Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd.
Environmental Impact Statement for the
Existing Abattoir
Address Drumlish Co. Longford
Consultants Tom Rowan BE CEng MIEI HDipBS
For inspection purposes only. & Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
John Lynch BSc MSc AIEMA
Issue Date 26th June 2013
Rowan Engineering Consultants Ltd. 58 Academy Street Navan Co. Meath Tel: 046-9030102 Web: www.rec.ie Email: [email protected]
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EPA Export 02-07-2013:23:46:52 Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) ...... 1
1.2 THE APPLICANT AND SITE LOCATION ...... 1
1.3 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY ...... 1
1.4 THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ...... 2
1.5 LAYOUT OF THE EIS ...... 2
1.6 SCOPING AND CONSULTATION FOR THE EIS ...... 2
1.7 EIS PROJECT TEAM ...... 3
1.8 DIFFICULTIES DURING THE STUDY ...... 3
1.9 REFERENCES ...... 3
CHAPTER 2 THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT ...... 4
2.1 DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING DEVELOPMENT ...... 4
2.2 EXISTING PROCESS ...... 4
2.3 ANCILLARY SITE ACTIVITIES ...... 7
2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION ...... 7
2.5 THE WORKING HOURS ...... 7
2.6 EMPLOYMENT ...... 7
2.7 SITE SAFETY AND SECURITY ...... 8
2.8 SITE ACCESS AND TRAFFIC ...... 8
2.9 VIBRATION , HEAT AND RADIATION ...... 8 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 2.10 DECOMMISSIONING ...... 8 2.11 ALTERNATIVES ...... 8
2.12 REFERENCES ...... 11
CHAPTER 3 HUMAN BEINGS...... 12
3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 12
3.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 12
3.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 12
3.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 17
3.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 19
3.6 CONCLUSION ...... 20
3.7 REFERENCES ...... 20
CHAPTER 4 FLORA & FAUNA ...... 21
4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 21
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EPA Export 02-07-2013:23:46:52 4.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 21
4.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 22
4.6 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSAL ...... 23
4.7 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 25
4.8 CONCLUSIONS ...... 27
4.9 REFERENCES ...... 27
CHAPTER 5 SOILS & GEOLOGY ...... 28
5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 28
5.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 28
5.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 28
5.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 29
5.5 MITIGATING MEASURES ...... 30
5.6 CONCLUSION ...... 31
5.7 REFERENCES ...... 31
CHAPTER 6 WATER & HYDROGEOLOGY ...... 32
6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 32
6.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 32
6.3 THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 32
6.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT ...... 40
6.5 MITIGATING MEASURES ...... 42
6.6 CONCLUSION ...... 44
6.7 REFERENCES ...... For inspection purposes only...... 46 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
CHAPTER 7 AIR...... 47
7.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 47
7.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 47
7.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 47
7.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT ...... 48
7.5 MITIGATION ...... 49
7.6 CONCLUSIONS ...... 50
7.7 REFERENCE ...... 50
CHAPTER 8 CLIMATE ...... 51
8.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 51
8.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 51
8.3 THE EXISTING / RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 51
8.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT ...... 54
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EPA Export 02-07-2013:23:46:52 8.5 MITIGATING MEASURES ...... 54
8.6 CONCLUSION ...... 54
8.7 REFERENCES ...... 54
CHAPTER 9 NOISE ...... 55
9.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 55
9.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 55
9.3 THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 56
9.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 60
9.5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 61
9.6 CONCLUSION ...... 61
9.7 REFERENCES ...... 62
CHAPTER 10 LANDSCAPE & VISUAL ASSESSMENT ...... 63
10.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 63
10.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 63
10.3 THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 64
10.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 69
10.5 MITIGATION ...... 70
10.6 CONCLUSION ...... 70
10.7 REFERENCES ...... 70
CHAPTER 11 TRAFFIC ...... 71
11.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 71 For inspection purposes only. 11.2 METHODOLOGY ...... Consent of copyright...... owner required for any other use...... 71
11.3 THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 71
11.4 POTENTIAL IMPACT ...... 77
11.5 MITIGATION ...... 77
11.6 CONCLUSION ...... 78
11.7 REFERENCES ...... 78
CHAPTER 12 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 79
12.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 79
12.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 79
12.1 THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 79
12.4 POTENTIAL IMPACT ...... 82
12.5 MITIGATION ...... 82
12.6 CONCLUSION ...... 83
12.7 REFERENCES ...... 83
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EPA Export 02-07-2013:23:46:52 CHAPTER 13 MATERIAL ASSETS ...... 84
13.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 84
13.2 METHODOLOGY ...... 84
13.3 THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 84
13.4 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 85
13.5 MITIGATION ...... 86
13.6 CONCLUSION ...... 86
13.7 REFERENCES ...... 86
CHAPTER 14 INTERACTION OF THE FOREGOING ...... 87
LIST OF APPENDICES ...... 88
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
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Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) This EIS has been prepared on behalf of Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. to accompany an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) licence application (P0960-01) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The request for the EIS came during the application from the Agency following the legislation update in the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (No. 2) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 282 of 2012). The existing abattoir was deemed by the Agency to exceed the EIA threshold detailed in Schedule 5 (Part 21) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
1.2 The Applicant and Site Location Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. is the current operator of an abattoir in the village of Drumlish, Co. Longford since 1995. The abattoir has been operated by the same family at the site since the 1920’s. The abattoir was upgraded in 1995 and today it slaughters 3,500- 4,000 pigs/sows per week. The site is located on both sides of the Mohill Road in Drumlish, Co. Longford. The total site area is 4.2 ha. The Irish Grid Reference for the site is 215129E, 285784N. The location maps of the site is included in Appendix 1.1 and the layout plans of the existing abattoir is included in Appendix 1.2.
1.3 The Environmental Impact Study For inspection purposes only. An EIS is a ‘statement of the effectsConsent if any, of copyright which owner a proposed required for any development, other use. if carried out, would have on the environment’ . Impacts are defined as ‘the degree of change in an environment resulting from a development’ (EPA 2002, pg. 30). The format and scope of this document has been produced having regard to: Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Protection Agency. Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements) Environmental Protection Agency . A non-technical summary of the EIS accompanies this document. The purpose of the non-technical summary is to provide a summary in non-technical language of the information contained within the formal Statement. In accordance with the guidance, this non-technical summary is provided as a separate and self-contained document and is available as part of the application file.
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1.4 The Objectives of the Environmental Impact Statement Formal environmental assessment enables the environmental effects which may be caused by a project to be systematically evaluated and presented in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The results are presented in a way which enables the importance of predicted effects, and the scope for modifying or mitigating these effects to be properly evaluated. This evaluation is done by the relevant decision making body before a decision is given. Possible environmental effects resulting from the proposed development are assessed against legislative and commonly accepted standards and guidelines that affect various aspects of the proposed development. The EIS then systematically evaluates the positive and negative impacts of the project on both natural and human environments.
The overall aims of the Environmental Statement are: To identify and/ or predict the significant impacts of the existing development. Identify what mitigation measures should be incorporated into the existing development to eliminate or reduce perceived impacts. Interrupt and communicate the above information on the impact of the existing development, in both technical and non-technical terms.
The EIS is intended to be a self-contained document which covers all relevant environmental issues which may arise as a result of the existing development.
1.5 Layout of the EIS For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
To facilitate clarity, this EIS has been structured in a grouped format to allow the reader a complete knowledge in each area such as human beings, flora and fauna, water etc. The EIS has been constructed in two volumes: Volume 1 – Main Report Text and Appendices (lever arch file). Volume 2 – Non Technical Summary (separate bound document).
1.6 Scoping and consultation for the EIS A scoping exercise has been carried out in order to consider the information and detail required to be included within the EIS. Consultations were held with various authorities and a number of site visits were made. Consultation has also taken place with sub-consultants appointed to prepare reports on specialised subjects. The purpose of the scoping exercise is to identify the range of impacts that may be associated with the proposed development and in particular, the likely concerns of local residents and landowners.
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The project and scoping for the EIS was determined following consideration of the following: Comprehensive consultation with the management of Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. Consultation with the EPA. Consultation with Longford County Council. Knowledge gained through desk studies and site visits Reference to BAT and BREF Guidance Note for the Slaughtering Sector.
Following this scoping exercise it is recognised that some issues have the potential for greater impact than others. Within the EIS these impacts and their mitigation will be given priority.
1.7 EIS Project Team Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. appointed Rowan Engineering Consultants (REC) to prepare the EIS to accompany the IPPC application. The EIS was structured and coordinated by Tom Rowan BE CEng MIEI
HDipBS and John Lynch BSc MSc AIEMA from Rowan Engineering Consultants (REC). The EIS also included input from Ms Noreen McLoughlin MSc, MIEEM, a qualified ecologist with Whitehill Environmental who complied an Appropriate Assessment as part of the EIS.
1.8 Difficulties during the Study No major difficulties were encountered in the compilation of the Environmental Impact Statement. The potential environmental impacts were readily accessed as the existing Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. abattoir and IPPC application provided the For bulk inspection of the purposes baseline only. environmental data to the EIA project. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
1.9 References
No. Reference 1.1 EPA 2002. Guidelines on the information to be contained in EIS. 1.2 EPA 2003. Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of EIS. 1.3 Planning and Development Regulations, 2001-2007 1.4 EPA 2008. BAT Guidance Note for the Slaughtering Sector. 1.5 Green Pasture Meat Processors EPA IPPC application (P0960-01). 1.6 EC 2005. Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Reference Document on Best Available Techniques in the Slaughterhouses and Animal By-products Industries.
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Chapter 2 The Existing Development
2.1 Description of existing development Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. is the current operator of an abattoir in the village of Drumlish, Co. Longford. The existing abattoir is long established in Drumlish since the 1920’s. Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. commenced operations on site in 1995. Prior to 1997, the abattoir was multiple species and processed beef, lamb and pork. The abattoir was upgraded in 1995 and today it slaughters 3,500- 4,000 pigs/sows per week. The layout plans of the existing abattoir is included in Appendix 1.2.
Green Pastures Meat Processors Ltd. produces pork products for the home and export markets. The abattoir is approved by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the site implements the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety and operates a Food Safety Management System based on the principles of HACCP.
2.2 Existing Process The Green Pastures Meat Processors Ltd. unit process operations are detailed in order below.
1. Intake & lairage Pigs scheduled for slaughter are delivered to the site by road hauliers. On arrival, the delivery vehicles are weighed and the documentation for the For animals inspection purposes is checked; only. only those animals having the necessary Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. documentation are accepted. The pigs are then unloaded and the An Ante-Mortem Inspection is conducted by the veterinary inspector on all incoming pigs. After unloading, the pig delivery vehicles are taken to the truck wash area for washing before leaving the site. Pigs passed as fit for slaughter are transferred to their designated pens. Sows/boars and pigs are penned separately. Where necessary, a fine water spray is applied to the pigs to prevent heat stress and to remove excess dirt. The animals are placed in livestock holding pens in the lairage. This is carried out at intake or during their hold in the lairage. Pigs are either passed as fit for slaughter, condemned ante-mortem or detained pending further inspection
2. Slaughterer line
The pigs are loaded into the stun box cage and the door is shut. The cage is then lowered into the CO 2 chamber. For stunning by CO 2 the pig is exposed to greater than 80% CO2 to induce anaesthesia. The pig is kept in the cage until stunned. The operator checks that there is no movement before raising the cage.
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When stunning is complete the cage is emptied, pigs are shackled and suspended over the bleed bath. The carcass is stuck without any delay after stunning in accordance with EU animal welfare legislation dictates that bleeding must be started as soon as possible after stunning and be carried out in such a way so as to bring about rapid, profuse and complete bleeding. The carcass is bled over a bath, to collect the blood for CAT 3 disposal. Blood is collected daily and sent to Farragh Proteins for CAT 3 rendering.
When fully bled the carcass are released into the scalding tank (between 58 ºC and 65 ºC) for 6 -8 minutes which loosens and removes the bristles and toenails. An automatic de-hairing machine is used to remove bristles and toenails from pig carcases. This comprises a number of rotating rubber flails, which brush or scrape the surface of the carcase. Hair and toenails are rendered as CAT 3.
Gambrel hooks are inserted into the hindlegs and the carcass is suspended. Scraping of the carcass is carried out to remove any hair left behind by the dehairing machine. The carcass proceeds through a singer which burns off the stubble from the carcass. The unit uses propane fired gas burners. The degree of singeing is controlled by the amount of energy supplied. Singeing temperatures are around 900 - 1000 °C. The carcass then passes through a continuous row of polishing poles which removes particles of hair still remaining on the carcass after singeing.
A bung is inserted into the anus and the anus is separated from the rest of the carcass. The mid-line is opened and the viscera are removed from the carcass. This involves the manual removal of the respiratory, For inspection purposes only. pulmonary and digestive organs. ThisConsent is done of copyright by ownerpulling required out for anythe other bladder use. and the uterus, the intestines and mesenteries; the rumen and other parts of the stomach. The resulting green offal is loaded into pans for inspection and after inspection removed to the CAT 3 skip.
The breast bone is split and after cutting through the diaphragm, the plucks, i.e. the heart, liver, lungs and trachea. The plucks are hung on hooks for inspection and sent to the offal processing area. Trichinella samples are then taken. These plucks are sent for chilling. Plucks, heads and viscera are inspected by the veterinary inspector. Where necessary these are condemned to CAT 2.
Front feet are cut so that they can remain connected only by a piece of flesh. The pig carcasses are backmarked. Carcasses are split from the tail end down to the skull. Water is sprayed onto the blade to remove any bone dust which is generated. The head is separated at the atlantal joint without removing it.
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Carcasses are inspected by the veterinary inspector. Carcasses or part carcasses are condemned at this point if deemed necessary to CAT 2. The DAFF Health Mark is applied post the veterinary inspection. The cord is attached to each hind leg (pigs) to allow suspension of the carcass if loaded out. Then the EU Health Mark is applied to carcass. Carcasses are weighed and the slap mark is recorded. Carcasses are then washed to remove any bone dust.
The jowl and stick mark are trimmed. Kidney and flare fat are removed. Kidney and flare fat is sent for chilling. Carcasses are inspected for the presence of faecal matter, hair or physical contaminants. Carcasses which show any sign of contamination are directed towards the detention rail.
Spinal cords are removed and the carcass is inspected for the presence of faecal matter, hair or physical contaminants in the lower regions. Carcasses which show any sign of contamination are directed towards the detention rail.
3. Chilling Carcass are directed to the chill where they are chilled to achieve a temperature of <7 ºC in the deep and round muscle within 24 hours. When chilling is complete heads and feet are removed and jowls are trimmed prior to dispatch. Sows, boars and full pig’s carcasses are inspected to ensure a temperature of <7ºC and that they are free of contamination.
For inspection purposes only. 4. Boning hall Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
The carcasses are moved to the boning hall on site via Chill No. 3. As the carcass enters the boning hall the fillet is removed and trimmed. The gambrel is removed from the carcass and placed on the rack. The carcass is then positioned on the conveyor belt and moves automatically towards the laser saw. The laser saw splits the carcasses into legs, middles and fore-ends. The feet are then removed from the hind legs to give long cut legs hind. The hind legs and feet are boxed. Full or partial removal of oyster results in square cut or gammon cut or 1203 legs. The H-Bone may be removed depending on customer requirements. The tail bone may be removed depending on customer requirements. The middles are then spilt into loins and bellies. They may be derinded depending on customer requirements. The rind is boxed. The loins may be sheet-ribbed depending on customer requirements. The back may be derinded depending on customer requirements. The bellies may then be sheet-ribbed or single ribbed depending on customer requirements.
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5. Packing & dispatch Packaging is stored in the packaging store on intake, and then transferred to the packing area as required. The product is placed in lined dolavs or cardboard boxes and sealed. Alternatively, fillets and loins may be thermoform packed. Product is moved to the dispatch chill if not being dispatched immediately. Product is moved via a forklift to the loading bay. There it is weighed, recorded and a label is printed and attached to the packaging. The product is then removed by a forklift into a refrigerated container.
2.3 Ancillary site activities Ancillary activities at the site include offices, canteen, changing rooms, boiler house, plant rooms, the chemical store, water storage, maintenance workshop, weigh bridge, truck wash and waste storage areas.
Electricity, CO 2 gas, diesel, water and several chemicals are currently utilised at the facility. No direct disposal of waste is carried out on site. All waste is taken off site by approved contractors for authorised disposal or recovery.
2.4 Environmental Regulation The existing plant is in the process of obtaining an IPPC licence for the following activity ‘ The operation of slaughterhouses with a carcass production capacity greater than 50 tonnes per day ’ (IPPC licence class 7.4.1). All elements required in the proposed IPPC licence will be adhered to by Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. It is intended that an Environmental Management System (EMS) will be put in place at the site for the environmental management. This system will include an environmental monitoring plan to demonstrate that the development is not having For inspection an a purposesdverse only. impact on the surrounding environment. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
2.5 The Working Hours The proposed hours of operation will continue unchanged. Internal operations at Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. abattoir consist of the following: Slaughtering 08.15-18.30 Boning 05.00-18.00 Washing 18.00-22.00 Pig deliveries usually 08.00-18.00, however on occasion deliveries may arise outside these hours.
2.6 Employment The development will assist in sustaining the 48 No. people who are directly employed currently at the Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. In addition to this, there is indirect employment such as contractors and tradesmen. 7 | P a g e
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2.7 Site Safety and Security The perimeter of the site will be secured in accordance with the responsibilities of the operator including obligations under Health and Safety legislation and guidelines. The existing and proposed development falls outside the scope of the Seveso II Directive (96/082/EEC).
2.8 Site Access and traffic The application site is situated on a local road (Mohill Road) off the regional road (R198) c.0.3km from the main crossroads in the village. It is proposed the existing site access will be maintained. A detailed description of the site access, traffic volumes and potential traffic impact is set out in Chapter 11 of the EIS.
2.9 Vibration, heat and radiation Schedule 6 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 sets out that an Environmental Impact Statement should include an estimate by type and quantity of expected residues and emissions relating to vibration, heat and radiation. Owing to the nature of the proposed development there will be no environmental effects associated with vibration, heat or radiation relating to the proposed development.
2.10 Decommissioning The IPPC Directive, which was transposed into Irish law under the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, makes reference to the requirements to ensure that facilities closure is adequately addressed. It is envisaged that a decommissioning management plan for the abattoir will be drawn up for the site in For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. accordance with any IPPC licence requirements.
2.11 Alternatives As part of this EIS, a number of alternatives were considered by Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. These alternatives were concentrated on the waste water management at the site following consultation with both the Environmental Protection Agency and Longford County Council during the EIS development.
a) Proposed New Treated Effluent Discharge to Mill Stream It is proposed that Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. will construct a biological waste water treatment plant (WWTP) on site within 16 months of the issue of the IPPC licence. It is proposed that the new WWTP will pipe the treated effluent discharge to the Mill Stream which is situated c.0.6km northeast of the site.
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This option would require the landspreading of treated effluent (at the proposed discharge levels) on landbanks in accordance with a nutrient management plan when/if there is insufficient flow in the Mill Stream (<0.047m 3/sec) and during prolonged dry periods. It is envisaged that retention tank/lagoon will be incorporated into the design of WWTP to store treated effluent as required. While the proposed WWTP is being constructed, the site will continue to landspread effluent in accordance with a nutrient management plan.
This proposal will ensure the site is fully BAT and BREF compliant in regard wastewater management within 16 months from the EPA’s final approval. A comparison of the proposed emission limit values for the treated effluent discharge against the relevant BAT and BREF guidelines is outlined in Table 1 below.
Parameter Units Proposed BAT BREF Discharge Slaughtering Slaughterhouses & ELV’s Sector Animal By- products Flow m3 60/day - - pH pH units 6-9 6-9 - Toxicity units TU 5 5 - BOD mg/l 20 20-40 10-40 COD mg/l 125 125-250 25-125 Suspended Solids mg/l 30 60 5-60 Total Ammonia (as N) mg/l 1.5 10 - Total Nitrogen mg/l 20 15-40 15-40 Total Phosphorus (as P) mg/l 2 2-5 2-5 Orthophosphate mg/l 0.75 - - For inspection purposes only. Oils, fats & grease Consent of mg/l copyright owner required 10 for any other use. 10-15 2.6-15 Table 1 Proposed ELV’s for the final treated effluent
The proposed minimum stream flow rate of 0.047 m3/sec in the Mill Stream would provide a minimum of 67 dilutions for the maximum treated effluent volume of 60m 3. A waste assimilation conducted demonstrated that the proposed new discharge of 60 m 3 day with a proposed BOD ELV of 20mg/l, ammonia of 1.5 mg/l and orthophosphate of 0.75 mg/l ensures that the Mill Stream is sufficient to meet the water quality targets for BOD, Ammonia and orthophosphate to ensure the Mill Stream can attain Good Quality status by 2015 in accordance with the Surface Water Regulations 2009 with a minimum stream flow of 0.047 m3/sec. It was found that at a proposed minimum flow of 0.047 m3/sec the proposed new discharge complies with the Water Services Training Group Guidance by taking up a maximum of 25% of the available assimilative capacity of the Mill Stream.
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The advantage of this proposal is that the proposed pipeline requires going through 1 No. adjacent landowner land and it requires shorter piping distance compared to the other alternatives. The disadvantage is that the proposed discharge is that there will be a requirement to landspread the treated effluent (at discharge levels) during prolonged low flow scenarios in the receiving water body.
It is envisaged that the infrastructural upgrade will take up to 16 months is required from the EPA’s final approval to allow a sufficient time for the biological WWTP design, local authority planning approval and construction.
This new proposal would see a significant improvement in effluent management onsite, which pertains at present. The commitment by Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. to invest in a full biological WWTP will ensure that the site will comply with pertaining legislation and the proposed effluent will provide a sustainable wastewater management solution onsite.
b) Treated Effluent Discharge to the Black River This option to discharge to the Black River involved the construction of a biological WWTP on site and the piping of the treated effluent to the Black River which is situated c.1.9km northwest of the site.
The advantage of this proposal is that the proposed discharge would be to a larger water body and there would not be a requirement to landspread treated effluent during prolonged dry periods. This option was For inspection purposes only. discounted as the proposed pipelineConsent route of copyrightto go ownerthrough required requires for any other use.6 No. adjacent landowner lands and it required the construction of c.1.9km pipeline which would require a significant outlay.
c) Treated Effluent Discharge to the sewer in Drumlish The potential discharge to the Drumlish sewer was explored by Green Pasture Meat Processors. This option involved partially treating effluent onsite and discharging the partially treated effluent to the Drumlish sewer which is located outside the site. The partial wastewater treatment would consist of screen, balance tank and dissolved air floatation unit.
Following extensive consultation with Longford County Council this option was discounted as the Council informed us that there was insufficient volumetric capacity (max 18m 3 capacity) and loading capacity in the upgraded municipal WWTP at Drumlish.
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d) Raw Effluent Tankering to a Longford County Council sewer This potential option was to tanker raw wastewater offsite to a local municipal sewer in Co. Longford. Following consultation with Longford County Council this option was discounted as the Council informed Green Pasture Meat Processors that the local sewers had insufficient capacity to accept the proposed raw wastewater from the site.
Following extensive consultation and consideration, Green Pasture Meat Processors decided that Option A was the most feasible to proceed with.
2.12 References
No. Reference 2.1 Green Pasture Meat Processors EPA IPPC licence application (P0960-01).
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
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Chapter 3 Human Beings
3.1 Introduction Any development that impacts on the physical environment has the potential to affect human beings. Therefore human beings are an important consideration for this EIS. In carrying out development, one of the principal concerns is that people should experience no diminution in their quality of life as a consequence of the construction, operation and existence of a development. Any impact on human beings must therefore be adequately appraised and addressed.
This section of the EIS deals with the social-economic environment of the locality within which the existing development is situated. It describes the existing environment and provides an assessment of the impact that the proposals may have on aspects of the environment. Accordingly the topic of human beings is addressed in the proceeding and succeeding Chapters of the EIS by means of an appraisal of the effect of the development on the environment in general, including human beings.
3.2 Methodology As mentioned in the preceding paragraphs Human Beings are the primary drivers and managers of all development and therefore all environmental effects of a development, positive or negative, are ultimately felt by human beings. In common with the other sections of this EIS which is presented in the Grouped Format Structure, the following section will describe the receiving environment of the proposed For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. development through description of the subject site and its surrounds. The Section then goes on to identify and discuss the identified impacts of the proposed development in relation to Human Beings. Where applicable, these effects and mitigation measures are referenced to other Chapters of this EIS.
3.3 Existing Environment 3.3.1 Site Location The existing abattoir is located on both sides of a road (4.2 ha site) on the Mohill Road in Drumlish, Co. Longford which is situated c.11km north of Longford Town (site OS map is included Figure 1 below). The site is situated in the district electoral division of Drumlish.
Drumlish provides educational, religious, commercial, employment, financial and administrative functions for the village and the surrounding rural hinterland. Drumlish is relatively well serviced having a number of supermarkets, a filling station, hairdressers and a chemist. There are also a number of pubs and
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Green Pasture
REC OSI Licence No. EN0073512
Figure 1 Site Location Map
3.3.2 The Existing Abattoir For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The existing abattoir is long established in Drumlish since the 1920’s. Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. commenced operations on site in 1995. Prior to 1997, the abattoir was multiple species and processed beef, lamb and pork. The abattoir was upgraded in 1995 and today it slaughters 3,500- 4,000 pigs/sows per week. Green Pastures Meat Processors Ltd. produces pork products for the home and export markets. The abattoir has a slaughtering capacity of approximately 70 MT/day.
3.3.3 Demographics Population The population of Drumlish in Census 2011 was 1,387 persons compared to the population for the whole of Co. Longford was 39,000 persons. The population by age and sex for Drumlish is provided in Table 2 below.
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Range Male Females Total 0-19 216 214 430 20-24 56 53 109 25-29 48 46 94 30-34 59 62 121 35-39 53 57 110 40-44 50 56 106 45-49 42 42 84 50-54 35 34 69 55-59 35 38 73 60-64 38 30 68 65-69 21 20 41 70-74 17 14 31 75-79 10 10 20 80-84 5 16 21 85+ 2 8 10 Total 687 700 1,387 Table 2 Drumlish population by age and sex (Census 2011)
Place of Birth Table 3 below sets out the population of the Drumlish DED by place of birth as per the census 2011. The table illustrates that 78% of the resident population was born in Ireland followed by 8% born in the UK, while the remaining is made up of other EU countries and the rest of world.
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Nationality Ireland UK Poland Lithuania Other EU 27 Rest of World Number of 1,079 118 47 6 51 81 persons Table 3 Drumlish DED- usually resident population by place of birth (source CSO Census 2011)
3.3.4 Social Infrastructure Natural Amenity The site itself is not part of any or is not adjoin any designated ecological sites.
Education There is one national school in Drumlish, St. Mary’s. There is no secondary school in the village. Second level students attend schools throughout the county; however Moyne Community School, located in Moyne, Co. Longford, is an important educational facility for the people in Drumlish.
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Dwellings There has been a surge of suburban-type housing development in the village in recent years. The location maps in Appendix 3.1 demarks the adjacent residents to the site.
Security There is a Garda station situated in the village of Drumlish.
Local Water Supply Drumlish is currently supplied with water from the Lough Forbes Water Treatment Plant. Green Pasture Meat Processors will continue to accept a proportion of water from the Council supply and from a borehole on site.
Wastewater The village of Drumlish is serviced by a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The existing wastewater treatment plant was designed in the early 60s to serve a 700 population equivalent (P.E.). The wastewater treatment plant is in progress of been upgraded to a capacity of 1200 P.E. It is envisaged that the new wastewater treatment plant will be operational by the end of 2013.
Transportation Drumlish is located on the R198 between Longford to Cavan. There is no Bus Éireann route for Drumlish. For inspection purposes only. A private bus service operates a returnConsent of service copyright owner from required Longford. for any other Theuse. nearest rail station is in Longford
Town which provides services to Dublin and Sligo on a daily basis. There are a number of taxi operators who provide a local service for Drumlish. For transport the majority of the resident would be reliant on cars.
3.4.5 Employment The main industries for employment for the residents of Drumlish are commerce and trade and professional services as can be seen in the table below.
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Industry Males Females Total Total % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 38 3 41 8% Building and construction 25 0 25 5% Manufacturing industries 71 16 87 17% Commerce and trade 58 78 136 26% Transport and communications 14 8 22 4% Public administration 19 20 39 8% Professional services 19 86 105 20% Other 23 35 58 11% Total 267 246 513 - Table 4 Drumlish persons at work (Census 2011).
The employment opportunities in Drumlish would be limited and it is likely employment is obtained in the towns and villages in the hinterland of the site. There is no specific periodical updated unemployment data for the Drumlish DED; however data does exist for the wider Longford County area. The table below displays the unemployment data for County Longford in April 2013.
Month Male Female Total April 2013 3,168 1,809 4,977 Table 5 Unemployment data for County Longford (Source- the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed)
3.4.6 Economy Ireland Agri-Food Sector Despite the general pessimistic short term outlook by the ESRI for the Irish economy, the performance of For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. the agri-food sector in Ireland remains strong. Green Pasture Meat Processors is part of this agri-food sector as it processes pig meat for home and export markets.
The agri-food sector in Ireland accounts for some eight per cent (8%) of national GDP and over 160,000 jobs. It accounts for a major proportion of exports from Irish-owned enterprises and its products are sold in over 170 markets around the world (Bord Bia).
Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. Contribution to the Local Economy Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. employs c.48 No. directly at its plant and a number of persons indirectly (e.g. tradesmen, hauliers) at the plant. It is estimated by the company that c. 95% of the workforce live within 30 minutes of the site. The staff employed at the existing facility make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the surrounding villages through purchasing local goods and services, renting property and accessing health services.
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Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. has strong links with the local community and it sponsors the local tidy towns and the local GAA club.
3.4 Potential Impacts 3.4.1 Introduction The likely significant direct effects on human beings associated with the proposed development relate to potential impacts on the economy, social facilities, infrastructure and landuse.
3.4.2 Economic and Employment Impacts The continued development will have a positive impact by providing long term sustainable employment for a work force in Drumlish which currently stands at c.48 person. Retaining these existing employees will be critical to the long term vitality and viability of surrounding towns and villages. They will continue to make a positive impact through the purchase of local goods and services such as grocery shopping and fuel.
In addition, the proposed development will make a positive contribution through the employment of contractors and subcontractors for the installation and testing of equipment.
From an evaluation of the economic impact on human beings, it is envisaged that the continued development will have benefit to the local For inspection and regi purposesonal only. area in regard to increasing employment and Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. revenue.
3.4.3 Odour & Noise Impacts Odour Odour emissions are most likely to be associated with wastewater and handling of by-products. An assessment of odour and recommendations for odour mitigation arising from the proposed development are included in Chapter 7 ‘Air’. Through the use of these mitigation measures, it is considered that potential odour associated with the continued development will be minimised and effectively controlled.
Noise A Noise Impact Assessment has been undertaken as part of the EIS. The noise assessment has shown that noise rating levels generated by the current operation poses no significant impairment at any noise
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EPA Export 02-07-2013:23:46:53 sensitive location. The results of the assessment are set out in EIS Chapter 8‘Noise’. Noise mitigation measures are also set out in this section of the EIS.
3.4.4 Physical Infrastructure Roads and traffic An assessment of the traffic and transportation impacts of the proposed development has been undertaken in Chapter 10 of this EIS. This included details of all the traffic and movement activity associated with the site. It is envisaged that the road network will continue to operate adequately in the future situation.
Water Supply The proposed development will continue to receive council main supply combined with water from an onsite borehole. Further details are provided in Section 6 of the EIS.
Wastewater Treatment All wastewater generated at Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. will be treated in the proposed new dedicated WWTP. Treated effluent will be discharged to the nearby Mill Stream or it will be landspread as required. Further details of WWTP, waste assimilation capacity and mitigation measures are provided in Chapter 6 of the EIS.
Storm Water
All roof water and clean uncontaminated Foryard inspection water purposes will only. be collected and directed to the existing storm Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. water system which discharges to the Council’s storm water system or to ground onsite. Further details of storm water system and mitigation measures are provided in Chapter 6 Water of the EIS.
Community Infrastructure No significant impacts are predicted on education, health or other community infrastructure.
Landuse The land in question will not change the current landuse as the proposed development will be incorporated on the existing site. The construction of a wastewater treatment plant will not have any significant impact on landuse in the area.
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3.4.5 Natural Infrastructure Landscape The continued use of the facility will inflict minimal visual intrusion on existing residential dwellings and road users in the vicinity (refer to Chapter 10: Landscape and Visual Impact). The findings of Chapter 10 demonstrate that there will be limited impact on the landscape and visual aspects in the area, and any negative impacts arising will be mitigated against as far as is possible.
Natural Amenity As the site area does not form part of a public amenity area, no changes to public amenity use of the land can be expected. In addition, the development does not require any changes to rights of way or recreational walking routes. It is envisaged that there will be no significant impact on any ecological designated site with the continued development.
3.4.6 Health & Safety Potential impacts regarding health and safety of both the general public and employees relate primarily to the proposed new equipment being installed at the abattoir. At present, detailed safety regulations and procedures apply to the plant’s operations.
3.4.7 Pests & Vermin A specialist pest control is contracted to inspect the site at monthly intervals. Active baiting is undertaken For inspection purposes only. at strategic locations around the site,Consent and theof copyright baiting owner sites required are for anyexamined other use. during the regular inspections. The contractor is responsible for carrying out any necessary remedial action to address any identified problems with respect to pests and vermin. The contractor is available on call out to respond to any problems identified during the regular inspections carried out by site personnel. This programme will not change as part of the proposed development.
3.5 Mitigation Measures The proposed development has a significant positive impact in that it provides direct employment. In addition, the proposed development will maintain employment indirectly through the use of external local tradesmen and local businesses.
With a development of this nature there are potential negative impacts on human beings and the local community. These potential impacts relate mainly to nuisance and perceived nuisance from noise, odour, traffic and visual impact. As a result of the nature of the current facility, its location relative to dwellings 19 | P a g e
EPA Export 02-07-2013:23:46:53 together with the mitigation measures proposed in the EIS, it is envisaged that the development will not have any significant negative impact on human beings.
The following sections of the EIS provide detailed information on the potential impacts that may arise as a result of the development. The mitigation measures, which have been proposed to reduce those impacts to acceptable levels, are detailed in the Chapters in this EIS.
3.6 Conclusion All the mitigation measures that are proposed as a result of this EIS are described in detail under each of the relevant sections. Once these mitigation measures are implemented it is envisaged that the upgraded facility will not have any significant impact on human beings.
3.7 References
Number Description 3.1 Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Discovery Series Maps. 3.2 Central Statistics Office (CSO), Drumlish District Electoral Division Census Data 2011 (DED) & www.cso.ie. 3.3 Green Pasture Meat Processors EPA IPPC licence application (P0960-01). 3.4 Longford County Development Plan 2009-2015. 3.5 Drumlish Local Area Plan 2006-2012. 3.6 www.archaeology.ie 3.7 www.npws.ie For inspection purposes only. 3.8 The Irish National OrganisationConsent of of the copyright Unemploy owner requireded www.inou.ie for any other use.
3.9 Irish Food Drink & Horticulture 2010- 2011 Performance and Prospects, Bord Bia 2010 & http://www.bordbia.ie 3.10 www.esri.ie 3.11 www.cso.ie
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Chapter 4 Flora & Fauna
4.1 Introduction
This assessment allowed areas of potential ecological value and potential ecological constraints associated with this continued development to be identified and it also enabled potential ecological impacts associated with the continued development to be assessed and mitigated for.
A Natura Impact Statement (Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment) was undertaken by Consultant Ecologist Noreen McLoughlin, MSc of Whitehill Environmental in line with the Requirements of Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive’ and is included as Appendix 4.1.
4.2 Methodology Information on the site and the area was studied prior to the completion of this flora and fauna chapter. Aerial photographs and maps were examined and the websites of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were consulted for information on protected sites and the distance of these sites from the development.
The criteria used in evaluating the habitats and in assessing impacts follows that used in the NRA’s Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes (NRA, 2004) as this is currently the only impact assessment criteria For inspectionpublished purposes for only. Ireland. These criteria are outlined in Table 6 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Rating Qualifying Criteria A Internationally Important • Sites designated (or qualifying for designation) as an SAC * or SPA * under the EU Habitats or Birds Directives. • Undesignated sites containing good examples of Annex I priority habitats under the EU Habitats Directive. • Major salmon river fisheries. • Major Salmonid (salmon, trout or char) lake fisheries. B Nationally Important • Sites or waters designated or proposed as an NHA *or Statutory Nature Reserve. • Undesignated sites containing good examples of Annex I habitats (under EU Habitats Directive). • Undesignated sites containing significant numbers of resident or regularly occurring populations of Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive or species protected under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. • Major trout river fisheries. • Water bodies with major amenity fishery value. • Commercially important coarse fisheries. 21 | P a g e
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C High Value, Locally Important • Sites containing semi-natural habitat types with high biodiversity in a local context and a high degree of naturalness, or significant populations of locally rare species. • Sites containing any resident or regularly occurring populations of Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive. • Large water bodies with some coarse fisheries. D Moderate Value, Locally Important • Sites containing some semi-natural habitat or locally important for wildlife. • Small water-bodies with some coarse fisheries value or some potential salmonid habitat. • Any water body with unpolluted water (Q-value 4-5). E Low Value, Locally Important • Artificial or highly modified habitats with low species diversity and low wildlife value. • Water bodies with no current fisheries and no significant potential fisheries value. Table 6 Conservation Evaluation (after Natura Site Evaluation Scheme, NRA, 2004). SAC = Special Area of Conservation; SPA = Special Protection Area; NHA = Natural Heritage Area.
4.3 Existing Environment 4.3.1 Site survey A walkover of the site at Green Pasture Meat Processors was conducted on the 11 th June 2013 by John Lynch of Rowan Engineering Consultants.
The abattoir is located just off the Main St, in the town of Drumlish, Co. Longford. To the south and east it is mostly surrounded by the built up environs of Drumlish village. To the north and west it is surrounded mostly by low lying agricultural land. There is a small stream (Drumlish West) that flows through the southern end of site and meets the Black River c.2km downstream of the site. There is a For inspection purposes only. second tributary of the Black River, ConsentMill Streamof copyright (D ownerrumlish required for East) any other situated use. c.0.6 km northeast of the site.
The Fossitt (2000) ‘A Guide to Habitats in Ireland’ was used to categorise the habitats onsite. The majority of the site falls within the Buildings and Artificial Surfaces category (Habitat Code BL3) which is classed as ‘low value, locally important’. The field boundaries consist of a mixture of hedgerows (Habitat Code WL1) and Treelines (Habitat Code WL2) while there are small pockets of Semi-natural Grassland (Habitat Code GS). There are no habitats of significant ecological value within the site of the proposed development and as such the site would be classed as ‘low value, locally important’ as per the NRA conservation evaluation. There were no rare or protected flora or fauna species recorded within the site.
4.3.2 Site setting in relation to ecological protected sites
There are three Natura 2000 sites within 10km of the abattoir. These are:
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Clooneen Bog Special Area of Conservation (SAC 002348) which is located approximately 8km west of the proposed application site;
Lough Forbes Complex SAC (SAC 001818) which is also located 6.5km south-west of the proposed development site; and,
Ballykenny – Fisherstown Bog SPA (SPA 004101) which is located 6.5km south-west of the proposed development site.
The nearest ecological designated site is the Cloonagheeher Bog NHA (NHA 00 1423) which is situated c.4km west of the abattoir.
Consideration also needs to be taken here that the lands proposed for the receiving of the effluent/slurry in the Newtownforbes area are much closer to these Natura 2000 sites. The land-spreading of the resulting effluent/slurry will occur on agricultural lands in the Newtownforbes area (Ballykenny, Killeen & St. Annes Glebe), Drumlish area and in the townlands of Gubadorris, Fearglasss South and Drumboher in Co. Leitrim. In addition, the spread lands in Fearglasss South are close to the River Black, which leads to the Rinn River, a fully designated Natural Heritage Area (NHA 000691).
It is proposed as part of the IPPC application that onsite process effluent will be treated in a proposed new biological WWTP within 16 months of the grant of the IPPC licence. It is proposed that the WWTP will primarily discharge treated effluent to the Mill Stream (also known as Drumlish East) c.600m northeast of the site. The stream is part of the Black River which has been classified by the EPA as ‘Q4- Good status’ For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. based on the EPA’s monitoring of the Black River. During prolonged low flow scenarios in the stream, it is proposed that the treated effluent (to discharge levels) will be landspread on the landbanks detailed above in accordance with a nutrient management plan.
4.6 Potential Impacts of the Proposal The continued operation of activities at Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd in the town of Drumlish will not result in any habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, resource abstraction or land take from any area that is ecologically designated site.
Green Pasture Meat Processors propose to discharge the effluent from their proposed new biological wastewater treatment plant into the Mill Stream that is located north-east of the site. The Mill Stream flows northwards where it joins the Black River, a tributary of the Rinn River, which eventually flows into the Lough Forbes Complex. There is a direct source-pathway-receptor-linkage between the discharge stream and the Lough Forbes SAC and Ballykenny-Fisherstown SPA.
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Waste assimilation calculations (see Chapter 6 Appendix 6.5) using the proposed emission values for biological oxygen demand, ammonia and orthophosphate have shown that the discharge into this stream will take up 25% of the stream assimilative capacity at the proposed minimum flow rate of 0.047m 3/s. Taking this into account and based on the distance of the proposed site and the Lough Forbes Complex SAC and Ballykenny-Fisherstown SPA (c.16.5km downstream), it is highly unlikely that this proposed discharge will have any impact upon the qualifying interests or conservation objectives of this Natura 2000 site.
However, if appropriate mitigation measures are not taken during the landspreading of the resultant effluent/treated effluent/slurry on lands around Newtownforbes, then there is the possibility that water quality in the Lough Forbes Complex SAC will be impacted upon and eutrophication and / or siltation may occur. As this water-dependent SAC is directly connected to Clooneen Bog SAC and Ballykenny- Fishertown Bog SPA, then there is also the possibility that the habitats and protected species associated with these sites could also be impacted upon.
The eutrophication of a lake such as Lough Forbes from the spreading of effluent/treated effluent/slurry would lead to a decrease in levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and an increase in the growth of green algae in the lake. Toxic algal blooms are possible. The increased load of nutrients could lead to an alteration in the flora and fauna of the lake and the high biodiversity of the aquatic and emergent vegetation could be lost. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
In addition, the landspreading of effluent in the Drumboher and Fearglass South areas also has the potential to have a direct negative impact upon river and lake sites that have been designated as NHAs and proposed NHAs. Eutrophication and / or siltation could occur in these water dependent eco-systems resulting in a loss of biodiversity, fish kills and algal blooms. In particular, the River Rinn NHA is directly connected to Lough Forbes SAC; therefore a reduction in water quality in this river has the potential to directly affect this Natura 2000 site.
The continuing operation of the processing facility in Drumlish will result in insignificant noise and odour emissions to the atmosphere. These emissions will have no impact upon any designated sites or species. The landspreading of the effluent will also result in odour emissions; however these odour emissions will have no impact upon any designated sites or species.
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The continuing operation of the meat processing facility at Drumlish will not have cumulative impacts upon any sites that have been designated ecological site. The landspreading of the resulting effluent in the Newtownforbes area may lead to cumulative impacts if the recommended mitigation measures are not followed.
4.7 Mitigation Measures Landspreading effluent/slurry/treated effluent In order to avoid any reductions in water quality in the Lough Forbes Complex SAC or any NHA sites identified, the following mitigation measures must be adhered to. These mitigation measures will also help to reduce any impacts upon sites that are designated as Natural Heritage Areas. In addition, they will help protect the general biodiversity of the areas that are proposed for landspreading.
Fields within any area that has been designated as an SAC, SPA or NHA should be excluded from land-spreading. A minimum buffer zone of 20m should be put in place and adhered to for areas which are adjacent to any area that has been designated as an SAC, SPA or NHA. These buffer zones should be increased depending on the gradient of the land. To avoid contamination of the local watercourses in areas identified for land-spreading, a minimum buffer zone of 10m for any main river channels and 5m for smaller watercourses should be adhered to at all times during the application of effluent. Buffer zones should be increased For inspection purposes only. depending on the gradient ofConsent the land. of copyright In owner additio requiredn, for when any other the use. water body is with 1km upstream of
a water dependent designated site the buffer for a river should be increased to 20m while a stream should be increased to 10m. Effluent/slurry should not be applied with within 3m of open field drains or ditches in accordance with Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Water 2010 SI 610 of 2010. Land spreading should only take place when suitable climatic and environmental conditions exist. Spreading must be avoided on: -wet or waterlogged soils -land sloping steeply towards water courses -frozen or snow covered soils Effluent should not be applied in proximity of hedgerows and field margins. This will maintain the biodiversity of these areas and allow for a more natural ecological corridor.
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All spreading of animal wastes associated with the development must be in accordance with the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations, 2010). A nutrient management plan must be submitted for the land-spreading of any effluent generated as part of the continuing operation of the abattoir at Drumlish. As detailed in the full NMP was submitted EPA on the 01 st November 2012, the following mitigation measures will adhered to during all of the sites landspreading activities-
Spreading shall not take place: • On wet or waterlogged ground • On frozen or snow covered ground • On exposed bedrock or outcropping. • Where surface gradients are excessive (preferably less than 18% (1:5) • On fields that display cracks over pipe or mole drainage systems • From 15 th October to 15 th January (Longford) unless a derogation is agreed. • From 15 th October to 31 st January (Leitrim) unless a derogation is agreed. • Outside daylight hours • No landspreading within any ecological designated site (SAC/SPA or NHA) Note 3. Organic Waste application shall be in accordance with the following guidelines: • No application when the risk of causing odour nuisance to the public is greatest, e.g. Sundays or public holidays. • No application during meteorological conditions which give rise to odour nuisance. • No application where significant rain is forecast within 48 hours. • The maximum hydraulic capacity for the NMP was determined to be 300m 3/hectare per annum. • In areas that are categorised by the GSI as ‘Extreme vulnerability areas on karst limestone aquifers’ no landspreading will occur. • No application in the closed season- 15 th October to 15 th January (Longford) unless a derogation is agreed. • No application in the closed season- For inspection 15 th Octoberpurposes only. to 31 st January (Leitrim) unless a derogation is Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. agreed. Buffer Zones for Land-spreading of Organic Wastes Area Buffer Zone Sensitive buildings (Dwellings, hospitals, schools and churches) 50m Note1 Karst features 15m Note2 Lake shoreline 20m Note2 Main rivers channels 10m Note2 Streams 5m Note2 Main rivers channels <1 km upstream of a water dependent ecological site 20m Note3 Streams <1 km upstream of a water dependent ecological site 10m Note3 Surface watercourses (other than lake) 5m Note2 Open drain 3m Note2 Domestic wells 25m Note2 Public water supplies supplying 10m 3 or more or serving 50 or more persons. 100m Note2 Public water supplies supplying 100m 3 or more or serving 500 or more persons. 200m Note2 Minimum buffer zone from ecological designated site (SAC/SPA or NHA) 20m Note3 Note 1 Assist in preventing nuisance. Note 2 In accordance with S.I. 610 of 2010. Note 3 In line with the Natura Impact Statement submitted with the IPPC application .
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Discharge of treated effluent from the proposed WWTP The proposed new wastewater treatment plant discharge emission limit values identified in Chapter 6 will have to be complied with. There will be no discharge of treated effluent to the Mill Stream when there are flows below 0.047m 3/sec.
4.8 Conclusions Based on the findings of this impact assessment, it can be concluded that should the proposed continued development at Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. be allowed to proceed then there will be minimal ecological impacts once the mitigation measures outlined in the above section are followed. The conservation objectives and the integrity of the ecological sites identified will not be affected.
4.9 References Number Description 4.1 Natura Impact Statement (Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment) undertaken by Consultant Ecologist Noreen McLoughlin, MSc of Whitehill Environmental. 4.2 www.npws.ie 4.3 Green Pasture Meat Processors EPA IPPC licence application (P0960-01). 4.4 NRA (2004) Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes. National Roads Authority, Dublin.
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
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Chapter 5 Soils & Geology
5.1 Introduction The following is a description of the geology and soils of the area in which the existing abattoir in Drumlish is situated, together with an assessment of the potential impact of the existing abattoir on these aspects of the environment. The section also includes details of mitigation measures incorporated into to avoid any potential negative impacts.
5.2 Methodology The published geological maps (e.g. Geological Survey of Ireland) for the area in which the site is located were examined and a site walkover was conducted to observe the site conditions, site layout and the surface topography.
5.3 Existing environment Overburden geology Soil is the top layer of the earth’s crust. It is formed by mineral particles, organic matter, water, air and living organisms. It is an extremely complex, variable and living medium and its characteristics are a function of parent subsoil or bedrock materials, climate, relief and the actions of living organisms over time. According to soil mapping compiled by the National Soil Survey (See map in Appendix 5.1), the principle soil types underlying the site are classed as made/built given the fact the site is concreted or For inspection purposes only. covered with cut stone. The rest ofConsent the of sitecopyright and owner th requirede adjoin for any landother use. gives an indication of the soils that underlain the facility. Part of the site and the adjacent land to the site is underlain predominately with surface water gleys (AminPD) which are deep poorly drained mineral derived from mainly non-calcareous parent materials.
Quaternary (Subsoil) Geology The Quaternary (Subsoil) deposits were deposited during the last 2 million years. The two principal types of quaternary subsoil’s in Ireland are glacial till, deposited at the base of ice sheets, and sand and gravel deposits associated with the melting of the ice sheets, and are generally termed glaciofluvial outwash sands and gravels. Other extensive quaternary subsoil’s in Ireland include peat and river alluvium. The Teagasc Subsoil’s Data (See map in Appendix 5.2) for the site is classed partly as made/built given the fact the site is concreted or covered with gravel. The rest of the site and adjacent land gives us an indication of the subsoil’s that underlain the facility are sandstone and shale till (Lower Palaeozoic).
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Bedrock geology According to bedrock mapping compiled by the Geological Survey of Ireland (See map in Appendix 5.3), the site and the surrounding area is part of a Callow Formation (CA).
Geohazards No karst solution features are identified at or close to the application site in the GSI’s online database. The application site is unlikely to be susceptible to natural geological hazards such as landslides given the underlain geology, there are no raised bogs adjacent to the site and there have been no historical landslides recorded in the area.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) flood database (www.floodmaps.ie) does not indicate any documented recurring flood points adjacent to the site.
Geological Heritage There are no County Geological sites as detailed in the Longford County Development Plan 2009-2015 in the vicinity of the site. The nearest Geological Heritage site is an Esker situated in the town land of Esker North which is situated c.3 km northeast from the site. The GSI state the site may be recommended as a Geological NHA in the future.
5.4 Potential Impacts
The operation of the proposed development For willinspection not purposes involve only. the removal of soils or subsoil’s from the site Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. or the excavation of bedrock material at the application site. Therefore any impacts on the soils and geology at the site will principally be associated with the construction phase of the proposed development.
Construction Phase The principal potential impact on soils and subsoil’s associated with the construction phase of the proposed development will be from fuel and oils from plant and machinery used as part of the construction of the new wastewater treatment plant. The potential impact of fuel and oils is considered to be local with a low risk to the environment and mitigation measures are required. The construction of foundations will require the removal of some soils and subsoil’s. The potential impact of soil and subsoil erosion is considered to be local with a low risk to the environment.
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Operational Phase There is the potential for the contamination of soils and subsoil’s at the application site during the continued operation from- Fuels/oils from plant and vehicles at the site Cleaning chemicals Effluent Wastewater & sludge
The potential impact of soil and subsoil contamination is considered to be local with a low/medium risk to the environment given all production and storage areas are to be bunded and remotely bunded.
The potential inappropriate landspreading of wastewater/sludge/truck wash washings/lairage/treated effluent on land could potentially damage the soil structure, hydraulic loading and chemical loading. Landspreading of sludge would only be carried out with approval from the EPA in accordance with a nutrient management plan and the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, 2010 (S.I. 610 of 2010) and any other IPPC licence requirements.
5.5 Mitigating measures Construction Phase Measures will be implemented at the application site to militate against any potential adverse impacts on the receiving soil and subsoil environment For inspection which purposes co uldonly. arise during the construction phase. These Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. mitigation measures will include the following:
Fuel will be stored in bunded areas with a storage / retention capacity of 110% of a largest tank storage volume or 25% the total storage volume. Refuelling and servicing of plant and machinery used in the construction phase will take place on hard standing concreted areas. Good site management practices will be implemented to reduce risks of spills, including regular monitoring and inspection of storage vessels, ensuring plant is properly maintained and serviced. Any excavated soils or subsoil’s will not be stockpiled close to or at the stream or storm water drains. All soils will be handled in accordance with accepted guidelines and good practice. To ensure that damage to soil is kept to a minimum, movement and placement of topsoil for reclamation and
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landscaping will only take place during appropriate weather conditions and when the soils are in the optimum condition. An emergency spill response kit will be maintained by contractors.
Operational Phase Mitigation measures will be implemented into continued development to ensure there is no adverse impact on the receiving soil and subsoil environment during the operation phase. The continued operational phase mitigation measures include the following:
Oils, greases and hydraulic fluids will be stored in bunded areas with a storage / retention capacity of 110% of a largest tank storage volume or 25% of total storage volume. The sites will develop an emergency spillage procedure as part of the sites proposed EMS. Emergency Spill kits will be continued to be maintained at key areas around the site. Cleaning chemicals used within the operational phase will be kept within sealed, segregated and bunded containers and controlled via a recognised management system currently in operation at site. Landspreading will only be carried out with approval from the EPA in accordance with a nutrient management plan (NMP) and the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for For inspection purposes only. Protection of Waters) Regulations,Consent of 2010 copyright (S.I. owner 610required o ffor 2010) any other anduse. any IPPC licence requirements.
Any maximum hydraulic loadings as identified in the NMP will not be exceeded.
5.6 Conclusion The proposed development will have no significant residual impact on soils, subsoil’s and bedrock geology providing the proposed mitigation measures are implemented.
5.7 References
No. Description 5.1 www.gsi.ie Geological Survey of Ireland Groundwater Web-Mapping 5.2 European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2010- S.I. No. 610 of 2010. 5.3 Office of Public Works (www.floodmaps.ie) 5.4 Geological Survey of Ireland Karst Database (2010)
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Chapter 6 Water & Hydrogeology
6.1 Introduction This chapter describes the hydrology and hydrogeology of the area in which the plant is situated and assesses the potential impacts on these aspects of the environment. Where necessary, mitigation measures are proposed, which will reduce or eliminate any potential impacts.
6.2 Methodology A site walkover was conducted to observe the site layout, extent of the development, surface water features and the existing borehole. Available water analysis data from the IPPC application was reviewed. In addition, available river flow and water quality data was reviewed.
A waste assimilative capacity (WAC) assessment is reviewed for the proposed increased flow of treated effluent, in accordance with Water Services Training Group’s ‘Guidance to applicant- Discharge to Surface Waters’. This WAC is included in Section 6.4.
6.3 The receiving environment Geology The geology of the surrounding area is part of a Callow Formation (CA). The geology of the site is described in more detail in Chapter 5 of this EIS. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Hydrogeology (Aquifer Characteristics) Aquifer The site is underlain by sandstone and shale till (Lower Palaeozoic) which is classified by the GSI (See Map in Appendix 6.1) as a Poor Aquifer (Pi). This bedrock is generally unproductive except in local zones.
Runoff characteristics The runoff characteristics of part of the site have been modified by the existing development, through the construction of manmade impermeable areas (concreted yard areas) and buildings drain to ground and a Council storm drain at the front of the site.
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Groundwater Vulnerability Vulnerability is a term used to represent the intrinsic geological and hydrogeological characteristics that determine the ease with which groundwater may be contaminated by human activities. The vulnerability of groundwater depends on the connectivity between the land surface and the aquifer, therefore it is a function of subsoil permeability, subsoil depth and recharge type (diffuse or point). The groundwater vulnerability for the site has been classified by the GSI as Moderate (See Map in Appendix 6.2). A Moderate vulnerability rating is applied to low permeable subsoil (clayey subsoil) where the unsaturated zone is between 5-10 metres in thickness. There is a small section of land classed as high at the north eastern side of the abattoir site which would have an unsaturated zone of between 3-5 metres in thickness.
Source Protection Zones The GSI mapping does not indicate any groundwater supply source protection zone at the site or in the vicinity to the site. It is understood the houses adjacent to the site are supplied with council mains water.
Geochemistry Ambient groundwater monitoring was undertaken as part of the IPPC Licence application on the 26 th January 2012 at 1 No. borehole located in the rear yard of the abattoir. The groundwater results are displayed in Table 7 below and compared to interim guideline values for groundwater. A certificate of analysis for the groundwater monitoring is provided in Appendix 6.3. The analysis indicates that the groundwater at BH1 appears to be uncontaminated. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Date Units 06/09/2010 Interim Guideline Value pH pH units 7.4 6.5-9.5 Temperature oC 9.9 Conductivity (µS/cm at 25°C) 145.5 1000 Ammoniacal N mg/l 0.477 - Chloride mg/l 15.38 30 Phosphate mg/l 0.035 - TON mg/l 1.84 No abnormal change Nitrate NO3 mg/l <0.272 COD mg/l 5 - Table 7 Groundwater Monitoring at BH1 26/01/12
Hydrology (Surface water) Green Pasture Meat Processors site is located in the Shannon Catchment. There is 1 No. small stream (Drumlish West) that runs through the western section of the site and terminates in the Black River approximately 2km downstream of the site. The Black River at this confluence has a 95%tile flow of 0.057m 3/s (EPA Water Unit). Another tributary of the Black River is the Mill Stream which is located 33 | P a g e
EPA Export 02-07-2013:23:46:54 c.0.6km northeast of the site. The Mill Stream has an estimated 95%tile flow of 0.0012m 3/s and 50%tile flow of 0.08m 3/s (EPA Water Unit). The Mill Stream flows northwards where it joins the Black River, a tributary of the Rinn River, which eventually flows into the Lough Forbes Complex.
Photo 1 Drumlish West stream that flows through western end of the site
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Photo 2 Mill Stream at the Bridge and Mill in Drumlish Village east of the site
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Black River
Drumlish West Site
Mill Stream (Drumlish East)
REC OSI Licence No. EN0073512 REC stream monitoring location
Figure 2 EPA water body map in the vicinity to the site For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Flow monitoring of the 2 No. streams adjacent to the site was carried out by REC on the 11/06/13 following a reasonably dry period (Map of locations is displayed in Figure 2 above). Monitoring of the streams velocity was undertaken by using a calibrated Global Flow Probe. Cross section area was obtained at stream culverts and by measuring the stream depths at defined intervals.
Water body Location GPS Flow m 3/sec 11/06/13 Mill Stream (Drumlish East)- Culvert at mill race park 215695, 285985 0.0836 upstream of proposed discharge estate (adjacent to Mill) Drumlish West stream onsite Culvert on access lane 214917, 285636 0.0088 Table 8 REC flow monitoring of streams adjacent to the site
Surface water quality The Q Value system describes the relationship between water quality and the macro invertebrate community in numerical terms. The presence of chemical contamination causes changes in flora and fauna
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EPA Export 02-07-2013:23:46:54 of rivers and well documented changes occur in the macro invertebrate community in the presence of organic pollution. Water rated ‘Q5’ have high diversity and population of macro invertebrates and good water quality, while those rated ‘Q1’ have little or no macro invertebrate diversity and low population arising from bad water quality. Intermediate values, Q1-2, 2-3, 3-4 etc. denote transitional conditions.
Water quality monitoring carried out on the Black River classifies the Black River as having High Status (Class 4) upstream at the Bridge near Breanriscullew (station RS26B040100) in 2011 and downstream at Bellantra Bridge (station RS26B040200). The only available recent chemical data was obtained from Bellantra Bridge and it is presented below.
Parameter Units Result Alkalinity-total (as CaCO3) mg/l 25 Ammonia-Total (as N) mg/l 0.098 BOD - 5 days (Total) mg/l 0.5 Chloride mg/l 14.23 Conductivity @20°C µS/cm 524 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 9.8 Dissolved Oxygen % Saturation 87 Nitrite (as N) mg/l 0.008 orthophosphate (as P) mg/l 0.018 pH pH units 7.5 Temperature °C 10.2 Total Hardness (as CaCO3) mg/l 308.1 Total Oxidised Nitrogen (as N) mg/l 1.46 True Colour PtCo Units 32 Table 9 01/05/2009 For inspection (EPA purposes sample only. reference 211947) Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
The River Black including the Mill Stream (Drumlish East) latest classed 2007-2009 by the EPA as ‘Good Status’ based on the EPA’s monitoring of the Black River (EPA water maps and confirmed with Martin McGarrigle in the EPA Castlebar 04/06/13).
A grab sample was taken from the Mill Stream and Drumlish West stream on the 11/06/13 by REC (Map of the monitoring locations is displayed in Figure 2 above) following a relatively dry period. The 2 litre samples were labelled, placed in a cool box and delivered to Fitz Scientific on the day for analysis. Field analysis for temperature, pH and conductivity was undertaken using a WTW Multi 340i meter. Results of the analysis are presented below in Table 10 below and compared to appropriate water quality targets detailed in Schedule 5 of the Surface Water Regulations 2009 (S.I. 272 of 2009). The water analysis laboratory certificates of analysis are presented in Appendix 6.4.
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Parameter Units Mill Stream Drumlish West Good (215695, 285985) (214917, 285636) Status 11/06/13 11/06/13 95%ile Temperature °C 14.7 14.9 pH pH units 7.78 7.16 Conductivity µS/cm 258 367 BOD mg/l <2 <2 <2.6 COD mg/l 27 31 Suspended Solids mg/l 2 3 Ammonia-Total (as N) mg/l 0.016 0.057 <0.140 Total Nitrogen mg/l 1.51 2.09 Nitrogen (Total Oxidised) mg/l 0.95 1.53 Nitrogen (total Kjeldahl) mg/l <1.00 <1.00 Ortho-Phosphate (as P) mg/l 0.008 0.027 <0.075 Total Phosphate mg/l 0.079 0.093 Table 10 REC chemical monitoring of Mill Stream and Drumlish West stream 11/06/13 * Laboratory Certificates of analysis is included in Appendix 6.4
From a review of the analysis in Table 10 above it appears that both the Mill Stream and Drumlish West streams are uncontaminated. The sampling demonstrates that the stream on the 11/06/13 was meeting ‘good status 95%ile’ for BOD, ammonia and orthophosphate in line with S.I. 272 of 2009.
Flood Risk There has been no historical flooding at the site. The Office of Public Works (OPW) flood database (www.floodmaps.ie) does not indicate any documented recurring flood points adjacent to the site.
Water requirements For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 3 The borehole (BH1) at the site is used as a water supply for the abattoir. It is estimated that 22m /day of water is abstracted from this source. Additional water is supplemented via the Council’s mains supply.
Storm water runoff Surface water drainage from building roofs, the car park and sections of hard standing areas at Green Pasture Meat Processors is currently collected in an on-site drainage system. There are 3 No. discharge locations to the Council’s storm drain which discharges to a nearby land drain. Additional storm water runoff drains to ground at the site. Each of the storm water points was monitored on the 20/01/2012 as part of the IPPC application. The results of the internal lab analysis are provided in Table 11 below. A map of the drainage system onsite is provided in Appendix 6.4.
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Parameters Units SL1 SL2 SW1 to SW3 (to ground) (to ground) pH pH units 6.9 7.0 6.8-7.4 COD mg/l 5 5 5 Ammonia mg/l 0.012 0.043 0.013-0.506 Table 11 Storm water monitoring 20/01/12 (Certificates s of analysis is included in Appendix 6.3)
From a review of the results, the storm water discharges appear to be uncontaminated.
Current process wastewater At present Green Pasture Meat Processors produces c.39m 3 per day. A summary of the effluent sources is provided below in Table 12.
Area m3/day m3/week m3/year Effluent (kill line) c.20 c.100 c.5,000 Effluent (boning hall, c.10 c.50 c.2,500 dolav area & storm) Lairage c.4 m 3/day c.20 c.1,000 Truck wash c.5 m 3/day c.25 c.1,250 Total c.39m 3 c.195m 3 c.9,750 Table 12 Estimated effluent volumes generated at Green Pasture Meat Processors *On average 5days/week, 50 weeks per year.
The effluent sources have been analysed as part of the IPPC licence process. A summary of this analysis is provided in Table 13 and Table 14.
Source Lab Ref ForTotal inspection purposes only.Total Nitrogen- Dry Matter Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Potassium Phosphorus kjeldahl mg/l % mg/kg mg/kg Lairage WAT49073 1,589 400 1096 2.27 Truck wash WAT49074 429 29.98 54.6 0.16 Table 13 Lairage and truck wash analysis 31/07/12 (Certificates s of analysis is included in Appendix 6.3) Parameter Units 31/07/12 19/07/11 19/07/11 Average Lab Ref - WAT49075 WAT38690 WAT39171 - Potassium mg/kg 462 - - 462 BOD mg/l 4,291 2,278 2821 3,130 COD mg/l 8,010 4,980 5970 6,320 FOG mg/l 1096 153 31 427 Total Phosphorus mg/kg 48.02 25 55 42.67 Ammonia mg/l 2.10 120 419 180 Nitrogen (kjeldahl) mg/l 344.6 - - 345 Nitrate mg/l <1 22.7 <20 14.6 pH units 6.9 7.2 6.8 6.96 Suspended solids mg/l 2,324 670 975 1,323 Dry matter % 0.49 - - 0.49 Table 14 W1-1 Effluent line analysis in 2011 & 2012 (Certificates s of analysis is included in Appendix 6.3)
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Current wastewater management Green Pasture Meat Processors currently landspread wastewater generated at the site in accordance with a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). All effluent is passed through a 6mm screen at the pump house prior to been conveyed to the onsite wastewater holding tank. In addition, the site has access to additional storage facilities offsite. At present Green Pasture Meat Processors has a total effluent storage capacity of 3 3 3,645 m which is sufficient for the present effluent volumes (c.39m /day) that are generated onsite (Table 12). A description of the storage facilities is provided in Table 15 below.
Description & Location of storage facility Capacity Over ground tank on site capacity 1,350 m 3 Slatted tank onsite 600 m 3 Lairage tank onsite 300 m 3 Truck wash tank 45 m 3 offsite storage (slatted shed) located in 500 m 3 Killeen, Newtownforbes offsite storage (slatted shed) located in 250 m 3 Gubadorris, Co. Leitrim offsite storage (slatted shed) located in 350 m 3 Mullaghrigny, Co. Leitrim offsite storage (slatted shed) located in 250 m 3 Drumboher, Co. Leitrim Total available capacity at present 3,645 m 3 (c.195m 3 * 18 weeks = 3,510 m 3). Table 15 Effluent storage capacity at present
The full NMP was submitted to the EPA on the 01 st November 2012 and is available here- http://www.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/090151b280466ad For inspection purposes 3.pdf.only. The full NMP was not resubmitted again in Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. the EIS to avoid unnecessary paperwork (Note- agreed with EPA in meeting 12/02/13). The current landbanks as identified in the NMP are located at the following locations:
Landbank location Landbank Ref Total Total area useable (ha) area (ha) Drumlish, Co. Longford LD 001 & LD 002 28.5 21.9 Fearglass South & Gubadorris, Co. Leitrim SOR 001 - SOR 004 50.7 42 Drumboher, Co. Leitrim JM 001-003 27.6 23.2 Killeen, Newtown Forbes Co. Longford LD003 21.4 8.7 Ballykenny, Newtown Forbes Co. Longford LD004 25.2 23.1 St. Annes Glebe, Newtown Forbes Co. Longford DMD 001 8.7 8.7 Total 162.1 127.6 Table 16 NMP Landbank locations and areas
A summary of the NMP calculations is provided in Appendix 6.5. The NMP demonstrates that there is sufficient landbank capacity for the present effluent volumes that are generated onsite (Table 12). 39 | P a g e
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Sanitary effluent The sanitary effluent from the onsite toilets and canteen is discharged to the local authority sewer at the front of the site.
6.4 Potential impacts of the development Construction Phase During the construction phase of the proposed waste water treatment plant there is the potential for pollutants to enter the watercourses adjoining the site and/or the groundwater beneath the site. This could arise from the inappropriate storage or handling of toxic compounds used in the construction phase (e.g. diesel, oils cement etc.). These toxic compounds have the potential to adversely affect water quality and aquatic life. Furthermore, silt laden water can reduce light penetration in rivers and streams and can potentially affect aquatic life.
Operation Phase Water Usage The proposed continued development will result in no significant increase in water usage.
Discharge- proposed new biological WWTP Green Pasture Meat Processors plan to construct a new biological wastewater treatment plant onsite. The exact design and locus for the treatment plant has not been finalised prior to EPA and the planning authority approval. The principal potential For impact inspection on purposes water only. quality is from the organic/nutrient loading of Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. the Mill Stream as a result of the proposed new treated effluent discharge from the site. In order to appraise the proposed new treated effluent discharge to the Mill Stream, waste assimilation capacity calculations were carried out in accordance with Water Services Training Group’s ‘Guidance to applicant- Discharge to Surface Waters’ in Appendix 6.6. Table 17 below summaries the waste assimilation capacity and mixing calculations.
Parameter Assimilative Proposed Proposed % Existing Predicted Surface Capacity of discharge Max Capacity River Downstream Water Mill Stream ELV’s discharge taken by Quality quality Quality (kg/d) (kg/day) proposed (mg/l) (mg/l) Standards discharge (mg/l) BOD 4.87 20 1.2 24.63% 1.4 1.67 2.6 Ammonia 0.35 1.5 0.084 23.78% 0.053 0.074 0.14 Ortho P 0.18 0.75 0.045 24.63% 0.03 0.0405 0.075 Table 17 Waste Assimilation Capacity & Mixing Calculations based on a minimum flow of 0.047m3/sec
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The proposed new treated effluent discharge of 60 m3/day with a proposed BOD ELV of 20mg/l, ammonia of 1.5 mg/l and orthophosphate of 0.75 mg/l ensures that the Mill Stream is sufficient to meet the water quality targets for BOD, Ammonia and orthophosphate to ensure the Mill Stream can attain Good Quality status by 2015 in accordance with the Surface Water Regulations 2009 when there is a minimum stream flow of 0.047 m3/sec.
It is considered that the following ELV’s could be adhered to for the proposed new discharge to the Mill Stream in accordance with EPA’s 2008 BAT Guidance Note for the Slaughtering Sector and the EC 2005 Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Reference Document on Best Available Techniques in the Slaughterhouses and Animal By-products Industries.
Parameter Units Proposed BAT BREF Discharge Slaughtering Slaughterhouses & ELV Sector Animal By- products Flow m3 60/day - - pH pH units 6-9 6-9 - Toxicity units TU 5 5 - BOD mg/l 20 20-40 10-40 COD mg/l 125 125-250 25-125 Suspended Solids mg/l 30 60 5-60 Total Ammonia (as N) mg/l 1.5 10 - Total Nitrogen mg/l 20 15-40 15-40 Total Phosphorus (as P) mg/l 2 2-5 2-5 Orthophosphate mg/l 0.75 - - Oils, fats & grease mg/l 10 10-15 2.6-15 Table 18 Proposed For inspection ELV’s purposes for the only. final treated effluent Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
It is considered that the proposed discharge ELV’s (in Table 18 above) are appropriate given they comply with BAT and BREF. In addition, the minimum stream flow rate of 0.047 m3/sec in the Mill Stream would provide a minimum of 67 dilutions for the maximum treated effluent discharged (60m 3).
Discharge- storm water Storm water discharges with suspended solids or hydrocarbons in the surface water runoff from roofs and paved areas could potentially pollute the surrounding water bodies. However this is unlikely given the storm water laboratory analysis results in Table 11 above indicates that existing storm water discharges are uncontaminated.
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Flooding The proposed development will not cause a potential flood risk given there has been no reoccurring floods or historic floods at the site.
Landspreading The inappropriate landspreading of effluent/slurry/treated effluent could have direct impact on water bodies in proximity to landbanks identified in the NMP submitted with the IPPC application. In particular, inappropriate landspreading of effluent/slurry/treated effluent could potentially directly cause eutrophication and potentially lead to a decrease in levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and an increase in the growth of green algae in the water bodies.
6.5 Mitigating measures Construction Phase Strict controls of erosion, sediment generation and other pollutants associated with the construction process will be implemented to reduce emissions to water. All chemicals and hydrocarbons associated with the construction phase will be stored in bunded areas. Refuelling and servicing of plant and machinery used in the construction phase will take place on a hard standing concreted area. Good site management practices will be implemented to reduce risks of spills, including regular
monitoring and inspection of storage For inspectionvessels, purposes ensur only.ing plant is properly maintained and serviced. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
The existing spillage emergency procedure to deal with potential leaks and spills will be implemented during the construction phase. An emergency spill response kit will be maintained by contractors and they will be made aware of the sites existing Emergency Procedures. Any construction stockpiles such as sand will be sited away from drains onsite.
Operation Phase Prevention of Pollution from the Storm Water System All process water (including in the backyard runoff) will continue to be collected separately to the storm water system and diverted to the foul system to ensure no contamination of the storm water occurs. All chemicals and hydrocarbons will be stored in bunded areas with a storage / retention capacity of 110% of tank storage volume. Emergency Spill kits will be maintained at key areas around the site. 42 | P a g e
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The storm water discharges will be monitored during the operation phase in accordance with any EPA IPPC licence monitoring requirements.
Prevention of Pollution from the Effluent Water The proposed new biological WWTP will be commissioned within 16 months of the final grant of the IPPC licence. All process water will be collected and treated in the sites proposed WWTP. Prior to any discharge to the Mill Stream, a flow meter must be installed upstream of the discharge. The site will only discharge at the proposed discharge rates (see Table 18 above) when there is a minimum flow of 0.047m3/sec in the Mill Stream. Green Pasture Meat Processors staff will receive hands on training in the operation of WWTP from the approved design, build and commission contractor. Green Pasture Meat Processors will develop a site specific WWTP manual for the successful operation of the WWTP. The site will undertake control monitoring (in the WWTP) and monitoring of the final treated effluent discharge in accordance with any EPA IPPC licence monitoring requirements.
Landspreading- effluent/treated effluent/lairage/truck wash washings For inspection purposes only. st As detailed in the full NMP was submittedConsent of copyright EPA owner on required the for 01 any Novemberother use. 2012, the following mitigation measures will be adhered to during all of the sites landspreading activities: Spreading shall not take place: • On wet or waterlogged ground • On frozen or snow covered ground • On exposed bedrock or outcropping. • Where surface gradients are excessive (preferably less than 18% (1:5)) • On fields that display cracks over pipe or mole drainage systems • From 15 th October to 15 th January (Longford) unless a derogation is agreed. • From 15 th October to 31 st January (Leitrim) unless a derogation is agreed. • Outside daylight hours • No landspreading within any ecological designated site (SAC/SPA or NHA) Note 3. Organic Waste application shall be in accordance with the following guidelines: • No application when the risk of causing odour nuisance to the public is greatest, e.g. Sundays or public holidays. • No application during meteorological conditions which give rise to odour nuisance. • No application where significant rain is forecast within 48 hours. • The maximum hydraulic capacity for the NMP was determined to be 300m 3/hectare per annum.
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• In areas that are categorised by the GSI as ‘Extreme vulnerability areas on karst limestone aquifers’ no landspreading will occur. • No application in the closed season- 15 th October to 15 th January (Longford) unless a derogation is agreed. • No application in the closed season- 15 th October to 31 st January (Leitrim) unless a derogation is agreed. Buffer Zones for Land-spreading of Organic Wastes Area Buffer Zone Sensitive buildings (Dwellings, hospitals, schools and churches) 50m Note1 Karst features 15m Note2 Lake shoreline 20m Note2 Main rivers channels 10m Note2 Streams 5m Note2 Main rivers channels <1 km upstream of a water dependent ecological site 20m Note3 Streams <1 km upstream of a water dependent ecological site 10m Note3 Surface watercourses (other than lake) 5m Note2 Open drain 3m Note2 Domestic wells 25m Note2 Public water supplies supplying 10m 3 or more or serving 50 or more persons. 100m Note2 Public water supplies supplying 100m 3 or more or serving 500 or more persons. 200m Note2 Minimum buffer zone from ecological designated site (SAC/SPA or NHA) 20m Note3 Note 1 Assist in preventing nuisance. Note 2 In accordance with S.I. 610 of 2010. Note 3 In line with the Natura Impact Statement submitted with the IPPC application .
Prevention of Pollution of ground water Oils, greases and hydraulic fluids will be stored in bunded areas with a storage / retention capacity of 110% of a largest tank storage volume or 25% of total storage volume. For inspection purposes only. The sites will develop an emergencyConsent of copyright spillage owner proced required forure any asother part use. of the sites proposed EMS.
Emergency Spill kits will be maintained at key areas around the site. Cleaning chemicals used within the operational phase will be kept within sealed, segregated and bunded containers and controlled via a recognised management system currently in operation at site. Landspreading will only be carried out with approval from the EPA in accordance with a nutrient management plan (NMP) and the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, 2010 (S.I. 610 of 2010) and any IPPC licence requirements.
6.6 Conclusion The existing water and hydrogeological regimes at the site has been assessed. The potential impacts on the water environment have been identified and assessed and where necessary mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design of the proposed development. It is considered with the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures that the residual impact of the development will not be significant. 44 | P a g e
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For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
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6.7 References
No. Description 6.1 Green Pasture Meat Processors EPA IPPC licence application (P0960-01). 6.2 www.epa.ie Environmental Protection Agency 6.3 www.gsi.ie Geological Survey of Ireland 6.4 European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No 272 of 2009). 6.5 EPA 2008. BAT Guidance Note for the Slaughtering Sector. 6.6 EC 2005. Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Reference Document on Best Available Techniques in the Slaughterhouses and Animal By-products Industries
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
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Chapter 7 Air
7.1 Introduction The following is a description of the air of the area in which the existing abattoir in Drumlish is situated, together with an assessment of the potential impact of the existing abattoir on this aspect of the environment. The section also includes details of mitigation measures incorporated into to avoid any potential negative impacts.
7.2 Methodology The EPA published air data and the existing abattoir air emissions as detailed in the IPPC application were reviewed.
7.3 Existing environment The existing ambient air quality in the vicinity of the Drumlish Village is broadly representative of a rural environment. There are no major population centres in the immediate vicinity of the site. The dominant influences on local air quality include domestic heating sources, traffic and agricultural activities. The typical air quality data in Zone D, EPA air monitoring locations are displayed in the table below.
Pollutant EPA Baseline Mean 2007 ( µg/m 3) at Zone D Monitoring EPA Baseline Mean 2007 Locations (µg/m 3) at Zone D Monitoring Locations PM 10 Ferbane (21), Navan (23),For inspection Drogheda purposes (18), only. Castlebar (14), Cork 18.6 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Harbour (17), Kilkitt (10) & Carnsore Point (27). SO 2 Ferbane (5), Kilkitt (2), Navan (4), Shannon Estuary (3) & Cork 3.4 Harbour (3). NO 2 Ferbane (6), Navan (16), Glashaboy (9), Kilkitt (2) & Cork 8.8 Harbour (11). NO x Ferbane (8), Navan (32), Glashaboy (13), Kilkitt (3) & Cork 14.4 Harbour (16). Lead Ferbane (0), Navan (0) & Cork Harbour (0) 0 Ozone Emo Court (47), Glashaboy (50), Kilkitt (59), Mace Head (75), 58.3 Johnstown Castle (56) & Valentia (63) Carbon Monoxide Ferbane (0.2), Navan (0.5) & Cork Harbour (0.2). 0.3 Table 19 EPA air quality monitoring from Zone D areas (EPA Air Quality Monitoring Report 2010).
It is likely that the background concentrations in Drumlish village are lower given the fact the site is in a more rural location compared to the EPA Zone D monitoring stations.
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7.4 Potential impacts of the continued development There will be other air emissions associated with the continued development. There will be air emissions associated from the new LPG steam boiler (0.714 MW capacity) onsite and potentially from the old backup boilers (1050lbs/hr capacity). There will be other minor emissions associated with the site including synging extract, building fans and chill fans. There will also be air emissions associated with site vehicles including heavy goods vehicles and staff cars. All these minor air emissions will be at a low concentration and readily absorbed into the receiving environment. A number of potential odour sources were identified during a walkover site survey. An assessment of these potential odours is provided in the table below.
Potential Odour Source Description Odour Occurrence Malfunction which could cause an emission 1) Animal delivery in trucks Localised organic Localised during Slurry from pigs. (slurry) odour. delivery only. 2) Lairage in abattoir Localised organic Potentially continuous Build-up of organic material and (slurry) odour. if unmanaged. lairage tank is full. 3) Offal handling Potential Potentially continuous Inappropriate storage of offal. Malodours if unmanaged. 4) CAT 3 Trailer (including Potential Potentially continuous The CAT 3 Trailer is left blood) Malodours if unmanaged. uncovered or uncollected for a number of days. 5) CAT 1 or 2 skip Potential Potentially continuous The CAT 1 or 2 skip is left Malodours if unmanaged. uncovered or uncollected for more than a week. 6) Slaughterhouse screen & Potential Potentially continuous Build-up of screened material or pump house Malodours if unmanaged. effluent going septic in sump. 7) Truck wash Localised organic Potentially continuous Build-up of organic material and (slurry) odour. For inspection purposesif unmanaged. only. truck wash tank is full. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 8) Fugitive odour from Potential Potentially continuous Doors left open inside abattoir Malodours if unmanaged. 9) Wastewater storage Effluent Intermittently Following agitation. 10) Landspreading of Localised organic Potentially during Inappropriate landspreading. effluent/lairage/ truck (slurry) odour. landspreading wash 11) Proposed Wastewater Effluent Potentially continuous Inappropriate WWTP control. treatment if unmanaged. Table 20 Potential odours at Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd.
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7.5 Mitigation
Construction Phase Mitigation A dust minimisation plan will be formulated for the construction phase of the proposed WWTP. This will include measures such as- In order to ensure that no dust nuisance occurs, a series of measures will be implemented. Site roads shall be regularly cleaned and maintained as appropriate. Hard surface roads shall be swept to remove mud and aggregate materials from their surface while any un-surfaced roads shall be restricted to essential site traffic only. Vehicles delivering material with dust potential shall be enclosed or covered with tarpaulin at all times to restrict the escape of dust. Public roads outside the site shall be regularly inspected for cleanliness, and cleaned as necessary. Material handling systems and site stockpiling of materials shall be designed and laid out to minimise exposure to wind. During movement of the soil both on and off-site, trucks will be stringently covered with tarpaulin at all times. The dust minimisation plan shall be reviewed at regular intervals during the construction phase to ensure the effectiveness of the procedures in place and to maintain the goal of minimisation of dust through the use of best practice and procedures.
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. It is considered with the implementation of the dust minimisation plan detailed above; the site will not cause any off site dust nuisance during the construction phase.
Operational Phase Mitigation In order to manage potential malodour’s odours, Green Pasture Meat Processors employ a number of mitigation measures which are detailed in Table 21 below.
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Potential Odour Source Odour Mitigation 1) Animal delivery in trucks Deliveries are schedule to minimise waiting prior to intake into the lairage. 2) Lairage in abattoir The lairage tank is emptied as required in order to prevent a build-up organic material. 3) Offal handling Offal is refrigerated onsite prior to onward dispatch as products. 4) CAT 3 Trailer (including The CAT 3 trailer is covered at all times. Blood from the troughs is piped directly to blood) the CAT3 trailer. The CAT 3 trailer is collected by an authorised contractor every day at minimum. 5) CAT 1 or 2 skip The CAT 1 or 2 skip is covered at all times. The CAT 1 or 2 skip is collected by an authorised contractor every week at minimum. 6) Slaughterhouse screen & The screen and pump house are checked twice daily to ensure they are functioning pump house properly. The screen solids are also removed twice daily and placed in the offal skips. 7) Truck wash The truck wash tank is emptied as required in order to prevent a build-up organic material. 8) Wastewater storage Storage facilities are located away from sensitive receptors. 9) Landspreading of Compliance to requisite distances from sensitive receptors detailed in the Nutrient effluent/lairage/ truck Management Plan. wash/treated effluent 10) Proposed Wastewater The proposed new WWTP will be sited as far away as practical from nearby sensitive treatment receptors. Staff will be trained in the WWTP operation and they will undertake any required WWTP control monitoring. Table 21 Odour mitigation employed at Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd.
It is considered with the ongoing implementation of the odour mitigation measures detailed above, the site will not cause any off site odour nuisance.
7.6 Conclusions The continued development will have no significant impact on the local air quality in terms of the construction phase or the operational phase given the modest scale of change above the baseline environment. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 7.7 Reference
Number Description 1. EPA (2011) Air Quality Monitoring Report 2010. 2. Green Pasture Meat Processors EPA IPPC licence application (P0960-01).
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Chapter 8 Climate
8.1 Introduction In this section a general overview of the climate in the Longford region and more specific meteorological data for the lands at Drumlish, Co. Longford are outlined. Information on rainfall, wind speed and direction and air temperatures for the area is provided. This is based on information obtained from the Meteorological Service.
8.2 Methodology All meteorological data contained in this report has been received from Met Éireann. This information is adjusted when necessary to take into account the development site’s location and elevation. All calculations detailed in the report are advised methods as described by Met Éireann.
8.3 The Existing / Receiving Environment 8.3.1 General Over the summer months the influence of anti-cyclonic weather conditions on the Western and North Western region results in dry continental air interspersed by the passage of Atlantic frontal systems. During much of the winter period the climate is characterised by the passage of Atlantic low-pressure weather systems and associated frontal rain belts from the west. Occasionally the establishment of a high- pressure area or anticyclone over Ireland results in calm conditions and during the winter months these are For inspection purposes only. characterised by clear skies and theConsent formation of copyright owner of required low-level for any other temperature use. inversions with light wind conditions at night time. If anticyclonic conditions become established for a few days or more during the summer months, high temperatures during the day might be recorded, especially at inland locations. Long spells of dry weather are relatively rare but should continental air masses or anticyclones persist over Ireland a period of drought conditions may occur which could last up to two or three weeks.
8.3.2 Weather Observing Stations Rainfall Stations There are a number of rainfall measuring stations throughout the country. These stations measure the daily rainfall in millimetres (mm). A number of these also measure additional parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, etc.
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Synoptic Stations Synoptic stations are those, which observe and record all the surface meteorological data. These observations include rainfall, temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, solar radiation, clouds, atmospheric pressure, sunshine hours, evaporation and visibility. They report a mixture of snapshot hourly observations of the weather known as synoptic observations, and daily summaries of the weather known as climate observations. There are 15 synoptic stations located throughout Ireland.
The Synoptic Station in Mullingar is the closest Synoptic Station to the proposed development (c.43km southeast of the site) which has 30 year averages available for the period 1961-1990. The station is situated 104m above mean sea level.
8.3.3 Rainfall Mean rainfall data recorded at the Mullingar Synoptic Station over the period January 1961 – December 1990 is presented in Table 22 below.
RAINFALL (mm) jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec yr mean monthly 92.4 66.3 72.6 59 70.9 67 61.2 82.9 85.1 94.1 87.9 92.2 931.6 total mean no. of days 20 17 19 16 17 16 16 18 17 20 18 20 214 with >= 0.2mm mean no. of days 16 12 14 12 14 12 11 13 13 14 13 15 157 with >= 1.0mm mean no. of days 7 4 6 4 5 5 4 5 6 6 6 6 65 with >= 5.0mm For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Table 22 Mean Precipitation – Mullingar (1961 – 1990) – (source: abstracted from www.met.ie)
The table above illustrates that rainfall greater than 1mm occurred for approximately 60% of an average year, based upon average recordings during the considered period. According to Met Éireann, annual precipitation levels typically increase by 20 to 300mm per 100m elevations. The height difference between the Synoptic Station in Mullingar and Green Pasture Meat Processors site is c.-36m. Therefore, the annual precipitation due to the elevation of the proposed development site shall be adjusted by -7.5mm per month accordingly (See table below).
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RAINFALL Level jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec Year (mm) Mullingar 931.6 mean monthly 104m 92.4 66.3 72.6 59 70.9 67 61.2 82.9 85.1 94.1 87.9 92.2 total Correction -36m -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -90 Green Pasture Meat 68m 84.9 58.8 65.1 51.5 63.4 59.5 53.7 75.4 77.6 86.6 80.4 84.7 841 Processors Estimated Rainfall at Green Pasture Meat Processors
8.3.4 Wind The closest synoptic weather station with the capability of measuring wind and that has been in operation for at least 30 years is Mullingar Synoptic Station.
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Figure 3 Mullingar Wind rose diagram detailing wind speed and direction (2000-2004)
The wind rose for Mullingar Synoptic Station 2000-2004 shows that the prevailing winds are from the south westerly direction. The mean wind speed at Mullingar Synoptic Station 1961-1990 is 8.5 knots.
8.3.4 Air Temperature The mean daily air temperatures at Mullingar Synoptic Station 1961-1990 are presented in the table below.
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TEMPERATURE (degrees Celsius) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily max. 6.8 7.2 9.4 11.8 14.7 17.5 19.0 18.6 16.4 13.2 9.1 7.5 12.6 Mean daily min. 1.2 1.2 2.0 3.3 5.6 8.5 10.3 9.8 8.1 6.1 2.7 2.0 5.1 Average 4.0 4.2 5.7 7.5 10.1 13.0 14.7 14.2 12.3 9.7 5.9 4.8 8.8 Table 23 Mean daily air temperatures at Mullingar Synoptic Station 1961-1990
8.4 Potential Impacts of the Development On a local, regional and global scale, the climate will not be altered by the continued development at Green Pasture Meat Processors. The continued development will not create any temperature inversions, alter any current wind circulation patterns nor affect the sunshine or any other climatic factors in the area beyond the site boundary of the proposed development.
8.5 Mitigating Measures As there are no significant impacts on the local or global climate, therefore there is no mitigation measures proposed.
8.6 Conclusion There will be no remaining impacts on Climate as result of the continued development.
8.7 References
Number Description 1. Met Éireann (www.met.ie)
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Chapter 9 Noise
9.1 Introduction The following is a description of the noise environment of the area in which the existing abattoir in Drumlish is situated, together with an assessment of the potential impact of the continued development on the noise aspect of the environment. The section also includes details of mitigation measures incorporated to avoid any potential negative impacts.
9.2 Methodology Baseline noise refers to the existing noise environment in an area that may be affected by the continued development. In order to assess the noise environment at the abattoir, the following were monitored: The principal noise sources (1-2 minutes depending on the noise source) Boundary locations (5 minutes day) Noise sensitive locations (15 minutes day & night)
During the day and night noise monitoring the abattoir was in normal full operation. John Lynch of Rowan Engineering Consultants undertook all the noise monitoring on the 10 th of November 2011. Grid references were taken at each monitoring location and the noise monitoring locations are illustrated in the maps in Appendix 9.1 and 9.2.
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The equipment used during this noise survey was a Brüel & Kjaer 2260 Investigator Sound Level Meter (Serial No. 2370500) and a Brüel & Kjaer calibrator (Serial No. 2343370). Calibration certificates for the noise meter and calibrator are provided in Appendix 9.3. Before and after the survey the noise meter calibration was checked and calibrated using a Brüel and Kjaer calibrator to an accuracy of +/- 0.3dB.
All measurements were carried out in general accordance with ISO 1996: ‘ Acoustics- Description and measurement of environmental noise ’. Consultation was also given to the Agency’s 2004, ‘ Environmental Noise Survey Guidance Document’ prior to the noise survey been conducted. The ‘Objective method for assessing the audibility of tones in noise’ as detailed in Appendix D of ISO 1996-2:2007 was used to assess the 1/3 octave frequency analysis.
Measurements were made placing the microphone at a height of 1.5m above ground level and were free field, measured >2m from reflecting surfaces. The measurement results were noted onto survey record
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EPA Export 02-07-2013:23:46:55 sheets immediately following each measurement and also stored in the instrument’s internal memory for subsequent analysis, notes were taken in relation to the primary contributors to noise build-up at each location. A 1/3 octave frequency analysis was also carried out. Weather conditions during the surveys were in line with the conditions described within ISO 1996, Acoustics ‘Description and Measurements of Environmental Noise’. During the day and night time survey the weather was cloudy and dry with a light easterly breeze. These environmental noise parameters were measured in the baseline assessment which, are defined below.
Parameter Description LAeq The A-weighted equivalent continuous steady sound level during the measurement period and effectively represents an average ambient noise value. LA10 The A-weighted sound level that is exceeded for 10% of the measurement period and is used to quantify road traffic noise. LA90 The A-weighted sound level that is exceeded for 90% of the measurement period and is used to quantify background noise level. A-weighting The process by which noise levels are corrected to account for the non-linearity of human hearing. All noise levels quoted are relative to a sound pressure of 2x10-5 Pa.
Sound levels in decibels Description of Activity dB (A) 0 Absolute silence 25 Very Quiet room 35 Rural night time setting with no wind 55 Day time, busy roadway 0.5km away 70 Busy Restaurant 85 Very busy pub, voice has to be raised to be heard 100 Disco or rock concert 120 For inspectionUncomfortably purposes only. loud, conversation impossible Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 140 Noise causes pain in ears Table 24 Typical Noise Levels Generated by Everyday Activities Source: Guidance Note for Noise in relation to Scheduled activities, 2 nd Edition, EPA 2006.
9.3 The Existing Environment During a walkover site survey on the 10 th of November 2011, 13 No. principal noise sources were identified. In addition, Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. with the sound power level for the new steam gas boiler which was to be installed on site. A map of the noise emission sources at the site is provided in Appendix 9.1. The results of the noise emission monitoring are provided in Table 25 below.
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Source Emission Sound Octave bands (Hz) Tonal Impulsive Periods of point Pressure 1 Sound Pressure 1 Levels dB (unweighted) per band Emission Ref. No dBA at reference distance 31.5 63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K Refrigerated NEP1 85 @2m 31 62 63 74 72 75 73 66 57 √ X Daytime trailer engine (diesel) Silo pump NEP2 84 @1m 29 41 50 66 62 67 68 66 53 √ X Intermittent
Plant room for NEP3 82 @1m 29 46 54 63 68 69 67 59 52 √ X Continuous boning hall Pig trailer being NEP4 81 @2m 29 39 45 55 70 73 71 66 51 √ X Intermittent unloaded Truck was h NEP5 80 @2m 29 51 50 58 63 68 72 68 62 X X Intermittent
Chill fan 3 NEP6 78 @1m 35 50 59 67 67 69 66 60 51 X X Continuous
Compressor NEP7 78 @2m 29 36 54 59 67 66 68 63 59 X X Continuous
Pig trailer parked NEP8 77 @2m 40 49 56 59 63 67 66 62 61 √ X Intermittent & pig squeals Boiler (back up) NEP9 77 @ 2m 32 46 49 61 60 67 66 63 52 X X Intermittent For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Lairage NEP10 75 @4m 29 31 40 52 60 68 66 62 49 X X Intermittent
CO2 Tank & NEP11 73 @2m 29 44 47 55 61 62 58 48 42 √ √ Continuous control panel Production NEP12 69 @4m 29 51 50 58 63 67 72 68 62 X X During abattoir fans production Refrigerated NEP13 69 @2m 29 29 47 53 57 58 57 51 46 X X Continuous trailer engine Day & Night (mains) Boiler (new) NEP14 80 @ 1m ------Intermittent
Table 25 Noise emission sources at Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. 10/11/11
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As part of the noise survey, 5 No. noise boundary monitoring locations were selected. Boundary noise monitoring was undertaken at the five locations for 5 minutes in duration around the perimeter of the abattoir during the day on 10/11/11. A map of the boundary monitoring locations at the site is provided in Appendix 9.2. The results of the boundary noise monitoring are provided in Table 26 below. The complete 1/3 octave are provided in Appendix 9.4.
Boundary Monitoring National Grid Sound Pressure Levels Tonal/ Comments Monitoring Period Reference Impulsive Location (6N, 6E) L(A) eq L(A) 10 L(A) 90 Location 1: 14.01-14.06 215171, 285801 72 71 69 No Dominant noise (B1) from 2 No. diesel Site backyard- refrigeration trucks on concrete running in backyard. Location 2: 14.08-14.13 215229, 285888 54 54 49 No Site activities (B2) (refrigeration trucks Back field gate & fan) audible in the distance. Location 3: 14.15-14.20 215072, 285844 54 55 52 No Intermittent noise (B3) from site lairage & Beside the ESB passing public road station at traffic. Production entrance fan also audible. Location 4: 14.28-14.33 215122, 285762 57 58 53 No Chill fans audible, (B4) intermittent pig Front of site at squeals from lairage the office & passing public road traffic. Location 5: 14.40-14.45 214864, 285669 51 52 47 No Refrigeration trucks (B5) running & truck Between slatted For inspection purposes only. wash yard audible. tank & over Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
ground effluent storage tank Table 26 Boundary noise results at Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. 10/11/11
As part of the noise survey, 3 No. noise sensitive locations (dwellings) were selected. The noise sensitive locations monitoring was undertaken at the three locations for 15 minutes in duration during the day and night on the 10/11/11. A map with the noise sensitive locations at the site is provided in Appendix 9.2. The results noise sensitive locations are provided in below.
NSL1 Monitoring Results NSL1 (Grid Ref- 215220, 285822) is situated at a residence in proximity to the eastern boundary of the abattoir. Noise monitoring was conducted at the end house in Church View Drive estate in Drumlish.
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Monitoring Monitoring L(A) eq L(A) 10 L(A) 90 Tonal/ Comments Location period Impulsive Location 1: 14.58-15.13 57 57 55 No Dominant constant noise from 2 No. diesel (NSL1) Day refrigeration trucks running in backyard. Dog barking intermittently at nearby dwelling. Location 1: 22.43-22.58 44 45 41 No Site activities audible in the distance. (NSL1) Night Table 27 NSL 1 monitoring results 10/11/11
The daytime noise results at NSL1 are compliant given that the L(A) 90 results (without external public noise) adhere to the daytime limit of 55dB and night time limit of 45dB. The night time noise results at
NSL1 are satisfactory given the L(A) eq of 44dB is below the 45dB night time limit.
NSL2 Monitoring Results NSL2 (Grid Ref- 215128, 285726) is situated at a two-storey residence situated across the road from office of the abattoir on the country road in Drumlish.
Monitoring Monitoring L(A) eq L(A) 10 L(A) 90 Tonal/ Comments Location period Impulsive Location 2: 15.22-15.37 61 62 53 No Intermittent passing traffic, chill fans audible (NSL2) Day & occasional pig squeals from lairage. Location 2: 22.03-22.18 55 54 44 No Dominant noise from intermittent passing (NSL2) Night traffic on road. The refrigeration trucks (plugged in) at truck wash were also audible. Table 28 NSL 2 monitoring results 10/11/11
The daytime and night time noise results For inspectionat NSL2 purposes are only. compliant given that the L(A) 90 results (without Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
intermittent public road traffic noise) adhere to the daytime limit of 55dB and night time limit of 45dB.
NSL3 Monitoring Results NSL3 (Grid Ref- 215076, 285801) is situated at a cottage residence situated adjacent to the lairage across at abattoir on the country road in Drumlish.
Monitoring Monitoring L(A) eq L(A) 10 L(A) 90 Tonal/ Comments Location period Impulsive Location 3: 15.38-15.53 68 51 51 No Dominant noise from intermittent passing (NSL3) Day traffic & occasional pig squeals from lairage. Location 3: 22.21-22.36 59 56 44 No Dominant noise from intermittent passing (NSL3) Night traffic & occasional pig squeals from lairage. Table 29 NSL 2 monitoring results 10/11/11
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The daytime and night time noise results at NSL3 are compliant given that the L(A) 90 results (without intermittent public road traffic noise) adhere to the daytime limit of 55dB and night time limit of 45dB.
The current baseline noise monitoring demonstrates that Green Pasture Meat Processors current activities do not create any significant noise impact at any NSL. The baseline noise monitoring at the NSL is in compliance with their existing noise emission once the intermittent passing traffic noise from the adjoining road is discounted (reflective in LA 90 results).
9.4 Potential Impacts Construction Phase It is inevitable with any development of this nature that some disturbance would be caused to those living and working nearby during the construction phase. However, disruption due to construction is a localised phenomenon and is temporary in nature. Impact from the construction phase will depend on the number and type of equipment used during the development. Given the modest scale of the wastewater treatment plant construction works required it is considered there will be no significant impact on the noise environment during the construction phase.
Operational Phase The operational noise effects associated with the proposed development are anticipated to include the following:
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Animals being unloaded from delivery vehicles and animals kept temporarily in the animal lairage; Heavy vehicle traffic movements – arriving/ leaving from site & whilst on site; Stationary refrigeration containers (HGV trailers) running on mains power supply; Externally mounted fans, ventilation plant and compressors. Proposed new effluent treatment plant.
The proposed hours of operation will not change. Noise from the operational phase of the proposed development is not predicted to cause any significant noise impact, and is expected to operate broadly similarly to the existing operations on site in regard to its contribution to the local noise climate.
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9.5 Mitigation Measures Construction Phase The following noise mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction phase of the WWTP as appropriate: Deliveries will be programmed to arrive during daytime hours only. Care should be taken when unloading vehicles to minimise disturbance to local residents. Delivery vehicles will be prohibited from waiting within the site with their engines running. Siting of any potential noisy construction plant as far away from sensitive properties as permitted by site constraints. Selection of plant with low inherent potential for generation of noise and/or vibration. Turning off construction equipment off during long periods of non-use.
Operation Phase It is envisaged that the operation of the continued development will not have a significant impact on the surrounding noise climate, as the practices proposed are very similar to those currently on going on site and given there will be only minor alteration to the existing activities.
Refrigeration trailers are plugged into external power points to ensure that refrigeration units are run quietly on site between 9pm and 9am.
Doors to the abattoir building are kept For inspection closed. purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Equipment and plant is maintained to ensure it is in good repair and attended promptly by onsite maintenance staff. Where feasible, any new plant or equipment is replaced with quieter plant or equipment. The proposed new WWTP will be sited as far away as feasible from sensitive receptors. It is envisaged that diffused aeration will be installed at the proposed new biological WWTP which reduces aeration noise compared to traditional surface aerators. Deliveries of livestock and raw materials will be concentrated during the daytime where possible.
9.6 Conclusion The proposed development will have no significant impact on the local noise climate in terms of the construction phase or the operational phase given the modest scale of change above the baseline environment.
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9.7 References
Number Description 9.1 EPA 2006 Guidance Note for Noise in Relation to Scheduled Activities - 2nd Edition 9.2 British Standard BS5228: Noise and control on construction and open sites, 1997.
9.3 ISO 1996-2:2007 Acoustics Description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise -Part 2: Determination of environmental noise levels.
9.4 Green Pasture Meat Processors EPA IPPC licence application (P0960-01).
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Chapter 10 Landscape & Visual Assessment
10.1 Introduction This Chapter of the EIS addresses landscape and visual impact. Landscape and visual effects are independent but related issues; landscape effects are changes in the landscape, its quality and character, while visual effects relate to the appearance of these changes and the resulting effect on visual amenity. With respect to the development the issue of landscape and the potential impact upon the landscape character and visual amenity has been considered as an important element of the EIS.
10.2 Methodology
Introduction
The assessment describes and evaluates the existing landscape and visual resource. It considers its sensitivity and its ability to accommodate change. The only landscape and visual changes which will occur are as a result of the proposed new WWTP. This assessment has identified potential impacts and predicted their magnitude and significance. The assessment has then been used to propose mitigation measures. These mitigation measures can be implemented to reduce as far as possible any significant environmental impacts.
Reference Publications
The assessment of landscape and visual impacts for this development is based on the most up to date For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. guidelines provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The Landscape Institute ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, (2nd Edition) 2002.
Planning Policy The Longford County Development Plan 2009-2015 is the statutory plan detailing the development objectives and policies of the County Council. As part of the assessment the Longford County Development Plan Annex 4 County into 7 No. Landscape Units. The site in Drumlish falls into the Landscape Unit 1 - Northern Drumlin Lakeland
Desktop Study
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Field Study
A site survey was carried out on the 11 th June 2013. On the day, the weather was overcast but dry. The visibility assessment concentrated on publicly accessible areas such as public roads, dwellings and recreational areas. All photographs were taken during the site surveys using a digital camera with a 50mm lens equivalent which confirms to the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. This lens size is considered to most represent the view obtained by the human eye. It should be noted that photography is a tool to assist in the visualisation process and cannot be expected to replicate the actual view, which would be attained on the ground.
10.3 The Existing Environment 10.3.1 County Development Plan As part of the assessment the Longford County Development Plan Annex 4 County into 7 No. Landscape Units. The site in Drumlish falls into the Landscape Unit 1 - Northern Drumlin Lakeland. The following landscape aspects are reviewed in the Development Plan-
“Location and Physical Characteristics Landcover Landcover consists of predominantly small agricultural holdings, interspersed with bogland, which becomes more dominant toward the eastern boundary of the unit and lakeland areas that dominate on the western County Boundary.
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Topography The area primarily consists of rolling drumlin landscape, with agricultural land tending to be tightly enclosed and bounded by small but well established hedgerow species, at times permitting limited views of the string of lakes that border the County.
Geology/Soils The soils in this area are predominantly poorly drained gley soils with some peats.
Drainage patterns Drainage patterns are extremely complex, giving way to peatlands in the valley of the Black River and the vicinity of Annagh Lough. This area type includes the Lough Gowna Complex to the northeast of the County (included in An Foras Forbartha Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland, 1977) and
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Lough Kinale and Derragh Lough in the northeast. Drainage is divided between the two major River catchments of the Shannon to the southwest and the Erne to the northeast.
Human Influence Settlement pattern The settlement pattern in the area is highly dispersed due to the nature of the topography and its influence on the agricultural practices in the area. Drumlish and Ballinamuck are the only settlements in the area, with the main concentration of development centred on these villages. Rapid development has taken place in Drumlish, with planning permission granted for further development, which, if established, will consolidate the settlement and increase the availability of services to the community.
Transport and Communications The road pattern throughout the area is relatively sparse with an emphasis on north-south communication. The undulating drumlin nature of the topography of the area is unattractive to mobile telephony infrastructure and other masts/antennae support structures, these preferring the higher ground of the adjacent areas, while retaining strong intervisibility from this area.
Agriculture Agriculture tends to be extensive and part-time in nature, given the limited capacity of the soils in the area. Farms tend to remain fragmented, which reinforces and perpetuates the patterns of small, tightly For inspection purposes only. packed fields and highly dispersed settlement.Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Industry and Services Industrial development in the area is limited given the lack of concentrated settlement and the poor road network. In common with the majority of rural areas throughout the Country, utility poles and overhead wiring line the roadsides and traverse fields. Two sets of 110 kV electricity lines and their associated pylons enter the County at Farmullagh and Corglass and create a striking landscape impact. Coarse fishing and angling on the numerous lakes is an important element of the tourist industry in the area.
History, Archaeology and Culture Known Archaeology in the area is comparatively sparse, with the exception of the islands and shores of Loughs Gowna and Kinale and in the vicinity of Cloonagh and Mullinlaghta to the east of the area. The Black Pig’s Dyke, an important linear earthwork, commences at Dring on the southern shores of Lough
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Gowna and runs down toward Lough Kinale. The 1798 battlefield and associated sites and monuments are significant culturally important items and are located at and in the vicinity of Ballinamuck.
Recreation and Amenity The potential for recreational and amenity development in the area is high, given the lakeshore frontage that exists for walking, angling and swimming. The local community has established a swimming pool at Annagh Lough.
Landscape Sensitivity The sensitivity of much of this landscape can be classified as LOW to MEDIUM with some HIGH sensitivity in the vicinity of the lakes and designated scenic routes.
Threats • Loss of inherent character due to altered landscape management practices arising as a result of EU agricultural policy reforms/further decline in agriculture. • Removal of existing network of hedgerows and boundaries distinctive to the area through farm fragmentation/road frontage and ribbon development. • Loss of integrity of important historical sites and cultural heritage, such as 1798 battlefield, due to insensitive or poorly located development. • Agricultural activity and residential development in the vicinity of the lakes threatens water quality and For inspection purposes only. fish stocks. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
• Unsympathetic residential or amenity development at lakeshores or within their visual areas.
Opportunities • Dense field patterns and substantial boundaries provide an enclosed landscape that can accommodate appropriately sited development without major landscape change. • Opening up of access to lakeshores for amenity purposes.
Policy Responses • Support appropriate development in areas of population decline. • Encourage setting back of dwellings into fields retaining existing plot size and boundary treatment. • Permit hedgerow removal only where necessary for road safety and, where removal is required, encourage replacement with native hedgerow species.
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• Encourage access to lakes and watercourses and development of tourist accommodation within or in the vicinity of settlements, while monitoring amenity development /restricting access in environmentally sensitive locations. • Restrict housing on lakeshores and within their visual areas”. (Abstracted from the County Development Plan Annex 4)
10.3.3 Existing site context Drumlish lies west of a ridge of low hills running north-eastwards from Newtownforbes to Arvagh in County Cavan. The village also lies close to the Cavan and Leitrim borders. Drumlish is situated in the north of the County c.8.3 miles (13.4 kilometres) from Longford Town via the R198 which is the main route from Longford Town to Cavan Town.
The site is situated in the village on the Mohill Road off R198 c.0.2km from the main crossroads in the village of Drumlish. The abattoir has been long established at the site since the 1920’s. The site is situated on both sides of the country road. The entrance to the east provides access to the main abattoir buildings. The entrance to the west provides access the staff car park, effluent storage tank, the weigh bridge, the truck wash and the truck parking area. The main abattoir buildings follow the ribbon development on the outskirts of the village. The sites office follows the streetscape of the village while the main abattoir buildings are located above this level (See Photo 3 and Photo 4 below).
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Roadside Offices
Photo 3 View from road of the site offices integrated in the village streetscape
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Main Abattoir Building Roadside Office
Photo 4 View of abattoir buildings extending above the streetscape
The yard on the abattoir side of the road is well screened with a c.4m concrete high wall. The screening of the abattoir and yard is augmented by mature hedgerows and vegetation around the site boundaries. In addition, there is c.3m wooden panel fencing provided along the yard boundary.
The entrance to the west provides access to the staff car park, effluent storage tank, the weigh bridge, the For inspection purposes only. truck wash and the truck parking area.Consent The of copyright car park owner, required weighbridge for any other use.and access lane to the yard are visible from the public road (see Photo 5 below).
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Photo 5 View from road of the car park, weighbridge and access lane at the opposite side of the road of the abattoir
As can be seen in Photo 5, the rear yard and effluent storage tank are not visible from the public road due to the existing mature vegetation.
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The majority of the Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. site will remain the same with no change from the current baseline and therefore have no significant landscape or visual impact.
Potential landscape and visual impacts will arise from the construction and operation of the new wastewater treatment plant. Given the wastewater treatment plant design and proposed location have not been finalised, the potential landscape and visual impacts cannot be appraised at this stage.
The existing development does not have any adverse landscape or visual impact on the views, prospects and scenic routes identified in Appendix 7 in the Longford County Council Development Plan. The existing site does not impinge visually upon key landscape features such any ecological protected sites, geological protected site, protected historical monuments, walking routes or historical gardens.
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10.5 Mitigation Landscape and visual impacts are intrinsically linked and therefore measures to reduce landscape impact often help to reduce visual impact and vice versa. It is understood that introduction of any built structures are generally permanent, therefore the character of the landscape will be significantly altered, however much depends on the layout and quality of architecture, quality and quantity of open space and landscape.
In order to mitigate against any potential negative impacts on landscape character and visual amenity, the proposed new location of the wastewater plant should be carefully selected and have consideration for the views from the nearby sensitive receptors (e.g. dwellings and roads). Highly reflective surfaces will be avoided where possible. If deemed necessary, existing hedgerow screening should be augmented with native tree species.
10.6 Conclusion In conclusion, it is considered that the continued development can be accommodated on this site without having a significant adverse impact to the wider landscape and visual amenity of the area.
10.7 References
Number Description 10.1 Longford County Council. Cavan County Development Plan 2009-2015 10.2 The Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 2 nd Edition, Spoon Press. For inspection purposes only. 10.3 The Landscape Technical ConsentCommittee of copyright (2009) owner Advic requirede for Note any other 01/09- use. Use of photography and photomontage in
landscape and visual assessment.
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Chapter 11 Traffic
11.1 Introduction This section of the EIS addresses the traffic and transportation impacts of the continued operation. Aspects such as the existing transport infrastructure, traffic generation, access arrangements for cars, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users of the development and the transportation impact on the surrounding road network have all been examined in order to assess the impact of the continued development.
11.2 Methodology Desk Study The Longford County Development Plan 2009 – 2015 was reviewed and this County Development Plan sets out the following aims with regard transportation- ‘In order to properly sustain and deliver improved transport within the County, this section aims to outline key transportation policy which is ultimately framed by the following key aims; Promote an integrated and sustainable approach to transport and landuse within the County, by encouraging development within a hierarchy of settlements as identified within the Settlement Strategy. Facilitate the provision, where appropriate, of rural transport initiatives and services in order to promote the socio-economic and cultural development of the entire County Encourage the provision of alternative forms of transport that reduce dependence on the private For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. car, such as public transport initiatives and facilities for cyclists and pedestrians’.
11.3 The Existing Environment Site Description and Location Drumlish is situated in the north of the County approximately 8.3 miles (13.4 kilometres) from Longford Town via the R198 which is the main route from Longford Town to Cavan Town. Drumlish lies west of a ridge of low hills running north-eastwards from Newtownforbes to Arvagh in County Cavan. The village also lies close to the Cavan and Leitrim borders.
The site is situated on a local road (Mohill Road) off the regional road (R198) c.0.2km from the main crossroads in the village of Drumlish. The abattoir has been long established at the site. The abattoir slaughters 3,500- 4,000 pigs/sows per week.
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Operating days and hours The abattoir operates Monday to Saturday and occasionally Sunday’s. The proposed hours of operation will continue unchanged. Internal operations at Green Pasture Meat Processors Ltd. abattoir consist of the following: Slaughtering 08.15-18.30 Boning 05.00-18.00 Washing 18.00-22.00 Pig deliveries usually 08.00-18.00, however on occasion deliveries may arise outside these hours.
Internal Road Layout The internal road layout ensures efficient operation for HGV’s, staff and visitor vehicles and pedestrians. HGV’s entering the site from the Mohill Road in Drumlish. The site has been designed to cater for HGV’s; therefore any service or emergency vehicles required to access the development (e.g. a fire tender) will be fully compatible with the existing internal road layout. Staff and visitors entering the site can park in the off road car park in proximity to the western site entrance or at the roadside car park along the front of the sites offices.
Existing Road Network The site is situated c.12km from Longford and access to the N4, N5 and N63. The abattoir is located in the village of Drumlish on a local road (Mohill For inspection Road) purposes off theonly. regional road (R198) c.0.2km from the main Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. crossroads in the village. The speed limit on the R198 is 80 kph and 50kph in the village. There is 1 No. set of traffic lights on the R198 close to the main crossroads in the village.
The site is bisected by the Mohill Road and as a result it has 5 No. entrances. Four of the entrance are on the east and provides access to the main abattoir buildings. One of these entrances is not in use while the lairage unloading bay and front loading bay are intermittently used. The most western entrance is used for the yard access. The 1 No. entrance to the west provides access to the staff car park, effluent storage tank, the weigh bridge, the truck wash and the truck parking area. The speed limit on the Mohill Road outside the site is 50 kph.
Existing Traffic Volumes from the site A simple traffic survey was undertaken by Green Pasture Meat Processors between the 13 th and 20 th June 2013 to establish typical traffic volumes at the site. The results of this survey are presented in Table 30 below.
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Closed Traffic Detail Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Pig Deliveries 8 8 5 14 10 0 0 Meat Collections 4 7 10 6 6 4 0 Employees (Cars) 30 30 30 30 30 20 0 Dept Staff (Cars) 4 4 4 4 4 0 0 TVI (Cars) 6 6 5 6 6 0 0 Category 3 (Artic) 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 Category 2 (Rigid) 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Postman (Van) 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 Gas (Rigid) 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Diesel (Rigid) 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Laundry (Rigid) 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Misc. Deliveries 2 2 2 2 2 0 0 Total 56 59 59 65 62 24 0 Table 30 Green Pasture Meat Processors traffic survey results 13 th – 20 th June 2013
As can be seen in Table 30, the existing development generates an estimated average two-way flow of 64 vehicles per day Monday to Friday. On Saturday this is reduced to 24 due to the scale of activities onsite on Saturdays.
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Figure 4 Breakdown of traffic generated by Green Pasture Meat Processors (traffic survey results 13 th –20 th June 2013)
As illustrated in Figure 4 above, the principal traffic movements are generated by staff cars (52.3%), pig deliveries (13.8%) and meat collection (11.4%).
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Additional traffic movements are generated by tankering of the effluent to the offsite storage facilities (principally in closed season) and tankering of the effluent to landbanks identified in the nutrient management plan. During the closed season (Longford- 15 th October to 15 th January or Leitrim 15 th October to 31 st January each year) c.7 loads of effluent are tankered offsite per week to offsite storage facilities (see the locations in Table 15 in section 6.3 above). During the open landspreading season (Longford- 15 th January to 15 th October or Leitrim - 31 st January to 15 th October each year) c.22 loads of effluent are tankered offsite per week to the landbanks identified in the NMP (see the locations in Table 16 in section 6.3 above).
Road Safety The Road Safety Authority’s ‘Road Collision Statistics’ online mapping tool statistics were reviewed for 2005 to 2011. There was 1 No. recorded accident in the vicinity of the site. A pedestrian was killed on the Mohill Road on a Sunday in 2010. There were 4 No. minor collisions recorded on the R198 through the village between 2005-2011.
Public Transport Accessibility Public transport is an important sustainable mode of transport. Bus Éireann and private bus services operate a substantial range of services within County Longford. However, there are no Bus Éireann services that operate through Drumlish. A private bus service operates a return service from Longford.
The nearest rail station is in Longford Town which provides services to Dublin and Sligo on a daily basis. For inspection purposes only. There are taxi operators who provideConsent a local of copyright servic ownere for required Drumlish. for any other use.
For transport the majority of the residents and employees are reliant on private cars. Therefore, due to the limited number of local transport services in the vicinity of the site it is expected that only a small number of staff travelling to and from the site will use public transport.
Accessibility for Pedestrians and Cyclists Cycling and walking are environmentally friendly, fuel efficient and healthy modes of transport to work, school, shopping and for recreational purposes. It is considered an efficient, fast and relatively inexpensive form of transport and its development is in line with the principles of sustainable development. There are footpaths on the Mohill Road outside site which provide an attractive mode of travel for those living locally. There are no cycle tracks provided on the Mohill Road outside site however cyclists could be potentially accommodated on the road.
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CSO Statistics The Central Statistics Office Census 2011 outlined the following statistics for County Longford as a whole- ‘The most popular means of travelling to work was by car (driver) with this mode accounting for 63.2 per cent of all journeys. 219 persons commuted using public transport (bus or rail). The average journey time was 25 minutes and 20.6 per cent of workers faced a commuting time in excess of 30 minutes’ .
The Central Statistics Office Census 2011 published the following with regard to commuting from the Drumlish electoral division (ED).
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Figure 5 Population aged 5 years and over by means of travel to work, school or college in Drumlish ED (CSO 2011)
As can been seen from Figure 5 above, the principal mode of transport for commuting is the car (42.75%) in Drumlish ED followed car passenger (18.15%) and bus (14.37%).
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Figure 6 population aged 5 years and over by time leaving home to travel to work, school or college
As can been seen from Figure 6 above, morning commuting in the in Drumlish ED peaks between 07.31- 09.30.
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Figure 7 Population aged 5 years and over by journey time to work, school or college (CSO 2011)
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As can been seen from Figure 7 above, 69.45% of journeys to work, school or college are under a half an hour. It is hoped that this percentage will decrease due to improvements in sustainable transport services and facilities following implementation of objectives of the Smarter Travel document. In 2009 the Department of Transport published a document titled ‘Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future’. This document discusses the Government’s aim to reduce trips made by car and to encourage sustainable transport modes such as public transport, walking and cycling.
11.4 Potential Impact Construction Phase In general, the impact of the construction period will be temporary in nature and less significant than the operational stage. Construction traffic will essentially consist of the following: Delivery of the wastewater equipment (e.g. screen, DAF pumps, pipework etc.) Delivery of the concrete for wastewater tanks. Removal of a small quantity of demolition waste. Construction workers arrival onsite.
This volume of construction traffic, together with careful construction management, should have minimal impact on the surrounding road network. It is envisaged that the WWTP construction phase could be fully commissioned within c.9 months. The existing abattoir will continue functioning without significant interruption during the construction phase of the new wastewater treatment plant.
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Operational Phase It is proposed the existing site access and existing sightlines will be maintained. The main pedestrian and cyclist access/egress to the development and car parking arrangements will also be unchanged. During the operational phases, the continued development will not see any significant increase in traffic volumes associated with site. It is envisaged that once the new proposed biological wastewater treatment plant is constructed there will be decrease in traffic volumes associated with the site given that there will be less of a requirement to transport and landspread the effluent on site given that the majority of the treated effluent will be discharged to the Mill Stream.
11.5 Mitigation Construction Phase Over the proposed construction phase, the effect of the construction traffic on the receiving environment will be negligible. Construction traffic generated during the development works will be at off-peak hours.
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Site construction personnel and deliveries of materials will generate their peak trips over different periods. Construction workers will arrive between 0700 and 0800hrs and leave between 1800 and 1900hrs. Deliveries will then arrive at a steady rate during the course of the day. The use of shared transport will also be promoted among construction workers.
Operational Phase There are no proposed changes or mitigation to existing transportation arrangements that pertain at present.
11.6 Conclusion
In conclusion, it is considered that the minor alteration to the development can be accommodated on this site without a significant adverse impact to transportation network. 11.7 References
Number Description 11.1 Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future, Department of Transport
11.2 Bus Eireann, www.buseireann.ie
11.3 Longford County Development Plan 2009 – 2015, Longford County Council
11.4 Census 2011, Central Statistics Office
11.5 Road Collision Statistics Online Mapping Tool, Road Safety Authority
11.6 Green Pasture Meat Processors traffic survey 13 th –20 th June 2013
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Chapter 12 Archaeological and Cultural Heritage
12.1 Introduction This chapter of the EIS has been undertaken to assess the impact of the proposed development on cultural heritage, archaeology and structures.
12.2 Methodology This study is an assessment of the known or potential cultural heritage resource within a specified area consisting of a collation of existing written and graphic information in order to identify the likely context, character, significance and sensitivity of the known or potential cultural heritage, archaeological and structural resource using an appropriate methodology. The study involved detailed investigation of the archaeological, structural and historical background of the site of the proposed development and the surrounding area of the proposed development.
This area was examined using information from: The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) for County Longford and Leitrim. The Longford County Development Plan 2009- 2015. List of Protected Structures in County Longford. Cartographic and aerial photographs of the study area.
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Drumlish background Drumlish takes its name from the Irish meaning for ‘sheltered hillside’. Originally part of the ancient parish of Killoe, Drumlish gained independence and became known as the parish of Monaduff in 1822 and in 1834, the parish then became Drumlish. Drumlish is historically recognised through the association of the people with the Land War in January 1881. The people of Drumlish are known for being victorious over Lord Granard and his bailiffs and achieving the retention of their residences at reduced rates.
12.3.1 Archaeological Assessment Recorded Monuments Examination of the Record of Monuments and Places (available on the Heritage Service website at www.archaeology.ie) indicated that there is no Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) in or adjoin the application site (Figure 8 below).
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Green Pasture Meat Processors
LE038 -003
LF005 -015
LF004 -002
LF005 -014
For inspection purposes only. REC OSI Licence No. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. LF005 -022 EN0073512
Figure 8 National Monuments Map (abstracted from www.archaeology.ie)
A description of the nearest Sites and Monuments Records are provided below. There is 1 No. grade A historical site (as identified in Longford County Development Plan 2009- 2015) situated in townland of Melkagh, ‘Diarmuid & Grainne’s bed’ which is located c.2.5 km northeast of the site. This site is a Megalithic tomb - portal tomb.
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SMR. No. Class Location Description LF005-014 Ringfort - Drumlish In pasture, utilising a natural rise or terrace on a W-facing slope, rath overlooking an expanse of flat, damp pasture that extends to the W from the base of the slope. Depicted as a circular enclosure with the designation 'Fort' on the 1837 edition of the OS 6-inch map. A report in 1994 (SMR file) recorded a raised circular area (diam. c. 26m) enclosed on its E half by a low rounded bank of earth and stone and on the W half by a bank topping a scarp. Remnants of an entrance were evident at E. An inspection in 2012 found that the enclosing bank has been levelled. The rath survives as an oval raised area (c. 26m E-W; c. 15-18m N-S) defined from SE-NE by a broadly sloping scarp (H c. 1.7m at W; (Wth slope c. 7m), which merges seamlessly with the natural contours of the rise. From ENE-ESE the interior of the rath is now flush with the external ground level and the dividing line between the two is marked only by a slight difference in grass growth. The W half of the interior slopes down gently to the W and there is no clearly defined break of slope with the scarp. The surface appears to have been scarped of topsoil and graded off. The N slope of the rath was truncated by the construction of a vernacular cottage and stone shed, now derelict. LF005-022 Redundant Cloonmacart Not marked on any OS 6-inch map edition. Jones (PRIA 1845-1847, record 147-9) recorded 'an irregular patch of the scalp of a rock bare' whose whole 'surface is more or less occupied with indented marks, all apparently without connexion, arrangement or method'. In the article Jones included rubbings of these 'indentations'. These are not convincing as being artificial but rather appear to be natural faults in the stone. The stone has been removed in the course of land reclamation. The evidence does not warrant its acceptance as 'Rock Art'.) LF004-002 Enclosure Clonnagh Depicted on the 1837 ed. of the OS 6-inch map as a roughly D-shaped enclosure-like feature, represented by a dashed line, with a field boundary forming the SE straight side. Not visible at ground level. LF005-015 Ringfort - Greagh On a high, prominent hill affording panoramic views in all directions. A rath raised oval area (35.4m NE-SW; 31.9m NW-SE) enclosed by a substantial bank of earth and stone (Wth 6.2m; H 0.2-1m) with a wide, shallow, partially waterlogged external fosse (Wth 6.9m; D 0.4m). It is For inspection purposes only. Consentdivided of copyright into roughly owner required equal for anyportions other use. by a NE-SW field boundary, which is also the townland boundary. Adjacent to the NW side of this is a modern laneway. To the SE (in Cartrongolan) the fosse has been largely in filled but its outline is still identifiable. The original entrance is not recognisable. LE038-003 Ringfort Beihy In pasture on the E-facing slope of a drumlin. Named 'Cahir', but not depicted, on the first edition of the OS 6-inch map. Not visible at ground level. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Leitrim' compiled by Michael J. Moore (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2003). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Table 31 SMR recorded in vicinity to the site
12.3.2 Designated Structures The Longford Development Plan 2009-2015 was examined as part of the study for this section of the EIS. The review established that there are no protected structures in the application site. The protected sites that were identified in Drumlish are detailed in the table below.
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No. Description Location National Grid National Grid Characteristics Reference Reference of Special Interest Easting Northing 177 Cornmill Drumlish 215,665 286,011 Architectural, Technical 201 Water Hydrant Main Street, 215085 285778 Artistic, Social, Technical Corbaun 202 Country House St. Helen's, 214901 285313 Architectural, Artistic Longford Road, Drumlish 203 Memorial Cross Saint Mary's 215328 285725 Artistic, Historical, Social Street, Drumlish 204 Memorial Plaque Saint Mary's 215336 285731 Artistic, Historical, Social Street, Drumlish 205 Church Saint Mary's 215412 285708 Architectural, Artistic, Street, Drumlish Historical, Social 206 Former School Scoil Naomh 215618 285672 Architectural, Social Muire, Drumlish 207 House Hill Street, 215264 285610 Architectural Drumlish 208 House Saint Mary's 215292 285663 Architectural Street, Drumlish 209 House Longford Road, 215161 285528 Architectural Drumlish Table 32 designated structures in vicinity to the site
12.3.3 Historic gardens and designated landscapes The Longford Development Plan 2009-2015 was examined and there are no designated Historic gardens and designated landscapes in the vicinity of the site.
12.4 Potential Impact
Because there are no recorded archaeological For inspection monume purposesnts only. on the proposed development area or adjoining Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. the site there will be no known impact on any archaeological remains or monuments. There will no significant impact on the County Heritage sites as identified in the Longford Development Plan 2009- 2015. There are no designated structures, non-designated structures of heritage interested situated within or in the vicinity of the application site, and therefore there will be no direct or indirect impact by the proposed development on designated structures, non-designated structures of heritage interest or historic gardens and designed landscapes.
12.5 Mitigation Since there are no known archaeological remains from the immediate area of the proposed development and since the proposed development involves minor groundwork’s it is unlikely that there could be any impact on archaeological remains. It is therefore recommended that no further archaeological input would be necessary at this site and no mitigation measures need be applied.
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12.6 Conclusion There are no known archaeological monuments from the area of the proposed development site. Furthermore, there are no designated structures, non-designated structures of heritage interested or historic gardens and designated landscapes situated within or in the vicinity of the application site.
12.7 References
Number Description 12.1 Longford County Development Plan 2009-2015. 12.2 Drumlish Area Plan 2006-2012. 12.3 www.archaeology.ie (Record of Monuments and Places) 12.4 www.smartmaps.ie (aerial photographs and historic maps)
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Chapter 13 Material Assets
13.1 Introduction This chapter of the EIS has been undertaken to assess the impact of the proposed development on material assets.
13.2 Methodology In preparing this section, consultations were held with a number of organisations and agencies including: Longford County Council. Environmental Protection Agency.
A desk study was carried out to examine all relevant information pertaining to socio-economic activity in the study area, principally the Longford County Development Plan 2009 – 2015 and information obtained from site visits and local sources. Some additional information was also obtained from internet sources. Ordnance Survey maps and aerial photography were also examined.
13.3 The Existing Environment Transport Infrastructure Drumlish is situated in the north of the County c.8.3 miles (13.4 kilometres) from Longford Town via the R198 which is the main route from Longford Town to Cavan Town. The site is situated in the village on For inspection purposes only. the Mohill Road off R198 c.0.2kmConsent from of copyright the mainowner required cros forsroads any other inuse. the village of Drumlish. Traffic is discussed in more detail in Chapter 12 of this EIS.
Water Infrastructure Drumlish is currently supplied with water from the Lough Forbes Water Treatment Plant. Green Pasture Meat Processors will continue to accept a proportion of water from the Council supply and from a borehole on site.
The village of Drumlish is serviced by a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The existing waste water treatment plant was designed in the early 60s to serve a 700 population equivalent (P.E.). The wastewater treatment plant is in progress of been upgraded to a capacity of 1200 P.E. It is envisaged that the new wastewater treatment plant will be operational by the end of 2013. Currently the site is connected to the local authority water supply and it discharges sanitary effluent from the site to the Drumlish sewer.
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Electricity Infrastructure The site is served by 1 line at present from ESB networks. There is an existing substation situated onsite. At present the maximum import capacity is 320 kilovolt-amps (kVA).
Cultural Heritage There are no sites of archaeological interest on the application site. There are no designated structures, non-designated structures of heritage interested or historic gardens and designed landscapes situated within or in the vicinity of the application site. The existing cultural heritage environment on and around the site is described in greater detail in the environmental assessment Chapter 11 of this EIS.
13.4 Potential Impacts Transport Infrastructure The construction phases of the project will generate a very limited number of additional traffic movements on the local road infrastructure. Overall, it is considered that the proposed development will have a minimal impact on the functionality and safety of the existing local road infrastructure.
Water Infrastructure It is envisaged that the continued development will not any significant impact on water infrastructure in the village of Drumlish.
The proposed new biological wastewater treatment For inspection purposesplant only.WWTP at the site will be capable of catering for Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. the effluent onsite and will be capable of achieving the following proposed ELV’s (Table 33). Further details are provided in Chapter 6 of this EIS.
Parameter Units Proposed ELV Flow m3 60/day pH pH units 6-9 Toxicity units TU 5 BOD mg/l 20 COD mg/l 125 Suspended Solids mg/l 30 Total Ammonia (as N) mg/l 1.5 Total Nitrogen mg/l 20 Total Phosphorus (as P) mg/l 2 Orthophosphate mg/l 0.75 Oils, fats & grease mg/l 10 Table 33 Existing and Proposed ELV’s for the final treated effluent
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Electricity Infrastructure Neither the construction nor operational phase of the proposed development will require any extension to, or strengthening of, the existing electricity grid in the surrounding area.
Cultural Heritage Baseline studies indicated that are no recorded items of cultural heritage, archaeology or any protected structures situated within the application area or the immediate vicinity. The development will have no direct or indirect impact on any known items of cultural heritage, archaeology or any protected structures. Further information is provided in Chapter 12 of this EIS.
13.5 Mitigation The existing / proposed mitigation measures are described under each of the EIS Chapter. Specific mitigation measures in direct response to predicted environmental impacts are set out in the relevant technical sections outlined above.
13.6 Conclusion The baseline and potential impacts on material assets have been identified. The existing/proposed mitigation measures are described under each of the EIS Chapters.
13.7 References
Number Description For inspection purposes only. 13.1 Green Pasture Meat ProcessorsConsent EPA of copyright IPPC licence owner required application for any other (P0960-01). use.
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Chapter 14 Interaction of the Foregoing All of the reasonably predictable significant impacts of the proposed development and the measures proposed to mitigate them have been detailed in the previous chapters of this EIS report. Each of the various environmental and related topics has been discussed separately. This chapter identifies the key impact interaction and interrelationships. These have been identified in Table 34 below.
Human Flora & Soils & Water Air Climate Noise Landscape Traffic Archaeology Material Beings Fauna Geology & Cultural Assets Heritage Human Beings
Flora & Fauna
Soils & Geology
Water & Hydrogeology Air
Climate
Noise
Landscape
Traffic
Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Material Assets
Table 34 Impacts Interaction and Interrelationships Matrix
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No interaction
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List of Appendices
Reference Details
Appendix 1.1 Site Location Map (1:10,560 & 1:2,500) Appendix 1.2 Existing Site Layout Plans (1:1000 & 1:500) Appendix 3.1 Dwelling location map - 1 Km radius of the site (1:10,000 & 1:2000) Appendix 4.1 Natura Impact Statement (Appropriate Assessment) Appendix 5.1 Soil Map Appendix 5.2 Subsoil Map Appendix 5.3 Bedrock Map Appendix 6.1 Aquifer Map Appendix 6.2 Vulnerability Map Appendix 6.3 Water Monitoring- Laboratory Certificates of Analysis Appendix 6.4 Map of Water Monitoring Location (including drainage system onsite) Appendix 6.5 Nutrient Management Plan- Summary Calculations Appendix 6.6 Waste Assimilation Capacity Report Appendix 9.1 Noise Source Monitoring Map Appendix 9.2 Noise Monitoring Location Map Appendix 9.3 Noise monitoring equipment calibration certificates Appendix 9.4 1/3 Octave noise monitoring results
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