Castletown Geoghegan Waste Water Treatment Plant Waste Water

Castletown Geoghegan

Waste Water Treatment Plant

Waste Water Discharge Certificate of

Authorisation

Regulation 25(c)(ii) For inspection purposes Futher only. Information Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Response (A0066-01)

County Buildings Mullingar

Co. Westmeath

Phone: 04493 - 32000 Fax: 04493 -42330

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 1 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:55

Contents

1. Introduction 3

2. Revised Non-Technical Summary 3

3. Management of the Site 5

4. Project Description 5

4.1 Site Synpsos 6 4.1.1 Nure Bog NHA 6 4.1.2 Lough Ennell SAC 7

5. Conclusion 8

6. Characteristics of the site 11

7. Assessment of Significance 11

8. Appendix 1 Screening (Heritage) 11 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

9. Appendix 2(Archaeological Heritage) 14

10. Screening Conclusion 15

Attachments 16

Archaeological Assessment

Drawing No.1

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 2 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:55

1. Introduction In accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 684 of 2007) Westmeath County Council submitted six Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation applications to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on and before 22nd December 2009. The Castletown Geoghegan Agglomeration was included within the six submissions.

The following report has been produced in accordance with the EPAs correspondence of 7th April 2010 (Notice in accordance with Regulation 25(c) (ii) of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007) requesting Westmeath County Council to provide further information in accordance with Circular L8/08 ‘Water Services Investment Programmes – Protection of National Heritage and National Monuments’ issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

This report also includes a revised technical summary as stipulated in the original Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation application submission.

2. Revised Non-Technical Summary

Westmeath County Council has previously applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for a Waste Water Discharge Licence for the Waste Water Works at Castletown Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath. The Waste Water Works comprises of a gravity sewer network, a pumping station with storm storage at the Treatment Plant, pumped sewers and the Waste Water Treatment Plant serving the town of Castletown Geoghegan. The Waste Water Treatment Plant was constructed during 2008/2009 and has been recently completed.

The Waste Water Works is designed to collect and treat domestic and industrial effluent from a population equivalent of 500. The Waste Water Treatment Plant will treat in the region of 115 cubic metres of effluent at peak design flow every day and For inspection purposes only. ferric dosing provides nutrientConsent removal of copyright owner(phosp requiredhorus for any removal)other use. for the effluent. The works is designed to produce a treated effluent to comply with the following standards: 5 Day BOD 25mg/litre, Suspended Solids 35mg/litre, Total Nitrogen 15mg/l and Total Phosphorus 2mg/l and is discharged to the Monaghanstown Stream at the boundary of the treatment plant site. Currently the works is receiving average flows in the region of 31m³/day and it is estimated that the current population equivalent contributing to the WWTP is 184.

The primary discharge from the Waste Water Works is directly to the Monaghanstown Stream (at National Grid Reference 234636E, 243636N) in the townland of Castletown (Moycashel By) Co. Westmeath, which flows into the Monaghanstown River, which in turns flows via the River Brosna. The associated Waste Water Treatment Plant is located at National Grid Reference 234515E, 243679N, also in the townland of Castletown (Moycashel By), Co. Westmeath. There is no storm water overflow associated with the pipe network. However, in the event of flows to the forward flow pumping station at the treatment plant exceed the capacity of the pumps, the excess flows pass to a storm holding tank. If the capacity of the storm holding tank is exceeded, the overflow discharges via the discharge effluent outfall to the Monaghanstown Stream.

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 3 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:55

The Monaghanstown Stream and River are not designated Salmonid water (under the European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations, 1988) nor is it identified as sensitive water in terms of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 2001. The stream and river are not designated as an SPA, SAC or NHA. However, as noted above, both the Monaghanstown Stream and River flow into the River Brosna.

Two protected sites are located to the east of the Castletown Geoghegan WWTP site, these being Nure Bog NHA and Lough Ennell SAC. The later, Lough Ennell is of significance as a highly productive lake, which supports a rich variety of lower plant and invertebrate species. Its lakeshore habitats, which include alkaline fen, a habitat listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, support a diverse flora. Lough Ennell is very vulnerable to pollution from agricultural and domestic sources though water quality has been satisfactory in recent years. A deterioration in water quality could affect bird populations (as shown by marked fluctuations in some populations in the past). It is an important amenity area with much of the lake used for fishing, boating and camping.

Nure Bog NHA is the closest protected site to the treatment plant site and wastewater discharge location point. The bogland is nationally important as it is raised peatland. Raised bogs are rare within the European Union are under threat nationally from turf cultivation. The Castletown Geoghegan WWTP lies to the east with the receiving water flowing downstream of both Lough Ennell and Nure Bog.

The Dry Weather Flow (DWF) in the Monaghanstown Stream (EPA Station 25146 Castletown) is as 0.01m3/sec with a 95%ile flow of 0.03m3/sec. The Dry Weather Flow (DWF) in the Monaghanstown River (EPA Station 25138 Monaghanstown) is as 0.05m3/sec with a 95%ile flow of 0.08m3/sec.

The EPA has a river water quality monitoring site at locations on the Monaghanstown River both upstream and downstream For inspection of wher purposese only.the Monaghanstown Stream joins the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. River. A Q value of 3-4 was recorded both upstream and downstream of this point in 2005. A previous Q value of 4 was recorded upstream in 2002. The River Water Framework Directive status for the Monaghanstown River downstream of Monaghanstown Stream and the River Brosna is 1a; hence it is at risk of failing to meet good status in 2015. The status of the Monaghanstown River upstream of Monaghanstown Stream is 1b, i.e water body thought to be at risk of failing to meet the WFD objective pending further investigations.

Based on the effluent design criteria for the site, there are no main potential “threats” to the environment predicted from the operation of the Waste Water Works.

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 4 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:55

3. Management of the Site The Castletown Geoghegan WWTP and its discharge are not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site.

4. Project Description. The waste water treatment works is designed to cater for a population equivalent (PE) of 500 and is currently accepting effluent flows in the region of 184 PE. A network of gravity sewers collect and transport waste water from the Castletown Geoghegan Agglomeration to the WWTP located south of the village core.

Flows from the network drain into an inlet forward feed pumping station. The pumping station is of precast concrete construction and houses duty and standby pumps with the capacity of pumping 8l/s (6DWF) of waste water to the combined screening and grit removal unit.

Screening is carried out by two KSK screw clarifiers that separate screenings, sand and grit from the influent and discharge the screenings to bins via ejectors. Post screening the waste water enters the aeration tank.

The aeration tank consists of a set of diffusers that defuse air into the liquor for biological treatment. The aerated effluent overflows via a bellmouth from where it gravities to the clarifier tank. Flows enter the clarifier from where the heavier activated sludge settles on the base of the tank. Clarified effluent rises and overflows a V-notch weir from where it gravitates to the outlet flume and is discharged via SW1 to the Monaghanstown stream.

The plant is linked to Westmeath County Councils Scada system which records flows and provides an alarm facility in the event of a fault. The system also provides increased monitoring of the treatment plant.

The Monaghanstown stream is located For inspection in purposesthe Shannon only. IRBD. The receiving water is Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. not identified as a “sensitive” waterway under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations S.I. 254 of 2001. The receiving water is not classified as a “salmonid river” under S.I. of 1988.

Two protected sites are located to the west of the Castletown Geoghegan WWTP site, these being Nure Bog NHA and Lough Ennell SAC. The later, Lough Ennell (Map No.1, page 10) is of significance as a highly productive lake, which supports a rich variety of lower plant and invertebrate species. Its lakeshore habitats, which include alkaline fen, a habitat listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, support a diverse flora.

Lough Ennell is very vulnerable to pollution from agricultural and domestic sources though water quality has been satisfactory in recent years. A deterioration in water quality could affect bird populations (as shown by marked fluctuations in some populations in the past). It is an important amenity area with much of the lake used for fishing, boating and camping.

Nure Bog NHA (Map No.2, page 9) is the closest protected site to the treatment plant site and wastewater discharge location point. The bogland is nationally important as it is raised peatland. Raised bogs are rare within the European Union are under threat Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 5 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:55

nationally from turf cultivation. The Castletown Geoghegan WWTP lies to the east with the receiving water flowing downstream of both Lough Ennell and Nure Bog.

Both sites are described in the site synopsis as taken from the National Parks and Wildlife Service data.

4.1 SITE SYNOPSIS

4.1.1 SITE NAME: NURE BOG NHA

Nure Bog NHA is located 11 km south-west of Mullingar, mainly in the townlands of Lilliput (Nure) and Monaghanstown in Co. Westmeath. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog and adjoins Lough Ennell to the east.

This raised bog was originally part of a larger area that has now been mostly cutover and reclaimed for agriculture. Although this bog has no pools there are hummocks throughout the high bog. Cutover is found all around the high bog and there is an area of coniferous forestry on the cutover in the south of the site.

Much of the high bog has vegetation typical of a Midland Raised bog, consisting of Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Cottongrass (Eriophorum sp.), Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) and Bog-rosemary (Andromeda polifolia). The north of the site is wetter than the south, with the bog mosses Sphagnum capillifolium and S. papillosum forming the majority of the hummocks, but there are also occasional S. imbricatum and S. fuscum hummocks. The bog moss S. subnitens is also a species of note in the north of the site. Other bog moss species recorded for the site include S. magellanicum and the aquatic bog moss S. cuspidatum. The hummocks in the north of the site are colonised by Ling Heather, Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Common Cottongrass (E. angustifoilum), Cranberry, Bog-rosemary, Deergrass (Scirpus cespitosus) and Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), with Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) found in the channels. In the southern half of the site the high bog is dryer and firmer with Ling Heather dominating. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is also recorded on the hummocks in the south of the site with the moss Campylopus introflexus colonising bare peat. On the cutover in the south-west of the site there is an area of Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) woodland with Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Willow (Salix sp.) occasionally recorded amongst the Downy Birch. In the north-west of the site there has been some regeneration of old cutover with most of the species present on the high bog and good Sphagnum regeneration recorded in this region. In the north-east of the site old cutover is dominated by Ling Heather and Purple Moor-grass, with Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), Bilberry, Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and small areas of Downy Birch also present. On cutover in the south-east of the site there is a dense stand of Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and there is some coniferous forestry on cutover in the very south of the site.

Current landuses on the site include peat-cutting, forestry, agriculture and shooting. Currently very little active peat-cutting is taking place in the east and south of the site

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 6 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:55

but there are reports of more cutting being planned for the site. There is coniferous forestry on the cutover in the south of the site.

The main area of agricultural land within the site is in the south-east. Damaging activities associated with these landuses include drainage throughout the site and burning of the high bog. There is evidence of clay pigeon shooting on the site and dumping has been reported for this site. All these activities have resulted in the loss of habitat, damage to the hydrological status of the site and pose a continuing threat to its viability. Nure Bog NHA is a site of considerable conservation significance comprising as it does a raised bog, a rare habitat in the E.U. and one that is becoming increasingly scarce and under threat in Ireland. This site supports a good diversity of raised bog microhabitats, including hummocks and directly adjoins Lough Ennell cSAC (685). Ireland has a high proportion of the total E.U. resource of this habitat type (over 50%) and so has a special responsibility for its conservation at an international level.

4.1.2 SITE NAME: LOUGH ENNELL SAC

Lough Ennell is a large, open, steep-sided lake, located 3km south of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The lake bottom is of limestone with a marl deposit. The water is markedly alkaline and mesotrophic, possibly owing to effluents received from Mullingar town and to fertilizer inputs from farmland surrounding the lake. The River Brosna flows into the lake from the north, at Butler's Bridge, and out from the south.

Lough Ennell supports a diverse aquatic flora; seven Stonewort species have been identified including two Red Data Book species, Chara denudata and C. tomentosa. Scharff's Char (Salvelinus scharffi), a distinct race of char which was once found only in Lough Owel and Lough Ennell, is now thought to be extinct. Notable aquatic invertebrates recorded from the lake include Tinodes maculicornis, Metalype fragilis, Limnephilus nigriceps (Trichoptera); Picromerus bidens, Monarthia humili (Hemiptera) and Donacia obscura For (Coleoptera). inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Much of the lakeshore is rather dry, stony ground, which was formerly part of the lake bed but is now exposed by drainage, and colonised by calcareous grassland. Species such as Mountain Everlasting (Antennaria dioica), Hairy Lady's-mantle (Alchemilla filicaulis subsp. vestita), Frog Orchid (Coelglossum viride), Fairy Flax (Linum catharticum) and Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata) occur here. Alkaline fen, a habitat listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, is also found on the lake shore with species such as Grass-of-parnassus (Parnassia palustris), Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) and Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata). In wet marshy patches along the shore Marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris), Brookweed (Samolus valerandi) and Lesser Water-plantain (Baldellia ranunculoides) are common.

Reedbeds and species-poor swamp vegetation occasionally fringe the lake, particularly around the points of inflow and outflow and on the eastern shore, around Tudenham Park. Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is abundant here. Waterplantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), Cowbane (Cicuta virosa), Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) and Tufted Sedge (Carex elata) also occur. The latter two species are of note in that they are of occasional in the eastern midlands but are rarely recorded elsewhere. The rare Fibrous Tussock-sedge (Carex appropinquata)

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 7 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56

has been recorded here also. This species has a disjunct distribution, being recorded only from Co. Clare and from two midland counties (Westmeath and Offaly).

Mixed woodland of Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) fringes the lakeshore to the northwest. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Lords-and-ladies (Arum maculatum) are among the woodland ground flora.

A species of blue-green alga (Schizothrix fasciculata), which forms little pebbles of lime that are cast up on the lakeshore, occurs in Lough Ennell and has not been recorded from anywhere else in Ireland. Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), a rare plant listed in the Red Data Book, has been recorded in the woods along the eastern shores of Lough Ennell. This is the only record for this species outside the south-east of Ireland. The rare Myxomycete fungus, Licea castanea, has been recorded from woodland in the site.

This site shares an internationally important Greenland White-fronted Goose flock with Loughs Iron, Glen and Owel. The numbers of Geese which visit Lough Ennell are lower than for the other lakes: 9l birds (3 year average peak). Nationally important bird populations which have been recorded on Lough Ennell are: Cormorant (average peak l49; absolute maximum 448); Mute Swan (average peak 424); Pochard (average peak 889; maximum 2,600 on 8/ll/85); Tufted Duck (average peak 720) and Coot (average peak 639). All of these data were compiled from counts made over 3 seasons, l984/85 - l986/87. A single count of 522 Golden Plover was obtained in that period, i.e. a regionally important population.

Lough Ennell is an important amenity area, much used for fishing, boating and camping. Sections of the shoreline are managed for visitor access and amenity. The chemical composition of effluent from the Mullingar sewage treatment plant has a significant impact on the water quality of Lough Ennell. The mid-l970s saw the introduction of treatment of the For sewage inspection purposes to reduceonly. phosphates, with a resulting Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. improvement in water quality (according to data compiled during l987-90). However, levels of planktonic algal growth in the lake water continue to fluctuate, in response to the variable efficiency of the phosphate removal facility at the sewage treatment plant and the re-mobilization of phosphate from the lake sediments.

Lough Ennell is of significance as a highly productive lake which supports a rich variety of lower plant and invertebrate species. Its lakeshore habitats, which include alkaline fen, a habitat listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, support a diverse flora. These habitats also provide important refuges for wildfowl.

5. Conclusion The Castletown Geoghegan WWTP does not discharge to either of the above described protected areas and does present any environmental risks to the European sites. . The main treat to any aquatic life within the areas is from agricultural runoff and may present elevated levels of nutrients within the sites. Lough Ennell SAC is susceptible to discharges from the Mullingar WWTP which is sited upstream of the Lough and discharges into the River Brosna which flows into the northern extents of the Lake. The Mullingar WWTP has obtained a Waste Water Discharge Licence and currently operates under its conditions.

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 8 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56

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

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 9 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56

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

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 10 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56

6. Characteristics of the site

The objectives of both sites is to conserve the environmental interests, both flora and fauna.

Nure Bog NHA and Lough Ennell SAC are located upstream of the Monaghanstown stream and therefore upstream of any potential impacts from the Castletown Geoghegan WWTP. No effects on the designated sites are likely to occur; therefore no further assessment is required.

7. Assessment of Significance

Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments

The screening methodology used in accessing the Castletown Geoghegan Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is in accordance with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Governments Circular L8/08, Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of National Heritage and National Monuments.

Within the circular initial screening in accordance with Appendix 1(national heritage) and Appendix 2(archaeological heritage) are required.

8. Appendix 1 Screening (Heritage)

Appendix 1 of Circular L8/08 prescribes 8 questions and a screening flow diagram (see Figure 1, page 13) that are used to determine if a new development requires screening for potential impacts to habitats, flora or fauna. The 8 checklist questions are dealt with below. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 1. Is the development in or on the boundary of a nature conservation site (NHA/SAC/SPA?) No, the Castletown Geoghegan Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is not sited in or on the boundary of a nature conservation site.

The closet conservation site is Nure Bog NHA sited approximately 1.7km east of the WWTP. The site comprises mainly of raised peatland and adjoins the western shoreline of Lough Ennell. The Monaghanstown River flows from west to east along the wooded and southern most boundary of this NHA for approximately 880 meters. Whilst the river drains parts of the bogland the surface water course does not enter the protected site and does not have any impact upon the NHA.

Adjacent and west of Nure Bog NHA is located Lough Ennell SAC. Lough Ennell is large surface water fed lake. The Lough ids nationally important as areas of alkaline fen can be found. Alkaline fen is a listed habitat on Annex 1 of the E.U. Habitats Directive.

A site synopsis for the Nure Bog NHA and Lough Ennell SAC are included in the on page 6 and 7 of this report. Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 11 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56

2. Will nationally protected species be directly impacted? (Flora Protection Order (S.I. 94 OF 1999)? No. The existing WWTP is not sited within a protected area or within a site that prescribes to the hunting of bird or animal species as detailed in Schedules 4 and 5 of the Wildlife Act 1976 and any amendment of 2000. Plant species as listed and protected under the Flora Protection Order (S.I. 94 of 1999) are not affected by the existing development.

3. Is the development a surface water discharge or abstraction in the surface water catchments or immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/species? The Castletown Geoghegan WWTP discharges to the Monaghanstown Stream (surface water). The Monaghanstown stream is not designated as a protected site nor are there any recorded water dependent habitats or species from Annex 1 or 11 listed within the surface water course. The receiving water is not listed as a salmonid water course.

4. Is the development a groundwater discharge or abstraction in the groundwater catchment or within 5km of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/species.? No. The existing development does not discharge to groundwater or abstract groundwater within a 5km radius of a nature conservation site. All discharges at the Castletown Geoghegan WWTP are to surface water.

5. Is the development in the surface water or groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? No. The existing development is not in a surface water catchment of salmonid waters.

6. Is the treatment plant in an active or former floodplain or zone of a river, lake, etc? No. The treatment plant is not situated For inspection on anpurposes active only. or former food plain. No recorded Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. flood incidents are recorded on the OPWs National Flood Hazard Mapping database.

7. Is the development a surface discharge or abstraction to or from marine waters and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? No. All discharges from the WWTP are to a surface water river course. The receiving water is an inland waterway and is not within 3km of a marine nature conservation site.

8. Will the project in combination with other projects (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species? The Castletown Geoghegan WWTP has a treatment capacity of 500 PE. The plant is currently treating volumes reaching 25% of its design capacity. There are no proposed plans to extend or combine the existing plant. The WWTP and its discharges do not have any affect on the hydrology or on any water levels of any surface water courses.

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 12 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56

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

Figure 1 ((Appendix 1 Flow Diagram (DoEHLG Circular L8/08)))

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 13 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56

9. Appendix 2(Archaeological Heritage)

Appendix 2 provides an Archaeological heritage checklist for Local Authorities in which to assess the potential impacts on archaeological material and recorded monuments.

The seven statements provided in appendix 2 are dealt with below;

 Any scheme that extends within or impinges upon the confines of the “black line” drawn around a monument on the Record of Monuments and Places Map. The Castletown Geoghegan WWTP site does not impinge upon any protected monument sites or areas of archaeological importance. There are three recorded sites within close proximity of the WWTP confines.

The remains of a Rath (Ringfort) can be found approximately 250 meters north of the WWTP. Raths are of earthen construction and were thought to have functioned as an area of residence and/or farmstead use between the period 500 to 1000 AD.

Again 250m to the west of the site lays the remains of a Motte and Bailey. This earthen mound was constructed by the Anglo Norman in the late 12th to early 13th centaury AD. Its function was to support a wooden tower with a courtyard or bailey.

The closet recorded site as taken from the National Monuments Database is some 140m away from the WWTP. This site is recorded to contain an “Earthwork”. On inspection the earthwork does not appear visible and there are no records available as to what historical use this site presented.

Drawing No.1 (Attachments) details the wwtps location and the proximity of the three recorded monuments. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.  Any Scheme that is likely to have an adverse impact on the setting and amenity of a monument on the Record of Monuments and Places map. The closet recorded monument to the Castletown Geoghegan WWTP is a circular Earthwork approximately 140m to the south at Castletown. There are a number of other registered monuments close to the village of Castletown Geoghegan with the vast majority of these being recorded to the northwest of the WWTP site. The existing WWTP site does not impact in any way upon any of the monument sites.

In advance of the construction and design of the Castletown Geoghegan WWTP, Westmeath County Council commissioned an Archaeological and Geological Consultant to carryout an Archaeological Assessment of the village. The resulting report is included in the attachment section of this report and was completed in consultation with Dúchas. The existing WWTP was designed and positioned to mitigate any impacts upon any recorded archaeological monuments.

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 14 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56

 Any scheme that may not be in proximately to known monuments but is large in scale. The Castletown Geoghegan WWTP is designed to treat effluent from a population equivalent of 500. The WWTP fence line incorporates approximately 1.5 acres. The plant footprint is 0.14 acre (570m²) and does not impact on the surrounding environment as it is not a large scale development.

 Any scheme that may be unduly close to archaeological complexes. The Castletown Geoghegan WWTP is not unduly close to any known archaeological complexes and does not pose a threat to the archaeological heritage of the area.

 Any scheme that will impact on rivers, lakes, the inter-tidal zone, the foreshore or any underwater area where historic shipwrecks or other underwater archaeological objects e.g. ships , timbers, may be located. The existing WWTP does not impact on any historic shipwrecks or other underwater archaeological objects.

 Any scheme that requires an Environmental Impact Statement. The existing scheme does not require an Environmental Impact Statement. The scheme is not located with any designed areas and is not of a large scale.

 Any scheme that may have an adverse impact on the setting and amenity of any national monument in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister of the Environment for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government or any national monument in the ownership or guardianship of a local authority or any national monument that is subject to a preservation order. The existing development does not have any adverse impact on any national monument or any monument that is subject to a preservation order.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 10. Screening Conclusion

The above screening assessment concludes that the presence of the Castletown Geoghegan WWTP will not impact upon a European Site or on any National Monument. Therefore an Appropriate Assessment is not required.

Westmeath County Council will continue to mitigate the potential impacts to the receiving water by ensuring that sampling and monitoring of the discharges from the WWTP are in accordance with the Urban Waste Water Discharge Regulations.

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 15 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56

Attachments

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

Castletown Geoghegan WWDC 16 Appropriate Assessment Screening

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:56 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:57 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:57 40 41 47 42

46 43 45 44a 33 55 36 33a 44 37 32 48 31 30 49 39a 18 29a 29 19 39 1 50 20 2 4 52 38 21 51 3 53 22 5

23 7 24 6 10 25 8 11 9 26 15 14 13 For inspection purposes only. 27 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 12 28

Cultural Resources Development Services Ltd. Archaeological & Geological Consultants Unit 4 Dundrum Business Park Dundrum, Dublin 4. Tel: +353 1 2968190 Fax: +353 1 2968195 email: [email protected]

Figure No.: 3 Client: PH McCarthy Consulting Engineers Drawn By: BM Job No. 03#417 Date: April 2003

Fig. 3. Ordnance Survey 6" map showing the Proposed Works with numbered trial holes, the proposed Treaments Works site and Recorded Monuments.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:57 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:22:57