ballinalack waste water agglomeration · final settlement area are actively returned to the inlet...

Ballinalack WWDC Appropriate Assessment Screening

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County Buildings

Mullingar Co. Westmeath

Phone: 04493 - 32000 Fax: 04493 -42330

BBaalllliinnaallaacckk

WWaassttee WWaatteerr AAgggglloommeerraattiioonn

Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation

Regulation 25(c) (ii) Futher Information Response (A0066-01)

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Contents Page 1. Introduction 3 1.1 Background 3 1.2 Legislation 3 1.2.1 Habitats Directive 3 1.2.2 Birds Directive 3 1.2.3 Waste Water Regulations 2007 3 1.2.4 Surface Waters Regulations 2009 4 1.2.5 Water Framework Directive 4

1.3 Methodology 4 1.3.1 Initial Screening of Waste Water Agglomerations 4 1.4 Designated Sites 4

2. Stage 1: Appropriate Assessment Screening 5 Step 1: Management of the Site 5 Step 2: Project Description 5 2.1 Waste Water Treatment Plant 5 2.2 Discharge and River Quality 6 3. Step 3: Characteristics of the Site 7 3.1 General Site Description 7 3.1.1 Annex 1 Species within the SPA____________ 7 3.1.1 (a) Greenland White Fronted Goose 7 3.1.1 (b) Whooper Swan 7 3.1.1 (c) Golden Plover 7 3.2 Identification of Potential Impacts to the SPA 8

3.2.1 Discharge Quality from the Ballinalack WWW 8 3.2.2 Agriculture Impacts 10 3.2.3 Unsewered Properties 10 3.2.4 Forestry Impacts ___________________________________ 10 3.3 Mitigation Measures 11 4. Assessment of Significance 12 4.1 DoEHLG Circular Screening L8/08 12 4.2 Appendix Screening (Heritage) 12 4.2.1Screening Questions 1-8 12 5. Appendix 1 Flow Diagram (Figure 1) 14 6. Appendix 2 (Archaeological Heritage) 15

7. Screening Conclusion 16 Appendix A – Lough Iron Site Synopsis 17 Appendix B – Designated Areas Map No.1 18 Appendix C – Lough Iron SPA Map No.2 20 Revised Non-Technical Summary 22 Appendix D – National Monument Locations. Drawing No.1 25

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1. Introduction

1.1 Background In accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 684 of 2007) Westmeath County Council submitted six Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation applications to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on and before 22nd December 2009. The Ballinalack Agglomeration was included within the six submissions. The following report has been produced in accordance with the EPAs correspondence of 7th April 2010 (Notice in accordance with Regulation 25(c) (ii) of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007) requesting Westmeath County Council to provide further information in accordance with Circular L8/08 ‘Water Services Investment Programmes – Protection of National Heritage and National Monuments’ issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This report also includes a revised technical summary as stipulated in the original Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation application submission. 1.2 Legislation There were a number of legalisation documents used and referenced in the writhing of this report. These are listed below with a brief summary of each. 1.2.1 Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) (2000) Article 6(3) and (4)of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC requires an appropriate assessment of land use plans with respect to ecological implications of any plan or project, whether within or outside a designated site, which does not directly relate to the management of the site but may impact upon its conservation objectives. Therefore, the purpose of this screening report is to consider whether, based on best available scientific knowledge, the plan will have potential impacts upon the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 sites. 1.2.2 Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) The directive recognises that habitat loss and degradation are the most serious threats to the conservation of wild birds. It therefore places great emphasis on the protection of habitats for endangered as well as migratory species (listed in Annex I), especially through the establishment of a coherent network of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) comprising all the most suitable territories for these species. Since 1994 all SPAs form an integral part of the NATURA 2000 ecological network.

1.2.3 Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007(S.I. No. 684 of 2007) The above regulations govern the licensing and certification/authorisation process of sewage discharges owned, managed and operated by Water Service Authorities. All Local Authorities were obligated to apply to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a staggered date sequence for a waste water discharge licence or certificate of authorisation by 22nd December 2009.

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The objectives of the regulations is allow the EPA to set conditions and limits on the discharge of any waste water treatment plant operated by a Local Authority with the aim of protecting and improving surface and ground water qualities. 1.2.4 European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009. These regulations were established with the aim of ensuring that environmental objectives originally established within the Water Framework Directive are achieved. The regulations apply to all surface water bodies and aim to improve or maintain the environmental quality standards as set out in the regulations. 1.2.5 The Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC The Water Framework Directive was established with the aim of providing a framework document for the protection of all waters, surface, ground and coastal. The Directive establishes a management role of water bodies based on river catchments with the ultimate aim of maintaining or restoring water quality to a “Good” status.

1.3 Methodology 1.3.1 Initial Screening of Waste Water Agglomerations The following appropriate screening is carriedout in accordance in the EPAs guidance note: Waste Water Discharge Licencing – Appropriate Assessment and The DoEHLG Circular L8/08 – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments as requested by the EPA in its correspondence of 7th April 2010 to Westmeath County Council. In particular the screening process concentrates on the likelihood of a significant impact from the Ballinalack agglomeration on any European Site. A desk top study was completed to identify the key environmental features and associated potential impacts from the waste water agglomeration upon the site and the receiving surface water. The assessment undertakes to complete the Appropriate Assessment Screening Stage 1, steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 and in conjunction with the screening flow diagram included in the circular L8/08. 1.4 Designated Sites There are five designated sites within a 4.5 kilometre radius of the Ballinalack WWTP. The sites comprise of a variety of habitats including lake, wetland and bog areas. The sites comprise of the following (Map No.1 Appendix B); Lough Derravaragh SPA & NHA, Garriskill Bog SAC & SPA, Lough Garr NHA, Lough Owel SPA & SAC and Lough Garr SPA. All but one of the designated sites, Lough Iron is located upstream of the Ballinalack agglomeration. The four sites Lough Derravaragh SPA & NHA, Garriskill Bog SAC & SPA, Lough Owel SPA & SAC and Lough Garr SPA. and can not be potentially affected by any discharges from he Ballinalack agglomeration.

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22.. ((SSttaaggee 11)):: AApppprroopprriiaattee AAsssseessssmmeenntt SSccrreeeenniinngg Step 1: Management of the Site The Ballinalack WWTP and its discharge are not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site. Step 2: Project Description. 2.1 Waste Water Treatment Plant The following is a brief description of the Ballinalack WWTP Agglomeration and its associated discharge point. A more detailed description can be found in the Ballinalack Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application. The Ballinalack WWTP is designed to accept and treat effluent from a population equivalent of 650 PE. The plant comprises of two BMS Blivet range type package plants. Both the plants are designed to treat effluent to a 20:30 standard (20mg/l BOD and 30mg/l SS). The existing system is not designed for phosphorus removal. Currently only one of the treatment units is operational as the existing wastewater loading to the plant does not warrant the use of both units. Wastewaters from the agglomeration flow via a 225mm diameter foul sewer network to the wastewater treatment plant. Effluent entering the plant site gravitates into a forward feed pumping chamber from where a duty and standby pump system transfer the flows onto the installed package treatment unit system. The treatment unit accepts wastewater from the forward feed pumps where inflows enter into a primary settling chamber. Here lamella plates are used to increase the sedimentation area and to utilise the chamber space. The raw sewage passes through the plates and gross solids are removed from the effluent. Within the primary settlement area the level of BOD and especially suspended solids is reduced. Once primary settlement of gross solids has occurred the effluent flows into the aeration chamber. This section of the treatment unit consists of three rotating drums; two drums are fitted to the smaller BL3000 unit. The effluent is drawn in to the drums via holes on the drum periphery. Once inside the drums the effluent passes through a maze of media surfaces. The rotation of the drums actively mixes the effluent with air while the internal media promotes bacterial growth similar to that of an RBC. The rotating drums are powered by one number 0.75kw drive motor. After biological treatment the effluent enters the final settlement tank where flows are forced below a baffle where any remaining sediment is settled at the base of the tank. The final settlement tank also uses Lamella plates to increase the settlement surface area with the tank design working on an upward flow basis. The clarified liquid is then decants over a v-notch weir from where the treated effluent flows to the surface water discharge point SW1. The discharge point consists of a 225mm diameter uPVC outlet pipe and concrete headwall construction that is constructed upon an imported stone amour base.

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The primary discharge point SW1 discharges to the River Inny at the national grid reference 234712E, 264102N. This discharge location is the only discharge point from the network agglomeration and there are no storm overflows associated with the plant. Settled sludge is stored at the base of the treatment units. Sludge’s located within the final settlement area are actively returned to the inlet by a submersible pump that is fitted to the base of the final settlement area. Waste sludge’s are removed from the working unit every 3 months by tanker from where they are taken for dewatering to the Mullingar waste water treatment plant. 2.2 Discharge and River Quality Currently treated effluent results taken between January 2009 and March 2010 has an average BOD concentration equal to 16mg/l, Suspended solids of 12.5mg/l and COD levels equal to 82mg/l. Average nutrient concentrations read as follows, Total Phosphorus equal to 3.26mg/l (P) and average Total Nitrogen of 16mg/l (N). The nearest biological monitoring stations located on the receiving surface water are station no.26104 (Ballinalack Bridge), upstream of all discharge points and station no.26023 (Ballycorkey Bridge) sited downstream of the WWTP discharge. The station located at Ballinalack Bridge currently records a water quality of “Good” status whilst the station located downstream at Ballycorkey Bridge recorded the surface water quality status as “Moderate” in 2005. Under the Water Framework Directive and in line with the Surface Water Regulations 2009 the River Inny must reach “Good” Status by 2015. As previously stated all discharges are to the River Inny. The River is not identified as “sensitive” under the Urban Waste Water Regulations S.I. 254 of 2001, not classified as a salmonid River under the European Communities Quality of Salmonid Rivers Regulations S.I. 293/1988 nor is it a protected European Site however the river does flow through Lough Iron SPA towards the northern end of the Lake. Lough Iron SPA is designated a protected site under the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) As the site is a recognised habitat for wintering wildfowl. The site is of European importance as important populations of Annex 1 bird species have been recorded on the site. The SPA is identified in this report as an area that should be taken into consideration as a site that potentially could be impacted by discharges to its water course.

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SStteepp 33:: CChhaarraacctteerriissttiiccss ooff tthhee SSiittee 3.1 General Site Description (Lough Iron SPA) Lough Iron is a small lake system situated approximately 2 kilometres south and downstream of Ballinalack village located within the Shannon International River Basin District (SIRBD). The Lough is linked downstream of Lough Derravaragh by the River Inny and to Lough Owel by a small stream that flows form Owel to Lough Iron. The Lough is distinctive due to its elongated shape being some 2.5 kilometres long and only 250m to 300m wide. The lake is predominantly surrounded by agricultural lands and these grasslands provide a primary feeding station for migrating geese and wintering wildfowl. Areas of marshy scrub and tree plantations exist close to the western shore of the lake running along the southern bank of the River Inny as it leaves Lough Iron. Lough Iron is environmentally important in terms of providing feeding and roosting habitats for many bird species. The site is internationally important as it supports a population of wintering Greenland White-fronted Geese, Golden plover and Whooper swans all of which are listed on Annex 1 of the E.U. Birds Directive. Outside of these bird species the lake is home to many varies of duck species and wading birds such as Curlew. 3.1.1 Annex 1 Species Within the SPA 3.1.1. (a) Greenland White fronted Goose The Greenland White-fronted Goose is one of Europe’s rarest geese. The geese pass through Iceland in summer and autumn, and winter in Ireland About 12,000 geese, half of the world population, spend the winter in Ireland. They occur in their greatest numbers feeding on agricultural land on the Wexford Slobs. Lough Iron is one of the few habitats outside of Wexford that often records a population of Greenland White fronted Geese 3.1.1. (b) Whooper Swan Whooper swans are another species of wintering bird in Ireland. Flocks of swans’ winter here between October and April. Whooper swans migrate here from Iceland and prefer inland wetlands close to farmed grasslands and stubble areas in which to feed.

Lough Iron provides an wintering habitat for Whooper Swans as the lake is surrounded by extensive areas for grassland close to the lake shores.

3.11. (c) Golden Plover Golden Plover generally migrate here from Iceland and winter on costal and inland waterways although some birds are known to remain year round. Birds congregate in large flocks with their distribution widespread through out the 32 counties. Lough Iron is noted to provide a feeding ground for the Golden Plover species.

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3.2 Identification of Potential Impacts to the SPA 3.2.1 Discharge Quality from the Ballinalack Waste Water Works Waste waters accepted by the Ballinalack WWTP are discharged to surface waters upstream of the Lough Iron SPA. These discharges from the plant pose the only direct potential treat to the designated area from the Ballinalack Agglomeration. The Ballinalack River currently has a Moderate status recorded at the closest upstream and downstream EPA monitoring stations to the WWTP discharge. These stations are located at Ballinalack Bridge some 600m upstream of the primary discharge point and at Ballycorkey Bridge, approximately 3.7 kilometres downstream on the river course. The Water Framework Directive status for the River Inny is 1a, a water body at risk of falling to meet good status by 2015. A river of less than Good status must be restored to at least Good status by 22 December 2015 under the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009. All discharges form the Ballinalack agglomeration is governed by the Urban Waste Water Discharge Regulations 2001(S.I. No. 254 of 2001) and amendments made of 2004. Under Part 1 and Part 11 of the Second Schedule, the values of concentration of parameters discharged and the minimum percentage reductions of treated parameters are set. Table 3.1 below outlines the discharge requirements.

Parameters Concentrations Minimum percentage of

reduction BOD 25mg/l/l O2 70-90 COD 125mg/l/l O2 75 Total Suspended Solids 35mg/l 90 *Total Phosphorus 2mg/l P (>10,000 p.e.)

1mg/l P (> 100,000 p.e.) 80

*Total Nitrogen 15mg/l N (>10,000 p.e.) 10mg/l N (>100,000 p.e.)

70-80

Table 3.1: Waste Water Discharge Concentration Parameters * Sensitive Waters

The concentrations in table 3.1 are mean annual concentrations. The limits set out in the table for BOD, COD and total suspended solids are required to be met by all waste water discharges whilst limits set for total phosphorus and total nitrogen are required for discharges from urban waste water treatment plants to sensitive areas. Monitoring results taken form the Ballinalack WWTP from January 2009 to April 2010 have been tabulated below in tables 3.2 and 3.3. Although the Ballinalack WWTP does not discharge to a sensitive river course the results for total phosphorus and total nitrogen are shown. The results show that there are sufficient reductions between the incoming waste water and the treated discharge. Percentage reductions of 78% for BOD, 60% for

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COD, 83% suspended solids, 11% total phosphorus and a 37% reduction in total nitrogen. It is evident that the plant is performing within the relevant standards. A percentage reduction of 80% was not achieved for total phosphorus nor for total nitrogen; part 11 of the Urban Waste Water Discharge Regulations(UWWTR) is not applicable to the Ballinalack WWTP however de-sludging of the plant may require to be increased in order to help reduce total phosphorus and total nitrogen levels in the final discharge effluent. Dangerous substances concentrations sampled were below the required standards. No levels exceeded the standards as set out in the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2001.

Influent Sewerage Analysis

The influent analysis for the existing plant for the period, May 2009 to May 2010 is summarised in table 3.2 below;

Ballinalack WWTP Influent Analysis BOD

(mg/l) COD (mg/l)

SS (mg/l)

Total Phosphate

(P)

Total Nitrogen

(N) Sample Dates May 2009-

May 2010 May 2009 / May2010

May 2009 / May 2010

May 2009 / May2010

May 2009 / May 2010

No. of Samples 10 11 11 11 11 Average Reading (mg/l)

75.6 205.0 75.0 3.6 25.4

Table 3.2: Ballinalack WWTP Influent Analysis

Effluent Sewage Analysis

The effluent analysis for the existing plant for the period, May 2009 to May 2010 is summarised in table 3.3 below;

Ballinalack WWTP Influent Analysis BOD

(mg/l) COD (mg/l)

SS (mg/l)

Total Phosphate

(P)

Total Nitrogen

(N) Sample Dates May 2009 /

May 2010 May 2009 / May 2010

May 2009 / May 2010

May 2009 / May 2010

May 2009 / May 2010

No. of Samples 10 11 11 11 11 Average Reading (mg/l)

16.6 82.0 12.5 3.2 16.1

Table 3.3: Ballinalack WWTP Effluent Analysis By insuring that standards as set out in the UWWTR are maintained within the agglomeration the likelihood of a significant environmental effect upon the receiving water and any designated site is extremely low. The proposed addition of a Scada

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system at the plant and online viewing capability of alarms and flows helps ensure that mitigation measures and standards can limit the risk of extreme events occurring. 3.2.2 Agriculture Impacts Agriculture can present considerable treat to surface waters and the lands surrounding Lough Iron are intensively farmed. Aside from urban discharges to receiving waters farming activities may present a treat to water dependent ecology within the SPA especially from the activity of land spreading farm manures. The recent introduction of schemes such as the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) and the document Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (S.I. 378 of 2006) has undoubtedly helped the agricultural response to improving water quality. Nationally over €2 billion has been allocated since 2006 towards supporting the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (S.I. 378 of 2006) and its action programme. The action programme has allowed for the collection of baseline data which is are vital setting a bench mark to target improvements in water quality. Westmeath County Council takes an active role in the implementation of farm surveys and monitoring of land spreading out of season within the county boundary. . 3.2.3 Un-Sewered Properties The Ballinalack agglomeration consists of a combined sewer network that discharges treated flows to the River Inny from predominantly residential dwellings within the adjacent housing development. However, predominantly the surrounding catchment is not severed by one single collection system with single treatment units serving the vast majority of domestic premises. The Lough Iron SPA is sited approximately 250m south of the WWTP location and in an area that contains a sporadic quantity of one-off houses. Currently on site systems are largely unregulated and studies, such as in Oram, Co.Monaghan have shown that up to 88% of on site waste water treatment systems may not be functioning correctly. The introduction of the EPA Code of Practice will undoubtedly help prevent the establishment of waste water discharges in areas where soil and subsoil ground conditions do not allow. Strengthened powers have been assigned to Local Authorities through the introduction of the Water Services Act 2007 in relation to existing treatment systems. The Act places a duty of care on owners of unsewered premises to ensure that treatment systems do not pose a risk to the environment. 3.2.4 Forestry Impacts Located within the SPA and running along the southern shore line of Lough Iron is an area of managed forest. The forest is managed by Coillte for the commercial harvesting of timber. Nutrient enrichment and artificial acidification of waters arising from forestry activities can pose a treat to water quality. All forest plantations are controlled by the Forest Act of 1946 and through guidance documents issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

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3.3 Mitigation Measures The River Boyne is designated as a Special Area of Conservation some 9 kilometres from the Kinnegad WWTP location with the main channel of the river Boyne designated as a salmonid surface water. The Kinnegad River to which all flows from the Kinnegad agglomeration discharge to is not designated as a salmonid river and is therefore all discharges are governed by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001). Currently the WWTP is maintained by caretaking staff that run and carryout any maintenance necessary within the agglomeration upon the waste water network. The mechanical aspect of the WWTP and flows through the plant are monitored and recorded by a telemetry “Scada” system that can be accessed through the internet for increased monitoring outside of normal working hours. Westmeath County Council have an established monitoring and sampling programme that includes monitoring of the effluent inflow and treated outflow from the WWTP and sampling of the Kinnegad River at locations upstream (aSW1u) and downstream (aSW1d) of the primary discharge location SW1. Monthly reports are produced based on the sampling results and the running performance of the treatment process with these documents being made available to the relevant staff for review. The key mitigation measure will be to ensure that there continues to be treatment of effluent to acceptable standards governed by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations and the compliance with any conditions established under the Certificate of Authorisation to reduce the risk of any impacts to surface water habitats. Possible combination effects associated with agriculture and one-off single treatment systems will require mitigation through the implementation of legislation. The Nitrates Directive and European Communities Regulations can greatly assist in improving water quality potential in reaching “good water status” in line with the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009. In terms of environmental impacts from forestry, the addition of regulations controlling nutrient pollution, excessive application of fertilisers to woodlands and establishing buffer zones through the implementation of the Aerial Fertilisation Regulations has strengthened policing of this activity.

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4. Step 4: Assessment of Significance 4.1 DoEHLG Circular L8/08 Screening - Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments The assessment of the likelihood of significant effects methodology used in accessing the Ballinalack Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is in accordance with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Governments Circular L8/08, Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of National Heritage and National Monuments. Within the circular initial screening in accordance with Appendix 1(national heritage) and Appendix 2(archaeological heritage) are required. 4.2 Appendix 1 Screening (Heritage) Appendix 1 of Circular L8/08 prescribes 8 questions and a screening flow diagram (see Figure 1, page 13) that are used to determine if a new development requires screening for potential impacts to habitats, flora or fauna. The 8 checklist questions are dealt with below. 4.2.2 Screening Questions

1. Is the development in or on the boundary of a nature conservation site (NHA/SAC/SPA?)

Yes, the Ballinalack Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is situated in or on the boundary of a nature conservation site. Lough Iron SPA is mapped at a distance of approximately 200m south and downstream of the Ballinalack WWTP site.

2. Will nationally protected species be directly impacted? (Flora Protection

Order (S.I. 94 OF 1999)? No. The existing WWTP is not sited directly within the Lough Iron SPA or within a site that prescribes to the hunting of bird or animal species as detailed in Schedules 4 and 5 of the Wildlife Act 1976 and any amendment of 2000. Plant species as listed and protected under the Flora Protection Order (S.I. 94 of 1999) are not affected by the existing development.

3. Is the development a surface water discharge or abstraction in the surface

water catchments or immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/species?

The Ballinalack WWTP discharges to the River Inny (surface water). The River Inny is not designated as a protected site nor are there any recorded water dependent habitats or species from Annex 1 or 11 listed within the surface water course. The receiving water is not listed as a salmonid water course. The Ballinalack WWTP is located upstream of Lough Iron SPA and as detailed previously, there are three Annex 1 bird species documented within the protected area.

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4. Is the development a groundwater discharge or abstraction in the groundwater catchment or within 5km of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/species.?

No. The existing development does not discharge to groundwater or abstract groundwater within a 5km radius of a nature conservation site. All discharges at the Ballinalack WWTP are to surface water.

5. Is the development in the surface water or groundwater catchment of

salmonid waters? No. Whilst existing development does not discharge directly to a salmonid water course.

6. Is the treatment plant in an active or former floodplain or zone of a river, lake, etc?

No. The treatment plant is not situated on an active or former food plain. No recorded flood incidents are recorded on the OPWs National Flood Hazard Mapping database.

7. Is the development a surface discharge or abstraction to or from marine waters and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site?

No. All discharges from the WWTP are to a surface water river course. The receiving water is an inland waterway and is not within 3km of a marine nature conservation site.

8. Will the project in combination with other projects (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

The Ballinalack WWTP is an existing site. The WWTP and its discharges do not have any affect on the hydrology or on any water levels of any surface water courses.

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Figure 1 5. ((Appendix 1 Flow Diagram (DoEHLG Circular L8/08)))

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6. Appendix 2(Archaeological Heritage) Appendix 2 provides an Archaeological heritage checklist for Local Authorities in which to assess the potential impacts on archaeological material and recorded monuments. The seven statements provided in appendix 2 are dealt with below;

Any scheme that extends within or impinges upon the confines of the “black line” drawn around a monument on the Record of Monuments and Places Map.

The Ballinalack WWTP site does not impinge upon any protected monument sites or areas of archaeological importance. There are three recorded sites within close proximity of the WWTP confines. WM005-050: This recorded Rath remains is sited approximately 520 meters from the plant works. The Rath or Ringforts were thought to have been constructed between 500 and 1000 A.D. in Ireland and housed farmsteads or domestic dwellings. WM011-048: 735m to the north lies the remains of a man made mound. It is recorded that the exact use for this structure is unknown. WM011-049: Again lying to the North of the WWTP site, this recorded monument is sited approximately 800m from the plant works. The castle remains are unclassified were thought to have been constructed between the 12 centaury and 16 centaury A.D. WM011-008, WM011-009 & WM011-006: These three monuments are recorded as Earthwork structures. All three lay to the south of the WWTP. Earthworks are usually associated with prehistory with all three sites having no diagnostic features recorded. Drawing No.1 (Appendix C) details the wwtps location and the proximity of any recorded monuments within a 800m radius of the treatment plant location.

Any Scheme that is likely to have an adverse impact on the setting and amenity of a monument on the Record of Monuments and Places map.

The closet recorded monument to the Ballinalack WWTP is the documented Earthwork to the south, WM011-008. The existing WWTP site does not impact in any way upon any of the monument sites.

Any scheme that may not be in proximately to known monuments but is large in scale.

The Ballinalack WWTP is designed to treat effluent from a population equivalent of 650. The WWTP fence line incorporates approximately 2900m². The plant footprint is approximately 60m² and comprises of low level structures.

Any scheme that may be unduly close to archaeological complexes. The Ballinalack WWTP is not unduly close to any known archaeological complexes and does not pose a threat to the archaeological heritage of the area.

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Any scheme that will impact on rivers, lakes, the inter-tidal zone, the foreshore or any underwater area where historic shipwrecks or other underwater archaeological objects e.g. ships , timbers, may be located.

The existing WWTP does not impact on any historic shipwrecks or other underwater archaeological objects.

Any scheme that requires an Environmental Impact Statement. The existing scheme does not require an Environmental Impact Statement. The scheme is not located with any designed areas and is not of a large scale.

Any scheme that may have an adverse impact on the setting and amenity of any national monument in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister of the Environment for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government or any national monument in the ownership or guardianship of a local authority or any national monument that is subject to a preservation order.

The existing development does not have any adverse impact on any national monument or any monument that is subject to a preservation order.

7. Screening Conclusion

The trigger for a Stage Two Appropriate Assessment would be if the screening were likely to have significant effects on a European site. The screening report finds that the WWTP development and any effects arising from the WWTP based upon the screening Plan (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects) shall not give rise to significant effects on the integrity of any Natura 2000 site. It has also been identified that the existing development does not have any impact upon any surrounding archaeological Heritage. Monitoring of influent and effluent at the WWTP has confirmed compliance with the relevant regulations. The WWTPs location and distance from the River Boyne and Blackwater SAC would conclude that any potential impacts from discharges to the surface waters would be localised to the immediate stretches of the River Inny. Therefore, in accordance with the guidance on the EPAs guidance note: Waste Water Discharge Licencing – Appropriate Assessment and The DoEHLG Circular L8/08 – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments, it is concluded that the appropriate assessment screening does not require any further assessment to demonstrate compliance with the Directive.

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Appendix A _____________________________________________________________________ Site Synopsis Site Name: Lough Iron SPA Site Code: 004046 Lough Iron is a small- to moderately-sized midland lake, located some 12 km Northwest of Mullingar. It is situated on the Inny River, which flows from Lough Derravaragh approximately 5 km to the north-east. Lough Owel occurs a few kilometres to the south-east and is connected to Lough Iron by a small stream. The underlying geology is limestone and the lake is mesotrophic in character. Drainage of the River Inny in the 1960s has led to a dramatic drop in the level of the lake and this in turn has led to the development of freshwater marsh and wet grassland on what was previously lake bed. The lake is partially surrounded by agricultural land, much of which is managed intensively. Conifers are also present along stretches of the lake edge. The grassland fields which are used by geese and swans for feeding purposes are included in the site. Some conifer plantations along the south-western shore of the lake are also included in the site to provide screening for feeding birds. The dominant wetland plant species along the margins of the lake are Canary Reedgrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), the latter species forming large expanses of wet grassland. There are also patches of calcareous fen, wet woodland dominated by Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and tall sedge swamp dominated by Tufted Sedge (Carex elata) and Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata).Quite a wide band of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) fringes the lake. The marsh areas contain several scarce plant species, including Fen Bedstraw (Galium uliginosum), Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), and Marsh Pea (Lathyrus palustris). Lough Iron is of International Importance as a site for wintering waterfowl. It is a traditional haunt for the internationally important Midland lakes Greenland Whitefronted Goose flock (which also use Loughs Owel, Ennell and Derravaragh), and is also frequented by a nationally important population of Whooper Swan. Counts for principal waterfowl species over the five winters 1995/96 to 1999/00 are as follows (figures are average maxima): Mute Swan (52), Whooper Swan (154), Greenland White-fronted Goose (409), Wigeon (1,229), Teal (736), Mallard (257), Pintail (19), Shoveler (164), Pochard (239), Tufted Duck (208), Coot (293), Golden Plover (2,200), Lapwing (1,670), Snipe (30) and Curlew (136). The populations of Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler and Golden Plover are of National Importance. At times the Whooper Swan population exceeds the qualifying threshold (160) for International Importance. Lough Iron SPA is of high ornithological importance primarily as it supports an Internationally Important population of Greenland White-fronted Geese, with both feeding and roosting areas available to the birds. Nowadays it is the main site used by this flock. An Internationally Important population of Whooper Swans sometimes occurs. The site also supports a notable diversity of other waterfowl, including dabbling duck, diving duck and waders. Of particular importance is that three of the species which occur are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive (Greenland White-fronted Goose, Whooper Swan and Golden Plover).

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Appendix B _____________________________________________________________________

Map No.1 – Designated Areas

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Appendix C

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Map No.2 – Lough Iron SPA

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BBaalllliinnaallaacckk WWWWDDCC ooff AAuutthhoorriissaattiioonn

Revised Non-Technical Report

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Westmeath County Council is applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for a Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation for the existing Waste Water plant at Ballinalack, Co. Westmeath, National Grid Reference 234734E, and 264076N on 22nd June 2009. a correspondence reply was sent by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dated 7th April 2010 requesting additional information in relation to the Ballinalack agglomeration. The Ballinalack waste water network comprises of a foul gravity sewer and the associated waste water treatment works. The waste water treatment plant (WWTP) consists of an inlet pumping chamber and two RBC treatment units. Each unit incorporates a primary settling chamber, rotating drum for mixing and aeration, final settlement area/clarifier and return sludge pump. Due to the low flows to the plant only one treatment unit is operational at the time of writhing. The WWTP was constructed by a private developer, but taken in charge by Westmeath County Council in 2007. Westmeath County Council is currently in the process of taking in charge the connected housing estate (Inis Glorá) including the sewer mains network. To date the WWTP only accepts sewerage flows from the Inis Glorá housing estate. The waste water treatment plant is designed to collect and treat effluent from a population of 650pe. The plant currently accepts waste from a population equivalent of 124 with average daily flows of 40 cubic meters of treated effluent being discharged from the plant. The treatment works provides secondary treatment with for the effluent prior being discharged to the River Inny. The treated effluent discharged from the waste water treatment plant at the time of writhing the original certification application were average BOD concentrations of 2.3mg/l, COD concentration of 44mg/l, Total Nitrogen concentration of 14 mg/l N, Total Phosphorus concentration of 3 mg/l P and an average suspended solids concentration of 11 mg/l. Currently the treated effluent concentrations are as follows, average BOD concentrations of 16.6mg/l, COD concentration of 82mg/l, Total Nitrogen concentration of 16.1 mg/l N, Total Phosphorus concentration of 3.2 mg/l P and an average suspended solids concentration of 12.5 mg/l. The Primary discharge for the plant flows directly into the River Inny at National Grid Reference (NGR) 234712E, 264102N in the townland of Cullenhugh, Ballynacarrigy, Co. Westmeath. There is no emergency overflow or storm water overflow facility located within the treatment plant site boundary. All discharges form the plants are directed through the outfall SW1. An emergency generator is located on site to provide an electricity supply in the event of a power outage. Westmeath County Council as part of their monitoring point take samples for ortho-phosphate on the Receiving River course both at locations upstream and downstream of the discharge point SW1 and at the primary discharge point itself. There have been 20 corresponding results for ortho-phosphate available dating from the period April 2008 to November 2008 at both the upstream and downstream monitoring points. Water quality upstream of the wastewater treatment plant is equivalent to a Q rating of 4-5(unpolluted) while the downstream median concentration also has a result of 0.02 mg/l P showing a similar Q value of 4-5.

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There are two designated sites located within two kilometres of the waste water treatment site. These are Lough Iron (National Heritage Area & Special Preservation Area) and Lough Garr (National Heritage Area). Lough Garr lies to the North of the plant and incorporates an area of raised bogland that is increasingly becoming a rarity within Europe. Lough Iron is sited to the South of the plant and agglomeration area. This designated site is an important Lough in terms of supporting a varity of wildlife and in the conservation of wild birds notably the Canadian White fronted Goose and the migratory Whooper Swan both listed as Annex 1 species. Following appropriate assessment screening in accordance with Waste Water Discharge Licencing – Appropriate Assessment and The DoEHLG Circular L8/08 – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments it was deemed that there is no negative impact upon the SPA or upon any national monuments as a result of discharges from the Ballinalack agglomeration. It is deemed that discharges from the Ballinalack WWTP are not environmentally affecting both protected site. Westmeath County Council carries out sampling and monitoring of the effluent discharged from the waste water treatment plant. The receiving water course is monitored upstream and downstream of the discharge point. The council also monitors the biological process, final effluent and sludge generated at the plant.

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Appendix D _____________________________________________________________________

Drawing No.1 – National Monument Locations

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ballinalack waste water agglomeration · final settlement area are actively returned to the inlet...

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