For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner ... · NICHOLAS O'DWYER LTD. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. EPA Export

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Banagher WWTP Layout- Stormwater

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Cois Callow

Cu ba

Ave nu e

Chest nut Avenue

The Crescent

(Of faly Co. Co.)

W ater Treatm ent Plant

Clu ainR

yna gh

Cluain Alainn

Portavolla

School

School

Church

Church

Cois Callow

Harbour

Road

Harbour

Road

St Rynagh's Road

St Rynagh's Road

Cu ba

Ave nu e

Cuba AvenueCuba Avenue

Clu ainR

yna gh

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TheH

ill

TheH

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Harbour Stre

et

Harbour Stre

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Portavolla

Main

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Main

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Queen Stre

e t

Queen Stre

e t

Bridge

Lusmagh

Crank RoadCrank Road

R356

Kilscragh Bridge

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R356

Marlborough Bridge

R356

R356

Ra pe m

il lsR

ive r

Bridge

Lusmagh

Jetties

Marina

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r Sha

nno n

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River Shannon

Marlborough Bridge

Kilscragh Bridge

LittleBrosna

River

River Sha

nnon

Canal

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Little Brook

Rive

r Sha

nnon

Hamilton's Lock

(Site of)Feddaun Castle

Church

Grave Yard

(in Ruins)

Tu

Cloghan Castle

(Site of)Relicpaustia

(Site of)Crookaunduff Grave Yard

Ringfort

Ringfort

Cregg Wood

Cregg Wood

Weir

Seymour's Islands

UND

Esker Island

ER

ER

UND

ER

ER

UND

UND

ER

ER

Madden's Island

Still Island

Illaunnacalliagh

Bréininis

Breaninch

CD

Muicinis

Muckinish

ER

IslandStaunton's

Distillery

Castle View

(Disused) Malthouse

Under Construction

Grants Island

Birds Is land

C oncrete Works

Banagher

Banagher

Newtown

Quarry

Quarry

Old Windmill

SandvilleHouse

HouseAshgrove

Presbytery

Windmill Hill

The Cribbies

Bankfield

Invernisk

Shannon Grove

Muckinish

Devil's Elbow

Breaninch

Fox Covert

Kilnaborris

Sluices

Illaunadroughearla

Illaunawatia

Inchanaclea

Cloghan Demesne

Illaunanbissan

Flood Gates

NOTES

SKETCH No.

SCALE

DATE

SKETCH

1. This drawing is for demonstration purposes onlyand may not be to scale.Take figured dimensions.

20564-SK-BANA-01

1:20000 @ A3

18.12.2014

Copyright: includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSI LicenceNumber 2011/32/CCMAIOFFALYCOUNTYCOUNCIL. Unauthorised reproductioninfringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Copyright.

TITLE

OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL &IRISH WATER (UISCE ÉIREANN)

BANAGHER AGGLOMERATIONSAMPLING & MONITORING POINTS

CLIENT

NICHOLAS O'DWYER LTD.

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Non-Technical Summary The wastewater in the Banagher agglomeration is collected in a combined collection system which

discharges to three pumping stations at Birr Road, Lusmagh, and Marina. From these pumping stations

the wastewater is pumped to Banagher Wastewater Treatment Plant. Treated flows from the

Banagher Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges to the River Shannon via a 300mm diameter gravity

sewer. The layout of the existing Banagher foul sewerage scheme is detailed in drawings in the original

Wastewater Discharge Licence submission. Separate surface water sewers have been constructed to

serve some areas of the agglomeration in particular Harbour Street, Cuba Avenue and Main Street.

The layout of these surface water sewers is detailed in drawings in the original Wastewater Discharge

Licence submission.

The various elements of the collection system are:

• Foul sewage flows from the northern area of the agglomeration discharge to the Marina Road

Pumping Station from where they are pumped to the inlet works of Banagher Wastewater

Treatment Plant.

• Foul sewage flows from the southern area of the agglomeration discharge to the Lusmagh

Road Pumping Station from where they are pumped to the inlet works of Banagher

Wastewater Treatment Plant.

• Birr Road Pumping Station collects flow from St. Rynagh’s Terrace as well as the Birr Road and

pumps that flow the head of a gravity sewer which ultimately discharges to the Lusmagh Road

Pumping Station.

• It is reported that the Lusmagh Road & Marina Pumping Station have capacities of

approximately 10 l/s. None of the pumping stations have emergency overflows.

In the case of the Marina pumping station it is reported that in the case of pump failure or during

severe storm events a manhole on lower lying ground surcharges once the capacity of the

pumping station and collection system has been exceeded.

In the case of the Birr Road pumping Station it is reported that in the case of pump failure or during

severe storm events the collection system surcharges. It is further reported that surcharging of

the system has caused or contributed to the flooding o fa residential property near the pumping

station in the past.

There is a storm water overflow on the combined sewer network discharging to the River Shannon

which is located approximately 220m to the northeast of the Lusmagh Road Pumping Station at

Queen St. This overflow consists of a hydrobrake flow limiting device which limits the forward flow

to the pumping station. A side weir overflow in the hydrobrake chamber allows excess flow to

outfall to the River Shannon via a 300mm diameter outfall sewer. The outfall sewer runs

underneath the Banagher Concrete works, Crank Road and the Callows to discharge to the River

Shannon directly north of Fort Eliza. Notwithstanding the above it is reported that the collection

system to Lusmagh Pumping Station surcharges on occasion at a manhole in the road close to

Lusmagh Pumping Station.

There is a storm water overflow on the combined sewer network on Cloghan Road. It is located

approximately 450m upstream of the Marina Pump Station. It is reported to discharge during high

rainfall events. It discharges to an adjacent surface water drain, which in turn discharges to the

River Shannon. Downstream of this overflow, between the overflow and the Marina Pump Station,

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Irish Water Report Appropriate Assessment Screening as part of the Banagher Waste Water Discharge Licence Application: D0141-01

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2 | Irish Water AA Screening - Banagher

Contents

Introduction 3

Legislative Context 3

Methodology 5

Guidance Followed 5

Stages Involved in the Appropriate Assessment Process 6

Stage 1: Screening / Test of Significance 7

Field Walkover Surveys 7

Consultation 7

Screening 8

Management of the Site 8

Description of the Project 8

Process Description 8 Description of the Receiving Environment and Monitoring Results 8 Waste Assimilative Capacity 10

Brief Description of the Natura 2000 Sites 11

Possible Effects of the Waste Water Discharge in the Natura 2000 Sites 15

Direct, Indirect or Secondary Impacts 15 Possible Cumulative Impacts with other Plans and Projects in the Area 16

Screening Assessment 17

Likely Changes to the Natura 2000 Site(s) 20 Elements of the Project where the Impacts are Likely to be Significant 21

Screening Conclusions and Statement 22

Finding of No Significant Effects Report Matrix 23

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Introduction This report provides an Appropriate Assessment (AA) of the existing Waste Water Treatment

Plant (WwTP) at Banagher, located in County Offaly, for the purposes of the Waste Water

Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007), as amended. It assesses

whether the on-going operation of the plant, alone or in combination with other plans and

projects, is likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 Site(s) in view of best scientific

knowledge and the conservation objectives of the site(s). Natura 2000 sites are those identified

as sites of European Community importance designated as Special Areas of Conservation under

the Habitats Directive or as Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive.

This report follows the guidance for AA published by the Environmental Protection Agency’s

(EPA) ‘Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge

(Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007)’ (EPA, 2009); and takes account of the

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s guidelines ‘Appropriate

Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities’ (DoEHLG, 2009)

and Circular L8/08 ‘Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of

Natural Heritage and National Monuments’ (DoEHLG, 2008).

This AA Screening was completed by Nicholas O’ Dwyer Consulting Engineers on behalf of Irish

Water.

Legislative Context The Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and

Flora, better known as “The Habitats Directive”, provides legal protection for habitats and species

of European importance. Articles 3 to 9 provide the legislative means to protect habitats and

species of Community interest through the establishment and conservation of an EU-wide

network of sites known as Natura 2000. These are Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)

designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under

the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive (79/409/ECC) as codified by Directive 2009/147/EC.

Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive set out the decision-making tests for plans and

projects likely to affect Natura 2000 sites (Annex 1.1). Article 6(3) establishes the requirement for

Appropriate Assessment (AA):

Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the

[Natura 2000] site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in

combination with other plans or projects, shall be subjected to appropriate assessment

of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In 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.

Article 6(4) states:

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If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the [Natura 2000] 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, Member States 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.

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Methodology Guidance Followed Both EU and national guidance exists in relation to Member States fulfilling their requirements

under the EU Habitats Directive, with particular reference to Article 6(3) and 6(4) of that Directive.

The methodology followed in relation to this AA Screening has had regard to the following

guidance:

Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge

(Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007). Environmental Protection

Agency, (EPA, 2009).

Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning

Authorities. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, (DoEHLG,

2010).

Circular L8/08 – Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection

of Natural Heritage and National Monuments. Department of Environment, Heritage and

Local Government, (DoEHLG, 2008).

Communication from the Commission on the Precautionary Principle. Office for Official

Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, (EC, 2000a).

Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive

92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg,

(EC, 2000b).

Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites:

Methodological guidance on the provisions of Articles 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats

Directive 92/43/EEC. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities,

Brussels (EC, 2001).

Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC – Clarification

of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest,

compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the Commission. Office for

Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, (EC, 2007).

Nature and biodiversity cases: Ruling of the European Court of Justice. Office for Official

Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg (EC, 2006).

Marine Natura Impact Statements in Irish Special Areas of Conservation: A working

document, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin (NPWS, 2012).

European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011 (S.I. No.477 of

2011).

Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European

Commission (EC, 2013).

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Stages Involved in the Appropriate Assessment Process Stage 1: Screening / Test of Significance

This process identifies whether the WwTP discharge is directly connected to or necessary for the

management of a Natura 2000 Site(s); and identifies whether the discharge is likely to have

significant impacts upon a Natura 2000 Site(s) either alone or in combination with other projects

or plans.

The output from this stage is a determination for each Natura 2000 Site(s) of not significant,

significant, potentially significant, or uncertain effects. The latter three determinations will cause

that site to be brought forward to Stage 2.

Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment

This stage considers the impact of the WwTP discharge on the integrity of a Natura 2000 Site(s),

either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, with respect to (1) the site’s

conservation objectives; and (2) the site’s structure and function and its overall integrity.

Additionally, where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of those

impacts

The output from this stage is a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). This document must include

sufficient information for the EPA to carry out the appropriate assessment. If the assessment is

negative, i.e. adverse effects on the integrity of a site cannot be excluded, then the process must

consider alternatives (Stage 3) or proceed to Stage 4.

Stage 3: Assessment of Alternatives

This process examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that

avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 Site. This assessment may be carried

out concurrently with Stage 2 in order to find the most appropriate solution. If no alternatives

exist or all alternatives would result in negative impacts to the integrity of the Natura 2000 Sites

then the process either moves to Stage 4 or the project is abandoned.

Stage 4: Assessment Where Adverse Impacts Remain

An assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of Imperative

Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI), it is deemed that the project or plan should

proceed.

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Stage 1: Screening / Test of Significance In complying with the obligations under Article 6(3) and following the appropriate guidelines, this

AA Screening has been structured as a stage by stage approach as follows:

Description of the project

Identification of Natura 2000 sites potentially affected

Identification and description of individual and cumulative impacts likely to result

Assessment of the significance of the impacts identified above on site integrity

Exclusion of sites where it can be objectively concluded that there will be no significanteffects

Screening conclusion

Field Walkover Surveys A field walkover survey was undertaken during 4th June 2014 to identify the potential for

qualifying species and habitats in the surrounding environs of the WwTP discharge.

Consultation Consultation was undertaken with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to the

existing discharge from the Banagher WwTP. No project specific responses have been received

from the NPWS.

Subsequent to the above consultation the NPWS have outlined that “The EPA, as the competent

authority, will seek NPWS advice as may be required in reaching their decision, and the NPWS

can only communicate with the applicant on request from the competent authority, when the

formal application process to the competent authority has already commenced”.

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Screening Management of the Site The Banagher WwTP is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of any site

for nature conservation.

Description of the Project The Banagher Wastewater Treatment Plant was constructed in 2000 and is designed to cater for

a population equivalent of 2,500. The plant is located to the west of the village on the southern

bank of the River Shannon.

In accordance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations, 2001 (SI 254 of 2001) the

WwTP has been designed to the following effluent standards:

25 mg/l BOD

125 mg/l COD

35 mg/l SS

In addition nutrient (phosphorous) removal has been installed at the WwTP to reduce the total

phosphorous in the treated effluent to 2 mg/l.

The current effluent discharge mean concentrations (Jan 2013 – April 2014), upon which this

Stage 1 Appropriate Assessment is based, are shown below:

1.69 mg/l BOD

6.69 mg/l SS

0.2 mg/l Total Phosphorus (as P)

0.09 mg/l Total Ammonia (as N)

10.54mg/l Total Nitrogen

The quality of discharge from the wastewater treatment plant is in compliance with the Urban

Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001).

Process Description

The design is based on extended aeration and comprises of an inlet works with screening and

de-gritting followed by an oxidation ditch and final settlement. Ferric chloride is dosed to the flow

leaving the inlet works to reduce the phosphorous concentration in the final effluent. The final

treated effluent is discharged to the River Shannon via a 300 mm diameter outfall sewer.

Description of the Receiving Environment and Monitoring Results

Field Survey Overview

Banagher Waste Water Treatment Plant is located on the western outskirts of Banagher

immediately north of a large concrete manufacturing facility. The treatment plant is situated 300m

south of the River Shannon and 130m east of the Rapemills River. The Rapemills River is a

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small tributary of the River Shannon. Both rivers are Lowland (FW2). The Rapemills River is

approximately 4 m wide whereas the River Shannon is approximately 125 m wide.

The treatment plant has been landscaped with Italian Alder, White Willow, Poplar and Birch but

there are native trees growing around the perimeter such as Hawthorn (Crataegus), Goat Willow

(Salix), Alder (Alnus), Ash (Fraxinus) and Blackthorn (Prunus). The surrounding area and land

use around the discharge location is comprised of Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) but the

area to the north and west of the WwTP is seasonally-flooded alluvial grassland (GS4) forming

part of the Shannon Callows system. There are some Hedgerows (WL1) in the vicinity of the

treatment plant and an area of Scrub (WS1) is present to the north of the site close to the

Shannon.

Aquatic and swamp communities at the confluence of the Rapemill and Shannon Rivers are well

developed with open reed swamp communities of Phragmites forming extensive ribbons

(FS1/FW2), with a quick vegetation sequence of Glyceria (FS2) grading into a narrow but dense

mosaic of Iris- Filipendula mire community (GM1). Along the Rapemills River at the reed margins

pushing into deeper water of the Shannon a Nuphar lutea community is abundant. The stands of

Nuphar represent the deeper limits of floating river vegetation.

Bird species recorded during the site visit: Mute Swan (occupied nest), Mallard, Grey Heron,

Moorhen, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blackcap,

Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Wren, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Redpoll, Goldfinch, Reed

Bunting.

The site visit identified all plant communities; corresponding priority listed habitats; and, natural

features / artificial structures with potential to support protected species at the discharge point

and surrounds.

No areas of habitat that correspond to listed habitats (qualifying features) of the Shannon

Callows SAC or Middle Shannon Callows SPA (nearest SAC and SPA to the discharge location)

were recorded during the field survey. No areas of habitat that are important for the survival of

the designated features/species within the River Shannon will therefore be:

Modified or fragmented, destroyed or isolated. No key biogeochemical processes

necessary for the survival of the designated features will be impacted, directly or

indirectly or in the short to long term.

No physical signs of Otter were recorded along the Rapemills River and confluence with the

Shannon River (100m radius of discharge point). The dense reed and herb swamp margins at

the confluence provide suitable commuting and resting habitat for Otter, however no structural

features or overhangs within close proximity to the discharge point that could potentially support

breeding Otter were recorded. No ecologically meaningful proportion of the population of

designated features will be:

Seriously disrupted (either through disturbance of breeding, feeding, migration or resting

behaviour).

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Monitoring Data

The WwTP discharges to the River Shannon at grid reference 300029E, 281618N. Monitoring

data from locations upstream of the discharge point demonstrates that the water quality within

the River Shannon is in compliance with Schedule 5 of the European Communities

Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 272 of 2009), please see

Table 1.0. There is currently no downstream monitoring being conducted at the Banagher

WwTP.

Table 1.0: Monitoring Data both Upstream and Downstream of WwTP Discharge Parameter EQS* Upstream Downstream

BOD ≤2.6 1.21 NT

Ammonia (as NH3 – N) ≤0.14 0.04 NT

Orthophosphate ≤0.075 0.01 NT

*European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009, S.I. No. 272 of 2009

(95%ile standards presented). Where NT is not tested.

There is no relevant EPA biological water quality monitoring location upstream of the current

Banagher WwTP discharge location. The closest monitoring station is at Clonmacnoise (Station

name: Clonmacnoise at Jetty) and is c. 22 km upstream of the Banagher WwTP discharge

location point. The water quality is classified as Q3-4, Moderate Status at this point. A monitoring

point on the River Brosna, close to its confluence with the River Shannon and 5 km upstream

from the discharge location has a water quality classification of Q4, Good Status. The

downstream EPA biological water quality monitoring currently classifies the water quality in the

River Shannon at Incherky Quay as Q4, Good status. This station is approximately 6 km

downstream of the Banagher WwTP discharge point.

Waste Assimilative Capacity Table 2.0 summaries the assimilative capacity calculations which are based on the current

estimated WwTP loading of 2,500 p.e., 95%ile river flow and water quality standards in the

European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No.

272 of 2009). Assimilative capacity calculations used both the actual background concentrations

and the ‘notionally clean river’ approach.

Table 2.0: Assimilative capacity calculations at estimated 2,500pe for actual background concentrations and for a notionally clean river.

Parameter Background (mg/l)

WWTW Discharge (mg/l)

Predicted downstream quality (mg/l)

EQS* (mg/l)

BOD Actual Background 1.69 1.69 1.21 ≤2.6

Notionally Clean 0.260 1.69 0.26

Ammonia Actual Background 0.039 0.09 0.039 ≤0.14


Orthophosphate Actual Background 0.014 0.09 0.014 ≤0.075


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*European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009, S.I. No. 272 of 2009

(95%ile standards presented). The 95%ile flow for the River Shannon at the point of discharge is 161 m3/s. The

95%ile flow for the WWTW is 0.0065 m3/s.

The WAC calculations demonstrate that the River Shannon has available assimilative capacity to

accommodate the current Banagher WwTP discharge.

Brief Description of the Natura 2000 Sites This section of the screening process describes the Natura 2000 sites within a 15 km radius of

the WwTP discharge location. A 15 km buffer zone has been chosen as a precautionary

measure, to ensure that all potentially affected Natura 2000 sites are included in the screening

process, which is in line with Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland –

Guidance for Planning Authorities produced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and

Local Government.

Table 3.0 list the SACs and Table 4.0 lists the SPAs that are within 15 km of the WwTP

discharge location and the qualifying interests of each of the identified Natura 2000 Sites is also

provided. Figure 1.0 shows their location in relation to the Banagher WwTP discharge.

Table 3.0: SACs located within 15km from Banagher WwTP discharge Site Code Site Name Qualifying Habitats & Species

000216 River Shannon

Callows SAC

Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt-laden soils

(Molinion caeruleae) [6410]

Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba

officinalis) [6510]

Limestone pavements [8240]

Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-

Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0]

Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355]

002353 Redwood Bog Active raised bogs [7110]

Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration [7120]

Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [7150]

000641 Ballyduff/Clonfinane

Bog

Active raised bogs [7110]



Bog woodland [91D0]

000647 Kilcarren-Firville Bog Active raised bogs [7110]



000575 Ferbane Bog SAC Active raised bogs [7110]



000576 Fin Lough SAC Vertigo geyeri [1013]

Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara

spp. [3140]

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Site Code Site Name Qualifying Habitats & Species


Alkaline fens [7230]

000581 Moyclare Bog SAC Active raised bogs [7110]



000566 All Saints Bog and

Esker SAC

Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous

substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210]

Active raised bogs [7110]



Bog woodland [91D0]

000919 Ridge Road, SW of

Rapemills

Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous

substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210]

000580 Mongan Bog SAC Active raised bogs [7110]



Table 4.0: SPAs located within 15km from Banagher WwTP discharge Site Code Site Name Qualifying Features – Annex I Species

004096 Middle Shannon

Callows SPA

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038]

Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050]

Corncrake (Crex crex) [A122]

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140]

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142]

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179]

Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999]

004086 River Little Brosna

Callows SPA

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038]

Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050]

Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]

Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]

Shoveler (Anas clypeata) [A056]



Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179]

Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris)

[A395]


004137 Dovegrove Callows

SPA


[A395]

004103 All Saints Bog SPA Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris)

[A395]

004097 River Suck Callows Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038]

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Site Code Site Name Qualifying Features – Annex I Species

SPA Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050]




[A395]


004017 Mongan Bog SPA Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris)

[A395]

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Figure 1.0 Natura 2000 Site within 15 km of Banagher Discharge Location

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Possible Effects of the Waste Water Discharge in the Natura 2000 Sites The purpose of this section of the screening is to examine the possibility that the waste water

discharge, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, may result in

significant negative effects on the Conservation Objectives and the integrity of the Natura 2000

Sites identified.

The most apparent potential risk to a Natura 2000 Site(s) from a WwTP discharge is to the water

quality of the receiving environment, and if the receiving environments water quality has the

potential to interact with the qualifying interests of the Natura 2000 Sites identified.

Direct, Indirect or Secondary Impacts Tables 3.0 and 4.0 lists the Natura 2000 sites within 15 km of the Banagher WwTP discharge

location. The WwTP discharges to the River Shannon which forms part of the River Shannon

Callows SAC and the Middle Shannon Callows SPA. These Natura 2000 sites are considered to

have potential for the most significant impact from the discharge.

A number of bogland areas and esker SACs lie out from the River Shannon, such as the All

Saints Bog and Esker SAC, the Moyclare Bog SAC, Ballyduff/Clonfinane Bog SAC and the

Ferbane Bog SAC (see Fig. 1.0). These SACs are not hydraulically connected with the discharge

into the River Shannon and therefore the discharge from the Banagher WwTP will not impact on

the conservation status of the sites qualifying interests.

The Ridge Road SW of Rapemills SACs (approx. 7km southeast of discharge location) qualifying

interest is the Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates

(Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid sites) [6210]. This species is not a surface water or

groundwater dependent habitat and therefore does not have the potential to be impacted by the

WwTP discharge.

The Dovegrove Callows SPA (approx. 8.7km southeast of discharge location) and the River Little

Brosna Callows SPA (approx.4km south of the discharge location) contains bird species which

are water dependant. Any impact on the above sites Callows habitat from direct or indirect

source pollution has the potential to impact the conservation status of their water dependent

qualifying bird species. However, it is considered that due to the distance of these sites from the

discharge location, along with the River Shannon’s ability to assimilate the effluent discharge, no

impact is likely from the Banagher WwTP discharge on the conservation objectives of these SPA

sites.

The River Shannon Callows SAC and The Middle Shannon Callows SPA have a number of

groundwater and/or surface water dependant species and habitats. In terms of the Middle

Shannon Callows SPA, the following are water dependent bird species of this SPA; Whooper

Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038], Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050], Corncrake (Crex crex) [A122],

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140], Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142], Black-tailed

Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156], Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179] and the

Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999]. All of these water dependent qualifying features have the

potential to be impacted upon should their water dependent habitats or food sources be

impacted by the effluent discharge. However, as per the WAC calculations (Table 2.0) and the

EPA downstream water quality monitoring data (Good Status, 6 km downstream) no direct,

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indirect or secondary impacts are predicted on the Middle Shannon Callows SPA and their water

dependent qualifying interests.

The River Shannon Callows SAC has been selected for a number of water dependent habitats.

Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] is a

ground water dependent habitat and is considered to be at risk in general from nutrient

enrichment. Habitat 91E0 is at risk from N and P nutrient enrichment to both surface water and

groundwater (diffuse and point source pollution). It is not considered likely however that the

discharge from the Banagher WwTP is impacting on these surface water and ground water

dependent qualifying interests due to the ability of the receiving water to assimilate the effluent

discharge from the WwTP.

Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae,

Salicion albae) [91E0] is a surface water and ground water dependent habitat. This habitat type

is pressured by changes in surface water flows, flooding and changes in water levels. It is not

considered that the Banagher discharge will impact on this qualifying interest.

Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] is the only water dependent species for which the River Shannon

Callows has been selected. Otter are surface water dependent and are at a general risk from a

deterioration in water quality, which in turn may impact food sources/availability. However, based

on the Rivers ability to assimilate the effluent discharge from the Banagher WwTP it is not likely

that this discharge is impacting directly or indirectly on this water dependent qualifying species.

In accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of

2007), the waste water discharged from Banagher WwTP does not impact on the water quality of

the River Shannon, and therefore is not likely to be impacting on the conservation objectives of

the River Shannon Callows SAC and the Middle Shannon Callows SPA or indeed any other

Natura 2000 sites.

Possible Cumulative Impacts with other Plans and Projects in the Area

As part of Stage 1 Screening, in addition to the waste water discharge, other relevant projects

and plans in the relevant region must also be considered. This step aims to identify at this early

stage any possible significant effects on the Natura 2000 Sites from the waste water discharge

in-combination or cumulative with other plans and projects. Existing plans and projects which

have been examined include:

Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020

Shannon International River Basin Management Plan 2009-2015

The Biodiversity Plan for Offaly (part of the Offaly Heritage Plan) 2012-2016

Little Brosna Water Management Unit Action Plan

Lough Derg Water Management Unit Action Plan

The above plans have been assessed in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive

and Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, and are not envisaged to result in

significant effects on the integrity of the Natura 2000 network.

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The Banagher WwTP discharge location is within the Little Brosna Water Management Unit

(WMU). There are a total of seven WwTP within this WMU. As per the Little Brosna WMU Action

Plan the Banagher WwTP is not considered to be a risk and as such no improvement measures

are recommended for the WwTP within this Plan. This implies the plant to be in good working

order and not having an impact on the receiving water body.

The quality of the effluent discharge and the WAC assessment completed for the existing

discharge as a part of this Screening Assessment, where all downstream concentrations are in

compliance with S.I. No. 272 of 2009, along with the EPA downstream monitoring results, would

suggest that the current discharge from the Banagher WwTP is not operating in conflict with the

aims, policies and objectives of the above Plans.

Screening Assessment Table 5.0 provides a summary of the likely significant impact of the current waste water

discharge on the conservation objectives of the identified Natura 2000 site in Tables 3.0 and 4.0.

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Table 5.0: Potential Significant Impacts on Natura 2000 sites from the Banagher Waste Water Discharge

Site Name Direct Impacts Indirect/ Secondary

Resource Requirements (Drinking Water Abstraction Etc.)

Emissions (Disposal to Land, Water or Air)

Excavation Requirements

Transportation Requirements

Duration of Construction, Operation, Decommissioning

River Shannon Callows

SAC

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on qualifying

interest

Redwood Bog No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

Ballyduff/Clonfinane

Bog

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

Kilcarren-Firville Bog No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

Ferbane Bog SAC No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

Fin Lough SAC No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

Moyclare Bog SAC No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

All Saints Bog and

Esker SAC

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

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Site Name Direct Impacts Indirect/ Secondary

Resource Requirements (Drinking Water Abstraction Etc.)

Emissions (Disposal to Land, Water or Air)

Excavation Requirements

Transportation Requirements

Duration of Construction, Operation, Decommissioning

Ridge Road, SW of

Rapemills SAC

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

Mongan Bog SPA No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

Mongan Bog SAC No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

Middle Shannon

Callows SPA

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

River Little Brosna

Callows SPA

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

Dovegrove Callows

SPA

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

All Saints Bog SPA No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

River Suck Callows

SPA

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest

No impact on

qualifying interest


interest

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Likely Changes to the Natura 2000 Site(s) The likely changes that will arise from the Banagher waste water discharge have been examined

in the context of a number of factors that could potentially affect the integrity of the identified

Natura 2000 Sites. Overall, it has been found that the current waste water discharge will not

affect the integrity of the identified Natura 2000 Sites.

Table 6.0: Likely Affect on Natura 2000 Sites

Site Name

Reduction

of Habitat

Area

Disturbance

to Key

Species

Habitat or

Species

Fragmentation

Reduction

in Species

Density

Changes in Key

Indicators of

Conservation

Value (Water

Quality Etc.)

Climate

Change

River Shannon

Callows SAC None None None None None None

Redwood Bog None None None None None None

Ballyduff/Clonfinane

Bog None None None None None None

Kilcarren-Firville Bog None None None None None None

Ferbane Bog SAC None None None None None None

Fin Lough SAC None None None None None None

Moyclare Bog SAC None None None None None None

All Saints Bog and

Esker SAC None None None None None None

Ridge Road, SW of

Rapemills None None None None None None

Mongan Bog SAC None None None None None None

Mongan Bog SPA None None None None None None

Middle Shannon

Callows SPA None None None None None None

River Little Brosna

Callows SPA None None None None None None

Dovegrove Callows

SPA None None None None None None

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Site Name

Reduction

of Habitat

Area

Disturbance

to Key

Species

Habitat or

Species

Fragmentation

Reduction

in Species

Density

Changes in Key

Indicators of

Conservation

Value (Water

Quality Etc.)

Climate

Change

All Saints Bog SPA None None None None None None

River Suck Callows

SPA None None None None None None

Elements of the Project where the Impacts are Likely to be Significant No elements of the current waste water discharge are likely to cause significant impacts on

Natura 2000 Sites.

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Screening Conclusions and Statement The likely impacts that will arise from the current waste water discharge have been examined in

the context of a number of factors that could potentially affect the integrity of the Natura 2000

network. None of the sites within 15 km of the discharge location will be adversely affected. A

finding of No Significant Effects Matrix has been completed and is presented in next section of

this Screening Statement.

On the basis of the findings of this Screening for Appropriate Assessment of Natura 2000 Sites, it

is concluded that the current waste water discharge from the Banagher WwTP will not have a

significant effect on the Natura 2000 network and a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not

required.

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Finding of No Significant Effects Report

Matrix Name of project or plan Banagher Waste Water discharge Licence

Application: D00141-01. Name and location of Natura 2000

site

River Shannon Callows SAC (0 km, the receiving waterbody for the the discharge) Redwood Bog SAC (Approximately 6 km from the discharge location) Ballyduff/Clonfinane Bog (Approximately 11 km from the discharge location) Kilcarren-Firville Bog (Approximately 13.5 km from the discharge location) Ferbane Bog SAC (Approximately 14 km from the discharge location) Fin Lough SAC (Approximately 13 km from the discharge location) Moyclare Bog SAC (Approximately 10.5 km from the discharge location) All Saints Bog and Esker SAC (Approximately 3.7 km from the discharge location) Ridge Road, SW of Rapemills SAC (Approximately 7 km from the discharge location) Monagan Bog SAC (Approximately 14.5 km from the discharge location) Monagan Bog SPA (Approximately 14.5 km from the discharge location) Middle Shannon Callows SPA (0 km, the receiving waterbody for the the discharge) River Little Brosna Callows SPA (Approximately 4 km from the discharge location) Dovegrove Callows SPA (Approximately 8.7 km from the discharge location) All Saints Bog SPA (Approximately 3.5 km from the discharge location) River Suck Callows SPA (Approximately 9.5 km from the discharge location)

Description of the project or plan Banagher Village is located in the on the River Shannon on the western border of County Offaly. The current residential population equivalent served by the WwTP is 2,500 p.e. The primary discharge from the plant is to the River Shannon. Banagher is served by a combined sewage network pumping to a Waste Water Treatment Plant (commissioned in 2000). The WwTP was designed and constructed for a 2,500 p.e. and consists of the following:- • Inlet works; • Grit removal; • Oxidation ditch; • Final settlement tank; • Phosphorus removal; • Sludge storage tank; and • Control House.

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The WwTP has been designed to the required effluent standard of: • 25 mg/l BOD • 35 mg/l SS • 125 mg/l COD In addition nutrient (phosphorous) removal has been installed at the WwTP to reduce the total phosphorous in the treated effluent to 2 mg/l. The current effluent discharge mean concentrations (Jan 2013 – April 2014), upon which this Stage 1 Appropriate Assessment is based, are shown below: 1.69 mg/l BOD 6.69 mg/l SS 0.2 mg/l Total Phosphorus (as P) 0.09 mg/l Total Ammonia (as N) 10.54mg/l Total Nitrogen

The quality of discharge from the wastewater treatment Plant is in compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001). Description of the Receiving Environment and Monitoring Results Site Survey The site visit identified all plant communities; corresponding priority listed habitats; and, natural features / artificial structures with potential to support protected species at the discharge point and surrounds. No areas of habitat that correspond to listed habitats (qualifying features) of the Shannon Callows SAC or Middle Shannon Callows SPA or any other SAC or SPA were recorded during the field survey.

No physical signs of Otter were recorded along the Rapemills River and confluence with the Shannon River (100m radius of discharge point). The dense reed and herb swamp margins at the confluence provide suitable commuting and resting habitat for Otter, however no structural features or overhangs within close proximity to the discharge point that could potentially support breeding Otter were recorded. Monitoring Data The WwTP discharges to the River Shannon, downstream from Banagher Marina. Monitoring data from locations upstream of the discharge point demonstrates that the water quality within the River Shannon is in compliance with Schedule 5 of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 272 of 2009), please see Table 1.0. There is no downstream monitoring results, however, the EPA biological water quality monitoring demonstrates that c. 6 km downstream of the Banagher WwTP

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discharge location is “Good Status” and complies with the Water Framework Directive objectives. Hence the Shannon River does not appear to be impacted by the WwTP discharge. Waste Assimilative Capacity Using both the actual background concentrations and the “notional clean river” approach, the WAC calculations demonstrate that the River Shannon has available assimilative capacity to accommodate the WwTP discharge.

Is the project or plan directly

connected with or necessary to the

management of the site?

No.

Are there other projects or plans that

together with the project or plan

being assessed could affect the site?

No.

The Assessment of Significance of Effects

Describe how the project or plan

(alone or in combination) is likely to

affect the European Site(s).

The purpose of this section of the screening is to examine the possibility that the waste water discharge, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, may result in significant negative effects on the Conservation Objectives and the integrity of the Natura 2000 Sites identified. The most apparent potential risk to a Natura 2000 Site(s) from a WwTP discharge is to the water quality of the receiving environment, and if the receiving environments water quality has the potential to interact with the qualifying interests of the Natura 2000 Sites identified. The WwTP discharges to the River Shannon at a point which is included within the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. There is the potential therefore for indirect impacts on the water dependent qualifying habitats and species of these SAC and SPA from any deterioration in water quality from the Banagher WwTP discharge. No significant adverse impacts on the qualifying interests of the remaining Natura 2000 Sites identified within 15 km of the discharge location are considered likely due to the treated nature of the effluent and the distance from the discharge location to the SACs and SPAs (see Fig. 1.0 of Screening Report).

Explain why these effects are not

considered significant.

The primary influencing factor in relation to the dilution capacity of the receiving environment is the river flows into which the outfall discharges. The discharge has minimal localised effect on the River Shannon, due to the dilution available >24,000:1 at 95%ile flow, and therefore would not impact on the receiving Natura 2000 Sites (i.e. River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA). Using both the actual background concentrations and the “notional clean river” concentrations demonstrates that

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the River Shannon has assimilative capacity to accommodate the current WwTP discharge. In addition, the EPA currently classify the receiving waters of the River Shannon downstream of the discharge location to be of “Good” overall Status and “High” Status for physico-chemical parameters. In accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007) the waste water discharged from Banagher WwTP does not impact on the water quality of the River Shannon, and therefore will not impact on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 site.

List of agencies consulted: provide

contact name and telephone or e-

mail address.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service Tel: +353-1-888 3242

Response to consultation. No project specific response was received from the NPWS. Subsequent to our consultation the NPWS have outlined that “The EPA, as the competent authority, will seek NPWS advice as may be required in reaching their decision, and the NPWS can only communicate with the applicant on request from the competent authority, when the formal application process to the competent authority has already commenced”.

Data Collected to Carry Out the Assessment

Who carried out the assessment? Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd., on behalf of Irish Water

Sources of data NPWS database; EPA database; WFD Ireland database; Information from Irish Water & Offaly County Council

Level of assessment completed Desktop and field walkover survey

Where can the full results of the

assessment be accessed and

viewed?

EPA

Overall Conclusion Stage 1 Screening indicates that the Banagher WwTP discharge will not have a significant negative impact on the Natura 2000 network. Therefore, a Stage 2 'Appropriate Assessment' under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC is not required.

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there is reported to be problems with surcharging of manholes in the lower lying ground in

Portovilla Estate during times of power failure at the Pump Station or during high rainfall events.

Banagher Wastewater Treatment Plant

The existing Banagher Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was constructed in 2000 and is

designed to cater for a population equivalent of 2,500. The plant is located to the west of the

village centre on the southern bank of the River Shannon. Banagher WWTP treats all flows that

arrive at the plant to secondary standard in accordance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment

Regulations, 2001 (S.I. Number 254 of 2001) as shown in the following table:

Parameter Concentration

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5 at 200C

without nitrification.

25mg/l O2

Chemical Oxygen Demand 125mg/l O2

Total Suspended Solids 35mg/l

In addition nutrient (phosphorus) removal has been installed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant

to reduce the total phosphorous discharge in the final effluent to 2mg/l (max).

Banagher Wastewater Treatment Plant treats wastewater by extended aeration and it comprises

an inlet works, where the flow is screened and degritted, followed by an oxidation ditch and final

settlement. Ferric chloride is dosed to the flow leaving the inlet works to reduce the phosphorus

concentration in the final effluent. The treated effluent discharges to the River Shannon via a

300mm diameter outfall sewer.

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Documents

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