Substation Environmental Report · substation is to be located at an SSE-owned site in Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek, Co. Meath. This environmental report has been prepared

Substation Environmental Report

Issue date: 05 Feb 2019

SSE Generation Ireland Ltd Planning Support IE0312377-22-RP-0007, Issue: A

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Substation Environmental Report

SSE Generation Ireland Ltd Planning Support IE0312377-22-RP-0007, Issue A

File No:IE0312377.22.080

CURRENT ISSUE

Issue No: A Date: 05/02/2019

Reason for issue: Planning

Sign Off Originator Checker Reviewer Approver Customer Approval (if required)

Print Name Orla Duggan ALEXANDER.UMANA

ORLA.DUGGAN

Signature Authorised Electronically

Date 05/02/2019 05/02/2019 05/02/2019

PREVIOUS ISSUES

Issue No

Date Originator Checker Reviewer Approver Customer Reason for issue

SSE Generation Ireland Ltd Planning Support

IE0312377-22-RP-0007, Issue A 05 Feb 2019

IE0312377-22-RP-0007_A_03.DOCX Page 3 of 106

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Contents

1 Introduction 7

1.1 Overview – SSE 7

1.2 Background 7

1.3 Need for the Project 8

1.4 Site Selection Criteria 10

1.5 Site Description 10

1.6 Governing Legislation 11

1.7 Environmental Report Scope and Structure 12

2 Description of Proposed Development 14

2.1 Existing Site Description 14

2.2 Proposed Site Operations 14

2.3 Construction Phase 20

3 Population and Human Health 22

3.1 Introduction 22

3.2 Description of Existing Environment 22

3.3 Construction Impacts and Mitigation 22

3.4 Operational Impacts and Mitigation 23

3.5 Conclusions 23

4 Landscape and Visual Impact 24

4.1 Introduction 24

4.2 Methodology 24

4.3 Baseline Environment 31

4.4 Impact of the Proposed Development and Mitigation 33

4.5 Cumulative Impact 45

4.6 Residual Impacts 45

5 Traffic and Transportation 46

5.1 Introduction 46


5.3 Construction Impacts & Mitigation 46

5.4 Operational Impacts & Mitigation 48

5.5 Cumulative Impacts 50


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5.6 Conclusions 51

6 Land and Soils 52

6.1 Introduction 52




6.5 Conclusions 54

7 Biodiversity 56

7.1 Introduction 56




7.5 Conclusions 59

8 Noise and Vibration 60

8.1 Introduction 60

8.2 Assessment Methodology 60




8.6 Conclusions 66

9 Water and Wastewater 67

9.1 Introduction 67




9.5 Conclusions 74

10 Air Quality and Climate 75

10.1 Introduction 75




10.5 Conclusions 79


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11 Waste Management 80


11.2 Construction Phase Waste 80

11.3 Operational Phase Waste 80

11.4 Conclusions 81

12 Material Assets 82


12.2 Electricity 82

12.3 Water Supply 82

12.4 Wastewater 82

12.5 Telecommunications 83

12.6 Conclusions 83

13 Archaeology, Architecture and Cultural Heritage 84

13.1 Introduction and Terms of Reference 84

13.2 Assessment Methodology 84

13.3 The Receiving Environment and Field Survey 89

13.4 Archaeological Background 93

13.5 Potential Impacts 100

13.6 Mitigation 101

13.7 Residual Impacts 102

13.8 Conclusions 102

13.9 Chapter Bibliography 103

14 Interactions and Cumulative Impacts 104


14.2 Industries in the Area 104

14.3 Potential Impacts 105

14.4 Conclusions 106

Attachment 1

Noise Modelling Report

Attachment 2

Air Dispersion Modelling Report


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Attachment 3

EIA Screening Assessment

Attachment 4

Geophysical Survey Report


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1 Introduction

1.1 Overview – SSE

SSE Generation Ireland Ltd. (SSE) proposes to construct a new SID Transmission Substation as part of an overall power generation and transmission project. The proposed 110kV transmission substation is to be located at an SSE-owned site in Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek, Co. Meath. This environmental report has been prepared to accompany the SID planning application to An Bord Pleanála for the transmission substation. The project also comprises an approx. 208 Megawatt electrical output (MW) Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Generating Plant at the same location. The proposed plant will be a distillate fuel oil-fired power generating facility. A separate planning application has been submitted to Meath County Council for the OCGT Generating Plant (Planning Ref. lb190031).

The plant will operate when demand is highest or when a shortage of supply exists on the grid, i.e. it will operate as a peaker plant. The plant design will allow for flexible operation so it can cater for high demand and respond quickly to fluctuations on the electricity grid with high efficiency.

The proposed Transmission Substation and OCGT Generating Plant site location is shown on Figure 1.1 below.

Figure 1.1: Aerial Photograph Showing Site Location

1.2 Background

A planning application for a 400MW CCGT plant to be constructed and operated at the above location was submitted by Marathon Power Ireland Ltd and granted permission in September 2000 by An Bord Pleanála (Planning Reg. Ref. Pl17.118993) and the Local Authority, Meath County Council (Planning Reg. Ref. 99/2490). This application was accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as the activity (>300MW) required a statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be carried out under the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1989 -1999 as amended and the Planning & Development Regulations, 2001.


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A second planning application was submitted by SSE to Meath County Council (Planning Reg. Ref. SA30213) in June 2003 for proposed alterations essentially involving the replacement of the water cooled towers and pump house with an air cooled condenser system. This application was granted planning permission in August 2003. This application was accompanied by an Environmental Report as the alterations did not require a statutory EIA to be carried out.

An Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) Licence application was submitted by SSE to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August 2003. This application was approved and an IPPC licence granted in September 2004.

In 2003 the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) (now the Commission for Energy Regulation of Utilities (CRU)) – the Irish Energy Industry Regulator – identified the requirement for new generation capacity in Ireland from 2005-2006 onwards. A capacity competition for between 300MW and 531MW of new generation capacity was run in 2003. Tynagh Energy Limited and Aughinish Alumina were the only two projects awarded preferred bidder status in November 2003 and removed the need for a CCGT plant of 400MW in Co Meath. For this reason the above projects did not proceed.

A planning application for an approx. 60MW OCGT plant at the above location was submitted to Meath County Council in 2010 (Planning Reg. Ref. SA100263). This application was granted planning permission in July 2010. This application was accompanied by an Environmental Report as it did not require a statutory EIA to be carried out. However due to the downturn in the economy there was no requirement for the plant at this time.

The current proposed 208MW development does not require an EIA to be carried out under the European Communities Planning & Development (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2018 and the Planning & Development Regulations, 2001-2013.

The proposed 110kV transmission substation is below the relevant regulatory threshold for EIA, which specifies an EIA development as “Construction of overhead electrical power lines with a voltage of 220 kilovolts or more and a length of more than 15 kilometres” or “Industrial installations for carrying gas, steam and hot water with a potential heat output of 300 megawatts or more, or transmission of electrical energy by overhead cables not included in Part 1 of this Schedule, where the voltage would be 200 kilovolts or more”.

An EIA screening assessment has been carried out for the full development (i.e. both the proposed Transmission Substation and the OCGT Generating Plant) and is provided in Attachment 3 of this Environmental Report.

However, in line with best practice, SSE has prepared an Environmental Report for the proposed 110kV transmission substation to:

- Provide information on the project stakeholders;

- Explain the need for the new Substation;

- Describe the legislation regulating Substations;

- Address potential environmental concerns associated with the construction and operation of the Substation.

- Detail mitigation measures for the construction and operational phases of the project, as applicable

1.3 Need for the Project

The Dublin region has recently experienced high levels of demand growth. This growth is expected to increase significantly over the next number of years at a faster rate than can be supported by existing generation in the region, and network constraints limit the available generation from outside the region. Coupled with this, the Dublin region is an area at greater risk of security of supply issues due to the reductions in generation capacity, particularly in the case that an existing generator(s) in the region closes.


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In order to address these issues the CRU has directed EirGrid to enter into a contract with SSE Generation Ireland Ltd. to move existing generation plant to Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek, County Meath, subject to this being legally possible and all consents required being secured. The proposed 110kV substation is required in order to ensure that the power generated by the OCGT Generating Plant can be uploaded onto the national grid within the area.

The CRU has confirmed that this project is urgent and of strategic importance in the context of protecting electricity supply in the Dublin region.

1.3.1 Electricity Supply and Demand

It is necessary to have a mix of base load and flexible plant to provide a stable transmission system. The bulk of the capacity built over the last 10 years has been CCGT (combined cycle gas turbine) plants in the 400 MW class. These machines provide electricity at a low price. However they can be very costly to decouple from the system and restart.

The Government has set a target of 40% of electricity consumption to be met by renewable energy by 2020, the majority of which is expected to be provided by Wind Powered Generation (WPG) with some solar. At present there is an installed capacity of approx. 3,458MW of WPG in Ireland which is expected to increase to approx. 6,000MW by 2020.

Wind output is limited by the wind conditions at any particular time. Wind conditions can fluctuate wildly. Although there is sufficient base load plant on the system at the moment the proposed OCGT Generating Plant & Substation will significantly satisfy the key requirement for flexible plant especially with the proposed increased penetration of wind on to the system.

The proposed OCGT Generating Plant & Substation will redistribute approx. 208MW of current power generation capability on the national grid from the midlands and west, to the Platin Grid node in the east of the country. The Platin Grid node is in a capacity-constrained area of the network. Locating the OCGT Generating Plant in this location will help alleviate this constraint and provide system stability in this region.

1.3.2 National Grid Capacity

The EirGrid Transmission Access planning team performed an assessment of the suitability of the Platin Grid node location in the network to take the generation capacity associated with this development. The assessment confirmed that there is sufficient capacity at this node to take this volume of generation without further network upgrades. The transmission works required are exclusively to connect the OCGT Generating Plant into the existing overhead line (OHL) that bisects the site.

1.3.3 Competition in the Market

The EU Internal Electricity Directive (96/92/EC) which came into force in February 1997 has been implemented in Ireland by the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999. Complete liberalisation of the Irish electricity market was achieved at the beginning of 2005. This means that consumers are free to source their electricity requirements from different suppliers. Historical dominance of the electrical generation capacity by the ESB in Ireland has hindered orderly development of the market.


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1.3.4 Summary

In summary, this development is needed for the following reasons:

- With the increase of wind power on the grid the proposed plant will provide additional stability to the electricity supply in the region and help to balance the overall electricity transmission network

- The transmission substation is required in order to connect the proposed OCGT Generating Plant to the national grid.

1.4 Site Selection Criteria

The site in Platin, Meath was chosen for the following principal reasons:

- Land is owned by Platin Power Ltd. which is part of SSE Generation Ireland Ltd.

- No requirement for new overhead lines – an existing 110kV line runs across the site and is readily available for connecting the proposed development. Discussions have been held with Eirgrid regarding details of such connection and a grid offer was accepted by SSE on the basis of connecting directly to this existing line;

- The subject site is located in an area that is noted as being increasingly industrialised and thus will form part of a cluster of similar activities within the landscape. The clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019,

- Planning permission has previously been granted for a larger CCGT plant on the subject development site in 2000 and in 2003, and for a smaller OCGT Generating Plant in 2010. Therefore, the land use for power generation at this site has been fully approved by the relevant Planning Authorities on three occasions;

- An IPPC licence was granted by the EPA for the 400MW unit in 2004 – this confirms the site is suitable for power generation with no significant environmental concerns (this licence has now lapsed);

- Ability to discharge wastewater in a safe and environmentally sound way – agreement reached with Meath County Council regarding connection to WWTP in Duleek; confirmation letter awaited from Irish Water; and

- Existing industrial nature of the general area with Irish Cement and Indaver Ireland in the immediate vicinity.

1.5 Site Description

The proposed development site is currently a greenfield site of approximate size of 10.86ha. The site is located approximately 2.7km northeast of the centre of Duleek. The predominant land use in the area is agriculture, primarily high-grade/arable agriculture. However a large cement manufacturing plant and its associated quarry (Irish Cement Ltd) is located to the north & northwest of the site, at a distance of approximately 450m at its nearest point to the site. In addition, an Indaver Waste to Energy facility lies immediately northwest of the site across the R152 road. Directly adjacent to the proposed development to the north, is a cluster of commercial and residential buildings including a commercial vehicle servicing centre and a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) centre. Residential development in the vicinity of the site is scattered, typical of the rural location. See Figure 1.1 for an aerial image of the local environment.


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1.6 Governing Legislation

This section describes the framework for the project under current planning, environmental and related legislation.

1.6.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Directive 2011/92/EU of The European Parliament and of The Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of The Council of 16 April 2014, (the EIA Directive) provides that projects likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue, inter alia, of their nature, size or location must be made subject to a requirement for development consent and an assessment with regard to their effects on the environment.

Ireland has implemented the EIA Directive under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2018 as amended, in particular Part X thereof and also under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 – 2018 (the Planning and Development Regulations).

Under the Regulations EIA Screening determines whether an EIA is required for a specified project. Projects requiring mandatory EIA are listed in Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations. In the case of developments which are below the thresholds of the listed projects, planning authorities are required under Article 103 of the Planning and Development Regulations to request an EIAR where it considers that the project is likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

The full proposed development (OCGT Generating Plant & Substation) has been assessed in the context of mandatory thresholds for EIA (see Attachment 3) as set out in Schedule 5 Parts 1 and 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations. It is considered that the project does not exceed the thresholds or meet the classes of development as defined in Schedule 5. Further assessment has been completed considering the criteria for sub-threshold EIA as set out in Schedule 7 of the same regulations. It is concluded that an EIAR is not required as part of the planning application.

However, in line with best practice, SSE has prepared an Environmental Report for the proposed Substation to support the application for planning approval.

1.6.2 Appropriate Assessment (AA)

The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) is the main legislative instrument for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in the EU. Under this Directive Member States are obliged to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) which contain habitats or species considered important for protection and conservation in a European Union context.

In 1997, the Habitats Directive was transposed into Irish national law and the relevant Regulations, the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, S.I. 94/1997. These Regulations were amended by S.I. 233 of 1998 & S.I. 378 of 2005. These were subsequently revised and consolidated in the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, S.I. 477 of 2011.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) detailing the results of the AA of the full proposed development (OCGT Generating Plant & Substation) is included as part of the planning application.

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) considered in the AA (due to their location within the potential zone of influence of the proposed development) are: River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC (002299), Boyne Coast and Estuary SAC (001957), Boyne Estuary SPA (004080), River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA (004232) and the River Nanny Estuary and Shore SPA (004158).


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1.6.3 Planning & Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, 2006

The Planning & Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, 2006 amends the Planning and Development Act, 2000 to provide for the introduction of a ‘strategic consent process’ for strategic infrastructure of national importance provided by statutory bodies and the private sector. For strategic infrastructure (as defined under the Seventh Schedule of the Act), an application for approval is made directly to the An Bord Pleanála instead of the relevant local authority.

The proposed 110kV substation qualifies as strategic development and a planning application for this element of the proposed development is therefore being submitted directly to An Bord Pleanála.

The proposed OCGT Generating Plant does not fall under the category of strategic infrastructure as defined in the Seventh Schedule of the Act, namely “A thermal power station or other combustion station installation with a total energy output of 300 megawatts or more”. Hence the application for planning permission for this element of the overall project has been made to Meath County Council (MCC) (Planning Ref. lb190031).

1.6.4 Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)

The IED does not apply to the Substation however for information it is noted that the proposed OCGT Generating Plant will require an Industrial Emissions (IE) Licence to operate. The OCGT Generating Plant falls into the following category of activity for which an IE Licence is required (under the First Schedule to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act, 1992, as amended):

‘2.1 Combustion of fuels in installations with a total rated thermal input of 50 MW or more’.

An IE Licence application for the OCGT Generating Plant will be submitted to the EPA following submission of the 2 no. planning applications required for the overall development project.

In particular it is noted the IE Licence boundary will exclude the Substation section of the proposed development site.

1.6.5 COMAH Regulations 2015

The COMAH Regulations (Chemicals Act (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations S.I. 209 of 2015) do not apply to the Substation however for information it is noted that the proposed OCGT Generating Plant will qualify as a Lower Tier COMAH facility under the Regulations due to the quantity of fuel oil that will be stored at the site (approx. 4,000 tonnes).

In particular it is noted the COMAH facility boundary will exclude the Substation section of the proposed development site.

1.7 Environmental Report Scope and Structure

As previously described, due to the limited scale and nature of the overall proposed development (i.e. both the transmission substation and the OCGT peaker plant) an EIA is not required.

Although an EIA is not required, as good practice, this Environmental Report has been prepared to address any potential environmental concerns of the planning authority and other relevant stakeholders. As part of the preparation of the Environmental Report, consultation was undertaken with An Bord Pleanála to identify any particular issues of concern.

The structure of the Environmental Report broadly follows that of an EIAR in that the development is described and the potential impacts on each of the environmental media is then examined in separate Chapters including Population and Human Health, Landscape and Visual, Traffic and Transportation, Land and Soils, Biodiversity, Noise and Vibration, Water and Wastewater, Air Quality & Climate, Waste Management, Material Assets and Archaeology and Cultural Heritage.

A planning application for the OCGT Generating Plant has been made to Meath County Council (Planning Ref. lb190031), while a planning application for the 110kV transmission substation is


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being made directly to An Bord Pleanála under section 182A of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

The main environmental impact associated with the full proposed development relates to the OCGT Generating Plant, as opposed to the 110kV transmission substation. However for clarity the impacts of both parts of the development have been addressed in this report.

In the following chapters the two parts of the overall development (i.e. the proposed Substation and OCGT plant components) have been assessed together as it was not deemed possible to assess them separately:

- Ch 4: Landscape and Visual Impact

- Ch 7: Biodiversity

- Ch 12: Material Assets

- Ch 13: Archaeology, Architecture and Cultural Heritage

- Ch 14: Interactions & Cumulative Impacts

In the following chapters the construction impacts of the two parts were assessed together while the operational impacts were assessed separately (the operational impacts of the OCGT Generating Plant were included for information):

- Ch 3: Population and Human Health

- Ch 5: Traffic and Transportation

- Ch 6: Land & Soils

- Ch 8: Noise and Vibration

- Ch 9: Water and Wastewater

- Ch 10: Air Quality and Climate

- Ch 11: Waste Management


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2 Description of Proposed Development

2.1 Existing Site Description

The proposed OCGT Generating Plant & Substation site is approx. 10.86ha in size and located approx. 4.8km southwest of the centre of Drogheda, and approx. 2.7km northeast of the centre of Duleek (refer to Figure 1.1).

The site is currently a greenfield site and used for agricultural tillage. The land is situated approximately 450m to the south of a large cement manufacturing plant and its associated quarry (Irish Cement Ltd), at its nearest point to the site. In addition, the Indaver Waste to Energy facility lies immediately northwest of the site across the R152 road. Directly adjacent to the proposed OCGT Generating Plant is a cluster of commercial and residential buildings including a commercial vehicle servicing centre and CVRT centre. Residential development in the vicinity of the site is scattered, typical of the rural location.

A site layout plan showing the layout of the principal buildings and structures is provided in the planning application documentation, drawing no. 60581192/0803.

2.2 Proposed Site Operations

2.2.1 General Overview

The proposed overall development will consist of the construction of a new SID Transmission Substation and a 208 Megawatt (MWe) Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Generating Plant, to be located at the SSE-owned site in Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek, Co. Meath.

This environmental report has been prepared to accompany the SID planning application to An Bord Pleanála for the transmission substation. The proposed 110kV substation qualifies as a ‘type’ of development which requires the lodgement of an application for approval to ABP for strategic transmission infrastructure development (under the provisions of Section 182A and 182B of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)).

A separate planning application has been submitted to Meath County Council for the OCGT Generating Plant (Planning Ref. lb190031).

The proposed 110kV substation is required in order to ensure that the power generated by the OCGT Generating Plant can be uploaded onto the national grid within the area.

2.2.2 Substation

The proposed development consists of the construction of a 110KV transmission substation comprising the following main elements (see red line boundary drawing in Figure 2.1 and also planning drawing no. 60581192/0803):

a) The construction of a 4 bay Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) 110kV Transmission substation in a compound area (approx. 15,673m

2), under the existing Corduff – Platin 110 kV overhead

line and the looping into the proposed substation of said overhead line;

b) A Substation Control Building with floor area of 375m2, measuring 25m x 15m, and 6m high

c) The removal of a 500m length of the 110 kV overhead line and the diversion of this line by means of underground cables along the western and northern boundaries of the site;

d) The installation of 2 no. line to cable interface masts (LCIM) approximately 16m in height in the north-east and south-west corners of the site to convert the overhead line into an underground cable;

e) All other site and ancillary works, including widened and upgraded entrance from the R152, internal road, temporary construction compound, landscaping, palisade fencing, and the erection of 7No. 18m high lightning protection monopoles.

f) New road markings, including deceleration lane approaching the site on the R152.


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The proposed development also includes the following temporary works to assist in the programmed diversion of the overhead line to facilitate construction works:

g) Restringing of the OHL conductor between the existing 110kV pole set and new Line Cable Interface Mast at the south western side of the site. At the north eastern side of the site, restringing of the OHL conductor between the existing angle mast and the new Line Cable Interface Mast. The addition of a new underground 110kV cable and Fibre Optic (FO) cable (circa 500m) between the new LCIMs along the northern and western side of the site.

h) Removal of 2No. 110kV pole sets and the removal of the 3No. spans of OHL conductor.

i) Temporary works for the diversion will include erecting temporary stays on the 110kV pole set to the south west of the site, and the temporary rerouting of the Fibre Optic (FO) cable from the existing 110kV angle mast to the north east of the site to the 110kV pole set to the south west of the site via 12No. 38kV wood poles located along the eastern and southern boundary of the site.

The proposed 110 kV substation is planned to serve an OCGT Generating Plant, proposed to be located adjacent and to the east and north of the proposed 110 kV substation compound, which is the subject of a separate planning application to Meath County Council.

The 2 no. transformers within the OCGT Generating Plant section of the development will connect to the on-site switchyard, a fenced compound that will contain electrical switchgear and circuit breakers. The switchyard compound and all equipment within the compound will be owned by ESB and EirGrid will ensure the maintenance of same.


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Figure 2.1: Red Line Boundary for the Substation SID Planning Application to An Bord Pleanála (Greyed out element on right-hand side is the OCGT Generating Plant which is subject to a separate application to Meath County Council) Full drawing is available in the planning application, drawing no. 60581192/0803.


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2.2.3 OCGT Generating Plant

The proposed overall development will include the construction of a 208MW OCGT Generating Plant, the application for approval of which has been lodged with Meath County Council (Planning Ref. lb190031) - see red line boundary drawing in Figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2: Red Line Boundary for the OCGT Generating Plant Planning Application to Meath County Council

2.2.4 Operational Phases and Staffing

The Substation will require minimal attendance. It is anticipated that it will be attended once per quarter for a visual inspection. No routine maintenance is envisaged.

Normal operation of the OCGT Generating Plant will be as a peaker plant, i.e. it will be used to cater for peaks in national electricity demand. Electricity demand is at its highest during the evening


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peak around 6pm during the winter months, particularly between November and February. However, this plant will be on standby for use at any time throughout the year, as it may be required to cover electricity supply shortages or maintenance outages of other plant. Plants of this type are commonly in use throughout the world to support peak demand.

Operation over extended periods is not foreseen. The number of individual units in operation at any one time will depend on the size of the peak load experienced. Units will be brought on load progressively as required. It is envisaged that each combustion turbine will typically operate for about 1,000 hours each year. Circumstances could demand a higher degree of operation, however the turbines will only run up to 1,500 hours per year. Highest operating times are anticipated to occur during winter months.

The OCGT Generating Plant will generally be run under automatic control from a remote location as is the case with other similar plants. From Monday to Friday it is envisaged that up to 5 people will be on site carrying out routine management, security and maintenance with personnel ‘on call’ as required.

2.2.5 Description of Activities in each OCGT Generating Plant Building

For information a description is provided on the activities that will be carried out on the OCGT Generating Plant site.

Combustion Turbine Units

The proposed development consists of four Pratt & Whitney FT8 Swiftpacs units; each unit comprising two combustion turbines driving a common generator and having a rated electrical output of 52 MW. Each unit has two exhaust stacks (15m in height), one for each combustion turbine. Each unit also has a control and switchgear enclosure which contains electrical switchgear at 10.5kV and 400VAC level for controlling the unit as well as a protection systems and control system / Human Machine Interface (HMI) for operating the units.

The major components of each combustion turbine consist of an air compressor, a combustion chamber, a turbine and an electricity generator coupled together. A diagram of a typical Combustion Turbine Unit is illustrated in Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.3: Diagram of a typical Combustion Turbine Unit

The air compressor takes in large quantities of air from the atmosphere and compresses it into the combustion chamber from where it flows through the turbine. Fuel is then injected into the combustion chamber through nozzles. This addition of heat energy and combustion gases raises the temperature of the combined gases to more than 1,000 °C and greatly increases the velocity of these gases through the turbine.


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Water injection will be used for nitrogen oxide (NOx) suppression. This involves the injection of demineralised water from the water treatment plant into the combustion chamber. This reduces the combustion temperature and so reduces the formation of thermally-produced NOx.

The high velocity gas flow through the turbine will drive the turbine with sufficient power to enable it to drive both the air compressor to supply air and the electricity generator to produce the rated electrical power output. The output of hot gases is regulated by controlling the flow of fuel to the combustion chamber area.

The expansion of the hot gases through the turbine and the extraction of mechanical work from them via the turbine reduces the temperature of the gases to approximately 370°C. The hot gases are discharged to atmosphere via a stack.

Water Treatment Plant

Water will be supplied from the Irish Water mains supply to the water treatment plant which will produce demineralised water for injection to each combustion turbine for abatement of NOx formation.

Demineralisation of water will be produced on site using an ion exchange plant in the Deionisation Building. This process is in widespread industrial use for water purification. The ion exchange process is based on the principles of chemical adsorption whereby synthetic solid resin beads are used to attract ions in solution and to exchange these for ions such as hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. The adsorption sites on the resin heads are progressively occupied by target ions so that the ion removal efficiency of the resin is reduced.

It is necessary therefore to regenerate the resin to restore its ion exchange capacity at intervals depending on water throughput and the ion concentration in the feed water. Hydrochloric acid (HCI) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are commonly used for this purpose. An appropriately bunded 5m

3

hydrochloric acid tank and 2.5m3 sodium hydroxide tank are located external to the water treatment

plant building and are used in the regeneration process. These chemicals will be stored and used in accordance with best practice and IE Licence conditions for the site, to ensure the safety of operating personnel and the environment.

Wastewater streams from acid and base backwashes are combined and neutralised until a pH of 6—9 is achieved in a 40m

3 wastewater effluent storage tank. The wastewater effluent will then be

discharged to the public sewer and onwards to Duleek Wastewater Treatment Plant for further treatment, as agreed with Irish Water. This wastewater effluent will contain the naturally occurring inert salts removed from the Irish Water water supply (typically carbonates, chlorides, silicates, sulphates, calcium, magnesium or iron) concentrated to 8 to 10 times their normal levels.

A control and instrumentation system will be provided for the complete automatic control of the water treatment system including regeneration and wastewater effluent control. Instrumentation will include flow meters, pressure and differential pressure gauges, pH meters, analysers (including silica analyser) and conductivity meters. Discharge monitoring will be carried out in accordance with the facility’s IE Licence.

Distillate Fuel Oil Storage and Transfer

Low sulphur (0.1%) distillate will be delivered by road tanker. There will be two fuel unloading points onsite to allow simultaneous unloading of two road tankers. This area will be appropriately bunded in accordance with best practice to 110% of the storage tank capacity. The distillate will be stored in 2 no. aboveground oil storage tanks with a maximum volume of fuel stored onsite of 4,900m

3 (72 hours operation supply) at peak times of usage. The tanks will be vented and the

vents will be fitted with oil vapour traps. The tanks will also be bunded in accordance with best practice.

Distillate will be pumped by the fuel forwarding pumps to the gas turbine injection pumps (which are self-contained within the gas turbine unit) via an oil filter and then on to the gas turbine burners. The distillate will be transferred using appropriately bunded pipelines with leak detection. This will minimise any impact on the environment from potential oil spills. Fuel filtering/polishing units will


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continuously recirculate the distillate to ensure that biological contamination of the distillate is minimised.

Fuel will be delivered to site by road in tankers. Up to 13 no. deliveries per day (total for fuel and water treatment chemicals) are envisaged at the typical rate of fuel/chemical usage for a 4 hour operational day. Deliveries will normally be made on weekdays during normal working hours.

Services Building

There is one services building and workshop proposed onsite. This building will contain site offices, work permit room, meeting room, first aid room and storage facilities for parts and equipment. The provision of a control room within this building, will allow the site technicians to operate the units from this building. Welfare facilities such as toilets, showers and canteen facilities will also be included.

Control and Instrumentation

A complete control and instrumentation system will be provided to achieve effective control and monitoring of the plant operation both onsite and from a remote location. The system will automatically control the plant during all steady-state conditions, plant abnormalities, start-up and shutdown. Plant safety will be monitored and the system will automatically effect an emergency shutdown in a fail-safe manner where required. All unnecessary shutdowns will be avoided.

Fire-Fighting System

There will be a comprehensive fire detection and fire-fighting system on the site. A fire protection design basis document containing a risk assessment will be developed and this will inform the design of the fire system. Currently the preliminary design has included for a fire pump house to be supplied by the water in the raw water tank and the demineralised water tank.

Electrical Systems

Two 10.5kV/110kV step-up transformers will be required on the site. Each transformer will be connected to two generating units. These transformers will step up the voltage of power generated by the units to 110kV for export to the national grid. These transformers will be appropriately bunded.

The electricity will be exported to the national grid via the 110kV line currently traversing the site.

Each generating unit has a control and switchgear enclosure which contains the electrical switchgear at 10.5kV and 400VAC level for controlling the unit as well as a protection systems and control system / HMI for operating the units.

There will also be a separate balance of plant electrical switchgear building which will contain the 10.5kV and LV electrical supplies for the site. This will also contain the control, protection and metering panels for each generating unit and SCADA system for remote operation of the units.

2 no. back-up diesel generators (each approx. 60kW) are proposed. These will supply the site with electricity for the operation of essential systems in the event of power outage on the national grid. The generators will be appropriately bunded to minimise any impact on the environment.

2.3 Construction Phase

Construction works are expected to commence on site in the first half of 2019 (subject to receipt of planning approval) and will be carried out on a phased basis, with a total duration of approximately 18 months.

Normal construction working hours will be daytime only and it is not anticipated that any late night working will be required. Any night works will be notified to the local authority prior to its occurrence. The total number of construction staff on-site will vary during the construction phase of the development but is expected to peak at approximately 30-40 persons.

A temporary construction compound will be erected within the redline boundary of the site for the duration of the construction works which will be used to store equipment and supplies and will


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include laydown areas and provide all the necessary temporary facilities such as portacabins, staff welfare facilities, car parking etc. All areas under construction will be fenced for security and safety purposes and temporary lighting supplied as necessary.

The construction works, in summary, will involve site clearance and preparation, laying drainage and services for the site, laying of foundations for plant and buildings, installation of plant and equipment, mechanical and electrical installations, concrete works (bunds etc.), hard surfacing and paving, landscaping and fencing. Construction equipment used will be typical of a project of this scale; including heavy duty earthmoving and excavating equipment, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and concrete trucks, mobile cranes and hoists.

It is currently estimated that approx. 24,000m3 of soil will be excavated at the OCGT Generating

Plant site, and 31,000m3 at the Substation site, i.e. a total of approx. 55,000m

3. It should be

possible to reuse all of it either as structural fill material or in site landscaping. In the event that any excavated material is deemed unfit for reuse on site it will be removed and disposed of appropriately by a licensed waste contractor.

The environmental impact of the construction activity will be minimised by specifying high standards of housekeeping, appropriate attention to environmental issues within the construction contracts, and by on-going monitoring of performance during construction. A Construction Environmental Management Plan will be developed to implement the mitigation measures set out in this report and manage potential environmental impacts that could affect human health or the environment such as dust and noise emissions, fuel and chemical storage and handling, waste management and traffic management. The construction phase impacts and any necessary mitigation measures are also detailed in each of the relevant Chapters of this Environmental Report.


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3 Population and Human Health

3.1 Introduction

This Chapter assesses the likely impacts of the construction and operational phases of the development on the human environment and outlines mitigation measures to minimise impacts where appropriate.

It is noted that for the purposes of assessing the potential impact of the construction phase the full proposed development has been taken as one project, i.e. the proposed Substation and the proposed OCGT Generating Plant have been assessed as an integral consolidated, single project.

3.2 Description of Existing Environment

The proposed development is located on the boundary of Carranstown and Caulstown townlands, approx. 2.7km northeast of Duleek, County Meath. The centre of Drogheda Town is located approximately 4.8km northeast of the site. The proposed site is greenfield currently used for agricultural purposes. While much of the surrounding area is semi-rural in nature there is an existing large cement manufacturing plant and its associated quarry located just to the north of the site, Irish Cement Ltd and a Waste to Energy facility, Indaver, is immediately northwest of the site. Residential development in the vicinity of the site is scattered, typical of the rural location. Commercial activities such as a service station and CVRT Centre are associated with the residential development.

The area in which the proposed site is located does not have any specific land zoning. However the clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019 (see section 4.4.2 Bio-Fuels and Renewable Energy of the Meath County Development Plan 2013 - 2019). The proposed development is located between the electoral divisions (ED) of Duleek and St. Mary’s Drogheda. In 2016, the population of Duleek ED was 5,554 people while the population of St. Mary’s ED was 11,967 bringing the overall population within the two electoral districts to 17,521. The population of both Duleek and St. Mary’s has continued to grow rapidly in recent years.

3.3 Construction Impacts and Mitigation

As with any construction site there will be potential risks to the health and safety of construction personnel / visitors on site. Safety is SSE’s core value and the highest safety standards will be maintained during construction. A comprehensive Health & Safety programme will be put in place to minimise any risks to and ensure the health and safety of construction personnel, site visitors and any local residents.

The construction of the development is not predicted to have any significant impact on the health of local residents. Individual environmental impacts on the local human environment such as noise or traffic generation are discussed in the relevant Chapters of the Environmental Report. The environmental impact of the construction activity will be minimised by specifying high standards of housekeeping, appropriate attention to environmental issues within the construction contracts, and by on-going monitoring of performance during construction. A Construction Environmental Management Plan will be developed to implement the mitigation measures set out in this report and manage potential environmental impacts that could affect human health such as dust and noise emissions, fuel and chemical storage and handling, waste management and traffic management.

The construction phase of the development will last approximately 18 months and up to 40 workers, both skilled and unskilled, will be employed on site at peak times. Local services and construction staff from the surrounding areas will be used where possible during the construction phase. Therefore the construction of the development will have a temporary positive impact on employment and the local economy.


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With a relative small workforce and short-term construction stage, no negative effect on surrounding road network is expected.

The construction phase of the development is not predicted to have any significant adverse impacts on the population and settlements.

3.4 Operational Impacts and Mitigation

The OCGT Generating Plant & Substation will improve the local electrical infrastructure and will reinforce the grid in the area. As such they will have a positive impact with respect to electrical infrastructure and industrial development in the area.

3.4.1 Proposed Substation

The Substation will require minimal attendance. It is anticipated that it will be attended once per quarter for a visual inspection. No routine maintenance is envisaged. The only environmental emission from the substation will be noise. This is assessed in the noise chapter (Ch 8) of this report but is not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on the human environment.

The clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019 (see section 4.4.2 Bio-Fuels and Renewable Energy of the Meath County Development Plan 2013 - 2019).

3.4.2 Proposed OCGT Generating Plant

The potential impact of the OCGT Generating Plant with respect to Population and Human Health is included here for information.

The OCGT Generating Plant will generally be run on automatic from a remote location as is the case with other similar plants. From Monday to Friday it is envisaged that up to 5 people will be on site carrying out routine management, security and maintenance, with personnel ‘on call’ as required.

The environmental emissions from the OCGT Generating Plant (e.g. emissions to atmosphere, noise etc.) are discussed in the relevant chapters of this report but are not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on the human environment. Environmental emissions from the plant during operation will comply with applicable regulatory requirements and with the terms and conditions specified in an Industrial Emission (IE) Licence to be issued by the EPA. The environmental control technologies will be designed on the basis of BAT (Best Available Techniques) to ensure the protection of human health and the environment. Therefore, the operation of the OCGT Generating Plant will not have any significant any adverse impact on human health.

3.5 Conclusions

The proposed development is not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on the human environment and will significantly improve the capacity and security of electricity supply in the area. The development will have a positive impact in terms of temporary and permanent employment opportunities in the locality.


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4 Landscape and Visual Impact

4.1 Introduction

This Chapter has been prepared by AOS Planning (CAAS Ltd.) and considers and assesses the impact of the proposed development on the appearance and character of the landscape.

It is noted that for the purposes of this chapter the full proposed development has been taken as one project, i.e. the proposed Substation and the proposed OCGT Generating Plant have been assessed as an integral consolidated, single project.

4.2 Methodology

4.2.1 Relevant Legislation, Policy & Guidelines

The assessment of the likely impacts of the proposed development on the landscape has considered legislation, policy documents, and guidelines. The following are of particular relevance.

International and National Legislation

The key legislation is the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). This piece of legislation is the basis for land use planning in Ireland. Under the legislation, development plans (implemented at local authority level) must include mandatory objectives for the conservation of the protection of landscape, views and amenities.

Relevant Plans

The proposed development is within the Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019 boundary and is proposed to be situated on land which is unzoned.

Relevant Designations

Meath County Council has carried out a Landscape Character Assessment on the entire County as part of the CDP. One of the objectives of the Assessment was ‘To improve the understanding of County Meath’s landscape in terms of its inherent and unique character and to recognise what elements should be preserved, conserved or enhanced’.

The Proposed Project location falls on the border of Landscape Character Area numbers 6 and 7. However the site lies west of the M1 and whilst on the border of Landscape Type 7, the motorway effectively defines the visual boundary of that character area – hence aspects of Landscape Character Area 6 are more relevant to the site. Figures 4.1 – 4.4 below illustrate the location of the subject site on the border of Landscape Character Areas 6 and 7.


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Figure 4.1: Landscape Character Area 6 (Source: P. 46 Landscape Character Assessment)


Site Location

Site Location


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Site Location

Site Location


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Landscape type 6 is described as ‘Large lowland landscape area composed of rolling drumlins interspersed with numerous large estates and associated parkland. Thick wooded hedgerows with some conifer plantations and shelterbelts of ash and larch, separate medium to large fields. Deep roadside drainage ditches and banked hedgerows are a common feature of the landscape in the enclosed rural road corridors’. The Landscape Value is considered ‘High’, the Landscape Sensitivity is considered ‘Medium’ and the Landscape Importance is considered ‘Regional’.

Landscape type 7 is described as ‘The coastal plain is a large area of east coast lowland divided by the River Nanny estuary. It is known as the ‘Gold Coast’. The area is characterised by scrubby rolling lowland near the coast interspersed with stands of pine. The River Nanny estuary is a steep sided river plain bound by attractive mixed woodland’. The Landscape Value is considered ‘Moderate’, the Landscape Sensitivity is considered ‘High’ and the Landscape Importance is considered ‘Regional’’.

Figure 4.5: Landscape Character Areas (Source: Map 02, Meath County Development Plan)

The proposal is situated in close proximity to the Irish Cement Facility and the Indaver Waste to Energy Facility. The stack heights on these facilities are 131m and 65m respectively. The proposed development will have a stack height of 15m which is not significant in this context. Following construction of the Proposed Project, the dominant feature in the skyline will continue to be the cement works, as illustrated by the height comparison study on Figure 4.6 below. The height comparison study below was initially prepared for the previously granted application on the subject site (Planning Ref. SA100263), which was for a development with a higher stack height of 20m, and is again being used to demonstrate the context in which the proposal lies. The proposed development is in fact lower, with stack heights of 15m.

Site


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Figure 4.6: Height Comparison Study

The viewpoints in section 4.4 illustrates the current views of the area from various points as well as from Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. As can be seen the dominant feature in the skyline is the cement factory. The subject proposal will have a maximum stack height of 15m compared to the cement works stacks of 131m and the Indaver stack height of 65m. Thus, the dominant feature in the skyline will continue to be the cement works following construction of the proposed development. Figure 4.7 below illustrates the key view points and extent of view – the proposal is not within any key view.


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Figure 4.7: Visual Amenity Map 5 (Source: Meath County Development Plan)

Figure 4.8: Extract from County Development Plan 2013-2019 Map 9.5.1 Views & Prospects

Site Location

Site

View 88

View 65


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The nearest relevant View 66 – west of Bellowstown - is described as having Panoramic views from south west to north - very compromised by industry and urbanisation. Significance Regional Sensitivity Low - view from south west to west most sensitive

The next nearest is View 88 Dowth Passage Tomb has a protected Panoramic View across landscape setting of the World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne. It notes that this is a working landscape containing agricultural structures, dwellings and infrastructure. Significance International Sensitivity High - Main threats are significant and contrasting intrusions on the established character of the landscape – particularly those that intrude upon intentional visual/symbolic axes towards distant horizons or skylines.

Landscape Policy and Objectives

Policy LC SP 1 of the plan seeks to protect landscape character. Whilst the site is located outside of the buffer zone around the Bru na Boinne world Heritage Site as indicated on Map 9.1 of the Meath County Development Plan, it is visible from the Brú na Boinne World Heritage Site. Objective CH OBJ 1 of the plan seeks to protect and enhance the outstanding value of the cultural landscape in the WHS and to enhance views within and adjacent to the site.

LC SP 1: To protect the landscape character, quality, and local distinctiveness of County Meath in accordance with relevant government policy and guidelines and the recommendations included in Meath Landscape Character Assessment (2007) in Appendix 7.

LC POL 2: To require that any necessary assessments, including landscape and visual impact assessments, are provided when undertaking, authorising, or approving development.

LC OBJ 1: To seek to ensure the preservation of the uniqueness of all landscape character types, and to maintain the visual integrity of areas of exceptional value and high sensitivity.

LC OBJ 2: To assess development proposals having regard to the recommendations contained in the Meath Landscape Character Assessment 2007.

LC OBJ 3: To work in partnership with key stakeholders to promote County Meath as a centre for cultural heritage education and learning.

LC OBJ 5: To preserve the views and prospects and the amenity of places and features of natural beauty or interest listed in Appendix 12 and shown on Map 9.5.1 from development that would interfere with the character and visual amenity of the landscape.

LC POL 3: To protect the archaeological heritage, rural character, setting and amenity of the Tara landscape and Loughcrew and Slieve na Calliagh Hills.

Relevant Guidelines

This assessment has been carried out having regard to the relevant provisions of the following Guidelines:

- Guidelines On the Information To Be Contained In Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (Draft EPA 2017); and

- Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Landscape Institute & IEMA 2013)


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4.3 Baseline Environment

Figure 4.9: The site in the context of the existing major landscape features

4.3.1 The Existing Landscape

Figure 4.10: Landscape Context showing site in the developed landscape of Drogheda’s environs that lies in close proximity to the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.


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Figure 4.11: Factors in the wider landscape affecting existing character

Figure 4.12: The Character and Appearance of the immediate Site Context are influenced by the local concentration of industrial, commercial and infrastructural development around the R 152

4.3.2 The Existing Character

The Site lies in the developed landscape of Drogheda’s environs that lie in close proximity to the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The former has resulted in an extension of development – residential, industrial and infrastructural – that has altered the agricultural character of the landscape – particularly along the R152 between Duleek and Drogheda. This pattern is particularly intense in the Platin areas where the concentration of infrastructure [rail, motorway, substation and waste-to-energy plant] as well as commercial and industrial operations [cement plant, quarries, sand & gravel retail and vehicle facilities] have created a local zone of a distinctive character that in highly developed - see Fig 4.9. The site of the proposed development lies along the boundary between agricultural and more developed character. See Figures 4.10

4.3.3 The Existing Appearance

Much of the more intensive development in this area has been successfully screened from public views by careful landscape planting of trees and hedges – which are maintained to a high standard. The appearance of the local environs, nonetheless is typical of the type of transition zone that occurs along the main approach roads to a larger settlement – i.e. the R152 approach to Drogheda.


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4.4 Impact of the Proposed Development and Mitigation

4.4.1 Effects on the Existing Character

The following section examines and assesses the likely effect of the proposed development on the existing character of the area. It considers character at two levels, both the immediate environs that are local to the development [within 0.5km] as well as the wider character – most especially Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The assessment is based upon an examination and assessment of the effects upon the appearance of the proposed development in the local landscape – as illustrated by the photomontages that have been prepared from selected viewing points.

4.4.2 Effects on the Existing Appearance

The assessment is based upon an examination and assessment of the effects upon the appearance of the proposed development in the local landscape – as illustrated by the photomontages that have been prepared from selected viewing points. The appearance and character of the environs are examined in the viewpoints that are located at the points illustrated on the plan at Figure 4.13.

Figure 4.13: Viewpoint Location Map


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View 1a View from R152 - Existing

View 1b View from R152 – Proposed – wireframe showing full extent of development

View 1c View from R152 – Proposed –photomontage showing final appearance


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4.4.3 View 1 From R152

Reason for selection

This view represents the closest and most open view towards the proposed development from a public road. The R 152 is a well-used road of regional and local importance, so it is important to consider the effect on the appearance and character of the landscape from this location.

Existing View

The road in this area is enclosed by well-maintained hedge-rows and road-side grass verges – particularly in the vicinity of the waste-to-energy facility and the cement works. Where not enclosed by taller hedges, the views in the area are open and expansive across the flat landscape of large fields. The roadside in the vicinity includes a number of well-maintained entrances to commercial properties – all characteristic of the transitions from Donore toward the more urbanised environs of Drogheda to the north-east.

Proposed View

The photomontage illustrates the partial visibility of the upper portions of the proposed development, partially obscured by existing intervening vegetation, as well as by the walls that enclose the entrance. Upon completion, the roadside appearance of the proposed development will have a character that will be very similar to that already established by the other large developments along this section of the R152.

Impact

The dominant visual impact will be of orderly development, consistent with the established appearance and character of the immediate environs. The partial visibility of the upper portions of the proposed development will give rise to a slight adverse impact on part of the landscape that is visible through the entrance from the public road.

Mitigation

The design of the project, specifically the siting of the main elements at a distance from the road, together with the selection of materials, colours and finishes, together with the adoption of a uniform arrangement of vertical units has partially mitigated visual impacts.

View 1c above illustrates the likely full effect after the new planting is mature.


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View 2a School Environs Existing

View 2b School Environs – Proposed – wireframe showing full extent of development


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View 2c School Environs – Proposed – photomontage showing final appearance


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4.4.4 View 2 from School


This view was selected in response to concerns expressed about the potential effects on the visual amenity of a school which is the nearest occupied non-commercial premises. The school is located about 0.5km to the south east of the project property boundary.

Existing View

This view shows the appearance of the local context – as seen from the play area of the nearby school. It shows the open flat landscape with hedgerows that contain occasional mature trees.

Proposed View

The photomontage illustrates how the uppermost structures of the proposed development will be intermittently visible across the existing hedgerows and between existing trees. These elements are not dominant or obtrusive, though they are visible.

Impact

The partial visibility of the upper portions of the proposed development will give rise to a slight adverse impact on part of the landscape that is visible from the grounds of the school. This effect occurs in the context of a local landscape character that, in views in this direction, are dominated by the existing highly conspicuous upper portions of the nearby cement works.

Mitigation

The design of the proposed development, specifically the selection of materials, colours and finishes, together with the adoption of a uniform arrangement of vertical units has partially mitigated visual impacts.


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View 3 Knowth Approach – location of proposed development outlined in red – showing visibility is screened by existing topography


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4.4.5 View 3 From Knowth Approach


Knowth is part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The assessment needs to ascertain that there will be no effect on view from this area that would affect the context or setting of the monuments or the ritual landscape in which they are situated.

Existing View

The existing view to the south-east encompasses the skyline of the northern ridge of the Boyne Valley – where the Newgrange and Knowth megalithic monuments are located. The upper portions of the existing cement plant are visible in the centre of the image.

Proposed View

The redline indicates the location and outline of the proposed development in a red line. This shows that the project will lie well below the skyline as seen from this location. Accordingly, there will be no visibility from this point – or anywhere in the vicinity, so there will be no effect on the appearance or character of the landscape.

Impact

There will be no landscape or visual impact on the approach to the Knowth megalithic monument, its context, setting or immediate environs.

Mitigation

Having regard to the absence of any potential landscape or visual impact, there is no requirement for any mitigation measures arising from the view from this location.


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View 4 Newgrange Environs – location of proposed development outlined in red – showing visibility is screened by existing topography


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4.4.6 View 4 From Newgrange Environs


Newgrange lies at the centre of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The assessment needs to ascertain that there will be no effect on view from this area that would affect the context or setting of the monuments or the ritual landscape in which they are situated.

Existing View

The existing view to the south-east encompasses the River Boyne valley as well as the rising ground towards Donore and Platin. The uppermost portions of the Cement factory are visible on the left of centre of the image.

Proposed View


Impact

There will be no landscape or visual impact on the Newgrange megalithic monument, its context, setting or immediate environs.

Mitigation



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View 5 Dowth Environs – location of proposed development outlined in red – showing visibility is screened by existing topography


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4.4.7 View 5 From Dowth Environs


Dowth is part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. The assessment needs to ascertain that there will be no effect on view from this area that would affect the context or setting of the monuments or the ritual landscape in which they are situated. This is also the location of the closest view identified in the Meath County Development Plan [Visual Amenity Map 5] and also View 88 from County Development Plan 2013-2019 Map 9.5.1 Views & Prospects.

Existing View

The existing view to the south-east encompasses the River Boyne valley as well as the rising ground towards Donore and Platin. The uppermost portions of the Cement factory are visible just to the left of the centre of the image. Housing at the outskirts of Donore are visible to the right of centre.

Proposed View


Impact

There will be no landscape or visual impact on the Dowth megalithic monument, its context, setting or immediate environs.

Mitigation


4.4.8 Other Views

The Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019 Map 9.5.1 Views & Prospects identifies a number of Key Views and Prospects. The two nearest and most relevant are 88 – from Knowth and View 65 west of Bellewstown.

View 88 has been modelled in View 5 (above) and was found to have no impacts.


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View 65 was examined and found not to be direct towards the site of the proposed development – nor is there any direct visibility due to intervening topography. Furthermore, the designation of the site notes the view to be very compromised by industry and urbanisation.

4.5 Cumulative Impact

The cumulative impact will be a slight increase in the extent of the area of non-agricultural character along this section of the R152. Most of the effect will be due to the elevated level of maintenance of boundaries and road-side grass margins that typically occur outside of managed facilities. There will be no cumulative impact on the monuments [or their context and setting] in the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site

4.6 Residual Impacts

There will very slight and highly localised residual impact on the appearance and character of the area – caused by the introduction of non-agricultural uses. This is consistent with the character established locally by the presence of a number of non-agricultural uses along the R152 between Donore and the Drogheda Environs.


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5 Traffic and Transportation

5.1 Introduction

This Chapter assesses the potential traffic impact of the proposed development during both the construction and operational phases, and mitigation measures are outlined as appropriate to minimise any potential impacts.



There is currently road access to the north-west of the site from R152, Drogheda to Duleek road, which links to the M1 Motorway approximately 2km to the north-east of the proposed development site.

The R152 is a single carriageway road with an 80kph speed limit. There are various local roads that feed onto the R152. The R152 is rated as a third class road.

5.3 Construction Impacts & Mitigation

5.3.1 Description of Construction Traffic Generation

Construction works are expected to commence on site in the first half of 2019 (subject to receipt of planning approval) and will be carried out on a phased basis, as is briefly outlined further below, with a total duration of approximately 18 months.

Before commencement on site a new access to the site will be constructed on the R152. A new deceleration lane will be constructed on the R152 to facilitate traffic that will turn left into the site from the north-east. The new site access and deceleration lane will be permanent and will be used during the operational phase of the proposed development; they will also be used by construction traffic during the proposed works.

The peak on-site employment during the construction phase is expected to be 30-40 persons, working within one construction shift from approximately 08:00 to 18:00. It can reasonably be expected that all site operatives’ trips to the site will occur before 08:00, and that these trips will not coincide with that of delivery vehicles to / from the site. However, in the interests of robustness, this assessment conservatively assumes that 40% of the operatives will arrive during the 08:00 to 09:00 peak morning hour. It is proposed to maximise the employment of locally based workers in the project, some of whom may walk / cycle to work; however as a conservative approach it is assumed that all construction personnel will travel to the site via car, with average car occupancy of 1.2. This will result in an inbound generated flow during the 08:00 to 09:00 peak morning hour of

14 passenger car units (pcu) (40 0.4 / 1.2 = 14).

Peak construction deliveries are expected to be in the order of 3-5 heavy vehicles per day. It is currently anticipated that all excavated materials during earthworks will be re-used on site; therefore there will be no HGVs removing material from the site during earthworks. Soil will be required to be imported for fill purposes. There is anticipated to be ca. 29 deliveries of soil per day at peak. The turbine units that are currently in operation and generating electricity for the national grid at Rhode, Co. Offaly and Tawnaghmore, Co. Mayo, which will be relocated to the proposed development site, are of the transportable type and will be delivered by road in modular units. The transportation of the turbine units will be phased, with the units from the Rhode plant being transported to the proposed site initially. The units from the Tawnaghmore site will be delivered as part of the second phase of the development.


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On the basis that each of the heavy delivery vehicles is the equivalent of 3 passenger car units (pcu)

1, this equates to an inbound daily flow of 102 pcu and an identical outbound daily flow.

Making the robust assumption that 20% of these inbound and outbound trips occur during the morning peak hour, this equates to a 2-way peak hour flow of 40 pcu (20 pcu’s inbound and 20 pcu’s outbound).

The total estimated traffic flow generated during morning peak hour during the construction phase is summarised in Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1: Total Trips (pcu’s) Generated during Morning Peak Hour - Construction Phase

Description AM in AM out

Staff / Labour Traffic (pcu’s) 14 0

HGV Delivery Traffic (pcu’s) 20 20

TOTAL 34 20

It is also assumed that the above assumptions can be used to predict the level of traffic entering and exiting the site during the evening peak hour of 17:00 to 18:00 during the construction phase.

The total estimated traffic flow generated during evening peak hour during the construction phase is summarised in Table 5.2 below.

Table 5.2: Total Trips (pcu’s) Generated during Evening Peak Hour - Construction Phase

Description PM in PM out

Staff / Labour Traffic (pcu’s) 0 14

HGV Delivery Traffic (pcu’s) 20 20

TOTAL 20 34

The traffic levels presented in Tables 5.1 and 5.2 are not considered significant, in particular when the quality of the road network in the vicinity of the site and the current traffic levels on the road are taken into consideration.

There is no traffic count data available for the R152 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)2;

however traffic counts were carried out for the Irish Cement planning application submitted in 2017, which found that the peak two-way volumes on the R152 were observed to be 958 vehicles in the morning peak hour and 994 vehicles in the evening peak hour (An Bord Pleanála Case Reference PL17 .PA0050). Therefore the construction phase of the proposed development to which this planning application relates will result in a morning peak hour increase of 3.5%, and an evening peak hour increase of 3.4%.

The Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines (NRA, 2014)3 states that a Traffic Impact

Assessment (including junction assessment) should be produced where “traffic to and from the development exceeds 5% of the traffic flow on the adjoining road”. As the percentage increases outlined above are less than 5%, a traffic impact assessment is not required for the construction phase of the proposed development.

As part of the overall Construction Environmental Management Plan, measures will be implemented to ensure that impacts on the existing off-site road network will be minimised as much as possible. As part of this plan the HGV route to the site during the construction phase will be from the M1 motorway exiting at Junction 8 (Lower Platin) via the R152, directly to the site. The distance

1 Conservative assumption based on a HGV having a pcu value of 2.3 (Transport for London, September 2010; available

at: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/traffic-modelling-guidelines.pdf, accessed September 2018)

2 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Traffic Data Site. Available at:

https://www.nratrafficdata.ie/c2/gmapbasic.asp?sgid=ZvyVmXU8jBt9PJE$c7UXt6 [Accessed September 2018]

3 National Roads Authority (NRA) (now TII). Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines (2014)

http://content.tfl.gov.uk/traffic-modelling-guidelines.pdf

https://www.nratrafficdata.ie/c2/gmapbasic.asp?sgid=ZvyVmXU8jBt9PJE$c7UXt6


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from the motorway to the site is approx. 2.1km. No HGV construction traffic will be permitted approaching the site on the R152 from the south and therefore there is no requirement for a right-turn lane at the site entrance.


As already stated above the exact split of construction traffic generated between the proposed OCGT Generating Plant component and the proposed Substation is unknown; however given that the overall construction traffic impact is not considered significant, it is concluded that the proposed Substation will have a slight short-term impact on the off-site road network.


The exact split of construction traffic generated between the proposed OCGT Generating Plant and the proposed Substation is unknown; however given that the overall construction traffic impact is not considered significant as discussed previously, it is concluded that the proposed OCGT Generating Plant will have a slight and short-term impact on the off-site road network.

5.4 Operational Impacts & Mitigation

5.4.1 Description of Site Entrance & Junction

The OCGT Generating Plant & Substation are expected to commence operations in 2020 subject to receipt of the necessary consents and licences. The layout of the proposed site access road and junction onto the R152 is shown on the site layout plan included in the planning application documentation, drawing no. 60581192/0803.

The junction is designed as a priority junction in accordance with Transport Infrastructure Ireland – Geometric Design of Junctions, April 2017.

4 The proposed junction is detailed on drawings

60581192/0806 and 60581192/0807 submitted as part of the planning application.

The traffic generation at the junction as a result of the proposed development is detailed in Section 5.3. HGV deliveries will be from the M1 – Lower Platin junction and the R152 to the site, a distance of circa 2.1km. No service traffic is required approaching from the south on the R152 and therefore there is no requirement to consider a right turn facility. The approach from the north will include a widening of the road from the boundary of the site to the entrance to allow for deceleration of HGVs. The junction is designed for HGV exiting traffic to generally turn right and return to the M1 via the R152 northbound, but space is allowed to permit HGVs to make a left turn.

Tracking for inbound and outbound traffic has been carried out and is shown on the drawings submitted as part of the planning application. Sightlines for vertical and horizontal profiles have been checked in accordance with the TII design guidance and are shown on drawing no. 60581192/0806, included in the planning application. The space for future footways and a footway crossing point have been designed in at the junction to be constructed at a later stage.

The proposed planting, as illustrated in drawing no. 60581192/0812 in the planning application, will be implemented on a phased basis. New hedges will be planted inside the site and will be established before the existing screen hedge is removed to build footways. Entrance walls on the junction are shown together with a gate which is set back to allow one full articulated vehicle within the site. An entrance into residual agricultural land is also shown before the gate to allow occasional access to the land. The site entrance was discussed with Joe McGarvey, Senior Executive Engineer in the Transportation Department in Meath County Council as part of the pre-application submission discussions.

4 http://www.tiipublications.ie/library/DN-GEO-03060-01.pdf


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The Substation will require minimal attendance. It is anticipated that it will be attended once per quarter for a visual inspection. No routine maintenance is envisaged.

As the number of trips to and from the site from the proposed Substation will be less than for the proposed OCGT Generating Plant (as described in Section 5.4.3), it is concluded that a Traffic Impact Assessment is not required for the proposed Substation, and that it will have an imperceptible impact on the off-site road network.


The potential impact of the OCGT Generating Plant with respect to traffic is included here for information.

The OCGT plant will run under automated control from a remote location and will be minimally attended (2-3 personnel). Site attendance will be limited to maintenance and occasional administrative meetings. The maximum number of visitors expected at the site per week is 2 no. persons. Assuming all visitors and incidental workers/contractors travel to the proposed site on the same day, the maximum traffic generated will be in the order of 5 pcu’s per day inbound with the same number outbound. These journeys will be made in cars or vans only. For the purposes of this assessment, as a conservative approach it has been assumed that all of these trips to the site occur during the morning peak hour, and all of these trip from the site occur during the evening peak hour.

A supply of low sulphur (0.1%) distillate fuel oil (approx. 4,900m3) will be stored on the site in two

bunded tanks. The distillate will be delivered to site by road tankers. As the actual running hours of the proposed development will vary depending on the time of year and the availability of alternative wind power, the number of deliveries per day will also vary depending on the time of year. It is predicted that the maximum number of deliveries per day of distillate and water treatment chemicals will be 13 no. No other regular deliveries to the site are predicted during the operational phase.

On the basis that each of the heavy delivery vehicles is the equivalent of 3 passenger car units (pcu)

5, this equates to an inbound daily flow of 39 pcu and an identical outbound daily flow. Making

the robust assumption that 20% of these inbound and outbound trips occur during the morning peak hour and 20% of these inbound and outbound trips occur during the evening peak hour, this equates to a 2-way peak hour flow of 16 pcu (8 pcu’s inbound and 8 pcu’s outbound) during the morning peak hour and identical inbound and outbound flows during the evening peak hour.

The total estimated traffic flow generated during the morning peak hour during the operational phase due to the proposed OCGT Generating Plant is summarised in Table 5.3, while the total estimated traffic flow generated during the evening peak hour during the operational phase due to the proposed OCGT Generating Plant is summarised in Table 5.4.

Table 5.3: Total Trips (pcu’s) Generated during Morning Peak Hour from the proposed OCGT Generating Plant - Operational Phase

Description AM in AM out

Staff / Visitors (pcu’s) 5 0

HGV Traffic (pcu’s) 8 8

TOTAL 13 8

5 Conservative assumption based on a HGV having a pcu value of 2.3 (Transport for London, September 2010; available

at: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/traffic-modelling-guidelines.pdf, accessed September 2018)

http://content.tfl.gov.uk/traffic-modelling-guidelines.pdf


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Table 5.4: Total Trips (pcu’s) Generated during Evening Peak Hour from the proposed OCGT Generating Plant - Operational Phase

Description PM in PM out

Staff / Visitors (pcu’s) 0 5

HGV Traffic (pcu’s) 8 8

TOTAL 8 13

The traffic levels presented in Tables 5.3 and 5.4 are not considered significant, in particular when the quality of the road network in the vicinity of the site and the current traffic levels on the road are taken into consideration.

There is no traffic count data available for the R152 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)6;

however traffic counts were carried out for the Irish Cement planning application submitted in 2017, which found that the peak two-way volumes on the R152 were observed to be 958 vehicles in the morning peak hour and 994 vehicles in the evening peak hour (An Bord Pleanála Case Reference PL17 .PA0050). Therefore the operational phase of the proposed OCGT Generating Plant will result in a morning peak hour increase of 2.2%, and an evening peak hour increase of 2.1%.

The Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines (NRA, 2014)7 states that a Traffic Impact

Assessment (including junction assessment) should be produced where “traffic to and from the development exceeds 5% of the traffic flow on the adjoining road”. As the percentage increases outlined above are less than 5%, a traffic impact assessment is not required for the construction phase of the proposed development.

It is concluded that the proposed OCGT Generating Plant will have an imperceptible impact on the off-site road network.

5.5 Cumulative Impacts

A review of the following planning applications in the vicinity of the proposed SSE site, in terms of traffic numbers that will be generated, was carried out:

- Irish Cement (ABP Case Reference PL17 .PA0050) to facilitate further replacement of fossil fuels with alternative fuels and allow for the introduction of alternative raw materials in the manufacturing of cement;

- Indaver (MCC Case Reference FS16071, FS16072, FS18022) - Alterations to waste-to-energy facility. They are not considered to have a cumulative negative impact with the proposed development as they relate to minor changes to existing operations;

- Highfield Solar Limited (Meath County Council LB16.0898) - Construction of solar farm to include two electrical substations, transformer, inverter station and storage modules, solar panels, access roads and associated site works; and

- Highfield Solar Limited (ABP Case Reference PL17 .301601) - Development of 110kV infrastructure.

It was determined in each of the planning applications that the impacts associated with those developments in terms of traffic will be insignificant and will have no material impact on the existing road network. The Irish Cement development will generate increases in peak morning and evening hour traffic of less than 5% on existing numbers, while given their nature the other developments listed above will not generate additional traffic.

6 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Traffic Data Site. Available at:

https://www.nratrafficdata.ie/c2/gmapbasic.asp?sgid=ZvyVmXU8jBt9PJE$c7UXt6 [Accessed September 2018]

7 National Roads Authority (NRA) (now TII). Traffic and Transport Assessment Guidelines (2014)

https://www.nratrafficdata.ie/c2/gmapbasic.asp?sgid=ZvyVmXU8jBt9PJE$c7UXt6


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Due to this and the fact the proposed development to which this planning application relates will have slight to imperceptible impacts during the construction and operational phases, respectively, it is concluded that there is no potential for significant cumulative impacts.

5.6 Conclusions

The estimated amount of traffic to be generated during the construction and operational phases of the development is not considered significant and therefore the development is not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on traffic levels on the surrounding road network.


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6 Land and Soils

6.1 Introduction

This Chapter assesses the likely impacts of the construction and operational phases of the development on the land and soils, i.e. the soil, geological and hydrogeological aspects of the site and surrounding area, during both the construction and operational phases.


K.T. Cullen & Co. Hydrogeological and Environmental Consultants undertook a full baseline hydrogeological investigation of the proposed site in 1999 as part of the original application for a 400MW CCGT power plant. The associated report was referred to during preparation of this Chapter.

An updated investigation assessment will be undertaken in advance of the construction phase of the proposed development, and will be reviewed to determine if any mitigation measures (in addition to those already detailed in this chapter) are required to address the assessment findings.


The geology of the proposed development site can be summarised as being dominated by Dinantina Pure Bedded limestone. The soils in the area of the site are described as ‘tilled derived from Namunian rock (GSI, 2007).

The main source of water in Meath for industrial and domestic use is surface water abstracted from rivers and streams. The Rivers Boyne and the River Nanny are the principal sources of supply for the county's urban and industrial supplies.

Results from the hydrogeological assessment at the time (1999) of soil and groundwater sampling indicated that there has being no significant contamination at the site. A regionally important aquifer (Rf) underlies the site. The limestone bedrock supplies a large number of individual groundwater users in the local area.


The construction phase of the OCGT Generating Plant and Substation will not result in any direct discharges to soil or groundwater.

The construction phase could have a potential adverse impact on the soils and groundwater of the site in the event of:

- An uncontained spillage of pollutants, such as oil or other chemicals used during construction;

- An uncontained spillage of domestic effluent generated during construction.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place during the construction phase to prevent any adverse impacts on the soils or groundwater of the area:

- Any potentially polluting substances such as fuel, lubricants, oil, paint etc. will be carefully handled and will be stored in temporary bunded areas which will fully contain any spillages;

- All domestic effluent generated by construction staff on site during construction will be discharged to a temporary effluent containment facility, prior to transport and treatment off-site.

6.3.1 Cut and Fill of Soil

Topsoil that is stripped off during construction will be either used in landscaping on the site. The construction phase will not result in the excavation or removal of any bedrock from the development site.


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Cut and fill activities will be required onsite to facilitate the construction of both the OCGT Generating Plant and the Substation. The overall quantities are presented in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1: Summary of Soil Cut and Fill Volumes (m3)

OCGT Generating Plant

Substation Total

Material being excavated for reuse in Landscaping (m

3)

11,683 9,587 21,270

Material being excavated for reuse in Structural Fill (m

3)

13,598 22,720 36,318

Additional Structural Fill Material to be imported to site (m

3)

19,314 15,375 34,689

The material being excavated for reuse in landscaping will be used to create berms around the site. Berms will be a maximum of 2m in height and the average height will be approx. 1.5m. The berm associated with the Substation site is depicted in planning drawing no. 60581192/0812. Following excavation the material for reuse in landscaping will be moved directly to the berm location in order to minimise double-handling of the material. Water bowsers will be deployed for dust suppression in periods of dry weather during the construction phase. Materials for reinstatement of banks and soiling of landscape areas will be re excavated from the berm areas before final grading.

Following excavation the material for reuse as structural fill will be moved directly to the locations on site where it is required, in order to minimise double-handling of the material. Water bowsers will be deployed for dust suppression in periods of dry weather during the construction phase.

It is not anticipated that there will be a requirement to remove any excavated material from site. In the unlikely event that any excavated material is deemed unfit for reuse on site it will be removed and disposed of appropriately by a licensed waste contractor.

Additional material for structural fill will be sourced locally where available. The impact on traffic of importing this material is discussed in Chapter 5 Traffic and Transportation.

The construction phase of the development is therefore not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on the geology, soils and hydrogeology (groundwater) of the site.


6.4.1 Substation

There will be no discharges to ground or groundwater during the operational phase of the Substation as none of the substation infrastructure will pose a risk to land and soils during the operational phase.


The potential impact of the OCGT Generating Plant with respect to land and soils is included here for information.

There will be no direct discharges to ground during the operational phase of the development. The principal water usage requirement of the OCGT Generating Plant is potable water sourced from Irish Water mains. A description of the water usage in the process is discussed in Chapter 9 Water and Wastewater and Chapter 12 Material Assets, of this report. All surface water runoff from hard-standing areas with the potential to become contaminated with petrol / oil (e.g. car parking areas, internal site roads etc.) will pass through oil interceptors. These separators will retain any hydrocarbons present in the surface water (e.g. as a result of leaks from vehicles in the car park).


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The separators will be regularly inspected and emptied of any oily water/sludge to maintain their efficiency. The clean surface water discharge will be release to the surface water outfall from the site.

The cooling system employed is a closed system that will not require a constant feed of water. This reduces the water requirement for the site and also the volume of wastewater to be discharged from the site.

The following mitigation measures will be incorporated into the OCGT Generating Plant design to ensure that the soils and groundwater on site are protected from any accidental spillages of hazardous materials:

- The storage, containment and handling facilities for all materials at the OCGT Generating Plant will be designed in accordance with best practice to minimise the likelihood of accidental leaks/spillages occurring and to contain any such leaks / spillages should they occur; in particular as an EPA-licensed facility the storage and containment measures will be designed in accordance with the requirements set out in the EPA guidance document IPC Guidance Note on Storage and Transfer of Materials for Scheduled Activities, as amended

8

- The principal potentially hazardous material stored on site will be low sulphur distillate. These tanks will be stored in a designated bunded area on impermeable hardstanding and the tanks will be integrally bunded to contain 110% of the volume of the tank in the event of a tank rupture. A standard operating procedure will be followed during tanker unloading and filling of the bulk tank and the tank will be fitted with a high level alarm to prevent overfilling. There will be a dedicated tanker unloading area surrounded by a drainage channel, which will drain to a Class 1 Forecourt Separator. This separator will provide for full retention of any material in the event of the complete rupture and spillage of a tanker compartment. A shut-off device incorporated into the separator will close the outlet to surface water discharge point from the site, in the event of its capacity being exceeded. All oil transfer lines will be over ground and easily accessible for inspection;

- All other materials used on site will be stored in much smaller quantities than the low sulphur distillate. All such materials will be stored in bunded tanks, bunded areas or on spill pallets appropriate to the quantity of material stored. All transformers containing insulating oil will also be fully bunded;

- Any other potential sources of spillage (e.g. pumps, sample points, level gauges (etc.) will be provided with local shelter and collection trays, sumps or interceptors as appropriate to contain any leaks/spillages;

- Good housekeeping practices including preventative maintenance and routine monitoring of tanks and equipment will minimise the likelihood of leaks/spills occurring and ensure that any leaks are quickly detected and controlled.

Various measures will be incorporated into the design to prevent any contamination of surface water (rainfall) runoff from the site (refer to Chapter 9 of Environmental Report) and subsequent contamination of soils and groundwater.

In summary, the operational phase of the development will not result in any significant negative impacts on the geology, soils and hydrogeology of the site and mitigation measures will be put in place to prevent any negative impacts occurring.

6.5 Conclusions

There will be no direct discharges to soil or groundwater during the construction or operational phases of the development other than uncontaminated rainfall runoff from the hard standing areas of the site which will be attenuated and finally discharged to a drainage ditch to the east of the site (Chapter 9 Water and Wastewater of this report).

8 http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/licensee/guidancetostorageandtransferofmaterialsforscheduledactivities.html


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A number of mitigation measures will be taken to ensure that the soils and groundwater on site are protected from any accidental contamination. Therefore the development is not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on geology, soils or hydrogeology.


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7 Biodiversity

7.1 Introduction

This Chapter assesses the likely impacts of the construction and operational phases of the development on flora and fauna, and mitigation measures are outlined where necessary to minimise any significant impacts.

The assessment has been carried out using online data sources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), as well as online mapping sources.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared by Scott Cawley Ltd. and is included in the planning application documentation.

It is noted that for the purposes of this chapter the proposed development has been considered as one project, i.e. the proposed OCGT Generating Plant and the proposed Substation have been assessed as an integral consolidated, single project.


The habitat diversity of the site is regarded as low, with arable land, hedgerows and ditches being the only habitats present. The arable habitat is of negligible scientific interest, while the hedgerows and accompanying ditches are typical of those in intensively managed agricultural areas.

No part of the proposed site or the immediate adjoining areas is covered by a scientific or conservation designation such as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA) or Natura 2000 status. There are two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and three Special Protection Areas (SPA), within a 15km radius of the proposed site. These are listed below and shown graphically in Figure 7.1

- Boyne Coast and Estuary SAC (Site Code: 001957)

- River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC (Site Code: 002299)

- Boyne Estuary SPA (Site Code: 004080)

- River Nanny Estuary and Shore SPA (Site Code: 004158)

- River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA (Site Code: 004232)

There are also 17 proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) within a 15km radius of the site, the nearest being Duleek Commons, a calcareous marsh and fen system located 2km to the south-west.


IE0312377-22-RP-0007, Issue A 05 Feb 2019


Figure 7.1: Natura 2000 Sites within 15km of the Proposed Development9

The closest area of conservation importance to the site is the River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC (Site Code 002299) which is located approx. 3km north of the site. The River Boyne has been selected a SAC for a number of reasons including:

- The presence of priority habitats on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive: alluvial woodlands and alkaline fen;

- The presence of animal species on Annex II of the Directive: River Lamprey, Atlantic Salmon and Otter.

The Boyne is a noted river for salmon and trout fishing.

The Q-value is an EPA rating system for the biological quality of surface waters and is assigned based on the diversity and abundance of aquatic invertebrates in the watercourse and ranges from Q1 (Seriously Polluted) to Q5 (Unpolluted).

The EPA monitor the biological quality of the River Boyne at several locations. Based on a review of the most recent water quality data for 2015, the water quality varied from Q3-4 (moderate quality) to Q4-5 (high quality) along the length of the River Boyne

10.

9 Source: National Parks and Wildlife Service, http://webgis.npws.ie/npwsviewer (Annotated by PM Group; Accessed

September 2018)

10 EPA (2018). EPA River Quality Surveys: Biological – Hydrometric Area 07: Boyne. Available at:

http://www.epa.ie/QValue/webusers/PDFS/HA7.pdf?Submit=Get+Results [Accessed September 2018]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salmon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trout

http://webgis.npws.ie/npwsviewer

http://www.epa.ie/QValue/webusers/PDFS/HA7.pdf?Submit=Get+Results


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The River Nanny runs in a west to east direction at a distance of approximately 1.5km south of the proposed development site. The River Nanny itself is not designated as a Natura 2000 site; however its estuary is a designated SPA (Site Code: 004158).

According to the most recent EPA monitoring data for the River Nanny in 2014, it had a biological rating varying from Q3 (poor quality) to Q3-4 (moderate quality) along it length

11. Further

information on the water quality of the River Nanny is provided in Chapter 9 (Water and Wastewater) of this Environmental Report.


The proposed development site is an agricultural field which is not considered to possess any significant conservation value and therefore the loss of this land during the construction phase should not have any significant ecological impact. Therefore no mitigation measures are considered necessary.

With respect to the hedgerows on the site, as the site has been intensively managed for agricultural purposes, it is considered unlikely the hedgerows have any significant conservation value; however they may possess some local ecological value as nesting sites for birds etc. The majority of the hedgerows are likely to remain intact as the site boundary fence will be erected inside the existing hedgerows.

In accordance with the terms of the Wildlife Acts, any removal or cutting of hedgerows during the construction phase will not be carried out during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August inclusive (unless otherwise agreed with the National Parks & Wildlife Service). The mitigation measures to prevent/minimise any adverse impact on the water quality of the river as a result of construction works are detailed in Chapter 9 (Water and Wastewater) of the Environmental Report.

The construction phase of the development is not predicted to have any significant adverse ecological impact.


Emissions to the environment during the operational phase of the development will not have any significant ecological impact. A number of mitigation measures will ensure that there will be no impact to the environment due to the operation of the proposed development, including the following:

- Surface water runoff will be discharged from the site via the site surface water outfall on the eastern boundary of the site. This outfall connects to a drainage ditch running from west to east away from the site. This ditch then connects into a second ditch which runs from north to south. From there the discharge will flow south via a series of ditches to the River Nanny which is located approximately 1.5km to the south of the site. An onsite surface water attenuation system will be designed to ensure that surface water runoff rates from the site will not exceed current rates (i.e. greenfield runoff rates). All new surface water drains will be designed in accordance with BS EN standards, as detailed in Chapter 9 Water and Wastewater) of this Environmental Report. All mitigation measures proposed to prevent contamination of the nearby surface water system and nearby Natura 2000 sites are provided in Chapter 9 of this Environmental Report and the Natura Impact Statement accompanying this planning application.

- Any planting will be carried out to match the existing local planting using native species. The landscaping plan is provided in drawing no. 60581192/0812 in the planning application documentation

11 EPA (2018). EPA River Quality Surveys: Biological – Hydrometric Area 08: Nanny-Devlin. Available at:

http://www.epa.ie/QValue/webusers/PDFS/HA8.pdf?Submit=Get+Results [Accessed September 2018]

http://www.epa.ie/QValue/webusers/PDFS/HA8.pdf?Submit=Get+Results


IE0312377-22-RP-0007, Issue A 05 Feb 2019


- The proposed car parking area will be lit using LED column mounted lighting. This will be directional lighting so that light spill will be minimal

- As detailed in Chapter 10 of this Environmental Report, emissions to atmosphere from the proposed development are not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on ambient air quality and consequently flora and fauna and the nearby Natura 2000 sites.

- In addition, as detailed in Chapter 8 of this Environmental Report, noise emissions from the proposed development will not be significant; therefore it will not have a significant impact on fauna in the area.

There will be no other environmental emissions during the operational phase of the development which could have a significant ecological impact. Any operational emissions from the plant will be subject to the conditions (i.e. emission limit values and monitoring requirements) of an Industrial Emissions Licence from the EPA which will also ensure operation of the proposed development does not have any significant adverse environmental or ecological impact.

The operational phase of the proposed development is therefore not predicted to have any significant ecological impact.

7.5 Conclusions

Due to the minimal ecological importance of the proposed development site it is not expected there will be a significant impact on flora and fauna at the site during the construction phase. As there will be minimal environmental emissions from the proposed development when it is operational and the fact that the operation of the OCGT Generating Plant will be controlled by an Industrial Emissions Licence from the EPA, it is not expected there will be a significant impact on flora and fauna at or in the vicinity of the site during the operational phase.


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8 Noise and Vibration

8.1 Introduction

This Chapter assesses the impact of noise emissions from the proposed development on the existing environment. Baseline sound pressure levels were measured of the area surrounding the site and prediction modelling of the proposed on-site activity was carried out to determine the expected development emissions at the nearest noise sensitive locations during construction and operation. Based on this information, necessary mitigation measures are incorporated into the construction phase or the facility’s design, thereby avoiding any adverse impact or non-compliance.

It is noted that for the purposes of assessing the potential impact of the construction phase the full proposed development has been considered as one project, i.e. the proposed OCGT Generating Plant and the proposed Substation have been assessed as an integral consolidated, single project. However it is further noted that there are no significant noise sources associated with the operation of the Substation.

8.2 Assessment Methodology

8.2.1 General

In order to assess the potential impact of noise from the proposed development on the surrounding area, sound pressure levels were assessed (either through measurement or prediction) for the following development stages:

- Pre-development stage – current sound pressure levels at nearby noise sensitive locations (NSLs) were measured to provide background baseline data to which predicted future noise levels for the area can be compared. Baseline noise measurements were carried out on the 24

th, 25

th, and 26

th July 2018 during day, evening and night-time periods, in accordance with

EPA Guidance Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled Activities (NG4) (2016)

12.

- Construction stage – potential sound pressure levels and associated impacts arising from construction activities were considered, in order to develop sufficient noise mitigation measures for the construction phase.

- Operational Stage – sound pressure level emissions from future site operations were predicted in order to assess the impact on the existing noise levels in the environment in terms of subjective impact. The model results were combined with the ambient baseline noise levels to assess the impact of the proposed development, and to determine appropriate mitigation measures as required.

8.2.2 Cumulative Impacts

In order to determine if there are any developments in the nearby area which are currently in the planning process and have potential to cause a cumulative impact on noise emissions in the vicinity of the proposed development, a search was completed on the Meath County Council website for active and recently granted planning applications.

It was found that there is only one relevant development of this type which requires consideration for a cumulative impact assessment. Planning permission was granted to Irish Cement for ‘a 10 year permission to facilitate further replacement of fossil fuels with alternative fuels and allow for the introduction of alternative raw materials in the manufacturing of cement’ on the 11

th April 2018

by An Bord Pleanála (Case ref. PL17 .PA0050). The Environmental Impact Assessment Report which was submitted to An Bord Pleanála states that there are no major new noise sources proposed as part of this development. Therefore the cumulative impact of the proposed development with other activities and developments in the area is fully assessed by combining the

12 https://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/noise/NG4%20Guidance%20Note%20(January%202016%20Update).pdf


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background noise monitoring results with the predicted noise impacts from the proposed development (see Section 8.5).

8.2.3 Effects of Vibration

Vibration is a related issue that can also adversely affect people and structures in the vicinity of a vibration source. Humans can perceive vibration at levels of low magnitude, typically from 0.14mm/s to 0.3mm/s. At vibration levels greater than this and similarly to noise, vibration can cause the same levels of response such as distraction, leading to annoyance and disturbance. Greater levels of vibration (a minimum of 15mm/s) are required to cause structural damage.

During the construction phase of the development, it is anticipated that there will be no piling or other related activities which could cause significant vibration. There will be no vibration associated with the operation of the proposed facility which could impact on the environment. On this basis, an assessment of potential vibration impacts is not considered relevant for inclusion.


Much of the surrounding area is semi-rural in nature with an industrialised area to the north-west of the site involving a quarry and cement plant approximately 500m, and Indaver Waste to Energy Facility 200m away from the plant on the proposed site. The Paul Kavanagh Vehicle Test Centre is adjacent to the northern boundary of the site. The ambient noise levels in the area are likely to be influenced by the existing industrial development and also road traffic noise from the nearby R152 regional road and the M1 motorway. Residential development in the vicinity of the site is scattered, typical of a rural location. There is a cluster of houses located to the north and west of the SSE site consisting of three houses and a cluster of businesses immediately north, two houses on the northern side of the public road, two houses to the west and one farm to the South West of the SSE site. To the east one farm is present and southeast two houses and a school exist.

The site boundary for the purposes of the planning application, and surrounding environment are depicted in Figure 8.1.

The scope of the baseline noise survey was to establish the baseline environmental noise levels during the day, evening and at night at the six off-site noise sensitive locations (NSLs) illustrated in Figure 8.2. Details the baseline noise survey, are provided in Attachment 1 of this Environmental Report, while a summary of the results is provided in Table 8.1. The baseline noise survey was carried out in accordance with EPA’s NG4 Guidance Note

13.

13 EPA (2016). Guidance Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled

Activities (NG4)


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Figure 8.1: Site Boundary and Surrounding Receptors (Annotated by PM Group)


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Figure 8.2: Area of Site in SSE Ownership & Nearest Noise Sensitive Locations in the Vicinity (Annotated by PM Group)


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Table 8.1: Summary of Baseline Noise Survey

NSL NSL Description Average

Daytime dB LAeq (dB LA90)

Average Evening Time

dB LAeq (dB LA90)

Average Night-time dB LAeq (dB LA90)

NSL1

5m from the main road behind hedge/wall near a double storey residential dwelling house approx. 400m southwest from closest point of site boundary.

67 (52) 62 (36) 62 (36)

NSL2

7m from the main road at the side boundary of a field at the closest accessible point to a nearby single storey residential dwelling house within the proposed site boundary.

66 (51) 62 (48) 58 (35)

NSL3

Adjacent to northern site boundary, a single storey residential dwelling house and the Paul Kavanagh Vehicle Test Centre.

58 (51) 53 (45) 50 (34)

NSL4

Approx. 500m west of closest point of the site boundary. 2m from the edge of the road at a gate 70m from a nearby double storey residential dwelling house.

51 (42) 47 (42) 41 (36)

NSL5

Location on the edge of a main road between two double storey residential dwellings approx. 700m southeast of closest point of site boundary.

50 (43) 54 (51) 36 (33)

NSL6* To rear of residential property to the southwest approx. 200m from site boundary

67 (52) 62 (36) 62 (36)

* Note: Noise monitoring was not undertaken at this location as access was not available. However this

location is included in the assessment of operational noise impacts. It is assumed that the measurements at NSL1 will be the same at NSL6.

There were a number of tones identified during the baseline noise survey. These included the following:

- during the third daytime measurement at NSL1 at 66dB in the 315Hz 1/3 octave band. This may have been caused by passing motorbike.

- during the evening-time measurement at NSL5 at 52dB in the 800Hz 1/3 octave band. This may have been caused by farm machinery operating in near-by shed.

There were no tones identified in any of the other measurements during the survey. There was no impulsive noise observed during any of the monitoring periods during the daytime, evening time or night-time surveys.


The construction of the development will involve the use of heavy vehicles and construction equipment including trucks, excavators, drills etc., all of which will generate noise which could impact on residential dwellings or other noise sensitive locations in the immediate vicinity.

During the construction phase of the development, every effort will be made to minimise the impact of construction noise on noise sensitive receptors.

Throughout the entire construction phase, reference will be made to BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014: Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites – Part 1: Noise.


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In particular, it is proposed that the following practices be adopted during the construction phase and included in the Construction Environmental Management Plan for the proposed development;

- Control of Working Hours – These will be limited to daytime hours. Official site hours will be maintained with exception only where necessary. If there is any occasion when work must be carried on outside official hours, all neighbouring premises which are likely to be affected by noise from the proposed works will be informed in advance of such work.

- Limiting the hours during which site activities that are likely to create high levels of noise or vibration are permitted. Also these activities will be carried out at an appropriate part of the site where possible to minimise potential nuisance to sensitive receptors.

- Establishing channels of communication between the Contractor / Developer, Local Authority, and residents.

- Appointing a site representative responsible for matters relating to noise.

- Monitoring typical levels of noise during critical periods and at sensitive locations.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that a variety of practical noise control measures will be employed. These include:

- Selection of plant with low inherent potential for generation of noise and/or vibration;

- All construction equipment used will be required to comply with the relevant regulations on plant and equipment noise, namely the European Communities (Construction Plant and Equipment) (Permissible Noise Levels) Regulations, 1988 (SI No. 320 of 1988) as amended (SI No. 359 of 1996) and the European Communities (Noise Emission by Equipment of Use Outdoors) Regulations, 2001 (SI No. 632 of 2001), as amended (SI No. 241 of 2006);

- All plant and equipment will undergo regular maintenance in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, be switched off if not in use, and be appropriately fitted with silencers or contained in acoustic enclosures as necessary;

- Erection of barriers as necessary around noisy processes and items such as generators, heavy mechanical plant or high duty compressors;

- Keeping all site access roads even so as to mitigate the potential for vibration from lorries.

In summary, construction noise will be generated for a limited period (approx. 18 months) during the construction phase of the proposed OCGT plant. The level of construction noise during the daytime will be minimised as much as practicable to limit the impact on ambient noise levels and noise sensitive receptors (e.g. residential dwellings) in the vicinity. It is not anticipated that any night working will be required, but if it is necessary it will be kept to a minimum, and managed to ensure that noise levels do not significantly impact on nearby noise sensitive receptors.

Cumulative Impacts

There will be a potential for adverse cumulative impacts during the overlap of the construction phases of the permitted Irish Cement development (ABP Case Ref. PL17 .PA0050) and the proposed development; however this will be temporary in duration (approximately 18 months). These impacts are considered to be moderate, and the mitigation measures outlined above will help to minimise any potential cumulative impacts.


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8.5.1 Substation

There are no potential significant noise sources identified with respect to the Substation, and therefore no operational impacts are predicted.


There are potential impacts associated with the operational phase of the OCGT Generating Plant. These have been fully assessed in a noise impact assessment report which is provided in Attachment 1 for information.

8.6 Conclusions

Given the temporary nature and mitigation measures detailed for the construction phase, and the absence of Substation noise sources during the operational phase, it is not expected that the proposed development will have any significant adverse residual impact on the local environment during the construction or operational phases.


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9 Water and Wastewater

9.1 Introduction

This chapter assesses and evaluates the potential impacts of the proposed OCGT Generating Plant & Substation development on the surrounding water environment. This chapter should be read in conjunction with the Description of the Proposed Development (Chapter 2), Land and Soils (Chapter 6) and Biodiversity (Chapter 7) of this report.

The potential impacts of the construction and operational phases of the development on surface water quality are assessed and mitigation measures are outlined to eliminate / minimise any significant impacts.

It is noted that for the purposes of this chapter the proposed development has been considered as one project, i.e. the proposed OCGT Generating Plant and the proposed Substation have been assessed as an integral consolidated, single project. It is further noted that rainfall runoff from Substation hard-standing areas will be attenuated as part of the overall surface water attenuation design for the site.


9.2.1 River Nanny

The River Nanny flows in an easterly direction approx. 1.5km south of the site. The River Nanny drains approximately 182km² and rises in the east of County Meath before flowing through Duleek to discharge into the Irish Sea at Laytown.

Figure 9.1 shows; (i) the location of the subject site in relation to the River Nanny (ii) Drainage pathway from site to the River Nanny (iii) EPA Monitoring location

The EPA monitors the water quality of the River Nanny at a number of locations as follows:

- (Station Code - 0400) Upstream Br. Duleek (X:305047 Y:268344) – (Map Location ML1)

- (Station Code - 0500) Br. NE of Bellewstown House (X:307323 Y:269156) - (Map Location ML2)

- (Station Code - 0550) Upstream Beaumont Bridge (X:307974 Y:269238) - (Map Location ML3)

- (Station Code - 0600) Beaumont Bridge (X:308592 Y:269623) - (Map Location ML4)

The most recent EPA survey of the River Nanny took place in 2014. The Nanny River is described by the EPA as unsatisfactory along the entire length surveyed. The nearest monitoring locations to the discharge location are described as ‘Poor’ (Q3) to ‘Moderate’ (Q3-4) based on EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC and slight to moderately polluted. Table 9.2 states the Q ratings of the River Nanny at these locations since 1991.


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Figure 9.1: Site Proximity – Nanny River and EPA Monitoring Locations

Table 9.1: River Nanny Biological Quality Ratings (EPA, 2014)

Biological Quality Rating (Q Values)

Station

Year

1991 1996 1998 2001 2005 2008 2010 2014

0400 3 - - - - - - -

0500 3-4 3 3-4 3-4 3-4 3 3-4 3-4

0550 - - - - - - - 3

0600 - - - - - - - 3

9.2.2 Chemical Analysis of Surface Water

Chemical and physical water quality analysis of the River Nanny was completed circa 400m upstream (ML2) and circa 275m downstream (ML3) (see Figure 9.1) of the entry point of the drainage ditch from the Platin site to the River Nanny. The sampling locations are upstream and downstream from the Irish Cement discharge point into the River Nanny. The results of the analysis are presented in Table 9.2. The results were compared to EPA surface water standards 2001

14 and

14

EPA (2001). Parameters of Water Quality ‘’Intreparation and Standards’’.


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European surface water standards 200915

when available. The tables below show very little difference in the upstream and downstream results, thus demonstrating that the results are sound in terms of setting of a baseline. Trace levels of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) were detected both upstream and downstream of the site. The presence of TPH is most likely due to the River Nanny drains both urban areas and public roads. The closest petrol station is based in Duleek approximately 2.7km away. The concentration of other parameters were similar or below guideline values.

Table 9.2: Surface Water Monitoring

Sample No.

Units 888529 888530

Environmental Guideline

Value


Source

Sample Date 22/08/2018 22/08/2018 N/A N/A

Sample ID SW1 (ML2) SW2 (ML3) N/A N/A

Sampling Point Relative to Discharge Point

Approx. 400m

Upstream

Approx. 275m Downstream

N/A

N/A

BOD mg/l <1 <1

1.5 (Good Status)

S.I. 272 of 2009

TON as N mg/l 3.06 3.03 2.0 EPA (2001)

pH pH

Units 8.0 7.9 6.0 – 9.0 S.I. 272 of 2009

Copper, total ug/l <1 <1 5 / 30 S.I. 272 of 2009

Dissolved Oxygen (%) %Sat 68.1 71.3 N/A N/A

Cyanide, total low level (non-potable waters) ug/l

<0.009 <0.009

10

S.I. 272 of 2009

Sulphate mg/l 31.3 32 200 EPA (2001)

Chromium hexavalent in water mg/l

<0.003 <0.003 0.05 S.I. 272 of 2009

Ammonia as N mg/l 0.033 0.078 0.065 S.I. 272 of 2009

Arsenic, total ug/l 1 1 25 S.I. 272 of 2009

Zinc, total ug/l <5 <5 40 S.I. 272 of 2009

Nickel, total ug/l 1 1 20 S.I. 272 of 2009

Lead, total ug/l <0.5 <0.5 7.2 S.I. 272 of 2009

Cadmium, total ug/l <0.5 <0.5 ≤0.08 – 0.25 S.I. 272 of 2009

BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, m,p- & o-Xyl ug/l

<10 <10

N/A

N/A

Pyrene ug/l <0.05 <0.05 N/A N/A

Benzo(a)pyrene (SW) ug/l <0.01 0.02 0.05 S.I. 272 of 2009

Benzo(b)fluoranthene ug/l <0.01 <0.01 ∑=0.03

S.I. 272 of 2009

Benzo(k)fluoranthene ug/l <0.01 <0.01

Acenaphthylene ug/l <0.05 <0.05 N/A N/A

Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene ug/l <0.01 <0.01 ∑=0.02

S.I. 272 of 2009

Benzo(g,h,i)perylene ug/l <0.01 0.06

Naphtalene ug/l <0.05 <0.05 2.4 S.I. 272 of 2009

Acenaphthene ug/l <0.05 <0.05 N/A N/A

Fluorene ug/l <0.01 <0.01 N/A N/A

Phenanthrene ug/l <0.05 <0.05 N/A N/A

Anthracene ug/l <0.01 <0.01 0.1 S.I. 272 of 2009

Fluoranthene ug/l <0.01 <0.01 0.1 S.I. 272 of 2009

Benzo(a)anthracene ug/l <0.01 <0.01 N/A N/A

15

European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water Regulations) 2009.


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Table 9.2 Continued: Surface Water Monitoring

Sample No.

Units 888529 888530


Value


Source

Chrysene ug/l <0.01 <0.01 N/A N/A

Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene ug/l <0.01 0.04 N/A N/A

DIN (TON as N + Ammonia as N) mg/l

3.09 3.11

N/A

N/A

Boron, total (mg/l) mg/l 0.018 0.020 N/A N/A

Chromium III mg/l <0.003 <0.003

00.047

S.I. 272 of 2009

Phenols suite for waters RL: 1- 5ug/l ug/l

<5.00 <5.00

8.0

S.I. 272 of 2009

Molybdate Reactive Phosphorus (MRP unfiltered) as PO4-P mg/l

0.038 0.043

≤0.045

S.I. 272 of 2009

Fluoride by IC mg/l <0.2 <0.2 0.5 S.I. 272 of 2009

TPH (>C5 - C44) by GC-FID ug/l

115 93

N/A

N/A

Mercury, total (in water) ug/l <0.01 <0.01

0.05

S.I. 272 of 2009

Temperature (field measurement) °C

16.1 16.5

N/A

N/A

9.2.3 Recent Ecological Study of the River Nanny

Irish Cement undertook an ecological and sediment survey upstream and downstream of their discharge point in the River Nanny as part of a planning application submitted in 2017

16. The

survey monitored three locations upstream and three locations downstream of the Irish Cement discharge point and Platin site drainage ditch entry point to the River Nanny. All monitoring locations were classified as Q3-4 of moderate water quality status. The study identified the problems in the River Nanny are of high nutrient concentration (Phosphorus, Ammonia, issues with level of oxygen in water) resulting in low ecological Rating. The causes of these pressures have been identified as agriculture, wastewater and industrial discharges, and septic tanks. The diversity and abundance levels of macroinvertebrates recorded at all sites were considered to be typical of an organically polluted lowland Irish river.

9.2.4 Flooding Potential

During the design phase of the proposed development the potential for pluvial and fluvial flooding was considered and the flood map available of www.floodinfo.ie was reviewed. Figure 9.2 depicts the River Nanny flood potential in the vicinity of the site. The southern edge of the site is approx. 1.4km north of the River Nanny and at an elevation approx. 15m above the ground level at the river and is therefore not subject to Fluvial flooding from this source.

16

EIS Irish Cement Planning Application to ABP 2017 - Development for further replacement of Fossil Fuel with Alternative Fuels and for use of Alternative Raw Materials

http://www.floodinfo.ie/


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Figure 9.2: Flood Map for Environs of the Site (taken from www.floodinfo.ie; annotated by PM Group)

Slight pluvial flooding occurs along part of the eastern boundary of the site as indicated by the Draft OPW Flood mapping (as shown in Figure 9.3 below). Notwithstanding this, no past flood event, comprising either a single flood event or recurring flood event, has been recorded on the site according to the OPW Flood Maps website (http://www.floodinfo.ie/map/floodmaps/). In addition to this, the various components of the proposed development are situated outside the area subject to pluvial flooding which is located to the eastern boundary of the site.

Site Location

River Nanny

http://www.floodinfo.ie/

http://www.floodinfo.ie/map/floodmaps/


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Figure 9.3: Pluvial Flooding along eastern boundary of the site (source: myplan.ie)


The following mitigation measures will be put in place during the construction phase to prevent/contain any accidental discharges of potentially polluting substances to surface waters, via the surface water outfall from the site:

- It will be a condition of the construction contract that the appointed contractor will take all necessary measures to ensure that there is no discharges of hazardous materials to or contamination of watercourses during construction;

- Appropriate containment measures will be used to retain solids/silt present in surface water runoff (e.g. silt traps / settlement ponds);

- The amount of exposed ground and soil stockpiles will be minimised and stockpiles will be covered as necessary to minimise silt levels in surface water run-off;

- Concrete, cement and associated waste materials will be carefully handled and disposed of appropriately and in a manner that will not impact on surface waters;

- Any potentially polluting substances such as fuel, lubricants, oil, paint etc. will be carefully handled and will be stored in temporary bunded areas which will fully contain any spillages;

- All domestic effluent generated by construction staff on site will be discharged to a temporary effluent containment facility, prior to transport and treatment off-site.

Taking into account the above mitigation measures the construction phase of the development is not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on surface waters.


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9.4.1 Surface Water (Rainfall) Runoff and Accidental Discharges

The drainage and paving design has been developed to ensure no emissions to groundwater. Surface water (rainfall) runoff from hard-standing areas will be collected through a series of drainage networks. All surface water runoff from hard-standing areas with the potential to become contaminated with petrol / oil (e.g. car parking areas, internal site roads etc.) will pass through oil interceptors. These separators will retain any hydrocarbons present in the surface water (e.g. as a result of leaks from vehicles in the car park). Water will be discharged via a surface outfall from the site to a drainage ditch to the east of the site. From there a series of drainage ditches lead to the River Nanny 1.5km away as indicated in Figure 9.1 below. There will be no change to the water volume discharged to the drainage ditch, with the volume of rainwater currently falling on site and being received by the existing drainage system, remaining the same.

The following mitigation measures will be implemented to prevent any accidental contamination of surface water (rainfall) runoff from the site and prevent/contain any accidental discharges of hazardous substances:

- All surface water runoff from hard-standing areas with the potential to become contaminated with petrol / oil (e.g. car parking areas, internal site roads etc.) will pass through oil interceptor prior to discharge to the site surface water outfall. These separators will retain any hydrocarbons present in the surface water (e.g. as a result of leaks from vehicles in the car park). The separators will be regularly inspected and emptied of any oily water/sludge to maintain their efficiency. Any oily water/sludge removed will be disposed off-site by a licensed waste contractor;

- All surface water gullies will have silt traps, which will be inspected and emptied at regular intervals and any silt collected will be disposed of off-site by a licensed waste contractor;

- The storage, containment and handling facilities for all materials at the OCGT Generating Plant will be designed in accordance with statutory requirements and best practice to minimise the likelihood of accidental leaks/spillages occurring and to contain any such leaks / spillages should they occur;

- The low sulphur distillate tanks and any chemical storage tanks will be bunded to contain 110% of the volume of the tank in the event of a tank rupture. The emptying of liquids from the bund will be controlled by a permit to work procedure. The contents of the bund will be regularly inspected and any rainwater accumulating in the bund that is free of obvious contamination will be discharged through an Oil Bypass Separator to the surface water drainage line. This will ensure the full working capacity of the bund is maintained. Any contaminated surface water / oil in the bund will be treated/ disposed off-site by a licensed waste contractor;

- A standard operating procedure will be followed during tanker unloading and filling of the bulk tanks and the tanks will be fitted with a high level alarm to prevent overfilling;

- There will be a dedicated tanker unloading area surrounded by a drainage channel, which will drain to oil interceptors. This separator will provide for full retention of any material in the event of the complete rupture and spillage of a tanker compartment. A shut-off device incorporated into the separator will close the outlet in the event of its capacity being exceeded;

- All oil transfer lines will be over ground and easily accessible for inspection;

- All oil filled transformers containing insulating oil will also be fully bunded;

- Any other potential sources of spillage (e.g. pumps, sample points, level gauges etc.) will be provided with local shelter and collection trays, sumps or interceptors as appropriate to contain any leaks/spillages;

- Good housekeeping practices including preventative maintenance and routine monitoring of tanks and equipment will minimise the likelihood of leaks/spills occurring and ensure that any leaks are quickly detected and controlled.


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The above mitigation measures will ensure that only uncontaminated surface water (rainfall) is discharged from the site to the stream (and consequently the River Nanny) and that any spills/leaks of potentially polluting substances are contained on site and not discharged to the stream and River Nanny.

9.4.2 Wastewater Discharge

There will be no wastewater discharge from the operation of the Substation. There will be hygiene facilities available at the substation site for those carrying out quarterly inspections. Foul wastewater from the hygiene facilities will discharge to an underground foul wastewater holding tank. The contents of this tank will not be discharged to Duleek Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) via the municipal foul sewer. The contents of the tank will be pumped out approx. once per year by a licensed waste contractor and transported off site for appropriate disposal.

The following assessment of the impact of the operational phase of the OCGT Generating Plant is provided for information.

The operation of a 208 MW OCGT Generating Plant requires water to control pollutant emissions to atmosphere from the combustion process. The formation of NOx is controlled by injection of water into the combustor which reduces the peak flame temperature which will in turn reduce the formation of NOx. Water for the process will be potable water supplied from Irish Water. Before water can be used to control NOx levels, it must be treated for the removal of natural salts in a Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

Wastewater from the WTP will contain dissolved salts removed from the potable water supply. This wastewater stream will be neutralised prior to discharge to the Irish Water sewer connection. In addition domestic (foul effluent) will combine with the WTP wastewater for discharge to the Irish Water sewer connection. All wastewater from the proposed development is to connect to a new effluent discharge pipe (to be provided by Irish Water), in turn connected to the recently upgraded Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Duleek. Wastewater will be continuously monitored for flow and pH, prior to discharge.

Duleek WWTP operates under Waste Water Discharge Licence (Ref. D0133-01) and the facility is licensed to treat a population equivalent (p.e.) of 7,000. The Duleek WWTP is operating to 5,073 p.e. and has a spare hydraulic capacity of 3,806m

3 per day based on the 2017 Annual

Environmental Report for the facility. Taking into account all of the above, the discharge of wastewaters from the site to the Duleek WWTP is not predicted to have any significant impact on the operation of the Duleek WWTP. The discharge will not contain hazardous levels of pollutants. The wastewater from the water treatment plant will essentially comprise of ‘’salts’’ removed from the demineralisation of potable water.

The IE licensing process provides for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to place stringent conditions on the operation of such discharges to ensure that potential effects on the downstream treatment facility and receiving water bodies are strictly limited and controlled.

9.5 Conclusions

A number of mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction and operational phases of the development to ensure all discharges to surface waters are carefully managed and controlled and that there are no discharges of potentially polluting materials to surface waters. Wastewater from the OCGT Generating Plant site will be discharged to the Irish Water sewer connection and from there to the WWTP in Duleek for treatment. Foul wastewater from the Substation hygiene facilities will be retained on site in a purpose-built tank prior to offsite removal and disposal by a licensed waste contractor. The proposed development is therefore not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on surface waters.


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10 Air Quality and Climate

10.1 Introduction

This Chapter assesses the potential impacts of the construction and operational phases of the development on ambient air quality and outlines mitigation measures as appropriate to minimise any significant impacts. This chapter is to be read in conjunction with the Air Dispersion Modelling Report (PM Document No. IE0312377-22-RP-0002), which is included in Attachment 2 of this Environmental Report.

It is noted that for the purposes of assessing the potential impact of the construction phase the full proposed development has been considered as one project, i.e. the proposed OCGT Generating Plant and the proposed Substation have been assessed as an integral consolidated, single project. It is further noted that there will be no potential emissions to air from the operational phase of the Substation.


The site is within close proximity to two Industrial Emission licensed facilities, namely Indaver Ireland Ltd and Irish Cement Ltd. The air quality assessment hence included the emission contributions from these facilities in the predicted total ground level concentrations. Refer to Section 3 of the Air Dispersion Modelling report for further information regarding the surrounding area and sensitive receptors.

10.2.1 Air Quality Zones and Ambient Air Quality

The site is located within Air Quality Zone D: Rural Ireland, however it is very close to Air Quality Zone C: Other Cities and Large Towns. Adopting a conservative approach, the monitoring results for Zone C were used. The EPA produces an annual report on air quality

17, which details the

results from monitoring stations throughout the various Air Quality Zones within Ireland. The upper average concentrations for the Zone C stations were used to give a conservative estimate of background concentrations.

17 The EPA report referenced in this assessment is Air Quality in Ireland 2016 Key Indicators of Ambient Air Quality (2017)


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Table 10.1: Annual Mean Ambient Air Quality Data (Upper Average Zone C station readings during period 2012 to 2016)

Pollutant Parameter EPA Zone C Stations

Upper Average Concentration

Resultant Estimated Background Concentration*

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Hourly - Annual Mean

12.4 µg/m3 12.5 µg/m

3

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Hourly - 99.8

th Percentile

81.4 µg/m3 81.5 µg/m

3

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Hourly – Annual Mean

3.3 µg/m3 3.5 µg/m

3

Carbon Monoxide (CO) 8-Hour – Annual Mean

0.6 mg/m3 0.6 mg/m

3

Particulate Matter (PM10) Daily – Annual Mean

19 µg/m3 20 µg/m

3

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Daily – Annual Mean

13 µg/m3 15 µg/m

3

* The background concentration is used in determining the predicted environmental contribution and is equal to the upper average readings from the Zone C monitoring stations plus a roundup factor as appropriate

10.2.2 Air Quality Standards

Air Quality Standards (AQSs) for the protection of human health and the environment have been developed at European level and implemented into Irish legislation for a number of air pollutants. AQSs set limit values for Ground Level Concentrations (GLCs) of certain pollutants for both the short term (hourly, daily) and long term (annual averages). The Air Quality Standards Regulations, 2011 (S.I. No. 180/2011) implement EU Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. The relevant AQSs for this air quality assessment are detailed in Table 10.2.

Table 10.2: Relevant Air Quality Standard Limit Values

Pollutant Limit Type Limit Value

Nitrogen Dioxide

Hourly Average for protection of human health – not to be exceeded

more than 18 times per year (99.8%ile)

200 µg/m3 NO2

Annual Average for protection of human health

40 µg /m3 NO2

Annual Average for protection of vegetation

30 µg /m3 NOx

Sulphur dioxide

Hourly Average for protection of human health – not to be exceeded


350 µg /m3

Daily Average for protection of human health – not to be exceeded


125 µg /m3


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Pollutant Limit Type Limit Value

Annual & Winter (1 Oct – 31 Mar) Average for the protection of

ecosystems 20 µg /m

3

Particulate Matter less than 10 µm

Daily Average for protection of human health – not to be exceeded


50 µg /m3


40 µg /m3

Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm


25 µg /m3 (up to end

of 2019)

20 µg /m3 (from 2020

onwards)

Carbon Monoxide

Maximum daily 8-hour mean 10 mg/m3


Construction activities including excavation and earthmoving, could result in the generation of dust which adversely impact ambient air quality. Transportation of loose materials that are not properly contained on or off site could also result in dust generation as would the transfer of mud/soil from the wheels of construction traffic onto surrounding roads.

A number of factors will affect the extent of dust generation and potential impacts on air quality including wind speed and direction, the dryness of the soil, and the proximity of sensitive receptors to the site.

Emissions to air will also arise from construction machinery and construction traffic. As discussed in the Chapter 5 Traffic and Transportation, construction traffic is not considered significant hence their associated emissions are not considered significant. Due to the scale and duration of the construction works, similarly no significant impacts are expected from construction machinery.

The following mitigation measures will be in place to minimise any construction related emissions to air and thus prevent any significant impact on air quality:

- Good housekeeping and site management including the proper storage of spoil / loose materials on site

- Hard surfaced roads will be swept to remove mud and aggregate materials from their surface. Any un-surfaced roads will be restricted to essential site traffic only with speed restrictions

- Damping of site roads as necessary

- Wheel washing of construction vehicles leaving site as necessary;

- Public roads outside the site will be regularly inspected and cleaned as necessary

- Provision of an adequate water supply for effective dust/particular matter suppression/mitigation

- All vehicles and equipment used in relation to the site will be: mechanically sound; operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and switched off when not in use

Taking the above mitigation measures into account, the construction phase of the development is not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on ambient air quality.


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There will be no emissions to air from the operational phase of the Substation.

The impact of emissions to air from the operational phase of the OCGT Generating Plant have been fully assessed in an air dispersion modelling assessment which is provided in Attachment 2 for information.

10.4.1 Climate

The long-term impact of the operation of the proposed development with respect to climate change has been reviewed.

With reference to the Meath County Council draft Climate Action Strategy18

published in June 2018, climate change ‘refers to the long term, large scale change in global and regional climatic patterns’. The strategy sets the following targets for County Meath:

1. Reducing Meath County Councils emissions by 33% by 2020.

2. Reducing CO2 emissions of the county by at least 40% by 2030.

3. Increasing our resilience by adapting to the impacts of climate change.

4. Sharing our vision, results, experience and know-how with fellow local and regional authorities within the EU and beyond through direct cooperation and peer-to-peer exchange, namely in the context of the Global Covenant of Mayors.

The plan to achieve these targets covers the period 2019-2025. Areas of focus to deliver the plan include ‘Planning’ and ‘Clean Energy’. Under ‘Planning’ the strategy recognises the need to use planning policy to promote clean energy and energy efficiency. Under ‘Clean Energy’ the strategy recognises the need to increase renewable energy usage.

The proposed development is an integral part of the drive to increase the use of renewable energy in Ireland, in particular wind energy. As an OCGT Generating Plant its purpose is to support the production of renewable wind energy by providing an alternative energy supply that can react quickly to the electricity grid during periods of low wind energy availability and high user demand. Unlike base load plants it can be turned on and off within minutes so it is only operational during these periods. Although the development will be run on distillate and therefore will produce greenhouse gases when operational, for the following reasons its impact will be low and overall it will contribute to the ability of the national electricity grid to support renewable energy generation:

- It will be operated as an OCGT Generating Plant with the purpose of supporting renewable energy generation

- It will only be operated when user demand in the region cannot be supported by the combination of base load plants and renewable energy sources. Operational hours are anticipated to be 4-6 hours per day during high demand periods (e.g. winter months)

- The maximum number of operating hours per turbine per year will be limited to 1,500 – i.e. 17% of the time

It should be noted that the overall proposed development involves the relocation of existing Generation plant; as such the project will not give rise to new sources of greenhouse gas emissions on a national basis however additional operational hours is a possibility.

With respect to the potential use of natural gas as fuel for the generators, given that it is not foreseen that the plant will operate over extended periods, it would be cost prohibitive to connect the plant to the gas network and operate it using natural gas. This is because the up-front capital cost of bringing a natural gas connection to the site, and the predicted annual gas transportation costs, would make it prohibitively expensive to run this plant considering the predicted low running hours.

18 https://consult.meath.ie/en/consultation/climate-action-strategy


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10.5 Conclusions

A number of mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction phase of the development to ensure that atmospheric emissions do not have any significant adverse impact on ambient air quality. There will be no atmospheric emissions from the operational phase of the Substation.

In terms of the impact from the proposed development on climate, the impact will be low and overall the proposed development will contribute to the ability of the national electricity grid to support renewable energy generation.


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11 Waste Management

11.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the anticipated types and quantities of wastes that will be generated from the proposed development during both the construction and operational phases and also outlines the waste management policies, practices and programmes that are employed on the existing facility which will also apply to the proposed development. This chapter should be read in conjunction with Chapter 2 (Description of the Proposed Development), Chapter 6 (Land and Soils) and Chapter 9 (Water and Wastewater) of this Environmental Report.

It is noted that for the purposes of this chapter the proposed development has been considered as one project, i.e. the proposed OCGT Generating Plant and the proposed Substation have been assessed as an integral consolidated, single project. It is further noted that there is no anticipated generation of operational waste streams from the Substation part of the project.

11.2 Construction Phase Waste

The proposed development is situated on a greenfield site. Initial site development will include cut and fill works. This will be followed by the installation of the facility itself. Construction works are expected to commence on site in the first half of 2019 (subject to receipt of planning approval) and will be carried out on a phased basis, with a total duration of approximately 18 months.

The proposed development will involve the excavation of soils (topsoil and subsoil). It is anticipated that this material can be reused elsewhere on site as part of the landscaping design and therefore will not constitute a waste stream. Berms will be formed as part of the landscaping and planted with native species.

The construction involves the installation of equipment, tanks and modular control facilities on pre-constructed hard standing surfaces. Therefore it is expected that the construction phase will not result in the amounts of waste generated from the typical construction sites. A Construction Environmental Management Plan will be implemented prior to any construction works which will entail a Site Waste Management Plan for the site. The quantities of waste generated will be relatively small amounts of plastics, cardboard packaging, canteen waste etc. Contractors will be required to segregate waste prior to placing into waste skips for removal off site. Provisions will be put in place for designated, contained concrete wash out areas for trucks prior to leaving the site.

11.3 Operational Phase Waste

There will be effectively no waste generated during the operational phase of the Substation.

The following assessment of the impact of the operational phase of the OCGT Generating Plant with respect to waste generation is provided for information.

The OCGT Generating Plant will not generate significant quantities of waste as there are very few process wastes associated with the operation of an OCGT Generating Plant. The principal types of waste generated by the OCGT Generating Plant will include waste from periodic plant maintenance and cleaning activities, used packaging/containers, general office/domestic waste, landscaping waste etc. There should be adequate capacity in existing local off-site waste disposal and treatment facilities to accommodate the quantity of waste generated by the OCGT Generating Plant.

An SSE Waste Management Programme will be implemented during the operation of the OCGT Generating Plant to ensure the proper management of waste on site. Waste minimisation will form an important part of the programme which will be based on the waste management hierarchy (prevention, minimisation, re-use, recycling, recovery, disposal). The programme will form part of an Environmental Management System to be implemented on the site. All waste generated on site, both hazardous and non-hazardous, will be handled, stored, transported off-site and treated / disposed of in accordance with statutory requirements and in a manner that minimises any risk to persons and/or the environment.


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SSE commits to protecting the environment, preventing pollution and minimising adverse environmental impacts. SSE’s key principle and enduring goal is to protect the environment and operate in a sustainable way and this includes but is not limited to:

- Appling the waste hierarchy to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste.

- Complying with all relevant legal, regulatory and voluntary environmental obligations

- Managing, protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

SSE will manage any environmental risks by applying and continually improving the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Management System.

11.3.1 Waste Hierarchy

In accordance with Article 4(1) of the Waste Framework Directive, the waste hierarchy will be applied in the prevention and management of waste generated at the proposed development.

Measures to prevent waste generation in the first instance will be adopted onsite, for example measures such as separating as much water as possible from waste oil/water solutions minimises the amount of waste oil/water removed off-site for treatment. Where the prevention of waste generation cannot be avoided, waste will be source separated for re-use, recycling or recovery. Where waste cannot be recycled or recovered it is disposed of appropriately to ensure a minimum impact on the environment.

11.3.2 Waste Storage

There will be dedicated waste storage areas onsite and appropriate waste bins will be provided for each source separated waste type. This will ensure that waste is contained to avoid litter blow and minimise any impact to the environment. All bins will be labelled for the waste stream it collects and will be emptied regularly to prevent build-up of waste.

11.3.3 Waste Records

All wastes collected for recycling/recovery or disposal from site will be collected by waste operators with valid waste collection permits and will be transferred to permitted/licenced waste management facilities to process the waste.

Waste records such as collection/dispatch dockets, waste transfer forms for hazardous waste and final disposal/recovery certificates will be held onsite and all wastes generated will be reported in the annual environmental report to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Due to the limited quantities of waste generated and careful management of all waste generated on site it is not anticipated that waste generation on site will have any significant adverse impact with respect to off-site waste infrastructure. Waste management at the site will be subject to the facilities IE Licence under the authority of the EPA.

11.4 Conclusions

There will be effectively no waste generated during the operation of the Substation. The waste generated during the construction phases of the overall proposed development, and the operation of the OCGT Generating Plant will be relatively small as outlined above. Construction waste will be managed under the CMP. Operational waste associated with the OCGT Generating Plant will be managed under that facility’s IE Licence. No significant adverse impacts are therefore anticipated with respect to waste.


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12 Material Assets

12.1 Introduction

Material assets comprise the physical resources in the environment, which may be of human or natural origin, that are valued and intrinsic to specific places. The objective of this assessment is to ensure that these assets are used in a sustainable manner with respect to the proposed development. This Chapter assesses the impacts of the development on a number of different material and infrastructural assets, namely Electricity, Water Supply, Wastewater and Telecommunications. It is noted that the proposed development will not use natural gas; therefore it is not considered necessary to assess the potential impact on the natural gas supply in the area as part of this Chapter.


12.2 Electricity

The Substation and OCGT Generating Plant will provide power for export to the national grid, to meet the security of electricity supply requirement in the north Dublin area. The overall proposed development will improve the electrical infrastructure in the local area and will allow for future growth in local domestic and business demand. Therefore the development will have a positive impact with respect to electrical infrastructure.

12.3 Water Supply

A potable water supply for the site will be taken via a new supply pipeline from an existing local authority trunk main servicing the local area. It is estimated that approx. 1m

3/day will be required for

domestic use (sinks, toilets etc.) on the site.

A supply of 5m3/hour has been agreed with Meath County Council’s Area Engineer as part of the

pre-application submission discussions. This supply will cover the portable water requirement and the water treatment requirement for the site. A letter detailing this agreement from Irish Water is pending.

Water will be stored in a 4,900 m3 demineralised water tank and a 1,000m

3 raw water storage tank,

with combined capacities of 72 hours running time backup in the event of water restrictions.

12.4 Wastewater

Process wastewater will be combined with the domestic wastewater from the site and discharged to the recently upgraded Duleek WWTP via a pumping main, as agreed with Meath County Council’s Area Engineer as part of the pre-application submission discussions. A letter detailing this agreement from Irish Water is pending.

The power plant will generate approx. 40m3/day wastewater from the water softening plant and

some sanitary wastewater 1m3/day. The wastewater will be pumped through a pumping main at an

average of 1.5m3/h for 24h/d. The Duleek WWTP has a spare hydraulic capacity of 3,806m3 per

day based on 2017 Annual Environmental Report (AER) for the facility and the OCGT Generating Plant would use only 1% of the existing spare hydraulic capacity (See Table 12.1).


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Table 12.1: OCGT Generating Plant Impact on Duleek WWTP Based on 2017 AER Report

Duleek WWTP Capacity Units Value

WWTP Load Capacity p.e. 7,000

2017 Operating Level p.e. 5,073

Spare Capacity m3/day 3,806

% of Spare Capacity Required by OCGT Generating Plant facility m

3 1%

12.5 Telecommunications

The proposed site is currently well serviced in relation to telecommunication lines for telephone and broadband services. The OCGT Generating Plant will be operated remotely. Adequate telecommunications will be maintained for the operation which may benefit the area.

12.6 Conclusions

The proposed Substation and OCGT Generating Plant will not have a significant adverse impact on the material assets and utilities of the region such as electricity supply, water supply, wastewater, and telecommunications. The regional infrastructure and utilities have adequate capacity to accommodate the requirements of the proposed development without adversely affecting other users.

The Substation and OCGT Generating Plant will have a positive impact with respect to electricity supply in that it will provide additional capacity to meet growing demand, contributing to the security of electricity supply and will greatly improve the electrical infrastructure in Duleek and the surrounding area and secure power for future development.


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13 Archaeology, Architecture and Cultural Heritage

13.1 Introduction and Terms of Reference

This archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage assessment was prepared by Margaret McCarthy, Consultant Archaeologist. It presents the results of an archaeological and cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed development of a Substation and Power Plant on a 10.86ha site in at Carranstown and Caulstown townlands 2.7km northeast of Duleek in Co. Meath. The assessment is based on both a desktop review of the available archaeological and architectural resource and a field survey. It includes a general introduction to the study area and the recorded archaeological sites that are located both within and in the vicinity of the proposed development site. Using the information obtained from the desk top study and the field inspection, the likely impact of development in respect of the receiving archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage resource has been evaluated. Finally, the assessment identifies appropriate mitigation measures, which might be implemented to minimise these potential impacts.

This assessment has been prepared by Margaret McCarthy who is a senior consultant archaeologist with over twenty years of experience as a director on a range of projects both in Ireland and the UK. She holds a Master’s degree in Archaeology from University College Cork and is a full member of the Institute of Irish Archaeologists (IAI). She is fully licensed by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to direct all archaeological investigations including excavation, testing and monitoring.


13.2 Assessment Methodology

This assessment was prepared using desk-based research and a field survey. It was undertaken in order to assess the archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage potential of the study area and to identify constraints or features of archaeological and architectural significance within or adjacent to the subject lands. The assessment was carried out according to the methodologies specified in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance documents

19,20,21,22

The TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland)23

criteria for rating the magnitude and significance of impacts at EIA stage on cultural heritage sites are also relevant in determining impact assessment and are presented in Table 13.1.This table provides the baseline criteria used to describe the impacts that potential developments can have on cultural heritage sites.

19 EPA (2002) Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements

20 EPA (2002) Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of EISs

21 EPA (2015) Consultation on draft revised guidelines on information to be contained in Environmental Impact

Statements

22 EPA (2017) Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports Draft August

2017

23 NRA (2003) Guidelines for the assessment of Archaeological Heritage Impacts of National Road Scheme


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Table 13.1: Criteria Used to Determine Impacts on Cultural Heritage Sites

Magnitude of

Impact Direct Indirect

Severe

Cultural Heritage site is within a proposed development area. Construction work will entail the removal or part of the entire cultural heritage.

Cultural Heritage site is within a proposed development area. Construction works will entail the destruction of the visual context of the site or isolate it from associated groups or features.

Potentially Severe

Cultural Heritage site is adjacent to a proposed development area. There is potential for related remains being affected by development works.

Cultural Heritage site is adjacent to a proposed development area. Construction works will greatly injure the visual context of the site or isolate it from associated groups or features.

Moderate

Existing access to a cultural heritage site will be severed. Development works will affect the context of a cultural heritage site.

N/A

No predicted The proposed development will have no predicted impact.

N/A

13.2.1 Legislative Framework

Ireland has committed to the protection of its archaeological and architectural heritage by being a signatory to two international conventions that aim to protect cultural heritage. These are:

- The 1985 European Convention on the Protection of Architectural Heritage (The Granada Convention), which aims to make provision for the protection of monuments, groups of buildings and sites that are of ‘historical, archaeological, artistic, scientific, social or technical interest’

- The 1992 European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (The Valetta Convention), which aims to ‘protect the archaeological heritage as a source of the European collective memory and an instrument for historical and scientific study’

- Provisions made in these conventions have been written into Irish Law via the National Monuments (Amendments) Acts 1930-2004, the Heritage Act 1995, the Cultural Institutions Act 1997, the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999, Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines 2004 and the various Planning and Developments Acts 2000-2015. The policy of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in relation to the protection of our archaeological and architectural heritage is set out in the Frameworks and Principals for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Government Publication 1999) which may be downloaded from the departmental website www.archaeology.ie. The National Monuments Act 1930 and its subsequent amendments of 1954, 1987, 1994 and 2004 provide for the protection of the archaeological heritage which includes monuments, buildings, ship-wrecks and archaeological artefacts. A level of universal protection is afforded to all monuments listed in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) which was established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. While all known monuments are included on the RMP, a lesser number are entered on the Register of Historic Monuments established under Section 5 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987. Monuments that are considered to be of national significance are afforded the highest level of protection and are referred to as National Monuments.

http://www.archaeology.ie/


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13.2.2 Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019

The Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019 outlines a number of policies and objectives relating to archaeological and architectural heritage. The Council is committed to the preservation and protection of its rich archaeological and architectural resource and has regard to the recommendations of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when considering proposals with potential to affect that heritage. The Planning Authority recommends that potential developers consult as early as possible with the relevant agencies, such as the National Monuments Service of the DCHG and the Planning Section of Meath County Council, in order to ensure that archaeological and architectural concerns can be integrated into development proposals at as early a stage as possible. The principal policies and objectives of Chapter 9 of the plan are outlined below.

The principal policies relating to archaeological heritage include:

- CSA SP 1: To ensure that the unique cultural heritage of Meath is protected, conserved and sensitively integrated into the sustainable development of the county for the benefit of present and future generations.

- CSA SP 2: To ensure that features of Meath’s natural heritage and green infrastructure that provide ecosystem services are protected; that biodiversity is conserved and Chapter 9 Cultural and Natural Assets Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019 167 where possible enhanced, and; that the character of landscapes are maintained and enriched, and that tourist and recreational uses are facilitated in a sensitive manner.

- CSA SP 3: To promote the understanding of County Meath’s landscape in terms of its inherent and unique character and to recognise what elements should be preserved, conserved or enhanced.

- CSA SP 4: To implement, in partnership with the County Meath Heritage Forum, relevant stakeholders and the community, the County Meath Heritage Plan and any revisions thereof.

- CH POL 6: To promote awareness of, and access to, the archaeological inheritance of County Meath.

- CH POL 7: To ensure that development in the immediate vicinity of a recorded monument is sensitively sited and designed so that it does not significantly detract from the monument. Where upstanding remains exist, a visual impact assessment may be required.

- CH POL 8: To retain surviving medieval plots and street patterns in the villages and towns of Meath, where practicable, and in the course of development to record evidence of ancient boundaries, layouts, etc.

- CH POL 9: To inform and seek guidance from the National Museum of Ireland if an unrecorded archaeological object is discovered, or the National Monuments Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in the case of the discovery of an unrecorded archaeological site, in accordance with National Monuments legislation.

The principal objectives relating to archaeological heritage include:

- CH OBJ 7: To protect archaeological sites and monuments, underwater archaeology, and archaeological objects, which are listed in the Record of Monuments and Places, and to seek their preservation in situ (or at a minimum, preservation by record) through the planning process.

- CH OBJ 8: To seek to protect important archaeological landscapes from inappropriate development.

- CH OBJ 9: To make the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) available to the public in the Planning Office and maintain a link on the Meath website to the on-line edition at www.archaeology.ie.

- CH OBJ 10: To establish in-house training programmes for Council staff carrying out repair and maintenance works to historic structures, subject to the availability of resources.


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- CH OBJ 11: To encourage and promote the appropriate management and maintenance of the County’s archaeological heritage, including historical burial grounds, in accordance with conservation principles and best practice guidelines.

- CH OBJ 12: To consider the establishment of a National Monuments Advisory Committee for Meath, subject to available resources.

The policies relating to Architectural and Cultural Heritage include:

- CH POL 10: To conserve and protect the architectural heritage of Meath.

- CH POL 11: To require that all planning applications relating to Protected Structures contain the appropriate accompanying documentation in accordance with the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011) or any variation thereof, to enable the proper assessment of the proposed works.

- CH POL 12: To encourage the retention, sympathetic reuse and rehabilitation of Protected Structures. In certain cases, land use zoning restrictions may be relaxed in order to secure the conservation of the protected structure.

- CH POL 13: To encourage the retention of original windows, doors, renders, roof coverings and other significant features of historic buildings.

- CH POL 14: To continue to develop the Council’s advisory/educational role with regard to heritage matters and to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the architectural heritage of Meath.

- CH POL 15: To encourage, where appropriate, the adaptive re-use of existing buildings and sites in a manner compatible with their character and significance.

The objectives relating to architectural heritage include:

- CH OBJ 13: To protect all structures (or, where appropriate, parts of structures) within the county which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest and which are included in the Record of Protected Structures (See Appendix 8).

- CH OBJ 14: To review and update the Record of Protected Structures when new information becomes available and to make additions and deletions as appropriate.

- CH OBJ 15: To identify and retain good examples of historic street furniture e.g. cast-iron post boxes, water pumps, signage, street lighting and kerbing.

- CH OBJ 16: To make available and distribute detailed guidance notes and provide advice on architectural heritage to the public, developers, public bodies, groups and associations.

13.2.3 Desktop Assessment

This is a document and cartographic survey utilising a number of sources in order to identify all known archaeological sites and other monuments of historical interest within the study area. The principal sources used for identifying archaeological monuments are listed below.

- Record of Monuments and Places for Co. Meath (RMP)

- Sites and Monuments Record for Co. Meath (SMR)

- National Museum of Ireland Topographical Files

- Townland search of the annual Excavations bulletin (www.excavations.ie)

- All three editions of the OS 6” scale sheets

- Down Survey map for Co. Meath

- Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019

- Drogheda Local Area Plan (LAP)

http://www.excavations.ie/


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- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH)

- Aerial photographs Ordnance Survey of Ireland (www.osi.ie)

- Heritage Council Map Viewer

The Record of Monuments and Places

This is a list of archaeological sites known to the National Monuments Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with accompanying RMP maps, based on OS 6” Sheets, which indicate the location of each recorded site. The list is based on the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) files which are kept in the National Monuments Service and are updated on a regular basis. The Sites and Monuments Records (SMR) are lists with accompanying maps and files of all known archaeological sites and monuments mainly dating to before 1700AD. These lists were initially compiled from cartographic, documentary and aerial photographic sources.

National Museum of Ireland Topographical Files

This is the national archive of all known antiquities recorded by the National Museum and consists of a catalogue of objects reported to that institution since 1928. These files mostly contain information on finds but there are also references to monuments and sites of archaeological significance. A record of all previous archaeological excavations undertaken in Ireland is also available from the National Museum.

County and City Development Plans

County, Town and City Development Plans are made in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000 (as amended). The plans set out each council’s policy for the conservation and enhancement of a county’s natural and built environment and list items of special environmental or archaeological interest. The Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019 outlines a number of objectives and policies with regard to archaeology and heritage and was consulted in the preparation of this impact assessment report. It also includes a Record of Protected Structures (RPS), which is a list of buildings which may not be altered or demolished without grant of permission under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 2000 (as amended).

The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has published Architectural Heritage Protection, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004) and A Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015, which contains policy and advice for the protection of architectural heritage, including protected structures and architectural conservation areas. Each Local Authority has a legal responsibility to include a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) in its Development Plan.

Cartographic Sources and Aerial Photography

The 1st and 2nd editions (6”and 25”) of the Ordnance Survey maps for the area were consulted as well as the OSI aerial photography which can be accessed online at www.osi.ie.

Excavation Bulletins

Excavation Bulletins are annual bulletins which contain summaries of all licensed archaeological excavations undertaken in Ireland from 1985 to 2018. The database is available on at www.excavations.ie.

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH)

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage is a state initiative under the administration of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The database has been compiled and published on a county by county basis and it lists some of the architecturally significant buildings and items of cultural heritage significance. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage for Co. Meath (www.buidlingsofireland.ie) was consulted for townlands within and in the environs of the study area.

http://www.osi.ie/

http://www.osi.ie/


http://www.buidlingsofireland.ie/


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13.2.4 Consultation

Dr Stephen Davies, Department of Archaeology, University College Dublin was consulted as part of the research for this impact assessment report. Dr Davies supplied the LIDAR image of the large embanked enclosure that was recently detected in the lands proposed for development.

13.3 The Receiving Environment and Field Survey

The proposed development site is located in Carranstown and Caulstown townlands 2.7km northeast of Duleek in Co. Meath in lands to the south of the R152 (Figure 13.1). The site is located on the opposite side of the public road to the Irish Concrete Works and the Indaver incinerator facility and comprises a single field of 10.86ha which had been harvested at the time of the field survey (Figures 13.1-13.3). The subject lands are surrounded on all sides by well-wooded hedgerows and the terrain is smooth and level (Plates 13.1-13.3). The townland boundary for Caulstown/Carranstown forms the western boundary to the site (Plate 13.4). The general landscape character surrounding the proposed development site comprises a mixture of industrial development and agricultural land of arable and pastoral fields together with some detached residential housing along both sides of the R152. Views to the north are obscured by the Irish Cement Works Factory in Platin townland and the Indaver Incinerator facility in the adjacent townland of Carranstown. There are good views to the south, east and west across the open and well managed agricultural landscape of east Co. Meath. No features of potential archaeological significance were noted during the field survey.

Figure 13.1: Location of proposed development


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Figure 13.2: Aerial image with proposed development site to south of Irish Cement, outlined in red

Figure 13.3: Location of proposed development site on 2nd

Edition OS map


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Plate 13.1: Proposed development site looking north from SW corner of site boundary towards the Irish Cement Works Factory

Plate 13.2: SW portion of proposed development site - looking south


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Plate 13.3: E side of portion of proposed development site - looking east from western boundary of site

Plate 13.4: Townland boundary between Carranstown and Caulstown forming W boundary of proposed development – looking N towards Indaver Incinerator Facility


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13.4 Archaeological Background

13.4.1 Recorded Archaeological Monuments Within The Environs Of The Subject Lands

A geophysical survey of the subject lands was undertaken by Dr Stephen Davies, Department of Archaeology, University College Dublin in 2010 as part of his research into the ritual landscape of Co. Meath. The results of the survey combined with a high-resolution LiDAR (Light detection and radar) image of the field has shown that a substantial embanked enclosure exists at the location of two sites (ME027-078 and ME027-079) that are currently registered in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) as redundant records (Figure 13.4). While the results of the geophysical survey did not reveal the circuit of the enclosure in its entirety, the LiDAR image clearly shows that a substantial henge-type monument (c. 150m in diameter) survives beneath the surface almost half of which extends into the west side of the lands proposed for development (Figure 13.5; Davis,

pers. comm.).24

The sites were originally described by the National Monuments Service as potential large enclosures from an inspection of aerial images but subsequent field survey in 1987 indicated that there was no evidence for an enclosure at either site and they were subsequently listed as redundant records (www.archaeology.ie). The use of sophisticated detection methods including geophysical survey and LiDAR technology since then demonstrates beyond doubt that a significant embanked enclosure similar to many other prehistoric ritual monuments in the Boyne valley survives beneath the ground at this location.

The image also shows a linear feature extending in a north-south direction across the central area of the development site. This may represent an early field boundary and is aligned with an existing field boundary to the north. The possible boundary is not shown on the 1

st edition of the Ordnance

Survey map indicating that it is pre-18th century in date.

Figure 13.4: Extract from OSI map showing redundant archaeological records within and to the west side of the proposed development site (outlined in blue)

28 The writer acknowledges the assistance of Dr Stephen Davis, UCD with this research and is grateful for his permission to include the LiDAR image in the report



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Figure 13.5: LiDAR image showing substantial embanked enclosure extending into the north-west side of the lands proposed for development (courtesy of Dr. Stephen Davis)

13.4.2 Recorded Archaeological Monuments within the Environs of the Proposed Development

The western half of the embanked enclosure visible on the LiDAR image is adjacent to the north-west boundary of the subject lands (Figure 13.5). In the wider area, there is a sufficiently large number of recorded archaeological monuments to provide evidence for extensive prehistoric, early medieval and medieval settlement (Table 13.2, Figure 13.6). The nearest monument of significance is located to the immediate north of the Irish Concrete Works Factory in Platin townland, listed in the Record of Monuments and Places for Co. Meath as a church (ME027:003001) with two associated stone crosses (ME027:00303-04). The church is situated on a slight east-facing slope at the northeast extremity of the parish of Duleek. Platin was in the possession of the Benedictine Order until its suppression in 1540. The church is an undivided nave and chancel structure that survives complete with opposing round-headed doorways and with a stoup inside the south doorway. Two crosses are set into the remains of the church; one (ME027-003003) has figure sculptures on each side with foliage designs and the design dates it to the 1500AD (King 1984). The other cross (ME027-003004) is a disc-headed cross with a raised ring which probably dates to the later seventeenth century (ibid.). There are also a number of prehistoric sites in the environs of the proposed development including two fulachta fiadh (ME027-058 & ME027-103) in Carranstown townland that were exposed during topsoil stripping to the west of the Irish Cement Works Factory and two enclosures (ME020-086 & ME020-087) in Platin townland identified from aerial imagery. Enclosures and earthworks are general classifications used to describe sites whose exact nature is unclear except that they are levelled monuments of indeterminate date. An inland promontory fort (ME020-014) is located in Platin townland on the east side of the M1. The monument is situated on top of a rock outcrop and covers an area of approximately two acres. The monument is roughly oval in plan and is surrounded by banks and ditches. An archaeological excavation (Licence No. 01E0044) of the west half of the promontory fort was undertaken in advance of the construction of the motorway in 2001 and this revealed the presence of a child burial dated to between the first and the late third century AD. Finds from the excavation also included prehistoric pottery of Early/Middle Neolithic date, flint tools and significantly an 8

th/10

th century AD ring pin (Conway

2001).


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Table 13.2: Recorded monuments located within 2km of the study area

RMP No. Townland Site Type

ME027-006 Bellewstown Souterrain

ME027-008 Annagor/Beaumont Bridge

ME027-041 Kilsharvan Excavation-miscellaneous



ME027-048 Kilsharvan Kiln – corn drying

ME027-049 Kilsharvan Kiln

ME027-050 Kilsharvan Excavation – miscellaneous


ME027-052 Kilsharvan Structure

ME027-053 Kilsharvan Excavation

ME027-054 Kilsharvan Enclosure



ME027-058 Carranstown Fulacht Fiadh

ME027-060 Beaumont Enclosure

ME027-06202 Bellewstown Ring ditch

ME027-06203 Bellewstown Ring ditch

ME027-065 Bellewstown Enclosure



ME027-084 Bellewstown Burial Ground

ME027-103 Carranstown Fulacht Fiadh


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Figure 13.6: Recorded archaeological sites in the environs of the proposed development

13.4.3 General Archaeological Summary

The county of Meath can be regarded as exceptional in terms of its density of recorded archaeological monuments including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, the seat of the High Kings of Ireland at Tara, the passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth and the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland at Trim (Moore 1987). The historic towns of Navan, Trim and Kells contain many buildings of architectural merit while the country houses with their demesne landscapes and industrial sites such as canals and mills contribute significantly to the cultural heritage value of the county.

The earliest evidence of settlement in the county is from the Mesolithic period (c. 7000BC) when hunter-gatherer groups exploited the natural resources around the coast and along the Rivers Boyne and Blackwater. The Neolithic period (c. 4000 BC) saw the introduction of farming with family groups settling down and clearing the forests and woods to plant crops and rear livestock. It is these communities who built the impressive communal burial sites such as the famous passage graves of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth along the Bend of the Boyne. Increased population during the Bronze Age saw a further phase of communal building and the construction of circular earthworks in close proximity to the passage tombs (Moore 1987). Meath is known as ‘The Royal County’ because the Hill of Tara was the seat of the High Kings of Ireland for many centuries. The site consists of several large earthworks overlooking the fertile farmland of Meath plain. The World Heritage Site of the Bend of the Boyne is commonly known as Brú na Bóinne, which means the ‘palace’ or the ‘mansion’ of the Boyne. It refers to the area within the bend of the river Boyne around Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, and is one of the world’s most important archaeological complexes. The large passage tombs are on high ground overlooking the valley, while there are numerous other archaeological sites on the low lying areas and flood plain closer to the river (ibid.). Co. Meath also has a very high proportion of substantial embanked enclosures or henge monuments (O’Sullivan et al 2012).

The origins of Duleek dates back to an early Christian monastic settlement (Moore 1987). The town takes its name from the Irish word Daimh Liag meaning ‘house of stones’ which refers to an early stone built church, St. Cianan’s Church, the ruins of which are still visible in the town today. The


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town was an important bridging point on the River Nanny and the settlement was built on a slight rise of the river flood plain.

13.4.4 Cartographic Background

A review of historic mapping is an invaluable tool in showing how the landscape has changed over time and the comparison of various editions can indicate how some landscape features have been created, altered or removed. In some instances, topographical features that appear on these early maps are found to be of potential archaeological significance during field survey. The pre-Famine first edition map (1841) of the study is one of a well-managed agricultural character stemming from the eighteenth century estate system of fields bounded by hedgerows with individual farm holdings and small towns and villages. Meath’s long history in farming is reflected in numerous country houses and farmhouses, outbuilding and stables scattered across the landscape. The first edition OS map indicates that the proposed development lands are located on the west side of Caulstown townland with the townland boundary between it and Carranstown forming the western boundary to the site (Figures 13.7 & 13.8). The area consists of a large rectangular-shaped field oriented northwest/southeast. A vernacular building reached by a trackway to the west is depicted to the south of the proposed development site. Caulstown estate house and demesne is depicted to the west of the proposed development site. The second edition (1915) OS map shows no significant change in the landscape character with the area continuing to comprise a mixture of large and small field enclosures with very little evidence for loss or removal of hedgerows (Figure 13.9). Caulstown House and Mt. Hanover National School are indicated to the east of the proposed development site in the adjacent townland.

Figure 13.7: Extract from 1st Edition (1840) OS map showing redundant archaeological record on

west side of proposed development site (outlined in blue)


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Figure 13.8: Extract from revised 1st Edition OS map showing redundant archaeological record on

west side of proposed development site (outlined in red)

Figure 13.9: Extract from 2nd

Edition OS map showing redundant archaeological record on west side of proposed development site (outlined in red)

13.4.5 Record of Protected Structures

The Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019 provides a full list of all its Protected Structures. The plan recognises the status of these buildings as sites of architectural merit and all are afforded legal protection. There are no protected structures either within or in the general environs of the proposed development site.


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13.4.6 National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH)

A search of the database of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage indicated that no buildings or other features considered of architectural merit are listed within the identified site development boundary.

13.4.7 Previous archaeological work undertaken in the environs of the study area

The Excavations Bulletin is both a published annual directory and an on-line database that provides summary accounts of all the excavations carried out on the island of Ireland from 1970 to 2009. Meath County has been subject to considerable development and infrastructural works in recent years and archaeological excavations since the 1990s have revealed a significant number of previously unknown prehistoric habitation and ritual sites. Within the immediate environs of the proposed development, a total of 32 archaeological sites have been discovered and excavated mostly during work on the M1. Details of the excavated sites are presented in tabular form in Table 13.3. The density of archaeological sites discovered in the general area in recent years through infrastructural works is an indicator of the potential for archaeological features to be present in the lands forming the subject of this impact assessment report.

Table 13.3: Excavated archaeological sites within the immediate environs of the proposed development lands

Excavation No. Townland Site Type

00E0813 Rathmullan Habitation site/pit

01E0293 Rathmullan Burnt mound/pit

01E0294 Rathmullan Pit

01E0113 Lagavooren Pit

01E0129 Lagavooren Structure

01E0161 Lagavooren Habitation site



01E0397 Lagavooren Enclosure

01E0914 Lagavooren Bronze Age settlement

00E0030 Platin Inland promontory fort


01E0338 Platin Prehistoric settlement


01E0176 Kilsharvan Kiln

01E0177 Kilsharvan Kiln

01E0178 Kilsharvan Pit


01E0180 Kilsharvan Structure

01E0181 Kilsharvan Burnt spreads

01E0182 Kilsharvan Deposit



01E0187 Kilsharvan Clay and charcoal deposit


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Excavation No. Townland Site Type



01E0191 Kilsharvan Enclosure

01E0192 Kilsharvan Bronze Age pit


01E0194 Kilsharvan Surface finds

01E0195 Shallon Furnace/pit

01E0197 Shallon Metalworking site

13.5 Potential Impacts

The impact of the proposed development on the archaeological heritage, both on known and potential sub-surface remains, is assessed below.

13.5.1 Potential Direct Impacts on Recorded Archaeological Monuments

Recent geophysical survey combined with LiDAR technology has shown that the eastern half of a substantial embanked enclosure of presumed prehistoric date survives in the north-west corner of the subject development lands. This site is currently classified in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) as a redundant record but the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has been notified of the results of the geophysical survey and the monument now awaits registration as an embanked enclosure, possible henge (Davies, pers. comm.). Once registered, the site will be subject to statutory protection. The north-west area of the subject development lands can therefore be described asan area of high archaeological sensitivity and any development here would have a severe adverse impact on the monument.

13.5.2 Potential Indirect Impacts on Archaeological Heritage

The landholding forming the subject of this impact assessment encompass an area of 12ha and given the density of archaeological sites discovered during construction work on the MI to the immediate east, the proposed development lands are considered as being of high archaeological sensitivity. The greatest potential impacts on archaeological heritage will arise therefore during ground works at the initial construction phase as this type of disturbance using heavy plant machinery is inherently destructive to archaeological sites that have no surface expression.

13.5.3 Impact on Architectural and Cultural heritage

There are no protected structures (RPS) within the study area and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) does not list any upstanding buildings or structures for the lands. There will therefore be no direct impact on any known architectural and cultural heritage sites.

13.5.4 Visual Impact

This refers to the potential impact of a development on the overall character and setting of an archaeological monument or landscape. The recently discovered henge-type monument at the west side of the subject lands has no surface expression as the enclosing bank has been totally levelled. The immediate area has been subject to considerable industrial and road infrastructure development in recent years, therefore it is considered that the overall visual impact of the proposed development is low.


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13.6 Mitigation

The following mitigation measures are recommended in the interest of safeguarding the archaeological heritage of the study area.

13.6.1 Pre-Construction Phase Mitigation

Potential Sub-Surface Archaeology

The eastern half of a substantial embanked enclosure, detected through recent geophysical and LiDAR investigation, survives in the north-west corner of the proposed development site. Additionally, the excavation of 32 previously undocumented sites during construction work on the M1 to the immediate east demonstrates the archaeological potential of the subject lands. In this regard therefore, the following mitigation will be undertaken in the interest of safeguarding the archaeological heritage of the area:

- Preservation in situ, i.e. avoidance of the significant embanked enclosure detected in the north-west corner of the proposed development site. This is in accordance with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s publication on ‘Frameworks and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage’.

- A full geophysical survey of the proposed development site has been undertaken and the resulting report is provided in Attachment 4. The geophysical survey informs on where anomalies exist and these will subsequently be investigated by means of a comprehensive programme of archaeological test trenching. This work will be undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist licensed by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

- Test trenching will determine if sub-surface archaeological features are present and the extent to which they will be impacted by the proposed development. The results of the test excavation shall be submitted to the National Monuments Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and The Heritage Officer, Meath County Council for review.

- The developers intend to carry out site investigation works including boring and slit trenching in the near future. This work will not encroach onto the site of the enclosure in the north-west corner of the subject lands. An archaeologist will be present at all times during the course of the site investigation works.

13.6.2 Construction Phase Mitigation

Embanked enclosure in north-west corner of proposed development site

This recently discovered monument will be preserved in situ and the layout of the proposed development will be designed in order to avoid it. The potential for impact on the monument during construction is increased due to its levelled nature. To ensure no accidental damage or encroachment onto the site of the monument a buffer zone of 25m will be established around the monument by solid post and rail fencing and clearly signed as an ‘Archaeological Monument’. An archaeologist shall be present to establish the buffer zone around the embanked enclosure in advance of site preparation works. The post and rail fencing shall be erected prior to the commencement of topsoil removal and shall remain in place during the course of construction work. No ground works, stockpiling of topsoil or storage of construction materials and plant equipment shall take place within the agreed buffer zone. It is further recommended that an archaeological watching brief be maintained during the construction phase to ensure that the temporary buffer zone remains in place. Potential sub-surface archaeological features

The construction phase of any development involves considerable ground disturbance therefore the greatest potential impact of the proposed development at Caulstown on the archaeological resource will be during the removal of topsoil and general ground reduction. Given the presence of a newly discovered enclosure within the subject development lands and the excavation of 32 archaeological sites during work on the M1 to the immediate east, there is a high potential for


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previously undocumented sub-surface archaeological features to survive below ground level. It is recommended therefore that all topsoil removal operations required of the development shall be fully monitored by a qualified archaeologist. The archaeologist will require an excavation licence for this work to be issued by The National Monuments Service, Department of Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht and approved by the National Museum of Ireland. The developer shall allow the archaeologist sufficient time, usually four weeks, to obtain an archaeological licence prior to the commencement of construction works. The time-scale for the construction phase shall be made available to the archaeologist at an early stage with information on where and when topsoil stripping will take place.

In the event of archaeological features being exposed during the course of monitoring, the archaeologist shall be empowered to have works ceased in the vicinity of such material. If archaeological remains are encountered, these areas become archaeological sites and are protected by National Monuments legislation. Further work on the site will require consultation with the archaeological staff of The National Monuments Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Should archaeological artefactual material be uncovered, the requirements of the National Museum of Ireland with regard to such items shall be implemented.

Provision, including financial and time, shall be made to facilitate any excavation or recording of archaeological material that may be uncovered during the developmental works. The excavations shall be undertaken in compliance with any measures that the National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland deem appropriate. Following completion of monitoring, and other possible archaeological investigations, the archaeologist shall submit a report to the National Monuments Service, the National Museum and the Local Authority.

13.6.3 Operational Phase Mitigation

No remedial measures are to take place in relation to archaeology during the operational phase of the development.

13.6.4 ‘Do Nothing’ Scenario

In the ‘Do Nothing’ scenario, there would be no impact on the archaeological heritage as there would be no opportunity to establish the nature and extent of potential sub-surface archaeological features.

13.7 Residual Impacts

The significance of the recent discovery of a large embanked enclosure at the west side of the proposed development site cannot be understated. In this regard, the proposed development has been designed in order to avoid the monument. A buffer zone of 25m shall be established around the monument and maintained throughout the construction phase to ensure no accidental damage to the monument.

The proposed development will also have the potential to expose further unknown sub-surface archaeological features during the initial phase of ground works. A geophysical survey of the entire area proposed for development followed by targeted archaeological testing and subsequent excavation, if necessary, will ensure the full recognition and recording of any subsurface finds or features. It is not anticipated therefore that there will be any residual impact on the archaeological heritage of the area.

13.8 Conclusions

This chapter has assessed the potential impact of the proposed development of a 10.86ha parcel of lands in Caulstown, Co. Meath on the archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage resource. A large embanked enclosure was recently detected through the analysis of LiDAR data at the west side of the subject development lands. A significant number of archaeological sites were also exposed and excavated during the construction of the M1 to the east, and it is considered therefore that there is a high potential for archaeological remains to survive beneath the surface. No above ground trace of the embanked enclosure survives and a number of mitigation


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measures have been proposed to safeguard the monument. Potential direct impacts to previously undocumented sub-surface archaeological features have also been identified and appropriate mitigation has been recommended.

13.9 Chapter Bibliography

1. Conway, M. 2001 The Excavation of an inland promontory fort in Platin, Co. Meath, Excavations Ireland, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

2. King, H. 1984 Late Medieval Crosses in County Meath, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 84C, 79-115

3. Moore, M. 1987 Archaeological Inventory of County Meath, Dublin, Stationery Office.

4. O’Sullivan, M., Davis, S. and Stout, G. 2012 In: A. Gibson Enclosing the Neolithic: Recent Studies in Britain and Europe, BAR International Series 2440, 37-53.

Other sources

- Meath County Council Library Website

- OSI Ireland mapping website

- Excavations.ie, database of Irish excavation reports. Available at http://www.excavations.ie.

- National Monuments Service website http://www.archaeology.ie

- Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government




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14 Interactions and Cumulative Impacts

14.1 Introduction

An important aspect of assessing the environmental impacts associated with any development is to consider how impacts identified under each of the subject headings might interact to cause a cumulative. Similarly, consideration must also be given to the cumulative effects arising from the interaction of the project with impacts arising from current and known future developments in the area.


14.2 Industries in the Area

Industries in the area of the proposed development include a large cement manufacturing plant and its associated quarry (Irish Cement Ltd) which is located just to the north of the site. In addition, Indaver Waste to Energy facility lies immediately northwest of the site across the R152 road. Directly adjacent to the north of the proposed plant is a cluster of commercial and residential buildings including a service station and a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) centre. Residential development in the vicinity of the site is scattered, typical of the rural location. Future proposed developments include a Solar Farm (Highfield Solar Limited). Details of the main industries in the area are outlined below.

14.2.1 Irish Cement

Irish Cement produces cement from its facility in Platin that includes a limestone quarry as a raw material in the production process. The facility is in operation since 1938 and currently operates under the IE Licence P0030-06. In 1972, a new dry process plant, Kiln1 was constructed when operations transferred to the current site in Platin. A major upgrade was completed with the addition of Kiln 2 in 1977 and then again in 2008 with the construction of Kiln 3. The plant has undertaken alterations to its heating of the kilns with the incorporation of alternative fuels as opposed to coal into the process. In 2011, an increasing proportion of the fossil fuels in Platin have been replaced by Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). In 2015, Irish Cement received planning permission for a new development in Platin that can recover surplus heat from the process to generate up to 7.5 Megawatts (MW) of electricity on site.

In 2017 Irish Cement Limited (ICL) applied to ABP (ABP Case Reference PL17 .PA0050) for a ten year planning permission for development for the further replacement of fossil fuels with alternative fuels and for the use of alternative raw materials at their Cement Works in Platin, County Meath. Platin Cement Works already has permission for the use of up to 120,000 tonnes per annum of alternative fuels and the additional fossil fuel replacement will be achieved, progressively over time, by expanding the quantity and range of alternative fuels used at the Cement Works

14.2.2 Indaver

Indaver operate a waste to energy facility in Carranstown, Duleek, Co. Meath. The facility began the commissioning phase in August 2011, and has been fully operational since October 2011. The facility operates under the IE Waste Licence W0167-036. The facility was designed and built to accept 235,000 tonnes of municipal waste per annum. The treated municipal waste generates 18MW of electricity. Bottom ash and metals following treated of waste is removed from the facility. Between 2016 to 2018 Indaver applied for alterations to waste-to-energy facility (MCC Case References FS16071, FS16072, FS18022),

http://www.epa.ie/terminalfour/ippc/ippc-view.jsp?regno=P0030-06

http://www.epa.ie/terminalfour/ippc/ippc-view.jsp?regno=P0030-06


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14.2.3 Highfield Solar Limited

In 2016 Highfield Solar Limited applied to Meath County Council (MCC Case References LB16.0898) for permission to build a solar farm and in 2018 to ABP (Case Reference PL17 .301601) for the development of a 110kV infrastructure (this application is currently under review). Highfield Solar Ltd propose a Solar PV Energy development with a total site area of 150 hectares, to include two electrical substation buildings and associated compounds, electrical transformer and inverter station modules, storage modules, Solar PV panels ground mounted on support structures, access roads and internal access track, spare parts storage container, fencing, electrical cabling and ducting, including undergrounding of existing electrical cabling, CCTV and other ancillary infrastructure, additional landscaping and habitat enhancement as required and associated site development works.

14.3 Potential Impacts

The examination of these impacts is important as an impact which directly affects one environmental medium may also have an indirect impact on other media (sometimes referred to as cross media impacts). This indirect effect can sometimes be more significant that the direct effect.

14.3.1 Impacts

The impacts between the various environmental media assessed during this Environmental Report and the different stages of both the construction and the operational phases of the proposed development and other facilities/developments in the vicinity of the proposed development site have been assessed as appropriate in the relevant chapters (3 -13). The key potential impacts, and associated mitigation measures, can be summarised as follows;

- The construction and operation of the proposed development (both the Substation and OCGT Generating Plant components) is not predicted to have any significant impact on the health of local residents. The environmental impact of the construction activity will be minimised by specifying high standards of housekeeping, appropriate attention to environmental issues within the construction contracts, and by on-going monitoring of performance during construction. The construction phase of the development will last approximately 18 months and up to 40 workers, both skilled and unskilled, will be employed on site at peak times. Local services and construction staff from the surrounding areas will be used where possible during the construction phase. Therefore the construction of the development will have a temporary positive impact on employment and the local economy. The environmental control technologies will be designed on the basis of BAT with no operation to ensure the protection of human health and the environment. Therefore, the operation of the OCGT Generating Plant will not have any significant any adverse impact on human health.

- The assessment of impacts in relation to landscape character and the visual environment as a result of the proposed development will not have any significant impact in the area. The clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019 (see section 4.4.2 Bio-Fuels and Renewable Energy of the Meath County Development Plan 2013 - 2019).

- The construction and operational impact assessments in relation to Traffic and Transportation found that no negative effect on surrounding road network is expected. Expected traffic volumes were compared to traffic counts which were carried out for the Irish Cement planning application submitted in 2017. The volumes of traffic travelling to and from the proposed site as described above are considered minimal, and will have an imperceptible impact on the off-road network. Due to this and the fact the proposed development to which this planning application relates will have slight to imperceptible impacts during the construction and operational phases, respectively, it is concluded that there is no potential for significant cumulative impacts.

- The construction and operational impact assessments in relation to Air Quality and Climate are anticipated short term. A number of mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction and operational phases of the plant to ensure that atmospheric emissions do not


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have any significant adverse impact on ambient air quality. The OCGT plant will run up to 1,500 hours annually, the facility will be subject to IE licensing and the combustion process will be tightly monitored and controlled to ensure the facility runs as efficiently as possible. The cumulative impact during the operational phase of the proposed development will not be significant and will not lead to a contravention of Air Quality Standards in the vicinity of the proposed developed when considered cumulatively with the existing ambient air quality in the area.

- The construction and operational impact assessments in relation to noise are discussed within Chapter 8. It is anticipated that there may be a short term and local cumulative noise impact during the construction stage as construction generated noise is considered cumulatively with ambient noise levels in the area. However there will be mitigation measures as outlined in Chapter 9 in place to ensure this impact is not significant. The cumulative impact during the operational phase of the proposed development will not be significant and will not lead to a contravention of the site’s future IE licence requirements in relation to noise. In addition, there is no increase in ambient noise levels predicted when the proposed development is considered cumulatively with existing ambient noise levels in the area.

- Off-site treatment and disposal of the wastes could have a potential indirect impact on air, soil, surface water, and groundwater quality at the off-site treatment/disposal sites. However, as discussed in the relevant chapters of this report these activities will be carried out by licensed operators and contractors in accordance with regulatory requirements and therefore will have an imperceptible negative impact only. Treatment and monitoring of water onsite prior to discharge offsite will ensure that there is no potential for significant impacts. As part of the overall CMP, environmental measures will be implemented to ensure that impacts on the existing site and off-site will be minimised as much as possible.

14.4 Conclusions

Based on the assessment of interactions and cumulative impacts above, it is concluded that there will be no significant adverse impacts associated with the proposed 110kV transmission substation, or in fact the overall proposed development comprising both the substation and the OCGT components.


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IE0312377-22-RP-0007_A_03.DOCX Formal Issue

Attachment 1 Noise Modelling Report IE0312377-22-RP-0003, Issue A

Predictive Noise Modelling and Impact Assessment Report

Issue date: 07 Dec 2018


Formal Issue

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Predictive Noise Modelling and Impact Assessment Report


File No:IE0312377.22.140

CURRENT ISSUE

Issue No: A Date: 07/12/2018 Reason for issue: For Planning Application


Print Name ORLA.DUGGAN AINE.MONAGHAN ORLA.DUGGAN


Date 07/12/2018 07/12/2018 07/12/2018

PREVIOUS ISSUES

Issue No



IE0312377-22-RP-0003, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Contents

1 Introduction 4

1.1 General 4

1.2 Effects of Noise 4

1.3 Effects of Vibration 4

2 Assessment Methodology 5

2.1 General 5

3 Characteristics of Proposed Development 8


3.2 Operational Phase 8

4 Receiving Environment 9

4.1 Existing Site 9

4.2 Baseline Surveying 9

5 Potential Impacts 22



6 Mitigation Measures 31



7 Residual Impacts 33


IE0312377-22-RP-0003, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


1 Introduction

1.1 General

This report has been prepared to assess the potential for noise and vibration impact from the proposed development at the SSE site in Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek, Co. Meath. The proposed development is a 208MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Plant designed to support the national electricity network and to operate during peak demand periods. The plant design will allow for flexible operation so the plant can cater for high demand and respond quickly to fluctuations on the electricity grid. Each turbine will operate on demand up to 1500 hours per year. It is estimated that the plant will run approximately 4-6 hours per day during peak demand periods i.e. during the winter months.

Baseline sound pressure levels were measured in the area surrounding the site and prediction modelling of the proposed on-site activity was carried out to determine the expected development emissions at the nearest noise sensitive locations during operation.

1.2 Effects of Noise

While the impacts of noise are subjective, it can affect human receivers both behaviourally and physiologically. As described in Guidelines for Environmental Noise Impact Assessment (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, November 2014), the behavioural affect can be described over three levels of increasing response:

1. Noise disturbance which causes distraction of physically interfering with human activity (speech interference, disruption of work, disruption of mental ability, sleep disturbance);

2. Noise disturbance can be experienced as annoyance (or an indirect response to the first level of physical disturbance) and;

3. Overt reaction (complaints).

1.3 Effects of Vibration

Vibration is a related issue that can also adversely affect people and structures in the vicinity of a vibration source. Humans can perceive vibration at levels of low magnitude, typically from 0.14mm/s to 0.3mm/s. At vibration levels greater than this and similarly to noise, vibration can cause the same levels of response such as distraction, leading to annoyance and disturbance. Greater levels of vibration (a minimum of 15mm/s) are required to cause structural damage.

During the construction phase of the development, there will be no piling or other related activities which could cause significant vibration. There will be no vibration associated with the operation of the proposed facility which could impact on the environment. On this basis, an assessment of potential vibration impacts is not considered relevant for inclusion.


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2 Assessment Methodology

2.1 General

In order to assess the potential impact of noise from the proposed development on the surrounding area, sound pressure levels were assessed (either through measurement or prediction) for the following development stages:

- Pre-development stage – current sound pressure levels at nearby noise sensitive locations (NSLs) were measured to provide background baseline data to which predicted future noise levels for the area can be compared. Baseline noise measurements were carried out on the 24

th, 25

th, and 26

th July 2018 during day, evening and night-time periods, in accordance with

EPA Guidance Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled Activities (NG4) (2016)

1.

- Construction stage – potential sound pressure levels and associated impacts arising from construction activities were considered, in order to develop sufficient noise mitigation measures for the construction phase.

- Operational Stage – sound pressure level emissions from future site operations were predicted in order to assess the impact on the existing noise levels in the environment in terms of subjective impact. The model results were combined with the ambient baseline noise levels to assess the impact of the proposed development, and to determine appropriate mitigation measures as required.

2.1.1 Perceived Impact Rating and Subjective Responses

In order to describe the perceived impact rating and the subjective response to changes in noise levels with regards to perceived changes in loudness Table 2.1 has been used.

Table 2.1: Perceived Impact Rating and Subjective Responses2

Change in Noise Level

Impact Rating EPA Glossary of Impacts

Subjective Reaction

Subjective Change

0 No Change N/A N/A N/A

< 3 dBA Not Significant Neutral, Imperceptible or Slight Impact

Barely Perceptible Negligible

3 – 5 dBA Minor Significant Impact: Positive or Negative only

Perceptible Noticeable

6 – 10 dBA Moderate Up to a doubling of loudness

Clearly Noticeable

11 – 15 dBA Major Over a doubling of loudness

Substantial

> 15 dBA Severe Profound Significant Impact: Negative only

-- Very Substantial

1 https://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/noise/NG4%20Guidance%20Note%20(January%202016%20Update).pdf

2 Based on Extract from Morris, Peter and Therivel, Riki, Methods of Environmental Impact Assessment 2

nd Edition,

2001, UCL Press.


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2.1.2 Best Practice Criteria and Noise Sensitive Locations

The impact assessment considers the subjective impact of these predicted levels on the nearest noise sensitive locations. Best practice limits are available from the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Guidelines for Community Noise (1999). External limits for outdoor living areas for protection from “serious annoyance” of 55 dB LAeq and from “moderate annoyance” of 50 dB LAeq are recommended. A night-time limit of 45 dB LAeq is recommended (or 42 dB LAeq, façade).

The subjective significance of impact is also described used in the terms in Table 2.2, derived from Guidelines for Environmental Noise Impact Assessment (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, November 2014).

Table 2.2: Relationship of Noise Impact Magnitude (Adverse), Effect and Significance

Magnitude Description of Effect Significance

Negligible No discernible effect on the receptor Not significant

Slight

Receptor perception = Non-intrusive

Noise impact can be heard but does not cause any change in behaviour or attitude

Less likely to be significant

↕ More likely to be significant

Moderate

Receptor perception = Intrusive

Noise impact can be heard and causes small changes in behaviour and/ or attitude

Substantial Receptor perception = Disruptive

Causes a material change in behaviour and/or attitude.

Severe

Receptor perception = Physically harmful

Significant changes in behaviour and /or an inability to mitigate effect of noise leading to psychological or physiological effects.

Significant

2.1.3 EPA Guidelines

The definitions of the significance of effects and the durations of effects have been identified on the basis of the Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports Draft August 2017

3, as provided in Tables 2.3 and 2.4, respectively.

Table 2.3: EPA Guidelines Significance of Effects

Significance Definition

Imperceptible An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable consequences.

Not Significant An impact that causes noticeable changes in the character of the environment but without noticeable consequences.

Slight Effects An impact which causes noticeable changes in the character of the environment without affecting its sensitivities.

Moderate Effects

An impact that alters the character of the environment in a manner that is consistent with existing and emerging trends.

Significant Effects

An impact which, by its character, magnitude, duration or intensity alters a sensitive aspect of the environment.

Very Significant An impact that by its character, magnitude, duration or intensity significantly alters the majority of a sensitive aspect of the environment.

Profound Effects An impact which obliterates sensitive characteristics.

3 https://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/ea/EPA%20EIAR%20Guidelines.pdf


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Table 2.4: EPA Guidelines Duration of Effects

Duration Definition

Momentary Effects Impact lasting from seconds to minutes.

Brief Effects Impact lasting less than a day.

Temporary Effects Impact lasting less than a year.

Short-Term Effects Impact lasting one to seven years.

Medium-Term Effects Impact lasting seven to fifteen years.

Long-Term Effects Impact lasting fifteen to sixty years.

Permanent Effects Impact lasting over sixty years.

2.1.4 Cumulative Impacts

In order to determine if there are any developments in the nearby area which are currently in the planning process and have potential to cause a cumulative impact on noise emissions in the vicinity of the proposed development, a search was completed on the Meath County Council website for active and recently granted planning applications.

It was found that there is only one relevant development of this type which requires consideration for a cumulative impact assessment. Planning permission was granted to Irish Cement for ‘a 10 year permission to facilitate further replacement of fossil fuels with alternative fuels and allow for the introduction of alternative raw materials in the manufacturing of cement’ on the 11

th April 2018

by An Bord Pleanála (Case ref. PL17 .PA0050). The Environmental Impact Assessment Report which was submitted to An Bord Pleanála states that there are no major new noise sources proposed as part of this development. Therefore the cumulative impact of the proposed development with other activities and developments in the area is fully assessed by combining the background noise monitoring results with the predicted noise impacts from the proposed development (see Section 5).


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3 Characteristics of Proposed Development


It is anticipated that construction works on site will be commence in the first half of 2019 (subject to receipt of planning permission) and that the duration of the construction phase will be approximately 18 months.

Normal construction working hours will be daytime only and it is not anticipated that any late night working will be required, but if it is necessary it will be kept to a minimum. Any night works will be notified to the local authority prior to its occurrence. The total number of construction staff on-site will vary during the construction phase of the development but is expected to peak at approximately 30-40 persons.

A temporary construction compound will be erected within the site for the duration of the construction works which will be used to store equipment and supplies and will include laydown areas and provide all the necessary temporary facilities such as portacabins, staff welfare facilities, car parking etc. All areas under construction will be fenced for security and safety purposes and temporary lighting supplied as necessary.

The construction works, in summary, will involve site clearance and preparation, laying of foundations for plant and buildings, structural steelwork and cladding, installation of plant and equipment, concrete works (bunds etc.), hard surfacing and paving, landscaping and fencing. Construction equipment used will be typical of a project of this scale; including heavy duty earthmoving and excavating equipment, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and concrete trucks, mobile cranes and hoists.

All of the above will act as potential noise sources which may increase the ambient sound pressure levels at noise sensitive locations with the potential to create noise during the construction phase.

3.2 Operational Phase

The plant will operate as an open cycle gas turbine (OCGT) which means that when air is taken from the atmosphere and passes through the gas turbine combustion process, the hot exhaust air will be discharged back to the atmosphere without any heat recovery.

The OCGT plant will have a nominal capacity of ca. 208MWe and will generate electricity for export to the national grid. The plant will be operated as a mid-merit plant and will thus only operate during periods when electricity demand is high. This type of operating profile requires the plant to possess a high degree of flexibility compared to a conventional base load CCGT plant (i.e. combined cycle gas turbine plant that operates continuously).

The proposed plant will be designed for flexible operation, allowing for fast starts, load following and cycling capabilities, and will be able to respond rapidly to load changes on the grid (e.g. due to wind power variation).

The plant will be fired on low sulphur (0.1%) gas oil. Two transformers will be required on the site. The main transformer will step up the voltage of power generated by the OCGT plant for export to the national grid.

The OCGT plant which consists of 4 no. electrical generating units (each with two turbines) will be connected to the main transformer compound to step the voltage up to 110kV. This will connect to the on-site switchyard.

The external plant above will act as potential noise sources which may increase the ambient sound pressure levels at noise sensitive locations with the potential to create noise during the operational phase.


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4 Receiving Environment

4.1 Existing Site

Much of the surrounding area is semi-rural in nature with an industrialised area to the north-west of the site involving a quarry and cement plant approximately 500m away, and Indaver Waste to Energy Facility 200m away from the proposed development site. The Paul Kavanagh Vehicle Test Centre is adjacent to the northern boundary of the site. The ambient noise levels in the area are likely to be influenced by the existing industrial development and also road traffic noise from the nearby R152 regional road and the M1 motorway. Residential development in the vicinity of the site is scattered, typical of a rural location. There is a cluster of houses located to the north and west of the SSE site consisting of three houses and a cluster of businesses immediately north, two houses on the northern side of the public road, two houses to the west and one farm to the South West of the SSE site. To the east one farm is present and to the southeast are two houses and a school.

The site boundary for the purposes of the planning application, and surrounding environment are depicted in Figure 4.1.

4.2 Baseline Surveying

4.2.1 Baseline Noise Survey

Baseline surveys were carried out by PM Group on the 24th, 25

th, and 26

th of

July 2018. The

baseline surveys were carried out in accordance with the EPA’s NG4 Guidance Note4 at five noise

sensitive locations (NSL) in the vicinity of the proposed development site as described in Table 4.1 and Figure 4.2.

As per the NG4 Guidance Note, sound pressure levels at each NSL were measured over;

- three consecutive 15-minute periods at all NSLs during the daytime survey (07:00-19:00 hours);

- over a single 15-minute period at each NSL during the evening time survey (19:00-23:00 hours); and

- over two consecutive 15-minute periods at each NSL during the evening time survey (23:00-07:00 hours).

The results of the baseline monitoring are presented in Tables 4.2 to 4.4.

Contemporaneous weather observations were noted by the surveyor and are presented below. Tonal analysis was also carried out on the results to determine if there are any tonal characteristics in the ambient environment, and the results are presented in this section.

The results of the baseline surveys include audible sources at existing facilities in the vicinity of the proposed development site and are cumulatively added to the proposed contribution from the noise sources included in the proposed development in Section 5.2 of this report.

4 EPA (2016). Guidance Note for Noise: Licence Applications, Surveys and Assessments in Relation to Scheduled

Activities (NG4)


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Table 4.1: Description of Noise Monitoring Points

Noise Monitoring Point

(NMP) Location Description

Irish Grid Co-ordinates

NSL1 5m from the main road behind hedge/wall near a double storey residential dwelling house approx. 400m southwest from closest point of site boundary.

306245E, 270489N

NSL2 7m from the main road at the side boundary of a field at the closest accessible point to a nearby single storey residential dwelling house within the proposed site boundary.

306460E, 270809N

NSL3 Adjacent to northern site boundary, a single storey residential dwelling house and the Paul Kavanagh Vehicle Test Centre.

306572E, 270917N

NSL4 Approx. 500m west of closest point of the site boundary. 2m from the edge of the road at a gate 70m from a nearby double storey residential dwelling house.

307447E, 271021N

NSL5 Location on the edge of a main road between two double storey residential dwellings approx. 700m southeast of closest point of site boundary.

307591E, 270534N

NSL6

To rear of residential property to the southwest approx. 200m from site boundary

Note: Noise monitoring was not undertaken at this location as access was not available. However this location is included in the assessment of operational noise impacts.

306522E, 270381N


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Figure 4.1: Site Boundary and Surrounding Receptors (Annotated by PM Group)


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Figure 4.2: Area of Site in SSE Ownership & Nearest Noise Sensitive Locations in the Vicinity (Annotated by PM Group)


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Noise Monitoring Equipment

The following noise measurement equipment was used to conduct the noise monitoring:

- Brüel and Kjaer 2250 Light Sound Level Meter (Serial No. 3008813) c/w Bruel and Kjaer type 4950 (Serial No. 3016935) Microphone c/w Windshield.

- Last calibrated by the University of Salford Acoustics Calibration Laboratory on 20/11/2017 in accordance with its test procedure CTP12 and to IEC 61672-3:2006 (recalibration is required every 2 years).

- Brüel and Kjaer Type 4231 Calibrator (Serial No. 2229913).

- Last calibrated by the University of Salford Acoustics Calibration Laboratory on 14/11/2017 in accordance with its test procedure CTP06 (recalibration is recommended every year).

- Tripod.

The Sound Level Meter was calibrated before each survey and checked for drift after each survey using the calibrator.

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions for the baseline noise surveys were as follows:

- Daytime [24/07/2018 (08:17 – 13: 21)]

Dry conditions were observed for the entire monitoring period. It was cloudy and cool, with some spells of sun. Wind strengths fluctuated during the monitoring period but remained below 5m/s at all times.

- Evening Time [25/04/2018 (21:56 – 22:20)]

Dry conditions were observed for the entire monitoring period. It was cold, with clear skies. There was no wind for the entire survey.

- Night-time [25/04/2018-26/04/2018 (23:01 - 01:42)]

Dry conditions were observed for the entire monitoring period. It was cold with clear skies. There was little to no wind for the entire survey.

4.2.2 Measurement Parameters and Terminology

Sound pressure is measured in terms of decibels (dB). The various measurement parameters and noise terminology are defined below:

- Decibel (dB)

Decibel (dB) is the standard unit for expressing the noise level (sound pressure level). It is calculated as a logarithm of the intensity of sound. It is derived from the logarithm of the ratio between the value of a quantity and a reference quantity. For sound pressure level the

reference quantity is 20Pa which is the threshold of normal hearing and equates to 0dB. At the upper end of the scale 140dB is the threshold of pain.

- Weighted Decibel (dB(A))

Decibels measured on a sound level meter incorporating a frequency weighting (A-weighting) which differentiates between sounds of different frequency (pitch) in a similar way to the human ear. This takes account of the fact that the human ear has different sensitivities to sound at different frequencies.

- Leq (dB)

The equivalent continuous sound level – the sound pressure level of a steady sound having the same energy as a fluctuating sound over a specified measuring period. It can be considered similar to an average level. The LAeq value is the A-weighted Leq.


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- LA90 and LA10 Values (dB(A))

The LA90 and LA10 values represent the A-weighted sound pressure levels exceeded for a percentage of the instrument measuring time. The LA90 represents the sound pressure level exceeded for 90% of the monitoring period and is a good indicator of the background noise level excluding peak noise events. LA10 indicates the sound pressure level exceeded for 10% of the monitoring period and is a good parameter for expressing event noise such as passing traffic.

- LAMax (dB(A))

The maximum instantaneous value recorded over the monitoring period including A-weighting.

- LAr,T (dB(A))

The Rated Noise Level, equal to the LAeq during a specified time interval (T), plus specified adjustments for tonal character and/or impulsiveness of the sound.

- Tonal Noise

According to Section 5.1 of the EPA NG4 Guidance Note, a tone can be objectively identified where the time-averaged sound pressure level in the one-third octave band of interest exceeds the time-averaged sound pressure levels of both adjacent one-third octave bands by a constant level difference.

The appropriate level differences vary with frequency. They should be greater than or equal to the following values in both adjacent one-third octave bands:

- 15dB in low-frequency one-third octave bands (25Hz to 125Hz);

- 8dB in middle-frequency one-third octave bands (160Hz to 400Hz), and;

- 5dB in high-frequency one-third octave bands (500Hz to 10,000Hz).

- Impulsive Noise

A noise that is of short duration (typically less than one second), the sound pressure level of which is significantly higher than the background e.g. hammer blow to metal sheet.

4.2.3 Baseline Noise Monitoring Results

The LAeq, LAMax, LA10 and LA90 results for each NSL for the daytime, evening time and night-time periods are detailed in Tables 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 respectively. The audible noise sources during each measurement are also described in Tables 4.2-4.4.


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Table 4.2: Baseline Noise Monitoring Results – Daytime Monitoring

Noise Monitoring

Point Time Period LAeq dB

LAMax dB

LA10 dB LA90 dB Audible sounds during measurement period

NSL1

(1 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 10:44

Duration: 15 minutes 67 80 72 50

- Constant road traffic (dry road)

- Bird chirping

- Loud noise from passing motorbike during 3rd

time period

NSL1

(2 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 11:00


NSL1

(3 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 11:16


NSL2

(1 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 09:09


- Constant Road traffic (7m away, dry road)

- Tractor cultivating field in the distance

NSL2

(2 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 09:32


NSL2

(3 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 09:59


NSL3

(1 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 08:17


- Constant road traffic (dry road)

- Slight hum from Irish Cement

- Bird chirping NSL3

(2 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 08:33



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Noise Monitoring


LAMax dB


NSL3

(3 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 08:48


NSL4

(1 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 12:44


- Hum in distance from Irish Cement and Indaver

- Crows cawing

- Hum from a tractor in the distance

- Hum of distant traffic (not discernible as specifically related to a particular location or activity)

NSL4

(2 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 13:04


NSL4

(3 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 13:21


NSL5

(1 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 11:43


- Traffic from the wider road network

- Hum in distance from Irish Cement and Indaver

- Crows cawing

- Hum from a tractor in the distance

NSL5

(2 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 12:03


NSL5

(3 of 3)

Date: 24/07/2018

Start time: 12:21



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Table 4.3: Baseline Noise Monitoring Results – Evening Time Monitoring

Noise Monitoring


LAMax dB


NSL1

(1 of 1)

Date: 25/07/2018

Start time: 22:20

Duration: 15 minutes 62 78 67 36 - Constant road traffic

NSL2

(1 of 1)

Date: 25/07/2018

Start time: 21:59


- Constant road traffic

- Slight hum from Indaver plant

NSL3

(1 of 1)

Date: 25/07/2018

Start time: 21:41


- Constant road traffic

- Dog barking

- Slight hum from Indaver Plant

NSL4

(1 of 1)

Date: 25/07/2018

Start time: 20:56


- Noise from road from Duleek to M1

- Car noise from M1 traffic

- Slight hum from Irish Cement

- Pigeon sound

- Hum from a nearby yard

NSL5

(1 of 1)

Date: 25/07/2018

Start time: 21:16


- Main source of noise is a constant machinery hum from near-by farm shed, approx. 70m away

- Noise from cars passing on main Duleek to M1 road.


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Table 4.4: Baseline Noise Monitoring Results – Night-time Monitoring

Noise Monitoring


LAMax dB


NSL1

(1 of 2)

Date: 25/07/2018

Start time: 23:01


- Cars passing infrequently

NSL1

(2 of 2)

Date: 25/07/2018

Start time: 23:17


NSL2

(1 of 2)

Date: 25/07/2018

Start time: 23:38


- Intermittent traffic

- Hum from Indaver Plant NSL2

(2 of 2)

Date: 25/07/2018

Start time: 23:54


NSL3

(1 of 2)

Date: 26/07/2018

Start time: 00:12


- Inconsistent traffic

NSL3

(2 of 2)

Date: 26/07/2018

Start time: 00:28


NSL4

(1 of 2)

Date: 26/07/2018

Start time: 00:52


- Cars on distant road inconsistently

- Slight hum from Indaver plant NSL4

(2 of 2)

Date: 26/07/2018

Start time: 01:08



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Noise Monitoring


LAMax dB


NSL5

(1 of 2)

Date: 26/07/2018

Start time: 01:27


- Distant cars audible

NSL5

(2 of 2)

Date: 26/07/2018

Start time: 01:42



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4.2.4 Tonal Analysis

Tonal analysis was carried out on the results of all noise surveys. This involved the analysis of the unweighted spectrum of noise levels recorded at each monitoring location with respect to the frequencies (Hz) at which they occurred.

1/3 octave band tonal analysis was employed which involved the measurement of an averaged noise level to represent the frequencies within each third of an octave. These noise levels were then compared with the noise levels calculated for the adjacent 1/3 octave bands. If a noise level meets the criteria for tonal noise outlined in Section 4.2.2 with regard to the noise levels representing the adjacent bands then it is considered tonal, since it is significantly louder than noise levels at similar frequencies.

In summary, there were a number of tones identified during the baseline noise survey. These included the following:

- during the third daytime measurement at NSL1 at 66dB in the 315Hz 1/3 octave band. This may have been caused by passing motorbike.

- during the evening-time measurement at NSL5 at 52dB in the 800Hz 1/3 octave band. This may have been caused by farm machinery operating in near-by shed.

There were no tones identified in any of the other measurements during the survey.

4.2.5 Impulsive Noise

There was no impulsive noise observed during any of the monitoring periods during the daytime, evening time or night-time surveys.

4.2.6 Discussion on Existing Noise Environment

The results of the baseline noise surveys for each NSL for the daytime, evening time and night-time periods are detailed in Tables 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 respectively.

According to Section 4.4.2 of the EPA NG4 Guidance Note, a location can be defined as a ‘Quiet Area’ or an ‘Area of Low Background Noise’ if each of the following criteria is satisfied for that location:

- Average Daytime Background Noise Level ≤40dB LAF90, and;

- Average Evening Background Noise Level ≤35dB LAF90, and;

- Average Night-time Background Noise Level ≤30dB LAF90.

Location NSL1

The dominant noise source at NSL1 during the daytime survey was constant road traffic from the adjacent road. The average results for NSL1 were 67dB LAeq and 52dB LA90 for the daytime period.

The dominant noise source at NSL1 during the evening time survey was constant road traffic from the adjacent road. The results for NSL1 were 62dB LAeq and 36dB LA90 for the evening time period.

The dominant noise source at NSL1 during the night-time survey was road traffic passing on the adjacent road infrequently. The average results for NSL1 were 62dB LAeq and 36dB LA90 for the night-time period.

Based on the EPA NG4 Guidance Note, NSL1 is not classified as a ‘Quiet Area’ or an ‘Area of Low Background Noise’ as it does not satisfy the criteria outlined above.

Location NSL2

The dominant noise source at NSL2 during the daytime survey was traffic on the adjacent Road and farm machinery nearby. The average results for NSL2 were 66dB LAeq and 51dB LA90 for the daytime period.


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The dominant noise source at NSL2 during the evening time survey was traffic on the adjacent road and a slight hum from the nearby Indaver Plant. The results for NSL2 were 62dB LAeq and 48dB LA90 for the evening time period.

The dominant noise source at NSL2 during the night-time survey was traffic on the wider road network. The average results for NSL2 were 58dB LAeq and 35dB LA90 for the night-time period.


Location NSL3

The dominant noise source at NSL3 during the daytime survey was traffic on the adjacent road. There was a slight hum from the nearby Irish Cement plant and some birds chirping. The average results for NSL3 were 58dB LAeq and 51dB LA90 for the daytime period.

The dominant noise source at NSL3 during the evening time survey was constant traffic on the adjacent road. There was a slight hum from the nearby Indaver plant audible. The results for NSL3 were 53db LAeq and 45dB LA90 for the evening time period.

The dominant noise source at NSL3 during the night-time survey was traffic passing infrequently. The average results for NSL3 were 50dB LAeq and 34db LA90 for the night-time period.


Location NSL4

The dominant noise source at NSL4 during the daytime survey was a hum from the nearby Irish Cement and Indaver plants. The average results for NSL4 were 51dB LAeq and 42dB LA90 for the daytime period.

The dominant noise source at NSL4 during the evening time survey was traffic on the wider road network. The results for NSL4 were 47dB LAeq and 42dB LA90 for the evening time period.

The dominant noise source at NSL4 during the night-time survey was traffic on the wider road network passing inconsistently. The average results for NSL4 were 41dB LAeq and 36dB LA90 for the night-time period.


Location NSL5

The dominant noise source at NSL5 during the daytime survey was traffic on the wider road network, and a hum from Irish Cement and Indaver. The average results for NSL5 were of 50dB LAeq and 43dB LA90 for the daytime period.

The dominant noise source at NSL5 during the evening time survey from a near-by farmer's shed and also traffic passing on the main Duleek to M1 road. The results for NSL5 were 54dB LAeq and 51dB LA90 for the evening time period.

The dominant noise source at NSL5 during the night-time survey was distant traffic on the wider road network. The average results for NSL5 were 36dB LAeq and 33dB LA90 for the night-time period.



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5 Potential Impacts


The construction phase of the proposed development is anticipated to last approximately 18 months starting in the first half of 2019 (pending planning permission).

The principal sources of noise during the construction phase will include:

- Ground preparation phase – excavators, dump trucks and dozers for ground excavation, spreading, fill and levelling.

- Structural phase – installation of foundations and erection of new buildings involving the use of equipment such as compressors, generators, pneumatic tools, hand-held power tools, mobile/fixed cranes, etc.

- Vehicular movements to and from the site which will make use of existing roads.

Due to the nature of the activities undertaken on a large construction site, there is potential for temporary or sporadic generation of significant levels of noise. Table 5.1 contains sound pressure levels measures at 10m for typical construction equipment as detailed in ‘BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014: Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites – Part 1: Noise’.

Table 5.1: Typical Noise Levels Generated by Construction Phase Equipment

Phase Item of Plant (BS 5228 Ref) LAeq @ 10m (dB(A))

Site Preparation & Excavation

Hydraulic Hammer Rig (C.3/1) 89

Wheeled Loader (C.2/27) 80

Tracked Excavator (C.2/29) 79

Dozer (C.2/10) 80

Backhoe mounted hydraulic breaker (C.5/1) 88

Hand-held pneumatic breaker (C.5/6) 95

Hydraulic Hammer Rig (C.3/1) 89

Rotary Bored Piling Rig (C.3/14) 83

General Site Activities

Articulated Dump Truck (C.4/1) 81

Large Lorry Concrete Mixer (C.4/21) 77

Mobile Telescopic Crane (C.4/45) 82

Tower Crane (C.4/48) 76

Cutting Concrete Floor Slab with Consaw (C.4/70) 91

Gas Cutter cutting steel (C.1/18) 79

Angle Grinder grinding steel (C.4/93) 80

Diesel Generator (C.4/76) 61

Water Pump (diesel)(C.4/88) 68

Road Construction Works Road Roller (C.5/19) 80

Asphalt Paver (+Tipper Lorry) (C.5/30) 75

The construction phase of the development will have a moderate negative impact on existing ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the development site. However any impact will be short-term in nature due to the limited duration (ca. 18 months) of the construction phase.


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Cumulative Impacts

There will be a potential for adverse cumulative impacts during the overlap of the construction phases of the permitted Irish Cement development (ABP Case Ref. PL17 .PA0050) and the proposed development; however this will be temporary in duration (approximately 18 months). Given the short-term nature of these impacts and with reference to the definitions of significance in Table 2.3 these impacts are considered to be potential significant but short-term. However these will be mitigated to a moderate level by implementation of good construction site practices (see Section 6.1).


There will be a number of noise generating equipment items and activities associated with the operation of the development. An assessment was carried out modelling the operational sound pressure levels at the nearest noise sensitive locations where the baseline noise survey was carried out – see Figure 4.1.

Prediction Calculation

The sound levels associated with proposed stationary external sources at the site were predicted according to the International Standard ISO 9313-2: 1996 Acoustics -Attenuation of sound outdoors- Part 2: General Method of Calculation (ISO, 1996) using Brüel & Kjær Predictor software (Version 12.00).

Each of the major potential noise sources associated with the proposed development were identified with the site designers and the sound power data representative of the expected level of each source was attained.

Noise data for each of these sources is presented in Table 5.2 and their locations are illustrated in Figure 5.1.

Table 5.2: A-weighted Sound Power Levels for Noise Sources included in Noise Model

Noise Source

Height of Noise Sources

(m)

Octave Band Frequencies (Hz) and Sound Power Levels (dB(A)) per Band

63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K LwA

Transformers x 2

3 77.1 88.5 82.9 76.2 66.1 53.8 40.3 25.7 90.0

Generating Units x 4

Various 66.7 77.8 84.4 99.0 97.0 101.1 97.0 85.9 105.0

The input data to the model for each noise source also included:

- The source positions – this is the proposed location on the site of each principal equipment item/noise source.

- The source elevation (metres) – the height at which noise is emitted. In relation to the generating units the top of the unit is at a height of approx. 3.3m. However the stacks extend to a height of 15m. Therefore the source height for each unit was modelled at the height of the 3.3m, 9.15m (half way between 3.3m and 15m) and 15m. The worst case result at each receptor is reported in results table, Table 5.3.

- Directivity – emission direction, all point sources emanate in a 360° direction. All sources were modelled as point sources based on their distance to the nearest NSLs (>200m). (At distances of greater than b/π, where b is the largest dimension of the source, the source acts as a point source

5. The largest dimension of each generating unit is approx. 35m (length) therefore b/π is

11m)

5 Institute of Acoustics Diploma in Acoustic & Noise Control (2014) course documentation


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- Source Noise Emissions – The A-weighted sound power levels for each source between frequencies 63Hz and 8kHz.

- Working Hours – The model allows the user to define daytime, evening time and night-time periods, so that noise levels can be predicted for each period. For the purposes of this assessment, in order to predict the maximum possible noise levels, all of the noise sources were assumed to run continuously during the day, evening and night-time. As the plant will not be operated continuously and will only be operated when there is a requirement for additional electricity in the grid, assuming a continuous operation is a very conservative approach.

- The Receptor Positions – Receptors NSL1-6 are the nearest NSLs as described in Table 4.1 and illustrated in Figure 4.1.

- Receptor Elevation – The receptor elevation was modelled at two heights;

- 1.5m (typical for a single storey house)

- 4.0m (worst case scenario, i.e. average height of a two-story house bedroom window)

- Ground Conditions – Most of the ground at the site was assumed to be hard and reflecting. Ground outside the site boundary is mostly grassland and absorbent.

Figure 5.1: Proposed Noise Source Locations

Brüel & Kjaer Predictor Type 7810 software package (Version 12.00) was used to model the sound pressure levels being emitted to the surrounding environment from the proposed development. Predictor Type 7810 is a proprietary noise calculation package for computing noise levels in the


IE0312377-22-RP-0003, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


vicinity of industrial sites. Calculations are based on the International Standard ISO 9613-2: 1996 ‘Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound Outdoors – Part 2: General Method of Calculation’.

Prediction Calculation Results

The maximum predicted contribution from the operational phase of the proposed development at the NSLs under consideration in this assessment is presented in Table 5.3.

Contour plots of the updated contribution are provided in Figure 5.2 and Figure 5.3 for contour calculation heights of 1.5m and 4m respectively.

All results are rounded to the nearest 1dB.

Table 5.3: Maximum Predicted Contribution from Proposed Development at the NSLs (Day, Evening and Night-time Operation)

Noise Sensitive Location (NSL)

Maximum Predicted Contribution at NSL

(dB(A))

Updated Assessment

NSL1 (at 1.5m) 39

NSL1 (at 4m) 41

NSL2 (at 1.5m) 45

NSL3 (at 1.5m) 45

NSL4 (at 1.5m) 37

NSL4 (at 4m) 39

NSL5 (at 1.5m) 35

NSL5 (at 4m) 37

NSL6 (at 1.5m) 43

NSL6 (at 4m) 45


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Figure 5.2: Predicted Noise Contour Plot for the Proposed Noise Sources at a Receptor Height of 1.5m (Generator sources at 9.15m)


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Figure 5.3: Predicted Noise Contour Plot for the Proposed Noise Sources at a Receptor Height of 4m (Generator sources at 9.15m)


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Cumulative Impacts

As described in Section 2.1.3, there are no new major noise sources associated with the development by Irish Cement and there are no other developments planned for the area.

All existing noise sources in in the vicinity have been captured in the results of the baseline noise survey. The cumulative effect of existing ambient noise and predicted noise due to the proposed development have been calculated by adding the model predicted noise contribution to existing average ambient noise levels at the receiver points (NSLs). The results of this assessment are provided in Tables 5.4-5.6 for the daytime, evening time and night-time periods.

Table 5.4: Predicted Daytime Noise Levels at the NSLs


Existing Daytime Noise

Levels, LAeq (dB(A))

Maximum Predicted

Contribution at NSLs (dB(A))

Cumulative Noise Levels

(dB(A))

Difference (dB(A))

NSL1 (at 1.5m) 67 39 67 0

NSL1 (at 4m) 67 41 67 0

NSL2 (at 1.5m) 66 45 66 0

NSL3 (at 1.5m) 58 45 58 0

NSL4 (at 1.5m) 51 37 51 0

NSL4 (at 4m) 51 39 51 0

NSL5 (at 1.5m) 50 35 50 0

NSL5 (at 4m) 50 37 50 0

NSL6 (at 1.5m) 671

43 67 0

NSL6 (at 4m) 671

45 67 0

Note 1: NSL6 was not accessible for monitoring therefore the noise data for the next nearest NSL, i.e. NSL1, is used as an estimate of existing noise levels at this location.

Table 5.5: Predicted Evening Noise Levels at the NSLs




Maximum Predicted



(dB(A))

Difference (dB(A))

NSL1 (at 1.5m) 62 39 62 0

NSL1 (at 4m) 62 41 62 0

NSL2 (at 1.5m) 62 45 62 0

NSL3 (at 1.5m) 53 45 54 +1

NSL4 (at 1.5m) 47 37 47 0

NSL4 (at 4m) 47 39 48 +1

NSL5 (at 1.5m) 54 35 54 0

NSL5 (at 4m) 54 37 54 0

NSL6 (at 1.5m) 621

43 62 0

NSL6 (at 4m) 621

45 62 0



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Table 5.6: Predicted Night-time Noise Levels at the NSLs




Maximum Predicted



(dB(A))

Difference (dB(A))

NSL1 (at 1.5m) 62 39 62 0

NSL1 (at 4m) 62 41 62 0

NSL2 (at 1.5m) 58 45 58 0

NSL3 (at 1.5m) 50 45 51 +1

NSL4 (at 1.5m) 41 37 42 +1

NSL4 (at 4m) 41 39 43 +2

NSL5 (at 1.5m) 36 35 39 +3

NSL5 (at 4m) 36 37 40 +4

NSL6 (at 1.5m) 621

43 62 0

NSL6 (at 4m) 621

45 62 0


Daytime

As can be seen from Table 5.4 the proposed development is not predicted to cause an increase in noise levels at any NSL when operational during the day time period. It is noted that nearly all operational periods will occur during daytime hours (07.00-19.00) as peak demand periods generally occur within daytime hours.

A small amount of additional noise will be generated on site periodically during the day as a result of site activity, delivery vehicles etc. However as can be seen from Table 5.4 the existing daytime noise levels at the nearest NSLs are far in excess of the predicted contribution from the fixed plant (at least 12dB(A)). Therefore any small increase in noise levels from general site activity will not be perceptible. No out of hours activities (e.g. tanker deliveries, heavy maintenance) with a potential noise impact will be undertaken at the facility.

Evening Time

Slight increases in noise levels are predicted at NSLs 3 &4 in the evening period (19.00-23.00), however with reference to Table 2.1 it is considered that these increases will be barely perceptible and represent a negligible change.

Night-time

Slight increases in noise levels are also predicted at NSLs 3 &4 in the night-time period (23.00-07.00), however with reference to Table 2.1 it is considered that these increases will be barely perceptible and represent a negligible change.

With reference to Table 2.1 minor increases in noise levels are predicted at NSL 5 in the night-time period (23.00-07.00). However it is also noted that the cumulative noise level at this location would remain well below 45dB(A) which is considered to be an acceptable night-time noise level.

It is further noted that there is a very low possibility of the facility operating at night (i.e. between the hours of 23.00 and 07.00) as these hours are outside peak electricity demand periods.

Tonal Noise

The model does not predict whether or not tonal noise from facility equipment will be discernible at nearest NSLs. Monitoring at the NSLs will be undertaken during the operational phase (in accordance with the conditions of the facility’s Industrial Emissions Licence from the Environmental


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Protection Agency – see Section 6.2) and compared to the baseline data provided in Section 4.2.3 to determine any changes/increases in tonal noise. Where tonal noise attributable to the on-site equipment is identified, this will be addressed using additional attenuation measures, as required.

However it is noted that based on review of relevant operational noise monitoring reports there is no evidence of tonal noise associated with the same generating equipment currently in use at other SSE Generation Ireland Ltd. facilities. Therefore no tonal noise is anticipated during the operational phase of the proposed development.

Worst Case Scenario

It is also noted that the results presented above represent the worse-case operating scenario – i.e. all 4 no. generating units operating at full load simultaneously. It is considered that 2-3 no. units running would be the most likely peak demand operating conditions.


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6 Mitigation Measures


As outlined in Section 5.1, the construction phase of the proposed development will have the potential to cause a temporary increase in noise levels in the immediate vicinity of the development site. However, as part of the construction contract the principal contractor will be obliged to minimise so far as is reasonably practicable the potential noise impact of the construction activity. Throughout the entire construction phase reference will be made to BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014: Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites – Part 1: Noise, which offers detailed guidance on the control of noise from construction activities. In particular, it is proposed that the following practices be adopted during the construction phase:

- Control of Working Hours – These will be limited to daytime hours. Official site hours will be maintained with exception only where necessary. If there is any occasion when work must be carried on outside official hours, all neighbouring premises which are likely to be affected by noise from the proposed works will be informed in advance of such work.

- Limiting the hours during which site activities that are likely to create high levels of noise or vibration are permitted. Also these activities will be carried out at an appropriate part of the site where possible to minimise potential nuisance to sensitive receptors.

- Establishing channels of communication between the Contractor / Developer, Local Authority, and residents.

- Appointing a site representative responsible for matters relating to noise.

- Monitoring typical levels of noise during critical periods and at sensitive locations.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that a variety of practical noise control measures will be employed. These include:

- Selection of plant with low inherent potential for generation of noise and/or vibration;

- All construction equipment used will be required to comply with the relevant regulations on plant and equipment noise, namely the European Communities (Construction Plant and Equipment) (Permissible Noise Levels) Regulations, 1988 (SI No. 320 of 1988) as amended (SI No. 359 of 1996) and the European Communities (Noise Emission by Equipment of Use Outdoors) Regulations, 2001 (SI No. 632 of 2001), as amended (SI No. 241 of 2006);

- All plant and equipment will undergo regular maintenance in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, be switched off if not in use, and be appropriately fitted with silencers or contained in acoustic enclosures as necessary;

- Erection of barriers as necessary around noisy processes and items such as generators, heavy mechanical plant or high duty compressors;

- Keeping all site access roads even so as to mitigate the potential for vibration from lorries.


An Industrial Emissions Licence application will be submitted to the EPA following the granting of planning permission. This licence will be granted prior to operation of the OGCT plant. The site will then be governed by the conditions set out in this licence which will include noise emission limits and noise monitoring requirements.

Other mitigation measures will include:

- Design, procurement and installation of new equipment to relevant industry standards (IS, EN etc.);

- Specification of maximum noise limit criteria for new equipment in procurement contracts, including the absence of tonal/impulsive components in external equipment;


IE0312377-22-RP-0003, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


- Inspection and maintenance of equipment as part of preventive maintenance programme to ensure continued normal operation and minimise any noise issues occurring;

- Restricting any specific noisy activities which could impact on ambient noise levels (e.g. heavy goods deliveries, heavy maintenance) to daytime hours only;

- Periodic noise monitoring in accordance with the site’s Industrial Emissions Licence, when granted.


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7 Residual Impacts

With the employment of the mitigation measures as detailed above for operational phase, and given the temporary nature and mitigation measures detailed for the construction phase, it is not expected that the proposed development will have any significant adverse residual impact on the local environment during the construction or operational phases.


IE0312377-22-RP-0007, Issue A 05 Feb 2019


Attachment 2 Air Dispersion Modelling Report IE0312377-22-RP-0002, Issue A




162.TP.09, Issue 7, 31/03/2014 Formal Issue

Document Sign Off



File No:IE0312377.22.160

CURRENT ISSUE

Issue No: A Date: 03/12/2018 Reason for issue: Planning Application


Print Name Frank Buckley PAUL.OSULLIVAN ORLA.DUGGAN


Date 03/12/2018 03/12/2018 03/12/2018

PREVIOUS ISSUES

Issue No



IE0312377-22-RP-0002, Issue A 03 Dec 2018


Contents

1 Executive Summary 4

2 Introduction 5

3 Receiving Environment and Sensitive Receptors 6

3.1 Ambient Air Quality Standards 8

4 Air Dispersion Modelling 10

4.1 Dispersion Model 10

4.2 Meteorological Data 10

4.3 Building Downwash 12

4.4 Model Receptor Points 13

4.5 Terrain Data 13

4.6 Stack Discharge Parameters and Emissions Data 14

4.7 Cumulative Assessment and Off-site Stack Emissions Data 15

4.8 Sensitivity Analysis and Modelling Scenarios 15

5 Modelling Results 16

5.1 Predicted Environmental Concentrations 16

6 Discussion and Conclusions 21

Appendix A 22

Dispersion Modelling Contour 22

Appendix B 31

EPA Zone C - Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Results 31

Appendix C 34

Cumulative Assessment Emissions Data 34

Appendix D 39

Sensitivity Analysis Modelling Results 39


IE0312377-22-RP-0002, Issue A 03 Dec 2018


1 Executive Summary

The SSE Generator Plant Project proposes to install four diesel fuelled open cycle gas turbine units at a site in Caulstown and Carranstown, Duleek, Platin, Co. Meath.

The purpose of this air dispersion modelling report was to assess whether the emissions to air from the proposed development would cause a contravention of applicable European and Irish Air Quality Standards (AQSs).

The assessment was carried out using BREEZE air dispersion modelling software (version 8.1.0.15), which implements US EPA AERMOD software version 18081. The air dispersion modelling input data consists of meteorological data, detailed information on the physical environment (including building dimensions and terrain features) and design details from all emission points on-site. Using this input data, the model predicts ambient ground level concentrations beyond the site boundary for each hour of the modelled meteorological years. The model post-processes the data to identify the location and concentration of the worst-case ground level concentrations. The modelling and reporting methodology carried out based on the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Dispersion Modelling from Industrial Installations Guidance Note (AG4)(2010).

In total eight emission points from the site were included in the model as each turbine unit consists of two power turbines with each turbine having its own emission stack. The turbine units will operate a maximum of 1500 hours annual with the highest demand occurring during the winter months. In addition, relevant emission stacks from the nearby Industrial Emission (IE) licensed facilities, namely Indaver Ireland Ltd and Irish Cement Ltd., were included in the air dispersion model to allow for a cumulative assessment of emissions.

The maximum predicted ground level concentrations (GLCs) of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulates from the model were compared against the relevant European and Irish AQS limit values to assess the impact of atmospheric emissions from the facility on ambient air quality.

Results from the modelling assessment show that atmospheric emissions due to the proposed development do not result in ground level concentrations of NO2, SO2, CO and particulates exceeding the relevant AQSs for the protection of human health and the environment.

It is therefore concluded that atmospheric emissions from the proposed development will have no significant impact on ambient air quality.


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2 Introduction

Air dispersion modelling has been carried out to assess the potential environmental impact of atmospheric emissions from the proposed SSE Peaker Plant Generator Project to be located in Caulstown and Carranstown, Duleek, Platin, Co. Meath.

It is proposed to install four diesel fuelled Pratt & Whitney FT8 Swiftpacs open cycle gas turbine (OCGT) units. Each unit comprises, two power turbines driving a common generator and having a total rated electrical output of 52 MWe. Each unit has two exhaust stacks (15m in height), one for each power turbine.

The site location, a green-field site, is approximately 4.5 km south-west of Drogheda town centre (Figure 2-1).

The purpose of the modelling was to ensure that atmospheric emissions from the proposed facility do not cause a contravention of applicable European and Irish Air Quality Standards (AQSs). The modelling assessment was carried out using BREEZE air dispersion modelling software (version 8.1.0.15), which implements US EPA AERMOD software version 18081.

All emissions data for the proposed facility has been provided by the SSE design team. Building and tank dimensions were taken from project drawings together with an electronic site plan imported into AERMOD.

The OCGT Peaker Plant turbines will operate a maximum of 1500 hours per year with the highest demand occurring during the winter months. Sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the worst case modelling scenarios.

Figure 2-1: Site Location (Map Source: EPA GIS Map, Basemap: © OpenStreetMap)

The maximum predicted ground level concentrations (GLCs) of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulates (PM10/2.5) were compared against the relevant AQS limit values to assess the impact of atmospheric emissions from the facility on ambient air quality and human health and the environment.


IE0312377-22-RP-0002, Issue A 03 Dec 2018


The purpose of the modelling was to ensure that atmospheric emissions from the proposed facility do not exceed the applicable European and Irish AQSs.

3 Receiving Environment and Sensitive Receptors

The proposed development is located in a rural setting approximately 4.5 km south-west of the Drogheda town centre. There are two Industrial Emission (IE) licenced facilities within close proximity (Figure 3-1). Indaver Ireland Ltd’s (IE Licence No. W0167-03) boundary is located approximately 50m north-west of the site and the boundary for Irish Cement Ltd. (IE Licence No. P0030-05) is approximately 200m north.

The nearest sensitive receptors regarding air emission from the site are illustrated in Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1: Sensitive receptors surrounding proposed development (Basemap: Google

Earth)

Special areas of conservation (SAC), special protection areas (SPA) and proposed natural heritage areas (pNHA) within a 15km radius of the proposed development are listed overleaf in Table 3-1. The SACs and SPAs are shown in Figure 3-2.


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Table 3-1: SACs and SPAs within 15km and nearest pNHAs surrounding the site

Site Site Code

Nearest Distance from site boundary

Nearest Co-ordinate point to site boundary (Irish National Grid)

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) (within 15km)

River Boyne and River BlackWater SAC 002299 3.5 km NW (304113.99E, 273411.83N)

Boyne Coast and Estuary SAC 001957 7 km NE (310425.15E, 275506.42N)

Special Protection Area (SPA) (within 15km)

River Boyne and River BlackWater SPA 004232 3.7 km NW (303708.62E, 273358.42N)

Boyne Estuary SPA 004080 6 km NE (310753.40E, 275381.84N)

River Nanny and Shore SPA 004158 7.7 km E (314637.14E, 270752.67N)

Proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) (nearest surrounding site)

Duleek Commons 001578 2.3 km WSW (304590.18E, 269599.07N)

Rossnaree Riverbank 001589 6.6 km NW (300054.41E, 271789.47N)

Dowth Wetland 001861 4 km NNW (303830.16E, 273805.3N)

Boyne River Islands 001862 4.5 km N (305872.6E, 275444.81N)

Boyne Coast and Estuary 001957 7km NE (311908.74E, 275735.3N)

Laytown Dunes/Nanny Estuary 000554 6.6km E (313491.93E, 270522.42N)

Cromwell’s Bush Fen 001576 6.4 km SSE (309932.09E, 264999.42N)


IE0312377-22-RP-0002, Issue A 03 Dec 2018


Figure 3-2: SACs and SPAs within 15km of the proposed development (Map Source: EPA

GIS Map)

3.1 Ambient Air Quality Standards

Air Quality Standards (AQSs) for the protection of human health and the environment have been developed at European level and implemented into Irish legislation for a number of atmospheric pollutants. AQSs set limit values for Ground Level Concentrations (GLCs) of certain pollutants for both the short term (hourly, daily) and long term (annual averages). Limit values are often expressed as percentiles e.g. 98 percentile of mean hourly values which means that only 2% of the results obtained during the monitoring period can exceed the stated limit value.

The following ambient air quality legislation is currently implemented in Ireland:

- Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Nickel and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Ambient Air Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 58/2009) which implement EU Directive 2004/107/EC. These regulations set target values in ambient air to be attained, from 31 December 2012, for concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, nickel and benzo(a)pyrene (a measurable indicator of the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and also specify monitoring requirements for mercury and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

- Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 180/2011) which implement EU Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. This Directive merges most of the existing directives (Directives 96/62/EC, 1999/30/EC, 2000/69/EC and 2002/3/EC) into a single directive. The regulations set ambient air quality limit values for sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), benzene, lead and particulate matter (PM10/ PM2.5)

Emissions to the atmosphere from the proposed facility include some of the pollutants addressed in the above air quality legislation. Therefore the relevant air quality standards for this air quality assessment are detailed in Table 3-2 overleaf.


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Table 3-2 : Relevant Air Quality Standard (AQS) Limit Values

Pollutant AQS (µg/m3) Source of AQS Value

Oxides of Nitrogen (NO2 / NOx)

NO2 99.8 Percentile Hourly 200 EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

NO2 Annual 40 EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

NOx Annual (Protection of Vegetation)

30 EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

SO2 99.7 Percentile Hourly 350 EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

SO2 99.2 Percentile Daily 125 EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

SO2 Annual & Winter (1st October

– 31st Mar) (Protection of

Vegetation) 20

EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

CO 8-hour 10,000 EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

Particulate Matter less than 10 µm (PM10)

PM10 90.4 Percentile Daily 50 EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

PM10 Annual 40 EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5)

PM2.5 Annual (up to end of 2019) 25 EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

PM2.5 Annual (from Jan 2020 onwards)

20** EU Directive 2008/50/EC / S.I. 180 of 2011

** Indicative limit value was to be reviewed by the Commission in 2013


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4 Air Dispersion Modelling

4.1 Dispersion Model

The air dispersion modelling input data consists of meteorological data, detailed information on the physical environment (including building dimensions and terrain features) and design details from all emission points on-site. Using this input data, the model predicts ground level concentrations of pollutants beyond the site boundary for each hour of the modelled meteorological years. The model post-processes the data to identify the location and concentration of the worst-case ground level concentrations.

Emissions from the proposed site have been modelled using AERMOD software (Version 18081), which has been developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The model is a steady-state Gaussian plume model used to assess pollutant concentrations associated with industrial sources. The model has been designated the regulatory model by the USEPA for modelling emissions from industrial sources in both flat and complex terrain. The modelling and reporting methodology was carried out based on the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) document ‘Dispersion Modelling from Industrial Installations Guidance Note (AG4) (2010)’.

4.2 Meteorological Data

The meteorological data required by the dispersion model is wind speed, wind direction, Pasquill-Gifford stability category, boundary layer height and ambient temperature. The stability category and boundary layer height are used to characterise the turbulence within, and the height of the lower levels of the atmosphere.

Extremely unstable conditions can cause plume looping and elevated concentrations close to the stack. Under stable conditions elevated concentrations can occur due to the emissions being trapped below the boundary layer. Neutral conditions, characterised by cloudy skies and strong winds, are most favourable for dispersion due to the mechanical mixing of the lower atmosphere. The wind direction determines the direction in which the plume is blown, and for a particular stability, higher wind speeds will result in reduced plume rise so causing the plume to reach ground level closer to the stack with elevated emission concentrations. The boundary layer height determines the total vertical distance over which the plume may spread.

The model has been run for each pollutant using five years of meteorological data (2013-2017) from Dublin Airport Meteorological Station. This is considered representative and appropriate data for use in the model and also satisfies the requirement of the Irish EPA AG4 Guidance Note. The meteorological windrose for the years 2013 to 2017 is presented in Figure 4-1. The percentage of calm hours and missing hours for each year’s meteorological data is listed in Table 4-1. The typical range for the percentage of missing data for a particular meteorological parameter is 0.1% to 5%. The percentage of missing meteorological data used from Dublin Airport is within this typical range.

Table 4-1: Dublin Airport Meteorological Data 2013 to 2017 - Percentage of calm hours and missing data

Year % Calm hours % Missing Data

2013 0.7 4.0

2014 0.9 3.4

2015 0.5 3.9

2016 0.9 3.9

2017 0.4 4.4


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Figure 4-1: Meteorological Windrose for Dublin Airport Station 2013 to 2017


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4.3 Building Downwash

Air streams blowing across buildings can become disrupted, with turbulent eddies occurring downwind in the building wake. If an emission point is sufficiently close to a building, then the plume may become entrained in the turbulent eddies of the building wake.

This entrainment can cause plume downwash resulting in elevated emission concentrations close to the emission point. The stacks modelled are subject to downwash and, as a result, direction specific building dimensions were calculated.

The AERMOD model interprets the influence zone of each building for a given wind direction using the Building Profile Input Program (BPIP). The dimensions of the buildings and tanks included in the modelling analysis are outlined in Table 4-2.

Table 4-2: Buildings and tanks included in the model to account for Building Downwash

Structure Description

Dimensions (X, Y) (m)

Structure Height

(m)

Site Office/ Services Building 18.5 m × 45 m 6

Deionisation (Water Treatment) Building 11 m by 25 m 6

Electrical Switchgear (MV) Building 11 m by 52 m 6

OCGT Peaker – Turbine enclosure × 4 32.6 m by 52 m 3.5

OCGT Peaker - Air Intakes structure × 8 3.2 m by 3.5 m 10.5

OCGT Peaker - Control enclosure × 4 16.2 m by 3.4 m 3.5

Fuel Tanks 1 & 2 Diameter = 20 m 16

Water Tank 1 Diameter = 15 m 10

Water Tank 2 Diameter = 21 m 16

Figure 4-2: Image showing buildings and tanks included in model (also shown in turquoise are the emission stacks)


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4.4 Model Receptor Points

The model was set up to examine the impact of emissions on the area surrounding the facility using a series of receptors. A receptor is a location at which the model will calculate maximum process contributions (PCs). A Cartesian co-ordinate receptor grid system was established centred on the area of the emission stacks. Grid convergence was performed to determine the optimum configuration, which was a nested grid consisting of:

- Coarse grid: Area of 20 km by 20 km with 500 m grid spacing

- Fine grid: Area of 4 km by 4 km with 100 m grid spacing

Receptors points were also established around the site boundary (spaced every 100m) and at the sensitive receptors, discussed in Section 3 (NOTE: The ownership boundary was used in the model as opposed to the planning application boundary). Figure 4-3 shows a screenshot of the build model and receptor grids.

Figure 4-3: Built Model including Receptor Grids

4.5 Terrain Data

A terrain height for each of the receptors on the grid was input to the model in order to accurately represent the changing elevations of the surrounding landscape. Digitised terrain data was incorporated into the model using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) file and the AERMAP function of the AERMOD software. It is noted that the facility objects, i.e. the buildings and the stacks were set at the floor levels indicated on the planning drawings, i.e. the DEM file was only used to give the elevations of the off-site receptors.


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4.6 Stack Discharge Parameters and Emissions Data

The characteristics and emissions data for the eight turbine stacks are identical (Table 4-3). Figure 4-4 shows the locations of the stacks within the model.

Table 4-3: Turbine Stacks Discharge Parameters and Emissions Data

Item Value

Stack height 15 m

Stack dimensions 3.5 m × 2.9 m

Exit gas temperature @ 100% load 372 °C

Discharge volumetric flowrate @ 100% full load 314,500 Nm3/hr

Exit gas velocity @ 100% load 28.2 m/s

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) max. emission concentration 90 mg/Nm3

NOx max. emission rate 7.86 g/s

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) max. emission concentration 66 mg/Nm3

SO2 max. emission rate 5.77 g/s

Carbon monoxide (CO) max. emission concentration 100 mg/Nm3

CO max. emission rate 8.74 g/s

Particulates max. emission concentration 10 mg/Nm3

Particulates max. emission rate 0.87 g/s

Figure 4-4: Stack Locations (turquoise dots represent each emission point) (NOTE: The

ownership boundary was used in the model as opposed to the planning application boundary)


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4.7 Cumulative Assessment and Off-site Stack Emissions Data

As discussed in Section 3, there are two IE Licenced sites, namely Irish Cement Ltd and Indaver Ireland Ltd., near the proposed development. Both of these sites have the potential to emit more than 100 tonnes per annum of some (in the case of Indaver) or all (in the case of Irish Cement) of the pollutants being assessed as part of this air dispersion model. Hence the relevant stack emissions for both these sites were included as part of the air dispersion model. The stack discharge parameters and emissions data used are outlined in Appendix C.

4.8 Sensitivity Analysis and Modelling Scenarios

To determine the worst case modelling scenarios for the air dispersion modelling, sensitivity analysis was performed on the following:

- The operational load and associated varying discharge parameters

- The distribution of the maximum annual operational hours of 1,500 between Autumn, Winter and Spring

4.8.1 Operational Load

The emission flowrate, temperature and velocity vary depending upon the load. Table 4-4 details the varying emission discharge parameters with operational load.

Table 4-4: Discharge parameters for varying operational load

Item 100% Load 75% Load 60% Load 32% Load

Exit Gas Temperature (°C) 372 333 313 276

Volumetric Flow rate Nm3/hr 314,500 233,280 208,800 142,920

NOx conc. (mg/Nm3) 90.0 90.0 90.0 90.0

SOx conc. (mg/Nm3) 66.0 66.0 66.0 66.0

CO conc. (mg/Nm3) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Dust conc. (mg/Nm3) 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0

NOx emission rate (g/s) 7.863 5.832 5.220 3.573

SOx emission rate (g/s) 5.766 4.277 3.828 2.620

CO emission rate (g/s) 8.736 6.480 5.800 3.970

Dust emission rate g/s 0.874 0.648 0.580 0.397

Exit Gas Velocity m/s 28.2 24.3 22.1 18.3

4.8.2 Distribution of Operational Hours

The Peaker Plant turbines will operate a maximum of 1,500 hours per year with the highest demand during the winter months. As the distribution of these operational hours will vary depending upon demand the following three distributions of these maximum annual operational hours were assessed:

1. Winter: daily operational hours = 12 hr; Autumn: daily operational hours = 3 ; Spring: daily operational hours = 2



Where, Winter = (December, January, February) ; Autumn = (September, October, November); Spring = (March, April, May).


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5 Modelling Results

Table 5.2 outlines the results of the modelling exercise. Reported are the annual values and the relevant percentiles of hourly or daily values. Contour plots have also been produced for each scenario using the AERMOD 3D Analyst software tool and Google Earth Pro and are included in Appendix A.

5.1 Predicted Environmental Concentrations

Predicted Environmental Concentrations (PECs) (i.e. background concentrations plus modelled process contributions) were also calculated for each parameter and averaging time, for comparison to AQS limit values. This assessment ensures that both the modelled emission and the existing background concentrations are taken into account when determining the possible overall ambient air quality once the proposed facility is operational.

The site is located within Air Quality Zone D: Rural Ireland, however it is very close to Air Quality Zone C: Other Cities and Large Towns (Figure 5-1). Adopting a conservative approach, the monitoring results for Zone C will be used as they will give a higher background concentration than those for Zone D monitoring stations.

Figure 5-1: Air Quality Zones around the Proposed Development Site (Map Source: EPA GIS

Map

The EPA produces an annual report on air quality1, which details the results from monitoring

stations throughout the various Air Quality Zones within Ireland. Outlined in Appendix B is the Zone C monitoring stations results for the relevant study pollutants covering the five year period 2012-2016.

Table 5.1 summarises the upper average concentrations for these Zone C stations along with the resultant conservative estimates of background concentrations.

1 The latest issued EPA report is Air Quality in Ireland 2016 Key Indicators of Ambient Air Quality (2017)


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Table 5-1: Annual Mean Ambient Air Quality Data (Upper Average Zone C station readings during period 2012 to 2016)

Pollutant Parameter EPA Zone C Stations

Upper Average Concentration

Resultant Estimated Background Concentration

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Hourly - Annual Mean

12.4 µg/m3 12.5 µg/m

3

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Hourly - 99.8

th Percentile

81.4 µg/m3 81.5 µg/m

3

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Hourly – Annual Mean

3.3 µg/m3 3.5 µg/m

3

Carbon Monoxide (CO) 8-Hour – Annual Mean

0.6 mg/m3 0.6 mg/m

3

Particulate Matter (PM10) Daily – Annual Mean

19 µg/m3 20 µg/m

3

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Daily – Annual Mean

13 µg/m3 15 µg/m

3

In relation to annual mean values the background concentrations were added directly to the maximum annual predicted concentrations for human health. This is also the case for the daily PM10 values and the 8 hour CO. In relation to combining the short term (relevant to hourly NO2, SO2 and daily SO2 ) peak contributions with background concentrations, guidance from the Appendix E of the ‘EPA AG4 Guidance Note’ advises that the background concentration should be twice the annual mean value added to the short term process contribution.

These background concentrations have been combined with the predicted ground level concentrations (GLCs) in order to determine the PECs, as summarised in the dispersion modelling results table (Table 5.2).


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Table 5-2: Air Dispersion Modelling Results

Pollutant Averaging

Period

Predicted Max.

Process Contribution

(PC)

(μg/m3)

Predicted Max

Occurred at Location

(UTM Coords.)

Predicted Max

Occurred in Year

Background Conc.

1

(μg/m3)

PEC: Background + Process

Contribution (μg/m

3)

Air Quality Standards/

Limit Value

(μg/m3)

Predicted PC as

Percentage of Limit

PEC as Percentage

of Limit

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

99.8th

Percentile of 1 hr means 97.0

(672568.4E, 5950876.0N)

2014 25 122 200 49% 61%

Annual Mean

(Human Health Protection)

3.9 (673568.4E, 5952276.1N)

2017 12.5 16.4

40 10% 41%

Annual Mean

(Protection of Vegetation)

30 13% 55%

Sulphur Dioxide

(SO2)

99.7th

Percentile of 1 hr means

55.0 (673168.4E, 5951076N)

2015 7 62.0 350 16% 18%

99.2th

Percentile of Daily Means

31.7 (672633.3E, 5950831N)

2017 7 38.7 125 25% 31%

Annual Mean (Protection of Vegetation)

1.94 (673568.4E, 5952276.1N)

2015 3.5 5.4 20 10% 27%

Carbon Monoxide

(CO) 8 hr Mean 199.3

(671868.4E, 5952176.1N)

2013 600 799.3 10,000 2% 8%


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Pollutant Averaging

Period

Predicted Max.

Process Contribution

(PC)

(μg/m3)

Predicted Max

Occurred at Location

(UTM Coords.)

Predicted Max

Occurred in Year

Background Conc.

1

(μg/m3)

PEC: Background + Process

Contribution (μg/m

3)

Air Quality Standards/

Limit Value

(μg/m3)

Predicted PC as

Percentage of Limit

PEC as Percentage

of Limit


(PM10)

90.4th


3.3 (673168.4E, 5952076.1N)

2015 20 23.3 50 7% 47%

Annual Mean 1.1 (673168.4E, 5952076.1N

2015 20 21.1 40 3% 53%


(PM2.5)

Annual Mean 1.1 (673168.4E, 5952076.1N)

2015 15 16.1 20 6% 81%

NOTES

1. From EPA Guidance document AG4: the 99.8th percentile NO2 PEC is equal to 99.8

th percentile concentration plus twice the annual mean background NO2; the 99.7

th percentile of 1-hr

SO2 PEC is equal to 99.7th percentile concentration plus twice the annual mean background SO2; the 99.2

th percentile of daily SO2 PEC is equal to 99.2

th percentile concentration plus twice

the annual mean background SO2; the 90.4th percentile PM10 daily PEC is equal to 90.4th percentile concentration plus the annual mean background PM10


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The results in Table 5-2 are those for the worst case modelling scenarios, as determined from the sensitivity assessment, the results of which are outlined in Appendix D. The worst case scenarios identified for each pollutant parameter are outlined in Table 5-3.

Table 5-3: Pollutant Parameter and corresponding worst case scenario identified

Pollutant Averaging Period Worst Case Scenario Identified


99.8th


Year = 2014; Turbines operating at 60% full load;

Distribution of 1,500 hr = (Winter = 17 hours daily, Autumn = 0 hours daily, Spring = 0 hours daily)

Annual Mean

Year = 2017; Turbines operating at 100% load;

Distribution of 1,500 hr = Any configuration (results insensitive to distribution)


99.7th


Year = 2015; Turbines operating at 60% full load;


99.2th


Year = 2017; Turbines operating at 32% full load (min);


Annual Mean



Carbon Monoxide (CO)

8 hr Mean



Particulate Matter less than 10 µm (PM10)

90.4th




Annual Mean



Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5)

Annual Mean



The process contributions for each pollutant parameter indicated in Table 5-2 is the sum of contributions from both the proposed development and offsite emission stacks. The breakdown of these process contributions between on-site and off-site emissions is shown in Table 5-4.


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Table 5-4: Breakdown of Total Process Contribution between Proposed Development and Off-Site Emissions

Pollutant Averaging

Period

Predicted Max. Process

Contribution (PC)

(μg/m3)

Proposed Development PC as % of Total PC

Off-Site PC as % of Total PC


99.8th

Percentile of 1 hr means 97.0 100% 0%

Annual Mean

(Human Health Protection)

3.9 14% 86%

Annual Mean

(Protection of Vegetation)


99.7th


55.0 100% 0%

99.2th


31.7 100% 0%

Annual Mean (Protection of Vegetation)

1.94 30% 70%

Carbon Monoxide

(CO) 8 hr Mean 199.3 60% 40%


(PM10)

90.4th


3.3 7% 93%

Annual Mean 1.1 7% 93%


(PM2.5)

Annual Mean 1.1 7% 93%

6 Discussion and Conclusions

As can been seen from Table 5-2, the maximum predicted ground level concentrations (GLCs) of NO2, SO2, CO and particulates arising from the proposed development are well below the relevant Air Quality Standards (AQSs). Furthermore the PECs are also below the relevant AQSs.

It is therefore concluded that atmospheric emissions from the proposed facility will not have a significant impact on ambient air quality.


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Appendix A Dispersion Modelling Contour


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Figure 1: 99.8%ile of Hourly Mean Ground Level Concentrations for NO2 (2014 Met Year) (Base Image from Google Earth)


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Figure 2: Annual Mean Ground Level Concentrations for NO2 (2017 Met Year) (Base Image from Google Earth)


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Figure 3: 99.7%ile of Hourly Mean Ground Level Concentrations for SO2 (2015 Met Year) (Base Image from Google Earth)


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Figure 4: 99.2%ile of Daily Mean Ground Level Concentrations for SO2 (2017 Met Year) (Base Image from Google Earth)


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Figure 5: Annual Mean Ground Level Concentrations for SO2 (2015 Met Year) (Base Image from Google Earth)


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Figure 6: 8 hour Mean Ground Level Concentrations for CO (2013 Met Year) (Base Image from Google Earth)


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Figure 7: 90.4%ile of Daily Mean Ground Level Concentrations for PM10 (2015 Met Year) (Base Image from Google Earth)


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Figure 8: Annual Mean Ground Level Concentrations for PM10/ PM2.5 (2015 Met Year) (Base Image from Google Earth)


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Appendix B EPA Zone C - Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Results


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The following tables outline ambient air quality monitoring results for EPA Zone C Monitoring stations (Other Cities and Large Towns). The results were obtained from the EPA Air Quality in Ireland Reports available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/quality/.

Table B.1 – EPA Air Quality Zone C Monitoring Stations: NO2 Annual Mean concentrations (µg/m3) for

period 2012-2016

Year Kilkenny Mullingar Balbriggan Portlaoise

2012 4 7 9 -

2013 4 6 - -

2014 5 4 - 16

2015 5 - - 10

2016 6.6 - - 11.1

Average 4.9 5.7 9.0 12.4

Table B.2 – EPA Air Quality Zone C Monitoring Stations: NO2 Hourly 99.8th

percentile concentrations (µg/m

3) for period 2012-2016


2012 62 62 87 -

2013 90.1 68 - -

2014 57 53 - 74

2015 70 - - 84

2016 51.2 - - 86.1

Average 66.1 61 87 81.4

Table B.3 – EPA Air Quality Zone C Monitoring Stations: SO2 Annual Mean concentrations (µg/m3) for

period 2012-2016


2012 3 3 3 -

2013 3 3 - -

2014 4 2 - 5

2015 3 - - 1

2016 3.7 - - 1.3

Average 3.3 2.7 3 2.4

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/quality/


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Table B.4 – EPA Air Quality Zone C Monitoring Stations: CO 8-hour Annual Mean concentrations (mg/m3)

for period 2012-2016

Year Portlaoise Mullingar Balbriggan

2012 - 0.3 0.6

2013 - 0.3 -

2014 - 0.3 -

2015 0.4 - -

2016 0.4 - -

Average 0.4 0.3 0.6

Table B.5 – EPA Air Quality Zone C Monitoring Stations: PM10 Annual Mean concentrations (µg/m3) for

period 2012-2016

Year Portlaoise Mullingar Balbriggan Ennis Galway Bray

2012 - 16 17 19 16 17

2013 - 15 - 20 21 20

2014 12 11 - 21 15 17

2015 12 - - 18 15 -

2016 11.7 - - 17.2 15.3 -

Average 11.9 14 17 19 16.5 18

Table B.6 – EPA Air Quality Zone C Monitoring Stations: PM2.5 Annual Mean concentrations (µg/m3) for

period 2012-2016

Year Ennis Bray

2012 12 -

2013 12 -

2014 16 8

2015 12 7

2016 12 8

Average 13 7.5


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Appendix C Cumulative Assessment Emissions Data


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Indaver Ireland Ltd. Emission Stack

The information outlined in Table C.1 was obtained from either Indaver’s IE License (Licence No. W0167-03) or licence application form data, available from the EPA’s website (http://www.epa.ie) .

Table C.1: Indaver Ireland Ltd. Emission Stack Data

Information STACK A1-1

Emission point location (UTM Zone 29 Coordinates) 672276.8E, 5950829.4N

Minimum discharge height (m) 95.5

Height of stack above ground (m) 65

Diameter (m) 2

Normalised Volume to be emitted - max rate (Nm3/hr) 183,700

Sulphur dioxide conc. - daily avg (mg/Nm3) 50

Oxides of Nitrogen conc. - daily avg (mg/Nm3) 200

Carbon monoxide conc. - daily avg (mg/Nm3) 100

Dust/Particulates conc. - daily avg (mg/Nm3) 10

Emissions rate: NOx (g/s) 10.21

Emissions rate: SO2 (g/s) 2.55

Emissions rate: CO ( g/s) 5.10

Emissions rate: Particulates (g/s) 0.51

Temperature: Avg (°C) 140

Periods of emission: Continuous

CALCULATED DATA:

Actual Volume to be emitted (max rate m3/s) 77.20

Stack CSA (m2) 3.14

Max discharge velocity (m/s) 24.6

http://www.epa.ie/


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Irish Cement Ltd. Emission Stacks

The information outlined in Table C.2 was obtained from either Irish Cement’s IE License (Licence No P0030-05) or licence application form data, available from the EPA’s website.

Table C.2: Irish Cement Ltd. Stack’s Emissions Data

Information STACK A2-01 STACK A2-02 STACK A2-03 STACK A2-08

Emission point coordinates (UTM Zone 29N) 672454.6E, 5951622.8N 672424E, 5951669.4N 672533.8E, 5951606.9N 672537.7E, 5951545N

Minimum discharge height (m) 145.2 153.37 95.03 168.2

Height of stack above ground (m) 98.01 103.04 48.09 123

Diameter (m) 2.38 3.7 1 3.75

Normalised Volume to be emitted max rate (Nm3/hr) 49,000 400,000 31,000 477,878

Sulphur dioxide conc. - daily avg (mg/Nm3) 50 390 390 50

Oxides of Nitrogen conc. - daily avg (mg/Nm3) 500 500 500 500

Carbon monoxide conc. (daily avg) (mg/Nm3) 1500 1500 1500 1500

Dust/Particulates - daily avg (mg/Nm3) 20 20 20 20

Emissions rate: Nox g/s 6.81 55.56 4.31 66.37

Emissions rate: Sox g/s 0.68 43.33 3.36 6.64

Emissions rate: CO g/s 20.42 166.67 12.92 199.12

Emissions rate: Particulates g/s 0.27 2.22 0.17 2.65

Temperature - Avg (°C) 87 121 81 108

Periods of emission Continuous Continuous Continuous Continuous

CALCULATED DATA:

Actual Volume to be emitted - max rate (m3/s) 17.95 160.36 11.17 185.26

Stack CSA (m2) 4.45 10.75 0.79 11.04

Max discharge velocity (m/s) 4.0 14.9 14.2 16.8


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Table C.2: Irish Cement Ltd. Stack’s Emissions Data (cntd.)

Information STACK A2-04 STACK A2-05 STACK A2-06 STACK A2-07

Emission point coordinates (UTM Zone 29N) 672739.4E, 5951706.8N 672724.3E, 5951712.6N 672693.8E, 5951753.2N 672655E, 5951738.6N

Minimum discharge height (m) 75.94 82.12 77.11 81.23

Height of stack above ground (m) 28.64 34.82 26.35 30.43

Diameter (m) 0.704 1.9 1.988 3.55

Normalised Volume to be emitted max rate (Nm3/hr) 18,500 120,000 135,000 210,000

Sulphur dioxide conc. – daily avg (mg/Nm3) n/a n/a n/a n/a

Oxides of Nitrogen conc. – daily avg (mg/Nm3) n/a n/a n/a n/a

Carbon monoxide conc. (daily avg) (mg/Nm3) n/a n/a n/a n/a

Dust/Particulates – daily avg (mg/Nm3) 20 20 20 20

Emissions rate: Nox g/s n/a n/a n/a n/a

Emissions rate: Sox g/s n/a n/a n/a n/a

Emissions rate: CO g/s n/a n/a n/a n/a

Emissions rate: Particulates g/s 0.10 0.67 0.75 1.17

Temperature – Avg (°C) 101 85 85 250

Periods of emission Continuous Continuous Continuous Continuous

CALCULATED DATA:

Actual Volume to be emitted - max rate ( m3/s) 7.04 43.71 49.18 111.75

Stack CSA (m2) 0.39 2.84 3.10 9.90

Max discharge velocity (m/s) 18.1 15.4 15.8 11.3


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Table C.2: Irish Cement Ltd. Stack’s Emissions Data (cntd.)

Information STACK A2-09 STACK A2-10

Emission point coordinates (UTM Zone 29N) 672642.2E, 5951578.5N 672734.1E, 5951800.7N

Minimum discharge height (m) 80.2 89.9

Height of stack above ground (m) 35 39

Diameter (m) 3 2

Normalised Volume to be emitted max rate (Nm3/hr) 219,000 110,000

Sulphur dioxide conc. - daily avg (mg/Nm3) n/a n/a

Oxides of Nitrogen conc. - daily avg (mg/Nm3) n/a n/a

Carbon monoxide conc. (daily avg) (mg/Nm3) n/a n/a

Dust/Particulates - daily avg (mg/Nm3) 20 20

Emissions rate: Nox g/s n/a n/a

Emissions rate: Sox g/s n/a n/a

Emissions rate: CO g/s n/a n/a

Emissions rate: Particulates g/s 1.22 0.61

Temperature - Avg (°C) 90 105

Periods of emission Continuous Continuous

CALCULATED DATA:

Actual Volume to be emitted - max rate ( m3/s) 80.89 42.31

Stack CSA (m2) 7.07 3.14

Max discharge velocity (m/s) 11.4 13.5


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Appendix D Sensitivity Analysis Modelling Results


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Operational Load Sensitivity Assessment Results

Nitrogen Dioxide Results – Process Contribution:

Pollutant Parameter Worst Case Year for Pollutant Parameter

100% Load 75% Load 60% Load 32% Load

Max conc. (µg/m3) Max conc. (µg/m3) Max conc. (µg/m3) Max conc. (µg/m3)

NOx/NO2 Max 99.8th Percentile of 1-hr concentrations

2014 75.86 76.81 79.83 79.24

NOx/NO2 Max Annual concentration 2017 3.22 3.20 3.20 3.16

Sulphur Dioxide Results – Process Contribution:




SO2 Max 99.7th Percentile of 1-hr concentrations

2015 45.05 42.24 45.32 44.56

SO2 Max 99.2 Percentile Daily concentrations

2017 21.03 20.42 21.58 21.70

SO2 Max Annual concentration 2015 1.93 1.91 1.91 1.88


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Carbon Monoxide Results – Process Contribution:




CO Max 8-hour rolling average concentration

2013 199.31 199.31 199.31 199.31

Particulate Results – Process Contribution:




PM10 Max annual average concentration

2015 1.12 1.11 1.12 1.11

PM10 Max 90.4 Percentile of Daily concentrations

2015 3.34 3.34 3.34 3.34

PM2.5 Max annual average concentration

2015 1.12 1.11 1.12 1.11


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Operational Hours Distribution Sensitivity Assessment Results

Nitrogen Dioxide Results – Process Contribution:


Winter (W), Autumn (A), Spring (S) Daily Operation Hours

(W=12 , A=3 , S=2) (W=7 , A=5 , S=5) (W=17 , A=0 , S=0)

Max conc. (µg/m3) Max conc. (µg/m3) Max conc. (µg/m3)

NOx/NO2 Max 99.8th Percentile of 1-hr concentrations 2014 79.83 77.48 97.02

NOx/NO2 Max Annual concentration 2017 3.90 3.88 3.89

Sulphur Dioxide Results – Process Contribution:



(W=12 , A=3 , S=2) (W=7 , A=5 , S=5) (W=17 , A=0 , S=0)


SO2 Max 99.7th Percentile of 1-hr concentrations

2015 45.32 38.22 55.03

SO2 Max 99.2 Percentile Daily concentrations

2017 21.70 11.80 31.72

SO2 Max Annual concentration 2015 1.93 1.86 1.94


IE0312377-22-RP-0002, Issue A 03 Dec 2018


Carbon Monoxide Results – Process Contribution:



(W=12 , A=3 , S=2) (W=7 , A=5 , S=5) (W=17 , A=0 , S=0)


CO Max 8-hour rolling average concentration

2013 199.31 199.31 199.31

Particulate Results – Process Contribution:



(W=12 , A=3 , S=2) (W=7 , A=5 , S=5) (W=17 , A=0 , S=0)


PM10 Max annual average concentration

2015 1.12 1.11 1.12

PM10 Max 90.4 Percentile of Daily concentrations

2015 3.34 3.34 3.34

PM2.5 Max annual average concentration

2015 1.12 1.11 1.12


IE0312377-22-RP-0007, Issue A 05 Feb 2019


Attachment 3 EIA Screening Assessment IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A

EIA Screening Report



162.TP.09, Issue 7, 31/03/2014 Formal Issue

Document Sign Off

EIA Screening Report


File No:IE0312377.22.060

CURRENT ISSUE

Issue No: A Date: 07/12/2018 Reason for issue: Information


Print Name Ray Derrig AINE.MONAGHAN ORLA.DUGGAN


Date 07/12/2018 07/12/2018 07/12/2018

PREVIOUS ISSUES

Issue No



IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Contents

Executive Summary 4

1 Introduction 5

1.1 Industrial Emissions Licence 7

1.2 Purpose of the Screening Study 8

2 Project Description 9

2.1 Project Overview 9

2.2 Technology involved in the Process 11

2.3 Summary of the Power Generating Process 11

2.4 Civil Design 11

3 Legislative Context 13

3.1 Mandatory EIA 13

3.2 Sub-Threshold Development 13

3.3 Circular Letter – Implementation of EIA Directive 14

3.4 Licensable Activities – Land-use Consent & Licensing 14

4 Screening Assessment 15

4.1 Mandatory EIA (Schedule 5 – Part 1 Development) 15

4.2 Sub-Threshold EIA (Schedule 5 – Part 2 Development) 15

4.3 Assessment of Environmental Significance 17

5 Conclusions 31

Appendix A 32

Schedule 5 Part 1, Planning & Development Regulations 32

Appendix B 37

Schedule 5 Part 2, Planning & Development Regulations 37


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Executive Summary

PM Group has prepared this Screening for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for a proposed development comprising two main components, specifically a ca. 208 Megawatt (MWe) Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Generating Plant (subject to a planning application to Meath County Council (MCC)), and 110kV transmission substation (subject to a separate Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) application to An Bord Pleanála (ABP)), by SSE Generation Ireland Ltd., to be located at its existing site at Carranstown and Caulstown, Duleek, Co. Meath. The proposed plant will be a distillate fired power generating facility.

The plant will operate when demand is highest or when a shortage of supply exists on the grid. The plant design will allow for flexible operation so the plant can cater for high demand and respond quickly to fluctuations on the electricity grid with high efficiency.

The purpose of this Screening Report is to determine if the two separate components of the overall main project, either alone or in combination, fall under a project type that requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be carried out, as listed in Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).

The Screening Report concludes that the scale and nature of the project are not considered to present a risk of significant environmental impact during the construction and operational phases, and that an EIA is not required to be carried out and an EIAR is not required to be submitted with either of the development proposals or associated planning applications.

As with all construction works, there is potential for the generation of dust, noise and waste. However, these aspects can be readily managed by the implementation of routine good practice construction measures and adherence to a project construction environmental management plan.

In relation to the operational phase of the proposed development, the site will be conditioned and operated in accordance with an Industrial Emissions Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that the facility will be operated in such a way to minimise potential impacts to the environment.


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


1 Introduction

PM Group has prepared this Screening for EIA Report for the proposed construction of a ca. 208 Megawatt (MWe) Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Generating Plant and 110kV transmission substation to be located at its existing site at Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek, Co. Meath. The proposed plant will be a distillate fired power generating facility.

The plant will operate when demand is highest or when a shortage of supply exists on the grid. The plant design will allow for flexible operation so the plant can cater for high demand and respond quickly to fluctuations on the electricity grid with high efficiency. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1: Site Location (Source: Google Earth; Annotated by PM Group)

The site is currently a greenfield site. The predominant land use in the area is agriculture, primarily high-grade/arable agriculture. However, a large cement manufacturing plant and its associated quarry (Irish Cement Ltd) is located in close proximity just to the north of the site. In addition, Indaver Waste to Energy facility lies immediately northwest of the site across the R152 road. Directly adjacent to the north of the proposed plant is a cluster of commercial and residential buildings including a service station and a Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) centre. Residential development in the vicinity of the site is scattered, typical of the rural location.

The purpose of this Screening Report is to determine if the two separate components (the OCGT Generating Plant and the Substation) of the overall main project, either alone or in combination, fall under a project type that requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be carried out, as listed in Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). The relevant infrastructure associated with each component is discussed in Section 2 of this report.


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Figure 1.2: Red Line Boundary for the OCGT Generating Plant Planning Application to Meath County Council


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Figure 1.3: Red Line Boundary for the Substation SID Planning Application to An Bord Pleanála

1.1 Industrial Emissions Licence

The proposed OCGT Generating Plant will require an Industrial Emissions (IE) licence to operate. The First Schedule to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acts, 1992 and 2003 lists activities which require an IE licence. The proposed OCGT Generating Plant falls into the category of activity for which an IE Licence is required, namely “the operation of combustion installations with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 50 MW”.

The IE licence will govern the environmental management of the OCGT Generating Plant and ensure the operation of the plant and associated environmental emissions do not have any significant adverse impact on the environment.

In 2004 an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) licence was granted for a 400MW OCGT Generating Plant at this site. It has been agreed with the EPA that this licence is now considered null and void.

A new IE licence application will be submitted to the EPA following submission of the planning application.


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1.2 Purpose of the Screening Study

This Environmental Impact Assessment screening has been carried out with reference to Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended: Criteria for determining whether Development listed in Part 2 of Schedule 5 should be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The information set out in Schedule 7A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended: Information to be provided by the Applicant or Developer for the Purposes of Screening Sub-threshold Development for Environmental Impact Assessment is included in the Environmental Report for the development.

The purpose of this screening report is to assess whether or not the proposed development should be subject to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and therefore whether an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) should be prepared in respect of it. The primary objectives of this screening are to:

- Describe the proposed development (Section 2);

- Provide the legislative context (Section 3);

- Evaluate the proposed development in the context of mandatory thresholds for EIA, examine the potential for significant environmental effects and subsequently evaluate the proposed development in the context of sub-threshold EIA (Section 4);

- Evaluate the cumulative impacts of the proposed development (Section 4); and

- Provide conclusions of EIA Screening Assessment (Section 5).

1.2.1 Statement of Authority

This EIA Screening Report has been prepared by Ray Derrig, a Senior Environmental Consultant with PM Group, who has 7 years’ experience in EIA, planning, compliance and advice for a range of clients and has experience in the delivery of complex environmental projects with multiple stakeholders. Projects have included energy sector projects. Ray has a MSc in Environmental Science (UCD). Ray’s main areas of expertise include EIA, construction environmental management and regulatory licence (IPC/IE) application, review, and compliance.

This EIA Screening Report has been checked by Paul O’Sullivan, a Senior Environmental Consultant with PM Group, who has 6 years’ experience in EIA, planning, compliance and advice for a range of clients and has experience in the delivery of complex environmental projects with multiple stakeholders. Projects have included pharmaceutical, data centre, food, and energy sector projects. Paul has a BE(Hons) in Civil and Environmental Engineering (UCC), a ME in Engineering with Business (UCD) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control (Institute of Acoustics). Paul’s main areas of expertise include EIA, and regulatory licence (IPC/IE) application, review, and compliance. He is a Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland (CEng MIEI) and an Affiliate member of IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment).

The project manager of the environmental aspects of the planning applications is Orla Duggan, a Senior Environmental, Health and Safety Consultant with PM Group, who has approximately 13 years’ experience in EIA, planning, compliance and advice for a range of clients and has experience in the delivery of complex environmental projects with multiple stakeholders. Projects have included pharmaceutical, medical devices, data centres, food and beverages, and energy sector projects. Orla has a BE(Hons) in Chemical Engineering (UCD), a MSc in Civil Engineering (Environmental) (Trinity College Dublin), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control (Institute of Acoustics), and a Diploma in Management Practice. Orla’s main areas of expertise include EIA, Environmental Risk Assessment (both qualitative and quantitative), regulatory/corporate auditing, regulatory licence (IPC/IE) application, review and compliance, and process safety assessments. She is a member of Engineers Ireland (MIEI) and the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA).


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2 Project Description

2.1 Project Overview

As already stated the proposed overall development will consist of the construction of a 208 Megawatt (MWe) Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Generating Plant and 110 kV transmission substation for SSE Generation Ireland Ltd., to be located at a site at Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek, Co. Meath. There are two separate planning applications for this project as the proposed 110kV substation and diversion of the existing overhead 110kV line into the substation qualify as a ‘type’ of development which requires the lodgement of an application for approval to ABP for strategic electricity development (under the provisions of Section 182A and 182B of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), with the OCGT Generating Plant component of the proposed development being subject to a planning application to be lodged with Meath County Council.

With regard to the OCGT Generating Plant to be installed (subject to the planning application to MCC), this consists of 4 no. Pratt & Whitney FT8 Swiftpacs OCGT units, capable of running on liquid fuel. Each unit comprising two power turbines driving a common generator and having a total rated electrical output of 52MWe. Each unit has two exhaust stacks (15m in height), one for each power turbine.

These units are currently in operation and generating electricity for the national grid; two at Rhode, Co. Offaly and two at Tawnaghmore, Co. Mayo. These existing units will be re-located to Platin, Co. Meath over two phases. The plants at Rhode will be moved first and it is anticipated that these will be in operation at Platin in early 2020. The Tawnaghmore plant will follow as the second phase and this plant is proposed to be in operation in Platin by September 2020.

The principal activity involves the combustion of distillate in a power turbine that will drive a generator for electricity production. The electricity generated will be fed to a transformer where the voltage will be stepped up for transmission from a local sub-station into the national grid. The plant will operate when demand is highest or when a shortage of supply exists on the grid. To comply with IE licensing requirements, the plant will only run up to 1,500 hours per year, with higher operating times during winter months.

The proposed development will consist of the construction of a 208MWe OCGT Generating Plant consisting of the following main elements under relevant planning application to Meath County Council:

OCGT Generating Plant 208MW (electrical output) (MCC):

a) 4 No. containerized Peaker Plant units (each 248m2 and c. 8m wide x 31m long x 3.5m high),

each housing a fully enclosed and roofed turbo generator comprising of 2 No. turbines with a common generator, all on a concrete plinth of 615m

2;

b) Each unit has two exhaust stacks (15m in height) one for each turbine

c) Water treatment plant comprising:

- 275m2 Water Treatment (Demineralisation) Building (6m high x 11m wide x 25m long)

- a 120m2 raw water treatment tank of 1000m

3 (c. 10m high)

- a 315m2 deionized (treated water) water storage tank (max. volume of 4900m3) c.

16m high

- hydrochloric acid tank (5m3) c.3m high

- sodium hydroxide tank (2.5m3) c.2m high

- waste water storage tank (40m3) (c. 2.5m high)

- 25m2 Firewater Module measuring 5m wide x 5m length x 5m high

- Foul water pump station (slab area of 121m2)


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d) 2 No. Fuel storage tanks to hold a maximum volume of 4,900m3 (each c. 16m high), and

associated fuel pumping and filtering equipment and pipework, all within a 2,350m2 concrete

bund

e) 3 No. Waste Storage Containers, each 80m2 (c. 3m wide x 26m length x 4m high)

f) Diesel Generator with floor area of 32m2 (c. 4m wide x 8m length x 4m high)

g) 2 No. transformers each 160m2, and each measuring c. 8m wide x 10m length x 9m high

h) a 830m2 Office and ancillary services building (c. 20 wide x 47 length x 6m high)

i) a 570m2 Switchgear (MV) building (c. 13 wide x 54 length x 5m high)

j) all other miscellaneous and ancillary site works, including 12 No. car parking spaces and 3 No. unloading bays, widened and upgraded entrance from the R152, two lowered platform areas, and internal circulation road and hard and soft landscaping, a temporary construction compound, and palisade fencing.

k) New road markings, including deceleration lane approaching the site on the R152

The proposed development will include connection to public water and wastewater provision supplied by Irish Water.

Substation Project (ABP):

The proposed strategic infrastructure development comprises of:

(a) the construction of a 4 bay AIS Transmission 110 kV substation in a compound measuring 150m x 80m – 12,000m

2 under the existing Corduff – Platin 110 kV overhead line and the

looping into the proposed substation of said overhead line;

(b) A Substation Control Building with floor area of 240m2, measuring 20m x 14m, and 6m high

(c) The removal of a 500m length of the 110 kV overhead line and the diversion of this line by means of underground cables along the western and northern boundaries of the site;

(d) The installation of 2 no. line to cable interface masts (LCIM) approximately 16m in height in the north-east and south-west corners of the site to convert the overhead line into an underground cable;

(e) All other ancillary works.


(f) Restringing of the OHL conductor between the existing 110kV pole set and new Line Cable Interface Mast at the south western side of the site. At the north eastern side of the site, restringing of the OHL conductor between the existing angle mast and the new Line Cable Interface Mast. The addition of a new 110kV cable and FO cable (circa 500m) between the new LCIMs along the northern and western side of the site.

(g) Removal of 2 No. 110kV pole sets and the removal of the 3 No. spans of OHL conductor.

(h) Temporary works for the diversion will include erecting temporary stays on the 110kV pole set to the south west of the site, and the temporary rerouting of the FO cable from the existing 110kV angle mast to the north east of the site to the 110kV pole set to the south west of the site via 12No. 38kV wood poles located along the eastern and southern boundary of the site.

The proposed 110 kV substation is planned to serve an Open Cycle Gas Turbine Generation (OCGT) Power Plant, proposed to be located adjacent and to the east and north of the proposed 110 kV substation compound which is the subject of a separate planning application to Meath County Council.


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2.2 Technology involved in the Process

The plant will utilise Aero Derivative Oil Turbine technology. It will be used as a peaking plant to run at times of high electricity demand, and will be run in open cycle mode. Emission levels will be maintained at levels that will align with the future IE licence requirements.

2.3 Summary of the Power Generating Process

Combustion air is drawn through air filters and into the compressor where it is compressed and delivered to the combustion chamber. In the event of over pressurisation of the air in the compressors, the air will vent safely to atmosphere via a dedicated relief vent circa 15m high. The compressed air is mixed with a controlled amount of fuel and is then heated to a high temperature by the direct combustion of the fuel. The heat produced causes an expansion of the gases. These exhaust gases are expanded back to atmospheric pressure across the gas turbine producing motive power. A part of the power output is used to drive the compressors, and the excess of power is used to drive the electrical generator which produces electricity. The exhaust gases from the gas turbine will be at a high temperature of circa 370 °C, and will be discharged to atmosphere through a 15m high stack. With respect to controlling pollutant emissions to atmosphere from the combustion process, the formation of NOx will be controlled by injection of water into the combustor. The injection of water reduces the peak flame temperature which will in turn reduce the rate of formation of NOx. Emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) will be minimised by the use of low sulphur (0.1%) fuel. During combustion, the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) is a function of both the level of excess oxygen and operating temperature, which will be minimised. The plant will be designed for largely automatic control from a central control room (CCR), with the majority of plant functions being initiated and monitored from the CCR. The operating characteristics of the plant are inherently flexible, and the control system will provide for flexible operation.

2.4 Civil Design

The drainage and paving design has been developed to ensure no emissions to groundwater. Surface water drainage will discharge to existing off-site field drains and into the River Nanny. Wastewater from the facility will be connected to the new effluent discharge pipe to the recently upgraded Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Duleek. Duleek WWTP operates under Waste Water Discharge Licence (Ref. D0133) and the facility is licensed to treat a population equivalent of 7,000 (organic capacity).

2.4.1 Stormwater Drainage System

Surface water (rainfall) runoff from hard-standing areas will be collected through a series of drainage networks. All surface water runoff from hard-standing areas with the potential to become contaminated with petrol / oil (e.g. car parking areas, internal site roads etc.) will pass through oil interceptors. These separators will retain any hydrocarbons present in the surface water (e.g. as a result of leaks from vehicles in the car park). The flow of surface water will also be attenuated onsite to ensure that the discharge rate from the site will not exceed greenfield run-off rates. Water will be discharged to a drainage ditch running along the eastern boundary of the site and draining to the River Nanny 1.6km away.

2.4.2 Wastewater

The wastewater will be connected to a fowl sewer line on the R152 Duleek to Drogheda road that feeds into the recently upgraded Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Duleek via a pumping main, as agreed with Meath County Council’s Area Engineer as part of the pre-application submission discussions. A letter detailing this agreement from Irish Water is pending.

The discharge volume will be relatively low with a maximum volume of 40m3/day. Duleek WWTP

operates under Waste Water Discharge Licence (Ref. D0133) and the facility is licensed for a population equivalent (PE) of 7,000 (organic capacity). The Duleek WWTP is operating to 5,073 PE and has a spare hydraulic capacity of 3,806m

3 per day based on 2017 Annual Environmental

Report for the facility.


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2.4.3 Potable Water Supply

The principal water usage requirements of the OCGT Generating Plant can be summarised as follows:

- Potable water ca. 1 m3/day used for domestic purposes (drinking water, toilets etc.)

- Water for injection to control NOx formation during the combustion process. The volume of water required to control NOx formation is dependent on the operational hours of the plant.

- Water for fire-fighting purposes

The cooling system employed for the OCGT units is an air cooled system. This reduces the water requirement for the site and also the volume of wastewater to be discharged from the site.

A supply of 5m3/hour has been agreed with Meath County Council’s Area Engineer as part of the

pre-application submission discussions. This supply will cover the portable water requirement and the water treatment requirement for the site. A letter detailing this agreement from Irish Water is pending.

2.4.4 Firewater

Water for fire-fighting purposes will be stored in raw water and demineralised water storage tanks. In the event of a fire, firewater will be supplied to the fire main by firewater pumps located adjacent to the raw water storage tank.


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3 Legislative Context

Directive 2011/92/EU of The European Parliament and of The Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of The Council of 16 April 2014, (the EIA Directive) provides that projects likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue, inter alia, of their nature, size or location must be made subject to a requirement for development consent and an assessment with regard to their effects on the environment. Ireland has implemented the EIA Directive under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2018 as amended, in particular Part X thereof and also under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 – 2018 (the Planning and Development Regulations).

EIA Screening determines whether an EIA is required for a specified project. Projects requiring mandatory EIA are listed in Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations. In the case of developments which are below the thresholds of the listed projects, planning authorities are required under Article 103 of the Planning and Development Regulations, (as amended) to request an EIAR where it considers that the project is likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

3.1 Mandatory EIA

The classes of development which require a mandatory EIA are defined in Article 93 and Schedule 5 (Part 1 and Part 2) of the Planning and Development Regulations. Part 1 of Schedule 5 defines those projects where it is mandatory for an EIAR to be prepared. Part 2 defines projects that are assessed on the basis of mandatory thresholds for each of the development classes.

The proposed development has been reviewed against the Schedule 5 development classes. See Section 4 of this report.

3.2 Sub-Threshold Development

Where a development proposal is not contained within Part 1 of Schedule 5 and is below the mandatory threshold for its particular project class set out in Part 2 of the Schedule, it is considered to be ‘sub-threshold’ development. Such development may require an EIA if there is potential for significant environmental effects arising from the construction and/or operation of the development.

In the case of sub-threshold development, the requirement for EIA is determined on a project specific basis in accordance with certain criteria. The guiding principle laid down by Article 2 of the EIA Directive (2011/92/EU) is that projects “likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue, inter alia, of their nature, size or location”, should be subject to EIA.

Schedule 6 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 (as amended), outlines the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by a proposed development.

These are: human beings, flora and fauna, soil and geology, water, air and climate, landscape, material assets, cultural heritage and the inter-relationships between the range of environmental criteria. EIA screening involves assessment of these criteria to determine if the proposed development is likely to significantly affect the environment.

Section 4 of this report is written in accordance with guidelines provided in:

- Guidelines on the information to be contained in an EIS, (EPA, 2002)

- Draft Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR), (EPA, 2017)

- EIA, Guidance for Consent Authorities Regarding Sub-Threshold Development, (DoEHLG, 2003)

- Transposition of 2014 EIA Directive (2014/52/EU) in the Land Use Planning & EPA Licencing System, Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, May 2017, which focuses on changes required in the planning code (Planning and Development Act


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2000, as amended, and the Planning and Development Regulations 2000-2015) as a result of the 2014 EIA Directive

- Circular letter PL 1/2017 - Implementation of Directive 2014/52/EU on the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (EIA Directive), Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, May 2017

3.3 Circular Letter – Implementation of EIA Directive

In May 2017 the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government issued a circular letter to all the relevant planning authorities regarding Ireland’s implementation of EIA Directive 2014/52/EU. It included information on procedures to be followed in the case of planning applications issued made after 16 May 2017. In relation to EIA screening the following is noted and has been taken into consideration in this report:

20. Where a developer makes a screening determination request, he or she must provide the Competent Authority with the information listed in Annex IIA (new to the 2014 Directive).

21. A screening determination must be based on the information provided by the developer.

22. The reasons for the determination must be given with reference to the criteria set out in Annex III (amended from the 2011 Directive).

23. If mitigation measures are influential to a screening determination, these must be stated by the Competent Authority in the screening determination.

24. A screening determination must be given within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date the developer submits the required information, except in exceptional cases where the period may be extended.

25. Screening relates only to Annex II projects where significant effects on the environment cannot be discounted.

3.4 Licensable Activities – Land-use Consent & Licensing

Section 173A (5) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2014 states:

“Where a planning authority or the Board is considering an application for permission in respect of development—

(a) of a class prescribed by regulations under section 176 that does not exceed a quantity, area or limit prescribed under those regulations,

(b) in respect of which the planning authority or the Board is obliged under this Act to make a determination whether an environmental impact assessment is required, and

(c) in respect of which application for permission the planning authority or the Board consider an integrated pollution prevention and control licence under Part IV of the Act of 1992 is required,

the planning authority or the Board shall request observations from the Agency to assist the planning authority or the Board in its deliberations in relation to the determination referred to in paragraph (b) and shall take into account any such observations when making that determination.”

As described in Section 1.2.1, the proposed development will require an IE licence. A new IE licence application will be submitted to the EPA following submission of the planning application.


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4 Screening Assessment

4.1 Mandatory EIA (Schedule 5 – Part 1 Development)

The classes of development which require a mandatory EIA are defined in Article 93 and Schedule 5 (Part 1 and Part 2) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001as amended.

Part 1 of Schedule 5 defines 24 classes of development projects where it is mandatory for an EIAR to be prepared. The proposed development has been fully assessed for compatibility with the development classes of Part 1, see Appendix A for details.

It is clear the proposed development is not within the majority of defined development classes (e.g. nuclear facilities, transport infrastructure, agricultural facilities, quarries etc.). For clarity, further detail is included below on the distinction between the proposed development and those installations identified for EIA within Part 1 of Schedule 5.

4.1.1 Class 2 (a)

Not applicable. The proposed development is a distillate fired 208MW (electrical output) OCGT Generating Plant and 110kV transmission substation. The facility’s primary output is electrical energy and not thermal energy. The only thermal output associated with the facility would be waste heat from the stacks of the OCGT units, but this output will be well below the 300MW (thermal output) threshold. The technology involved is Aero Derivative Oil Turbine technology. The plant will be designed for largely automatic control from a central control room (CCR), with the majority of plant functions being initiated and monitored from the CCR. The operating characteristics of the plant are inherently flexible, and the control system will provide for flexible operation. The plant will produce 208MW of electrical output, which is below the threshold limit.

4.1.2 Class 20

The proposed development does not require the construction of overhead electrical power lines. A 110kV line runs across the site and is readily available for connecting the proposed development. The ESB will undertake any grid connection works under its statutory remit.

4.2 Sub-Threshold EIA (Schedule 5 – Part 2 Development)

Part 2 defines projects that are assessed on the basis of mandatory thresholds for each of the development classes. The proposed development has been fully assessed for compatibility with the development thresholds of Part 2. See Appendix B for further details.

It is clear the proposed development is not above the majority of defined development thresholds (e.g. agriculture, extractive industry, energy industry, mineral industry etc.).

For clarity, further detail is included in Sections 4.2.1 to 4.2.8 on the distinction between the project and

a) Energy Industry (Part 2 Class 3);

b) Infrastructure Projects (Part 2 Class 10);

c) Part 2 type development which is sub-threshold (Part 2 Class 15).

2 (a). A thermal power station or other combustion installation with a heat output of 300 megawatts or more.

20. Construction of overhead electrical power lines with a voltage of 220 kilovolts or more and a length of more than 15 kilometres.


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4.2.1 Class 3(a)

The plant consists of 208MW electrical output Power Generation Plant which is below this threshold limit.

4.2.2 Class 3(b)

The proposed development is a 208MW (electrical output) OCGT Generating Plant and does not fall under the activity class described in Class 3(b). Generators are driven by open cycle gas turbines to produce electricity. The plant will produce 208MW of electricity, which is below the class 3(b) threshold limit. The electrical output will be transmitted via the existing 110 kilovolt system. No new overhead cables will be installed as part of the project and the voltage of all cables associated with the project will be 110kV.

4.2.3 Class 10(b)(iv)

Not applicable. The overall proposed development site is 10.7 hectares in size. The area which the proposed development will be located does not fall within a “built-up” area (it is some distance outside the outskirts of Duleek) as included by the Planning Development Regulations; therefore the appropriate threshold for this class is 20 hectares. As the proposed development area is less than this threshold, this class does not apply to the proposed development.

In addition, according to the European Commission’s Interpretation of definitions of project categories of annex I and II of the EIA Directive (2015)

1, energy facilities such as the SSE Power

Generation Plant site are not classified as urban developments. The following is an excerpt from the guidance document outlining what may be considered as urban development under Class 10(b):

The interpretation of this project category could take account of, inter alia, the following:

(i) Projects with similar characteristics to car parks and shopping centres could be considered to fall under Annex II (10)(b). This could be the case, for example, of bus garages or train depots, which are not explicitly mentioned in the EIA Directive, but have similar characteristics to car parks.

(ii) Construction projects such as housing developments, hospitals, universities, sports stadiums, cinemas, theatres, concert halls and other cultural centres could also be assumed to fall within this category. The underlying principle is that all these project categories are of an urban nature and that they may cause similar types of environmental impact.

1 Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/pdf/cover_2015_en.pdf. Note EC Report Disclaimer: This guidance in

no way creates any obligation for the Member States or project developers. The definitive interpretation of Union law is the sole prerogative of the Court of Justice of the EU.

3(a) Industrial installations for the production of electricity, steam and hot water not included in Part 1 of this Schedule with a heat output of 300 megawatts or more.

3(b) Industrial installations for carrying gas, steam and hot water with a potential heat output of 300 megawatts or more, or transmission of electrical energy by overhead cables not included in Part 1 of this Schedule, where the voltage would be 200 kilovolts or more

10(b)(iv) Urban development which would involve an area greater than 2 hectares in the case of a business district, 10 hectares in the case of other parts of a built-up area and 20 hectares elsewhere

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/pdf/cover_2015_en.pdf


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(iii) Projects to which the terms ‘urban’ and ‘infrastructure’ can relate, such as the construction of sewerage and water supply networks, could also be included in this category.

Projects for integrated urban transport schemes (e.g. parallel works at different locations to upgrade bus lanes, tramlines, bus, tram and/or metro stops), could also fall under this project category.

4.2.4 Class 15

It is recognised the description of the proposed development relates to part of an existing installation type that is included in Schedule 5, but does not does not reach the necessary thresholds that require a mandatory EIA. As described in Section 4.3, the proposed development has been assessed against the criteria for sub-threshold EIA, i.e. the criteria set out in Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations. Further to this assessment, it is concluded the proposed project is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment and therefore does not meet the description of Class 15.

4.3 Assessment of Environmental Significance

As described in previous sections, the nature and extent of the proposed development is such that it does not fall within a category in Part 1 or threshold in Part 2 of Schedule 5 where there is a mandatory requirement for EIA to be carried out. The requirement for the project to be assessed as a sub-threshold development is considered in this section.

The criteria used to decide whether or not a development is likely to have a “significant effect on the environment” was first introduced by the 1997 amending Directive (97/11/EC), and was transposed in full into Irish legislation in the Third Schedule to the European Communities Environmental Impact Assessment (Amendment) Regulations 1999, (S.I. No. 93 of 1999) and are recorded in Schedule 7 of the Planning & Development Regulations. It is noted that an amending EU Directive (2014/52/EU)

2 was introduced in May 2014 and transposed into Irish legislation under

European Union (Planning and Development) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 296 of 2018). The amending Directive updates the Annex III criteria. The criteria considered for the purposes of this report are those currently contained in Schedule 7 of the Planning & Development Regulations and Annex IIA and III of the EIA Directive 2014/52/EU.

The criteria are grouped under three headings as follows:

- Characteristics of the proposed development;

- Location of proposed development;

- Type and Characteristics of potential impacts.

These main criteria are shown in the following tables (Tables 4.1 – 4.3) and are used to assist in this screening assessment to determine whether the development is likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

2 Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 amending Directive 2011/92/EU

on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment

15. Any project listed in this Part which does not exceed a quantity, area or other limit specified in this Part in respect of the relevant class of development but which would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, having regard to the criteria set out in Schedule 7.


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Table 4.1: Characteristics of the Proposed Development

Characteristic Response

The size and design of the whole project

The development consists of a distillate fired 208MW (electrical output) OCGT Generating Plant. The plant will utilise Aero Derivative Turbine technology. It will be used as a peaking plant by EirGrid, to run at times of high electricity demand, and will be run in open cycle mode. The plant will only run up to 1,500 hours per year, with higher operating times during winter months and lower operating times in summer months. The development will consist of the following main elements:

OCGT Generating Plant 208MW (electrical output) (MCC):

a) 4 No. containerized Peaker Plant units (each 248m2 and c. 8m wide x 31m long x 3.5m high), each housing a fully enclosed and roofed turbo generator comprising of 2 No. turbines with a common generator, all on a concrete plinth of 615m

2;

b) Each unit has two exhaust stacks (15m in height) one for each turbine

c) Water treatment plant comprising:

- 275m2 Water Treatment (Demineralisation) Building

(6m high x 11m wide x 25m long)

- a 120m2 raw water treatment tank of 1000m3 (c. 10m

high)

- a 315m2 deionized (treated water) water storage tank

(max. volume of 4900m3) c. 16m high

- hydrochloric acid tank (5m3) c.3m high

- sodium hydroxide tank (2.5m3) c.2m high

- waste water storage tank (40m3) (c. 2.5m high)

- 25m2 Firewater Module measuring 5m wide x 5m

length x 5m high

- Foul water pump station (slab area of 121m2)

d) 2 No. Fuel storage tanks to hold a maximum volume of 4,900m

3 (each c. 16m high), and associated fuel pumping

and filtering equipment and pipework, all within a 2,350m2

concrete bund

e) 3 No. Waste Storage Containers, each 80m2 (c. 3m wide x 26m length x 4m high)

f) Diesel Generator with floor area of 32m2 (c. 4m wide x 8m length x 4m high)

g) 2 No. transformers each 160m2, and each measuring c.

8m wide x 10m length x 9m high

h) a 830m2 Office and ancillary services building (c. 20 wide

x 47 length x 6m high)

i) a 570m2 Switchgear (MV) building (c. 13 wide x 54 length

x 5m high)

j) all other miscellaneous and ancillary site works, including


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12 No. car parking spaces and 3 No. unloading bays, widened and upgraded entrance from the R152, two lowered platform areas, and internal circulation road and hard and soft landscaping, a temporary construction compound, and palisade fencing.

k) New road markings, including deceleration lane approaching the site on the R152

The proposed development will include connection to public water and wastewater provision supplied by Irish Water.


The proposed strategic infrastructure development comprises of:

(a) the construction of a 4 bay AIS Transmission 110 kV substation in a compound measuring 150m x 80m – 12,000m

2 under the existing Corduff – Platin 110 kV

overhead line and the looping into the proposed substation of said overhead line;

(b) A Substation Control Building with floor area of 240m2,

measuring 20m x 14m, and 6m high

(c) The removal of a 500m length of the 110 kV overhead line and the diversion of this line by means of underground cables along the western and northern boundaries of the site;

(d) The installation of 2 no. line to cable interface masts (LCIM) approximately 16m in height in the north-east and south-west corners of the site to convert the overhead line into an underground cable;

(e) All other ancillary works.


(f) Restringing of the OHL conductor between the existing 110kV pole set and new Line Cable Interface Mast at the south western side of the site. At the north eastern side of the site, restringing of the OHL conductor between the existing angle mast and the new Line Cable Interface Mast. The addition of a new 110kV cable and FO cable (circa 500m) between the new LCIMs along the northern and western side of the site.

(g) Removal of 2 No. 110kV pole sets and the removal of the 3 No. spans of OHL conductor.

(h) Temporary works for the diversion will include erecting temporary stays on the 110kV pole set to the south west of the site, and the temporary rerouting of the FO cable from the existing 110kV angle mast to the north east of the site to the 110kV pole set to the south west of the site via 12No. 38kV wood poles located along the eastern and southern boundary of the site.


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The proposed 110 kV substation is planned to serve an Open Cycle Gas Turbine Generation (OCGT) Power Plant, proposed to be located adjacent and to the east and north of the proposed 110 kV substation compound which is the subject of a separate planning application to Meath County Council.

The subject site is located in an area that is noted as being increasingly industrialised and thus will form part of a cluster of similar activities within the Landscape. The clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019.

Potential for cumulative impacts with other existing and/or approved projects?

OCGT Generating Plant (MCC) and Substation Project (ABP):

At present, there are no other extensions projects planned for development on the SSE site. The power generation at the Platin site would provide strategic support to the electricity system in the area and greater Dublin area and has been the subject of discussion with the energy regulator. The development is not found to have a cumulative impact with other industries adjacent to the site (Irish Cement and Indaver). These facilities have planning applications either approved or currently in the planning approval process; however the scale of these planning applications are considered minor as they are on existing industrial sites and consist only of alterations or modifications to structures. They are not considered to have a cumulative negative impact with the proposed development as they relate to existing operations. The surrounding area is established with industrial facilities. The subject site is located in an area that is noted as being increasingly industrialised and thus will form part of a cluster of similar activities within the Landscape.

Use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity


There is no evidence to suggest that the proposed development will have a detrimental impact on the natural resources in the area. It is located on a ca. 10.7ha greenfield site beside existing industrial facilities and thus will form part of a cluster of similar activities within the Landscape in an area. The clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019 (see section 4.4.2 Bio-Fuels and Renewable Energy of the Meath County Development Plan 2013 - 2019).

A Construction Management Plan (CMP) will be implemented prior to any construction works. The following key topics will be addressed including; traffic management, Construction Safety Arrangements, Construction Environmental Management Planning, Storm Water Run-off Management Planning, Waste Management Planning, Construction Execution Strategy and Plan and Construction Completion & Turnover Plan

The proposed development is located within a greenfield area used for intensive tillage. The use of the land for the proposed development (10.7ha) is not considered significant in the wider area.

Construction works are expected to commence on site in the first half of 2019 (subject to receipt of planning permission) and will be carried out on a phased basis, with a total


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Characteristic Response duration of approximately 18 months, will be confined to the area of the proposed development and will be temporary in nature. There will be no significant use of fuel / energy resources by construction vehicles and equipment.

Topsoil that is stripped off during construction will be used in landscaping on the site and creating terraces. The construction phase will not result in the excavation or removal of any bedrock from the development site. Therefore the construction phase of the development is not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on the geology, soils and hydrogeology (groundwater) of the site.

With respect to flora and fauna, existing use is monoculture (barley production), no proposed removal of hedgerow etc no watercourses exist in the development area. During periods of wet weather, rainwater runoff from the lands would enter a drainage channel that combines with other ditches from surrounding lands and migrates to the River Nanny. The proposed development would collect surface water runoff from hard-standing areas through an attenuation facility where rainwater will be percolated locally and discharged to a drainage ditch running along the eastern boundary of the site and drains to the River Nanny 1.6km away. All water will pass through oil interceptor’s onsite for reuse and discharge.

An Appropriate Assessment has been completed in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive to determine the potential impact of the project on nearby protected natural habitat sites. A Natura Impact Statement is included in the planning application. No significant impacts are foreseen.

There will be limited use of natural resources during the construction and operational phases of the proposed development.

The production of waste OCGT Generating Plant (MCC):

The main source of waste associated with the project will be during the construction and this is thought to be relatively small overall. Based on the non-hazardous nature and relatively limited quantity of building materials, the proposed development will not result in significant quantities of waste compared to typical construction projects of industrial scale. The construction involves the installation of equipment, tanks and modular control facilities on pre-constructed hard standing surfaces. All waste streams will be suitably controlled and managed through the implementation of a Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP) implemented on the site.

During operation, the proposed development will not generate significant quantities of waste as there are very few process wastes associated with the operation of the power plant. The principal types of waste generated by the plant will include waste from periodic plant maintenance and cleaning activities, used packaging/containers, general office/domestic waste, landscaping waste etc. There is adequate capacity in existing off-site waste disposal and treatment facilities to accommodate the quantity of waste generated by the power plant. The volume of wastewater of 40m

3 per day is relatively

small and will be disposed to the recently upgraded and EPA licensed Duleek WWTP, by Irish Water through a new connection to be made at the site boundary.


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During the operational phase all waste will be handled in accordance with the site IE licence as granted by the EPA and the site’s Environmental Management System.

Further to the implementation of a CWMP during the construction phase and adherence to the site IE licence during the operation phase, no significant environmental effects are considered likely in terms of waste generation.


The main source of waste associated with the project will be during the construction and this is thought to be relatively small overall. Based on the non-hazardous nature and relatively limited quantity of building materials, the proposed development will not result in significant quantities of waste compared to typical construction projects of industrial scale. The construction involves the installation of a substation compound and 2 no. line to cable masts, as well as the diversion of an overhead 110 kV line. All waste streams will be suitably controlled and managed through the implementation of a Construction Waste Management Plan (WMP) implemented on the site.

During operation, the proposed substation development is not expected to generate any waste.

Pollution and nuisances OCGT Generating Plant (MCC):

Pollution

All emissions from the power generating facility will be regulated under the conditions of an IE licence to be applied for during construction. All site emissions will be monitored in accordance with this IE licence requirements and the monitoring results will be reported annually to the EPA. Summaries of these results are made available publicly via the EPA website through the Annual Environmental Reporting (AER) system.

Surface water on the site from hard-surfaced areas will be collected in drainage network. All surface water runoff from hard-standing areas with the potential to become contaminated with petrol / oil (e.g. car parking areas, internal site roads etc.) will pass through oil interceptors. These separators will retain any hydrocarbons present in the surface water (e.g. as a result of leaks from vehicles in the car park). The separators will be regularly inspected and emptied of any oily water/sludge to maintain their efficiency. This will form part of the Operations Environmental Management Plan. SSE has a dedicated team for its existing plants and therefore well-established expertise in this.

All wastewater from the plant will be disposed of for treatment to Duleek WWTP, via a new connection to be provided by Irish Water.

Nuisances

Construction works and industrial site operations have the potential to generate nuisance if not correctly managed. Environmental nuisances may include dust, odour, litter and birds, noise, traffic and vermin. A CMP will be prepared for the site detailing construction environmental management plan for the site.

Dust Control – Construction activities on site, including excavation and earthmoving, could result in the generation of dust which adversely impact ambient air quality. Transportation of loose materials that are not properly contained on or off site could also result in dust generation as would the transfer of mud/soil from the wheels of


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Characteristic Response construction traffic onto surrounding roads. Mitigation measures will be put in place including proper storage of spoil/loose materials, wheel washing of construction vehicles leaving the site, proper containment of loose materials that are transported on or off site and damping of site roads as necessary.

Subject to the implementation of sufficient controls, no significant dust nuisance effects are considered likely.

Odour – there are no nuisance odours associated with the construction works. All chemicals will be stored in bunded areas. There will be no sources of odour associated with the proposed development.

Litter & Birds – Designated waste facilities will be provided on-site with covered receptacles for contractors in areas of construction works.

Noise – Construction phase noise emissions will be primarily limited to vehicle movements and construction works (mobile generators, use of construction plant, equipment and power tools etc.). These noise emissions will be short term, temporary in nature and limited to daytime hours only. In summary, no significant effects are foreseen in terms of noise emissions as a result of the scope of construction works proposed. This is based on:

- Distance to nearest sensitive receptors and existing intervening screening (buildings)

- Limited scope involved in the construction, with construction over two phases within an 18 month period

- Implementation of suitable good practice construction control measures including restriction of working hours to daytime only (with exception of concrete pour) and careful selection of plant and machinery to minimise noise effects

It is expected that there will be no significant noise emissions during the operational phase. A detailed noise assessment has been carried out as part of the planning applications. Noise limits for day, evening and night time noise limits in accordance with pending site IE licence conditions will be adhered and monitoring as per EPA guidelines.

Plant and equipment associated with the proposed development will be fitted with appropriate acoustic abatement e.g. the turbines are housed within an acoustic enclosure.

Traffic – The peak on-site employment during the construction phase is expected to be 30-40 persons. The potential impact will be short, with phased construction occurring over an 18 month period. No significant impact is foreseen on this basis. During operation plant will run in automated control and will be minimally attended (up to 5 personnel). Site attendance will be limited to maintenance and occasional administrative meetings. Maximum traffic generated by delivery vehicles of fuel will be 9 per day in winter months decreasing over the summer months with the associated reduced operational requirement.

The estimated amount of traffic to be generated during the construction and operational phases of the development will be less than 5% of the exiting traffic levels; therefore a traffic impact assessment is not required according to Traffic Infrastructure Ireland Guidance, and the impact on the surrounding road network is not considered significant.


Pollution


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It is not anticipated that there will be any pollution generated by the proposed substation project.

Nuisances

Construction works and industrial site operations have the potential to generate nuisance if not correctly managed. Environmental nuisances may include dust, odour, litter and birds, noise, traffic and vermin. A CMP will be prepared for the site detailing construction environmental management plan for the site.

Dust Control – Construction activities on site, including excavation and earthmoving, could result in the generation of dust which adversely impact ambient air quality. Transportation of loose materials that are not properly contained on or off site could also result in dust generation as would the transfer of mud/soil from the wheels of construction traffic onto surrounding roads. Mitigation measures will be put in place including proper storage of spoil/loose materials, wheel washing of construction vehicles leaving the site, proper containment of loose materials that are transported on or off site and damping of site roads as necessary.

Subject to the implementation of sufficient controls, no significant dust nuisance effects are considered likely.

Odour – there are no nuisance odours associated with the construction works. All chemicals will be stored in bunded areas. There will be no sources of odour associated with the proposed development.

Litter & Birds – Designated waste facilities will be provided on-site with covered receptacles for contractors in areas of construction works.

Noise – Construction phase noise emissions will be primarily limited to vehicle movements and construction works (mobile generators, use of construction plant, equipment and power tools etc.). These noise emissions will be short term, temporary in nature and limited to daytime hours only. In summary, no significant effects are foreseen in terms of noise emissions as a result of the scope of construction works proposed. This is based on:

- Distance to nearest sensitive receptors and existing intervening screening (buildings)

- Limited scope involved in the construction, with construction over two phases within an 18 month period.

- Implementation of suitable good practice construction control measures including restriction of working hours to daytime only (with exception of concrete pour) and careful selection of plant and machinery to minimise noise effects

It is expected that there will be no significant noise emissions during the operational phase. A noise impact assessment is included with the planning applications.

Plant and equipment associated with the proposed development will be fitted with appropriate acoustic abatement e.g. attenuators, acoustic louvers, screening etc., as required.

Traffic – The peak on-site employment during the construction phase is expected to be 30-40 persons. The potential impact will be short, with phased construction over 18 months. No significant impact is foreseen on this basis.

The estimated amount of traffic to be generated during the


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Characteristic Response construction and operational phases of the development is not considered significant and therefore the development is not predicted to have any significant adverse impact on traffic levels on the surrounding road network.

The risk of major accidents and/or disasters which are relevant to the project concerned, including those caused by climate change, in accordance with scientific knowledge

OCGT Generating Plant (MCC):

As part of the design for the proposed development Project Supervisors Design Phase (PSDPs) acting on behalf of SSE will issue an AF1 form to the Health & Safety Authority (HSA). The proposed construction works will be carried out following the approval of the HSA via an AF2 form. During construction the relevant project supervisor construction stage (PSCS) will be appointed. The power generating facility will be classified as a ‘Seveso’ site for the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH). The normal volume of fuel stored onsite would be 4,900m

3 (72 hours operation supply) at peak times of

usage, which equates to ca. 4,165 tonnes. This is above the applicable lower tier threshold of 2,500 tonnes for fuel oil.

Therefore, the proposed OCGT Generating Plant will fall into a category of development to which the Seveso Regulations applies.


As part of the design for the proposed development Project Supervisors Design Phase (PSDPs) acting on behalf of SSE will issue an AF1 form to the Health & Safety Authority (HSA). The proposed construction works will be carried out following the approval of the HSA via an AF2 form. During construction the relevant project supervisor construction stage (PSCS) will be appointed.

The proposed Substation project will not be a Seveso site when operational.

Risks to human health (water contamination, air pollution)


A construction environmental management plan will be adhered to during the construction phase and an environmental management plan during operations. This will ensure that there will be no impact on any vector (e.g. water contamination, air pollution) that would pose a risk to human health.

The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by projects must be considered, with particular regard to the following table:

Table 4.2: Location of the Proposed Development

Item Response

the existing and approved land use


The proposed development site lies within the administrative jurisdiction of Meath County Council. The existing land is used for intensive tillage of barley. The subject site is located in an area that is noted as being increasingly industrialised and thus will form part of a cluster of similar activities within the Landscape. The clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019.

the relative abundance, availability, quality and regenerative capacity of natural


The proposed development will not have significant effects on soil,


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Item Response

resources (including soil, land, water and biodiversity) in the area and its underground

land, water or biodiversity as it will cover an area of approximately 7.6ha only, and there will be no discharges to soil land or water. The water demand and supply for the project has been reviewed and agreed to by Irish Water - consequently this area has the ability to absorb the proposed development.

The area of the proposed development is on a greenfield site adjacent to an industrialised area of a cement plant with quarry activity and a waste to energy facility also nearby. Teagasc Soils maps show the overburden to be fine loamy drift with limestones. The subsoil comprises glacial till derived from sandstones, shales and limestones of the Carboniferous Period.

Potential of works to impact directly or indirectly on wetlands, riparian areas, river mouths


No wetlands are located within the vicinity of the proposed development. It is also at a sufficient distance away from the closest watercourse (ca. 1.6km), the River Nanny to the south of the site.

The River Nanny discharges to the River Nanny Estuary and Shore SPA. A Natura Impact Statement is submitted as part of the planning application. No significant impacts are foreseen.

Potential of works to impact directly or indirectly on coastal zones and the marine environment


The potential effects of the proposed development on the nearest coastal zones and marine environment will be subject to an Appropriate Assessment. The proposed development is ca. 9.6km from the coast.

The Appropriate Assessment will consider nearby Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Significant impacts on the nearby sites designated for ecological protection are not foreseen. The application for planning permission is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement.

Special Areas of Conservation and Special Areas of Conservation to be considered include: River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC (002299), Boyne Coast and Estuary SAC (001957), Boyne Estuary SPA (004080), River Boyne and River Blackwater SPA (004232) and the River Nanny Estuary and Shore SPA (004158).

Potential of works to impact directly or indirectly on mountain and forest areas


Not applicable. No mountain and forest areas are located at or close to the proposed development site. Also, there will be no indirect impact on any mountain or forest area.

Potential of works to impact directly or indirectly on nature reserves and parks


The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne is one of the most significant sites of archaeological and cultural heritage in the country. Due to the Outstanding Universal Value and international significance of the area of the World Heritage Site, the site contains a designated core as well as a surrounding buffer zone as identified on Map 4.1 of the Meath County Development Plan (CDP) 2013 -2019. The proposed development is located outside of the designated core and outside of the buffer area associated with Brú na Bóinne.

Due to the distance between Brú na Bóinne and the proposed development, and the design of the proposed development, there will be no impact on the Brú na Bóinne world heritage site. A visual impact assessment will be submitted as part of the planning application to assist in illustrating the physical and visual nature of the proposed development within the context of the existing


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Item Response

landscape and visual setting.

Potential of works to impact directly or indirectly on areas classified or protected under national legislation; Natura 2000 areas designated by Member States pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC


Stormwater from the site will be collected with onsite drainage. This drainage will pass through an oil interceptor where a risk of contamination exists prior to discharge to a drainage ditch that flows in a southeasterly direction approximately 1.6km to the River Nanny. The River Nanny forms part of River Nanny Estuary and Shore SPA.

A Natura Impact Statement is submitted as part of the planning application.

Potential of works to impact directly or indirectly on areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards, laid down in Union legislation and relevant to the project, or in which it is considered that there is such a failure


The proposed site is located within the River Nanny Catchment. According to EPA monitoring data, the Nanny River is in a generally unsatisfactory ecological condition.

The River Nanny discharges to River Nanny Estuary and Shore SPA. The River Nanny is at present considered to be ‘Poor’ according to Water Framework Directive (WFD) mapping.

WFD mapping for the area also indicates the overall groundwater status beneath the site is “Poor”, and considered to be at risk of achieving the objectives of the WFD, i.e. “Good” status.

As described previously there are no emissions associated with the proposed development that could have significant effects on these water bodies. Based on the continued adherence to the conditions of the IE licence requirements, there will be no significant impact to nearby surface water or groundwater as a result of the development proposal.


The proposed site is located within the River Nanny Catchment. According to EPA monitoring data, the Nanny River is in a generally unsatisfactory ecological condition.

The River Nanny discharges to River Nanny Estuary and Shore SPA. The River Nanny is at present considered to be ‘Poor’ according to Water Framework Directive (WFD) mapping.

WFD mapping for the area also indicates the overall groundwater status beneath the site is “Poor”, and considered to be at risk of achieving the objectives of the WFD, i.e. “Good” status.

As described previously there are no emissions associated with the proposed development that could have significant effects on these water bodies. There will be no chemicals or hazardous materials stored during the operational phase of the proposed substation development and therefore no potential impact.

Potential of works to impact directly or indirectly on densely populated areas


Not applicable. The European Commission defines a ‘densely populated area’ as having at least 50% of the population living in high-density clusters, i.e. contiguous grid cells of 1 km

2 with a

density of at least 1,500 inhabitants per square kilometre and a minimum population of 50,000. This typically defines cities and large urban areas. The site is located near an industrialised area approximately 4km from outer limits of Drogheda town.


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Item Response

Potential of works to impact directly or indirectly on landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance


There are no protected structures, recorded monuments and structures affected by the proposed development. The site is outside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne buffer zone. No significant effects on areas of historical, cultural or archaeological significance are foreseen.

The type and characteristics of the potential impacts must be considered, with particular regard to the following table:

Table 4.3: Type and Characteristics of the Potential Impacts

Item Response

Will a large geographical area be impacted as a result of the proposed works?


No. the proposed development is within a greenfield, ca. 10.7ha in size. The subject site is located in an area that is noted as being increasingly industrialised and thus will form part of a cluster of similar activities within the Landscape. The clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019.

Construction works are expected to commence on site in the first half of 2019 (subject to receipt of planning permission) and will be carried out on a phased basis, with a total duration of approximately 18 months. Any noise and dust emissions arising confined to the immediate site area subject to the implementation of good practice controls during the works. The materials to be removed during the construction phase will be inert soils and reused on site for landscaping.

Will a large population be impacted as a result of the proposed works?


It is considered that there is no potential for a large population to be adversely affected as a result of the development proposal, during either construction or operational phases.

The project works will generate approximately 30-40 short term construction jobs on average resulting in a temporary, yet positive, socio-economic impact.

Possible impacts such as dust and noise which may arise during the construction phase will be short term, temporary in nature and are not expected to be significant. The appointed contractor will be required to implement good practice measures for the control of dust, noise and waste management. A CMP will be prepared for the site detailing construction environmental management plan for the site.

Potential operational impacts in relation to noise, dust, water, traffic, etc. are limited as described previously in Table 4.1.

Are any trans-frontier impacts likely to arise from proposed works?


Due to the size, nature and location of the proposed development it is considered that there is no conceivable environmental impact associated with the construction or operation of the proposed development outside the Republic of Ireland.

the intensity and complexity of the impact


The proposed development will be a permanent development however there are no significant effects foreseen which would result in long term,


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Item Response

adverse environmental impacts. No potential effects arise during its operation, as a facility will be licensed under IE licence conditions will ensure there are no significant permanent, continuous or intermittent environmental effects.

Possible effects including dust, noise and waste during the construction phase can be readily controlled and if any such effects arise, they will be temporary and short term (ca. 18 months). No significant effects beyond the site boundary are considered likely during the construction phase.

The probability of significant environmental effects occurring is considered low as a result of on-going site management in compliance with the existing IE licence conditions. No long term effects are foreseen.


The proposed substation development will be a permanent development however there are no significant effects foreseen which would result in long term, adverse environmental impacts.

Possible effects including dust, noise and waste during the construction phase can be readily controlled and if any such effects arise, they will be temporary and short term (ca. 18 months). No significant effects beyond the site boundary are considered likely during the construction phase.

No long term effects are foreseen during the operational phase due to the nature of the activities within the proposed substation project boundary.

the probability of the impact


It is unlikely that the proposed development would cause significant negative impacts. The proposed development is a reasonably small development situated beside existing industrial facilities.

While there may be some slight negative impacts during the construction phase these will be short term (ca. 18 months) and minor.


It is unlikely that the proposed development would cause significant negative impacts. The proposed development is a reasonably small development situated beside existing industrial facilities.

While there may be some slight negative impacts during the construction phase these will be short term (ca. 18 months) and minor.

the expected onset, duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact


The proposed development will result in a new Power Generation Plant facility adjacent to an industrialised area. The duration will be long term but can be reversible as the OCGT units can be demounted and relocated.


The proposed development will result in a new substation adjacent to an industrialised area. The duration will be long term but can be reversible.

the cumulation of the impact with the impact of other existing and/or approved projects


A detailed description of the prosed development is included in section 2 of this screening report. Construction works are expected to commence on site in the first half of 2019 (subject to receipt of planning permission) and will be carried out on a phased basis, with a total duration of approximately 18 months, confined to the area of the proposed development and temporary in nature. No impact is envisaged during construction with 30-40 workforce during construction and normal operation workforce of approximately 5 people.

The site is situated 1.6km from the River Nanny which forms part of the


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Item Response

River Nanny Estuary and shore SPA and as such an Appropriate Assessment will be completed in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive to determine the potential impact of the project on nearby protected natural habitat sites. A Natura Impact Statement is included in the planning application. No significant impacts are foreseen.

The site is situated in an industrialised area with a large cement plant and waste to energy facility. The clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019. The site will have minimal visual impact on the area.

There are some planning applications which have been lodged/granted in the vicinity over the past two years at:

a). Irish Cement (ABP Case Reference PL17 .PA0050) to facilitate further replacement of fossil fuels with alternative fuels and allow for the introduction of alternative raw materials in the manufacturing of cement.

b). Indaver (MCC Case Reference FS16071, FS16072, FS18022), Alterations to waste-to-energy facility. They are not considered to have a cumulative negative impact with the proposed development as they relate to minor changes to existing operations.

c). Highfield Solar Limited (Meath County Council LB16.0898);

Construction of solar farm to include two electrical substations, transformer, inverter station and storage modules, solar panels, access roads and associated site works.

There is planning application currently being assessed at;

a). Highfield Solar Limited (ABP Case Reference PL17 .301601)

Development of 110kV infrastructure.

There are 3 no. 110kV circuits connected to Platin. EirGrid intends under

normal network circumstances (intact network, no outages) to

operate the Platin-Corduff circuit open, to allow Platin full use of the capacity on this circuit. The Highfield solar project can connect directly into Platin and use the capacity on the Platin-Gorman 110kV line.

These projects are not considered to have a cumulative negative impact with the proposed development. Both developments are 4km apart from each other on alternative roads from Duleek.

the possibility of effectively reducing the impact


No significant emissions will arise as a result of the proposed development. Established site management measures, including bunding, containment and surface water monitoring will ensure that significant environmental effects are avoided. On the basis of compliance with a proposed IE licence for the site, it is considered that sufficient measures for the avoidance, reduction and control of environmental effects are in place for the proposed development.


No significant emissions will arise as a result of the proposed development. It is considered that sufficient measures for the avoidance, reduction and control of environmental effects will be in place for the proposed development.


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


5 Conclusions

The proposed development has been assessed in the context of mandatory thresholds for EIA as set out in Schedule 5 (Parts 1 and 2) of the Planning and Development Regulations (as amended). It is considered that the project does not exceed the thresholds or meet the classes of development as defined in Schedule 5. Further assessment has been completed considering the criteria for sub-threshold EIA as set out in Schedule 7 of the same regulations. It is concluded that an EIAR is not required as part of the planning application.

The scale and nature of the project are not considered to present a risk of significant environmental impact during construction and operation. The subject site is located in an area that is noted as being increasingly industrialised and thus will form part of a cluster of similar activities within the Landscape. The clustering of existing and permitted industrial and energy related infrastructure projects at this location is cited as an example which can be replicated at other locations in Meath in the County Development Plan 2013 – 2019.

The possible effects during the construction phase have also been considered. As with all construction works, there is potential for the generation of dust, noise and waste. However, these aspects can be readily managed by the implementation of routine good practice construction measures and adherence to a project construction environmental management plan. Any possible effects will be short term. Construction works are expected to commence on site in the first quarter of 2019 (subject to receipt of planning permission) and will be carried out on a phased basis, with a total duration of approximately 18 months, confined to the area of the proposed development and temporary in nature.


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Appendix A Schedule 5 Part 1, Planning & Development Regulations


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Table A.1: Review of Project – Classes of Development requiring mandatory EIA (Part 1)

Development for the purposes of Part 10 Assessment for Proposed

Development

Part 1

1 A crude oil refinery (excluding undertakings manufacturing only lubricants from crude oil) or an installation for the gasification and liquefaction of 500 tonnes or more of coal or bituminous shale per day.

Not applicable

2(a) A thermal power station or other combustion installation with a heat output of 300 megawatts or more.

Not applicable. See Section 4.1.

2(b) A nuclear power station or other nuclear reactor including the dismantling or decommissioning of such a power station or reactor1 (except a research installation for the production and conversion of fissionable and fertile materials, whose maximum power does not exceed 1 kilowatt continuous thermal load).

Not applicable

3(a) All installations for the reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuel. Not applicable

3(b) Installations designed

for the production or enrichment of nuclear fuel,

for the processing of irradiated nuclear fuel or high level radioactive waste,

for the final disposal of irradiated fuel,

solely for the final disposal of radioactive waste,

solely for the storage (planned for more than 10 years) of irradiated fuels or radioactive waste in a different site than the production site

Not applicable

4(a) Integrated works for the initial smelting of cast iron and steel Not applicable

4(b) Installations for the production of non-ferrous crude metals from ore, concentrates or secondary raw materials by metallurgical, chemical or electrolytic processes.

Not applicable

5 An installation for the extraction of asbestos or for the processing and transformation of asbestos or products containing asbestos-

Not applicable

(a) in case the installation produces asbestos-cement products, where the annual production would exceed 20,000 tonnes of finished products,

(b) in case the installation produces friction material, where the annual production would exceed 50 tonnes of finished products, or

(c) in other cases, where the installation would utilise more than 200 tonnes of asbestos per year.


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018



Development

Part 1

6 Integrated chemical installations, i.e. those installations for the manufacture on an industrial scale of substances using chemical conversion processes, in which several units are juxtaposed and are functionally linked to one another and which are-

(a) for the production of basic organic chemicals, Not applicable

(b) for the production of basic inorganic chemicals,

Not applicable

(c) for the production of phosphorous, nitrogen or potassium based fertilisers (simple or compound fertilisers),

Not applicable

(d) for the production of basic plant health products and of biocides,

Not applicable

(e) for the production of basic pharmaceutical products using a chemical or biological process,

Not applicable

(f) for the production of explosives. Not applicable

7 A line for long-distance railway traffic, or an airport with a basic runway length of 2,100 metres or more.

Not applicable

8(a) Inland waterways and ports for inland waterway traffic which permit the passage of vessels of over 1,350 tonnes.

Not applicable

8(b) Trading ports, piers for loading and unloading connected to land and outside ports (excluding ferry piers) which can take vessels of over 1,350 tonnes.

Not applicable

9 Waste disposal installations for the incineration, chemical treatment as defined in Annex IIA to Directive 75/442/EEC under heading D9, or landfill of hazardous waste (i.e. waste to which Directive 91/689/EEC4 applies).

Not applicable

10 Waste disposal installations for the incineration or chemical treatment as defined in Annex IIA to Directive 75/442/EEC under heading D9, of non-hazardous waste with a capacity exceeding 100 tonnes per day.

Not applicable

11 Groundwater abstraction or artificial groundwater recharge schemes, where the annual volume of water abstracted or recharged is equivalent to or exceeds 10 million cubic metres.

Not applicable.

12(a) Works for the transfer of water resources between river basins, where this transfer aims at preventing possible shortages of water and where the amount of water transferred exceeds 100 million cubic metres per year. (Transfers of piped drinking water are excluded.)

Not applicable

12(b) In all other cases, works for the transfer of water resources between river basins, where the multi-annual average flow of

Not applicable


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018



Development

Part 1

the basin of abstraction exceeds 2,000 million cubic metres per year and where the amount of water transferred exceeds 5 per cent of this flow. (Transfers of piped drinking water are excluded.)

13 Waste water treatment plants with a capacity exceeding 150,000 population equivalent as defined in Article 2, point (6), of Directive 91/271/EEC.

Not applicable

14 Extraction of petroleum and natural gas for commercial purposes where the amount extracted exceeds 500 tonnes per day in the case of petroleum and 500,000 cubic metres per day in the case of gas.

Not applicable

15 Dams and other installations designed for the holding back or permanent storage of water, where a new or additional amount of water held back or stored exceeds 10 million cubic metres.

Not applicable

16 Pipelines with a diameter of more than 800mm and a length of more than 40km:

(a) for the transport of gas, oil or chemicals, and,

(b) for the transport of carbon dioxide (CO2) streams for the purposes of geological storage, including booster stations.

Not applicable

17 Installations for the intensive rearing of poultry or pigs with more than-

Not applicable

(a) 85,000 places for broilers, 60,000 places for hens,

(b) 3,000 places for production pigs (over 30 kilograms), or

(c) 900 places for sows.

18 Industrial plants for the- Not applicable

(a) production of pulp from timber or similar fibrous materials,

(b) production of paper and board with a production capacity exceeding 200 tonnes per day.

19 Quarries and open-cast mining where the surface of the site exceeds 25 hectares.

Not applicable

20 Construction of overhead electrical power lines with a voltage of 220 kilovolts or more and a length of more than 15 kilometres.


21 Installations for storage of petroleum, petrochemical, or chemical products with a capacity of 200,000 tonnes or more.

Not applicable

22 Any change to or extension of projects listed in this Annex (Part 1 of Schedule 5), where such a change or extension in itself meets the thresholds, if any, set out in this Annex (Part 1

Not applicable.


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018



Development

Part 1

of Schedule 5).

23 Storage sites pursuant to Directive 2009/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the geological storage of carbon dioxide.

Not applicable

24 Installations for the capture of CO2 streams for the purposes of geological storage pursuant to Directive 2009/31/EC from installations covered by this Part, or where the total yearly capture of CO2 is 1.5 megatonnes or more.

Not applicable


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Appendix B Schedule 5 Part 2, Planning & Development Regulations


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018


Part 2 of Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as ammended lists 15 classes of development which may be subject to EIA. For each of the 15 classes, thresholds relevant to that development class are further defined to determine if a project’s scale is of the nature to have potential for significant environmental effects and thereby warrant EIA.

Each of the development classes have been considered in Table B.1 for relevance to the proposed development. Where it is clear the proposed development is outside a particular development class, this has been recorded and therefore associated sub-threshold(s) are not listed.

Where there is a similarity between a particular development class heading and the proposed development, each associated sub-threshold is further examined.

Table B.1: Review of Proposed Development– Classes of Development requiring mandatory EIA (Part 2)


Development

Part 2

1 Agriculture, Silviculture and Aquaculture Not applicable

2 Extractive Industry Not applicable

3 Energy Industry Not applicable

(a) Industrial installations for the production of electricity, steam and hot water not included in Part 1 of this Schedule with a heat output of 300 megawatts or more.

Not Applicable. See Section 4.2

(b) Industrial installations for carrying gas, steam and hot water with a potential heat output of 300 megawatts or more, or transmission of electrical energy by overhead cables not included in Part 1 of this Schedule, where the voltage would be 200 kilovolts or more

Not Applicable. See Section 4.2

(c) Installations for surface storage of natural gas, where the storage capacity would exceed 200 tonnes

Not Applicable

(d) Installations for underground storage of combustible gases, where the storage capacity would exceed 200 tonnes

Not Applicable

(e) Installations for the surface storage of fossil fuels, where the storage capacity would exceed 100,000 tonnes

Not Applicable

(f) Installations for industrial briquetting of coal and lignite, where the production capacity would exceed 150 tonnes per day

Not Applicable

(g) Installations for the processing and storage of radioactive waste not included in Part 1 of this Schedule

Not Applicable

(h) Installations for hydroelectric energy production with an output of 20 megawatts or more, or where the new or extended superficial area of water impounded would be 30 hectares or more, or where there would be a 30 per

Not Applicable


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018



Development

Part 2

cent change in the maximum, minimum or mean flows in the main river channel

(i) Installations for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (wind farms) with more than 5 turbines or having a total output greater than 5 megawatts

Not Applicable

(J) Installations for the capture of CO2 streams for the purposes of geological storage pursuant to Directive 2009/31/EC from installations not covered by Part 1 of this Schedule

Not Applicable

4 Production and Processing of Metals Not applicable

5 Mineral Industry Not applicable

6 Chemical Industry (development not included in Part 1 of this Schedule)

Not applicable

7 Food Industry Not applicable

8 Textile, leather, wood and paper industries Not applicable

9 Rubber Industry Not applicable

10 Infrastructure Projects

(a) Industrial estate development projects, where the area would exceed 15 hectares

Not applicable

(b) (i) Construction of more than 500 dwelling units

(ii) Construction of a car-park providing more than 400 spaces, other than a car-park provided as part of, and incidental to the primary purpose of, a development

(iii) Construction of a shopping centre with a gross floor space exceeding 10,000 square metres

(iv) Urban development which would involve an area greater than 2 hectares in the case of a business district, 10 he ctares in the case of other parts of a built-up area and 20 hectares elsewhere

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable


(c) All construction of railways and of intermodal transhipment facilities and of intermodal terminals not included in Part 1 of this Schedule which would exceed 15 hectares in area.

Not applicable

(d) All airfields not included in Part 1 of this Schedule with paved runways which would exceed 800 metres in length.

Not applicable

(dd) All private roads which would exceed 2000 metres in length

Not applicable


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018



Development

Part 2

(e) New or extended harbours and port installations, including fishing harbours, not included in Part 1 of this Schedule, where the area, or additional area, of water enclosed would be 20 hectares or more, or which would involve the reclamation of 5 hectares or more of land, or which would involve the construction of additional quays exceeding 500 metres in length.

Not applicable

(f) (i) Inland waterway construction not included in Part 1 of this Schedule which would extend over a length exceeding 2 kilometres.

(ii) Canalisation and flood relief works, where the immediate contributing sub-catchment of the proposed works (i.e. the difference between the contributing catchments at the upper and lower extent of the works) would exceed 100 hectares or where more than 2 hectares of wetland would be affected or where the length of river channel on which works are proposed would be greater than 2 kilometres.

Not applicable

(g) Dams and other installations not included in Part 1 of this Schedule which are designed to hold water or store it on a long-term basis, where the new or extended area of water impounded would be 30 hectares or more.

Not applicable

(h) All tramways, elevated and underground railways, suspended lines or similar lines of a particular type, used exclusively or mainly for passenger transport.

Not applicable

(i) Oil and gas pipeline installations and pipelines for the transport of CO2 streams for the purposes of geological storage (projects not included in Part 1 of this Schedule).

Not applicable

(j) Installation of overground aqueducts which would have a diameter of 1,000 millimetres or more and a length of 500 metres or more.

Not applicable

(k) Coastal work to combat erosion and maritime works capable of altering the coast through the construction, for example, of dikes, moles, jetties and other sea defence works, where the length of coastline on which works would take place would exceed 1 kilometre, but excluding the maintenance and reconstruction of such works or works required for emergency purposes.

Not applicable

(l) Groundwater abstraction and artificial groundwater recharge schemes not included in Part 1 of this Schedule where the average annual volume of water abstracted or recharged would exceed 2 million cubic metres.

Not applicable.

(m) Works for the transfer of water resources between river basins not included in Part 1 of this Schedule where the annual volume of water abstracted or recharged would

Not applicable


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018



Development

Part 2

exceed 2 million cubic metres.

11 Other Projects

(a) All permanent racing and test tracks for motorised vehicles.

Not applicable

(b) Installations for the disposal of waste with an annual intake greater than 25,000 tonnes not included in Part 1 of this Schedule.

Not applicable

(c) Waste water treatment plants with a capacity greater than 10,000 population equivalent as defined in Article 2, point (6), of Directive 91/271/EEC not included in Part 1 of this Schedule.

Not applicable

(d) Sludge-deposition sites where the expected annual deposition is 5,000 tonnes of sludge (wet).

Not applicable

(e) Storage of scrap metal, including scrap vehicles where the site area would be greater than 5 hectares.

Not applicable

(f) Test benches for engines, turbines or reactors where the floor area would exceed 500 square metres.

Not applicable

(g) All installations for the manufacture of artificial mineral fibres.

Not applicable

(h) All installations for the manufacture, packing, loading or placing in cartridges of gunpowder and explosives or for the recovery or destruction of explosive substances.

Not applicable

(i) All knackers' yards in built-up areas. Not applicable

12 Tourism and Leisure Not applicable

13 Changes, extensions, development and testing

(a) Any change or extension of development already authorised, executed or in the process of being executed (not being a change or extension referred to in Part 1) which would:-

(i) result in the development being of a class listed in Part 1 or paragraphs 1 to 12 of Part 2 of this Schedule,

and,

(ii) result in an increase in size greater than –

- 25 per cent,

or

- an amount equal to 50 per cent of the appropriate threshold,

whichever is the greater.

(In this paragraph, an increase in size is calculated in terms of the unit of measures of the appropriate

Not applicable.


IE0312377-22-RP-0004, Issue A 07 Dec 2018



Development

Part 2

threshold.)

(b) Projects in Part 1 undertaken exclusively or mainly for the development and testing of new methods or products and not used for more than 2 years.

Not applicable

(c) Any change or extension of development being of a class listed in Part 1 or paragraphs 1 to 12 of Part 2 of this Schedule, which would result in the demolition of structures, the demolition of which had not previously been authorised, and where such demolition would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, having regard to the criteria set out under Schedule 7.

Not applicable. The site is a greenfield site and requires no demolition works.

14 Works of Demolition

Works of demolition carried out in order to facilitate a project listed in Part 1 or Part 2 of this Schedule where such works would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, having regard to the criteria set out in Schedule 7.

Not applicable. The site is a greenfield site and requires no demolition works.

15 Any project listed in this Part which does not exceed a quantity, area or other limit specified in this Part in respect of the relevant class of development but which would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, having regard to the criteria set out in Schedule 7.



IE0312377-22-RP-0007, Issue A 05 Feb 2019


Attachment 4 Geophysical Survey Report IE0312377-94-0002

GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY

REPORT

Carranstown,

County Meath

J. M. Leigh Surveys Ltd. 124 Oaklawn West

Leixlip County Kildare

www.jmlsurveys.com 01 615 4647

Date: 06/12/2018

Licence: 18R0231

. . . . . . . . . .

GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY SUMMARY SHEET

CARRANSTOWN, COUNTY MEATH

Site Name Carranstown Co. Meath Ref No. 18053

Townland Caulstown Licence No. 18-R-0231

County Meath Licence Holder Joanna Leigh

ITM (centre) E706643, N770750 Purpose Pre-planning investigation

Client IAC Ltd. Reference No. N/A

Closest RMP ME027:078 Classification Embanked Enclosure

ITM E706480, N770749 Location To the immediate west of the application area. Monument detected through LiDAR image.

Townland Caulstown

Ground Conditions

Survey ground conditions were excellent, comprising of short pasture.

Survey Type Detailed gradiometer survey totalling c.12 hectare

Summary of Results

The possible remains of two enclosures have been identified. The northern most enclosure has a D-shape

with an area of possible burnt material to its south. The second probable enclosure is less well defined,

suggesting significant plough damage.

In addition to the two probable enclosures, numerous isolated responses suggest large pit-type features,

although it is possible these are natural in origin. Interpretation is cautious.

Spreads of amorphous responses may represent the remains of burnt spreads or burnt material and are

considered to be of archaeological potential.

No responses corresponding with the recorded embanked enclosure (ME 027:078) were identified.

Fieldwork Staff Joanna Leigh and Susan Curran

Report Date 06/12/2018 Report Author Joanna Leigh

J. M. Leigh Surveys Ltd. 124 Oaklawn West, Leixlip, Co. Kildare

Tel: 01 615 4647 Mobile: 0879062729

www.jmlsurveys.com

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Survey ground conditions and further information 1

3. Survey Methodology 2

4. Data Display 2

5. Survey Results 3

6. Conclusion 5

Geophysical Survey Carranstown, Duleek, Co. Meath

________________________________________________________________________________________________

J. M. Leigh Surveys Ltd. 1 06/12/2018

Geophysical Survey Report

Carranstown, Duleek, Co. Meath

1 Introduction

1.1 A geophysical survey has been conducted by J. M. Leigh Surveys at a site in the

townland of Caulstown, Co. Meath. The survey has been requested as part of a

wider archaeological study by IAC Ltd., on behalf of Platin Power Ltd., and is a pre-

planning investigation.

1.2 The application area is contained within a single large (c12ha) field to the south of

the R152, to the north-east of Duleek, County Meath. Figure 1 is a location diagram

of the application area at a scale of 1:4,000.

1.3 There is a recorded redundant record (ME027:079) located within the application

area. This was previously identified as the location of an enclosure site but is now

recorded as redundant. LiDAR data has identified the location of an embanked

enclosure to the west of this, which appears to extend into the current application

area. The LiDAR data suggest a large circular enclosure (int. diam. c. 120m; ext.

diam. c. 200m) defined by a broad bank feature (Width c. 30m-40m). The location of

the feature (ME027: 078) identified by the LiDAR data is presented in Figure 1.

1.4 The main aim of the survey was to identify any geophysical responses within the

predefined survey area that may represent unknown archaeological features and to

identify any responses indicating the nature and extent of the feature identified in the

LiDAR data. A detailed gradiometer survey was conducted under licence 18R0231

issued by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

2 Survey ground conditions and further information

2.1 The survey ground conditions were good at the time of survey, comprising of short

pasture.

2.2 Hay bales were scattered throughout the field but did not pose a problem for data

collection.


________________________________________________________________________________________________


3 Survey Methodology

3.1 A detailed gradiometer survey detects subtle variations in the local magnetic field

and measurements are recorded in nano-Tesla (nT). Some archaeological features

such as ditches, large pits and fired features have an enhanced magnetic signal and

can be detected through recorded survey.

3.2 Data was collected with a Bartington Grad 601-2 instrument. This is a specifically

designed gradiometer for use in archaeological prospection. The gradiometer

operates with a dual sensor capacity making survey fast and effective.

3.3 The instrument is calibrated in the field to ensure a constant high quality of data.

Extremely sensitive, these instruments can detect variations in soil magnetism to

0.01nT, affording diverse application throughout a variety of archaeological, soil

morphological and geological conditions.

3.4 All data was collected in ‘zigzag’ traverses. Grid orientation remained constant

throughout each field to facilitate the data display and interpretation.

3.5 Data was collected with a sample interval of 0.25m and a traverse interval of 1m,

providing 6400 readings per 40m x 40m grid. The survey grid was set-out using a

GPS VRS unit. Survey tie-in information is available upon request.

3.6 The survey methodology, data presentation and report content adheres to the

European Archaeological Council (EAC) (2016) ‘Guidelines for the use of

Geophysics in Archaeology’.

4 Data display

4.1 A summary greyscale image is presented in Figure 2 at a scale of 1:1,500.

4.2 An accompanying summary interpretation diagram is presented in Figure 3, also at

a scale of 1:1,500.

4.3 Isolated ferrous responses highlighted in the interpretation diagram most likely

represent modern ferrous litter and debris and are not of archaeological interest.

These are not discussed in the text unless considered relevant.

4.4 Numbers in parenthesis in the text refer to specific responses highlighted in the

interpretation diagrams.

4.5 The raw gradiometer data is presented in archive format in Appendix A1.01 and

A1.02. The raw data is displayed as a greyscale image and xy-trace plot. The archive


________________________________________________________________________________________________


plots are used to aid interpretation of the results, are used for reference only and are

available upon request.

4.6 The display formats referred to above and the interpretation categories are

discussed in the summary technical information section at the end of this report.

5 Survey Results

5.1 The magnetic background response appears to vary throughout the field. In the

south of the data there is a general low level of background response with numerous

broad amorphous spreads (1). The amorphous spreads have no clear pattern or

form and are most likely natural in origin, perhaps representing shallow sands and

gravels.

5.2 The northern half of the data presents a higher level of background variation, with

numerous modern ferrous responses across the data set. The natural responses (1)

appear to peter out, and are not present in the northern half of the field.

5.3 Although the background responses appear to vary across the data set, responses

of clear archaeological potential have been recorded.

5.4 A fragmented series of responses and trends (2) are typically of archaeological ditch-

type features and form a ‘D’ shaped pattern. This is interpreted as the remains of a

probable enclosure, measuring 27m x 23m. The fragmented nature of the responses

suggest some plough damage has occurred. There are no clear responses within

the probable enclosure.

5.5 To the immediate south of the probable enclosure are a spread of responses (3).

Although there is no clear pattern, the responses may represent a spread of burnt

material associated with the probable D-shaped enclosure. Interpretation is cautious

but (3) is considered to be of archaeological potential.

5.6 Another series of fragmented responses (4) forms a curvilinear pattern indicative of

an archaeological ditch-type feature. Although the responses are less clear than (2),

it is speculated that the plough damaged remains of a 2nd enclosure have been

recorded.

5.7 A linear trend (5) forms the western extent of the enclosure (4) and appears to extend

to the south.

5.8 South of (4) and (5) there are multiple isolated responses with a magnetic signature

suggestive of pit-type features. However, given the presence of natural responses


________________________________________________________________________________________________


in the south of the field, some of these responses may also be natural in origin.

Nevertheless, some responses (6) have a clear magnetic signature typical of

archaeology. Although interpretation is tentative, the isolated responses (6) are

considered to be of archaeological potential.

5.9 In the south of the data there is a broad curvilinear trend (7). Although it is possible

that this represents the plough damaged remains of a large curving ditch-type

feature, interpretation is tentative. It is considered more likely that this represents

further natural variations within the sub-soil, similar to the responses (1).

5.10 Two areas of amorphous responses (8) are located in the northern half of the survey.

Although these have no clear form, they are suggestive of areas of burnt material.

While it is possible that modern ground disturbance is represented here, an

archaeological interpretation must be considered. The responses (8) may represent

the remains of burnt spreads or burnt mounds of archaeological origin.

5.11 Another area of amorphous responses (9) is similar in form to (8). However, there

are some responses and trends within this that exhibit a linear form. Although no

clear archaeological pattern is evident, it is possible that plough damaged

archaeological remains are represented here.

5.12 A broad ferrous response and area of magnetic disturbance along the northern

extent of survey results from a modern service pipe.


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6 Conclusion

6.1 Natural amorphous responses are prominent in the south of the data set, with

numerous modern ferrous responses in the north. Although the data has a varied

background response, clear responses of interest have been identified.

6.2 The possible remains of two enclosures have been identified. The northern most

enclosure has a D-shape with an area of possible burnt material to the south. The

second probable enclosure is less clear in the data, suggesting significant plough

damage.

6.3 In addition to the two possible enclosures, numerous isolated responses suggest

large pit-type features, although it is possible these are in fact natural in origin.

Interpretation is unclear.

6.4 Spreads of amorphous responses may result from more recent ground disturbance.

However, it is equally possible that the remains of burnt spreads have been

identified.

6.5 Although responses of clear archaeological potential were identified in the survey,

there are no responses consistent with the recorded embanked enclosure (ME

027:078) which, given the LiDAR image, should extend into the survey area. Test

trench investigation may be required to establish the extent of the recorded

embanked enclosure.

6.6 Consultation with a licensed archaeologist and with the Department of Culture,

Heritage and the Gaeltacht is recommended to establish if any additional

archaeological works, such as test trench investigation, may be required to establish

the nature of the responses highlighted in this report.


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Technical Information Section

Instrumentation & Methodology

Detailed Gradiometer Survey

This is conducted to clearly define any responses detected during scanning, or can be applied as a stand-alone methodology. Detailed survey is often applied with a sample interval of 0.25m and a traverse interval of 1m. This allows detection of potential archaeological responses. Data is collected in grids 40m x 40m, and data is displayed accordingly. A more detailed survey methodology may be applied where archaeological remains are thought likely. A survey with a grid size of 10m x 10m and a traverse interval of 0.5m will provide a data set with high resolution.

Bartington GRAD 601-2

The Bartington Grad 601-2 instrument is a specifically designed gradiometer for use in archaeological prospection. The gradiometer operates with a dual sensor capacity making survey very fast and effective. The sensors have a separation of 1m allowing greater sensitivity.

Frequent realignment of the instruments and zero drift correction; ensure a constant high quality of data. Extremely sensitive, these instruments can detect variations in soil magnetism to 0.1nT, affording diverse application throughout a variety of archaeological, soil morphological and geological conditions.


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Gradiometer Data Display & Presentation

XY Trace

The data are presented as a series of linear traces, enabling a semi-profile display of the respective anomalies along the X and Y-axes. This display option is essential for distinguishing between modern ferrous materials (buried metal debris) and potential archaeological responses. The XY trace plot provides a linear display of the magnitude of the response within a given data set.

Greyscale*

As with dot density plots, the greyscale format assigns a cell to each datum according to its location on the grid. The display of each data point is conducted at very fine increments, allowing the full range of values to be displayed within the given data set. This display method also enables the identification of discrete responses that may be at the limits of instrument detection. In the summary diagrams processed, interpolated data is presented. Raw un-interpolated data is presented in the archive drawings along with the xy-trace plots.

Interpretation

An interpretation of the data is made using many of the plots presented in the final report, in addition to examination of the raw and processed data. The project managers’ knowledge and experience allows a detailed interpretation of the survey results with respect to archaeological potential.

*XY Trace and raw greyscale plots are presented in archive form for display of the raw survey data. Summary greyscale images of the interpolated data are included for presentation purposes and to assist interpretation.


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Glossary of Interpretation Terms

Archaeology

This category refers to responses which are interpreted as of clear archaeological potential, and are supported by further archaeological evidence such as aerial photography or excavation. The term is generally associated with significant concentrations of former settlement, such as ditched enclosures, storage pits and associated features.

? Archaeology

This term corresponds to anomalies that display typical archaeological patterns where no record of comparative archaeological evidence is available. In some cases, it may prove difficult to distinguish between these and evidence of more recent activity also visible in the data.

? Industrial

Such anomalies generally possess a strong magnetic response and may equate with archaeological features such as kilns, furnaces, concentrations of fired debris and associated industrial material.

Area of Increased Magnetic Response

These responses often lack any distinctive archaeological form, and it is therefore difficult to assign any specific interpretation. The resulting responses are site specific, possibly associated with concentrations of archaeological debris or more recent disturbance to underlying archaeological features.

Trend

This category refers to low-level magnetic responses barely visible above the magnetic background of the soil. Interpretation is tentative, as these anomalies are often at the limits of instrument detection.

Ploughing/Ridge & Furrow

Visible as a series of linear responses, these anomalies equate with recent or archaeological cultivation activity.

? Natural

A broad response resulting from localised natural variations in the magnetic background of the subsoil; presenting as broad amorphous responses most likely resulting from geological features.

Ferrous Response

These anomalies exhibit a typically strong magnetic response, often referred to as ‘iron spikes,’ and are the result of modern metal debris located within the topsoil.

Area of Magnetic Disturbance

This term refers to large-scale magnetic interference from existing services or structures. The extent of this interference may in some cases obscure anomalies of potential archaeological interest.


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Bibliography

European Archaeological Council (EAC) (2015) ‘Guidelines for the use of Geophysics in Archaeology’ by Armin Schmidt, Paul Linford, Neil Linford, Andrew David, Chris Gaffney, Apostolos Sarris and Jörg Fassbinder. English Heritage (2008) ‘Geophysical guidelines: Geophysical Survey in Archaeological Field Evaluation.’ Second Edition. Gaffney, C. Gater, J. & Ovenden, S. (2006) ‘The use of Geophysical Techniques in Archaeological Evaluations.’ IFA Paper No. 6. Gaffney, C & Gater, J (2003). ‘Revealing the buried past: Geophysics for Archaeologists.’ Tempus Publishing Limited.

National Soil Survey of Ireland (1980) General soil map second edition (1:575,000). An Foras Taluntais.


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List of Figures

Figure Description Paper Size

Scale

Figure 1 Site & Survey Location Diagram A4P 1:4,000

Figure 2 Summary Greyscale Image A3P 1:1,500

Figure 3 Summary Interpretation Image A3P 1:1,500

Archive Plots available as PDF’s upon request

A1.01 Raw data Greyscale Image A0P 1:500

A1.02 Raw data XY-Trace Plot A0P 1:500

Documents

Substation Environmental Report · substation is to be located at an SSE-owned site in Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek, Co. Meath. This environmental report has been prepared