River Water Quality Report - 2013

Report on River Water Quality in Wexford 2013

Contents

1. Overview

2. General Assessment & Trends

3. River Sites for Further Investigation

4. 2013 Summary of Wexford Rivers

5. Long Term Trend Graphs – o-Phosphate

6. Long Term Trend Graphs – Nitrate

7. Maps

Environmental Protection Agency Page 1 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

1. Overview

This report provides an assessment of river water quality in in 2013. It should be read in conjunction with the other data and assessments provided under the South East River Basin district report.

The report is presented in the following sections: (i) Section two of the report provides a general assessment of the state of rivers in the county, with graphs showing trends in annual average o-phosphate and nitrate concentrations in the County since 2001. (ii) The third section identifies the river sites which require further investigation and the suspected causes of pollution. They were selected on the basis of having a Q value less than 4 (i.e. moderate or worse status), poor chemistry, or there were other significant pollution issues. (iii) The fourth section provides a summary assessment of water quality for each river, having regard to the relevant Q values and WFD criteria for the 4 key physico-chemical parameters BOD, ammonia, o-phosphate and Nitrate. (iv) Sections five and six include long term graphs for both o-phosphate and nitrate in Wexford Rivers. These are based on three year rolling means. (v) Finally there are a set of maps which provide an indication of river water quality based on the four key physico-chemical parameters. These maps compare the annual average for each parameter at each river station against the relevant EQS.

2. General Assessment & Trends

Compared to the national picture, water quality in County Wexford remains quite poor. In terms of ecological status, just 52% of river stations in the county are at least good status compared with 65% nationally with regard to the Biological Q value.

The general physico-chemical data suggests that there was a slight improvement in water quality in 2013 compared to 2012. As indicated in the table below, there was a slight decrease in the percentage of river stations which exceeded the Good status EQS for ammonia, o-phosphate and nitrate. The improvement in BOD levels however was significant with the percentage of rivers which exceeded the EQS for ammonia halved from the 2012 figure.

Parameter 2013 (%) 2012 (%) Ammonia 16.1 16.7 o-Phosphate 35.6 41.7 Nitrate 87.4 88.1 BOD 16.1 32.1

Table 1. % of River Stations that exceeded the EQS for Good status for each parameter in 2013 compared to 2012.

Environmental Protection Agency Page 2 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

The drop in the percentage of rivers in Co. Wexford which exceeded the Good status for ortho-phosphate in 2013 was matched with a decrease in the annual ortho-phosphate concentrations in 2012 and 2013. The average ortho-phosphate concentration in 2013 remains stable compared to 2012. The ortho-phosphate levels have fluctuated over the time period 2001-2013 but 2012 and 2013 saw a marked improvement with levels reducing after several years of increasing concentrations. The current levels are comparable to the lowest phosphate concentrations seen since 2001. The ortho- phosphate average level is still significantly below the Good status and the challenge is to reduce levels further so as to achieve Good status.

0.080

0.070 0.060 0.050 0.040

o-Phosphate Phosphatemg/L - 0.030 High/Good 0.020 Good/Moderate Meano 0.010 0.000

Year

Fig 1. Annual average ortho-phosphate levels in Wexford rivers 2001 – 2013.

There was a slight drop in the percentage of rivers in Co. Wexford which exceeded the Good status for nitrate in 2013. Nitrates are still a significant problem in Wexford rivers. Average nitrate levels fell between 2006 and 2011. In 2012 and 2013 however there was a slight increase in the average concentrations. The average nitrate concentration has consistently exceeded the surrogate EQS for Good Status over the past 14 years. 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 Nitrate 2.0 1.5 High/Good

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.0 Good/Moderate 0.5 0.0

Year

Fig 2. Annual average nitrate levels in Wexford rivers 2001 – 2013.

Environmental Protection Agency Page 3 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

With the advent of the Water Framework Directive compliance rules for certain river chemistry determinands were applied to the data collected. Assessment is based on the four most significant contributing parameters to water quality, namely BOD, ammonium, o- phosphate and TON. Sites are identified as passing or failing based on an assessment of the mean and 95%ile of these parameters. Sites fail chemistry where two or more parameters fail the criteria set. While few sites fail two parameters, a significant number of sites fail a single parameter (in the majority of cases this is due to TON). Where a site fails one parameter, it is described as being of concern. The data for the Wexford rivers since the start of the WFD monitoring (2007) is shown in Table 2. The percentage of sites which fall into each category is trended over 3 year rolling cycles (Figure 3). Chemical monitoring since 2007 indicates an improving trend in all Wexford rivers. This trend continued in 2013. One site failed the chemistry criteria in 2007. No sites have failed chemistry in any cycle since 2008 and the number of passing sites has increased from 18 in 2007-2009 to 32 for 2011-2013. While chemical monitoring indicates an improving trend, it is important to also remain focussed on maintaining the status of those sites that are already at good or higher status.

Year No. of Stations Pass Of Concern Fail

2007-2009 82 18 63 1 2008-2010 86 19 67 0 2009-2011 84 23 61 0 2010-2012 86 27 59 0 2011-2013 87 32 55 0

Table 2. Number of river stations by WFD compliance status

Wexford Rivers 100

80

60

40 Percentage 20

0 2006-08 2007-09 2008-10 2009-11 2010-12 2011-13 Years

Pass Concern Fail

Fig 3. % of river stations by WFD compliance status

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Table 3. River stations with the highest average ammonia concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).

River Name River Code / Station Number 13D01-0220 Aughboy 11A02-0200 Banogue 11B02-0200 Banogue 11B02-0300 Bridgetown 13B01-0400

Table 4. River stations with the highest average o-phosphate concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).

River Name River Code / Station Number Duncormick 13D01-0220 Cahore Canal 11C02-0150 Aughboy 11A02-0200 Chapel Stream 12C01-0100 Assaly 12A02-0100

Table 5. River stations with the highest average nitrate concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).

River Name River Code / Station Number Chapel Stream 12C01-0100 Duncormick 13D01-0100 Camolin Streaqm 12C08-0400 Lask 12L01-0200 Ballingale Stream 12B06-0400

Table 6. River stations with the highest average BOD concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).

River Name River Code / Station Number Duncormick 13D01-0220 Cahore Canal 11C02-0150 Bridgetown 13B01-0200 Assaly 12A02-0100 Aughboy 11A02-0200

Environmental Protection Agency Page 5 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

3. WFD River Sites for further investigation

There are over 900 river sites of less than good status across the country – that is they have a biological Q value of 3-4 or less. There are twenty four river stations in County Wexford (that are also monitored for chemical determinands) that have a Q value of 3-4 or less. These have been identified as sites for further investigation. Table 8 lists all these sites along with the suspected causes and any relevant additional comments.

Wexford is a predominantly rural county. Agriculture is one of the main activities in the county. Diffuse pollution from agriculture as well as small point sources such as small urban wastewater treatment plants (UWWT), domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) and farmyards are significant contributory pressures. The predominant pollution sources in the more urbanised areas are discharges from wastewater treatment plants, storm water overflows and industrial discharges. It must be borne in mind that multiple pressures may impact on any given site. Further work is required also in order to better distinguish between the impacts of DWWTS and diffuse agricultural sources. The pathways by which pollutants reach water are similar for those emanating from DWWTS and from agricultural sources, whether farmyard or field. If sources of pollution affecting rivers can be reduced or eliminated, this will have a positive knock-on effect on lakes, estuaries and ground-waters in the region.

The EPA is responsible for the licensing or certification of all discharges to the aquatic environment from sewerage systems owned, managed and operated by Irish Water. The licensing and certification authorisation process was introduced on a phased basis commencing on 14th December 2007 in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (SI No. 684 of 2007). Up to the end of 2013 seventeen licences were issued in County Wexford and are shown in Table 7 below. Six licences were issued in 2013, for , , Taghmon, , and Camolin.

Table 7. Wastewater discharge licences issued in Wexford up to end of 2013.

Agglomeration Licence No. Authority Date Issued /Kilagooley D0029-01 Irish Water 18/11/2008 Wexford Town D0030-01 Irish Water 19/11/2009 D0036-01 Irish Water 6/1/2011 / D0046-01 Irish Water 12/1/2009 Blackwater D0143-01 Irish Water 22/12/2011 D0161-01 Irish Water 10/5/2011 D0163-01 Irish Water 16/3/2011 D0165-01 Irish Water 19/7/2011 Rosslare Strand D0173-01 Irish Water 31/7/2013

Environmental Protection Agency Page 6 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Agglomeration Licence No. Authority Date Issued Kilmore Quay D0232-01 Irish Water 25/10/2013 Taghmon D0389-01 Irish Water 20/5/2013 Tagoat D0397-01 Irish Water 10/12/2013 Ballycanew D0402-01 Irish Water 21/11/2013 D0404-01 Irish Water 2/9/2009 Camolin D0405-01 Irish Water 9/10/2013 Piercetown D0406-01 Irish Water 2/8/2012 D0409-01 Irish Water 14/11/2011

Both diffuse and point source pollution are key pressures in Co. Wexford. Many of the point sources are due directly to wastewater discharges. A number of the plants do not have secondary treatment and upgrade works are scheduled or in progress. It is hoped that the continued licencing and monitoring of these plants will show improvements over the coming years.

The focus on domestic waste water treatment systems (DWWTS) has continued to increase in recent years. In 2013, a National Inspection Plan for DWWTS was published in response to the European Court of Justice finding that Ireland had not met the legal obligation required by the 1975 Waste Framework Directive to regulate the waste water generated in our unsewered areas. Nationwide inspections commenced in 2013, starting with areas at greatest risk of damage to human health or the environment. Seven inspections were carried out in Co. Wexford in 2013. Three of these inspections (42.8%) were deemed to be non-compliant.

It is apparent that diffuse agricultural pollution is a key pressure in Co. Wexford. Animal access to rivers as well as spreading of wastes are issues that need to be addressed. Food Harvest 2020 has the potential to put further pressure on water quality with the proposed increase in output likely to be challenging in Co. Wexford.

The main pollution pressures in the urban conurbations are due to UWWTP and industrial discharges. These discharges are licenced by either the EPA or the local authority.

If sources of pollution affecting rivers can be reduced or eliminated, this will have a positive knock-on effect on lakes, estuaries and ground-waters in the region.

Environmental Protection Agency Page 7 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Table 8. Sites for further investigation in County Wexford

Q River Code Location Year Key Pressures Comments Value

ASSALY 12A02-0300 Assaly Br. 3 2013 Agriculture and mixed rural influences Intensive agriculture

AUGHBOY 2013 Riverchapel/Courtown 11A02-0200 Br at Riverchapel 1-2* Urban (WEXFORD) Low flows in 2013

2013 BANN 12B01-1000 Bann Br 3-4 Agriculture

2013 BANOGE 11B02-0200 2 km S of Gorey (Knockduff) 3 Urban (sewage) Gorey town and WWTP

2013 BANOGE 11B02-0300 Br u/s Owenavorragh 2-3 Urban d/s Gorey

BLACKWATER Footbridge E of Blackwater 2013 11B03-0200 3 Agriculture and mixed rural influences Decline to poor status in 2013 (WEXFORD) at Mill 2013 BORO 12B02-0500 Ballynapierce Br 3-4 Agriculture and mixed rural influences

BRIDGETOWN 13B01-0080 Br E of Common 3-4 2013 Agriculture CAMOLIN 2013 12C08-0300 Kilcloran Br 3-4 Urban Camolin village and WWTP STREAM CHAPEL 2013 Urban 12C01-0100 Aughananna Br 3 Clonroche village and WWTP STREAM Agriculture 2013 Urban CLONOUGH 11C01-0100 Br ENE of St Austin's Hse 3 Clonough WWTP Agriculture 2013 CLONOUGH 11C01-0300 Clonough Br 3-4 Agriculture

Environmental Protection Agency Page 8 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Q River Code Location Year Key Pressures Comments Value

COROCK 13C01-0020 Aughaloe Bridge 3-4 2013 Agriculture and mixed rural influences

Clonegall Br 2013 DERRY 12D02-0900 3-4 Urban Clonegall village

Taghmon WWTP 2013 Urban (sewage) Severe siltation and access to the river DUNCORMICK 13D01-0200 Br E of Ballynagale 3-4 Agriculture and mixed rural influences by livestock noted during biological survey INCH Br 1.5 km d/s Inch Village 2013 11I01-0130 3-4 Agriculture and mixed rural influences (WEXFORD)

INCH 2013 11I01-0200 Castletown Br 3-4 Agriculture (WEXFORD) 2nd Br u/s Bann R confl 2013 LASK 12L01-0200 3 Agriculture (Ballincoola) 2013 MINE 12M01-0200 Money Br 3-4 Agriculture

OWENA- Br SW of Killenagh 2013 11O01-0300 3 Agriculture and mixed rural influences Possible DWWTS VORRAGH

OWENA- 2013 Urban (sewage) Ballycanew Village (new housing) 11O01-0400 Ballycanew Br 3-4 VORRAGH Agriculture Intensive pasture and tillage farming

Storm Water Overflow’s from SLANEY 12S02-2400 1 km d/s Enniscorthy Br 3-4* 2007 Urban Enniscorthy town 2013 Urban (sewage) SOW 12S030100 Ballinkeel Br 3-4 Ballaghkeen WWTP and new housing Agriculture

Environmental Protection Agency Page 9 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Q River Code Location Year Key Pressures Comments Value TINTERN 2013 ABBEY 13T01-0900 Bridge near Tintern Abbey 3* Agriculture STREAM URRIN 12U01-0200 Buck's Br 2013 3-4 Agriculture and mixed rural influences

URRIN 12U01-0500 John's Br 3-4 2013 Urban Enniscorthy town

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4. 2013 Summary of River Water Quality in Wexford

These assessments are based on physico-chemical measurements made during 2013, and the most recent Q values and assessments of the river biologists.

River Remarks Change from 2012

Aughboy This river discharges to the sea at Courtown Deterioration of 11A02-0200 Q1-2*(2013) harbour . The Aughboy is seriously polluted at ecological quality (Note: Q2-3 at station Riverchapel. Ammonia and ortho-Phosphate are to ‘Bad’. 0180 in 2010) consistently very high, with BOD high at times. The ecological quality has deteriorated to ‘Bad’ in the most recent biological survey in 2013.

Banoge Gorey WWTP discharges to this river u/s of station No significant 11B02-0100 0200. Ammonia levels are high at station 0200 and change from 11B02-0200 Q2-3 (2011) 0300 d/s of Gorey WWTP. BOD and o-phosphate 2012. 11B02-0300 Q3 (2013) levels are high at times at these stations also. Nitrate levels are high throughout the river. Q values indicate moderate to poor ecological quality.

Blackwater Nitrate levels remain elevated. o-Phosphate Deterioration of 11B03-0200 Q3 (2013) improvement continues. Ammonia is high at both ecological quality 11B03-0300 stations in March with BOD also elevated at station to Poor. 0200 (at Mill). Biological monitoring in 2013 indicates a deterioration in ecological quality to Poor quality.

Brackan Physico-chemical monitoring was generally Improvement of 11B04-0200 Q4 (2013) satisfactory in 2013, however there were elevated ecological quality BOD’s in August and October. Biological to Good. monitoring shows an improvement to Good ecological quality since 2010.

Clonough Elevated nitrates throughout the river. Elevated No significant 11C01-0100 Q3 (2013) BOD at Station 0100(ENE St.Austins Hse) in July change from 11C01-0200 and elevated ammonia and BOD at Station 2012. 11C01-0300 Q3-4 (2013) 0200(Ballylarkin Br) and 0300(Clonough Br) in January 2013. Ecological quality ranges from Poor to Moderate quality.

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River Remarks Change from 2012

Cahore Canal The Cahore Canal flows through an agricultural Poor quality 11C02-0150 area in east County Wexford and water quality has continues. been poor since monitoring started in 1986. High BOD, ammonia, ortho-phosphate and low DOs were observed again during 2013.

Inch Elevated nitrates, otherwise physico-chemical Deterioration to 11I01-0130 Q3-4 (2013) monitoring was generally satisfactory. Ecological moderate 11I01-0200 Q3-4 (2013) quality is moderate throughout the river following ecological quality Q3-4 at station 0095 in biological survey in 2013. at station 0095. 2013.

Owenavorragh This river flows through low-lying agricultural land No significant 11O01-0100 with drainage channels. It also receives treated change in 11O01-0300 Q3 (2013) effluent from Gorey WWTP via the Banoge. physico-chemical 11O01-0400 Q3-4 (2013) Ammonia, BOD and ortho-phosphate were quality in 2013. 11O01-0500 Q4 (2013) elevated at all stations in August following heavy 11O01-0600 Q4 (2013) rain. Ecological quality is good in the upper and Improvement to Good ecological 11O01-0700 Q4 (2013) lower reaches. There is an improvement to Good quality at station quality at station 0500(Br N of Ballinamona) however quality remain poor to moderate in the 0500. river from Killenagh to Ballycanew.

Assaly There are several branches to this river. The Assaly Deterioration to 12A02-0100 discharges into the drainage channels for the South poor ecological 12A02-0150 Wexford Slobs. Station 0100 was dry in July and quality at station 12A02-0300 Q3 (2013) September. High ammonia and o-phosphate at 0300. (Q4 at station 0200 in times at station 0100 (d/s Piercetown WWTP). 2013) Elevated ammonia, BOD and o-phosphate levels at all stations in April possibly due to heavy rainfall

Bann Physico-chemical quality in 2012 was generally Improvement to 12B01-0100 Q4-5 (2013) satisfactory. There were slightly eleveated good ecological 12B01-0300 ammonia and o-phosphate levels at stations status at stations 12B01-0400 Q4-5 (2013) 0800( d/s Irish Country Meats), 0900 (Doran’s Br) 0800 and 0900 12B01-0500 and 1000 (Bann Br) in September. The latest but deterioration 12B01-0600 Q4 (2013) ecological assessment shows a loss of quality at Stn to moderate 12B01-0800 Q4 (2013) 1000 to moderate quality however there was an ecological quality 12B01-0900 Q4 (2013) improvement to good quality status at stations at station 1000. 12B01-1000 Q3-4 (2013) 0800 and 0900.

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River Remarks Change from 2012

Boro The first two stations are surface water abstraction No significant 12B02-0010 points for and respectively, change in 12B02-0012 and pH can be low at both locations. Nitrate levels physico-chemical 12B02-0200 Q4 (2010) remain elevated from Ballymackesy Br (Station quality in 2013. 12B02-0340 Q4 (2013) 0200) downstream. Elevated o-phosphate and Deterioration to 12B02-0500 Q3-4 (2013) nitrate recorded at station 0010(NE of Carrigroe) in moderate November. Good ecological conditions recorded at stations 0200 and 0340 but station 0500 ecological quality (Ballynapierce Br) has declined slightly since it was at station 0500. last assessed in 2007.

Chapel Stream This river receives sewage effluent from Clonroche. No change from 12C01-0100 Q3 (2013) Poor quality with consistently high ortho- 2012. phosphate and nitrate levels.

Clody Physico-chemical indicates good quality and and No change from 12C03-0100 biological monitoring shows high ecological 2012. 12C03-0200 Q4-5 (2013) conditions at all stations assessed in 2013 (0080, 0200 and 0300).

Camolin Stream Nitrates are elevated, and ecological quality is No change from 12C08-0400 Q3-4 at moderate. 2012. station 0300 (2013)

Derry This report only deals with the Carlow /Wexford Deterioration to 12D02-0900 Q 3-4 (2007) stretch of the river. Biological monitoring shows moderate only moderate ecological conditions at all stations ecological quality with a deterioration in quality from good to at station 0900. moderate status at station 0900(Clonegall Br) from the last assessment carried out in 2007. Elevated ammonia, BOD, o-phosphate in October possibly due to rain.

Glasha The Glasha is a tributary of the Slaney, south of Improvement to 12G01-0100Q3-4* (2013) . Nitrates are elevated. High BOD levels high ecological 12G01-0200 Q4-5 (2013) were noted at both stations in June otherwise status at stations physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory. 0200 but Water turbidity and severe siltation was noted at deterioration to station 0100(S of Gorteen) due to water abstracted moderate for agricultural purposes. Ecological status ecological quality increased to High at station 0200(Clonlattin Br). at station 0100.

Environmental Protection Agency Page 13 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

River Remarks Change from 2012

Kileen Stream This stream is a tributary of the Boro and Slaney. No significant 12K03-0400 Q4 (2012) Ecological quality remains good following 2013 change from assessment and physico-chemical results are 2012. generally satisfactory. Nitrates remain elevated and there was an elevated BOD in June 2014.

Lask Ammonia and nitrate were elevated again at times Deterioration to 12L01-0200 Q3 (2013) during 2013 with a high BOD in September. poor ecological Ecological quality has decreased from moderate to quality at station poor following assessment in 2013. 0200.

Mine This river is a tributary of the Derry and Slaney. No significant 12M01-0200 Q3-4 (2013) Nitrates are elevated. High Colour, BOD, ammonia change from and o-phosphate in October (after rain), and 2012. ecological quality is moderate.

Slaney The Slaney rises in the Wicklow mountains and Improvement to 12S02-1800 Q4 (2013) flows through Carlow and Wexford, before good ecological 12S02-1900 meeting flowing into the sea at Wexford Harbour. status at station 12S02-2000 Q4 (2013) This assessment deals with the freshwater 2100. 12S02-2100 Q4 (2013) stretches that flow through Wexford. Colour was 12S01-2200 Q4 (2013) high at several stations throughout the year, with 12S02-2250 BOD and ammonia elevated at Station 1800 12S02-2300 (Bunclody Br) in October following rainfall, 12S02-2350 otherwise physico-chemical monitoring was 12S02-2400 satisfactory. Ecological quality was high in the 12S02-2500 upper reaches and all locations assessed from Bunclody downstream were of good ecologoical conditions, which, in the case of Ballycarney Br (2100) was an improvement from Moderate conditions in 2010. Note: There was a decline in ecological quality at 8 of the 17 stations surveyed on the Slaney in 2013.

Sow Ammonia was slightly elevated in March and April No significant 12S03-0100 Q3-4 (2013) at all stations. BOD was also elevated at Station change from 12S03-0200 0400 (Br near Edenvale Hse) in April otherwise 2012. 12S03-0300 physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory. 12S03-0400 Biological monitoring in 2013 indicated moderate Q3-4 at station 0250 and conditions in the river. Q3-4 at station 0370 (2013)

Environmental Protection Agency Page 14 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

River Remarks Change from 2012

Tinnacross Stream Elevated ammonia and BOD in January, otherwise Improvement to 12T01-0600 Q3-4 (2010) physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory. good ecological Biological assessment shows that at Crane Br status at station (0600) there was an improvement from Moderate 0600. to Good conditions in 2013.

Urrin Physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory in Decline in 12U01-0200 Q3-4 (2013) 2013. Ecological quality has declined from Good ecological quality 12U01-0300 Q4 (2013) to Moderate condition at Buck’s Br (0200) to moderate at 12U01-0500 Q3-4 (2013) following assessment in 2013. Ecological station 0200. conditions at stations 0300 and 0500 remain unchanged from 2010.

Bridgetown The Bridgetown is a complex river system that Decline in 13B01-0080 Q3-4 (2013) drains low -lying land, and has been subject to land ecological quality 13B01-0200 reclamation and arterial draining. Station 0080 is to moderate at 13B01-0400 freshwater, stations 0200 and 0400 are tidal and station 0080. mainly mud flats. The river discharges into Ballyteige Bay. Colour, DO, BOD and ammonia levels were elevated at stations 0200 & 0400 again during 2013. Ecological quality has declined from Good to Moderate condition at Br E of Common (0080) following assessment in 2013.

Corock This river discharges into Bay and the last Decline in 13C01-0020 Q3-4 (2013) station is tidal. BOD was high at all stations in July ecological quality 13C01-0100 Q4 (2010) with ammonia high at station 0020 in January and to moderate at 13C01-0300 July and ammonia elevated at station 0300 in station 0020. October. Ecological quality has declined from Good to Moderate condition at Aughaloe Br (0020) following assessment in 2013.

Duncormick This river discharges into Ballyteige Bay and the No significant 13D01-0100 last station is tidal. Flows can be very low at the change from 13D01-0220 first station (0100) in summer. Nitrate levels are 2012. 13D01-0350 Q3-4 (2013) elevated and overall quality is poor – particularly at 13D01-0400 Q4 (2010) station 0220 d/s Taghmon, where BOD, ortho- phosphate, ammonia and nitrite are all elevated. Station 0100 at Taghmon has elevated ammonia in July and station 0350 (near Duncormick Railway station) also experienced high ammonia, BOD and ortho-phosphate during 2013. Ecological quality upstream of station 0400 is Poor to Moderate.

Environmental Protection Agency Page 15 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

River Remarks Change from 2012

Mulmontry This river is a tributary of the Corock. High BOD , at No significant 13M01-0200 Q4 (2013) all stations in July after heavy rain. DO values were change from 13M01-0400 Q4 (2013) very high in May and an abundant amount of algal 2012. 13M01-0700 Q4 (2013) growth was noted at all stations. Ecological quality was good at all stations following biological assessment in 2013.

Owenduff This river discharges into Bannow Bay and the last No significant 13O01-0100 Q4 (2013) station is tidal. High BOD at all stations in July after change from 13O01-0180 Q4 (2013) heavy rain. There was also high ammonia and o- 2012. 13O01-0240 Q4 (2013) phosphate noted at Mullinderry Br (0180) in July. 13O01-0300 Abundant algal growth was noted at all stations in May. Ecological quality remains good in 2013.

Tintern Abbey Stream BOD was high in January and July after heavy rain, Slight decline in 13T01-0900 Q3 (2013) and siltation, noted in 2010 remains a problem in ecological quality this stream. Ecological quality fell from 3* in 2012 from 3* to 3 at to 3 in 2013. Station 0900.

Pollmounty Nitrates are elevated at stations 0200 and 0300, No significant 14P03-0100 and ammonia and BOD were slightly elevated at change from 14P03-0200 these stations in October following heavy rain. 20132 14P03-0300 Q4 (2011) Otherwise, chemical was satisfactory in 2013. Biological monitoring indicated good quality downstream of the Aughananagh River confluence in 2011.

Environmental Protection Agency Page 16 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

5. Long Term Trend Graphs – o-Phosphate R. Aughboy

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15

phosphatemg/L P 11A02-0200 - 0.10

0.05 Meano 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year Please note the higher scale for this graph R. Banoge

0.16

0.14 0.12 0.10 0.08 11B02-0200

phosphatemg/L P 0.06 - 11B02-0300 0.04

0.02 Meano 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 year Please note the higher scale for this graph

R. Blackwater

0.10

0.08

0.06 11B03-0200

0.04 phosphatemg/L P - 11B03-0300

0.02 Meano 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 17 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Brackan

0.10

0.08

0.06

0.04

phosphatemg/L P 11B04-0200 -

0.02 Meano 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Clonough 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 11C01-0100 0.04

phosphatemg/L P 11C01-0200 - 0.03 0.02 11C01-0300

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Cahore Canal

0.40

0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20

phosphatemg/L P 0.15 11C02-0150 - 0.10

0.05 Meano 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013

Year Please note the higher scale of this graph

Environmental Protection Agency Page 18 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Inch 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05

0.04 11I01-0130 phosphatemg/L P - 0.03 11I01-0200 0.02

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Owenavorragh 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 11O01-0300 0.05

0.04 11O01-0400 phosphatemg/L P - 0.03 11O01-0600 0.02 11O01-0700

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Assaly

0.30 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.10

12A02-0100 phosphatemg/L P - 0.05 12A02-0300 0.00

Meano 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 19 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Bann 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 12B01-0100 0.05

0.04 12B01-0400 phosphatemg/L P - 0.03 12B01-0600 0.02 12B01-0900

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Boro 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 12B02-0010 0.05

0.04 12B02-0200 phosphatemg/L P - 0.03 12B02-0340 0.02 12B02-0500

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Chapel Stream

0.25

0.20

0.15

0.10

phosphatemg/L P 12C01-0100 -

0.05 Meano 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 20 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Camolin Stream 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.04

phosphatemg/L P 12C08-0400 - 0.03 0.02

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Glasha 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05

0.04 12G01-0100 phosphatemg/L P - 0.03 12G01-0200 0.02

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Kileen Stream 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.04 Phosphatemg/L P 12K03-0400 - 0.03 0.02

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 21 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R.Lask 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.04

phosphatemg/L P 12L01-0200 - 0.03 0.02

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Slaney 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 12S02-1800 0.05

0.04 12S02-2000 phosphatemg/L P - 0.03 12S02-2200 0.02 12S02-2400

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R.Sow 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 12S03-0100 0.05

0.04 12S03-0200 phosphatemg/L P - 0.03 12S03-0300 0.02 12S03-0400

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 22 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Urrin 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 12U01-0200 0.04

phosphatemg/L P 12U01-0300 - 0.03 0.02 12U01-0500

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Bridgetown

0.12

0.10

0.08

0.06 13B01-0080

phosphatemg/L P 13B01-0200 - 0.04 13B01-0400

0.02 Meano 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Corock

0.10

0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 13C01-0020 0.05

0.04 13C01-0100

phosphatemg/L P - 0.03 13C01-0300 0.02

0.01 Meano 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 23 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Duncormick

0.45

0.40 0.35 0.30 0.25 13D01-0100

0.20 13D01-0220 phosphatemg/L P - 0.15 13D01-0350 0.10

0.05 13D01-0400 Meano 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Mulmontry 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 13M01-0200 0.04

phosphatemg/L P 13M01-0400 - 0.03 0.02 13M01-0700

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Owenduff 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 13O01-0100 0.04

phosphatemg/L P 13O01-0180 - 0.03 0.02 13O01-0240

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 24 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Tintern Abbey Stream 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.04

phosphatemg/L P 13T01-0900 - 0.03 0.02

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Pollmounty 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 14P03-0100 0.04

phosphatemg/L P 14P03-0200 - 0.03 0.02 14P03-0300

Meano 0.01 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 25 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

6. Long Term Trend Graphs – Nitrate

R. Aughboy 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 11A02-0200

2.00 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013

R. Banoge 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 11B02-0200 2.00 11B02-0300

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Blackwater 7.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 11B03-0200 2.00 11B03-0300

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 26 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Brackan 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 11B04-0200 2.00

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Clonough 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 11C01-0100 3.00 11C01-0200 2.00 11C01-0300 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Cahore Canal 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 11C02-0150 2.00

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 27 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Inch 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 11I01-0130 2.00 11I01-0200

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Owenavorragh 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 11O01-0300 3.00 11O01-0400 2.00 11O01-0600

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 11O01-0700 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Assaly 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 12A02-0100 2.00 12A02-0300

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 28 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Bann 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 12B01-0100 3.00 12B01-0400 2.00 12B01-0600

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 12B01-0900 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Boro 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 12B02-0010 3.00 12B02-0200 2.00 12B02-0340

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 12B02-0500 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Chapel Stream 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 12C01-0100 2.00

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 29 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Camolin Stream 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 12C08-0400 2.00

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Glasha 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 12G01-0100 2.00 12G01-0200

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Kileen Stream 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 12K03-0400 2.00

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 30 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Lask 8.00

7.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 12L01-0200 2.00 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Slaney 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 12S02-1800 3.00 12S02-2000 2.00 12S02-2200

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 12S02-2400 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Sow 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 12S03-0100 3.00 12S03-0200 2.00 12S03-0300

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 12S03-0400 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 31 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Urrin 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 12U01-0200 3.00 12U01-0300 2.00 12U01-0500 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Bridgetown 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 13B01-0080 3.00 13B01-0200 2.00 13B01-0400 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Corock 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 13C01-0020 3.00 13C01-0100 2.00 13C01-0300 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 32 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

R. Duncormick 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 13D01-0100 3.00 13D01-0220 2.00 13D01-0350

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 13D01-0400 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Mulmontry 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 13M01-0200 3.00 13M01-0400 2.00 13M01-0700 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Owenduff 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 13O01-0100 3.00 13O01-0180 2.00 13O01-0240 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 33 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Tintern Abbey Stream 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 13T01-0900 2.00

MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

R. Pollmounty 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 14P03-0100 3.00 14P03-0200 2.00 14P03-0300 MeanNitrate mg/L N 1.00 0.00 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year

Environmental Protection Agency Page 34 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

7. River Water Quality Maps 2013

Map 1. River Water Quality: Wexford BOD Assessment 2013

Environmental Protection Agency Page 35 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Map 2. River Water Quality: Wexford Ammonia Assessment 2013

Environmental Protection Agency Page 36 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Map 3. River Water Quality: Wexford ortho-Phosphate Assessment 2013

Environmental Protection Agency Page 37 River Water Quality Report Wexford - 2013

Map 4. River Water Quality: Wexford Total Oxidised Nitrogen Assessment 2013

Environmental Protection Agency Page 38