Schloetter (Ireland) Limited
Environmental Monitoring Programme
IPPC Licence: P0814-01
Round 1 of the Bi-annual Groundwater
Monitoring Report, 2015
TOBIN CONSULTING ENGINEERS
April 2015
For in
spec
tion p
urpo
ses o
nly.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
REPORT
PROJECT: Schloetter Ireland Ltd.
CLIENT: Schloetter Ireland Ltd Tougher Business Park, Lewistown, Naas, County Kildare.
COMPANY: TOBIN Consulting Engineers Block 10 – 4, Blanchardstown Corporate Park, Dublin 15.
www.tobin.ie
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
ii
DOCUMENT AMENDMENT RECORD
Client: Schloetter Ireland Ltd. Project: Schloetter Tougher Monitoring Title: Bi-annual report R1 2015
PROJECT NUMBER: 6374 DOCUMENT REF: 6374 – 04 – 01
FINAL R1 Bi-annual Report DC 30/04/15 JD 30/04/15 DG 30/04/15
Draft R1 Bi-annual Report DC 30/04/15 JD 30/04/15 DG 30/04/15
Revision Description & Rationale Originated Date Checked Date Authorised Date
TOBIN Consulting Engineers
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
iii
Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1
2 GROUNDWATER ........................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 GROUNDWATER LEVELS AND FLOW DIRECTION ....................................................................................... 2
2.3 GROUNDWATER RESULTS ........................................................................................................................ 4
2.4 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS ......................................................................................................................... 6
3 CONCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................................................. 8
List of Tables Table 2-1 Results of Groundwater Chemistry [] ............................................................................................ 4
List of Figures Figure 2-1 Groundwater Levels (m AOD) ........................................................................................................... 3
Appendices Appendix A: Drawing No. 6374 – 2500 Site Location Map. Drawing No. 6374 – 2501 Location Map of Monitoring Points. Appendix B: Groundwater Chemistry Results
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
1
1 INTRODUCTION TOBIN Consulting Engineers (hereafter referred to as TOBIN) have been requested by Schloetter Ireland Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Schloetter) to carry out environmental monitoring at the Schloetter facility at Tougher Business Park, Lewistown, Nass, Co. Kildare, in accordance with schedule C.4 of IPPC Licence No. P0814-01 issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. The company manufactures proprietary chemicals and equipment for the electronics and metal finishing industry. This report has been compiled by Tobin Consulting Engineers (hereafter referred to as TOBIN) and describes the results of bi-annual groundwater monitoring at the facility for the period 1st January 2015 to 31st June 2015, which is the first half of 2015. Results for this monitoring period have been compared with environmental monitoring findings from the previous monitoring period, as reported by TOBIN. The study site is approximately 1.2 hectares and Figure 6374 – 2501 (see Appendix A) presents the location of the study site. The study site, which is located within the Tougher Business Park in Lewistown, is largely covered by buildings and hardstanding with soft landscaping on the northern and western boundaries. All monitoring points are located as shown on Drawing 6374 – 2502. No major changes in site activities or site layout occurred since the last monitoring period. The objective of the study is to further assess groundwater quality beneath the subject site in order to compare the findings with data collected during previous groundwater monitoring events, which are ongoing since November 2007. The groundwater quality monitoring at the subject site includes sampling events prior to the commencement operations at the Schloetter facility and since the plant became active. It is recommended that this report is read in conjunction with the technical report by AWN entitled ‘Baseline Groundwater Quality Assessment for Schloetter Ireland, Tougher Business Park, Lewistown, Naas, Co. Kildare (Ref: CC/07/4019/R01)’, which was issued on 30th April 2008, and with reference to previous groundwater monitoring results submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with IPPC licence P0814-01.
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
2
2 GROUNDWATER
2.1 METHODOLOGY As part of the site investigations for this study groundwater samples were collected from 4 no. monitoring points on 7th April 2015. 3 no. of these samples were collected from on site boreholes upgradient of the facility (samples GW1, GW2 and GW3), and another downgradient of the facility to the south (pumping well PW1). The locations of these monitoring points are shown on Drawing No: 6374 – 2502. These samples were collected in order to establish a groundwater quality dataset, both upgradient and downgradient of the IPPC facility. Groundwater monitoring was undertaken by a suitably qualified Environmental Scientist from TOBIN. During the R1 2015 monitoring, 3 well volumes were purged from the monitoring wells. Groundwater quality parameters including conductivity, pH and temperature were monitored with all parameters stabilising after 2 well volumes were purged. Following the purging of the wells, the groundwater samples were taken and submitted to an approved lab (ALcontrol Geochem) for analysis. The wells were hand purged using dedicated bailers following the failure of the submersible groundwater pump. Sampling was undertaken via dedicated bailers and dedicated tubing. The groundwater samples were filtered using Waterra FHT Groundwater Filters (0.45 micron size) to increase accuracy when testing for metals. No visual or olfactory signs of hydrocarbon contamination were noted in the groundwater samples during the April 2015 sampling event. Groundwater was clear with no indication of sediment disturbance in the well. The laboratory-supplied sample containers were filled directly from the bailers. Sampling of PW-1 was from a dedicated sampling tap on site. The sample containers were stored in a cool box and transported to the laboratory on the day as sampling. ALcontrol Geochem, who are an ISO 17025, MCerts and UKAS accredited laboratory carried out chemical analyses on the water samples. A comprehensive suite of parameters was requested for analysis so that the groundwater could be fully characterised and a detailed groundwater quality dataset acquired. Groundwater samples for this monitoring event were analysed for the bi-annual parameters as listed in waste licence P0814–01, in addition to a number of parameters which were previously monitored at the site. Conductivity, pH, DO and temperature were recorded on site by TOBIN personnel, both pre and post sampling.
2.2 GROUNDWATER LEVELS AND FLOW DIRECTION Figure 6374 – 2502 presents the ground levels in meters above ordnance datum (m AOD) for each of the three accessible well locations on the site, and also illustrates the location of PW-1. PW-1 is a pumping well and is used as the source of the groundwater supply for the Schloetter facility. Based on site observations and pumping well characteristics the localised groundwater flow is expected to be towards PW-1, located in the southwest section of the site. The surveyed levels indicate that the lowest point of the site is in the south (well GW3) at 89.57m AOD and the highest point on the site is along the western boundary at 89.91m AOD (well GW2). The ground level at well GW1, which is located along the northern site boundary, is 89.85m
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
3
AOD. Groundwater levels were monitored in each of the three monitoring wells on the 7th April 2015. It was not possible to monitor the water level in PW1 as the top of the borehole is sealed. The groundwater levels for GW1, GW2 and GW3 are summarised in Figure 2.1. Based on groundwater monitoring over the last 2 years, groundwater flow appears to be towards PW1 since the completion of the pumping well. Waterlevels are lower in October 2014 as a result of the seasonal water level recession. Water levels in April 2015 appeared to have increased following winter recharge. Based on surveyed levels, surface runoff from the site would be expected in a southerly direction towards the storm water drain/ drainage ditch along the southern boundary.
Figure 2-1 Groundwater Levels (m AOD)
The variation in groundwater levels indicates seasonal fluctuation in the groundwater levels on the subject site, in addition to the groundwater fluctuation as a result of pumping from PW-1. PW-1 supplies approximately 25m3/day to the facility and is located approximately 25m from GW-3. As pumping is undertaken from PW-1 it is in effect the downgradient monitoring location for the facility, as a cone of depression is created around PW-1. As PW-1 is in effect the downgradient monitoring location for the Schloetter facility, groundwater monitoring of PW-1 was undertaken.
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
4
2.3 GROUNDWATER RESULTS Monitoring over the past 7 years has included the items listed on the IPPC licence P0814–01, with a number of additional analytes. A more focused set of parameters was included in this monitoring round. For example, the facility does not hold, use, store or produce pesticides or PCBs and as a consequence groundwater monitoring for pesticides or PCBs are not included in this monitoring round. It is proposed that future monitoring will include the analytes listed on the IPPC licence, but also include targeted monitoring for potential contaminants used or stored at the Schloetter facility. In particular it is proposed to monitor, for example, heavy metals as the facility produces basic organic chemicals, including the use of some heavy metals (i.e. nickel sulphate – proposed monitoring for nickel). The results of groundwater analyses are summarised and presented in Table 2-1 below, together with the Guideline Threshold Values (GTV) outlined in groundwater regulations S.I. No. 9 of 2010 and the EPA Guideline Values (IGVs) for the Protection of Groundwater are used for comparison. The full groundwater analysis datasets are available in Appendix B. The groundwater parameters listed on the IPPC licence are highlighted in bold in Table 2-1 below. Table 2-1 Results of Groundwater Chemistry [1]
Guidelines
Groundwater Results
7th April 2015
Sample Description IGV GTV GW1 GW2 GW3 PW1
pH pH units 6.5 - 9.5 - 7.7 8.1 7.5 7.7 COD, unfiltered mg/l - - <8 <8 <8 <8
Nitrate as NO3 mg/l 25 37.5 1.51 1.11 0.53 4.83 Ammonical Nitrogen as N mg/l - 0.175 0.034 0.025 0.026 0.024 Conductivity @ 20 deg.C mS/cm 1 0.88 – 531 541 702 592
1.875 Chloride mg/l 30 24-187.5 7.9 7 14.1 10.2 Fluoride mg/l 1 - <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Sulphate mg/l 200 - 18.2 25.4 29.8 18.5 Suspended solids, Total mg/l - - <10 19 <10 <10
Organic Carbon, Total mg/l NAC - <1 1.49 <1 <1
Calcium (diss.filt) mg/l 200 - 83 87 141 95 Mercury (diss.filt) µg/l 1 - <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 Sodium (diss.filt) mg/l 150 150 10.1 9.5 9.8 9.7 Magnesium (diss.filt) mg/l 50 - 23.8 25 17.3 27.8 Arsenic (diss.filt) µg/l 10 7.5 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.2 Potassium (diss.filt) mg/l 5 - 1.1 2.4 1.8 1 Cadmium (diss.filt) µg/l 5 - 0.2 <0.1 0.2 <0.1
1 A full list of parameters and results are available in Appendix B
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
5
Guidelines
Groundwater Results
7th April 2015
Sample Description IGV GTV GW1 GW2 GW3 PW1 Chromium (diss.filt) µg/l 30 37.5 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 Copper (diss.filt) µg/l 30 - <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 0.006 Lead (diss.filt) µg/l 10 18.75 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 0.6 Nickel (diss.filt) µg/l 20 15 1.1 1.9 1.3 1 Selenium (diss.filt) µg/l - - <0.2 0.2 0.7 <0.2 Silver (diss.filt) µg/l - - <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 Tin (diss.filt) µg/l - - <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 Zinc (diss.filt) µg/l 100 - 100 280 18 73 Benzene µg/l 1 0.75 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Toluene µg/l <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Ethylbenzene µg/l <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Xylene µg/l <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0
Benzo[a]pyrene µg/l 0.01 0.0075 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 PAH, Total USEPA 16 (aq) µg/l 0.1 0.075 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Note 1: From the EPA Interim Report on '’Towards Setting Guideline Values for the Protection of Groundwater in Ireland’. Note 2: From Groundwater Threshold Values (Groundwater Regulations S.I. No. 9 of 2010)
NAC: No Abnormal change
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
6
2.4 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS When assessing groundwater at the site reference was made to the Irish EPA publication “Towards Setting Guideline Values for the Protection of Groundwater in Ireland – Interim Report”. In addition, TOBIN referred to the GTVs[2] in Schedule 5 of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations, 2010 (S.I. No. 9 of 2010). The reported concentrations for all parameters are within the corresponding GTVs and IGVs. The results of the April monitoring round are presented above.
The pH and electrical conductivity concentrations were within normal limits during the April 2015 monitoring event and are comparable to results from the previous monitoring (October 2014 {R2}) at the facility. During April 2015 organic parameters tested as part of the bi-annual monitoring suite of analysis included ammonical nitrogen as N, nitrate as NO3. All nitrogen parameters tested during the April 2015 monitoring event were below their required IGV and GTV limits including ammonical nitrogen. Historic results from the Schloetter facility indicate that ammonical nitrogen is occasionally detected in groundwater samples, while the concentration of nitrate remains consistently low. The low nitrate concentrations and occasionally elevated ammonical nitrogen concentrations may indicate reducing/anoxic conditions in the bedrock aquifer underlying the facility. Ammoniacal nitrogen were detected during this monitoring round (<0.03 mg/l), however concentrations are likely to fluctuate. The following inorganic parameters were analysed as part of the bi-annual monitoring suite of parameters during the April 2015 monitoring event, total alkalinity, COD, chloride, fluoride, sulphate, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium. These parameters all had results within the limit values specified in the EPA IGVs. COD concentrations were below detection limits (<8 mg/l) in all samples during this monitoring event. Suspended solids were also elevated in BH3 in comparison to BH1, BH2 and PW1. Chloride, potassium and total alkalinity concentrations typical of natural uncontaminated groundwater. During April 2015, metals were tested as part of the bi-annual monitoring suite. Concentrations of mercury were below their detection limits (1 µg/l) at all monitoring locations during April 2015. Copper, chromium, cadmium, nickel, silver, tin, lead, zinc and selenium were all analysed as part of the metals suite of parameters. All metals were below their required IGV and GTV limits. Concentrations of Zinc were elevated during the April 2015 monitoring event in BH1 and BH2. Elevated zinc concentrations were in previous monitoring rounds and were also detected prior to the start of operations by Schloetter at Tougher Business Park. Elevated zinc concentrations were previously detected in a number of groundwater monitoring locations both prior to work commencing and during operation of the IPPC licence. While the source of the zinc is unknown, it is possible that zinc mineralization in the bedrock may be a contributing factor. It should be noted that products containing zinc are not manufactured at the Schloetter facility. Small quantities of zinc (approx 50 kg) are occasionally stored in fully bunded areas within the facility.
2 Note: It should be noted that the GTVs are intended for comparison with average concentrations from a monitoring location over a period of time, and as such are not directly attributable to a one-off monitoring event such as a bi-annual monitoring event.
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
7
Concentrations of PAHs were below detection limits during the April 2015 monitoring event. Previous monitoring had detected PAH concentrations both prior to work commencing on the site and during facility operations. Previous reports suggested sources of PAHs included off site contamination, borehole installation methods or cross contamination during sampling. It is proposed to continue monitoring for PAHs at the Schloetter facility during future monitoring events. Concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene were below their respective limits of detection for at all locations during the April 2015 monitoring event. The pH of groundwater analysed at all monitoring locations ranged from 7.5 in GW3 to 8.1 in GW2, during the April 2015 monitoring event. Results from all monitoring locations had values within the normal pH range (6.5 ≥ pH ≤ 9.5) set out in the EPA Interim Guideline Values (IGV) and reflects the natural background condition of the groundwater. The conductivity concentrations ranged from 531 µS/cm (GW1) to 702 µS/cm (GW3). Results from all monitoring events were within the normal electrical conductivity range and were considerably lower than the IGV limit (1000 µS/cm), reflecting normal background groundwater concentrations.
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
8
3 CONCLUSIONS
As PW1 is a pumped well extracting approximately 25m3/day it is envisaged that the localised groundwater flow direction is towards this point, due to the cone of depression created by the extraction process. Seasonal variation of groundwater levels at the site is evident when levels from April 2015 are compared to historic groundwater levels from the site. Concentrations of mercury at all monitoring locations were below their detection limits (1 µg/l), during the April 2015 monitoring event. Copper, chromium, cadmium, nickel, silver, tin, lead and selenium were all analysed as part of the metals suite of parameters for the April 2015 monitoring event. All concentrations of heavy metals during April 2015 were below the required limit levels set out in the EPA IGVs, except zinc at BH2 and BH1 which is above the IGV value of 100 µg/l. Zinc concentration are variable in the groundwater[3]and will continue to be monitored during future monitoring events. The following inorganic parameters were analysed at all monitoring locations during the April 2015 monitoring event, total alkalinity, chloride, fluoride, sulphate, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium. These parameters all had results within the limit values specified in the GTVs and EPA IGVs. The following organic parameters were assessed as part of the April 2015 monitoring event, Ammoniacal nitrogen as N, nitrate as NO3 and total organic carbon. All parameters were below their respective IGVs and GTVs at all monitoring locations during the April 2015 monitoring event. However the variability of Ammonical Nitrogen between previous monitoring rounds indicates that occasionally elevated concentrations are likely to occur periodically to reflect reducing conditions within the underlying bedrock aquifer. BTEX concentrations were below the laboratory detection limits at all monitoring locations during the April 2015 monitoring event. PAH concentrations were below detection limits in all samples. No exceedances were registered for the remaining physiochemical parameters that were tested during April 2015. In general the groundwater underlying the Schloetter facility is consistent with natural uncontaminated groundwaters, with no evidence of contamination from the facility or extraneous sources.
3 Zinc has been elevated in some of the wells on the site (in particular well GW1) on a number of occasions
since November 2007, which includes monitoring events conducted prior to the start of operations at the
subject site.
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
9
APPENDIX A
Site Layout Plan
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
Schloetter Ireland Ltd Environmental Monitoring Report R1 2015
10
APPENDIX B
LABORATORY REPORTS
For
insp
ectio
n pur
pose
s only
.
Conse
nt of
copy
right
owne
r req
uired
for a
ny ot
her u
se.
EPA Export 23-11-2016:02:04:58
