Irish Water Report

Appropriate Assessment Screening as part of the Carney Waste Water Certificate of Authorisation: D0393-01

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Contents

Introduction 3 Legislative Context 3

Methodology 5 Guidance Followed 5 Stages Involved in the Appropriate Assessment Process 6 Stage 1: Screening / Test of Significance 7 Field Walkover Surveys 7 Consultation 7

Screening 8 Management of the Site 8 Description of the Project 8 Process Description 8 Description of the Receiving Environment and Monitoring Results 9 Waste Assimilative Capacity 10 Brief Description of the Natura 2000 Sites 10 Possible Effects of the Waste Water Discharge in the Natura 2000 Sites 15 Direct, Indirect or Secondary Impacts 15 Possible Cumulative Impacts with other Plans and Projects in the Area 16 For inspection purposes only. Screening Assessment Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 16

Likely Changes to the Natura 2000 Site(s) 19 Elements of the Project where the Impacts are Likely to be Significant 19

Screening Conclusions and Statement 20

Finding of No Significant Effects Report Matrix 21

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Introduction

This report provides an Appropriate Assessment (AA) of the existing Waste Water Treatment Plant (WwTP) at Carney, located approximately 6km to the North West of Sligo Town, for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007), as amended. It assesses whether the on-going operation of the plant, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, is likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 Site(s) in view of best scientific knowledge and the conservation objectives of the site(s). Natura 2000 Sites are those identified as sites of European Community importance designated as Special Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Directive or as Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive.

This report follows the guidance for AA published by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ‘ Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007) ’ (EPA, 2009); and takes account of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s guidelines ‘ Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities ’ (DoEHLG, 2009) and Circular L8/08 ‘ Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments ’ (DoEHLG, 2008).

Legislative Context The Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, better known as “The Habitats Directive”, provides legal protection for habitats and species of European importance. Articles 3 to 9 provide the legislative means to protect habitats and species of Community interest through the establishment and conservation of an EU-wide network of sites known as Natura 2000. These are Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive For (79/409/ECC)inspection purposes only.as codified by Directive 2009/147/EC. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive set out the decision-making tests for plans and projects likely to affect Natura 2000 sites (Annex 1.1). Article 6(3) establishes the requirement for Appropriate Assessment (AA):

Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the [Natura 2000] site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subjected to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public.

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Article 6(4) states:

If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the [Natura 2000] site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, Member States shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted.

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Methodology

Guidance Followed Both EU and national guidance exists in relation to Member States fulfilling their requirements under the EU Habitats Directive, with particular reference to Article 6(3) and 6(4) of that Directive. The methodology followed in relation to this AA Screening has had regard to the following guidance:

• Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007). Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA, 2009).

• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, (DoEHLG, 2010).

• Circular L8/08 – Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, (DoEHLG, 2008).

• Communication from the Commission on the Precautionary Principle. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, (EC, 2000a).

• Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, (EC, 2000b).

• Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites: Methodological guidance on the For inspectionprovisions purposes of Articlonly. es 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Directive 92/43/EEC. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Brussels (EC, 2001).

• Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC – Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the Commission. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, (EC, 2007).

• Nature and biodiversity cases: Ruling of the European Court of Justice. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg (EC, 2006).

• Marine Natura Impact Statements in Irish Special Areas of Conservation: A working document, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin (NPWS, 2012).

• European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011 (S.I. No.477 of 2011).

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• Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission (EC, 2013).

Stages Involved in the Appropriate Assessment Process

Stage 1: Screening / Test of Significance This process identifies whether the WwTP discharge is directly connected to or necessary for the management of a Natura 2000 Site(s); and identifies whether the discharge is likely to have significant impacts upon a Natura 2000 Site(s) either alone or in combination with other projects or plans.

The output from this stage is a determination for each Natura 2000 Site(s) of not significant, significant, potentially significant, or uncertain effects. The latter three determinations will cause that site to be brought forward to Stage 2.

Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment This stage considers the impact of the WwTP discharge on the integrity of a Natura 2000 Site(s), either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, with respect to (1) the site’s conservation objectives; and (2) the site’s structure and function and its overall integrity. Additionally, where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of those impacts

The output from this stage is a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). This document must include sufficient information for the EPA to carry out the appropriate assessment. If the assessment is negative, i.e. adverse effects on the integrity of a site cannot be excluded, then the process must consider alternatives (Stage 3) or proceed to Stage 4.

Stage 3: Assessment of Alternatives For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. This process examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 Site. This assessment may be carried out concurrently with Stage 2 in order to find the most appropriate solution. If no alternatives exist or all alternatives would result in negative impacts to the integrity of the Natura 2000 Sites then the process either moves to Stage 4 or the project is abandoned.

Stage 4: Assessment Where Adverse Impacts Remain An assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI), it is deemed that the project or plan should proceed.

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Stage 1: Screening / Test of Significance In complying with the obligations under Article 6(3) and following the appropriate guidelines, this AA Screening has been structured as a stage by stage approach as follows:

• Description of the project;

• Identification of Natura 2000 sites potentially affected;

• Identification and description of individual and cumulative impacts likely to result;

• Assessment of the significance of the impacts identified above on site integrity;

• Exclusion of sites where it can be objectively concluded that there will be no significant effects; and

• Screening conclusion.

Field Walkover Surveys Field walkover surveys were undertaken during during 13 th of May 2014 to identify the potential for qualifying species and habitats in the surrounding environs of the WwTP discharge.

Consultation Consultation was undertaken with the Divisional Ecologist Northern Region of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Mr. William Macoran, in relation to the existing discharge from the Gurteen WwTP. No concerns were identified regarding the existing plants discharge as it is a modern plant operating within its design parameters.

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Screening

Management of the Site The Carney WwTP is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site for nature conservation.

Description of the Project Carney is located approximately 6km North West of Sligo Town. The current residential population equivalent served by the WwTP is 350 p.e.

Carney is served by a network of sewers leading to the WwTP which is located to the South West of the town. The WwTP was designed and constructed for a 2,500 p.e. and is an extended aeration plant. The WwTP consists of inlet works, forward feed pumping station, ferric dosing, aeration tank, clarifier tank and RAS/WAS pumping station and a sludge holding tank. In the case of a storm, overflow is directed to a flow monitoring manhole and on to the outfall following screening and grit removal.

The primary discharge from the WwTP is into the Carney River, which discharges into the sea at Ballygilgan Strand approximately 1km downstream.

Process Description Inlet Works The Inlet Works comprise of an automatic screen and compaction unit, where screenings are removed, cleaned and compacted before being discharged to a bin for disposal.

Grit Removal A grit trap is located downstream of the pumping station. Grit is separated out by the grit trap and passed through a grit classifier, and then discharged to a bin for disposal.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Effluent flows through the grit trap and gravitates to the Inlet pumping station.

Pumping Station The Inlet Works pumping station houses 2 no. submersible pumps which act in a duty / standby arrangement and are capable of delivering 62.5 m 3/hr to the treatment plant. These pumps are controlled by a level controller in the wet well.

Aeration Process The treatment process is an advanced process (called ‘Stahlermatic’) which incorporates a combination of fixed film and activated sludge growth mechanisms in a single basin.

The purpose of the treatment chamber is to allow the activated sludge to break down the effluent, assisted by the presence of oxygen induced by a rotor.

Final Settlemnet Tank (FST) The final settlement tank seperates the activated sludge from the clarified effluent. Sludge is drawn from the hopper, where Return Activated Sludge (microbial biomass) is pumped back to the head of the aeration tank and excess sludge pumped to the Sludge Holding Tank.

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The effluent flows out of the diffusion drum to the surface of the FST where the solids settle to a sloped floor and collect in the central hopper. A rotating floor scraper scraps the sludge into the hopper arrangement.

Phosphorus Removal

A Ferric Storage Tank and Dosing System is provided to provide chemical precipitation of phosphorus from the effluent.

Sludge Storage Tank The sludge storage tank stores sludge and thickens to 3% dry solid. The tanks contains a number of draw off pipes which allow the supernatant to gravitate to the inlet sump. The tank has a 21 day storage capacity. The sludge is then tankered off-site for disposal.

The final treated effluent is then discharged to the Carney River.

The quality of discharges from the wastewater treatment works are in compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001).

Description of the Receiving Environment and Monitoring Results The WwTP discharges to the Carney River, which discharges into the sea at Ballygilgan Strand into Drumcliff Bay and Sligo Bay, approximately 1km downstream.

Monitoring data from locations both upstream and downstream of the discharge point demonstrates that the water quality within the Carney River is in compliance with Schedule 5 of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 272 of 2009), please see Table 1.0.

For inspection purposes only. Table 1.0: Monitoring DataConsent both of copyright Upstream owner required and Downstrfor any other eamuse. of WwTP Discharge

Parameter EQS* Upstream Downstream

BOD ≤2.6 <2 <2 Ammonia (as NH3 – N) ≤0.14 0.058 0.053 Orthophosphate ≤0.075 <0.02 <0.02 *European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009, S.I. No. 272 of 2009 (95%ile standards presented).

The upstream monitoring results for Ammonia were actually slightly higher than the downstream results indicating that the Carney River is already being impacted prior to the WwTP discharge. However, the downstream monitoring results show that the Carney River water quality is in compliance with Schedule 5 of the Surface Water Regulations and does not appear to be impacted by the WwTP discharge.

In addition, the EPA currently classify the receiving water of Drumcliff Bay and Sligo Bay as Unpolluted.

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Waste Assimilative Capacity Table 2.0 summaries the assimilative capacity calculations which are based on the 2019 estimated loading of 385p.e., 95%ile river flow and water quality standards in the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No. 272 of 2009). Assimilative capacity calculations use both actual background concentrations and the ‘notionally clean river’ approach.

Table 2.0: Assimilative capacity calculations at estimated 2020 loadings of 385p.e. for actual background concentrations and for a notionally clean river.

Parameter Background Predicted EQS* (mg/l) (mg/l) downstream quality (mg/l)

BOD Actual Background 1.00 1.71 ≤2.6 Notionally Clean 0.260 0.97 Ammonia Actual Background 0.058 0.143 ≤0.14 Notionally Clean 0.008 0.094 Orthophosphate Actual Background 0.010 0.067 ≤0.075 Notionally Clean 0.005 0.062 *European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009, S.I. No. 272 of 2009 (95%ile standards presented).

Using both the actual background concentrations and the notional clean river concentrations demonstrates that the Carney River has available assimilative capacity to accommodate the WwTP discharge.

Brief Description of the Natura 2000 Sites

For inspection purposes only. This section of the screening processConsent of describes copyright owner the required Natura for any2000 other sites use. within a 15km radius of the WwTP discharge location. A 15km buffer zone has been chosen as a precautionary measure, to ensure that all potentially affected Natura 2000 sites are included in the screening process, which is in line with Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities produced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Table 3.0 list the SACs and Table 4.0 lists the SPAs that are within 15km of the WwTP discharge location, and Figure 1.0 shows their location in relation to the Carney WwTP discharge. The qualifying interests of each of the identified Natura 2000 Sites is also provided.

Table 3.0: SACs located within 15km from Carney WwTP discharge

Site Site Name Qualifying Habitats Qualify Species Code

000627 Cummeen Stand / Estuaries [1130]; Marsh Snail ( Vertigo Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Mudflats and sandflats not covered by angustior ) [1014]; Bay) SAC seawater at low tide [1140]; Harbour seal ( Phoca vitulina ) Embryonic shifting dunes [2110]; [1365];

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Site Site Name Qualifying Habitats Qualify Species Code

Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Sea Lamprey ( Petromyzon Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) marinus ) [1095]; and [2120]; River Lamprey ( Lampetra Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous fluviatilis ) [1099] vegetation (grey dunes) [2130]; Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands [5130]; and Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [7220]. 000622 Ballysadare Bay Estuaries [1130]; Marsh Snail ( Vertigo SAC Mudflats and sandflats not covered by angustior ) [1014]; and seawater at low tide [1140]; Harbour seal ( Phoca vitulina ) Embryonic shifting dunes [2110]; [1365]. Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120]; Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130]; and Humid dune slacks [2190]. 001898 Unshin River SAC Water courses of plain to montane Salmon ( Salmo salar ) [1106]; levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation Otter ( Lutra lutra ) [1355]. [3260]; and Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion For inspection purposes only. Consentincanae, of copyright Salicion owner albae required) [91E0] for any other use.

001976 Lough Gill SAC Natural euthrophic lakes with White-clawed crayfish Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type (Austropotamobius pallipes) vegetation [3150]; [1092]; Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Sea lamprey (Petromyzon Blechnum in British Isles [91A0]; and marinus) [1095]; Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Brook lamprey (Lampetra Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion planeri) [1096]; incanae, Salicion albae ) [91E0]. River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1099]; Salmon (Salmo salar) [1106]; and Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355]. 000623 Ben Bulben, Gleniff Water courses of plain to montane Vertigo geyeri [1013]; and and Glenade levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis Otter ( Lutra lutra ) [1355]. Complex SAC and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260]; European dry heaths [4030];

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Site Site Name Qualifying Habitats Qualify Species Code

Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060]; Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands [5130]; Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [7220]; Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels ( Thlaspietea rotundifolii ) [8120];and Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8210]. 001680 Streedagh Point Mudflats and sandflats not covered by Marsh Snail ( Vertigo Dunes SAC seawater at low tide [1140]; angustior ) [1014]. Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220]; Atlantic salt meadows ( Glauco- Puccinellietalia maritimae ) [1330]; Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi ) [1410]; Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120]; and Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130]. 000625 Bunduff Lough and Mudflats and sandflats not covered by Petalwort ( Petalophyllum Machair / Trawalua / seawater at low tide [1140]; ralfsii ) [1395]. Mullaghmore SAC Large shallow inlets and bays [1160]; For inspection purposes only. ConsentReefs of[1170]; copyright owner required for any other use.

Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120]; Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130]; Machairs [21A0]; Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands [5130]; Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates ( Festuco Brometalia )(*important orchid sites) [6210]; and Alkaline fens [7230]. 000638 Union Wood SAC Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and - Blechnum in British Isles [91A0].

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Table 4.0: SPAs located within 15km from Carney WwTP discharge

Site Code Site Name Qualifying Features – Annex I Species

004013 Drumcliff Bay SPA Sanderling ( Calidris alba ) [A144]; Bar-tailed Godwit ( Limosa lapponica ) [A157]; and Wetlands [A999]. 004234 Ballintemple and Ballygilgan Barnacle Goose ( Branta leucopsis ) [A396]. SPA 004135 Ardboline Island and Horse Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo ) [A017]; and Island SPA Barnacle Goose ( Branta leucopsis ) [A396]. 004035 Cummeen Strand SPA Light-bellied Brent Goose ( Branta bernicla hrota ) [A046]; Oystercatcher ( Haematopus ostralegus ) [A130]; Redshank ( Tringa totanus ) [A162]; and Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999]. 004129 Ballysadare Bay SPA Light-bellied Brent Goose ( Branta bernicla hrota ) [A046]; Grey Plover ( Pluvialis squatarola ) [A141]; Dunlin ( Calidris alpina ) [A149]; Bar-tailed Godwit ( Limosa lapponica ) [A157]; Redshank ( Tringa totanus ) [A162]; and Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999]. 004187 Sligo / Leitrim Uplands SPA Peregrine ( Falco peregrinus ) [A103]; and Chough ( Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax ) [A346]. 004068 Inishmurray SPA Shag ( Phalacrocorax aristotelis ) [A018]; Herring Gull ( Larus argentatus ) [A184]; Arctic Tern ( Sterna paradisaea ) [A194]; and Barnacle Goose ( Branta leucopsis ) [A396].

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Possible Effects of the Waste Water Discharge in the Natura 2000 Sites

The purpose of this section of the screening is to examine the possibility that the proposed waste water discharge, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, may result in significant negative effects on the Conservation Ojectives and the integrity of the Natura 2000 Sites identified.

The most apparent potential risk to a Natura 2000 Site(s) from a WwTP discharge is to the water quality of the receiving environment, and if the receiving environments water quality has the potential to interact with the qualifying interests of the Natura 2000 Sites identified.

Direct, Indirect or Secondary Impacts Tables 3.0 and 4.0 lists the Natura 2000 sites within 15km of the Carney WwTP discharge location. There are fiftheen sites in all, eight SAC’s and seven SPA’s. The waste water discharge location is not within the boundaries of any SAC or SPA, therefore, no direct impacts will occur through landtake or fragmentation of habitats.

The primary influencing factor in relation to the dilution capacity of the receiving environment is the river flows into which the outfall discharges. The discharge is likely to be having some localised effect on the Carney River, however, due to the dilution available 37.4:1 at 95%ile flow, it is not likely to be significant in the Carney River, and therefore would not impact on the downstream receiving Natura 2000 Sites (i.e. Cummeen Stand / Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC and the Drumcliff Bay SPA).

The upstream and downstream monitoring For inspection results purposes demon only.strate that the Carney River water Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. quality is in compliance with Schedule 5 of the Surface Water Regulations and does not appear to be impacted by the WwTP discharge. Using both the actual background concentrations and the notional clean river concentrations demonstrates that the Carney River has assimilative capacity to accommodate the WwTP discharge. In addition, the EPA currently classify the receiving water of Drumcliff Bay and Sligo Bay as Unpolluted.

In accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007) the waste water discharged from Carney WwTP does not impact on the water quality of the Carney River, and therefore, will not impact on the conservation objectives of the downstream receiving Natura 2000 Sites, Cummeen Stand / Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC and the Drumcliff Bay SPA. No significant adverse impacts on the water dependent qualifying habitats (Estuaries and Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide) and species (Harbour seal ( Phoca vitulina ) and Sea Lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus )) of the Cummeen Stand / Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC are anticipated as a result of the waste water discharge from Carney WwTP. Likewise, no significant adverse impacts on the qualifying waterbird populations and habitats of Drumcliff Bay SPA are considered likely. Due to the treated nature of the effluent it will not impact on the availability of typical prey species to the qualifying waterbird species (i.e. Sanderling ( Calidris alba ) and Bar-tailed Godwit ( Limosa lapponica )).

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No significant adverse impacts on the qualifying interests of the remaining Natura 2000 Sites identified within 15km of the discharge location is considered likely due to the treated nature of the effluent and the distance between the discharge location and the relevant SACs or SPAs.

Possible Cumulative Impacts with other Plans and Projects in the Area

As part of Stage 1 Screening, in addition to the proposed waste water discharge, other relevant projects and plans in the relevant region must also be considered. This step aims to identify at this early stage any possible significant effects on the Natura 2000 Sites from the waste water discharge in-combination or cumulative with other plans and projects. Existing plans and projects which have been examined include:

• Sligo County Development Plan 2011-2017; • Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010-2016; • Western River Basin Management Plan 2009-2015; • Garavogue Water Management Unit Action Plan; • Biodiversity Action Plan 2010 – 2015; and • Existing Carney Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The above plans have been assessed in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive and Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, and are not envisaged to result in significant effects on the integrity of the Natura 2000 network.

The upstream and downstream monitoring results indicates that the Carney River is already being impacted prior to the WwTP discharge. The likely source of this impact is diffuse pollution from agriculatural runoff. However, this monitoring data also demonstrates that the water quality within the Carney River is in compliance with Schedule 5 of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 272 of 2009). According to the Garavogue Water Manage Unit Action Plan as part of the Western River Basin Management For inspection purposes only. Plan, the majority of the CarneyConsent River of channel copyright owner is cla requiredssified for anyas otherGood use. Status, with one tributary classified as Moderate. Therefore, neither as a result of the Carney WwTP discharge or in- combination with other sources (diffuse agriculatural run-off), are significant adverse impacts anticipated for the downstream receiving Natura 2000 Sites.

Screening Assessment Table 5.0 provides a summary of the likely significant impact of the current waste water discharge on the conservation objectives of the Natura 2000 site within the Druncliff Bay area as identified in Tables 3.0 and 4.0.

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Table 5.0: Potential Significant Impacts on Natura 2000 sites from the Carney Waste Water Discharge

Site Name Direct Impacts Indirect/ Resource Emissions Excavation Transportation Duration of Secondary Requirements (Disposal to Requirements Requirements Construction, (Drinking Water Land, Water or Operation, Abstraction Etc.) Air) Decommissioning Cummeen Stand / No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying Drumcliff Bay (Sligo qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest Bay) SAC interest Ballysadare Bay SAC No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest interest Unshin River SAC No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest interest Lough Gill SAC No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest interest Ben Bulben, Gleniff No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying and Glenade Complex qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest SAC interest Streedagh Point Dunes No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying SAC qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest interest Bunduff Lough and No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying Machair / Trawalua / qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest Mullaghmore SAC interest For inspection purposes only. Union Wood SAC No impact on No impact on No impactConsent on qualifying of copyright ownerNo required impact for any other on use.No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest interest Drumcliff Bay SPA No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest interest Ballintemple and No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying Ballygilgan SPA qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest interest Ardboline Island and No impact on No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying No impact on No impact on qualifying Horse Island SPA qualifying qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest qualifying interest interest interest

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Likely Changes to the Natura 2000 Site(s) The likely changes that will arise from the Carney waste water discharge have been examined in the context of a number of factors that could potentially affect the integrity of the identified Natura 2000 Sites. Overall, it has been found that the current waste water discharge will not affect the integrity of the identified Natura 2000 Sites.

Table 6.0: Likely Affect on Natura 2000 Sites Site Name Reduction Disturbance Habitat or Reduction Changes in Key Climate of Habitat to Key Species in Indicators of Change Area Species Fragmentation Species Conservation Density Value (Water Quality Etc.) Cummeen Stand / None None None None None None Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC Ballysadare Bay SAC None None None None None None Unshin River SAC None None None None None None Lough Gill SAC None None None None None None Ben Bulben, Gleniff and None None None None None None Glenade Complex SAC Streedagh Point Dunes None None None None None None SAC Bunduff Lough and None None None None None None Machair / Trawalua / Mullaghmore SAC Union Wood SAC None None None None None None Drumcliff Bay SPA None None None None None None Ballintemple and None None None None None None Ballygilgan SPA Ardboline Island and None None None None None None Horse Island SPA Cummeen Strand SPA None None None None None None Ballysadare Bay SPA None None None None None None Sligo / Leitrim Uplands None None None None None None SPA For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Inishmurray SPA None None None None None None

Elements of the Project where the Impacts are Likely to be Significant No elements of the current waste water discharge are likely to cause significant impacts on NATURA 2000 Sites.

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Screening Conclusions and Statement

The likely impacts that will arise from the current waste water discharge have been examined in the context of a number of factors that could potentially affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 network. None of the sites within 15km of the discharge location will be adversely affected. A finding of No Significant Effects Matrix has been completed and is presented in next section of this Screening Statement.

On the basis of the findings of this Screening for Appropriate Assessment of Natura 2000 Sites, it is concluded that the current waste water discharge from the Carney WwTP will not have a significant effect on the Natura 2000 network and a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not required.

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Finding of No Significant Effects Report Matrix

Name of project or plan Carney Waste Water Certificate of Authorisation: D0393-01. Name and location of Natura 2000 Cummeen Stand / Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC; site Ballysadare Bay SAC; Unshin River SAC; Lough Gill SAC; Ben Bulben, Gleniff and Glenade Complex SAC; Streedagh Point Dunes SAC; Bunduff Lough and Machair / Trawalua / Mullaghmore SAC; Union Wood SAC; Drumcliff Bay SPA; Ballintemple and Ballygilgan SPA; Ardboline Island and Horse Island SPA; Cummeen Strand SPA; Ballysadare Bay SPA; Sligo / Leitrim Uplands SPA; and Inishmurray SPA. Description of the project or plan Carney is located approximately 6km North West of Sligo Town. The current residential population equivalent served by the WwTP is 350 p.e. Carney is served by a network of sewers leading to the WwTP which is located to the South West of the Fortown. inspection The purposes WwTP only. was designed and constructed for a Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 2,500 p.e. and is an extended aeration plant. The WwTP consists of inlet works, forward feed pumping station, ferric dosing, aeration tank, clarifier tank and RAS/WAS pumping station and a sludge holding tank. In the case of a storm, overflow is directed to a flow monitoring manhole and on to the outfall following screening and grit removal. The primary discharge from the WwTP is into the Carney River, which discharges into the sea at Ballygilgan Strand approximately 1km downstream. Description of the Receiving Environment and Monitoring Results The WwTP discharges to the Carney River, which discharges into the sea at Ballygilgan Strand into Drumcliff Bay and Sligo Bay, approximately 1km downstream. Monitoring data from locations both upstream and downstream of the discharge point demonstrates that the water quality within the Carney River is in compliance with Schedule 5 of the European

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Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 272 of 2009). The upstream monitoring results for Ammonia were actually slightly higher than the downstream results indicating that the Carney River is already being impacted prior to the WwTP discharge. However, the downstream monitoring results show that the Carney River water quality is in compliance with Schedule 5 of the Surface Water Regulations and does not appear to be impacted by the WwTP discharge. In addition, the EPA currently classify the receiving water of Drumcliff Bay and Sligo Bay as Unpolluted. Waste Assimilative Capacity Using both the actual background concentrations and the notional clean river concentrations demonstrates that the Carney River has available assimilative capacity to accommodate the WwTP discharge.

Is the project or plan directly No. connected with or necessary to the management of the site? Are there other projects or plans No. that together with the project or plan being assessed could affect the site? The Assessment of Significance of Effects Describe how the project or plan The purpose of this section of the screening is to (alone or in combination) is likely to examine the possibility that the proposed waste water affect the European Site(s). discharge, either individually or in combination with other plans and projects, may result in significant negative effects on the Conservation Ojectives and the integrity of the Natura 2000 Sites identified. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The most apparent potential risk to a Natura 2000 Site(s) from a WwTP discharge is to the water quality of the receiving environment, and if the receiving environments water quality has the potential to interact with the qualifying interests of the Natura 2000 Sites identified.

The WwTP discharges to the Carney River, which itself discharges to the sea at Ballygilgan Strand approximately 1km downstream. Ballygilgan Strand is within the Cummeen Stand / Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC and the Drumcliff Bay SPA. Explain why these effects are not The waste water discharge location is not within the considered significant. boundaries of any SAC or SPA, therefore, no direct impacts will occur through landtake or fragmentation of habitats. The primary influencing factor in relation to the dilution capacity of the receiving environment is the river flows into which the outfall discharges. The discharge is likely to be having some localised effect on the Carney River, however, due to the dilution

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available 37.4:1 at 95%ile flow, it is not likely to be significant in the Carney River, and therefore would not impact on the downstream receiving Natura 2000 Sites (i.e. Cummeen Stand / Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC and the Drumcliff Bay SPA). The upstream and downstream monitoring results demonstrate that the Carney River water quality is in compliance with Schedule 5 of the Surface Water Regulations and does not appear to be impacted by the WwTP discharge. Using both the actual background concentrations and the notional clean river concentrations demonstrates that the Carney River has assimilative capacity to accommodate the WwTP discharge. In addition, the EPA currently classify the receiving water of Drumcliff Bay and Sligo Bay as Unpolluted. In accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007) the waste water discharged from Carney WwTP does not impact on the water quality of the Carney River, and therefore, will not impact on the conservation objectives of the downstream receiving Natura 2000 Sites, Cummeen Stand / Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC and the Drumcliff Bay SPA. No significant adverse impacts on the water dependent qualifying habitats (Estuaries and Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide) and species (Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)) of the Cummeen Stand / Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC are anticipated as a result of the waste water discharge from Carney WwTP. Likewise, no significant adverse impacts on the qualifying waterbird populations and habitats of Drumcliff Bay SPA are considered likely. Due to the Fortreated inspection purposesnature only. of the effluent it will not impact on the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. availability of typical prey species to the qualifying waterbird species (i.e. Sanderling (Calidris alba) and Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)). No significant adverse impacts on the qualifying interests of the remaining Natura 2000 Sites identified within 15km of the discharge location is considered likely due to the treated nature of the effluent and the distance between the discharge location and the relevant SACs or SPAs.

List of agencies consulted: provide Divisional Ecologist Northern Region of the National contact name and telephone or e- Parks and Wildlife Service, Mr. William Macoran: mail address. Tel – 071 966 6703 Response to consultation. No concerns were identified regarding the existing plants discharge as it is a modern plant operating within its design parameters. Data Collected to Carry Out the Assessment Who carried out the assessment? Irish Water Sources of data NPWS database;

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EPA database; WFD Ireland database; and Information from Irish Water. Level of assessment completed Desktop and Field walkover survey Where can the full results of the EPA assessment be accessed and viewed? Overall Conclusion Stage 1 Screening indicates that the Gurteen WwTP discharge will not have a significant negative impact on the Natura 2000 network. Therefore, a Stage 2 'Appropriate Assessment' under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC is not required.

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

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