Sean O Donoghue 20Th August 2013 Inspector Environmental Licensing Programme EPA Inniscarra Co Cork

Sean O Donoghue 20th August 2013 Inspector Environmental Licensing Programme EPA Inniscarra Co Cork

Re: DO336-01 Urlingford REG 18 (3) (b) Notice

A Chara,

Kilkenny County Council hereby submits its response to the above notice for the Urlingford Agglomeration.

1. Confirm the correct name of the agglomeration

a. Urlingford Agglomeration.

2. Please confirm the normal and maximum daily treated effluent flow from the WWTP a. Min 130 m3/day Max 418 m3/day

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. • The population equivalent of the agglomeration in 2012. a. Average daily loading into the plant in 2012 was 1,142 PE

• Please also confirm whether the sewerage system is separate or combined. a. Combined

3. Provide an update regarding the proposed Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade. a. Approval received from An Bord Pleanala 19th Dec 2012 b. Awaiting approval from DOE for Preliminary Outline Design Report application made 14th Feb 2012

4. Provide details of the programme of improvements for the agglomeration a. No improvements within the agglomeration

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:20 5. Include a timeframe for completion of the improvement works a. From commencement of detailed design to completion 14 months approx. Attachment 1

6. Funds required and availability of funds a. awaiting approval of Appendix IV Budget from DOE - €447,548.31

7. The type of treatment proposed a. New Inlet works, b. new Buffer Tank –convert existing Sludge Holding tank c. Phosphorous removal, d. 1 new SBR Tank in addition to existing 2 SBR tanks e. New Picket Fence Thickener –to reduce volume of sludge produced

8. The standards to which the upgraded WWTP will treat the effluent a. BOD - 20mg/l

b. Total Ammonia – 2.5mg/l NH4 c. Orthophosphate – 1.0 mg/l

9. The population equivalent for which the WWTP will cater.

a. 1500p.e.

For inspection purposes only. 10. Please provide a copy ofConsent the ofplanning copyright owner ap requiredproval for any for other the use. WWTP upgrade

a. Please find attached approval from an Bord Pleanala. Attachment 2

11. Confirm whether an EIS was submitted as part of the planning application.

a. No EIS was required however a Natura Impact Statement/Appropriate Assessment was completed and is attached. Attachment 3

Is Mise, le meas

Signed______

Eamonn Morrissey Executive Chemist Water Services Dept Kilkenny County Council Email: [email protected]

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:20 ID Task Name Duration 2012 2013 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb 1 Project Start 0 days 2 Stage (ii) 15 days 3 Prepare Design Report 10 days 4 Submit Design Report 0 days 5 Client Review of Design Report 5 days 6 Approval of Design Report 0 days 7 Stage (iii) 115 days 8 Funding Approval for Scheme 30 days 9 Detailed site surveys & investigations 30 days 10 Bord Pleanala Approval 40 days 11 Prepare Works Requirements and CDs 25 days 12 Submit Draft CDs 0 days 13 Client Review of CDs 5 days 14 Approval of CDs 0 days 15 Prepare Tender Documents 10 days 16 Submit Tender Docs 0 days 17 Advertise for Tenders 0 days 18 Tender Period 20 days 19 Report on Tenders 15 days 20 Submit Report on Tenders to Kilkenny Co Co 0 days 21 Kilkenny Co Co approval to Report on Tenders 10 days

22 Stage (iv) 90 days For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 23 Letter of Acceptance to Contractor 0 days 24 Construction management 90 days 25 Issue Cert of Substantial Completion 0 days 26 Stage (v) 60 days 27 Final Account & Report 60 days 28 Compile As Constructed Drawings 20 days 29 Collate Health and Safety File 20 days 30 Project complete 0 days

TOBIN Task Milestone Project: Urlingford WWTW Upgrade Date: December 2011 Kilkenny Co Co Task Summary

6676- Urlingford WWTW Upgrade Preliminary Report - Outline Project Programme Rev C

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:20 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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Natura Impact Statement for Appropriate Assessment

Ecological Assessment of Likely Significant Impacts of Upgrading of Urlingford WWTP on Conservation Objectives of Special Area of Conservation 002162

January 2012

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Prepared by: Pascal Sweeney M.Sc., MIEEM, Consultant Ecologist, Sweeney Consultancy, Rahan, Mallow Co. Cork. Tel. 022/26780

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 4.

SECTION 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 6.

SECTION 3 NATURA 2000 SITE 7.

SECTION 4 IMPACT PREDICTION 11.

SECTION 5 MITIGATION MEASURES 20.

SECTION 6 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY 21.

APPENDIX 1 REFERENCES 22.

APPENDIX 2 SAC 002162 SITE SYNOPSIS 25.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. APPENDIX 3 SAC 002162 QUALIFYING INTERESTS 32.

APPENDIX 4 SAC 002162 CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES 33.

APPENDIX 5 SAMPLING SITE LOCATIONS 35. AND SITE DETAILS

APPENDIX 6 PHOTOGRAPHS 36.

APPENDIX 7 INVERTEBRATE SPECIES LIST 37. AND ABUNDANCE RATINGS

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APPENDIX 8 PLANT COVER AT SAMPLING SITES 38.

APPENDIX 9 EPA BIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY RESULTS 39.

APPENDIX 10 CHEMICAL MONITORING 40.

APPENDIX 11 MITIGATION MEASURES 41.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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1. INTRODUCTION

Kilkenny County Council applied to the EPA in March 2009 for a Waste Water Discharge License for the agglomeration of Urlingford and anticipates the increased treatment capacity which will be required in order to improve current effluent quality to comply with expected emission limit values arising from EPA licensing. Kilkenny County Council therefore proposes to upgrade the existing treatment capacity at Urlingford WWTP in anticipation of these impending emission limit values.

The discharge from Urlingford Waste Water Treatment Plant enters the River Goul upstream of Special Area of Conservation 002162 (River Barrow and River Nore SAC). Because the biological water quality recorded in the River Goul by EPA in 2010 at the first sampling site upstream of the SAC was unsatisfactory, the possibility of significant effects of the discharge from the Urlingford WWTP on the European Site cannot be eliminated. As a screening process could not rule out the possibility of a significant negative impact by the proposed development on the SAC, Pascal Sweeney, Sweeney Consultancy, was commissioned by Kilkenny County Council to carry out a Natura Impact Statement to scientifically examine the project and the Natura 2000 site, in order For inspection purposes only. to identify and characterise anyConsent possible of copyright implications owner required for of any theother use.project in view of the conservation objectives of the site, and to provide any further information needed to enable the carrying out of an Appropriate Assessment, as required under Article 42 (9) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011.

The objective of this report is the assessment of the current effect of the WWTP discharge to the River Goul and the likely effects of an improved effluent discharge on the biota of the river in order to establish the implications of any such effects for the Conservation Objectives of SAC 002162.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government guidance “Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – guidance for Planning

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Authorities, 2009” and the European Commission (2001) guidelines “Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites - Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC” are followed. As a conservation plan for the River Barrow and River Nore SAC is not yet available, this report focuses on potential impacts on each specific qualifying feature of the SAC, in the context of the particular site, as well as on the NPWS draft conservation objectives.

The aims of this report are to assess: • information relating to the ecology of the Natura 2000 site; • the scale and nature of the proposed development in relation to the Natura 2000 site; • the status of Qualifying Interests of the Natura 2000 site (Annex I habitats and Annex II species of the EU Habitats Directive) in proximity to and downstream of the proposed development and the relevant conservation status and objectives for these species; • the key structural and functional relationships maintaining the integrity of the Natura 2000 site; • likely potential effects, including direct, indirect and secondary impacts, of the proposed development, either on its own or in combination with other plans or For inspection purposes only. projects, on the NaturaConsent 2000 of site.copyright owner required for any other use.

• Measures to mitigate negative impacts on the protected species and habitats.

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2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 Proposed Development The proposal is for an upgrading of the Urlingford WWTP, so that the final effluent will be at a higher standard than is currently the case.

2.2 Relevance of Proposed Development to Management of the SAC Site The proposed project is relevant to the management of the Special Area of Conservation, in that, when complete, it will result in an improvement of water quality, which will be beneficial to Qualifying Interests of this SAC, particularly Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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3. NATURA 2000 SITE The Site Synopsis for Special Area of Conservation 002162 (River Barrow and River Nore) is given in Appendix 2, all the Qualifying Interests are listed in Appendix 3 and the Conservation Objectives for the site are given in Appendix 4.

3.1 Biological Assessment As EPA biological results indicated unsatisfactory conditions downstream of the outfall, additional fieldwork was deemed necessary. Field work was carried out on 23 March, 2011. Two sites, suitable for biological assessment, were established in the River Goul. Site 1 is c. 50m upstream of the Urlingford WWTP effluent outfall. Site 2 is c. 80m downstream of the effluent outfall. Sampling site co-ordinates and other site information are presented in Appendix 5. Photographs of the sampling sites are shown in Appendix 6. At both of the sites, a qualitative assessment of habitat conditions was first carried out. A kick sample was taken at each site by the standard EPA method, using a hand-net (mesh size 1mm.). The contents of the sample net were checked for protected species and any found were immediately returned to the water. Samples were live sorted for a half hour each and macroinvertebrates were preserved in alcohol. Macroinvertebrates were identified using an Olympus dissecting microscope. Based on the relative abundance of indicator species, a Q-value was determined for each site, using the For inspection purposes only. methodology of the EPA (TonerConsent et ofal, copyright 2005). owner required for any other use.

The status of protected species in the River Goul was assessed as follows:

• The habitat quality for salmon (Salmo salar) was assessed, based on the criteria outlined by Bardonnet and Baglinière (2000) for the physical instream requirements of this species for spawning, nursery and adult habitat. • The habitat quality for the three species of lamprey, the brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) was assessed, based on the criteria outlined by Maitland (1980) and by Johns (2002) for the physical instream requirements of these species for spawning, nursery and adult habitat. The presence of the otter (Lutra lutra) was checked for

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by examination of hard bankside surfaces for the presence of spraints and bankside mud/sand for imprints. The habitat quality for this species was assessed, based on the criteria outlined by Chanin (2003). Available records on the distribution of this species were also checked. • The habitat quality for crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) was assessed, based on the criteria outlined by Holdich (2003). The known distribution of this species was checked in available literature and the presence of the crayfish was checked for in the invertebrate kick samples taken. • The floating river vegetation habitat was assessed, based on the criteria outlined by Life in UK Rivers (2003).

Available records on the distribution of protected species were also checked.

3.2 Use of Available Chemical Data The results of past routine chemical monitoring of the river water by Kilkenny Co. Co. from were examined to help in the interpretation of the biological analysis. For comparative purposes, the chemical data from fourteen sampling events in a period prior to the biological assessment are used (March 2009 - April 2011).

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 3.3 Results 3.3.1 Biological Water Quality (Macroinvertebrates) The macroinvertebrate community recorded at each site, giving abundances for each site, along with Q-values, is presented in Appendix 7.

At Site 1, Two Group A (pollution sensitive) species were present in low numbers. Group B (relatively pollution sensitive) species was also represented by low numbers of individuals. Eleven Group C (relatively pollution tolerant) species dominated Site 1, with a fairly good spread of abundances. Group D (pollution tolerant) and Group E (most pollution tolerant) were absent. Despite the fact that this site is not an ideal riffle and that Groups D and E are absent, with only three individuals from Group A present in a fauna dominated by Group C, this site must be assigned a Q-value of Q3-4.

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At Site 2, Group A species were also present in low numbers, but slightly more numerous than at Site 1. Small numbers of Group B taxa were also present here. As at Site 1, Group C was dominant, with the mayfly species, Baetis rhodani and Seratella ignita well represented. The freshwater shrimp, Gammarus duebeni, was the most abundant species at this site. Group D was represented by a few leeches and the water slater, Asellus aquaticus. Group E was absent. With low Group A representation in a fauna dominated by Group C and with low numbers of Group D and Group E absent, the fauna at Site 2 warrants a Q-value of Q3-4.

Q3-4 is defined by the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 as “Moderate Ecological Status”, and is below the standard which, in accordance with these regulations, must be achieved by December 2015. Overall, the Q-values recorded at Site 1 and Site 2 do not show a significant impact of the discharge from Urlingford WWTP on the biological water quality of the River Goul.

3.3.2 Plants The plants recorded at each site are presented in Appendix 8. While the aquatic flora present at the two sites would be expected to be different, due to the differences in the

For inspection purposes only. physical conditions (mainly flowConsent type, of copyright depth owner and required substratum), for any other use. the higher percentage cover of filamentous algae present at Site 2 probably reflects slightly higher plant nutrient levels. From March 2009 to April 2011, the mean orthophosphate level recorded upstream of the WWTP outfall was 0.044mg/l P, while downstream of the outfall, the mean level recorded was 0.067mg/l P (Appendix 10). No significant difference in mean nitrate levels between the two sites was found over this time period (mean nitrate levels at the downstream site were slightly lower than at the upstream site).

3.3.3 Protected Habitats and Species. Several of the species and habitats listed as Qualifying Interests of SAC 002162 (Appendix 3) are terrestrial and could not be affected by the Urlingford WWTP discharge. Some are estuarine, in which cases the distance from the outfall to the saline

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:20 10 waters must be taken into account when assessing the likelihood of any impacts. Potential impacts of each Qualifying Interest are dealt with separately in Report Section 4.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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4. IMPACT PREDICTION In this section, the likely impact of the proposed upgraded Urlingford WWTP discharge on each of the Qualifying Interests (habitats and species for which the SAC is designated) is estimated.

The results of a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment of the Urlingford WWTP upgrade, carried out for Kilkenny County Council by Tobin Consulting Engineers, is also taken into account here. The Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment reports that approximately 50% of the WWTP site is located above the design flood level for a 100 year flood of 117.332mOD Malin. The proposed site layout is set out such that the new infrastructure, required to upgrade the existing treatment works, although within the 100 year flood level, will be constructed so as to avoid inundation of water. If a 100 year flood were to occur during the plant growing season, this could result in additional plant nutrients being available for macrophyte and algal growth in the river for the duration of the flood event and for a short time afterwards. In such circumstances, however, the dilution factor would be far greater than at normal flow and, with the new infrastructure constructed so as to avoid inundation of water, the risk of contamination of the river from this source is much reduced, as compared with the current situation.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 4.1 Protected Habitats. Floating River Vegetation. (Habitat Code 3260). Of the Annex I habitats listed above, only floating river vegetation occurs within 1 km downstream of the discharge and is therefore considered to be the only Annex I habitat that could potentially be affected to any significant degree. A slight increase in plant nutrients would result in increased growth of floating river vegetation. A more substantial increase in plant nutrients could cause an increase in the competitive interactions between plant species, resulting in a loss of species. Although no difference in Q-value between Site 1 and Site 2 was found, the recorded past increases in plant nutrients suggest that the current Urlingford WWTP discharge could have a negative impact on floating river vegetation. With upgrading of the WWTP, there will be no further significant impact.

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Estuary (Habitat Code 1130) and Tidal Mudflats & Sandflats (Habitat Code 1140). Saline habitats which potentially could be affected by substantially increased nutrient concentrations in the freshwater sections of rivers. However, as the EPA recorded “Good Ecological Status” (Q4) from Site 0500 on the River Goul to Site 2320 on the River Nore (see Appendix 9), it is evident that the increased orthophosphate levels recorded downstream of the outfall are not sufficient to have a any significant impact on this habitat type, especially considering the distance from the outfall to from Urlingford WWTP to saline waters.

Petrifying Springs (Habitat Code 7220). This habitat is not present close to the area of the proposed development and could not be negatively affected.

Eutrophic Tall Herbs (Habitat Code 6430) Tall herb fringes occur along the banksides of the River Nore farther downstream, where the river is deep and slow-flowing. Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities are not listed by Curtis et al. (2009) among the water-dependant Annex I habitats. Major changes in trophic conditions would be needed to affect this habitat type. However, as the EPA recorded “Good Ecological Status” (Q4) from Site 0500 on the River Goul to Site 2320

For inspection purposes only. on the River Nore (see AppendixConsent 9), of copyrightit is evident owner required that for the any other current use. increased orthophosphate levels recorded downstream of the outfall are not sufficient to have a any significant impact on this habitat type. With upgrading of the WWTP, and considering the distance from the outfall to from Urlingford WWTP to the lower section of the River Nore catchment, there will be no future significant impact.

Old Oak Woodlands (Habitat Code 91A0) and Dry Heath (Habitat Code 4030). Terrestrial habitats not present close to the area of the proposed development and could not be negatively affected.

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Alluvial Wet Woodlands (Habitat Code 91E0). Alluvial wet woodland occurs along banks of the River Nore, particularly in the lower reaches and the tidal section. This habitat is not present close to the area of the proposed development and could not be negatively affected

4.2 Protected Species. Desmoulins’ Whorl Snail (Vertigo moulinsiana) (Species Code 1060). Vertigo moulinsiana is found in calcareous wetlands, usually adjacent to lowland rivers and lakes (Kerney, 1999). As it is not an aquatic species, it is not susceptible to changes in quality of river water and therefore could not be affected.

Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) (Species Code 1029). Freshwater pearl mussels found in the River Nore part of SAC 002162 belong to the sub- species Margaritifera margaritifera durrovensis (see below).

Nore Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera m. durrovensis) (Species Code 1990). Within SAC 002162, the Nore freshwater pearl mussel is a sub-species which occurs only For inspection purposes only. in a 10km stretch of the main channelConsent of copyright of the owner River required Nore, for any otherupstream use. of Tallyho Bridge.

This includes a 1.5km stretch of river downstream of the confluence of the Erkina River. The freshwater pearl mussel can live for over 100 years and requires very good water quality (Skinner et al., 2003). Moorkens (2006) states that this species requires cleaner conditions than the median levels associated with EPA Q5 waters. Q5 has not been recorded in this stretch of the River Nore since 1979. The few individuals of this species that were present just upstream of Tallyho Bridge in the past have been gone since 2008 (Sweeney, 2010), despite “Good Ecological Status” (Q4) being recorded by EPA.

Although no drop in Q-value was recorded from Site 1 to Site 2 , the increased orthophosphate levels recorded downstream of the outfall indicate that the current Urlingford WWTP discharge could be contributing to the river water quality being less

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:20 14 than adequate for this species at the lower end of its known range. With upgrading of the WWTP, there will be no further significant impact on the Nore freshwater pearl mussel, downstream of the R. Erkina confluence, from this source.

Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax) (Species Code 1103) and Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax) (Species Code 1103) Allis and Twaite shad is an anadromous fish which enters large estuaries in early summer to spawn in gravels near the end of the freshwater reaches. Adult shad are known to occur in the lower parts of the River Nore, in the tidal range (King and Roche, 2008). No spawning area of Twaite shad is known in the River Nore and no known spawning areas of Allis shad are known for Ireland. However, because spawning activity of shad is more difficult to detect than is the case with other fish, it is possible that both shad species spawn in the lower parts of the River Nore. The main threat to the shad population in SAC 002462 is the recently arrived Asian clam (Sweeney, 2009) which is likely to have a very significant negative impact on spawning areas. Other threats to Irish shad populations include deterioration of water quality and habitat degradation. Despite the increased orthophosphate levels recorded downstream of the outfall, as the EPA recorded “Good Ecological Status” (Q4) from Site 0500 on the River Goul to Site 2320 on the River Nore (see Appendix 9), there would not be any significant impact on this species,

For inspection purposes only. especially considering the distanceConsent offrom copyright the owner outfall required to for anyfrom other Urlingford use. WWTP to the lowest parts of the River Nore.

Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum) (Species Code 1421). Killarney fern is a terrestrial species, found on very sheltered, damp rock faces (Stace, 1991) and could not be affected by the river water quality.

Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). This species usually spawns in the lower reaches of the River Nore between Thomastown and Inistioge, but sometimes as far up as Ballyragget (Kurz and Costello, 1999). A significant drop in water quality could negatively affect any sea lamprey present in the lower part of the River Nore. Despite the current increased orthophosphate levels

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:20 15 recorded downstream of the outfall, as the EPA recorded “Good Ecological Status” (Q4) from Site 0500 on the River Goul to Site 2320 on the River Nore (see Appendix 9), there would not be any significant impact on this species, especially considering the distance from the outfall to from Urlingford WWTP to the lower part of the River Nore.

Brook Lamprey (Lampreta planeri) and River Lamprey (Lampreta fluviatilis). Available information indicates that brook and river lampreys are widespread throughout the Nore system: Adult brook lamprey have been recorded in the Nore main channel between Abbeyleix and Ballyragget and unspecified lampreys have been observed in several of the tributaries (Kurz and Costello, 1999). A river lamprey was found dead after spawning in 1997 at Ballyragget, (J. Lucey, pers. comm.) and several river lampreys were caught by P. Sweeney while electro-fishing a small tributary of the River Nore about 8 kilometres downstream of Ballyragget in 1998. In the River Goul downstream of Urlingford WWTP, there is habitat suitable for lamprey spawning and nursery. A significant drop in water quality could negatively affect any lamprey present. However, as no decline in biological water quality was found, it is considered that the discharge is currently having no impacts on these lamprey species. With upgrading of the WWTP there will be no future significant impact.

For inspection purposes only. White-Clawed Crayfish (AustropotamobiusConsent of copyright owner pallipes required for) any (Sp otherecies use. Code 1092).

This species formerly occurred throughout much of the River Nore and tributaries (J. Lucey, pers. comm.). A decline in the crayfish population was first noted in 2001. Information from local anglers indicates that a considerable kill occurred around this time in, with accumulations of dead crayfish reported in areas of slack water in the main channel of the Nore. A crayfish survey on 8 river stretches in the Nore catchment established an absence of the species in all except the Ballyroan River (Sweeney, 2006). The Nore population of this species could, however, recover in time. Although slightly polluted conditions (Q3-4) were found both upstream and downstream of the outfall, this would not necessarily negatively affect the crayfish population, as Demers et al. (2005) reported that over one third of the sites where crayfish were found were Q3-4 or less. Consequently, it is considered that the discharge is currently having no

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:20 16 impacts on crayfish within SAC 2162. With upgrading of the WWTP, there will be no significant impact on this qualifying interest.

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) (Species Code 1106). The section of river downstream of the outfall is rated as good adult salmon habitat, but poor spawning and nursery habitat. O’Reilly (2002) states that the River Nore was once one of the finest salmon rivers in the country, but has declined dramatically in recent years. The main channel of the River Nore is a Salmonid Water, designated under the European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations of 1988 (S.I. No. 293 of 1988). The chemical data presented in Appendix 10 are within the standards specified for compliance with these regulations in Salmonid Waters, both upstream and downstream of the outfall for the following parameters for which data are available:

Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, BOD5, Non-ionised Ammonia. The standard specified for nitrites in these regulations is less than 0.05mg/l O2. The Kilkenny Co. Co. data shows this level to have exceeded, both upstream and downstream of the outfall on 20/04/10. The egg and juvenile stages of the salmon life cycle are very vulnerable to deteriorations in water quality (Hendry and Cragg-Hine, 2003). A significant drop in water quality would also negatively affect adult salmon. The current biological water quality of the River Goul, both upstream and downstream of the Urlingford WWTP is unsatisfactory

For inspection purposes only. for salmon. However, as no declineConsent of incopyright biological owner required water for any quality other use. was found and no significant effects of the discharge on other aquatic species close to the outfall were detected, it is considered that the discharge is currently having no impacts on salmon. With upgrading of the WWTP, there will be no further significant impact.

Otter (Lutra lutra) (Species Code 1355). Within the South Eastern River Basin District, which includes the River Goul, Baily and Rochford (2006) recorded positive results at nearly 73% of the sites surveyed, indicating a widespread distribution of the species. If water quality dropped to the extent that the abundance of prey species were significantly affected, otters could be negatively impacted. However, as the discharge does not appear to be negatively impacting on prey species, it is considered that the discharge is currently having no impacts on otters.

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4.3 Assessment of Significance The proposed development will not result in any loss or fragmentation of habitats for which the SAC is designated.

The improvement in effluent quality will have significant positive impact to the water quality.

The proposed development will not cause any significant negative impact to the water resource nor to water quality.

4.4 Cumulative Impacts. In the past, point sources, diffuse runoff and inputs from tributaries of unsatisfactory water quality are affecting the biological water quality of the River Nore along the course of the river. This can be seen in the 2007 EPA Q-ratings (Appendix 9). In that sampling season, in the section of river downstream of the confluence of the R. Erkina, Q3-4 was recorded at one site, Q3 was recorded at two sites and Q2 at one. Several of the tributaries entering the river were also in unsatisfactory condition. In the 2010 sampling season, Q3 was only recorded at the lowest site in the system (Site 2400), with Q4 recorded at all For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. other sites. This indicates an overall improvement in the River Nore catchment. However, lowest site on the River Goul, before it enters the SAC (Site 0360) dropped from Q4 in 2007 to Q3-4 in 2010.

One facility on the River Goul, upstream of Urlingford has an IPPC licence: Irisford Limited, Code P0460-01. This facility is a pig farm at Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary. The licence specifies measures for the protection of surface waters and groundwater at the facility. The licence also specifies conditions on the landspreading of the slurry produced.

The following facilities in the catchment of the River Nore, downstream of Abbeyleix have IPPC licences:

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Randstone Limited T/A Stonearch Branch, Code P0332-01. The licence specifies conditions and limits for emission to sewer, the monitoring requirements for surface water discharges of non-process water and actions to be taken if contamination is detected. The licence also specifies conditions on the landspreading of waste. Glanbia Ingredients (Ballyragget) Limited, Code P0359-02. The licence specifies emission limits to the River Nore. Sunglen Limited, Code P0415-01. The licence specifies measures for the protection of surface waters and groundwater at the facility. The licence also specifies conditions on the landspreading of the slurry produced. E. Smithwick & Sons Limited, Code P0448-01. The licence specifies conditions and limits for emission to sewer. The licence also specifies the monitoring requirements for surface water discharges of non-process water and actions to be taken if contamination is detected. Office of Public Works, Code P0759-01. This facility has no emissions to water of environmental significance. NN Euroball Ireland Limited, Code P0313-01. The licence specifies conditions and limits for emission to sewer. The licence also specifies the monitoring requirements for surface water discharges of non-process water and actions to be taken if contamination is detected.

For inspection purposes only. Tex Tech Industries (Ireland) LimitedConsent of copyright, Code owner P0258 required- for01 any. The other use.licence specifies conditions and limits for emission to sewer. The licence also specifies the monitoring requirements for surface water discharges of non-process water and actions to be taken if contamination is detected. Roadstone Provinces Limited, Code P0521-01. The licence specifies emission limits to a surface stream. The licence specifies measures for the protection of groundwater and surface waters at the facility and actions to be taken if contamination is detected. Green Biofuels Ireland Ltd., Code P0829-01. The licence specifies emission limits to sewer and also specifies that there are to be no emissions to water of environmental significance.

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Provided that the facilities listed above comply with the terms of their licences, they will have no cumulative impact on the biological water quality of the River Nore, and on the conservation objectives of Special Area of Conservation 002162.

While the lack of detected impacts on the Q-values recorded upstream and downstream of the discharge point indicates that the Urlingford WWTP is not significantly affecting the biological water quality of the River Goul in the vicinity of the outfall, the recorded increases in orthophosphate indicate that the Urlingford WWTP is likely to be currently adding to cumulative impacts on the Nore freshwater pearl mussel and on floating river vegetation, within the SAC and, therefore on the conservation objectives of this Natura 2000 site. With upgrading of the WWTP, there will be no further significant impact.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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5. MITIGATION MEASURES

Details of mitigation measures proposed in the upgrade of Urlingford WWTP, provided by Kilkenny Co. Co., are presented in Appendix 11.

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6. NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

• A biological assessment was carried out in order to assess the current effect of the discharge from Urlingford Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) on the biota of the River Goul.

• The likely impacts of an upgrade of the WWTP on protected habitats and species within this Special Area of Conservation (SAC) were assessed.

• Six species and one habitat which are listed for protection under the EU Habitats Directive were identified as being present, or likely to be present at or within the zone of potential impact downstream of the Urlingford WWTP outfall.

• With the proposed improvement in the quality of the effluent, it is considered that there will be no significant negative effects on the protected habitats and species within the SAC or on the site’s Conservation Objectives.

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APPENDIX 1

REFERENCES Bailey, M. and Rochford J. (2006) Otter Survey of Ireland 2004/2005. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 23. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland. Bardonnet, A. and Baglinière, J. (2000). Freshwater habitat of Atlantic salmon. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 57: 497 – 506 Clabby, K. et al (2006). Interim Report on the Biological Survey of River Quality, Results of the 2004 Investigations EPA. Curtis, T.G.F & McGough, H.N. (1988). The Irish Red Data Book 1: Vascular Plants. Wildlife Service, Dublin Demers, A., Lucey, J., McGarrigle, M. and Reynolds, J. (2005) the distribution of the white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) in Ireland. Biology and Environment: proceeding of the Royal Irish Academy: 105B: 65-69. Doherty, D., O’Maoiléidigh, N., and McCarthy, T.K. (2004). The biology, ecology and future conservation of the Twaite shad (Alosa fallax Lace ‘PE’ DE), Allis shad (Alosa alosa L.) and Killarney shad (Alosa fallax killarniensis Tate Regan) in Ireland. Biology and Environment: proceeding of the Royal Irish Academy: 104B: 93-102.

EC (2001). Assessment of plans and For projects inspection purposes significantly only. affecting Natura 2000 sites. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC Hendry, D. and Cragg-Hine, K. (2003) Ecology of the Atlantic Salmon. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No. 7, English Nature, Peterborough. Holdich, D. (2003) Ecology of the white-clawed crayfish. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No.1, English Nature, Peterborough. (available on www.riverlife.org.uk) Johns, M. (2002). Lampreys: relicts from the past. British Wildlife. 13: 381 - 388. Kerney, M. (1999). Atlas of the land and freshwater molluscs of Britain and Ireland. Harley Books.

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Kurz, I. And Costello, M.J. (1999) An outline of the biology, distribution and conservation of lampreys in Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 5, Dúchas, The Heritage Service. Life in UK Rivers (2003). Monitoring Watercourses Characterised by Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion Vegetation Communitites. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No. 11, English Nature, Peterborough. Lucey, J. (1998). The Barrow, the Nore and the Suir. In: C. Moriarty (ed.) Studies of Irish rivers and lakes. Essays on the occasion of the XXVII Congress of Societas Internationalis Limnologiae (SIL), 99-118 Marine Institute, Dublin Moorkens, E.A. (2006). Irish non-marine molluscs – an evaluation of species threat status. Bull. Ir. Biogeog. Soc. 30: 348-371 Special Area of Conservation 002162 Site Synopsis, National Parks and Wildlife Service. Stace, C. (1991). New flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press. Sweeney P. (2006). Baseline survey of water quality and crayfish in watercourses to be crossed by the M7 Portlaose to Castletown / M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill Road Scheme. Unpublished Report to Arup and NPWS. Sweeney, P. (2009) First record of Asian clam Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) in Ireland. Irish Naturalists’ Journal 30 (2): 147–148 Toner, P., Bowman, J., Clabby, K., Lucey, J., McGarrigle, M., Concannon, C.,

For inspection purposes only. Clenaghan, C., Cunningham, P.Consent, Delaney, of copyright J. owner, O’Boyle, required for any S. other, MacCárthaigh, use. M., Craig M. and Quinn, R. (2005). Water Quality in Ireland 2001-2003. EPA.

Taxonomic Keys: Coleoptera, Larvae: Richoux, P. (1982). Introduction Pratique a la Systematique des Organismes des eaux continentales Françaises. Bull. Soc. Linné. Lyon 51; 114-128 Coleoptera, Adults: Friday, L.E. (1988). A Key to the Adults of British Water Beetles. Field Studies Council Publication 189. Ephemeroptera: Elliott, J.M., Humpesch, U.H. and Macan, T.T. (1988). Larvae of the British species of Ephemeroptera. Sci. Publ. Freshwat. Biol. Assoc. 49. Gastropoda: Macan, T.T. (1977). British fresh- and brackish- water gastropods. Sci. Publ. Freshwat. Biol. Assoc. 13 Bivalvia Killeen, I., Aldridge, D. and Oliver, G. (2004) Freshwater bivalves of Britain and Ireland. Field Studies Council Occasional Publication 82.

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Hirudinae: Mann, K.H. (1964). A Key to the British freshwater leeches. Sci. Publ.Freshwat. Biol Assoc. 14 Malacostraca: Glendhill, T., Sutcliffe, D.W. and Williams, W.D. (1993). British Freshwater Crustacea Malacostraca: A Key with Ecological Notes. Sci. Publ. Freshwat. Biol Assoc. 52 Oligochaeta: Brinkhurst, R.O. (1971). A guide to the identification of aquatic oligochaetae. Sci. Publ. Freshwat. Biol Assoc. 22 Plecoptera: Hynes, H.B.N. (1977). A key to the adults and nymphs of the British stoneflies (Plecoptera). Sci. Publ. Freshwat. Biol. Assoc. 17 3rd ed. Trichoptera: 1. Edington, J.M. and Hildrew, A.G. (1981). A key to the caseless caddis larvae of the British Isles. Sci. Publ. Freshwat Biol Ass. 43 2. Wallace, I.D., Wallace, B. and Philipson, G.N. (1990). A key to the case-bearing caddis larvae of Britain and Ireland. Sci Publ. Freshwat. Biol. Assoc. 51

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APPENDIX 2 River Barrow and River Nore SAC Site Synopsis (downloaded from www.npws.ie)

SITE NAME: RIVER BARROW AND RIVER NORE SITE CODE: 002162 This site consists of the freshwater stretches of the Barrow/Nore River catchments as far upstream as the Slieve Bloom Mountains and it also includes the tidal elements and estuary as far downstream as Creadun Head in Waterford. The site passes through eight counties – Offaly, Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford. Major towns along the edge of the site include Mountmellick, Portarlington, Monasterevin, Stradbally, Athy, Carlow, Leighlinbridge, Graiguenamanagh, New Ross, Inistioge, Thomastown, Callan, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny and Durrow. The larger of the many tributaries include the Lerr, Fushoge, Mountain, Aughavaud, Owenass, Boherbaun and Stradbally Rivers of the Barrow and the Delour, Dinin, Erkina, Owveg, Munster, Arrigle and King’s Rivers on the Nore. Both rivers rise in the Old Red Sandstone of the Slieve Bloom Mountains before passing through a band of Carboniferous shales and sandstones. The Nore, for a large part of its course, traverses limestone plains and then Old Red Sandstone for a short stretch below Thomastown. Before joining the Barrow it runs over intrusive rocks poor in silica. The upper reaches of the Barrow also runs through limestone. The middle reaches and many of the eastern tributaries, sourced in the Blackstairs Mountains, run through Leinster Granite. The southern end, like the Nore runs over intrusive rocks poor in silica. Waterford Harbour is a deep valley excavated by glacial floodwaters when the sea level was lower than today. The coast shelves quite rapidly along much of the shore. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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

Good examples of Alluvial Forest are seen at Rathsnagadan, Murphy’s of the River, in Abbeyleix estate and along other shorter stretches of both the tidal and freshwater elements of the site. Typical species seen include Almond Willow (Salix triandra), White Willow (S. alba), Grey Willow (S. cinerea), Crack Willow (S. fragilis), Osier (S. viminalis), with Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Hemlock Water-

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:21 26 dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Thin-spiked Wood- sedge (Carex strigosa), Pendulous Sedge (C. pendula), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and the Red Data Book species Nettle-leaved Bellflower (Campanula trachelium). Three rare invertebrates have been recorded in this habitat at Murphy’s of the River. These are: Neoascia obliqua (Diptera: Syrphidae), Tetanocera freyi (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) and Dictya umbrarum (Diptera: Sciomyzidae).

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

The best examples of old Oak woodlands are seen in the ancient Park Hill woodland in the estate at Abbeyleix; at Kyleadohir, on the Delour, Forest Wood House, Kylecorragh and Brownstown Woods on the Nore; and at Cloghristic Wood, Drummond Wood and Borris Demesne on the Barrow, though other patches occur throughout the site. Abbeyleix Woods is a large tract of mixed deciduous woodland which is one of the only remaining true ancient woodlands in Ireland. Historical records show that Park Hill has been continuously wooded since the sixteenth century and has the most complete written record of any woodland in the country. It supports a variety of woodland habitats and an exceptional diversity of species including 22 native trees, 44 bryophytes and 92 lichens. It also contains eight indicator species of ancient woodlands. Park Hill is also the site of two rare plants, Nettle-leaved Bellflower and the moss Leucodon sciuroides. It has a typical bird fauna including Jay, Long-eared Owl and Raven.

A rare invertebrate, Mitostoma chrysomelas, For inspection purposes occurs only. in Abbeyleix and only two Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. other sites in the country. Two flies Chrysogaster virescens and Hybomitra muhlfeldi also occur. The rare Myxomycete fungus, Licea minima has been recorded from woodland at Abbeyleix.

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

On the steeply sloping banks of the River Nore about 5 km west of New Ross, in County Kilkenny, Kylecorragh Woods form a prominent feature in the landscape. This is an excellent example of a relatively undisturbed, relict Oak woodland with a very good tree canopy. The wood is quite damp and there is a rich and varied ground flora. At Brownstown a small, mature Oak-dominant woodland occurs on

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:21 27 a steep slope. There is younger woodland to the north and east of it. Regeneration throughout is evident. The understorey is similar to the woods at Brownsford. The ground flora of this woodland is developed on acidic, brown earth type soil and comprises a thick carpet of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant), Cowwheat (Melampyrum spp.) and Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum).

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

Eutrophic tall herb vegetation occurs in association with the various areas of alluvial forest and elsewhere where the flood-plain of the river is intact. Characteristic species of the habitat include Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Marsh Ragwort (Senecio aquaticus), Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) and Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium). Indian Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), an introduced and invasive species, is abundant in places.

Floating River Vegetation is well represented in the Barrow and in the many tributaries of the site. In the Barrow the species found include Water Starworts (Callitriche spp.), Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis), Bulbous Rush (Juncus bulbosus), Milfoil (Myriophyllum spp.), Potamogeton x nitens, Broad- leaved Pondweed (P. natans ) , Fennel For inspection Pondweed purposes only. (P. pectinatus), Perfoliated Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Pondweed (P. perfoliatus) and Crowfoots (Ranunculus spp.). The water quality of the Barrow has improved since the vegetation survey was carried out (EPA, 1996).

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

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:21 28 glomeratum) – a species known from only one other site in Ireland. This grassland community is especially well developed on the west side of the mud- capped walls by the road. On the east of the cliffs a group of rock-dwelling species occur, i.e. English Stonecrop (Sedum anglicum), Sheep's-bit (Jasione montana) and Wild Madder (Rubia peregrina). These rocks also support good lichen and moss assemblages with Ramalina subfarinacea and Hedwigia ciliata.

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

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

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

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

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:21 29 marina, Nephtys hombergii, Scoloplos armiger, Lanice conchilega and Cerastoderma edule.

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

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

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

Seventeen Red Data Book plant species have been recorded within the site, most in the recent past. These are Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum), Divided Sedge (Carex divisa), Clustered Clover (Trifolium glomeratum), Basil

Thyme (Acinos arvensis), Hemp Fornettle inspection (Galeopsis purposes only. angustifolia), Borrer’s Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Saltmarsh Grass (Puccinellia fasiculata), Meadow Barley (Hordeum secalinum), Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa), Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Wild Sage (Salvia verbenaca), Nettle-leaved Bellflower (Campanula trachelium), Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria), Bird Cherry (Prunus padus), Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acer), Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera), Broomrape (Orobanche hederae) and Greater Broomrape (Orobanche rapum-genistae). Of these the first nine are protected under the Flora Protection Order 1999. Divided Sedge (Carex divisa) was thought to be extinct but has been found in a few locations in the site since 1990. In addition plants which do not have a very wide distribution in the country are found in the site including Thin-spiked Wood-sedge (Carex strigosa), Field Garlic (Allium oleraceum) and Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum). Six rare lichens, indicators of ancient woodland, are found including Lobaria laetevirens and L. pulmonaria. The rare moss Leucodon sciuroides also occurs.

The site is very important for the presence of a number of EU Habitats Directive Annex II animal species including Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:21 30 margaritifera and M. m. durrovensis), Freshwater Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), Salmon (Salmo salar), Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax fallax), three Lamprey species - Sea (Petromyzon marinus), Brook (Lampetra planeri) and River (Lampetra fluviatilis), the marsh snail Vertigo moulinsiana and Otter (Lutra lutra). This is the only site in the world for the hard water form of the Pearl Mussel M. m. durrovensis and one of only a handful of spawning grounds in the country for Twaite Shad. The freshwater stretches of the River Nore main channel is a designated salmonid river. The Barrow/Nore is mainly a grilse fishery though spring salmon fishing is good in the vicinity of Thomastown and Inistioge on the Nore. The upper stretches of the Barrow and Nore, particularly the Owenass River, are very important for spawning.

The site supports many other important animal species. Those which are listed in the Irish Red Data Book include Daubenton’s Bat (Myotis daubentoni), Badger (Meles meles), Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) and Frog (Rana temporaria). The rare Red Data Book fish species Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) occurs in estuarine stretches of the site. In addition to the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, the site also supports two other freshwater Mussel species, Anodonta anatina and A. cygnea.

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

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Landuse at the site consists mainly of agricultural activities – many intensive, principally grazing and silage production. Slurry is spread over much of this area. Arable crops are also grown. The spreading of slurry and fertiliser poses a threat to the water quality of the salmonid river and to the populations of Habitats Directive Annex II animal species within the site. Many of the woodlands along the rivers belong to old estates and support many non-native species. Little active woodland management occurs. Fishing is a main tourist attraction along stretches of the main rivers and their tributaries and there are a number of Angler Associations, some with a number of beats. Fishing stands and styles have been erected in places. Both commercial and leisure fishing takes place on the rivers. There is net fishing in the estuary and a mussel bed also. Other recreational activities such as boating, golfing and walking, particularly along the Barrow towpath are also popular. There is a golf course on the banks of the Nore at Mount Juliet and GAA pitches on the banks at Inistioge and Thomastown. There are active and disused sand and gravel pits throughout the site. Several industrial developments, which discharge into the river, border the site. New Ross is an

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:21 31 important shipping port. Shipping to and from Waterford and Belview ports also passes through the estuary.

The main threats to the site and current damaging activities include high inputs of nutrients into the river system from agricultural run-off and several sewage plants, overgrazing within the woodland areas, and invasion by non-native species, for example Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum). The water quality of the site remains vulnerable. Good quality water is necessary to maintain the populations of the Annex II animal species listed above. Good quality is dependent on controlling fertilisation of the grasslands, particularly along the Nore. It also requires that sewage be properly treated before discharge. Drainage activities in the catchment can lead to flash floods which can damage the many Annex II species present. Capital and maintenance dredging within the lower reaches of the system pose a threat to migrating fish species such as lamprey and shad. Land reclamation also poses a threat to the salt meadows and the populations of legally protected species therein.

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

16.1.2003

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APPENDIX 3 River Barrow and River Nore SAC Qualifying Interests (from www.npws.ie)

Annex I Habitats EU Habitat Code Habitat Name 91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles 91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) 3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand 1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) 4030 European dry heaths 7220 Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) 6430 Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels 1320 Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide 1130 Estuaries

Annex II Species EU Species Code Species Taxonomic Name Species Common Name 1029 Margaritifera margaritifera Freshwater Pearl Mussel 1990 Margaritifera durrovensis Nore Pearl Mussel 1016 Vertigo moulinsiana Desmoulins’ whorl snail 1095 Petromyzon marinus For inspection purposes only.Sea Lamprey Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 1096 Lampetra planeri Brook Lamprey 1099 Lampetra fluviatilis River Lamprey 1102 Alosa alosa Allis Shad 1103 Alosa fallax Twaite Shad 1106 Salmo salar Atlantic Salmon 1355 Lutra lutra European Otter 1092 Austropotamobius pallipes White Clawed Crayfish 1421 Trichomanes speciosum Killarney Fern

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APPENDIX 4 NPWS Generic Draft Conservation Objectives for cSAC 002162

The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network.

European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain at favourable conservation status areas designated as candidate Special Areas of Conservation. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites. According to the EU Habitats Directive, favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when:

• its natural range, and area it covers For within inspection that purposes range, only. is stable or increasing, and Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. • the ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and • the conservation status of its typical species is favourable as defined below.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when: • population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and • the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and • there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.

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Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and /or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected: Margaritifera margaritifera [1029] Austropotamobius pallipes [1092] Petromyzon marinus [1095] Lampetra planeri [1096] Lampetra fluviatilis [1099] Alosa fallax [1103] Salmo salar (only in fresh water) [1106] Estuaries [1130] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco‐Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] Lutra lutra [1355] Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Trichomanes speciosum [1421] Margaritifera durrovensis (Margaritifera margaritifera) [1990] Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho‐Batrachion vegetation [3260]

For inspection purposes only. European dry heaths [4030] Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels [6430] Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [7220] Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [91A0] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno‐Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0]

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APPENDIX 5

Sampling Site Locations and Site Details

Site Code 1 2 Watercourse River Goul River Goul EPA River Code 15/G/02 15/G/02 Location 50m u/s Urlingford 80m d/s Urlingford WWTP outfall. RHS WWTP outfall. RHS Grid Reference 228169 163819 28242 163919 Photograph 1 2 Substrate 1. Cobble 1. Cobble (in order of occurrence) 2. Gravel 2. Gravel 3. Silt Substratum calcified Sampling Depth (cm.) 25 10 Flow Type Riffle: 40% Riffle: 100% Glide: 60% Shade Light None Salmon Spawning Habitat Fair Poor (due to

For inspection purposes only. calcification) Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Salmon Nursery Habitat Fair Good Lamprey Spawning Habitat Good Poor (due to calcification) Lamprey Nursery Habitat Poor Poor Crayfish Habitat Good Poor (due to calcification)

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APPENDIX 6

Photographs

Site 1. Upstream of WWTP Discharge

Site 2. Downstream of WWTP Discharge

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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APPENDIX 7

Macroinvertebrate Community Composition

Abundance expressed as number of specimens sorted in 30 minutes. EPA Group Taxon Site 1 Site 2 A Ecdyonurus sp. 2 3 (Sensitive Forms) Rhithrogena sp. 1 4 B Baetis muticus 1 4 (Less Sensitive Forms) Limnephilidae 3 Glossosomatidae 2 3 Sericostomatidae 2 Lepidostomatidae 1 C Potamopyrgus 21 (Tolerant Forms) antipodarum Ancylus fluviatilis 2 Gammarus duebeni 49 107 Baetis rhodani 11 75 Caenidae 10 4 Ephemerellidae 68 69 Hydropsychidae 15 30 Polycentropodidae 9 2 Elmidae 25 3 Tipulidae 1 Simuliidae 5 19 Chironomidae (ex. 16 20 Chironomus) D Erpobdellidae 3 (Very Tolerant Forms) Glossiphoniidae 4 For inspection purposes only. AsellusConsent sp. of copyright owner required for any other use. 7 E None recorded (Most Tolerant Forms) Taxa not assigned to Naididae 3 any Indicator Group Lumbriculidae 2 Q-rating Q3-4 Q3-4

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APPENDIX 8

PLANT COVER AT EACH SITE

Site 1 Site 2 Filamentous algae 10% 50% Moss/Liverwort 10% Sparganium erectum <5% % Apium nodiflorum 10% Berula erecta 40% Callitriche sp. <5%

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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APPENDIX 9

Goul (15G02) EPA Q-values 2001 - 2010

Station No. Station Location 2001 2005 2007 2010 0250 Br 2 km NW of Johnstown 3-4 3 3-4 3 0300 Fertagh Bridges 3-4 3 3-4 3-4 0360 2nd Br u/s Aghmacart Br 3-4 4 4 3-4 0500 Br near Newtown Mills 3-4 3-4 4 4 Urlingford WWTP outfall upstream of Site 0250

Erkina (15E01) EPA Q-values 2001 - 20010

Station No. Station Location 2001 2005 2007 2010 0040 Templequain Br 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 0100 Clarneyball Br 4 3-4 n/s - 0200 Coneyburrow Br 3 3 3-4 3-4 0300 Carrick Br 3-4 3-4 3-4 3-4 0400 Br near Black Island 3-4 4 n/s - 0550 Durrow Br 3-4 3-4 3-4 4 Goul confluence S 374 779, 0400 and 0550

River Nore (15N01) EPA Q-values 2001 - 2010

Station No. Station Location 2001 2004 2007 2008 2010 0080 Br NE Clonakenny 3-4 3-4 4 - 4 0300 Quaker's Br 3-4 3-4 3-4 - - 0500 Br S of Coolrain 4 4 4 - - 0700 Kilbricken Br 4 3-4 3-4 - 4 For inspection purposes only. 0900 Poorman'sConsent Br of copyright owner required for any 3other-4 use. 3-4 4 - 4 1100 Watercastle Br 4 4 4 - 4 1300 Tallyho Br 4-5 4-5 4 - 4 1450 Ballyragget Br 3-4 3-4 3-4 - 4 1600 Lismaine Br 4 4 - - 4 1700 Threecastles Br 4 4 4 - 4 1800 1 km u/s Green's Br, Kilkenny 4 4 4 - - 1950 Fennessy's Mill (Ossory Br) 3-4 3-4 3-4 - 4 2000 NE of Warrington, d/s Kilkenny 3 3-4 3 - 4 2200 Ballylinch Br 3-4 3-4 4 - 4 2300 Thomastown Br (Mid) - - - - 4* 2305 Thomastown Br (LHS) 2 3 2 3 4 2310 Thomastown Br (RHS) 3-4 3-4 4 - 4 2320 1 km d/s Thomastown Br 3-4 3 3 - 4 2400 Brownsbarn Br 4 3-4 3-4 3 Erkina confluence S 420 773, between 1100 and 1300

EPA Export 22-08-2013:23:47:21 APPENDIX 10

CHEMICAL DATA – KILKENNY Co. Co. ROUTINE MONITORING

/l P O2 mg uS/cm Ortho mg/l N mg/l @ 25°C Temp. °C Dissolved phosphate Oxygen % Ammonium Conductivity Conductivity BOD mg/l O2 Nitrite mg/l N mg/l Nitrite Chloride mg/l Chloride Sample Date Nitrate mg/l N 23-Mar-09 1 713 9.5 0.067 3.8 0.002 0.025 93 19 26-May-09 1.6 695 11 0.01 3.3 0.006 0.01 103 15.4 27-Jul-09 1.9 630 14.6 0.201 3.1 0.023 0.034 106 12.7 05-Nov-09 1.8 613 9.2 0.04 4 0.021 0.028 97 14 10-Dec-09 1.6 667 8.9 0.057 2.6 0.031 0.025 103 12 Upstream of 24-Feb-10 1.5 674 7.1 0.012 4.4 0.009 0.029 107 WWTP 20-Apr-10 1.3 692 9.3 0.014 2.8 0.097 0.076 109 15 effluent outfall 17-Jun-10 1.1 703 14.9 0.013 4.7 0.02 0.036 94 13-Aug-10 1.3 706 13.5 0.018 3.5 0.008 0.016 110 18.9 14-Oct-10 1.4 698 10.6 0.021 3.2 0.03 0.012 95 15-Dec-10 0.8 702 6 0.013 3.6 0.01 0.025 90 16 25-Jan-11 1.2 693 7.6 0.06 3.11 0.016 0.03 96 14.84 28-Apr-11 681 11.9 0.04 4.1 0.016 0.01 100 16.5 23-Mar-09 1.9 721 0.077 4 0.025 19.7 26-May-09 1.8 700 11 0.01 3.3 0.13 102 15.8 27-Jul-09 2 638 0.205 3.2 0.023 0.011 101 10.6 07-Oct-09 1.3 742 13 0.098 4.4 0.032 0.018 97 15.8 05-Nov-09 2 616 9 0.065 4.2 0.028 0.08 92 14.5 For inspection purposes only. Downstream 10-Dec-09 1.9 672 Consent8 of copyright0.063 owner required 2.9for any other use.0.038 0.035 100 12.7

of WWTP 24-Feb-10 3.1 699 6 0.111 4.1 0.009 0.4 101 effluent 20-Apr-10 1.7 700 10 0.021 2.2 0.66 0.085 106 15.8 outfall 17-Jun-10 1.9 714 15 0.015 3.6 0.038 0.155 90 17.8 13-Aug-10 1.7 756 13 0.031 3.3 0.034 0.038 107 27.7 14-Oct-10 1.5 709 10 0.023 3.3 0.017 0.027 85 15-Dec-10 1 705 6 0.012 3.5 0.01 0.03 88 16 25-Jan-11 1.5 697 7.4 0.14 3.11 0.016 0.08 89 14.8 28-Apr-11 692 12 0.06 4 0.02 0.03 90 16.5

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APPENDIX 11

Urlingford WWTP – Mitigation Measures

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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