Shannon Callows qualifies as a site of International Importance for

wintering waterfowl both on the total numbers regularly exceeding 20,000 birds (for

example 27,581 in winter 1998/99) and for the Whooper Swan population (287 –

average peak count 1995/96-1999/00). Whooper Swan is listed on Annex I of the EU

Birds Directive. Five further species occur in numbers of national importance (all

figures are average peaks for winters 1995/96-1999/00) - Mute Swan 349, Wigeon

2,972, Golden Plover (listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive) 4,254, Lapwing

11,578 and Black-tailed Godwit 388. For some of these species, peak counts in the

period have been considerably higher than the averages, such as 1,096 Black-tailed

Godwits and 23,839 Lapwings. The importance of the site for species like Black-

tailed Godwit and Whimbrel may have been underestimated if count coverage missed

the brief spring peaks for these species. A wide range of other species occur in

numbers of regional or local importance, including Bewick’s Swan (listed on Annex I

of the EU Birds Directive) 7, Teal 77, Tufted Duck 33, Dunlin 369, Curlew 129,

Redshank 31 and Black-headed Gull 1,061. Small numbers of Greenland White-

fronted Goose (listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive) use the Shannon Callows

(average 21, peak 55) and these are generally associated with larger flocks which

occur on the adjacent Little Brosna Callows and River Suck Callows. The callow

grasslands provide optimum feeding grounds for these various species of waterfowl,

while many of the birds also roost or rest within the site.

The site is also of national importance for breeding waterfowl. The total population

of breeding waders (Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe and Curlew) on the Shannon and

Little Brosna Callows in 1987 was one of three major concentrations in Ireland and

Britain. Since then, however, numbers of at least Lapwing and Redshank have shown

serious declines (a full survey of the callows is being carried out in 2002). For

example, at a monitoring site at the callows at Shannon Harbour, numbers of Lapwing

fell from 29 to 10 pairs and Redshank from 26 to 10 pairs between 1987 and 1994.

Black-tailed Godwit, a very rare breeding species in Ireland, nests or attempts to nest

in small numbers each year within the site. A further scarce breeding species,

Shoveler, also nests in small numbers each year (an estimated 12 pairs in 1987).

The Shannon Callows continues to hold approximately 40% of the Irish population of

Corncrake, a species of global conservation concern that is also listed on Annex I of

the EU Birds Directive. Between 1997 and 2001, the average number of calling birds

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was 60, with a peak of 69. BirdWatch Ireland, in association with Dúchas and the

RSPB, operate a grant scheme to encourage farming practices that favour the

Corncrake and this has probably been responsible for the stabilisation of numbers in

recent years. A related scarce species, the Quail, is also known to breed within the

callow grasslands.

A good variety of other bird species are attracted to this site. Birds of prey, including

scarce species such as Merlin (listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive) and

wintering Hen Harrier (listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive), are regularly

reported hunting over the callows. A range of passerine species associated with

grassland and swamp vegetation breed, including Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper

Warbler, Skylark and Reed Bunting. Kingfisher (listed on Annex I of the EU Birds

Directive is also regularly seen within the site. Whinchat, an uncommon breeding

species, occur in small numbers.

The wintering waterfowl within the Shannon Callows are difficult to monitor due to

the size and inaccessibility of large parts of the site. In each winter there is usually

one complete aerial census, as well as partial land-based counts. The population of

Corncrake within the site is monitored each year and research is carried out on various

aspects of the species’ ecology. The breeding waders are also surveyed at intervals.

About 30 ha of the callows is a nature reserve owned by voluntary conservation

bodies.

The Shannon Callows has by far the largest area of lowland semi-natural grassland

and associated aquatic habitats in Ireland and one in which there is least disturbance

of natural wetland processes. Botanically, it is extremely diverse. In winter the site

is internationally important for the total numbers of birds (regularly exceed 20,000)

and for Whooper Swan in particular. It also holds nationally important populations

of a further five species. Some of the wintering species are listed on Annex I of the

EU Birds Directive, including Whooper Swan, Greenland White-fronted Goose and

Golden Plover. In summer the site supports important populations of breeding

waders. Perhaps the most important species which occurs in the site is Corncrake (the

site holds 40% of the national total), as this is listed on Annex I of the EU Birds

Directive and is Ireland’s only globally endangered species.

20.6.2002

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Attachment No. F.2

Tabular Data on Drinking water abstraction point(s)

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As far as is known, the nearest drinking water abstraction point downstream ofShannonbridge WWTW is located at Banagher Water Treatment Works, Co.Offaly, and is located approximately 13km downstream of Shannonbridge WWTWeffluent point. Considering the high dilution levels available not only in the RiverShannon, but also considering the confluence of the Rivers Blackwater and Brosnabetween the discharge point and Banagher Water Treatment Works, it is notconsidered that the effluent from Shannonbridge WWTW will have any significanteffect on the quality of drinking water from this location.

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ABS_CD AGG_SERVED ABS_VOL PT_CD DIS_DS EASTING NORTHING VERIFIED

AbstractionCode

AgglomerationServed

AbstractionVolume inm3/day

Point CodeProvide labelID’s

Distancedownstream inmeters fromemission point toabstraction point

6E-digit GPSIrish NationalGrid reference

6N-digit GPSIrish NationalGrid Reference

Y=GPSusedN=GPS notused

1001 Banagher &Cloghan

1000 2500PUB1001 13km 200864 216181 N

Note: We acknowledge the Environmental Protection Agency as the source for this data

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Attachment No. G.1

Compliance with Council Directives

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Shannonbridge is currently served by a network of mainly combined sewers,which is now more than 30 years old and nearing the end of its design life. A newsewerage scheme, including works to the collection system and waste watertreatment plant, is proposed to provide for the sustainable development of thevillage over the next 20 years. Owing to the sensitive nature of the area aroundthe WWTW, and as part of the Offaly Grouped Towns and Villages SewerageScheme, Offaly County Council propose to relocate the WWTW to the south eastof the village, outside the boundary of the Shannon Callows. The proposedlocation is shown on drawing Shannonbridge-09 (Attachmnet B.9).

A major civil, mechanical and electrical refurbishment is proposed to bring theexisting village pumping station to a satisfactory standard. These refurbishmentworks would include replacement of the 2 No. existing dry well pumps withmodern submersible dry mounted pumpsets, new level controls, new stationpipework including sluice valves and non return valves and a dry well ventilationsystem & improved access. A new rising main is proposed to convey raw sewagefrom the pumping station in the village to the new location proposed for theWWTW. Also, a small number of defects on existing sewerage pipes would requirelocal repairs.

A PE of 500 is proposed for the new WWTW, with final effluent dischargestandards of 25/35 (BOD/SS), in addition to a 2mg/l total phosphorus limit. Theproposed BOD and Suspended Solids limits are in line with those set by the UrbanWaste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 254/2001) and the TotalPhosphorus limit in line with that set for sensitive areas.

We note that Shannonbridge WWTW is located adjacent to a Special Area ofConservation (SAC), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a proposed designatedNatural Heritage Area (pNHA), (refer to drawing Shannonbridge-12 in AttachmentF.1). The designations and associated conservation objectives concern and areaof seasonally flooded, semi-natural, lowland wet grassland along both sides of theRiver Shannon, namely the Shannon Callows. It is understood that ConservationManagement Plans are being prepared in connection with all of the SACs inIreland, including the Shannon Callows site. However, the plan for the ShannonCallows site has not yet been completed and a ‘Site Synopsis’ documents,prepared in 2002 and 2003, is all that is currently available to describe theNPWS’s conservation objectives for the site (refer to Attachment F.1). In the ‘sitesynopsis’ prepared for the Shannon Callows (SAC) and Middle Shannon Callows(SPA), the site is described as by far the largest area of callow and associatedaquatic habitats in Ireland, in which there is the least disturbance of naturalwetland processes, holding legally protected species of plant and many scarcespecies. The site is an important feeding ground and migration support for manyimportant populations of bird and is internationally important in winter fornumbers and species of waterfowl. The particular species mentioned includebreeding waders, Whooper Swan and the endangered Corncake. The boundariesof the Shannon Callows extend for approximately 50km, from the town of Athlone

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to the town of Portumna, and averages 0.75km in width, but can reach up to1.5km wide in places. The site of the WWTW itself is outside the boundary of theSAC.

The site also holds Otter, which is listed as an Annex II species in the EU HabitatsDirective, and is thereby afforded a high level of protection under the associatedIrish regulations. All of the wetland species mentioned above are clearly waterdependent and, presuming that these are ‘qualifying habitats and species’ asreferred to in Department Circular L8/08 and in accordance with the Agency’sguidelines, the application would normally require an Appropriate Assessment ofthe impact of the discharge. However, as has been previously noted, OffalyCounty Council propose to propose to upgrade and relocate the WWTW to thesouth east of the viilage and further outside the boundary of the ShannonCallows. Although the relocated WWTW will still discharge into the designatedSAC and SPA, the upgrading works proposed will significantly improve the qualityof the treated effluent to a final effluent discharge standard of 25/35 (BOD/SS),in addition to a 2mg/l total phosphorus limit. The proposed BOD and SuspendedSolids limits are in line with those set by the Urban Waste Water TreatmentRegulations, 2001 (S.I. 254/2001). Due to the proposed relocating and upgradingworks, a full assessment of the potential impact of the existing discharge is notdeemed as required.

The above described works will comply with, or will not result in the contraventionof the following Directives:

Dangerous Substances Directive 2006/11/EC Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC Birds Directive 79/409/EEC Groundwater Directives 80/68/EEC & 2006/118/EC Drinking Water Directives 80/778/EEC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC Environmental Liabilities Directive 2004/35/EC Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC).

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Attachment No. G.2

Compliance with European Communities Environmental Objectives (SurfaceWaters) Regulations 2009.

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The Water Framework Directive (WFD) developed by the EU aims at improvingour water environment and requires governments to take a new holistic approachto managing their waters. This Directive establishes a framework for theprotection of all waters and their dependent wildlife/habitats under one piece ofenvironmental legislation and aims to protect/enhance all waters, achieve 'good‘status for all waters by December 2015, while ensuring that status does notdeteriorate in any waters, and manage water bodies based on river basins. TheShannon River is located in the Shannon International River Basin District, and assuch, the catchment management plan for the area is detailed in the draft RiverBasin Management Plan for this district. The overall objectives of thisManagement Plan are to achieve the following by 2015:- prevent deterioration of the receiving waters, in particular maintaining high orgood status- improve quality of receiving waters where necessary in order to achieve at leastgood status- progressively reduce chemical pollution of surface waters

Section G.1 above describes the programme of improvements proposed forShannonbridge WWTW. As part of these works, Offaly County Council propose torelocate and upgrade Shannonbridge WWTW to serve the longer term needs ofthe village, including a final effluent discharge limit of 2mg/l total phosphorus.This proposed limit is the limit for discharges from WWTW to sensitive areasunder the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001.

By adhering to this management plan and completing the proposed improvementworks to Shannonbridge sewerage scheme, the Local Authority will ensure thatimprovements of water quality required under the European CommunitiesEnvironmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 are being achieved.

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Attachment No. G.3

Impact Mitigation

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Section G.1 above describes the programme of improvements proposed forShannonbridge WWTW. As part of these works, Offaly County Council propose torelocate and upgrade Shannonbridge WwTW to serve the longer term needs ofthe village, with final effluent discharge standards of 25/35 (BOD/SS) and a2mg/l total phosphorus limit proposed.

The above mentioned programme of improvements will ensure that dischargesfrom the agglomeration will not result in significant environmental pollution.

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Attachment No. G.4

Storm Water Overflows

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As discussed in Attachment C.1 and B.9, new sewerage scheme is proposed forShannonbridge including works to the collection system, the existing pumpingstation and provision of a new WWTW to provide for the sustainable developmentof the village over the next 20 years. It is expected that the existing overflowarrangement in the pumping station will be upgraded, with any potential overflowconformation to the ‘Procedures and Criteria for Storm Water Overflows’publication.

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attachment no. a - environmental protection agency · in 1966 and consists of a concrete imhoff...

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