Laois County Council RECEIVING W'ATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT … · 2013-07-26 · Overall, the Ballyroan WwTP is adversely impacting water quality in the Gloreen Stream and deemed to

Laois County Council

RECEIVING W'ATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT

BALLYROAN WwTP

Version Isth June 2009

Prepared on behalf of:

WATER SERVICES LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL

County Hall Portlaoise Co. Laois

Environmental Consultants Tait Business Centre, Dominic Street, Limerick City, Ireland.

t. +353 61 419477, f. +353 61 414315 e. [email protected] w. www.ecofact.ie

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Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009

EXEC UTlVE SUMMARY

This is a receiving water impact assessment report for the Ballyroan Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP). It has been prepared under Section F of the Environmental Protection Agencies Waste Water Discharge Licensing Application Guidance Note. This report was prepared during May/June 2009 on behalf of Laois County Council by ECOFACT Environmental Consultants Ltd.

The current study was based on information compiled during a desk study and a field assessment. Information compiled during the desk study included water quality monitoring information supplied by the Environmental Protection Agency, along with information on areas designated for nature conservation obtained from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The field study consisted of a walkover of the existing WwTP and adjoining river sections along with ecological and biological water quality appraisals at upstream (reference) and downstream (receptor) sites. A waste assimilation capacity assessment was also carried out.

The Gloreen Stream is the receiving water from the WwTP at Ballyroan. The WwTP can cater for a PE of 600 and is currently processing a wastewater load of 382 P.E. Background water quality in the upper reaches of the Gloreen Stream was found to be compromised upstream of the Ballyroan WwTP. This evaluation was based on EPA biological and chemical water quality monitoring data and by Laois County Council chemical data.

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The discharge from the WwTP wa:j found to significantly reduce the assimilative capacity of the Gloreen Stream at 95%ile flow but not at median flows. Concentrations of various parameters were significantly elevated downstream of the plant. Additionally, the results of the on-site assessment indicated th’at that biological water quality declined downstream of the discharge point. This probably owes to poor effluent dilution during dry periods.

Overall, the Ballyroan WwTP is adversely impacting water quality in the Gloreen Stream and deemed to be having a moderate impact on the water quality and aquatic ecology of this receiving water. The nearest SAC to the Ballyroan WwTP is the ‘River Barrow and River Nore’ SAC which is located approximately 8 km downstream of the plant outflow. Impacts from the plant on this SAC are considered to be insignificant due to its distance downstream and subsequent dilution of the Gloreen Stream by the River Nore.

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Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009 . . . .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 .

2 .

3 .

4 .

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 5

1 . 1 BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................... 5 1.2 LEGISWTION ...................................................................................................................................... 5 1.3 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................................. 6

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1.3.1 Desktop Review ...................................................................................................................... 6 1.3.2 Field Survey Work .................................................................................................................... 6 1.3.3 Assessment Methodology ....................................................................................................... 7

1.4 CONSULTATION .................................................................................................................................. 8

SCHEME DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................ 9

2 . 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 9 2.3 DISCHARGE STANDARDS ..................................................................................................................... 10 2.4 FLOWS ............................................................................................................................................ 10 2.5 MONITORING ................................................................................................................................... 11

RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................................... 13

3 . 1 CATCHMENT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................. 13 3.1.1 The River Nore catchment .................................................................................................... 1 3 3.1.2 The Gloreen Stream .............................................................................................................. 1 3

3.2 WATER QUALITY ............................................................................................................................... 14 3.2.1 The Gloreen Stream ........................................................ 1 ..................................................... 14 3.2.3 Results of the May 2009 on-site assessment ........................................................................ 16 3.2.4 Dangerous substances ......................................................................................................... 18 3.2.5Assimilation capacity ............................................................................................................ 18

3.3 SEDIMENTQUALI TY ............................................................................................................................ 19

. . .

3.4 AREAS DESIGNATED FOR NATURE CONSERVATION .................................................................................... 19 3.5 PROTECTED AQUATIC FLORA AND FAUNA ............................................................................................... 20

3.5.1 White-clawed crayfish ........................................................................................................... 20 3.5.2 Lampreys ............................................................................................................................... 21 3.5.3 Shad ...................................................................................................................................... 21 3.5.4 Atlantic salmon .................................................................................................................... 21 3.5.5 Eurasian Otter ...................................................................................................................... 21 3.5.6 Freshwater Pearl-mussel ...................................................................................................... 21

3.6.1 The River Nore ...................................................................................................................... 23 3.6.2 The Gloreen Stream .............................................................................................................. 24

3.7 WATER ABSTRACTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 24

3.9 NUTRIENT SENSITIVE AREAS ....................................................... : ......................................................... 24

IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................... 25

4 . 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 25 4.2 IMPACT ON WATER QUAL1 TV ................................................................................................................ 26

4.2.1 Chemical water quality ......................................................................................................... 26 4.2.2 Biological water quality ......................................................................................................... 26 4.2.3 Dangerous substances .................................................. : ...................................................... 27 4.2.4 Assimilation capacity ............................................................................................................ 27

3.6 RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL FISHERIES .......................................................................................... 23

3.8 DESIGNATED RECREATIONALAND BATHING WATERS ................................................................................. 24

4.3 IMPACT ON AREAS DESIGNATED FOR NATURE CONSERVATION ..................................................................... 29 4.4 IMPACT ON PROTECTED FLORA AND FAUNA ............................................................................................ 29 4 . 5 IMPACTON FISHERIES ......................................................................................................................... 30 4.6 IMPACT ON WATER ABSTRACTIONS ........................................................................................................ 30 4.7 IMPACT ON RECREATIONAL AREAS ......................................................................................................... 30 4.8 IMPACTON NUTRIENTSENSITIVE AREAS ................................................................................................. 30

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Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan Ww TP- June 2009

5 . RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................. 30

REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 31

PLATES .............................................................................................................................................. 34

APPENDIX 1 BIOTIC INDICES ............................................................................................................. 38

APPENDIX 2 NPWS DESIGNATED SITE DESCRIPTION ......................................................................... 41

APPENDIX 3 LAOIS CO . CO . MONITORING DATA (BALLYROAN W ' ~ P ) ............................................. 46

APPENDIX 4 BIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT (MAY 2009) ........................................... 48

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1. INTRODUCTION

1 .I Background

This report provides a Receiving Water ImPact Assessment for the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WwTP) serving Ballyroan Village. Ballyroan village lies to the east of the N8 road corridor, northeast of Abbeyleix town. The village is served by the R425 road from Abbeyleix. This facility discharges treated waste water into the Gloreen Stream, a tributary of the River Nore. The Nore main channel is a designated salmonid water under the European Communities (Quality of Salmonrd Waters) Regulations of 1988 (S.I. No. 293, 1988), implementing the Freshwater Fish Directive (78/659/EEC). The main channel of the River Nore is also protected as a component of the River Nore and River Barrow candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). The NPWS site synopsis for this site is provided ,in Appendix 1.

This report was prepared by Ecofact Environmental Consultants Ltd. on behalf of the Water Services Section of Laois County Council. ,

1.2 Legislation

The current report was prepared with consideration to the following water quality legislation:-

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Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (SI No. 684 of 2007); Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001); European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations, 2003 (SI No. 722) implementing the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC. Water Policy Regulations (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) and Water Policy Regulations (Amendment) (S.I. No. 413 of 2005) implementing the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC); Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, 1977 (Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus) Regulations, 1998. (S.I. No. 258 of 1998), and Local Government (Water Pollution) (Amendment) Act, 1990. (Act No. 21 of 1990); European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations, 1988 (S.I. No. 293 of 1988) implementing Freshwater Fish Directive (78/659/EEC); Quality of Bathing Water!; Regulations, 1992, and Quality of Bathing Waters Regulations (Amendment), 1996. (implementing Bathing Water Directive, 76/1 6O/EEC); European Communities Quality of Surface Water Intended for the Abstraction of Drinking Water Regulations, 1989. (Implementing the Surface Water Directive, 75/440/EEC); Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (Implementing the Dangerous Substances Directive, 76/464/EEC); Protection of Groundwater Regulations, 1999. (S.I. No. 41 of 1999); Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 12 of 2001).

In addition, cognisance was also taken of the following legislation relating to nature conservation and fisheries:-

* The European Communities (Natural Habitats) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 378/2005), The European Communities (Natural Habitats) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 233/1998), and the European Community (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 9411 997) (implementing Council Directives 92/43/EEC and 97/62/EC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora); Wildlife Act, 1976 (S.I. No. 39 of 1976) and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 (S.I. No. 71 of 2001); Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, (S.I. No. 23 of 1997) and Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959 (S.I. No. 14 of 195!3); The EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC). '

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I .3 Methodology

This report has been prepared under the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007, using Section F of the Environmental Protection Agencies Waste Water Discharge Licensing Application Guidance Note (EPA, 2008). The current study involved a desk study and a field assessment. The literature review and field sampling programme was designed primarily as a descriptive study to provide information on the existing environmental status of the surface water area under investigation. An integrated assessment approach was employed. This approach merges biological (effects) and physicaVchemical (causes) using a combination of field and desk study evaluations.

7.3.7 Desktop Review

A desktop review was carried out to identify features of surface water importance within the study area and surrounding region. A review of areas designated (or being considered for designation) for nature conservation was carried out by consulting the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). These included Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas for birds (both internationally important) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (of national importance). The locatiorts of any designated salmonid waters, recreational and bathing waters and nutrient sensitive areas within the study area were identified though consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Likewise the presence of any important recreational or commercial fisheries was identified through consultation with the Southern Regional Fisheries Board (SRFB).

Water quality data and technical files prepared for the WwTP was supplied by Laois County Council and was utilised in the current assessment. Monitoring information on the discharges from the WwTP and the receiving waters provided by Laois County Council were also assessed.

A range of additional sources of information including scientific reports produced by, and information on the websites of the EPA, NPWS, Laois County Council and other agencies were also reviewed. A full bibliography of information sources reviewed is given in the references section. Ordnance Survey Maps and OS aerial photographs were also reviewed during the desk assessment.

7.3.2 Field Survey Work

The field survey comprised a systematic walk over of the Ballyroan WwTP site, outfall location and receiving waters during May 2009. A kick sampling assessment of benthic macroinvertebrates was undertaken a point located upstream (reference) and downstream (receptor) of the primary discharge to supplement information collected during the desk study. The exact location and description olf these sites is provided in Table 1.

Table 1 Location of the reference and receptor sites at Ballyroan sampled by Ecofact, May 2009. Reference Site (uls WwTP) Approx 50m u/s of the WwTP discharge on the right bank.

Receptor Site (dls WwTP) Approx. 200m d/s of the WwTP discharge on the right bank Location

NOS Grid Ref. S46109 89239 S45984 891 08

The kick-sampling assessment followed the EPA standard methodology (Toner et al., 2005). This procedure involved the use of a ‘D’ shaped hand net (mesh size 0.5 mm; 350 mm diameter) which was submerged on the river bed with its mouth directed upstream. The substrate upstream of the net was then kicked for one minute in order to dislodge invertebrates, which were subsequently caught in the net. This procedure was undertaken at three points across the watercourse, where depth/access allowed. Stone washings and vegetation sweeps were also undertaken to ensure a representative sample of the fauna present at each site was collected. All samples of invertebrates were combined for each site and live sorted on the river bank for 20 minutes. Specimens retained were preserved in ethanol for later identification. Identification was undertaken in the laboratory using high-power and low-power binocular microscopes.

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Specimens were identified using the standard keys which are listed in the bibliography section. The abundances of organisms present was assessed as follows: Present (1 or 2 individuals), Scarce/Few (4 %), Small Numbers (<5%), Fair Numbers (5-lo%), Common (10- 20%), Numerous (25-50%), Dominant (50-75%) and Excessive (>75%)

The Quality Rating (Q) System (Toner et al., 2005) was used to obtain a water quality rating for each site. The use of this particular biotic index allows for comparison with data published by the EPA. This method categorizes invertebrates into one of five groups, depending on their sensitivity to pollution. The higher the biological diversity and the greater the abundance of invertebrate species sensitive to organic pollution, the higher the water quality is assumed to be, and the higher the ‘Q value’ assigned to that sampling station. The revised BMWP scheme (Walley and Hawkes, 1997) is another biotic index of water quality that was used in the current appraisal. In this system, each family recorded in the sample is assigned a habitat specific score. This score depends on the pollution sensitivity of the invertebrate family together with the characteristics of the site where the invertebrates were found. A higher BMWP score is considered to reflect a better water quality and a score over 100 is indicative of very good water quality.

1.3.3 Assessment Methodology

Impact significance is a combined function of the value of the affected feature (its water quality, fisheries or aquatic ecology importance), the type of impact and the magnitude of the impact. It is therefore necessary to identify the value of surface water features within the study area in order to evaluate the significance and magnitude of possible impacts. To achieve this, the results of the desk and field assessment were evaluated to determine the significance of identified features located in the study area on an importance scale, ranging from international-national-county-local. The criteria used are shown in Table 2.

The means of assessing impact significance was based on the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s “Guidelines for Ecological lmpact Assessment in the United Kingdom” (IEEM, 2006) and the EPAs “Waste Water Discharge Licensing Application Guidance Note” (EPA, 2008). The significance of impacts was assessed on a combined basis of the value of the feature being affected and the magnitude of the impact. According to the EPA (2008), a discharge from a MlwTP would be considered to have a significant adverse effect on the receiving waters if it were to:-

@ Cause a deterioration in the chemical status or ecological status (or ecological potential as the case may be) in the receiving body of surface water; Cause a deterioration in the chemical status in the receiving body of groundwater; Cause the input into groundwater of hazardous substances, except where it is established that the input concerned is in a quantity and concentration so small as to obviate any present or future danger of deterioration in the quality of the receiving groundwater; Cause deterioration or result in significant and sustained upward trends in the concentrations of pollutant:; in groundwater in the case of pollutants that are not hazardous, Permanently exclude or compromise the achievement of the objectives established for protected species and natural habitats in the case of European sites where the maintenance or improvement of the status of water is an important factor in their protection or which is incclnsistent with the achievement of environmental quality standards established under national Reguiations in relation to designated bathing waters, designated shellfish waters, areas designated for the protection of freshwater fish and areas designated

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Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009 i .> . , . .

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Table 2 Criteria used in assessing the importance of surface water features (taken from NRA 2004) Rating Qualifying Criteria A Internationally Important

Sites designated (or qualifying for designation) as SAC' or SPA* under the EU Habitats or Birds Directives. Undesignated sites containing good examples of Annex I Drioritv habitats under the EU Habitats Directive. Major salmon river fisheries Malor salmonid lake fisheries.

Sites or waters designated or proposed as an NHA* or statutory Nature Reserves. Undesignated sites containing good examples of Annex I habitats (under EU Habitats Directive). Undesignated sites containing sianificant numbers of resident or regularly occurring populations of Annex I I species under the EU habitats Directive or Annex 1 species under the EU Birds Directive or species protected under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. Major trout river fisheries. Water bodies with major amenity value. Commercially important coarse fisheries.

Sites containing semi-natural habitat types with high biodiversity in a local context and a high degree' of naturalness, or significant populations of locally rare species. Small water bodies with known salmonid populations or with good potential salmonid habitat. Sites containing =resident lor regularly occurring populations of Annex I I species under the EU habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive.

______--.--____ --- - -______-- - - - - -__-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . B Nationally Important

______--.________--_____ _ _ - - - _ - _ _ _ _ _ - - - - _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - ~ - - ~ ~ - - - . C High Value, Locally Important

Large water bodies with some coarse fisheries. ._____-----____ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D Moderate Value, Locally Important

Sites containing some semi-natural habitat or locally important for wildlife. Small water bodies with some coarse fisheries value or some potential salmonid habitat.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Any water body with unpolluted water (Q-value 4-5). E Low Value, Locally Important

Artificial of highly modified habiiats with low species diversity and low wildlife value. Water bodies with no current fisheries value and no significant potential fisheries value.

1.4 Consultation

Preparation of this report included consultation with the following agencies and state bodies:-

Laois County Council (Laois Co. Co.); National Parks and Wildlife :Service (NPWS); Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Southern Regional Fisheries Board (SRFB); South Eastern River Basin District Office (SERBDO); Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR); Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI); Geological Society of Ireland (GSI).

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2. SCHEME DESCRIPTION

2.1 Introduction

The existing WwTP at Ballyroan i:j a RBC plant with a design capacity of 600 P.E. and is currently processing a wastewater load of 382 P.E. The existing WwTP discharges directly to the Gloreen Stream, which is a tributary of the River Nore. Under the Water Framework Directive (2000), River Basin Management Plans are required for river catchments at a national level. Each plan must incorporate management measures to achieve 'good ecological status' by 201 5. These measures include required actions to be taken by Local Authorities, as highlighted in the Draft Nore Sub-Basin Management Plan (2009) as follows:

Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations: Provide collection systems and treatments plants to meet the requirements in the Regulations. Meet more stringent requirements with respect to quality of receiving waters as specified in other Directives. Design, construct, operate and maintain treatment plants to ensure sufficient performance, taking seasonal variations of load into account. Choose discharge points so as to minimise impact on the environment. Monitor effluent discharges. Take all steps necessary to ensure compliance with the water quality objectives established in river basin management plans. Ensure that sewage sludge can be disposed of safely.

Water Services Act: 0 Plan and supervise provision of wastewater services under the Water Services

Investment Programme. Supervise and monitor the performance of water services authorities. Prepare and implement Water Services Strategic Plans to support sustainable provision of wastewater services.

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Point source discharges:

Optimise treatment plant performance by the implementation of a performance

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Upgrade plant to increase capacity where necessary.

management system Upgrade plant to provide nutrient removal treatment where necessary.

Additional Measures

Point and Diffuse Sources: Wastewater Limit or cease the direct irnportation of polluting matter (e.g. liquid wastes, landfill leachate, sludges). Investigate the extent of use and impact of under-sink food waste disintegrators and take appropriate actions. Investigate fats/oils/grease influent concentrations and take actions to reduce FOG entering the collection system. Impose development controls where there is, or is likely to be in the future, insufficient capacity at treatment plants. Initiate investigations into characteristics of treated wastewater for parameters not presently required to be monitored under the urban wastewater treatment directive. Initiate research to verify risk assessment results and determine the impact of the discharge. Use decision making tools in point source discharge management. Where necessary to achieve water quality objectives install secondary treatment at smaller plants where this level of treatment would not otherwise be required under the urban wastewater treatment regulations. Apply a higher standard of treatment (stricter emission controls) where necessary. Upgrade the plant to remove specific substances known to impact on water quality status Install ultra-violet or similar type treatment. Relocate the point of discharge.

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Receiving Water lm,pact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009

2.3 Discharge Standards

The Ballyroan WwTP has a discharge design standard 15 mg/L for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), 30 mg/L for Suspended Solids (SS) and 1 mg/L for Total Phosphate (TP). These standards were provided by Laois County Council. In this assessment, the Ortho- phosphate concentration was taken as 0.85 Total Phosphate so the Ortho-phosphate concentration in the discharge equates to 0.85 mg/L.

The requirements of Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC for treatment plants serving more than 2000 population (equivalent are:

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) Chemical Oxygen Demand Suspended Solids (p.e. >IO1 000) Suspended Solids (p.e. 2000 - 10 000)

25 mg/l O2 125 mg/l O2 35 mgll 60 mg/l

The following additional requirements apply for-discharges to areas that are deemed to be sensitive:

Total Phosphorus (IO 000 - 100 000 p.e.) Total Phosphorus (over 100 000 pee.) Total Nitrogen ( I O 000 - 100 000 p.e.) Total Nitrogen (over 100 000 p.e.)

2 mgll 1 mg/l 15 mg/l I O mg/l

The current effluent quality from the Ballyroan plant is monitored by Laois County Council at the outlet. A summary of this moniloring data is presented in Table 3. It is noted that mean and median observed levels of the parameters BOD, SS and TP are higher than the design standards.

Table 3 Water quality results from the effluent at the Ballyroan WwTP during the period September 2007 to April 2009 (Derived frorri data suDDlied bv Laois Countv Council). . .

Parameter N Max Min Median Mean AmmonialNH3) h a l l ) 20 25.099 3.792 14.342 14.385

2.4 Flows

The reported catchment characteristics of the upper reaches of the Gloreen Stream at Ballyroan are based on the monitoring data collected by Laois County Council. The 95%tile and dry weather flow (DWF) are based on data from the Laois County Council hydrometric station 15032 at Ballyroan, which is now obsolete. The 50%tile median flow is based on model data provided by Laois County Council. The details of flow rates from the plant are presented in Table 4.

Table 4 Flow data for the Gloreen Stream at the Ballyroan WwTP site, provided by Laois County Council. 95 % weather flow m3/s Median flow m3/s Dry weather flow m%

0.018 0.41 0.006

The flow rate of the discharge under dry weather conditions (DWF) is 125 m3/day (provided by Laois County Council). The 95%ile flow in the Gloreen Stream at the discharge point is 0.018 m3/s or 18 L/s (source: Laois Co. Co., based on data from Hydrometric Station 15032). The discharge from the Ballyroan WwTP is 1.25 L/s and therefore is diluted by a factor of 14.4 by the Gloreen Stream under 95%ile strleam flow. The dilution provided by the Gloreen Stream at median flow (41 0 L/s) would be approximately 328:l.

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Receiving Water hpac t Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009

2.5 Monitoring

Monitoring of the water quality of the outfall from the Ballyroan WwTP is undertaken by Laois County Council on an approximate monthly basis. Water quality is also monitored in the Gloreen Stream upstream and downstream of the primary discharge. The parameters measured in the water samples are; Ammonia, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Conductivity, Nitrates, Ortho-phosphate, and pH and Suspended Solids.

Laois County Council monitors water quality in the Gloreen Stream upstream (local station code 5902) and downstream (local station code 02) of the WwTP discharge point. Laois County Council also monitors the quality of the influent (local station code 4502) and effluent (local station code 4702).

Monitoring data for the River Nore upstream and downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP was obtained from EPA reports following surveys carried out in 2006 (Neill, 2007), 2007 (Neill, 2008) and 2008 (Neill, 2009). These reports were commissioned by Laois County Council.

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Receiving Water Impact Assessment: 13allyroan WwTP May 2009

3. RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Catchment Description

3.1.1 The River Nore catchment

The River Nore (EPA code 15/N01) rises on the eastern slopes of the Devil's Bit Mountain in Co. Tipperary and flows east through Borris-in-Ossory, before turning south through Co. Kilkenny, passing through Ballyragget, Kilkenny City and Thomastown before meetin the tide at Inistoge. The river has a total length of 118km, a catchment area of 2,359km and an annual mean discharge of 40m3 SEC-' (Lucey, 1998; McGarrigle, 2002). The Nore, for a large part of its course, traverses limestone planes of Carboniferous age and then Old Red Sandstone below Thomastown and before joining the Barrow, runs over Ordovician shales. The river is, for the most part floored with, or influenced by Carboniferous limestone and this is reflected in its natural characteristics (Lucey, 1998). It has 36 tributaries, the largest of which are the Kings, the Erkina, and the Dinin. The River Nore and its tributaries are in Hydrometric Area 15. According to O'Reilly (2004) 'The river has a fair/y steep gradient but the flow is checked by numerous weirs. He also notes that 'the surrounding land is used for mixed farming; mostly pasture and dairy with some tillage and bloodstock'.

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The River Nore is a designated salmonid water under the EU Freshwater Fish Directive and is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive (River Barrow and River Nore SAC.) for the conservation of both habitats and fauna listed on Annex I and Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, respectively. Of particular conservation concern on the River Nore is the 'critically endangered' population of freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. The significance of this population is further discussed in Section 3.5.6. Following the 2004 EPA monitoring programme, it was stated in the overall assessment of the River Nore that numbers of both the pearl mussel and crayfish have declined recently, with an unexplained collapse of the Nore crayfish population occurring in August 2004 (Clabby et a/, 2006).

3.1.2 The Gloreen Stream

The Gloreen stream (or Ballyroan River) (EPA code 15/B/01), is a minor tributary of the Nore which joins the River Nore between Poormansbridge and Waterloo Bridge, approximately 8km upstream of Durrow. The stream is approximately 14 km long and drains a catchment area of approximately 30 km2.

The Gloreen River rises in the tovvnland of Ballypickas Lower, approximately 3 km east of Abbeyleix. It flows north for over 4 krn, near the western side of Ballyroan town. At this stage, the Gloreen Stream is a 2"d order stream which has been fed by three streams draining Cullenagh Mountain. These mountain stream:; are of high gradient and drain an area mainly under commercial forestry. Downstream of Ballyroan, the stream flows for approximately 6 km generally in a south west direction until Ballydine Bridge on the R430 regional road. In this reach of the river, it is crossed by two 3" class roads (iricludin Sallagh Bridge) and the N8 national primary road. At this stage, the river is also met by three 1 order streams, one of which drains a forested area. From Ballydine Bridge, the Gloreen !Stream flows west for approximately 2 km to meet the River Nore. In this lower reach, it is fed by None second order stream that flows by the northern outskirts of Abbeyleix town. Downstream of the confluence with this stream to where it joins the River Nore, the Gloreen Stream is rated as a 3" order stream. The Gloreen Stream does not pass through Abbeyleix town but flows to within 1 kin of the northern side of the town.

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The catchment is composed of varied soil types including bogs, grey brown podzolics and surface water gleys. The underlying rock is Visean limestone and calcareous shale in the lower reaches of the stream with Namurian shale, sandstone siltstone and coal also occurring in bedrock of the upper reaches of the catchment (Source: GSI). The Gloreen stream is a moderate gradient stream, rising at an elevation of 175m and entering the River Nore at an elevation of 80 meters.

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Receiving Wafer Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009

There is one hydrometric station in the Gloreen Stream catchment at Ballydine Bridge (upstream catchment 25 km’). This station is located approximately 6 river kilometres downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP outfall. The approximate catchment area at the Ballyroan WwTP is 17 km2.

3.2 Water quality


3.2.1.1 EPA bioloqical water quality data

Biological water quality in the Gloreen Stream (or Ballyroan River 15/8/01) has been monitored by the EPA (and their predecessors) since 1980, as part of their rollover survey of Irish Rivers. The EPA do not monitor the biological water quality upstream of the Ballyroan WwTP and the closest downstream monitoring station is at Sallagh Bridge, (Station 0100) approximately -3 river kilometres downstream. The most recent EPA published study was carried out in 2007 (Neill, 2008) anld rated the Gloreen Stream as ‘Class B, Good status (Q4)’ at Sallagh Bridge downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP discharge, The Gloreen Bridge station has consistently been rated as Q3 since 1995 (See Table 6). The trend of declining water quality between the Sallagh Bridge and Gloreen Bridge sampling stations is also reflected in the chemical water quality data provided for the period 2001-2003 in Toner et a1 (2005). The Gloreen Stream is rated by the EPA as being “at risk of not achieving good status” (Source: EPA Envison). Table 6 presents the results of the EPA biological water quality monitoring at stations on the Gloreen Stream (EPA Code 15/8/01) downstream of the WwTP at Ballyroan.

Table 6 Gloreen Stream (EPA Code 15/EV01) Biological Quality Ratings (Q values) downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP discharge), adapted from Clabby et a/., 2006).

-

No. Sampling NOSarid 19 1982 1984 1987 1991 1995 1998 2001 2005 2007 . - station location reference 80

0100 Sallagh Bridge 244363 - - 3 3-4 4 3-4 . 4 3-4 4

0150 Ballydine Bridge 243149 - 4 4 3-4 4 3-4 3-4 3 3-4 -

0200 Gloreen Bridge 242068 3 2-3 2-3 3 4 3 3 3 3 . 3

187557

185605

185179

3.2.1.2 EPA chemical water quality tcjata

EPA monitoring data for the Gloreen Stream over the period 2006 to 2008 (Neill, 2007; Neill, 2008; and Neill 2009) was assessed to determine baseline chemical water quality in the river upstream and downstream of the discharge from the Ballyroan WwTP. During 2006 the EPA carried out chemical water quality rnonitoring at Ballyroan Bridge (Station 0050) upstream of the WwTP outfall in Ballyroan village. Further monitoring was also carried out in 2006 at Ballydine Bridge on the R430, due west of Abbeyleix, approximately 6 river kilometres downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP discharge. The chemical water quality at the upstream station in Ballyroan Village (0050) highlighted occasional elevated Orthophosphate and Nitrite levels, with consistently elevated Nitrate levels.

These chemical parameters were also found to be elevated at Ballydine Bridge, downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP outfall. Both Nitrate and Nitrite levels at this station were found to be consistently elevated at this station, with Orthophosphate levels elevated to a greater degree than at the upstream station. The distance of this monitoring station from the WwTP at Ballyroan will result in a less accurate indication of the chemical water quality impacts of the Ballyroan treatment plant on the Gloreen Stream.

From the EPA 2007 and 2008 data (Neill, 2008; Neill, 2009) chemical water quality monitoring was carried out at the Sallagh Bridge station (0100) which is located closer to the discharge from the WwTP (ca. 3 river kilometres downstream). The chemical water quality at this site was found to be impacted with consistently elevated Nitrate and Nitrite levels. Orthophosphate levels were elevated on a number of occasions; while a significant elevation in- Ammonia

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Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009 ,

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levels were noted on one occasion during 2007; dissolved Oxygen levels in the watercourse were also noted to drop on the same occasion.

Table 7 Chemical water quality results from Ballyroan Bridge (Sampling station 15/B/01 0050) on the Gloreen Stream upstream of the Ballyroan WwTP during 2006 (Adapted from Neill, 2007). Values in bold exceed EPA (2001) limits.

N Median St.dev. Maximum Minimum

Both median and mean (average) values were used in the current assessment. The median is described as the number separating the higher half of a sample from the lower half. The median of a finite list of numbers can be found by arranging all the observations from lowest value to highest value and picking the middle one. If there is an even number of observations, the median is not unique, the mean of the two middle values is taken. The median can be

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used when a distribution is skewed or when less importance is attached to outliers. The mean is sensitive to extreme scores when population samples are small and can therefore be a heavily weighted value, depending on the minimum or maximum value in the data set.

3.2.1.4 Laois County Council Monitorina Data

Laois County Council monitors water quality in the Gloreen Stream at stations upstream and downstream of the Ballyroan WwTF’ discharge. The results of the Laois Co. Co. monitoring of chemical water quality at sites upstream and downstream of the WwTP are provided in Appendix 3. For the purposes of this assessment the most recent data (2007 to 2009) was utilised. Further monitoring of dangerous substances was carried out by Laois County Council, the results of which are also presented in Appendix 3.

Ammonia results for the downstream station were found to be significantly elevated when compared to the upstream results, with significantly elevated maximum values and elevated median and mean values.BOD results were also considerably elevated on occasion with a median value within the recommended limit.COD levels were lower downstream of the WwTP discharge. Dissolved oxygen levels in the Gloreen Stream were found to be impacted by the WwTP discharge with significantly lower minimum values on occasion; however, median and mean values downstream were with in the recommended limits.

Nitrates recorded upstream of the WwTP were found to be consistently elevated above the levels recorded downstream of the! plant. Median and mean nitrate values in the receiving water were found to be elevated above the EPA limits at both the upstream and downstream stations. The results for Ortho-phosphate, Suspended Solids and total Phosphorus at the downstream station were also found to be elevated above the EPA limit.

3.2.3 Results of the May 2009 on-sife assessment

This section presents the results of the May 2009 biological assessment carried out at a reference site located upstream and a receptor site located downstream of the existing Ballyroan WwTP outfall on the Gloreen Stream. This assessment was undertaken to compliment the EPA biological water quality information also available. The procedure followed was EPA kick sampling (Toner et al., 2005). Biotic indices including Q-values and BMWP scores were derived and macroinvertebrate functional analysis was also carried out.

3.2.2. I Reference Site

A total of 13 macroinvertebrate families were recorded at this site. Baetidae was the only mayfly family represented, with larvae of the pollution tolerant (Group C) Baefis rhodani being common and larvae of the less tolerant (Group B) Baefis muficus present. The only Group A pollution sensitive indicator recorded was larvae of the stonefly Brachyptera risi. Cased caddisfly larvae of Halesus digitatus and Lirnnephilus sp. were present. True fly larvae were the most abundant macroinvertebrates at this site with Simulidae and cranefly larvae of Dicranota sp. being numerous and green Chironomidae scarce. The diving beetle Stictotarsus duodecirnpustulatus, Jenkin’s spire shell Potarnopyrgus jenkinsi, Garnrnarus duebeni, hog louse Asellus aquaticus and leech Glossiphonia cornplanata were all present. Fair numbers of aquatic earthworms in family Luinbricidae were also recorded while Tubifex worms were present at this site.

Using the EPA freshwater biological monitoring system (Toner et al., 2005), this stretch of the Gloreen Stream is deemed to be ‘Slightly polluted (Q3-4)’ - Moderate status. This site was rated as ‘Moderate’ (Moderately impacted) using the BMWP index with a score of 58.5 for a riffle / pool site. The corresponding ASPT for this site was 4.8, a score that is not indicative of good water quality (>5 is considered good).

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3.2.2.2 Receptor site

Macroinvertebrates in 10 different families were recorded at this site. Pollution tolerant Group C blackfly larvae were excessive while fair numbers of cranefly larvae of Dicranota sp. were recorded. Other true fly larvae at this site were bloodworm (most tolerant, Group E) and green chironomids (Group C), both recotrded in small numbers. Larval mayfly of Baetis rhodani (small numbers) and Baetis muficus (scarce) were recorded. Also present at this site were Gammarus duebeni, Lumbricid worins and Tubifex worms.

No pollution sensitive taxa were recorded at this site and the only Group B indicator was larvae of the mayfly Baetis mriticus which was scarce. This stretch of river was

'correspondingly rated as 'Moderately polluted' (Q3) - Poor status. The BMWP score for this site was 32.3 (polluted or impacted) and the ASPT was 4.

3.2.2.3 Biolosical water aualify overview

A full species list for the macroinvertebrates recorded from both the upstream reference and downstream receptor sites on the Gloreen Stream is presented in Appendix 4. Table 10 below summarises the structure of the rnacroinvertebrate communities recorded from each site, according to the pollution sensitivity of the groups present. It was found that that the upstream reference site was found to have a higher macroinvertebrate family diversity (1 3 at reference site vs 9 at receptor site). Group C: pollution tolerant indictors, accounting for approximately 90% of the macroinvertebrate assemblage at both reference and receptor sites were dominant. A pollution sensitive Group A indicator was recorded at the reference site but none was found at the receptor site. Only a small fraction of the assemblage at both sites was composed of Group B less sensitive indicators (2.3% at reference vs. 1.2% at receptor).

Table I O Classification of macroinvertebrate taxa recorded at each site in terms of their pollution sensitivity (EPA methods).

Pollution indicator group Reference Receptor

Number % of total Number % of total

Tables 11 and 12 present the results of the functional group analysis at both sites, based on the structure of the macroinvertebyate communities and the relative impact of the trophic structure on food supply for juvenile salmonids. The ratio of scrapers to total collectors and shredders (P/R ratio) gives the ratio of gross primary production to community respiration and allows for a determination of the trophic status of the riverine ecosystem. The reference site, with a P/R ratio of 0.07 was considered to be heterotrophic, i.e. c0.75. This was due mainly to the abundance of blackfly larvae / filtering collectors, indicative of an ecosystem dependent on inputs from outside the river for sustenance. The receptor site displayed even more heterotrophic conditions with a P/R ration of 0.03, again attributed to the relative abundance mainly of blackfly larvae. The juvenile salmonid index for the reference and receptor sites were 1.47 (predictable) and 9.48 (predictable), correspondingly. Again, filtering blackfly larvae strongly influenced this result at both sites.

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n

Data on dangerous substances from the Laois County Council monitoring station of the Gloreen Stream at Sallagh Bridge, downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP was assessed. A

Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009 ,‘.’. , 1 . .. .. .........................................................................................

Table 12 Juvenile salmonid food index. Predictable invertebrate supply is-the ratio of behavioral drifters (filtering and gathering collectors) to accidental drifter!: (grazers, shredders and predators). Based on a threshold of >0.50 for

predictable supply (Rabenil et al., 2005). Site Behavioral drifterslaccldental drifters Predictable Vs

Unpredictable Control 1.47 Predictable Receotor 9.48 Predictable

________________________________________.-------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The primary regulatory guideline for effluent standards is the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations, 2001 which is implemented in Ireland through S.I. 254 of 2001 and the Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus (SI. 258 of 1998). The Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations requires the provision of secondary treatment for all discharges to freshwaters and estuaries from towns with a population equivalent of between 2,000 and 10,000. While the requirements of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations are set, water quality requirements are dependent on the background values and the flow (95%ile) in the river (i.e. assimilation capacity).

The waste assimilation capacity (WAC) assessment for the Gloreen Stream was carried out using EPA monitoring data. The WAC of the Gloreen Stream at the discharge point will be based on the limit values set out in the draft Water Framework Directive (WFD) guidance document (DOEHLG, 2008) for the parameters BOD, Ammonia and Ortho-phosphate. Table 13 below gives the concentration requirements of these parameters for rivers under mean and 95%ile flows. A river can be assigned ‘High status’ or ‘Good status’ based on Ortho- phosphate concentrations. ‘High status’ is assigned to a river if Ortho-phosphate concentrations are 10.025mg/l during mean flows or 50.045 during 95%ile flows. ‘Good status’ is assigned if concentrations are 10.035mg/I during mean flows or 10.075mg/I during 95%ile flows. Similarly, a river can be assigned either ‘High status’ or ‘Good status’ according to oxygenation conditions; BOD concentrations 51.3mg/l (mean flows) or s2.2mg/l (95%ile flows) imply ‘High status’ while BOD concentrations S I 5 (mean flows) or S2.6mgll imply ‘Good status’.

Table 13 Requirements of the draft Water Framework Directive for assigning rivers ‘High’ or ‘Good’ status with respect to certain.porarneters and flow rates (from DOELG, 2008).

Parameter Mean flow 95%ile flow High status , Good status High status Good status 51.3 51 .5 52.2 52.6

_ - - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ BODJ1?99!11- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - .. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Total Ammonia (mg NII) 50.040 50.065 50.090 50. 140 Ortho-phosphate (mg PII) 50.025 50.035 50.045 50.075 _--..___________ _.________-----__---____________________------------------------~~----~.~----.~-----~--~~~~-

Along with DOEHLG (2008) criteria, Salmonid Water Regulations limits for Ammonia, Freshwater Fish Directive limits for BOD and Phosphorous Regulations limits for Ortho- phosphate are used in the assimilative capacity assessment. The median limit value for Ortho- phosphate in the Phosphorus Regulations is 0.03mg/l and is more stringent than WFD guideline values (except for concentrations indicative of ‘High status’ at 95%ile flows). This value is also the interim statutory standard for unpolluted rivers.

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Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan Ww JP-June 2009

Ortho-phosphate

i j I

BOD Ammonia

Q

For Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) the level of 3mg 02/1 is used, as this guideline concentration is recommended for salmonid fish in the E.U. Freshwater Fish Directive (78/659/EEC) as well as in the Salmonid Water Regulations (1 988).

Table 14 ives the assimilation capacity of the river at the discharge point using a 95%ile flow of 0.018m /s in the in the Gloreen Stream. 9j

cpseztyatjo! IlngIlJ - - - - - -GF-D,- - - - Environmental Standard hF6

HS* GS*

Lime conc_n_tra_ti,on-(mg~l)- WAC (kglday) using median upstream

- 0.605 - -

loading (kglday) WR Salmonid Waters Regulations (1998). WFD HS=High status (95%ile), WFD GS=Good status (95%ile flow), FFD (S) = Salmonid Waters Standard. PR=Phosghorous Regulations, median value. WFD values are from the draft Water

Framework Directive document (DOEHLlS, 2008). NPWS proposed value for protecting Pearl Mussels (2005).

Based on median background levels and using criteria for 95%ile flows, the Gloreen Stream at the Ballyroan WwTP discharge hias assimilative capacity for all three parameters when assessed against the WFD limits; however, the river does not have assimilation capacity for Ortho-phosphate when assessed under the Phosphorus Regulations (under 95%ile flows). The WAC for Ammonia does not comply with the NPWS water quality requirements for protecting pearl mussels. Compliance with this limit relates to pearl mussel populations in the River Nore catchment, but is not corisidered to be directly relevant to the Ballyroan WwTP.

There are limitations to the precision of the assimilation capacity results. In calculating the assimilation capacity, the background concentration is a key constraint. Variations in sampling for background concentrations would be expected due to changes in flow rates, season and local activities on the land.

/

The 95%ile flow is that flow equalled' or exceeded 95% of the time and is representative of flows in drier spells of weather. Assimilative capacity in the river would be reduced in such circumstances due to reduced dilution of substances entering the river. It can be expected that flows in the river would be regularly above the 95%ile level providing increased dilution. Indeed flow will be at or below this level for only 5% of the time.

3.3 Sediment quality

A spillage of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) occurred in the Nore at Kilkenny in the 1980's (Lucey, 1998), and localized contamination of sediments still persists. There are no reports of any other significant sediment contamination in the Nore catchment. No other information on sediment quality in the Gloreen Stream or River Nore catchment was found during the current assessment.

3.4 Areas designated for nature conservation

Sites of international conservation importance are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the Habitats Directive (1 992) and/or Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive (19;'9). Together, SACs and SPAs make up the Natura 2000 network of wildlife conservation sites. Sites of national importance for wildlife are designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) under the Irish Wildlife Act, 2000.

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- . . - . . - - - -. .- .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . .. . -

3.5.7 White-clawed crayfish

The white-clawed crayfish is the only freshwater crayfish recorded in Ireland. Populations of the species in the rest of Europe have declined dramatically and Ireland is seen as a unique stronghold for this species in a European context (Reynolds 1998). It is classified as vulnerable and rare in the IUCN Recl List and is protected in Ireland under the schedules of the Wildlife Act 1976. It is also listed in Appendices II and V of the Habitats Directive (92:43:EEC). It is generally considered to be widespread in lowland lakes and rivers such as the River Nore, which are underlain by Carboniferous limestone, or its derivative - glacial drift (Reynolds, 1998). There are no records of crayfish from the Gloreen Stream and this species was not recorded during the current assessment.

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The nearest SAC to the Ballyroan WwTP is the 'River Barrow and River Nore' SAC (site code 002162). This SAC is located approximately 8 river kilometres downstream of the primary discharge, at the confluence of the Gloreen Stream and the River Nore.

The site is selected for alluvial wet woodlands and petrifying springs, priority habitats on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, 1992. The site is also selected as a cSAC for old oak woodlands, floating river vegetation, estuary, tidal mudflats, Salicornia mudflats, Atlantic salt meadows, Mediterranean salt meadows, dry heath and eutrophic tall herbs, all habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. As well as habitats, the cSAC has been selected due to the presence of invertebrate, fish and mammal species which are listed under Annex I I of the EU Habitats Directive, including freshwater pearl mussel (Margarififera margarififera and its hardwater form M. m. durrovensis), freshwater crayfish Ausfropofamobius pallipes, Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, twaite shad Alosa fallax, the three Irish Lamprey species - sea Pefromyzon marinus, brook Lampefra planeri and river Lampetra fluviafilis, the Desmoulin's whorl snail Verfigo moulinsiana and Eurasian otter Lufra lufra. This site is one of only a handful of spawning grounds in the country for twaite shad, and is the most important site for this species. Other important animal species are also found in the Barrow/Nore cSAC. These include Daubenton's bat Myofis doubenfoni, badger Meles meles, Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus and frog Rana temporaria, all species listed in the Irish Red Data Book. The rare Red Data Book fish species smelt Osmerus eperlanus occurs in the estuary. Two other freshwater mussel species, Anodcmfa anafina and A. cygnea are also found in the Nore (Lucey, 1998). The BarrowINore is mainly a grilse fishery though spring salmon fishing is good in the vicinity lnistioge on the Nore. Good quality water is necessary to maintain the populations of the Annex I I anim'al species listed above. Good quality is dependent on controlling fertilisation of the grasslands, particularly along the Nore. It also requires that sewage be properly treated before discharge.

There are no additional SAC sites, nor are there any NHA sites within a 5km radius of the Ballyroan WwTP.

3.5 Protected aquatic flora and fauna

Table 15 gives a list of the protected species recorded in the River Nore catchment and their status. Each species is discussed separately below in relation to the operation of the Bal I yroan W wTP.

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Receiving Wafer Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009

3.5.2 Lampreys

The brook lamprey is the smallest of the three lampreys native to Ireland and it is the only one of the three species that is non-parasitic and spends all its life in freshwater (Maitland & Campbell 1992). The river lamprey is larger in size than the brook lamprey and exhibits an anadromous' life cycle. The sea lamprey is the largest of the Irish lampreys. Brook lamprey and sea lamprey are listed in Appendix II, while river lamprey is listed in both Appendices II and IV of the Habitats Directive (92:43:EEC). All three species are listed in Appendix I l l of the Bern Convention. All three lamprey species have been recorded from the Nore catchment (Kurtz & Costello 1999). Brook lamprey occurs in the study area and was recorded from the upstream reference station during the current survey carried out by Ecofact (May 2009).

3.5.3 Shad

Twaite Shad and Allis Shad are among the rarest species of fish breeding in Irish freshwaters and are listed under Annexes I I arid V of the EU Habitats Directive. Both species are also listed in Appendix Ill of the Bern Convention. Shad have an anadromous life cycle and both species are thought to occur in the Barrow/Nore Estuary. However, it is clear that these species are confined to the lower reaches of the River Nore and would therefore not occur in the study area.

3.5.4 Atlantic salmon

The Atlantic salmon is listed under Annexes I1 and V of the EU Habitats Directive and Appendix Ill of the Bern Conventioln. It is an economically important species and salmon recreational and commercial fisheries occur throughout Ireland. Salmon are present throughout the Nore catchment (Lucey 1998) and are likely to spawn in the Gloreen Stream.

3.5.5 Eurasian Otter

The otter Lutra lutra is a legally protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976 (and Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000). It is listed under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive and under Annex I I of the Berne Convention. It is found throughout Ireland where it has apparently avoided the population declines that have occurred in many other countries (Hayden and Harrington 2000). No evidence of otler activity was recorded from the study area during the current survey, however, this species is widespread in the River Nore catchment.

3.5.6 Freshwater Pearl-mussel

Freshwater Pearl-Mussel (Margaritifera margarififera) occur in the River Nore catchment; however this species is now rare in the main channel of the river (Lucey, 1998). The freshwater pearl mussel Margarififera margarififera has been recorded from both the River Nore and the River Barrow catchmerits with populations previously recorded from the River Nore in the vicinity of Durrow town, downstream of the confluence of the Gloreen Stream with the River Nore (Moorkens et al., 200'7). The populations of M. margarififera within the River Nore have been described as a separate hard water species (Margaritifera durrovensis), or as a subspecies; however discussion remains as to whether these hard water populations are actually an ecophenotypic hard water form of M. margarififera (Lucey, 2006).

The hard water form found in the Nlore (Margaritifera durrovensis), has been attributed a synonym of M. margaritifera and has been included in Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive. Furthermore it is acknowledged as a subspecies (Margaritifera margaritifera ssp. durrovensis) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) red list of threatened species (Lucey, 2006). The European Union Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats Directive) lists Margaritifera margarififera under Annex II (species of Community interest whose conservation requires the

' Anadromous fish spend most of their adult lives in salt water, and migrate to freshwater rivers and lakes to reproduce.

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designation of special areas of conservation) and Annex V (species of Community Interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures). This Directive was transposed into Irish law by the EC Habitats Regulations S.I. 94 of 1997 and its amendment of 2005. The species IS also protected under the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. It is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red Data List, while M. durrovensis is listed as ‘Critically Eindangered’. In Ireland, M. margarififera is protected under the Wildlife Act 1976 and Wildlifts Amendment Act 2000. To date, 19 cSACs have been designated for M. margaritifera and one for M. durrovensis, the only known site in the world.

Pearl mussels have a complicated life cycle, involving native salmon or trout. The key cause of decline in pearl mussel populaticlns in Ireland is unsuitable habitat for juvenile mussels after they fall off the gills of host salmonids (Moorkens, 2005). This stage requires the safety of remaining within the river bed gravels, before growing to a size that allows the emergence of the filtering siphons into the open water body. While the juvenile mussels remain within the river bed gravels, they filter the interstitial water within the gravels. Where the gaps between the gravel and stones get clogged with fine silt, either physical (from suspended solids entering the river) or organic (from algal growth and decay prompted by nutrients in the water), the flow of water in the interstices becomes very restricted. Without adequate water movement and replacement, I oxygen levels are exhausted and young mussels die. The decline in interstitial water quality in silted gravels has been detailed by a number of authors in the scientific literature. Fine sedimlents in gravels have been shown to increase mortality in juvenile mussels to 100%. As river quality becomes depressed, breeding stops and populations become “functionally exfincf‘, i.e. older adults persist, but are not replaced by a new generation (Moorkens, 2005). The mussel population eventually dies out when the older individuals die of old age. Once breeding stops, it becomes very difficult to save a population. No mussel river in this situation has yet been recovered to a fully independent, recovered and breeding colony. In this knowledge, the pearl mussel has been identified as being internationally endangered.

The distribution of the Nore freshwater pearl mussel M. m. durrovensis is limited to a 14km stretch of the river between Watercastle and Attanagh Bridge. The population is considered to be on the verge of extinction (Moorkens & Costello, 1994). From studies carried out between 1990 and 1994, it was estimated that the total mussel numbers in the Nore had fallen from 2,000 to 420 (Moorkens and Costello 1994). In the most recent mussel counts, carried out in 2004, a total population of around 500 individuals was estimated, with no evidence of juvenile survival (Moorkens 2004). The latest results confirm that the Nore population is at a critically low level, and the indications are that it is unable to successfully recruit young.

The draft European Communities Environmental Objectives (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations (2009) sets out the requirements for the conservation of this species in Ireland. The implementation of these environmental objectives has been provided for by the production of sub-basin management plans. The River Nore sub-basin Management Plan (W FDlreland, 2009) has been prepared and is referenced in this section. Criteria for pearl mussel demographics in Irish rivers are provided in Table 16. Furthermore the ecological target objectives for freshwater pearl mussel sites are provided in Table 17.

-

Table 16 Targets for sustainable Margaritifera margarififera population structure Criterion Target to pass ,’ Notes

Numbers of live No recent decline Based on comparative results from the most recent

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~~ ~- ~ ~ ~- ~ ~ ~ . . . ........ ....... .... ................... ... ~ ..... ... .... . . .-..


3.5.6. I Water Qualitv reauiremenfs for Pearl Mussels

The water quality requirements for Pearl Mussels have recently been reviewed by Young (2005). The main findings of this review are as follows:-

0

0

0

Juvenile mussels and'glochidia are often more susceptible than adults to poor water conditions. Interstitial water chemistry is of crucial importance to juvenile mussels but only one study has been carried out on the requirements of juvenile freshwater pearl mussels. Unnaturally high levels of nutrients, conductivity, nitrates, phosphates, BOD, metals and some pesticides are detrimental to Pearl Mussels, as well as unnaturally high and low pH. Eutrophication is widely regarded as very damaging to mussel populations but few studies have quantified this problem. Biocides have frequently been shown to be toxic to mussels of all species.

0

0

Guidance on water quality requirements for Pearl Mussels has also been given in an Irish context by Moorkens (2000) and the draft guidelines provided in NPWS (2005). General recommendations for favourable Water Quality Objectives for Pearl Mussels for a number of sources are provided in Table 18.

3.6 Recreational and Commercial fisheries

3.6.1 The River Nore

The fish fauna of Ireland is not as diverse as other European countries due to the impact of glaciation. Most of the fish species present in Irish river catchments, such as the River Nore, have colonized from the sea or have been artificially introduced. Native fish species in the Nore catchment include the three Irish lamprey species (brook lamprey, river lamprey, and sea lamprey) (Kurz & Costello, 1909), the Atlantic salmon, (Lucey, 1998) and the Twaite Shad, (Lucey, 1998) all of which are listed under the EU Habitats Directive. The Nore is the most important river in Ireland for the latter species; however these fish do not ascend past the weir at St. Mullins (King, 2002). The European eel, brown trout, and three-spined stickleback, are other common native species present in the Nore catchment, while introduced fish species include northern pike €sox lucius, stone loach Barbafula barbatula, roach Rutilus rutilus, dace Leuciscus leuciscus, arid minnow Phoxinus phoxinus (Lucey, 1998). The smelt

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . - . . . .. . . . - . . . . .... . . - . . - -


Osmerous eperlanus, a species listed as vulnerable in the red data list (Whilde, 1993), is present in the Nore Estuary (King, 2002).

The freshwater stretches of the River Nore main channel is a designated salmonid river under the EU Fish Directive (78/659/EEC). The Nore is an important salmon and trout fishery which was once regarded as being one of the finest salmon rivers in the country (O’Reilly, 2004). It is mainly a grilse fishery though spring salmon fishing is reported to be good in the vicinity of Thomastown and Inistioge. Due to the presence of a number of weirs on the river, salmon are generally confined to the lower areas of the river until late in the year and very few salmon are now caught above Kilkenny (O’Reilly, 2004). Brown trout angling is important in the River Nore, and the best stocks in the entire river are reportedly found downstream of the Dinin confluence (0’ Reilly, 2004).

The River Nore catchment (Fishery Code 38) is classified as a salmon and sea trout fishery (McGinnity et a/, 2003). Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and- brown trout Salmo truffa are distributed throughout the catchment and occur in tributary streams such as the River Gloreen.


The Gloreen Stream is classed as a salmon producing river by McGinnity et a/. (2003). The Gloreen Stream is not mentioned in 0’ Reilly’s (2004) comprehensive freshwater angling book ‘Rivers of Ireland - a flyfishers guide’.

3.7 Water abstractions

There are no Drinking Water RPAs on the River Gloreen or River Nore within 10km downstream of the study area (Source: EPA Envision). Both watercourses are expected to be used by farms for animal drinking water. The nearest Drinking Water RPA is the River Dinin, which flows into the River Nore near Ballragget, County Kilkenny.

3.8 Designated recreational iand bathing waters

There are no designated recreational or bathing water on the River Gloreen or River Nore (Source: EPA Envision).

3.9 Nutrient sensitive areas

The nearest nutrient sensitive area to the Ballyroan WwTP is the main channel of the River Nore, downstream of Kilkenny Town. This designation begins downstream of the Kilkenny (Purcellinsinch) sewage outfall, to lnistioge Bridge.

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4. IMPACT ASSESSMENT

4.1 Introduction

According to the EPA (2008), a discharge from a WwTP would be considered to have a significant adverse effect on the receiving waters if it were to:-

0

0

0

Cause a deterioration in the chemical status or ecological status (or ecological potential as the case may lie) in the receiving body of surface water; Cause a deterioration in thje chemical status in the receiving body of groundwater; Cause the input into groundwater of hazardous substances, except where it is established that the input concerned is in a quantity and concentration so small as to obviate any present or future danger of deterioration in the quality of the receiving groundwater; Cause deterioration or rE!sult in significant and sustained upward trends in the concentrations of pollutants in groundwater in the case of pollutants that are not hazardous, Permanently exclude or compromise the achievement of the objectives established for protected species and natural habitats in the case of European sites where the maintenance or improvement of the status of water is an important factor in their protection or which is inclonsistent with the achievement of environmental quality standards established under national Regulations in relation to designated bathing waters, designated shellfish waters, areas designated for the protection of freshwater fish and designated nutrient sensitive areas.

0

0

In relation to aquatic life and designated sites, impacts are assessed using the following criteria:-

0 No change: No discernible change in the ecology of the affected feature. 0 Imperceptible Impact: A change in the ecology of the affected site, the

consequences of which are strictly limited to within the site boundaries. 0 Slight Impact: A change in the ecology of the affected site which has noticeable

ecological consequences outside the site boundary, but these consequences are not considered to significantly affect the distribution and/or abundance of species or habitats of conservation importance. Moderate Impact: A change in the ecology of the affeded site, which has noticeable ecological consequences (outside the site boundary. These consequences are considered to significantly affect the distribution and/or abundance of species or habitats of conservation importance.

A change in the ecology of the affected site, which has noticeable ecological consequences outside the site boundary. These consequences are considered to significantly affect species or habitats of high conservation importance and to potentially affect the overall viability of those species or habitats in the wider area. Profound Impact: A change in the ecology of the affected site, which has noticeable ecological consequences outside the site boundary. These consequences are considered to be such that the overall viability of species or habitats of high conservation importance in the wider area is under a very high degree of threat (negative impact) or is likely io increase markedly (positive impact).

As there is no discharge directly into groundwater from the Ballyroan WwTP, no assessment of local groundwater is made in this assessment. It is considered that through the interaction between surface and ground waters, any significant impact on the receiving surface waters could also potentially result in a similar impact on local groundwater.

0

0 Substantial Impact:

0

The receiving water for the Ballyroari WwTP discharge is the Gloreen Stream, which meets the River Nore at its confluence ca. 8 river kilometers downstream. The River Nore is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive at this location. The Gloreen Stream is a nursery stream for salmon and trout and is also used by brook

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. . . .. - . -


\

lampreys and otters (both of which are listed under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive). The River Nore is a designated salmoriid river under the EU Freshwater Fish Directive and is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. The only global population of the hard water form of the freshwater pearl-mussel occurs from a point located 5km downstream of the Gloreen Stream confluence and this species has particularly high water quality requirements (Moorkens 2000).

A summary of the receiving water impact assessment is provided in Table 19. The impact on identified receptors is outlined in the following sections.

Table 19 Summary of the receiving waters impact assessment Receptor , Scale of impact on the Gloreen Stream

Designated conservation sites Protected flora and fauna Fisheries Slight Negative Impact Water abstractions No abstractions Recreational areas IVo recreational areas Nutrient sensitive areas Conclusion IWoderate Negative Impact

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Water quality ______ Moderate Negative __-----_____ Impact No detectible impact Moderate Negative -__------___ Impact

_______.________________________________------------------------.___ ___-____ _--_____---

110 detectible impact __._________._______~~~~------~---------------------------------------------------------

-4.2 Impact on water quality

The impact of the current discharge regime on the receiving water (Gloreen Stream) is discussed under the following sub-headings:

0 Chemical water quality 0 Biological water quality 0 Dangerous substances 0 Assimilation capacity

4.2.1 Chemical water quality

EPA monitoring data for the Gloreen stream provides records of elevated Nitrate, Nitrite and Orthophosphate in the watercourse upstream of the Ballyroan WwTP at Ballyroan Bridge during 2006. Further increases in the same parameters were recorded at Ballydine downstream of the WwTP discharge over the same monitoring period.

EPA monitoring at the Sallagh Bridge station, downstream of the WwTP discharge recorded significantly elevated levels of Nitrate, Nitrite and Orthophosphate over the 2007 and 2008 monitoring periods. The EPA did not monitor the site at Ballyroan Bridge during these years.

Laois County Council monitoring data also provide evidence of significant elevations in nutrient parameters in the river both upstream and downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP discharge with Ortho-phosphate, BOD and Suspended Solids elevated increasing by over 100% at the downstream monitoring station. Indeed, Ammonia was found to be elevated by ca. 500% downstream of the WwTP discharge. Dissolved Oxygen was also found to decrease downstream of the plant. Nitrate levels in the Gloreen Stream were found to be significantly elevated upstream of the WwTP with considerable dilution of this parameter downstream of the WwTP. The discharge from the existing WwTP at Ballyroan is therefore shown to be resulting in significant adverse impacts on water quality in the Gloreen Stream. This is assessment as being a moderate negative effect.

4.2.2 Biological water quality

From the biological sampling undertaken during May 2009, it was found that the macroinvertebrate community at the site surveyed downstream of the discharge at Ballyroan was less diverse, than the site surveyed upstream of the discharge. Family richness / diversity decreased at the receptor site with larvae of the Group A pollution sensitive stonefly Brachyptera risi and less sensitive Limnephilidae caddisfly larvae among the macroinvertebrates recorded upstream but not downstream of the discharge. The difference in

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. . . . . . . -. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009 .1 .

biological quality ratings and status between the reference site (Q3-4 - Moderate status) and receptor site (Q3 - Poor status) signifies a marked change between the reference and receptor sites. There are clearly background pollution problems in the stream as evident from the trophic status of the reference !site which was found to be heterotrophic during the current assessment. There was a change however in the trophic status at the receptor site with the ecosystem becoming strongly heterotrophic. This observed change was brought about by the shift in relative abundance of the macro-invertebrate functional feeding groups, with scrapers decreasing and collectors increasing at the receptor site compared to’the reference site.

The EPA biological water quality monitoring data for the Gloreen Stream presents a long term picture of water quality within the watercourse downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP. No biological monitoring has been carried out upstream of the Ballyroan WwTP outfall.

Overall, it is concluded that the reach of the Gloreen Stream downstream of Ballydine Bridge is in a moderately polluted state and is under more ecological stress at the receptor site. The diversity and abundance levels of macro-invertebrates recorded at both sites were considered to be typical of an organically polluted river. However, the situation is significantly worse downstream of the WwTP outfall with reduced community biodiversity, increased biomass, and increased allochotonous dependence pointing to a significant decline in ecological status at the downstream site.

The EPA monitoring data for the River Nore does not indicate a deterioration in water quality from the Gloreen Stream and highlights the dilution and river recovery process. It is also important to note that the Abbeyleix WwTP discharge into the Gloreen Stream has a cumulative impact on water quality in this water course, making it impossible to distinguish the separate impact of the Ballyroan WwTP on the River Nore SAC.

4.2.3 Dangerous substances

The dangerous substances data provided by Laois County Council spans four sampling dates over three years. The data set, presented in Appendix 3, shows that all parameters are within the prescribed limits over the monitoring period, with the exception of Copper, which was found to be at the limit value on one instance during 2006. This value decreased and remained below the limit value for the subsequent monitoring period.

It is therefore considered that the discharge from the Ballyroan WwTP is not having a negative impact on dangerous substances levels in the Gloreen Stream.

4.2.4 Assimilation capacity

The assimilation capacity of the Gloreen Stream to receive the discharges from the Ballyroan WwTP has been assessed using background EPA chemical water quality data from the upstream monitoring station at Ballyroan Bridge. This data was only available from 2006 (Neill, 2007). Background / upstream data for Suspended Solids was taken from Laois Co. Co. monitoring results between October 2006 and April 2009. Observed effluent data provided by Laois Co. Co. dated from September 2007 to April 2009.

The results of the waste assimilation capacity (WAC) assessment for the Gloreen Stream at Ballyroan is provided in Table 19 for 95%ile flow (0.018 m3/s) and Table 20 for median flow (0.41 m3/s). Flow rates in the Gloreen Stream were provided by Laois Co. Co. An effluent dry weather flow (DWF) of 125 m3/day was used. At 95%ile flow, the effluent from the plant is diluted by a factor of 12.4 by the Gloreen Stream and dilution increases to 283:l at median flow. The Gloreen Stream has adequate WAC for Suspended Solids at both median and 95%ile flow.

At median flow, there is assimilative capacity in the Gloreen Stream for all three parameters examined (Ortho-phosphate, SS ancl BOD). The background median level of orthophosphate was above the Phosphorus Regulations limit of 0.03 mg/L so there is no WAC in the river upstream of the plant if this standard is taken. Effluent discharged from the plant results in overloading of the receiving water at 95%ile flow with respect to orthophosphate (0.225

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~ -. -. . . -. . .. . . .. . -. . . . .- . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . -. .. - - . - - - - .- .. . - . .

Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009 . , .

kg/day). At median flow, WFD Good status is maintained with only 18.1% of WAC for orthophosphate used.

Table 19 Impact of the existing plant on waste assimilation capacity (WAC) of the River Nore for Suspended Solids (SS), Ortho-phosphate and BOD. Based on median back round (upstream) Ortho-phosphate and BOD

concentrations from 2006 (Neill, 2007), a 95%ile flow of 0.018m Is in the Gloreen Stream at the discharge emission point, plant DWF discharge rate of 125 m3/day and observed effluent concentration supplied by Laois Co. Co. The

median SS backaround value was from Laois Co. Co. data between October 2006 and Aoril 2009. Limit

s, -

concentrations standards for the different parameters are in bold. Suspended I Ortho-phosphate I BOD I Solids I I I

Median background 7.5 (N=20) 0.04 (N=4) 1.3 (N=4) I

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - L - - - - - - , - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - l - - - - - - - - - - - - J

Observed 14.5 (N=20) I 1.8 (N=19) I 34.5(N=20) I

I FFk- 1 Environmental standard _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $?*- - -(s)L - J Environmental standard 23 I 0.045 (%'; 0.03 I 2.2 2.6 3 I

I I

I I I - co_nce$tLa@: Lmg1)- - - - - - - - s-w-R- - - - - - 'wF-D-H-s; -wF-D-G-s*- pR-*- -"w-F-D- - -w-FD- - -

_limit_c!?n_ce_ntraoi In?!!!) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I o~o-08- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 .

WAC (kg/day) using 27.22 I 0.054 -0.016 1.4 2.G23 - -F6&i median upstream concentration I I I

-and-DYF Lr?!m-p!?F- - - - - - - - .- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -14~373- - - - - - - - - - - -u!Ysr-D!!K PL!/d_aY)- - - - - - - - - - - .- - : - -

I I I

I I Loading to river by plant 4T375 I 0.225 I

Yo of AC usage downstream 8.4 I 2893.5 4'1% I 252.1 184.9 - -1459- of plant (kglday) I I I

SWR Salmonid Waters Regulations (1998). WFD HS=High status (95%ile), WFD GS=Good status (95Yoile flow), FFD (S) = Salmonid Waters Standard. PR=Phosphorous Regulations, median value. WFD values are from the drafl Water

Framework Directive document (DOEHLG, 2008).

Table 20 Impact of the existing plant on waste assimilation capacity (WAC) of the River Nore for Suspended Solids (SS), Ortho-phosphate and BOD. Basted on median background (upstream) Ortho-phosphate and BOD

concentrations from 2006 (Neill, 2007), a median flow of 0.41m /s in the Gloreen Stream at the discharge emission point, plant DWF discharge rate of 125 m3/clay and observed effluent concentration supplied by Laois Co. Co. The

median SS background value was frorn Laois CO Co. data between October 2006 and April 2009. Limit concentrations standards for the different parameters are in bold.

Suspended Ortho-phosphate BOD

- - - - - - - - - - - - I - - - - _ -

I

I Solids I , I I

Median background 7.5 (N=20) I 0.04 (N=4) I 1.3 (N=4) I I I I + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I 1

Design standard (mg/L)

Observed concentration (mg/L) 14.5 (N=;!O) T.z$:19) I

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - G Y - - - - I HS" - - , - - - - , - G s * - - - I s ) _ * - - : , HS*

-;-2i - - - - - - - - _ _ _ -; -34,5- (-N=-20) - - - - - - - - - 35i---- I 2 -cO_n_ce_ntratio_n P-9'9 - - - - - - -

- - -FF-D- - - Environmental standard SWR- - - - -- I

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ _ - _ - _ - _ _ - - - - - - - - - I kFD- - - -w-FD- - - -pii; - -; -w-FFD - - -

Environmental standard limit -z I 0.045 0.075 0.55 I 2.2 ' 2.6 3 I

-%n2eJtLa!!o!2 I!9'9 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - !. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _I - - - - - - 4-6.-05- - - - - -

- - DW_Ffroln-plan_t.--- - - - - - - - - - - - - - I - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - - -; -D_W,FIks!/d_aY)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ; - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -;- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I

p l a n , t L k p / d _ a ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - L - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1

I

WAC (kglday) using median 619.9 0.177 1.24 -0.35 31.8 60.2 upstream concentration and

Loading to river by plant under 4.375 I 0.225 I 4.313 I

% of AC usage downstream of 0.4 I 127.0 18.1 I 11.1 8.1 6.4

SWR Salmonid Waters Regulations (1998). WED HS=High status (95%ile), WFD GS=Good status (95%ile flow), FFD (S) = Salmonid Waters Standard. PR=Phosphorous Regulations, median value. WFD values are from the draft Water

Framework Directive document (DOEHLG, 2008).

I

At 95%ile flow, the Gloreen Stream has limited assimilation capacity for BOD upstream of the discharge. Following effluent discharged by the WwTP there is approximately 185% BOD WAC usage downstream with respect to WFD Good status. This results in a change of status downstream of the plant with respect Ao BOD. At the design standard concentration of 15 mg/L and at 95%ile flow, the Gloreen Stream would have WAC for BOD using the WFD Good status standard (80.4% WAC usage). At median flow and considering BOD however, the status of the Gloreen Stream remain!; constant and only 8.1% of BOD WAC for WFD Good status standard is used.

,

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I


There are limitations to the precision of the assimilation capacity results. In calculating the assimilation capacity, the background concentration is a key constraint. Variations in sampling for background concentrations would be expected due to changes in flow rates, season and local activities on the land. It can be expected that flows in the river will be regularly above the 95%ile level providing increased dilution. Indeed flow will be at or below this level for only 5% of the time so median flows are prlobably a truer reflection on the assimilation capacity in the river.

4.3 Impact on areas designated for nature conservation

The discharge from the Ballyroan VVwTP is not located within the boundary of any designated site, so the operation of the plant does not have the potential to cause direct impacts on any area designated for nature Conservation.

The nearest SAC to the Ballyroan IVwTP-is the ‘River Barrow and River Nore’ SAC (site code 002162), this site is designated for the conservation of protected habitats and fauna, many of which are aquatic and are highly sensitive to water quality deterioration in the River Nore. This SAC is located approximately 8km downstream of the primary discharge, at the confluence of the Gloreen Stream and the River Nore. There is the potential for indirect water quality impacts on the SAC, occurring as a result of the operation of the Ballyroan WwTP. Such an impact would be significant due to the presence of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel in the River Nore approximately 5km downstream of the Gloreen confluence. On the basis of the observed water quality deterioraticln in the Gloreen Stream and the presence of the Nore Pearl Mussel in the receiving catchment of the plant, it must be concluded that the ongoing operation of the existing plant has the potential to have a cumulative effect on the SAC itself. It is important to note that the Abbeyleix WwTP discharges to the Gloreen Stream downstream of the Ballyroan WwTF’. This plant has a greater discharge volume and creates a further decrease in the assimilation capacity of the watercourse. It is considered that specific impacts arising from the Ballyroan LVwTP affecting the River Nore SAC would be insignificant, when overall water quality in this watercourse in considered.

4.4 Impact on protected flor<a and fauna

The River Barrow and River Nore SAC is designated for the presence of protected aquatic fauna listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, 1992; these include Atlantic salmon, three species of lamprey, white-clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl-mussel and otter which are listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, 1992. The conservation status of these species is directly dependant on the integrity of the River Nore ecosystem, with particular reference to water quality in the river.

Protected species within the study area directly affected by the WwTP include salmon, lamprey species and white-clawed crayfish. Otter are not as sensitive to water quality deterioration. White-clawed crayfish occur in the River Nore catchment but were not recorded in the Gloreen Stream. This species does) not seem to occur in the Gloreen stream, despite suitable physical habitat. It may be absent due to water quality problems in the river.

Poor water quality will affect the coriservation status of salmon in the Gloreen Stream, as this species requires clean water (Q4) for spawning and early life stages. The juvenile salmonid food index suggested that a ‘Predictable’ supply of invertebrate food was available for juvenile salmonids at both the upstream and downstream sampling stations. Despite the availability of food the ongoing water quality in the Gloreen Stream represents a significant pressure on salmon populations within the river, specifically in relation to Nitrates and Orthophosphates affecting the growth of aquatic plants which result in the loss of salmonid habitat.

The Gloreen Stream downstream of the existing WwTP contains suitable physical habitat for salmon spawning; however poor water quality currently affects the potential of this habitat as an important spawning location in the River Nore catchment.

Water quality impacts downstream (of the Ballyroan WwTP outfall would not be expected to have significant negative impacts on existing brook lamprey populations, as they would

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tolerate such pollution. O'Connor (2007) recorded disproportionately high abundances of brook lamprey in the River Sinking (a tributary of the River Clare) in sewage sludge deposits located immediately downstream of the overloaded Dunmore sewage works in County Galway during 2006. Such pollution would however be expected to affect recruitment of this species as they are understood to require a high standard of water quality for successful spawning and ova survival. Therefore the current poor water quality status of the Gloreen Stream, particularly downstream of the WwTP discharge, has the potential to affect the favourable conservation status of this species.

4.5 Impact on fisheries

The Gloreen Stream is considered to be a potentially important salmonid spawning and nursery area. Salmonids are considered to be under pressure in the Nore system due to poor water quality conditions. Unsatisfactory water quality will also affect other native species within the river (i.e. brown trout). The ongoing operation of the WwTP presents the potential for ongoing impacts to water quality and further deterioration in the fish communities present within the study area. This would have significant adverse impacts on the fisheries and recreational angling taking place on the River Nore.

4.6 Impact on water abstractions

There are no Drinking Water RPAs on the River Gloreen or the downstream areas of the River Nore. Both watercourses can however be expected to be used by farms for animal drinking water. A decline in water quality in the River Gloreen downstream of the outfall would have a slight impact on farms abstracting water from the river. There would be no significant effect on farm animal drinking water supplies Ion the River Nore.

4.7 Impact on recreational areas

There are no designated recreational or bathing water on the River Gloreen or River Nore, so the existing discharges from the Ballyroan WwTP are having no impact on such designated areas.

4.8 Impact on nutrient sensitive areas

The nearest nutrient sensitive area to the Ballyroan WwTP is the main channel of the River Nore downstream of the Kilkenny (Purcellinsinch) sewage outfall, to lnistioge Bridge. This area of the Nore is located over 30 river kilometres downstream of the discharge.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

Ongoing chemical monitoring of the Gloreen Stream' upstream and downstream of the discharge is recommended to establish a clearer understanding of the background concentrations of nutrient loading in the river. This is particularly important, as a number of parameters were only sampled twice during the study period.

Downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP discharge there is a significant problem in the Gloreen Stream in relation to discharges from the Abbeyleix WwTP.

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-. .. . . .. .. . . .. . . . . .. .. .. . . . . .. .. .. . .

Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009 * .

REFERENCES

General references

Armitage, P. D.; Moss, D.; Wright, J. F. and Furse, M. T. (1983) The performance of a new biological water quality score system based on macroinvertebrates over a wide range of unpolluted running-water sites. Waier Res., 17 (3), 333-347.

Barbour, M.T. and J.B. Stribling. 1991. Use of Habitat Assessment in Evaluating the Biological Integrity of Stream Communities. E3iological Criteria: Research and Regulation: 25-38. EPA- 440/5-91-005. Washington, DC: Off ice of Water, US EPA

Chandler, J.R. (1970) A Biological Approach to water Quality Management. Water Poll. Cont. 69141 5-421.

Clenaghan, D. (2003). Phosphorus Regulations National Implementation Report, 2003. Under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977 (Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. 258 of 1998). Environmental Protection Agency.

Curtis, T.G.F. & McGough, H.N. (1988) 1 Vascular plants. The Irish Red Data Book. The Stationery Office, Dublin.

CFB (1993) Game Angling. Central Fisheries Board Irish Angling Guides. Gill and MacMillan.

DOEHLG (2008) Draft European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2008. Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Dangerous Substances Directive (2006/11 /EC) Consultation Paper. Proposals for Regulations establishing Environmental Objectives and Environmental Quality Standards for the classification and management of Surface Waters and requiring the implementation of measures to reduce water pollution and protect and restore Surface Waters.

Ecofact (2005). Upper River Nore Drainage Maintenance Assessment. Ecofact Environmental Consultants Ltd., Limerick.

EPA (2001) Parameters of Water Quality - Interpretation and Standards. Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland.

European Commission (1999) Interpretation manual of European Union Habitats Eur 15/2. EC DG Environment, Brussels

Flora (Protection) Order 1999. Statutory Instrument No. 94 of 1999. The Stationery Office, Dublin.

Fossitt, J. (2000) A guide to habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny.

Hayden and Harrington (2000) Exploring Irish Mammals. Duchas The Heritage Service.

Lucy, J. (1998) The Barrow, The Nore and The Suir. In: Studies of Irish Rivers and lakes Ed. Christopher Moriarty. Essays on the occasion of the XXVl l Congress of Societas Internationalis Limnologias (S I L) . Marine Ins t i t u te , Dublin .

Lucey, J., (2007) Water Quality in Ireland 2006 - Key Indicators of the Aquatic Environment. EPA, Wexford

MacCarthaigh (1997) Hydrological dalta. A listing of water recorders and summary statistics at selected gauging stations. Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland.

McGarrigle, M.L., Bowman, J.J., Clabby, K.J., Lucy, P., Cunningham, M.,MacCarthaigh, M., Keegan, M., Cantrell, B., Lehane, M., Clenaghan, C., Toner, P.F. (2002) Water Quality in Ireland 1998-2000. Second (Revised) Edition. Environmental Protection Agency.

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Neill, N. (2007) River Water Quality in County Laois, 2006. A report commissioned by Laois County Council.

Neill, N. (2008) River Water Quality in County Laois, 2007. A report commissioned by Laois County Council.

Neill, N. (2009) River Water Quality in Southeast Ireland, 2008. A report commissioned by County Councils of Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Tippereary (N&S), Waterford and by Waterford City Council.

Nelson, B., & Thompson, R., (2004) The Natural History of lrelands Dragonflies. Ulster Museum. 454pp.

NRA (2004) Environmental Impact Assessment of National Road Schemes - A Practical Guide, National Roads Authority, Dublin

OPW Hydro-Data http://www.opw.ie/hydro/index.asp

O’Reilly, P. (2004) Rivers of Ireland - a flyfisher’s Guide.

Preston, C. D., Pearman, D. A. and Dines, T. D., eds (2002). New Atlas of the British and lrish flora. Oxford University Press, Oxford

Rabenil, C.F.,, Doisy, K.E. and Zweig, L.D. (2005) Stream invertebrate community functional responses to deposited sediment Journal of Aquatic Sciences. 67(4):395-402.

Ed. Merlin Unwin Books.

11

I ’ i

Toner, P., Bowman, K., Clabby, K., Lucey, J., McGarrigle, M, Concannon, C., Clenaghan, C., Cunningham, P., Delaney, J., O’BoNyle, S., MaCarthaigh, M., Craig, M., and Quinn, R. 2005. Water Quality in Ireland 2001 -2003. Environmental Protection Agency, Wexford.

Whilde, A. (1993) Threatened mammals, birds, amphibians and fish in Ireland. Irish red data book 2: vertebrates. Belfast: HMSO..

Walley W.J. and Hawkes H.A. (1997) A computer-based development of the Biological Monitoring Working Party score s!ystem incorporating abundance rating, biotope type and indicator value. Wafer Research, 31 (2), 201-210.

Information sources on protected species

King, J.J. (2006) The status and distribution of lamprey in the River Barrow SAC. lrish Wildlife Manuals No. 21. National Parks arid Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland.

Kelly & King (2001) A review of the ecology and distribution of three lamprey species, Lampefra fluviafilis (L.), Lampefra planeri (Bloch), and Pefromyzon marinus (L.): A context for conservation and biodiversity considerations in Ireland. Biology and the Environment. 101 B(3):165-185.

Kurz, I . and Costello, M. J. (1999). An outline of the biology, distribution and conservation of lampreys in Ireland. lrish Wildlife Manuals No. 5. Duchas, the Heritage Service, Dublin.

Lucey, J., and McGarrigle, M.L.(I 987) The distribution of the crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet) in Ireland. Irish fisheries lnvesfigafions Series A (29):l-13.

Moorkens, E. A. (1 999). Conservation management of the freshwater pearl mussel Margarififera margarififera. Part 1 : Eiiology of the species and its present situation in Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 8. Duchas, the Heritage Service, Dublin.

Reynolds, J. D. (1 998). Conservation management of the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 1. Duchas, the Heritage Service, Dublin.

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Receiving Water lmpact Assessment Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009

Speignt M.C.D. (1992). Status of the freshwater pearl mussels M m and M m durrovensis in the Nore, Barrow and Suir River tributaries, South-east Ireland Ir. Nat. J. 24(3):127-131

Information sources for identification fauna

Bass, J.(1998) Last-Instar Larvae and Pupae of the Simuliidae of Britain and Ireland: a Key with Brief Ecological Notes 1998, 104pp.

Cranston P.S. (1982) A Key to the Larvae of the British Orthocladiinae (Chironomidae) 1982, 152pp + 1 plate.

Disney R.H.L. (1 999) British Dixidae (Meniscus Midges) and Thaumaleidae (Trickle Midges): Keys with Ecological Notes 1999, 128pp.

Edington J.M. & A.G. Hildrew (1995) A Revised Key to the Caseless Caddis Larvae of the British Isles, with Notes on their Ecology 1995, 134pp.

\

Elliott J.M. & K.H. Mann (1979) A Key to the British Freshwater Leeches, with Notes on their Life Cycles and Ecology. 1979 (reprinted 1998), 72pp.

Elliott J.M. & U.H. Hurnpesch (1988) A Key to the Larvae of the British Ephemeroptera, with Notes on their Ecology1 983, 101 pp + 1 plate.

Gledhill, T., D.W. Sutcliffe & W.D. Williams (1 993) British Freshwater Crustacea Malacostraca: a Key with Ecological Notes 1993, 176pp.

Haslam, S., Sinker, C. & Wolsely, P. (1995) British Wafer Plants. Field Studies Council, Shrews bury.

Hynes H.B.N. (1977) A Key to the Adults and Nymphs of the British Stoneflies (Plecoptera), with Notes on their Ecology and Distribution. Third edition, 1977 (reprinted 1993), 92pp.

Q

i j.

Macan T.T. (1994) A Key to the British Fresh- and Brackish-Water Gastropods, with Notes on their Ecology Fourth edition, 1977 (reprinted 1994), 46pp.

Savage A.A. (1989) Adults of the British Aquatic Hemiptera Heteroptera: a Key with Ecological Notesl989, 173pp.

Savage A.A. (1 999) Keys to the Larvae of British Corixidael999, 56pp.

Wallace, I.D., B. Wallace & G.N. Philipson (2003) Keys to the Case-bearing Caddis Larvae of Britain and Ireland 2003, 259pp.

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PLATES


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to the WwTP outfall

sampling assessment,

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Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan Ww TP-June 2009

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J -.-. . -. . -. . receptor site and were common at the reference site.

Iter

IS SP.

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was

Brachyptera

scarce at the

risi

ref€

was scarc

rence site.

e at the

ranc ita 6 :Groi rp C indicator) we1 ‘e recorded a it th e

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. . . . .. . . . -

nee site and excessive at the receptor site.

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_ _ _ ........ . . . . ~ .-.--.

Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwJP-June 2009

APPENDIX I BIOTIC INDICES

EPA River Quality Classification !Scheme i

The Q values are a measure of the EPAs Biological River Quality classification system. The EPA conducts a rolling programme of biological surveys of selected rivers. The higher the biological diversity and the greater the abundance of invertebrate species sensitive to organic pollution, the higher the water quality is assumed to be, and the higher the ‘Q value’ assigned to that sampling station. The EPA’s water quality classification systems are summarized below:

Table Al.l Biological River Quality Classification and River Water Quality Class System (McGarrigle et a/., 2002). ‘Q‘ value Communitv Water Condition* Status Qualitv

Class A waters are those in which problems relating to existing or potential uses are unlikely to arise. They are therefore regarded as being in a ‘satisfactory’ condition. Classes 6, C and D are to a lesser or greater extent ‘unsatisfactory’ in this regard. For example, the main characteristics of Class -6 and C waters is eutrophication, which may interfere with the amenity, abstraction or fisheries uses of such waters. The general characteristics of waters of the various Biological Quality Classes are provided in Table A I .2.

Quality Class A Class B Class C Class D Classes Quality Q5 Q4 Q3-4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Ratings Pollution Pristine, Unpolluted Slight Pollution Moderate Heavy Gross Status Unpolluted Pollution Pollution Pollution Organic None None Light Considerable Heavy Excessive Waste Load Maximum Low (<3mgll) Low (<3mg/l) Occasionally High at times Usually Usually very B.O.D. elevated Dissolved Close to 80%-120% Fluctuates Very unstable, Low, Very low, Oxygen . 100% at all from <80% to Potential fish- sometimes oftenzero _ _ - - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ - - - - _ - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - - - - - ~ ~ - - ~ - - - ~ ~ - - ~ - - - ~ ~ - - ~ - - - - - - - - . times >120% kills zero Annual . _ 0.015 mgll 0.03 mgll 0.045 mgll 0.07 mgll > O.lmg/l 0.1 mgll median PO4 Siltation None May be light . May be light May be Usually Usually very

- - - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ c _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~ - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - - - - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - ~ - - - ~ . anaerobic ‘Sewage Never . Never Never Maybesome Usually May be

..Fungu5‘____ - - - --. - - - - _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ - - - - - - - - - _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ _ _ - - - - _ _ _ _ _ _ - abundant - - - _ _ - - - - _________. abundant - - - - - - . Filamentous Limited Considerable Luxuriant Excesssive Usually None Algae development growth, growths , growths, abundant

Macrophytes Diverse Diverse Reduced Limited Tolerant Most

Table A1.2 The general characteristics of waters of the various Biological Quality Classes.

. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kgh - - - - - - - - hhgh- - - - - - .

considerable heavy heavy and

diverse typically typically communities Cladophora --------------._ Cladophora - -_______- - - - - -_ - -___________________

communities, Communities, diversity, diversity, species tolerant limited Considerable luxuriant excessive only, may forms, growths Growths growths growths be minimal

abundant ,diversity Water Quality Highest Fair Quality Variable Doubtful Poor Bad quality

Abstraction Suitable for Suitable for all Potential Advanced Low grade Extremely Potential all problems treatment abstractio limited

Fish Fish absent Fishery Game Good game Game fish at Coarse Potential fisheries fisheries risk fisheries usually

absent Amenity Very high High Considerable Reduced Low Zero Value

. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - waw- - - - - - - - - - - - - - :- - - - - - - - - -qu_a!i!Y- . - - - - - - - - _qual:l!Y - - - - ~ - - - - - e!JalvY- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - .

ns

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Table A1.3 Revised BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party) Score Sheet. (Adapted from Walley and Hawkes,1997).

Common Family Original Revised Habitat Specific Scores Name BMWP BMWP Riffles Riffle Pools

Flatworms Planariidae 5 4.2 4.5 4.1 3.7 Dendrocoelidae 5 " 3.1 2.3 4.1 3.1

Snails Neritidae 6 7.5 6.7 8.1 9.3 Viviparidae 6 . 6.3 2.1 4.7 7.1 Valvatidae 3 2.8 2.5 2.5 3.2 Hydrobiidae 3 3.9 4.1 3.9 3.7 Lyrnnaeidae 3 3.0 3.2 3.1 2.8 Physidae 3 1 .a 0.9 1.5 2.8 Planorbidae 3 2.9 2.6 2.9 3.1

Limpets and Ancylidae 6 5.6 5.5 5.5 6.2 Mussels

Unionidae 6 5.2 4.7 4.8 5.5 Sphaeriidae 3 3.6 3.7 3.7 3.4

Worms Oligochaeta \ I 3.5 3.9 3.2 2.5 Leeches Piscicolidae 4 5.0 4.5 5.4 5.2

Glossiphoniidae 3 3.1 3.0 3.3 2.9

Erpobdellidae ______-------___________________________-------------------------.----------------------- 3 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.6 Crustaceans, Asellidae 3 2.1 1.5 2.4 2.7

Corophiidae 6 6.1 5.4 5.1 6.5 Garnrnaridae 6 4.5 4.7 4.3 4.3 Astacidae 8 9.0 8.8 9.0' 11.2

Score Score pools

I

!

Hirudididae 3 0.0 0.3 -0.3

Mayflies Siphlonuridae 10 11.0 11.0 Baetidae 4 5.3 5.5 4.8 5.1 Heptageniidae 10 9.8 9.7 10.7 13.0 Leptophlebiidae 10 8.9 8.7 8.9 9.9 Ephernerellidae 10 7.7 7.6 8.1 9.3 Potarnanthidae 10 7.6 7.6 Ephemeridae 10 9.3 9.0 9.2 11.0 Caenidae , 7 7.1 7.2 7.3 6.4

Nernouridae 7 9.1 9.2 8.5 8.8 Leuctridae 10 9.9 9.8 10.4 ''. 11.2 Capniidae 10 10.0 10.1 Perlodidae 10 10.7 10.8 10.7 10.9 Perlidae 10 12.5 12.5 12.2 Chloroperlidae __----------____________________________~~~-----------~~~~~.~~~~~------~---.~~--~---~ 10 12.4 12.5 12.1

Stoneflies Taeniopterygidae 10 10.8 10.7 12.1

Damselflies Platycnernidae I j 5.1 3.6 5.4 5.7 Coenagriidae 13 3.5 2.6 3.3 3.8 Lestidae i3 5.4 5.4 Calopterygidae ;3 6.4 6.0 6.1 7.6

Dragonflies Gornphidae ;3 Cordulegasteridae ;3 8.6 9.5 6.5 7.6 Aeshnidae i3 6.1 7.0 6.9 5.7 Corduliidae 13 Libellulidae . 13 5.0

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _----------------_______________________--~~~~~~-------------.~~~--~---------~~..-~

................................................................................................. Bugs Mesoveliidae !j 4.7 4.9 4.0

Hydrornetridae !j 5.3 , 5.0 6.2 Gerridae !j 4.7 4.5 5.0 Nepidae !j 4.3 4.1 4.2 Naucoridae !j 4.3 Aphelocheiridae 'I 0 8.9 8.4 9.5 Notonectidae !j 3.8 1 .a 3.4

4.9 4.7 4.5 4.3 11.7 4.4 3.9

. ,

PI e i d a e ti 3.9 Corixidae !j 3.7 3.6 3.5

Beetles Haliplidae !j 4.0 3.7 4.2 Hygrobiidae !j 2.6 5.6 -0.8 Dytiscidae ti 4.8 5.2 4.3 Gyrinidae !i 7.8 8.1 7.4 Hydrophilidae !i 5.1 5.5 4.5 Clarnbidae ti Scirtidae 5 6.5 6.9 6.2 Dryopidae !i 6.5 6.5 Elrnidae 5 6.4 6.5 6.1

Curculionidae 5 4.0 4.7 3.1

Caddisflies Rhyacophilidae 7 8.3 8.2 8.6 Philopotarnidae El 10.6 10.7 9.8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chrysornelidae *, t i 4.2 4.9 1.1

- - Alderflies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sialidae . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -L'- - - - - - - - -. . - - 4.5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4.7 - - - - . - - - - - - - - - 4.7 - - - - - - - -. -

2.6 4.2 6.8 3.9

5.8

6.5 4.1 2.9 4.3 9.6

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -. -. . . . . . . . . -. . . . . . . . . . . -. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan WwTP-June 2009 , . .

Common Family Original Revised Habitat Specific Scores Name BMWP BMWP Riffles Riffle Pools

Score Score pools Polycentropidae 7 8.6 8.6 8.4 8.7 Psychomy iidae 8 6.9 6.4 7.4 8.0 Hydropsychidae 5 6.6 6.6 6.5 7.2 Hydroptilidae 6 6.7 6.7 , 6.8 6.5

Limnephilidae 7 6.9 7.1 6.5 6.6 Molannidae 10 8.9 7.8 8.1 10.0 Beraeidae 10 9.0 8.3 7.8 10.0 Odontoceridae 10 10.9 10.8 11.4 11.7 Leptoceridae 10 7.8 7.8 7.7 8.1 Goeridae 10 9.9 9.8 9.6 12.4 Lepidostomatidae 10 10.4 10.3 10.7 11.6

Sericostomatidae 10 9.2 9.1 9.3 10.3 I

True flies Tipulidae 5 5.5 5.6 5.0 5. I Chironomidae 2 3.7 4.1 3.4 2.8 Simuliidae 5 5.8 5.9 5.1 5.5

Phryganeidae 10 7.0 6.6 5.4 8.0

Brachycentridae 10 9.4 9.3 9.7 11.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _-___-------____--------.--------.---------------------

* These families are now excluded from the list used for the calculation of the score. A blank indicates that there were insufficient records for the calculations.

The Revised BMWP Scores are based on the analysis of frequency of occurrence of the families recorded in approximately 1 7,000 samples. The Habitat Specific Scores are based on the following substrate composition.s: Riffles: >= 70% boulders and pebbles, Pool: >= 70% sand and silt, Riffle/Pool: the remainder.

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APPENDIX 2 NPWS Designated site description

SITE NAME: RIVER BARROW AND RIVER NORE SITE CODE: 0021 62

This site consists of the freshwater stretches of the Barrow/Nore River catchments as far upstream as the Slieve Bloom Mountains and it also includes the tidal elements and estuary as far downstream as Creadun Head in Waterford. The site passes through eight counties - Offaly, Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford. Major towns along the edge of the site include Mountmellick, Portarlington, Monasterevin, Stradbally, Athy, Carlow, Leighlinbridge, Graiguenamanagh, New Ross, Inistioge, Thomastown, Callan, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny and Durrlow. The larger of the many tributaries include the Lerr, Fushoge, Mountain, Aughavaud, Owenass, Boherbaun and Stradbally Rivers of the Barrow and the Delour, Dinin, Erkina, Owvlsg, Munster, Arrigle and King’s Rivers on the Nore. Both rivers rise in the Old Red Sandstone of the Slieve Bloom Mountains before passing through a band of Carboniferous shales and sandstones. The Nore, for a large part of its course, traverses limestone plains and then Old Red Sandstone for a short stretch below Thomastown. Before joining the Barrow it runs over intrusive rocks poor in silica. The upper reaches of the Barrow also runs through limestone. The middle reaches and many of the eastern tributaries, sourced in the l3lackstairs Mountains, run through Leinster Granite. The southern end, like the Nore runs over intrusive rocks poor in silica. Waterford Harbour is a deep valley excavated by glacial floodwaters when the sea level was lower than today. The coast shelves quite rapidly along much of the shore.

The site is a candidate SAC selected for alluvial wet woodlands and petrifying springs, priority habitats on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected as a candidate CSAC for old oak woodlands, floating river vegetation, estuary, tidal mudflats, Salicornia mudflats, Atlantic salt meadows, Mediterranean salt meadows, dry heath and eutrophic tall herbs, ail habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected for the following species listed on Annex II of the same directive - Sea Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Nore Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Crayfish, Twaite Shad, Atlantic Salmon, Otter, Vertigo rnoulinsiana and the plant Killarney Fern.

Good examples of Alluvial Forest are seen at Rathsnagadan, Murphy’s of the River, in Abbeyleix estate and along other shorter stretches of both the tidal and freshwater elements of the site. Typical species seen include Almond Willow (Salix triandra), White Willow (S. alba), Grey Willow (S. cinerea), Crack Willow (S. fagilis), Osier (S. viminalis), with Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Hemlock Water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocafa), Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Thin-spiked Wood-sedge (Carex sfrigosa), Pendulous Sedge (C. pendula), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulrnaria), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and the Red Data Book species Nettle- leaved Bellflower (Campanula trachelium). Three rare invertebrates have been recorded in this habitat at Murphy’s of the River. These are: Neoascia obliqua (Diptera: Syrphidae), Tetanocera fey i (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) and Dicfya umbrarum (Diptera : Sciom yzidae).

A good example of petrifying springs with tufa formations occurs at Dysart Wood along the Nore. This is a rare habitat in Ireland and one listed with priority status on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. These hard watei? springs are characterised by lime encrustations, often associated with small waterfalls. A rich bryophyte flora is typical of the habitat and two diagnostic species, Crafoneuron cornmufaturn var. cornmufaturn and Eucladium verticillaturn, have been recorded.

The best examples of old Oak woodlands are seen in the ancient Park Hill woodland in the estate at Abbeyleix; at Kyleadohir, on the Delour, Forest Wood House, Kylecorragh and Brownstown Woods on the Nore; and at Cloghristic Wood, Drummond Wood and Borris Demesne on the Barrow, though other patches occur throughout the site. Abbeyleix Woods is a large tract of mixed deciduous woodland which is one of the only remaining true ancient woodlands in Ireland. Historical records show that Park Hill has been continuously wooded since the sixteenth century and has the most complete written record of any woodland in the country. It supports a variety of woodland habitats and an exceptional diversity of species

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Receiving Water Impact Assessment: Ballyroan Ww TP-June 2009

including 22 native trees, 44 bryophytes and 92 lichens. It also contains eight indicator species of ancient woodlands. Park Hill is also the site of two rare plants, Nettle-leaved Bellflower and the moss Leucodon sciuroides. It has a typical bird fauna including Jay, Long- eared Owl and Raven. A rare invertebrate, Mitostoma chrysomelas, occurs in Abbeyleix and only two other sites in the country. Two flies Chrysogaster virescens and Hybomitra muhlfeldi also occur. The rare Myxomycete fungus, Licea minima has been recorded from woodland at Abbeyleix.

Oak woodland covers parts of the valley side south of Woodstock and is well developed at Brownsford where the Nore takes several sharp bends. The steep valley side is covered by Oak (Quercus spp.), Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Birch (Betula pubescens) with some Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). All the trees are regenerating through a cover of Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Wood Rush (Luzula sylvatica) and Broad Buckler-fern (Dryopteris dilatata).

On the steeply sloping banks of the River Nore about 5 km west of New Ross, in County Kilkenny, Kylecorragh Woods form i3 prominent feature in the landscape. This is an excellent example of a relatively undisturbed, relict Oak woodland with a very good tree canopy. The wood is quite damp- and there is i3 rich and varied ground flora. At Brownstown a small, mature Oak-dominant woodland occurs on a steep slope. There is younger woodland to the north and east of it. Regeneration throughout is evident. The understorey is similar to the woods at Brownsford. The ground flora of this woodland is developed on acidic, brown earth type soil and comprises a thick carpet of Bilberry (Vaccinium mydillus), Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant), Cowwheat (Melampyrum spp.) and Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum).

Borris Demesne contains a very good example of a semi-natural broad-leaved woodland in very good condition. There is quite a high degree of natural re-generation of Oak and Ash through the woodland. At the northern end of the estate Oak species predominate. Drummond Wood, also on the Barrow, consist!; of three blocks of deciduous woods situated on steep slopes above the river. The deciduous trees are mostly Oak species. The woods have a well established understorey of Holly (Ilex aquifolium), and the herb layer is varied, with Brambles abundant. Whitebeam (Sorbus devoniensis) has also been recorded.

Eutrophic tall herb vegetation occurs in association with the various areas of alluvial forest and elsewhere where the flood-plain of the river is intact. Characteristic species of the habitat include Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Purple Loosestrife (Lyfhrum salicaria), Marsh Ragwort (Senecio aquaticus), Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) and Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium). Indian Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), an introduced and invasive species, is abundant in places. Floating River Vegetation is well represented in the Barrow and in the many tributaries of the site. In the Barrow the species found include Water Starworts (Callitriche spp.), Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis), Bulbous Rush (Juncus bulbosus), Milfoil (Myriophyllum spp.), Potamogeton x nitens, Broad-leaved Pondweed (P, natans), Fennel Pondweed (P. pectinatus), Perfoliated Pondweed (P. perfoliatus) and Crowfoots (Ranunculus spp.). The water quality of the Barrow has improved since the vegetation survey was carried out (EPA, 1996).

Dry Heath at the site occurs in pockets along the steep valley sides of the rivers especially in the Barrow Valley and along the Barrow tributaries where they occur in the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountains. The dry heath vegetation along the slopes of the river bank consists of Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and Gorse (Ulex europaeus) species with patches of acidic grassland vegetation. Additional typical species include Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile), Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and Bent Grass (Agrostis stolonifera). On the steep slopes albove New Ross the Red Data Book species Greater Broomrape (Orobanche rapum-genistae) has been recorded. Where rocky outcrops are shown on the maps Bilberry (Vaccinium mydillus) and Wood Rush (Luzula 'sylvatica) are present. At Ballyhack a small area of dry heath is interspersed with patches of lowland dry grassland. These support a number of Clover species including the legally protected Clustered Clover (Trifolium glomerahrm) - a species known from only one other site in Ireland. This grassland community is especially well developed on the west side of the mud-capped

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I walls by the road. On the east of thle cliffs a group of rock-dwelling species occur, i.e. English Stonecrop (Sedum anglicum), Sheep's-bit (Jasione montana) and Wild Madder (Rubia peregrina). These rocks also support good lichen and moss assemblages with Ramalina subfarinacea and Hedwigia Ciliata.

Dry Heath at the site generally grades into wet woodland or wet swamp vegetation lower down the slopes on the river bank. Close to the Blackstairs Mountains, in the foothills associated with the Aughnabrisky, Aughavaud and Mountain Rivers there are small patches of wet heath dominated by Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) with Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea) and Bell Heather (Erica cinerea).

Saltmeadows occur at the southern section of the site in old meadows where the embankment has been breached, along the tidal stretches of in-flowing rivers below Stokestown House, in a narrow band on the channel side of Common Reed (Phragmites) beds and in narrow fragmented strips along the open shoreline. In the larger areas of salt meadow, notably at Carrickcloney, Ballinlaw Ferry and Rochestown on the west bank; Fisherstown, Alderton and Great Island to Dunbrody on the east bank, the Atlantic and Mediterranean sub types are generally intermixed. At the upper edge of the salt meadow in the narrow ecotonal areas bordering the grasslands where there is significant percolation of salt water, the legally protected species Borrer's Saltmarsh-grass (P uccinellia fasciculata) and Meadow Barley (Hordeum secalinum) (Flora Protection Order, 1987) are found. The very rare Divided Sedge (Carex divisa) is also found. Sea Rush (Juncus maritimus) is also present. Other plants recorded and associated with salt meadows include Sea Aster (Aster tripolium), Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima), Sea Couch (Elymus pycnanthus), Spear-leaved Orache (Atriplex prostrata), Lesser Sea-spurrey (Spsrgularia marina), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) and Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima).

Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand are found in the creeks of the saltmarshes and at the seaward edges of them. The habitat also occurs in small amounts on some stretches of the shore free of stones.

The estuary and the other Habitats Directive Annex I habitats within it form a large component of the site. Extensive areas of intertidal flats, comprised of substrates ranging from fine, silty mud to coarse sand with pebbleshtones are present. Good quality intertidal sand and mudflats have developed on a linear shelf on the western side of Waterford Harbour, extending for over 6 km from north to south between Passage East and Creadaun Head, and in places are over 1 km wide. The sediments are mostly firm sands, though grade into muddy sands towards the upper shore. They have a typical macro-invertebrate fauna, characterised by polychaetes and bivalves. Common species include Arenicola marina, Nephtys hombergii, Scoloplos armiger, Lanice conchilega and Cerastoderma edule.

The western shore of the harbour is generally stony and backed by low cliffs of glacial drift. At Woodstown there is a sandy beach, now much influenced by recreation pressure and erosion. Behind it a lagoonal marsh has been impounded which runs westwards, from Gaultiere Lodge along the course of a slow stream. An extensive reedbed occurs here. At the edges is a tall fen dominated by sedges (Carex spp.), Meadowsweet, Willowherb (Epilobium spp.) and rushes (Juncus spp.). Wet woodland also occurs. This area supports populations of typical waterbirds including Mallard, Snipe, Sedge Warbler and Water Rail.

The dunes which fringe the strand at Duncannon are dominated by Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) towards the sea. Other species present include Wild Sage (Salvia verbenaca), a rare Red Data Book species. The rocks around Duncannon ford have a rich flora of seaweeds typical of a moderately exposed shore and the cliffs themselves support a number of coastal species on ledges, including Thrift (Armeria maritima), Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum) and B uc k's- horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus) .

Other habitats which occur throughout the site include wet grassland, marsh, reed swamp, improved grassland, arable land, quarries, coniferous plantations, deciduous woodland, scrub and ponds.

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Seventeen Red Data Book plant species have been recorded within the site, most in the recent past. These are Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum), Divided Sedge (Carex divisa), Clustered Clover (Trifolium glomerafum), Basil Thyme (Acinos amensis), Hemp nettle (Galeopsis angusfifolia), Borrer's Saltmarsh Grass (Puccinellia fasiculafa), Meadow Barley (Hordeum secalinum), Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa), Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Wild Sage (Salvia verbenaca), Nettle-leaved Bellflower (Campanula frachelium), Saw-wort (Serrafula l'incforia), Bird Cherry (Prunus padus), Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acer), Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera), Broomrape (Orobanche hederae) and Greater Broomrape (Orobanche rapum-genistae). Of these the first nine are protected under the Flora Protection Order 1999. Divided Sedge (Carex divisa) was thought to be extinct but has been found in a few locations in the site since 1990. In addition plants which do not have a very wide distribution in the country are found in the site including Thin-spiked Wood-sedge (Carex sfrigosa), Field Garlic (Allium oleraceum) and Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aesfivum). Six rare lichens, indicators of ancient woodland, are found including Lobaria laefevirens and L. pulmonaria. The rare moss Leucodon sciuroides also occurs.

The site is very important for the presence of a number of EU Habitats Directive Annex II animal species including Freshwatler Pearl Mussel (Margarififera margarififera and M. m. durrovensis), Freshwater Crayfish (Ausfropofamobius pallipes), Salmon (Salmo salar), Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax fallax), three Lamprey species - Sea (Pefromyzon marinus), Brook (Lampefra planer0 and River (Lampefra fluviafilis), the marsh snail Vertigo moulinsiana and Otter (Lufra lufra). This is the only sile in the world for the hard water form of the Pearl Mussel M. m. durrovensis and one of only a handful of spawning grounds in the country for Twaite Shad. The freshwater stretches of the River Nore main channel is a designated salmonid river. The Barrow/Nore is mainly a grilse fishery though spring salmon fishing is good in the vicinity of Thomastown and lnistioge on the Nore. The upper stretches of the Barrow and Nore, particularly the Owenass River, are very important for spawning.

The site supports many other important animal species. Those which are listed in the Irish Red Data Book include Daubenton's Bat (Myofis daubenfoni), Badger (Meles meles), Irish Hare (Lepus fimidus hibernicus) and Frog (Rana femporaria). The rare Red Data Book fish species Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) occurs in estuarine stretches of the site. In addition to the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, the site also supports two other freshwater Mussel species, Anodonfa anafina and A. cygnea.

The site is of ornithological importance for a number of E.U. Birds Directive Annex I species including Greenland White-fronted Goose, Whooper Swan, Bewick's Swan, Bartailed Godwit, Peregrine and Kingfisher. Nationally important numbers of Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit are found during the winter. Wintering flocks of migratory birds are seen in Shanahoe Marsh and the Curragh and Goul Marsh, both in Co. Laois and also along the Barrow Estuary in Waterford Harbour. There is also an extensive autumnal roosting site in the reedbeds of the Barrow Estuary used by Swallows before they leave the country.

I , I

I

Landuse at the site consists mainly of agricultural activities - many intensive, principally grazing and silage production. Slurry is spread over much of this area. Arable crops are also grown. The spreading of slurry and fertiliser poses a threat to the water quality of the salmonid river and to the populations of Habitats Directive Annex I I animal species within the site. Many of the woodlands along the rivers belong to old estates and support many non-native species. Little active woodland management occurs.

Fishing is a main tourist attraction along stretches of the main rivers and their tributaries and there are a number of Angler Associations, some with a number of beats. Fishing stands and styles have been erected in places. Both commercial and leisure fishing takes place on the rivers. There is net fishing in the estuary and a mussel bed also. Other recreational activities such as boating, golfing and walking, particularly along the Barrow towpath are also popular. There is a golf course on the banks OF the Nore at Mount Juliet and GAA pitches on the banks at lnistioge and Thomastown. There are active and disused sand and gravel pits throughout the site'. Several industrial developments, which discharge into the river, border the site. New Ross is an important shipping port. Shipping to and from Waterford and Belview ports also passes through the estuary.

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The main threats to the site and current damaging activities include high inputs of nutrients into the river system from agricultural run-off and several sewage plants, overgrazing within the woodland areas, and invasion by non-native species, for example Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponficurn). The water quality of the site remains vulnerable. Good quality water is necessary to maintain the populations of the Annex I I animal species listed above. Good quality is dependent on controlling fertilisation of the grasslands,

. particularly along the Nore. It also requires that sewage be properly treated before discharge. Drainage activities in the catchment can lead to flash floods which can damage the many Annex I I species present. Capital and maintenance dredging within the lower reaches of the system pose a-threat to migrating Fish species such as lamprey and shad. Land reclamation also poses a threat to the salt meadows and the populations of legally protected species therein.

'

Overall, the site is of considerable conservation significance for the occurrence of good examples of habitats and of popiJlations of plant and animal species that are listed on Annexes I and I1 of the E.U. Habitats Directive respectively. Furthermore it is of high conservation value for the populations of bird species that use it. The occurrence of several Red Data Book plant species including three rare plants in the salt meadows and the population of the hard water form 01 the Pearl Mussel which is limited to a 10 km stretch of the Nore, add further interest to this site.

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APPENDIX 3 Laois Co. Co. monitoring data (Ballyroan WwTP)

Salmonid Water Regulations _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (19881, _ _ _ _ - - - - - Salmonid Water Regulations (1 988) >0.02

in Salmonid Water Regulations (1988) Interim statutory standard for unpolluted rivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(EPA, 2001)

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Table A3.3 Laois County Council dangerous substances monitoring at Sallagh Bridge (Station local code 100) on the Gloreen Stream, downstream of the Ballyroan WwTP. Samples were collected on four dates between 2006 and 2008.

Arsenic ugll 1.033 0.3 0.5 0.4

Calcium ugll 128.2

11 .I 0.2006 16.05.2007 05.1 1.2007 23.04.2008

Atrazine ugll BLD <0.01 <0.01 co.01

Chromium ugll 1.416 < I < I < I Copper ugll 5 0.004 <0.003 <3 Cyanide ug/l BLD <IO c5 <5 Dichloro- ugll BLD <5 <5 <5 methane Fluoride mgll 29 360 0.01 <0.1 Lead ugll 2.125 c0.3 <0.3 <0.3 - Magnesium - ugll 12.2 Nickel ugll 3.216 1.2 1.2 1.3 Simazine ugll BLD <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Toluene ugll BLD c0.5 <0.1 0.3 Xylene ugll BLD <0.1 <0.1 NN Zinc ugll 14.73 7.2 < I 3.6

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APPENDIX 4 Biological waiter quality assessment (May 2009)

Table A4.1 Biological water quality assessment results. Macroinvertebrates recorded during the kick sampling survey on the headwaters of the Gloreen Stream at the Ballyroan WwTP, May 2009.

Pollution Functional group Numbers at site sensitivity

group Reference Receptor

Site

MAYFLIES (Unirarnia, Ephemeroptera) Baetis rhodani C Scraper & gathering 28

Baetis muticus B Scraper & gathering 2 collector

collector _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STONEFLIES (Order Plecoptera)

Family Limnephilidae Halesos digitatus Limnephilus -._--- sp - -

TRUE FLIES (Diptera) Family Sirnulidae

A

B Shredder 1

C

12

Amphipoda, Gammaridae '

Isopoda. Asellidae

LEECHES (Hirudinae) Familv Glossiohonidae

Gammarus duebeni C Shredder 5 1

Hog louse Asellus aquaticus D Shredder 1 4

Predator

Clitellata) Family Lumbricidae D Gathering collector 12 5 Family Tubificidae E Gathering collector 3 6 Total number of oraanisms 259 346 Number of different families 13 9 Q value 3 4 3 Quality class I status 81 C I Poor

BMWP score 58.5 32.3 ASPT 4.87 4.03 *Present (1 or 2 individuals), **Scarce/Few (4 %), ***Small Numbers (<5%), "**Fair Numbers (5-10%). ***"Common (IO-20%), ******Numerous (25-50%), *******Dominant (50-75%), ******** Excessive (>75%).

Table A4.2 Selected water quality charactelistics of the b o sites surveyed on the Gloreen Stream adjacent to the Ballyroan WwTP outfall, May 2009.

Moderate

Reference site Receptor site Temperature CC) 10.3 10.6 Dissolved Oxygen (%) 104.4 102.8 Dissolved Oxygen (mg 021-1) 11 5 8 1 I .38 Conductivity (pS cm-I) 634 640

__-----_- --_ __________________________________________________________-_____________________----------------.-----.------------------.----------------------

___._____-._____._____ _____.___

___-.___--____________ - _________ _._______ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ____________________----------------------------------~----------------~~----.-~----~~----~-----~----~-

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Documents

Laois County Council RECEIVING W'ATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT … · 2013-07-26 · Overall, the Ballyroan WwTP is adversely impacting water quality in the Gloreen Stream and deemed to