(,7,·/e L7tM Ud'7 :F7 I, Offaly County Council · ("",7"",·/e L7""tM Ud'7:F7"" I, Tel: 057...

Administration,Environmental Licensing Programme,Office of Climate, Licensing & Resource Use,Environmental Protection Agency,Headquarters,PO Box 3000,Johnstown Castle Estate,Co. Wexford.

("",7"",·/e L7""tM Ud'7 :F7"" I,Tel: 057 9346800 • Fax: 057 9346868

Website: www.offaly.ie

email: [email protected]

Offaly County CouncilAras an Chontae,Charleville Road,

Tullamore,Co.Offaly.

Friday, 28 January 2011.

For the Attention of Ms. Yvonne English.

Ref: TS/GC/10-701

Re: Notice in accordance with Regulation 25(c)(ii) of the Waste WaterDischarge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 for Certificates ofAuthorisation (as listed below).

Dear Ms. English,

I refer to the letter from your office dated the 14th December 2010, regardingCertificates of Authorisation for the agglomerations below:

Agglomeration EPA Ref.Belmont A0165-01Shannonbridge A0171-01

An Engineering Consultant and Ecologist have been appointed to carry out anAppropriate Assessment screening and any required assessments on theagglomerations which require a certificate of authorisation.

A screening report has been completed and a copy is attached for you information.The agglomerations of Belmont and Shannonbridge required a full assessment. TheConsultant is currently compiling these and they will be forwarded to you oncompletion.

The table below outlines requested P.E. figures which are approximate figures andbased on house counts, undertaken to date. As there are no flow meters at either ofthe WWTP's, we are unable to determine the actual flows or the maximum averageloading for the agglomeration which takes account of local festival, peak holidaysseasons etc. We consider both WWTP's to be at capacity.

Name Design Capacity (P.E.) Current Loading (P.E.)Belmont 250 250Shannonbridge 300 317

Please find attached revised drawings detailing the boundaries of the agglomerationsto which these applications relate:

-~-,.c. 'At1110fl8TullamoreMullingarConn~cI€d

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Project: Belmont WWTW -Discharae Certificate of Authorisation

Drawing Title: Agglomeration MapDrawing No.: Belmont - 03 ARevision Status: A - Aoolomeration Boundary Revised

Project: Shannonbridge WWTW-Discharge Certificate of Authorisation

Drawina Title: Aaalomeration MapDrawing No.: Shannonbridge - 03 ARevision Status: A - Agglomeration Boundary Revised

In respect to your third query, a new WWTP was proposed for Shannonbridge. It wasplanned to construct a pumping station in Belmont to pump sewerage into Ferbane,making the WWTP in Belmont redundant.

Offaly County Council sought approval for these proposals from the Department ofEnvironment Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) under the Water ServicesInvestment Programme (WSIP) Assessment of Needs 2010 - 2012 on the 23'dOctober 2009. Unfortunately it was not included on the published WSIP for 2010 2012 which was announced the week ending 23'd April 2010.

As no capital funding has been allocated for the construction of the new WWTP orPumping station, we are not able to say at this point in time, how we will fund anymajor upgrades not included in the 2010 - 2012 WSIP.

However, under the WSIP, the DEHLG have allowed for an annual review ofprogress on listed schemes and we will endeavour to use this review to resubmit anapplication for funding in the 1st review of the annual programme.

One original, one copy and an electronic searchable PDF on CD-ROM of theresponse are included also. Please note that the non-technical summaries have beenrevised and are included in our reply.

We trust that this is to your satisfaction however if you wish to seek furtherinformation please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Mr. Gavin Cobbe on057 9346800.

Y!ts sincer~Jy') .

WL.~-Mr. Tom Shanahan,Senior Engineer,Water Services.

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Revised non-technical summary for Shannonbridge (EPA Ref. A0171-01) The Waste Water Works and the activities carried out therein. The existing Waste Water Treatment Works serving Shannonbridge was installed in 1966 and consists of a concrete Imhoff tank and sludge drying beds, located on an area of raised ground on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. Shannonbridge WWTW is located adjacent to the Shannon Callows. This area is a designated proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). Owing to the sensitive nature of the area around the WWTW, Offaly County Council propose to relocate Shannonbridge WWTW to the south east of the village, outside the boundary of the Shannon Callows, to provide a final effluent discharge standard of 25/35 (BOD/SS), in addition to a 2mg/l total phosphorus limit. The proposed BOD and Suspended Solids limits are in line with those set by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 254/2001). The wastewater from the village would be pumped from the existing pumping station, located in the village, through approximately 1155m of new rising main, to the new WWTW location. A new outfall, approximately 700m in length, would then discharge the treated effluent to a new location along the River Shannon (Refer to drawings Shannonbridge-09 -10 and -11 in Section B.9 for details). At present, waste water is pumped to the existing WWTW via a 100mm diameter rising 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 which collected solids slide down inclined bottom slopes to an entrance into a lower chamber, 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 to the sludge drying beds and on to a 225mm diameter outfall pipe, which then discharges the treated effluent to the River Shannon. A 200mm diameter bypass pipe runs around the Imhoff tank from the inlet chamber and connects to this outlet pipe from the tank. The flow to this pipe is controlled via a penstock valve located at the inlet chamber to the Imhoff tank and it is only used during maintenance 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 easier handling and disposal. However, as this outlet and the sludge drying beds have been out of commission for a number of years, the sludge is now removed directly from the base of the Imhoff tank and is transported by tanker to Ferbane or Birr for dewatering (depending on the capacity of either WWTW to treat the sludge), prior to onward transportation for landspreading in Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois. A total of 110m3 of sludge has been removed from the WWTW in two loads over the previous year. The supervisor attends the WWTW for 2-3 hours a day, seven days a week. The WWTW has exceeded its design life with the result that the quality of the effluent from the plant has deteriorated in recent years

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The sources of emissions from the waste water works. The pollution load of the agglomeration for Shannonbridge WWTW arises from the following areas:

The local population The local light industries Local school, college and crèche Local B&Bs, pubs, shops and business premises The Marina

There are 2 townhouses and 2 farmhouses registered with Bord Fáilte, which have 17 tourist beds between them. However, there is not thought to be significant seasonal variations in waste water loading. The marina is equipped with a sewage pump-out facility, which is used to empty on-board sewage storage tanks to the collection system in the village. The nature and quantities of foreseeable emissions from the waste water works into the receiving aqueous environment as well as identification of significant effects of the emissions on the environment. The final effluent from Shannonbridge WWTW is discharged into the River Shannon, with an average discharge volume of 78m3/day. Recent measurements of the quality of the final effluent from the plant show that the normal 25/35 (BOD/Suspended Solids) standard is frequently being exceeded and that, with reference to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001, the overall standard of treatment provided is unsatisfactory. As previously noted, Shannonbridge WWTW is located adjacent to the Shannon Callows. This area is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). Owing to the sensitive nature of the area around the WWTW, and to cater for the longer term needs of the village, Offaly County Council propose to relocate the WWTW to the south east of the village, outside the boundary of the Shannon Callows. This new WWTW would be based on the provision of an extended aeration plant at the site and designed for 500 PE, with a proposed average discharge volume of 112.5m3/day. Final effluent discharge standards of 25/35 (BOD/SS), in addition to a 2mg/l total phosphorus limit are proposed and are in line with those limits set by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 254/2001). In addition to the proposed WWTW, the high dilution levels available in the receiving waters would result in no significant effects of the emissions on the environment (refer to Attachment F.1 for details).

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The proposed technology and other techniques for preventing or, where this is not possible, reducing emissions from the waste water works. A new sewerage scheme, including works to the collection system and waste water treatment plant, is proposed to provide for the sustainable development of the village over the next 20 years. The new/upgraded system would be constructed based on complete separation of surface water and foul flows from new developments. New storm water sewers are proposed to provide for the collection of surface runoff from new developments and where possible and economic, to remove surface water from the existing combined drainage system. This would relieve the existing foul/combined system of a certain amount of runoff and help avoid excessive flows to the village pumping station, which would undergo a major civil, mechanical and electrical refurbishment, to bring the station to a satisfactory standard. Offaly County Council sought approval for this proposal from the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) under the Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) Assessment of Needs 2010 – 2012 on the 23rd October 2009. Unfortunately it was not included on the published WSIP for 2010 – 2012 which was announced the week ending 23rd April 2010. As no capital funding has been allocated for the construction of the new WWTP, Offaly County Council are not able to say at this point in time, how Offaly County Council will fund any major plant upgrades not included in the 2010 – 2012 WSIP. However, under the WSIP, the DEHLG have allowed for an annual review of progress on listed schemes and Offaly County Council will endeavour to use this review to resubmit an application for funding in the 1st review of the annual programme. A provisional plant layout for the proposed works, based on the provision of an extended aeration plant at the site, is shown on drawing Shannonbridge-10. An extended aeration plant would be considered the most likely process to be ultimately installed. Additional features to the existing plant process would include stormwater tanks, clarifiers and a sludge recycle chamber, all of which would be designed for a PE of 500, and contribute to an overall improvement in the quality of effluent discharged from the WWTW. It is proposed that the plant would comprise at least two hydraulically independent treatment streams so that isolation of one of the streams for the low loads in the early years of operation, and subsequently for maintenance purposes, could be provided.

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Further measures planned to comply with the general principle of the basic obligations of the operator, i.e., that no significant pollution is caused. Prevention of pollution: Any alteration/upgrading of the existing infrastructure undertaken by Offaly County Council shall not increase the potential to cause pollution in the environment. In particular, any alterations to the Waste Water Treatment Works will be designed to enable any operator of the facility to prevent pollution of the environment by the following potential contaminants:

Surface water run-off Spillages Solid Waste

The provision of stand-by pumps and process equipment at the WWTW would assist in achieving the effluent discharge standards proposed, particularly during maintenance works. Toxic Substances Offaly County Council operates a trade discharge licensing system under which all significant non-domestic discharges to the collection system in Shannonbridge, and elsewhere in County Offaly, must be licensed by the council. No proposals providing for the discharge of toxic substances above acceptable limits would be permitted. Measures planned to monitor emissions into the environment Offaly County Council undertakes routine monitoring of the influent and effluent water quality at Shannonbridge WWTW, as well as at monitoring stations on the Shannon River. The effluent monitoring is undertaken a minimum of 4 times per year. This exceeds the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which do not specify a minimum annual number of samples for WWTW serving a PE of less than 2,000.

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Revised non-technical summary for Belmont (EPA Ref. A0165-01) The waste water works and the activities carried out therein. The existing Waste Water Treatment Works serving Belmont WWTW was installed in 1982 and consists of a communal concrete septic tank located south of the village centre. At present, waste water enters the WWTW via a 225mm diameter combined sewer where it is split into two no. 150mm diameter inlet pipes prior to entering the septic tank. The septic tank system consists of 2No. chambers each with 50m3 capacity and connected to a 150mm diameter outfall pipe. The division of the tank system into two chambers increases the efficiency of the system at removing suspended solids. In the septic tank process, waste matter is decomposed through bacterial action. Inside the septic tank, there are typically three layers. The top layer is the ‘Scum’ layer where organic material floats to the surface. Bacteria in septic tanks biologically convert this material to a liquid. The middle layer is the ‘effluent’ layer where mostly clear water will be found. This clear water is the only layer that enters the outfall pipe. The bottom layer is the ‘Sludge’ layer. This layer is where the inorganic or inert solid materials and the by-products of bacterial digestion are held. The second compartment receives its "load", or liquid mixture, already substantially clarified, as much of the solid material has settled out of the liquid. There is little turbulence in the second chamber as the load enters more slowly through 150mm diameter opes in the separating wall. Both of these factors allow settling of finer suspended solids than cannot occur in the first chamber where incoming material acts to churn up the chamber contents. The two no. 150mm diameter outlets from the separate septic tank compartments convene in a manhole located at the outlet from the septic tank, from which the main 225mm diameter outfall pipe emerges. The treated waste water from the WWTW then discharges approximately 140m from the septic tank to the River Brosna via the 225mm diameter outfall pipe. The wastewater collection system comprises separate foul and surface water sewers ranging up to 375mm diameter. The foul system incorporates a small pumping station servicing 6 properties in a low lying area of the village. There are no stormwater overflows on the collection system. An approximate total of 450m3 of sludge is removed annually from the plant by tanker, over two or three visits, and is transported to Birr for dewatering prior to onward transportation to Tullamore for treatment and disposal. The plant is supervised for 2-3 hours a day, 7 days a week. The sources of emissions from the waste water works. The pollution load of the agglomeration for Belmont WWTW arises from the following areas:

The local population Local sports/social hall Local agricultural farmyard Local B&Bs, pubs and business premises

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The nature and quantities of foreseeable emissions from the waste water works into the receiving aqueous environment as well as identification of significant effects of the emissions on the environment. The final effluent from Belmont WWTW is discharged into the River Brosna, with an average discharge volume of 40m3/day. Recent measurements of the quality of the final effluent from the plant show that the normal 25/35 (BOD/Suspended Solids) standard is frequently being exceeded and that, with reference to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001, the overall standard of treatment provided is unsatisfactory. The existing WWTW is nearing the end of its design life and the quality of the effluent from the plant has therefore deteriorated in recent years. It was proposed to upgrade the sewerage scheme for the village of Belmont to provide for the longer term needs and the sustainable development of the village. The new/upgraded system would be constructed based on complete separation of surface water and foul flows from new developments, with a new storm water system to remove surface water from the existing combined drainage system. The works proposed would serve the existing population and the anticipated growth of Belmont to an equivalent population of 500 over the next 20 years. Offaly County Council propose to abandon the existing WWTW at Belmont and provide a new pumping station at the site to transfer all waste water from the village to Ferbane WWTW. The pumping station is to be designed to pump at a rate equal to 6xDWF at 500PE. A new 125mm diameter rising main was proposed to pump the waste water from the existing WWTW at Belmont approximately 3.5km to discharge into the existing foul sewer collection system in Ferbane for treatment at Ferbane WWTW. This proposal may be taken as the highest form of mitigation measures available to the council to ensure that discharges from the agglomeration would not result in significant effects on the environment. Offaly County Council sought approval for this proposal from the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) under the Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) Assessment of Needs 2010 – 2012 on the 23rd October 2009. Unfortunately it was not included on the published WSIP for 2010 – 2012 which was announced the week ending 23rd April 2010. As no capital funding has been allocated for the construction of the new WWTP, Offaly County Council are not able to say at this point in time, how Offaly County Council will fund any major plant upgrades not included in 2010 – 2012 WSIP. However, under the WSIP, the DEHLG have allowed for an annual review of progress on listed schemes and Offaly County Council will endeavour to use this review to resubmit an application for funding in the 1st review of the annual programme. The proposed technology and other techniques for preventing or, where this is not possible, reducing emissions from the waste water works. It was proposed to upgrade the sewerage scheme for the village of Belmont to provide for the longer term needs and the sustainable development of the village. The new/upgraded system would be constructed based on complete separation of surface water and foul flows from new developments, which would remove surface water from the existing combined drainage system. This would relieve the existing foul/combined system of a certain amount of runoff Offaly County Council propose to provide a new pumping station at the site of the existing Belmont WWTW to transfer flow to the Ferbane WWTW. A new 125mm diameter rising main was proposed to pump the waste water from the existing WWTW at Belmont approximately 3.5km to discharge into the existing foul sewer collection system in Ferbane for treatment at Ferbane WWTW. The above proposals would see the emissions from Belmont WWTW to the River Brosna at this location reduced to zero.

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Further measures planned to comply with the general principle of the basic obligations of the operator, i.e., that no significant pollution is caused. Prevention of pollution Any alteration/upgrading of the existing infrastructure undertaken by Offaly County Council shall not increase the potential to cause pollution in the environment. In particular, it is proposed to abandon the existing WWTW at Belmont and pump the waste water from the village into the existing foul sewer collection system in Ferbane for treatment at Ferbane WWTW, thereby reducing to zero the level of pollution caused by Belmont WWTW to the River Brosna in this location. Toxic Substances Offaly County Council operates a trade discharge licensing system under which all significant non-domestic discharges to the collection system in Belmont, and elsewhere in County Offaly, must be licensed by the council. No proposals providing for the discharge of toxic substances above acceptable limits would be permitted. Measures planned to monitor emissions into the environment Offaly County Council undertakes routine monitoring of the influent and effluent water quality at Belmont WWTW, as well as at monitoring stations on the Brosna River. The effluent monitoring is undertaken a minimum of 4 times per year. This exceeds the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which do not specify a minimum annual number of samples for WWTW serving a PE of less than 2,000.

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T.J.O'CONNOR & ASSOCIATESCONSULTING ENGINEERS

CORRIG BOUSE, CORRIG ROAD, SANDYFORD. DUBIJN 18.Tel: 295 2321 Fax: 295 4541

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DRAWING NO:

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Tel: 295 2321 Fax: 295 4541mer:

NO PART OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE RE-PRODUCED OR TRANSMITIED INA~ FORM OR STORED IN ANY RETRIEVALSYSTEM OF ANY NATURE WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE CONSULTING ENGINEER AS COPYRIGHTHOLDER EXCEPT AS AGREED FOR USE ON THE PROJECT FOR WHICH THE DOCUMENTWAS ORIGINALl. Y ISSUED.

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OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL Comhairle Chontae Uibh Fhailí

WWTP DISCHARGE CERTIFICATES OF

AUTHORISATION

AA SCREENING FLOWCHARTS

SEPTEMBER 2010

C O N S U L T I N G E N G I N E E R S

Sherwood House, Sherwood Avenue, Taylor’s Hill, Galway

Suite D4, The Cubes Offices, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford Dublin 18

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Quality Control

CLIENT

Offaly County Council

PROJECT NO 2113

PROJECT TITLE

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation

REPORT TITLE AA Screening Flowcharts

Rev.

Status

Author(s)

Reviewed By

Approved By

Issue Date

1

Issue

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CC

CC

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts Page 2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 4

1.1 BACKGROUND.....................................................................................................................4

1.2 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT – LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT...............................................4

1.3 DOEHLG CIRCULAR L8/08 ................................................................................................7

1.4 NATURA 2000 SITES ...........................................................................................................9

2 RESULTS....................................................................................................... 10

APPENDIX I – DISCHARGE FLOWCHARTS .......................................................... 12

CLONBULLOGE ................................................................................................................................ 13

WALSH ISLAND................................................................................................................................ 15

SHANNONBRIDGE........................................................................................................................... 17

SHANNON HARBOUR..................................................................................................................... 19

RAHAN ............................................................................................................................................... 21

MOUNTBOLUS.................................................................................................................................. 23

MONEYGALL..................................................................................................................................... 25

LEAMONAGHAN.............................................................................................................................. 27

KILLEIGH............................................................................................................................................. 29

GEASHILL ........................................................................................................................................... 31

COOLDERRY...................................................................................................................................... 33

CLONEYGOWAN............................................................................................................................ 35

BRACKNAGH .................................................................................................................................... 37

BELMONT........................................................................................................................................... 39

BALLYCUMBER .................................................................................................................................. 41

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1 Introduction

1.1 Background

This document relates to the screening for potential ecological impacts upon Natura 2000

sites caused by discharges from a suite of wastewater treatment facilities in County Offaly.

Specifically, this report deals with treatment facilities with a population equivalent of 500

or less and require Certificates of Authorisation only. They are listed as:

Clonbullogue

Walsh Island

Shannonbridge

Shannon Harbour

Rahan

Mountbolus

Moneygall

Leamonaghan

Killeigh

Geashill

Coolderry

Cloneygowan

Bracknagh

Belmont

Ballycumber

1.2 Appropriate Assessment – Legislative Context

The EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural

habitats and of wild flora and fauna) contains a list of rare habitats and species (Annex I

and II respectively); the conservation of these is considered to be of European and

International importance. Similarly, the EU Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EC on

the conservation of wild birds) aims to protect specific bird species considered to be at risk.

Member states have the responsibility to designate geographic sites according to their

conservation value for the aforementioned habitats and species, namely Special Areas of

Conservation and Special Protection Areas, which together form a network referred to as

Natura 2000; see Section 1.4.

Paragraph 3 of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive state that:

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6(3) Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public.

Where such an assessment finds that all potential impacts cannot be successfully avoided or

mitigated against, then Paragraph 4 of Article 6 is applied:

6(4) If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence

of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted.

Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type and/or a priority species, the only considerations which may be raised are those relating to human health or public safety, to beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest.

The statutory agency responsible for Natura 2000 sites is the National Parks and Wildlife

Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The European

Court of Justice has recently (December 13 2007) issued a judgment in a legal case

against Ireland that found that Ireland has failed in its statutory duty to confer adequate

protection on designated areas. Following on from this the Circular Letter 1/08 & NPWS

1/08 on Appropriate Assessment of Land Use Plans (from the Department of the

Environment, Heritage and Local Government) states that all plans and projects will be

subject to critical assessment to ensure that they comply with all relevant legislation.

AA is a focused and detailed impact assessment of the implications of the plan or project,

alone and in combination with other plans and projects, on the integrity of a Natura 2000

site in view of its conservation objectives. The terms of AA have been worked out in

judgments of the European Court of Justice. The case law has established that assessments

should be undertaken on the basis of the best scientific evidence and methods. Accordingly,

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if the consent authority so requires, data and information on the project and on the site and

an analysis of potential effects on the site must be obtained and presented in a Natura

Impact Statement (NIS) which must be presented by the applicant.

Ecological specialists are generally engaged by applicants to undertake the surveys,

research and analysis, with input from other experts (e.g. hydrologists or engineers) as

necessary to prepare the NIS. In general, larger projects will entail a greater amount of

scientific scrutiny. It is the responsibility of the applicant to have the NIS prepared for

submission to the consent authority. Having satisfied itself that the Statement is complete

and objective, the competent authority carries out the AA on the basis of the NIS and any

other appropriate sources of information. In the case of Waste Water Discharge Licensing,

the Environmental Protection Agency is considered to be the competent authority.

There are 4 stages in an Appropriate Assessment as outlined in the European Commission

Guidance document (2001). The following is a brief summary of these steps.

Stage 1 - Screening: This stage examines the likely effects of a project either alone or in

combination with other projects upon a Natura 2000 Site and considers whether it can be

objectively concluded that these effects will not be significant

Stage 2 - Appropriate Assessment: In this stage, the impact of the project on the integrity

of the Natura 2000 site is considered with respect to the conservation objectives of the site

and to its structure and function. The Appropriate Assessment is informed by the Natura

Impact Statement.

Stage 3 - Assessment of Alternative Solutions: Should the Appropriate Assessment

determine that adverse impacts are likely upon a Natura 2000 site, this stage examines

alternative ways of implementing the project that, where possible, avoid these adverse

impacts.

Stage 4 - Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts

remain: Where imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) exist, an assessment

to consider whether compensatory measures will or will not effectively offset the damage

to the Natura site will be necessary.

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1.3 DoEHLG Circular L8/08

Prior to Stage 1, projects that involve Water Services Investment such as abstractions or

discharges are subjected to initial screening according to flowcharts contained within

DoEHLG Circular L8/08.

This screening flowchart methodology is designed to assist those planning and designing

water services solutions when determining whether AA for Natura 2000/European sites or

habitats & species listed in the annexes of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives is necessary

or not. It should also be applied to NHAs

Water Services infrastructure projects relate to the provision, operation and management

of drinking water and wastewater services. These projects hold a high health and safety

value for the public as well as being of benefit for biodiversity - it is therefore essential

that such projects are screened at the earliest stage to avoid situations where nature

conservation and human health and safety are pitched as competing interests.

This screening methodology will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains consistent with

the programmes of measures and River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) currently being

developed under the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

The L8/08 flowchart is reproduced in Figure 1 below. This flowchart is followed for each of

the respective discharges in Appendix I. The outputs and conclusions of this process is

summarised in Section 4.

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Figure 1 – L8/08 Screening Flowchart

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1.4 Natura 2000 sites

There are two designations which from part of the Natura 2000 network of sites that

require specific ecological protection in Ireland:

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)

These are sites that have been identified to be of conservation importance in a European

context, based on the habitats and species; both plant and animal; that they support. The

Directive has a number of Annexes. Habitats listed on Annex I are those habitat types of

community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of

Conservation. Some of these are known as priority habitats for which there is a particular

obligation for protection. Animal and plant species of community interest whose

conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation are listed on Annex

II of the Directive.

All SACs are also proposed Natural Heritage Areas. There is a list of Notifiable Actions

which apply to each annexed habitat and species. These are activities for which consent

must be sought from the Minister of Environment, Heritage and Local Government within

SACs. SACs are protected under the Habitats Directive of 1992 (EU Directive 92/43/EEC)

and the Natural Habitats Regulations of 1997 (S.I.94/97).

Special Protection Areas (SPAs)

These are sites of European importance that have been identified as being of conservation

importance on account of the bird species and populations they support. The Directive

directs all member states to take measures to protect all wild birds and to preserve a

sufficient diversity of habitats for all species naturally occurring within their territories, so as

to maintain populations. Species whose status is a cause for concern are specifically

identified for special conservation measures in Annex I of the Directive, and SPAs have

been designated based on either the presence of these species or the presence of

significant numbers of wintering waterfowl.

All SPAs are also proposed Natural Heritage Areas. SPAs are protected under the Birds

Directive of 1979 (EU Directive 79/409/EEC) and the Natural Habitats Regulations of

1997 (S.I.94/97).


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2 Results

The findings of applying the L8/08 flowchart to the respective discharges are summarised

in Table 1 below. Best practice was also applied in numerous cases, where the discharges

occur in locations which are spatially highly removed from the receiving Natura 2000

sites.

Table 1 – Findings of screening flowcharts

WWTP Discharge Full Appropriate Assessment required?

Rationale

Clonbullogue No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Walsh Island No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Shannonbridge Yes Proximity of the discharge to the Natura 2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out

Shannon Harbour Yes Proximity of the discharge to the Natura 2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out

Rahan No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Mountbolus No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Moneygall No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Leamonaghan No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing


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to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Killeigh No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Geashill No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Coolderry No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Cloneygowan No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Bracknagh No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility

Belmont Yes Proximity of the discharge to the Natura 2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out

Ballycumber No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility


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APPENDIX I – DISCHARGE FLOWCHARTS


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CLONBULLOGE

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question

Response Output

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

No -

Will nationally protected species be directly impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)?

No -

Is the development a surface water discharge or abstraction in the surface water catchment1, or immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species2?

Yes Apply flowchart

Is the development a groundwater discharge or abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2?

No -

Is the development in the surface water or groundwater catchment of salmonid waters?

Yes Apply flowchart

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

No -

Is the development a surface discharge or abstraction to or from marine waters3 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site?

No -

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?

No -

1 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 2 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 3 Any marine area including estuaries.

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Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question

Response Output

1 Is the development in a nature

conservation site? No Go to Step 2

2a (If the development involves a surface water abstraction/discharge) Is the development in the surface water catchment of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site)?

Yes Go to Step 3

2b (If the development involves a groundwater abstraction/discharge) Is the development in the groundwater catchment or within 5km of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site)?

- -

3 Are the qualifying habitats and species of the site water dependent?

Yes Go to Step 5

4 Is the development in the surface or groundwater catchment of other water dependent Annex II species, other rare or protected species or salmonid waters?

- -

5 Is there a WFD sub-basin plan for the site or its protected habitats/species

No ASSESS IMPACTS*

6 Does this plan cover all potential receptors (habitats/species)?

- -

* The Natura 2000 site concerned is the River Barrow and River Nore SAC, which the

receiving water (River Figile) is a tributary of. The discharge from Clonbulloge occurs

18km upstream of the confluence with the River Barrow. Best practice indicates that this

discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000

site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.


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WALSH ISLAND


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


receiving water (feeder stream of the Cushina River) is a tributary of. The discharge from

Walsh Island occurs 20km upstream of the confluence with the River Barrow. Best practice

indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on

the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the

treatment facility.


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SHANNONBRIDGE


Question

Response Output


Yes Screen Project


No -


Yes Screen Project


No -


Yes Screen Project


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output


conservation site? Yes ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


- -


- -


- -


- -


- -

* The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle

Shannon Callows SPA. The Shannonbridge WWTP discharges directly to the River

Shannon. In this case, the proximity of the discharge to the Natura 2000 sites results in a

recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out, despite the small-

scale nature of the treatment facility.


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SHANNON HARBOUR


Question

Response Output


Yes Screen Project


No -


Yes Screen Project


No -


Yes Screen Project


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output


conservation site? Yes ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


- -


- -


- -


- -


- -


Shannon Callows SPA. The Shannon Harbour WWTP discharges directly to the River

Brosna, within the SAC/SPA boundary. In this case, the proximity of the discharge to the

Natura 2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be

carried out, despite the small-scale nature of the treatment facility.


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RAHAN


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


Shannon Callows SPA. The Rahan WWTP discharges to the Clodiagh River (a tributary of

the Brosna River), approximately 28km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Best practice



treatment facility.


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MOUNTBOLUS


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


No -


Yes Apply Flowchart


No -


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




No -


Yes Go to step 3


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -

* The Natura 2000 site concerned is the Clonaslee Eskers and Derry Bog SAC, 3km to the

south-east of the Mountbolus groundwater discharge. This discharge is considered unlikely

to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 as groundwater flows in the area

will be predominantly to the west, away from the SAC.


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MONEYGALL


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


Shannon Callows SPA. The Rahan WWTP discharges to the Clodiagh River (a tributary of

the Brosna River), approximately 28km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Best practice



treatment facility.


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LEAMONAGHAN


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


Shannon Callows SPA. The Leamonaghan WWTP discharges to the Brosna River,

approximately 22km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Best practice indicates that this




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KILLEIGH


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


Shannon Callows SPA. The Killeigh WWTP discharges to the Clodiagh River (via an un-

named stream), and is located approximately 45km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites.

Charlewille Wood SAC, which the Clodiagh River runs through, contains no water

dependent habitats or species which would be associated with the main channel of the

Clodiagh. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have

significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site

and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.


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GEASHILL


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


Shannon Callows SPA. The Geashill WWTP discharges to the Tullamore River (via the

Geashill Stream), and is located approximately 50km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites.

Charlewille Wood SAC, which the Tullamore River runs through, contains no water

dependent habitats or species which would be associated with the main channel of the

aforementioned river. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to

have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the

site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.


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COOLDERRY


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -

* The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC, Middle Shannon

Callows SPA, Sharavogue Bog SAC, Little Brosna Callows SPA and Dovegrove Callows

SPA.

The Coolderry WWTP discharges to the Little Brosna River (via the Rock River),

approximately 15km upstream of the first Natura 2000 site (Sharavogue Bog SAC) and

30km upstream of the first surface-water dependent site (Little Brosna Callows SPA). Best

practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse

effects on the Natura 2000 sites owing to the distance from the sites and very small-scale

nature of the treatment facility (P.E. = 100).


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CLONEYGOWAN


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


WWTP receiving water (Cushina River) is a tributary of. The discharge from Cloneygowan

occurs approximately 19km upstream of the Cushina River’s confluence with the River

Barrow. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have

significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site

and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.


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BRACKNAGH


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


receiving water (River Figile) is a tributary of. The discharge from Bracknagh occurs

approximately 10km upstream of the confluence with the River Barrow. Best practice



treatment facility.


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BELMONT


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Screen Project


No -


Yes Screen Project


No -


No -


No -


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Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


Shannon Callows SPA. The Belmont WWTP discharges the River Brosna, within 4km of the

boundary of the Natura sites. In this case, the proximity of the discharge to the Natura

2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried

out, despite the small-scale nature of the treatment facility.


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EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:24:09


BALLYCUMBER


Question

Response Output


No -


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


Yes Apply flowchart


No -


No -


No -


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EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:24:09



Step Question

Response Output




Yes Go to Step 3


- -


Yes Go to Step 5


- -


No ASSESS IMPACTS*


- -


Shannon Callows SPA. The Ballycumber WWTP discharges to the Brosna River,

approximately 28km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Best practice indicates that this



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EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:24:09

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