Rossinver Graveyard Extension Hydrogeological Risk Assessment Desk Study A112235
Envest April 2019
Prepared on behalf of WYG Environmental and Planning (Northern Ireland) Limited
1 Locksley Business Park, Montgomery Road, Belfast, BT6 9UP Tel: +44 (0)28 9070 6000 Fax: +44 (0)28 9070 6050 Email: Website: www.wyg.com
WYG Environmental and Planning (Northern Ireland) Limited. Registered in Northern Ireland: Number NI050736 Registered Office: 1 Locksley Business Park, Montgomery Road, Belfast, BT6 9UP
Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Document Control
Hydrogeological Risk Assessment Desk Study Document:
Project: Rossinver Graveyard
Client: Envest
Job Number: A112235
File Origin: G:\Projects\A112\A112235 - Rossinver\P-03 Execution\11 EP\01 Reports
Revision: Issue 1
Date: 30th January 2019
Prepared by: Checked by: Approved by: Neil Dickson Conor Lydon Conor Lydon Description Issue to Client of Revision:
Revision: Issue 2
Date: 1st February 2019
Prepared by: Checked by: Approved by: Neil Dickson Conor Lydon Conor Lydon Description Report updated following review by Envest of Revision:
Revision: Issue 3
Date: 4th February 2019
Prepared by: Checked by: Approved by: Neil Dickson Conor Lydon Conor Lydon Description Report updated following additional review by Envest of Revision:
Revision: Issue 4
Date: 5th February 2019
Prepared by: Checked by: Approved by: Neil Dickson Conor Lydon Conor Lydon Description Report updated following review by CST Group of Revision:
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Revision: Issue 5
Date: 10th April 2019
Prepared by: Checked by: Approved by: Neil Dickson Conor Lydon Conor Lydon Description Report updated following review by Planning Consultant of Revision:
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Contents
1.0 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Report Context ...... 1 1.2 Project Brief ...... 1 1.3 Report Scope ...... 2 1.4 Historical Site Investigation Information ...... 3 1.5 Limitations of Assessment ...... 3 2.0 Site Information ...... 4 2.1 Site Description ...... 4 2.1.1 Northern Extension ...... 4 2.1.2 Southern Extension ...... 5 2.2 Site History ...... 5 2.3 Development Proposals ...... 6 2.3.1 Southern Area ...... 6 2.3.2 Northern Area ...... 6 3.0 Desk Study ...... 9 3.1 Data Sources ...... 9 3.2 Soils and Geology Overview ...... 10 3.2.1 Bedrock Geology ...... 10 3.2.2 Superficial Deposits ...... 10 3.2.3 Shallow Soil Profile ...... 10 4.0 Water Environment ...... 12 4.1 General Setting ...... 12 4.2 Meteorological Information ...... 12 4.2.1 Northern Extension ...... 12 4.2.2 Southern Extension ...... 13 4.3 Hydrology - Surface Water ...... 13 4.4 Hydrogeology - Groundwater...... 14 4.4.1 General Hydrogeological Setting ...... 14 4.4.2 Aquifer Classification ...... 14 4.4.3 Groundwater Abstraction ...... 16 4.4.4 Known Springs in the Vicinity of the Site...... 16 5.0 Site Investigation Works ...... 17 5.1 Trial Pitting ...... 17 5.2 Encountered Ground Conditions ...... 17 5.2.1 Soil Conditions ...... 17 5.2.2 Topsoil ...... 18 5.2.3 Quaternary Deposits – Sandy Clayey / Sandy Loam ...... 18 5.2.4 Water Entry ...... 18 6.0 Tier 1 Risk Screening ...... 19 7.0 Conclusions...... 22 7.1 Northern Extension ...... 22 7.2 Southern Extension ...... 22 7.3 Conclusions ...... 23
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Tables
Table 2.1 Northern Extension Surrounding Land Uses ...... 4 Table 2.2 Southern Extension Surrounding Land Uses ...... 5 Table 2.3 Historical Map Review ...... 6 Table 5.1 Encountered Ground Conditions at the Exploratory Positions in Proposed Northern Extension ..... 17 Table 5.2 Encountered Ground Conditions at the Exploratory Positions in Proposed Southern Extension ..... 18 Table 6.1 Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment for Northern Extension ...... 20 Table 6.2 Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment for Southern Extension ...... 21
Figures
Figure 1 – Site Location Plan Figure 2 – Historical Ordnance Survey Maps Figure 3 – Bedrock Geology Map Figure 4 – Superficial Geology Map Figure 5 – Soil Map Figure 6 – National Flooding Hazard Map Figure 7 – Groundwater Wells and Springs Map
Appendices
Appendix A – Report Conditions Appendix B – Lough Melvin and Ballagh River Water Quality Water Framework Directive Classification Appendix C – Lough Melvin Water Management Unit Action Plan Appendix D – Groundwater Vulnerability Matrix Appendix E – Leitrim County Council Site Investigation Report Appendix F – Anne Carey, Archaeological Consultancy Report Appendix G – Graveyard Risk Assessment Tool
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Report Context
WYG Environmental and Planning (NI) Limited (hereafter referred to as ‘WYG’) were commissioned by Envest on behalf of their client, CST Group (hereafter referred to as ‘the Client’) on 20th December 2018 to undertake a Hydrogeological Risk Assessment for Rossinver Graveyard extension at a local parish in Gubalaun, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim. Two options to extend the graveyard have been considered by the local graveyard committee and this assessment covers the potential for both extensions. This report meets the requirements of a Tier I (desktop study) assessment, required to be submitted alongside an appropriate planning application. The proposed extension areas are located to the east of the parish building; north and south of existing graveyard plots. Following completion of the hydrogeological, archaeological and ecological assessments, it has been decided to pursue the northern option within the confines of the existing walled enclosure which contains the modern graveyard. Both the northern and southern areas have been assessed in full and the reasoning behind the decision to continue with the northern extension is provided within this report.
The aim of this assessment is to gain an understanding of the environmental site setting and identify any potential risk or impacts that could result from the extension of the existing graveyard on surface water and or the groundwater environment within the vicinity of the site.
1.2 Project Brief
The burial of corpses and their subsequent degradation have the potential to pollute groundwater and any receiving surface waters. In order to protect the water environment, the potential pollution risks must be assessed. In the absence of regulatory notes from the Environmental Protection Agency Ireland (‘EPA’), the following relevant UK guidance has been considered as part of this assessment relating to Cemeteries, Burials and the Water Environment.
1. The Environment Agency (‘EA’) guidance on assessing the groundwater pollution potential of cemetery developments 1. This guidance is based no which has now been withdrawn2 and
2. The Environment Agency Research and Development Report on the Pollution Potential of Cemeteries 3.
1 Guidance: Cemeteries and burials: Prevent Groundwater Pollution (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cemeteries-and-burials-prevent-groundwater- pollution) accessed 17th January 2019. 2 Assessing the Groundwater Pollution Potential of Cemetery Developments, Science Group: Air, Land & Water; Environment Agency April 2004 (Product Code SCH0040BGLA-E-P) 3 Pollution Potential of Cemeteries; Draft Guidance, R&D Technical Report P223, Young C.P, Blackmore K.M, Reynolds P, and Leavens A, 2002.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
The aforementioned guidance recommends that burial plots should be located:
• A minimum of 250m from a borehole, spring, or well used for the supply of drinking water and or bottling mineral water;
• A minimum of 50m from all other boreholes, springs, and well (Private Water Supplies);
• A minimum of 50m from a river, canal, lake, wetland, or the coast;
• A minimum of 10m from field drains (to include old agricultural drainage systems);
In addition to this:
• If bedrock is encountered in the trial pit, then this area should not be considered for burial plots;
• Where standing water is present at the bottom of the trial pit when first dug, then this area of the site is not suitable for burials.
In the absence of guidance from EPA Ireland, Northern Ireland Environment Agency Guidance recommends maintaining a minimum of 1m sub soil beneath a typical burial; thus requiring circa 2.8m of superficial cover to offer protection to the underlying aquifer. The guidance also discourages burials taking place below the water table.
A tiered assessment approach is typically used in order to determine the potential risk that would be posed by a cemetery. This report represents a Tier I Risk Screening Assessment. The outcome of this assessment is designed to determine whether a Tier II: Generic Quantitative Risk Assessment is required for the proposed extension development or whether the risks are suitably low so as to negate the need for further assessment. The Client commissioned 2No. ground investigations at the extension site areas to determine the land suitability for use as a graveyard.
1.3 Report Scope
This Tier I Assessment includes the following:
• A site description, including a review of the site topographical survey; • Meteorological Factors: Review of water inputs; • Soil and Sub-Soil Characteristics: Baseline soil type determined based on available geological mapping and site investigation data; • Superficial geology and hydrogeology: Assessment of superficial/drift geology and hydrogeology; • Solid geology & hydrogeology: Assessment of bedrock/solid geology and hydrogeology presented;
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
• Groundwater Vulnerability: Review of the published site groundwater vulnerability rating and refinement based on the results of the intrusive site investigation; • Groundwater Level or Presence: Review of water strikes during the intrusive site investigation; • Surface Water Drainage: Review of on-site drainage features and potential flood constraints; • Proximity to Water Source or Resource: assessment of known surface water or groundwater abstractions in proximity to the site; • Historical Land Use: Review of the site and surrounding historical land use; • Sensitive Receptors: Review of the potential sensitive receptors in proximity to the site; • Burial Rates: Presentation of expected burial rates based on historical site data.
The desk study has been completed following a review of readily available historical and current site information and Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) published geological and hydrogeological maps. This report contains a record of the site work carried out, including the ground conditions encountered at each of the exploratory trial pits.
1.4 Historical Site Investigation Information
No historical site investigations are known to have taken place at the site prior to March 2018. The following investigations are known to have taken place since then:
• J Mulligan, Site Investigation Report for Rossinver Graveyard Extension, dated March 2018;
• Anne Carey, Archaeological Report on Trial Trenching at Gubalaun townland, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim, dated January 2019.
Both documents are discussed later in this report.
1.5 Limitations of Assessment
This report has been prepared in accordance with the agreed scope of services. This report is limited to assessing the potential risks associated with the burial of corpses on the water environment and does not consider other potential development considerations such as buildings etc. It is subject to the report conditions contained in Appendix A.
The recommendations and opinions expressed in this report are based on the information available at the time, and information obtained as part of the desk study or site investigation data provided by others. Information provided from other sources is taken in good faith and WYG cannot guarantee its accuracy.
The information contained in this report is intended for the use of the Client. WYG can take no responsibility for the use of this information by any third party or for uses other than that described in this report.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
2.0 Site Information
2.1 Site Description
The proposed extension sites are situated in a rural location, c.1.1km north of the centre of Rossinver hamlet. The proposed extension sites are generally surrounded by agricultural land / designated woodlands. A historical graveyard is located west of the proposed extension areas, and west of the current graveyard area. The historical graveyard is c.10m from Ballagh River. The current cemetery area is located a similar distance to the proposed development sites, all of which are located within the curtilage of the local parish church, car parking and graveyard. The current graveyard is split into an eastern and western portion, dissected by an access track leading north off the primary road, R281. A plan detailing the site location and proposed extension areas relative to the existing and historical burial areas is presented on Figure 1.
2.1.1 Northern Extension
The northern extension is located at grid reference 592349, 849756. Surrounding land uses are detailed in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Northern Extension Surrounding Land Uses
Orientation Description relative to site The proposed northern extension is bounded by a small track which separates the parish land from the nearby woodlands. Lough Melvin, a North Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a Proposed Natural Heritage Area and Old Oak Woodland (NPWS) is located beyond this woodland.
The proposed northern extension is bound by agricultural lands to the east, East currently comprising grasses.
South The proposed northern extension is bounded by the existing graveyard.
The proposed northern extension is bounded by a small access track with West existing graveyard plots beyond.
Topographically, across the proposed northern extension, the land broadly slopes upwards to the north from the southern boundary to the centre of the site, before sloping gently downwards to the north. Elevations rise from a low of 28.32 metres above ordnance datum (mAOD) at the southern boundary to a high of 28.65mAOD in the centre of the site before returning to a lower
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
elevation of 27.96mAOD along the northern boundary. The resultant net level change in elevation across the proposed extension areas is a decrease of c. 0.46 metres from south to north.
2.1.2 Southern Extension
The southern extension is located at grid reference 592361, 849696. Surrounding land uses are detailed in Table 2.2
Table 2.2 Southern Extension Surrounding Land Uses
Orientation Description relative to site The proposed southern extension is bounded by the existing graveyard, North separated by a small hedgerow.
The proposed southern extension is bound by agricultural lands to the east, East currently comprising grasses.
The proposed southern extension is bounded by agricultural lands South comprising grasses.
The proposed southern extension is bounded by a small access track with West agricultural lands located beyond, comprising grasses.
Topographically, across the proposed southern extension, the land slopes gently upwards towards the north with an elevation rise of 1m recorded along the proposed c.40m length. Elevations rise from 27mAOD at the southern boundary to 28mAOD at the northern boundary.
2.2 Site History
The proposed graveyard extension areas are currently covered by grass and it is understood that the areas have been historically used as agricultural land. During the two site investigations referenced in Section 1.2 no evidence of any historical developments at the site were noted. The Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) online historical map viewer (GeoHive) was consulted on 18th January 2019 and permits a chronological review of key historical development stages and land uses locally from 1837 to present. A summary of these findings is presented in Table 2.3 below and displayed on Figure 2.
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Table 2.3 Historical Map Review
OS Date Site Description Surrounding Area Description
The northern and The surrounding area is primary fields with southern extension areas isolated buildings. Woodlands are located to the are noted to be a field north of the site, adjacent to a large unnamed 1837 – 1842 with no developments waterbody. A church is present to the west of the annotated within their site, depicted as a rectangle adjacent to an boundaries. unnamed watercourse
There are no significant changes to the There are no significant surrounding area; however, the church is 1888 – 1913 changes identified. annotated as ‘in ruins’ and a graveyard is annotated in the southern portion of the site.
1995 There are no significant 2000 There are no significant changes identified. changes identified. 2005
2.3 Development Proposals
2.3.1 Northern Area
The proposed northern extension area is approximately 940m2 (0.23 acres). Using the EPA Map Viewer, the proposed site is located approximately 17.5m from the boundary of the Lough Melvin SAC and approximately 51m from the Ballagh River.
Construction Methodology
It is expected the proposed construction works will be completed within an 8-10No. week programme. The works include:
• Stripping approximately 150mm-200mm of existing topsoil in the areas where the concrete footways (paths) are to be constructed. There will be circa 150m of paths constructed.
• These proposed paths will be ‘set-out’ using timber formwork edging along their lengths.
• Sub-base of 225mm Clause 804 material will be placed in path by hand or using small machines (excavators/dumper etc.), which will subsequently be compacted using hand operated vibrators or small rollers.
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• Ready mix concrete will be placed on the compacted sub-base using wheelbarrows or concreting buckets, small machines etc. which will subsequently be compacted and finished by hand.
• Existing topsoil will also be stripped where the headstone foundation beam is to be constructed and construction of the headstone foundation beam will follow the same methodology as the paths.
• Drainage will be installed to the perimeter of the paths consisting of a 150mm perforated pipe with a pea gravel surround. This will be excavated and laid using small machines.
• The site will be accessed through a double gate that currently serves the modern burial ground on the eastern side of the small access road.
Operational Phase
Based on information provided by the Client, there has been approximately 30No. burials in the last 5No. years in the existing graveyard. Therefore, the assessment of potential impact due to the proposed northern extension is based on a realistic assumed rate of 6No. burials per annum.
2.3.2 Southern Area
The proposed southern extension area is approximately 1,800m2 (0.44 acres). Using the EPA Map Viewer, the proposed site is located approximately 17.5m from the boundary of Lough Melvin SAC and approximately 57m from the Ballagh River.
Construction Methodology
It is expected the proposed construction works will be completed within a 10No. week programme. The works include:
• Raising the existing ground level by approximately 0.9m. This will raise the level to approximately 2.0m above the water table. This will involve using imported fill, free of invasive species which will be compacted in layers using rollers
• Stripping approximately 150mm-200mm of existing topsoil in the areas where the concrete footways (paths) are to be constructed and the roadway. There will be c.150m of paths constructed.
• These proposed paths will be ‘set-out’ using timber formwork edging along their lengths.
• Sub-base of 225mm Clause 804 material will be placed in path by hand or using small machines (excavators/dumper etc.), which will subsequently be compacted using hand operated vibrators or small rollers.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
• Ready mix concrete will be placed on the compacted sub-base using wheelbarrows or concreting buckets, small machines etc. which will subsequently be compacted and finished by hand.
• Existing topsoil will also be stripped where the headstone foundation beam is to be constructed and construction of the headstone foundation beam will follow the same methodology as the paths/roadway.
• Drainage will be installed to the perimeter of the paths consisting of a 150mm perforated pipe with a pea gravel surround. This will be excavated and laid using small machines.
• The site will be accessed through a new entrance - the existing hedge will be removed along the site frontage (western boundary) to allow for the construction of a perimeter wall, approximately 1.2m in line with the existing graveyard to the north.
Operational Phase
Based on information provided by the Client, there has been approximately 30No. burials in the last 5No. years in the existing graveyard. Therefore, the assessment of potential impact due to the proposed southern extension is based on a realistic assumed rate of 6No. burials per annum.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
3.0 Desk Study
This section presents the findings of the preliminary desk study and provides detail on the hydrology, solid and drift geology and hydrogeological environment proximal to the site.
The study involved the collation and review of the development proposals and supporting assessments, published geological and hydrogeological information for the local area, published literature relating to the regional geological and hydrogeological setting.
3.1 Data Sources
The following is a list of the resources consulted as part of this assessment:
• Published geological map (Geological Survey of Ireland Geology Viewer4) consulted on 18th January 2019;
• Soil classification map (Environmental Protection Agency Ireland viewer5) consulted on 18th January 2019;
• Soil Map of Co. Leitrim6 (National Soil Survey of Ireland) produced by the National Soil Survey, Soils Division, An Foras Talúntais;
• A search of the WYG Borehole Database and Environmental Protection Agency Ireland database7 to identify any potential groundwater abstractions within proximity to the site;
• Current and Historical Ordnance Survey maps8;
• Met Éireann Interactive Regional mapped climate averages database for the closest weather station (Finner Camp) consulted on 23rd January 20199;
• J Mulligan, Site Investigation Report for Rossinver Graveyard Extension, dated March 2018;
• Anne Carey, Archaeological Report on Trial Trenching at Gubalaun townland, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim, dated January 2019.
4 https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=de7012a99d2748ea9106e7ee1b6ab8d5&scale=0 5 http://gis.teagasc.ie/soils/map.php 6 https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/environment/soil/Leitrim-map.pdf 7 https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3400f393afa844538e5b81679552205d 8 http://map.geohive.ie/mapviewer.html 9 https://www.met.ie/climate/available-data/monthly-data
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
3.2 Soils and Geology Overview
3.2.1 Bedrock Geology
The geological setting comprises Carboniferous bedrock overlain by Quaternary superficial deposits at the mouth of Lough Melvin. The Carboniferous bedrock comprises of the Benbulben Shale Formation of the Dinantian Series. This Formation is faulted to the south by a conglomeratic limestone and shale. Northwest of the site the Carboniferous bedrock comprises of the Mullaghmore Sandstone Formation of the Dinantian Series. This Formation dips to the northwest, i.e. towards Lough Melvin.
At the site, the Benbulben Shale Formation consists primarily of laminated dark-grey calcareous shale, with sub-ordinate ribs of argillaceous fine calcarenite or calcisiltite. Bioclastic debris is abundant, including crinoid, brachiopod and coral. The site solid geology is presented on Figure 3.
3.2.2 Superficial Deposits
The site is underlain by alluvium sediments of the Quaternary age. The sediments extend to the south (across the hamlet of Rossinver) and to the north, up to Lough Melvin. It is enveloped by Till derived from sandstones and shales. To the south and west of the site, the landscape is indicative of drumlins and ribbed moraines.
The intrusive site investigations confirmed the site as being underlain by alluvium deposits which is consistent with the superficial geology of the wider area. Boulder clay (till) was not encountered and this is consistent with the mapped geology.
Sand and silts were recorded during the site investigations in March 2018 and January 2019. This indicates that the proposed extension areas are situated on soils that have a of moderate permeability and therefore, may permit the migration of contaminants associated with burials. The drift geology is presented on Figure 4.
3.2.3 Shallow Soil Profile
Soils Classification maps for the area were obtained from The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI). The soil classification map is presented on Figure 5.
Examination of the published soil classification map would indicate that Peats of the Ardrum Association is dominant in the area. Updated classifications obtained via the Irish Soil Information System (combined venture between EPA, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority [Teagasc] and Cranfield University) identifies the soils as ‘Silty River Alluvium’ and it suggests that
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
this soil type is dominant in the area. River Alluvium can be clayey, silty, sandy or loamy in texture. The soils are noted to have been derived from mainly non-calcareous parent materials.
Northern Extension
Within the northern extension area, a total of 5No. of trial trenches were excavated. The archaeological report which summaries the findings associated with four of the 5No. trial trenches indicates that the top layer of soils, incorporating topsoil varies between 1.0m and 2.1m in thickness and was reported as ‘gritty sand’. In trial trench No. 5, the subsoils are noted to be light orange sand underlain by dark gritty sand which extend to a depth in excess of 1.6m.
Southern Extension
In total 5No. trial pits were excavated within the proposed southern extension area. A review of the trial pit logs indicates that the top layer of soils, incorporating topsoil is consistent at 0.4m in thickness and was confirmed as ‘Sandy Clay – Clay Loam’.
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4.0 Water Environment
Ordnance Survey maps and EPA mapping viewers were examined to identify and characterise all surface water courses in the vicinity of the site to examine the local catchment regime.
4.1 General Setting
One surface water drain is present along the eastern boundary of the northern and southern extensions. The land within the proposed development site generally dips to the south away from Lough Melvin. A review of Ordnance Survey maps identified the nearest river, the Ballagh River, as being located between 51m (northern area) and 57m (southern area) west of the proposed extension areas western boundary.
Within the wider parish site boundary, areas covered by hard standing (tarmac) are drained via overland flow which is directed to engineered storm drainage. Areas covered by grass are likely to be drained by shallow groundwater flow and overland flow.
4.2 Meteorological Information
The Met Éireann Interactive Regional map was consulted on 23rd January 2019 to determine the historical average precipitation and evapotranspiration volumes.
Precipitation is one of the more variable of climatological elements both temporally and spatially. Precipitation information for Finner Camp for the period 1981 – 2010 has been used during this assessment to gain an understanding of the mean annual rainfall at the site. The total mean annual rainfall across the northern and southern extensions has been estimated to be 1,250mm/annum. The potential evapotranspiration (PT) has been estimated between 547.4 and 562.8mm/annum based on information from 2016 to present.
4.2.1 Northern Extension
It is therefore estimated that the maximum recharge available as runoff and or to groundwater within the northern extension from direct rainfall input from the site is likely to be approximately 1.77m3/day based on a calculated extension area of 940m2.
A proportion of this is expected to present itself as surface runoff and will be discharged to the proposed engineered drainage. The remainder is expected to infiltrate into the alluvium and present itself as shallow groundwater.
Based on information collected during the intrusive site investigation it is considered that the topsoil horizon, drains readily as there is no significant runoff. Deeper sandy soil horizons (c. 1m
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
to 2.1 metres below ground level (mbgl) encountered standing water (interpreted as the water table) which settled in the base of the trial trench. This sandy horizon is of higher permeability and facilitates the movement of water. Recharge to this sandy layer is considered to be occurring outside the boundary of the proposed extensions in areas of limited clay topsoil layers.
4.2.2 Southern Extension
It is estimated that the maximum recharge available to groundwater or available as runoff within the southern extension is approximately 3.38m3/day based on a calculated extension area of 1,800m2.
A proportion of this is expected to present itself as surface runoff and will discharge to the proposed engineered drainage. The remainder is expected to infiltrate into the alluvium and present itself as shallow groundwater.
Based on information collected during the intrusive site investigation it is considered that the topsoil horizon, drains readily as there is no significant runoff. Deeper silty sandy soil horizons (c. 1.0m to 1.2mbgl) encountered standing water (interpreted as the water table) which settled in the base of the trial pit. Note, these horizons will increase to depths of 1.9m to 2.1m below ground level based on the proposed construction plan. This silty sandy horizon is of moderately higher permeability and facilitates the movement of water. Recharge to this sandy layer is considered to be occurring outside the boundary of the proposed extensions in areas of limited clay topsoil layers.
4.3 Hydrology - Surface Water
Ordnance Survey maps were examined in order to identify all surface water courses, springs and wells within the immediate vicinity of the site and to examine the local catchment regime in order to determine the drainage characteristics of the site.
The site is located within the North Western River Basin District as classified under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Lough Melvin (ID Code: IE_NW_35_160) located to the north of the site is classified as ‘Moderate’ during the 2007-09, 2010-12 and 2010-15 classification periods. One of the feeding rivers, Ballagh River (ID Code: IE_NW_35B010400), is ‘unassigned’ under the WFD for the 2007-09, 2010-12 and 2010-15 periods. The WFD classification is presented at Appendix B. Furthermore, the Lough Melvin Water Management Unit (WMU) Action Plan confirms the Lough and Ballagh River to be of ‘Moderate’ status. The Lough Melvin WMU Action Plan is presented at Appendix C.
In addition to the examining Ordnance Survey maps, the National Flood Hazard Mapping viewer was consulted. A review of the National Flood Hazard map has confirmed that land within the site
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
boundary is not located within a flood plain and is not susceptible to low, medium of high probability river or coastal flooding. This scenario is expected due to the elevation and north to south downward slope of the site. A small historical flooding event is noted on the R282 road, located c. 670m northeast of the site. A copy of the map is presented on Figure 6.
4.4 Hydrogeology - Groundwater
The following section outlines the hydrogeological assessment carried out at the site and our interpretation of the investigation’s findings. The following additional information has been reviewed as part of this assessment:
• Published hydrogeological map (Geological Survey of Ireland Geology Viewer10) consulted on 18th January 2019;
• Vulnerability and Contaminant Type Matrix (Geological Survey of Ireland11), consulted on 18th January 2019;
• WFD Cycle 2, Catchment Erne, Sub catchment Drowes_SC_010, Code 36_20NIEA, June 2012 (version 1) – Water Framework Directive National Characterisation;
• Current and Historical O.S. maps.
4.4.1 General Hydrogeological Setting
The GSI Groundwater Data Viewer (consulted on 18th January 2019), maps the Carboniferous Benbulben Shale Formation bedrock beneath the site as having a Classification of LI – a locally important aquifer with moderate productivity in local zones. The bedrock at the site is overlain by quaternary alluvium. It is considered that these deposits are not a substantial aquifer or groundwater source for abstraction.
Groundwater recharge is estimated as having 15% recharge coefficient, with a maximum recharge capacity of 200mm/yr.
4.4.2 Aquifer Classification
The proposed site is located on Rossinver Groundwater Body (ID Code: IEGBNI_NW_G_044) which is categorised as PP: Poorly Productive bedrock. High yields are possible from the bedrock but are not common. Groundwater within the bedrock is classified as ‘good’ water quality status under the WFD for the period 2007 – 2012. See Appendix B for further details.
10 https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3400f393afa844538e5b81679552205d 11 https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/programmes-and-projects/groundwater/activities/understanding-ireland-groundwater/groundwater- vulnerability/Pages/Groundwater-vulnerability-and-pathways.aspx
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Aquifer Vulnerability
All groundwater is vulnerable to pollution; some geological formations are more vulnerable than others to pollution. Those with thin soils directly over permeable rocks (such as sandstone, chalk or limestone) and where the water table is a short distance below ground are most vulnerable. Groundwater is less vulnerable where thick superficial deposits (such as clay) overlie deep groundwater.
The pathway between the ground surface and the water table can affect the degree of attenuation of contaminants. The following factors can influence attenuation:
• The permeability of the superficial deposits;
• The thickness of the superficial deposits;
• The mode of groundwater flow in bedrock aquifers (fracture or intergranular flow);
• The depth to the water table in both superficial deposits and intergranular bedrock aquifers.
Based on these influential factors the bedrock aquifers of Ireland have been divided into six classes:
• X – Rock at or near surface or Karst
• E – Extreme
• H – High
• M – Moderate
• L – Low
• W - Water
GSI Groundwater Data Viewer (consulted on 18th January 2019) classifies the bedrock aquifer below the site to be of vulnerability, ‘M’, due to its depth to bedrock (>10m) and low permeability soil cover. Please see Appendix D for a delineation matrix table regarding vulnerability categorisation. The vulnerability maps are not designed to be used on a site-specific scale but can act as a useful guide. Site-specific information is required to complete a detailed assessment of the potential effects of any planned activity or development.
Northern Extension
Based on the findings of the site investigations completed in January 2019, it is noted that groundwater is present at shallow depth (generally between 1.8 and 2.1mgl) within the Sandy loam deposits.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Southern Extension
Based on the findings of the site investigations completed in March 2018, it is noted that groundwater is present at shallow depth (generally between 1.0-1.16m below existing ground level and 1.9 – 2.06m below proposed constructed ground levels) within the Silty Sandy Clay Loam deposits.
4.4.3 Groundwater Abstraction
In order to identify groundwater abstractions in the vicinity of the site the following resources were consulted:
• Geological Survey of Ireland, Groundwater Data View consulted on 18th January 2019;
• Current and Historical O.S. maps;
• WYG borehole database;
A search of the GSI borehole database identified no boreholes or wells within 1km of the site. The closest groundwater borehole is located c. 1.5km south of the site (ID: 1733NEW001), drilled in Oct 2004 to a depth of 62.5mbgl and bedrock encountered at 13.7mbgl. A poor yield is reported from this installation. All other reported boreholes are located >8km from the site.
The site is not located within a drinking water protection area.
A search of the WYG borehole database identified no additional boreholes located within close proximity of the site.
A review of the historical OS maps did not highlight any shallow agricultural wells within 1000m of the site. The nearest potential shallow well was identified approximately 250m northeast of the site at ‘Mogue’s Well’ which is an historical monument. The current operational status of the wells is unknown.
A review of the Private Water Supply borehole database identified no additional boreholes located within close proximity of the site.
It is considered that the risk posed to water wells in the area is low.
4.4.4 Known Springs in the Vicinity of the Site
There were no groundwater wells or springs identified within close proximity to the site on the Groundwater Data Viewer, consulted on 18th January 2019. Please see Figure 7 for further details of closest wells and springs.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
5.0 Site Investigation Works
5.1 Trial Pitting
Two site investigations were completed in March 2018 and January 2019 by others. On 9th March 2018, Leitrim County Council completed a site investigation in the proposed southern extension which consisted of the excavation of 5No. trial pits to a target depth of a minimum depth of 3.3mbgl which represents a total depth of 1.5m greater than the total depth of a typical grave. The summary of the site works, including trial pit locations are provided on at Appendix E. On 10th January 2019, an archaeological site investigation was completed in the grounds of the proposed northern extension which consisted of the excavation of 5No. trial trenches. To a maximum depth of 2.2mbgl. The summary of site works, including trial pit locations are provided at Appendix F.
5.2 Encountered Ground Conditions
5.2.1 Soil Conditions
The sequence of strata encountered beneath the site is summarised below and detailed on Table 5.1 and Table 5.2 for the northern and southern extension areas respectively. • Topsoil - Sandy Clay – Clay Loam • Sandy Clay Loam - Loam • Sandy Clay Loam – Silt Loam • Sand – Sandy Loam
Table 5.1 Encountered Ground Conditions at the Exploratory Positions in Proposed Northern Extension
Topsoil – Sandy Sandy Loam (m) Location Observations Clay / Clay (m) Trial trench walls stable. Substantial TT1 0.0 – 1.4 1.4 – 2.2 water entry to trench Trial trench walls stable. Substantial TT2 0.0 – 2.1 2.1 – 2.2 water entry to trench Trial trench walls unstable. TT3 0.0 – 1.9 1.9 – 2.2 Substantial water entry to trench Trial trench walls stable. Substantial TT4 0.0 – 1.7 1.6 – 2.0 water entry to trench Trial trench walls stable. Substantial TT5 - 0.0 – 2.0 water entry to trench
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Table 5.2 Encountered Ground Conditions at the Exploratory Positions in Proposed Southern Extension
Topsoil – Sandy Sandy Clay / Location Sandy Clay (m) Observations Clay / Clay (m) Silt (m) Trial Pit walls stable. Substantial TP1 0.0 – 0.4 0.40 – 1.1 1.1 – 3.0 water entry to pit Trial Pit walls stable. Substantial TP2 0.0 – 0.4 0.40 – 1.2 1.2 – 3.3 water entry to pit Trial Pit walls stable. Substantial TP3 0.0 – 0.4 0.40 – 1.1 1.1 – 3.1 water entry to pit Trial Pit walls stable. Substantial TP4 0.0 – 0.4 0.40 – 1.2 1.2 – 3.0 water entry to pit Trial Pit walls stable. Substantial TP5 0.0 – 0.4 0.40 – 1.1 1.1 – 3.3 water entry to pit
5.2.2 Topsoil
In the proposed northern extension, a layer of topsoil was encountered in 4No. of the 5No. investigation locations with a thickness range of 1.4m to 2.1m. At trial trench No. 5, underlying the earth sod, a light orange sandy horizon is reported and extends to 0.8mbgl.
In the proposed southern extension, a layer of topsoil was encountered in all of the investigation positions with a constant thickness of 0.4m. The topsoil was generally a sandy, clayey, light brown earth.
5.2.3 Quaternary Deposits – Sandy Clayey / Sandy Loam
In the proposed southern extension, sandy clay / silt was encountered in all investigation positions. In the proposed northern extension, below the thicker sandy clay topsoil, a sandy horizon was encountered at all investigation positions. Hardness characteristics and inclusion descriptions are not available for the trial locations.
5.2.4 Water Entry
During the site investigation works, ‘substantial’ groundwater ingress was observed to be entering the walls of the excavation and pooling at the base of the trial pits. Water levels rose and settled between 1.8 and 2.1mbgl in the north and between 1.0 and 1.16mbgl (1.9 and 2.06m below proposed constructed level) in the southern extension. It is considered that the water table was intercepted during the site investigation works. Given that there was no rainfall during the investigation, it is not considered that meteorological conditions contributed to the observed volumes of water within the open trial pits.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
6.0 Tier 1 Risk Screening
The burial of corpses and their subsequent degradation causes the release of chemical compounds that have the potential to pollute groundwater. The nature of these chemical compounds are well understood. Available UK guidance recommends a tiered approach to the groundwater risk assessment process. The risk assessment presented in Tables 6.1 and 6.2 are based on the relationship between burial rates, vulnerability class and level of risk presented in Young et al (2002). The inset below illustrates the vulnerability rating (very low, low, moderate, high or very high) based on the total vulnerability score.
Tier I risk screening has been completed in order to define the potential pathways and receptors in proximity to the extension sites (i.e. the sources). The screening has been split into two stages, assessing the vulnerability of each site as a result of its use as a graveyard (considering the main pathways and receptors) and subsequently characterizing the appropriate level of risk. The Tier I screen also considers the size of the graveyard extension areas (i.e. the sources). The site-specific information is applied to a pollution potential assessment on the following tables.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Table 6.1 Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment for Northern Extension
Vulnerability Vulnerability Vulnerability Factor Site Result Rank Score (1 to 5) Alluvium / sandy clay / sand Drift type High 4 loam
Drift thickness Proven to 2.2m in places High 4
1.8 – 2.1 metres below Depth to water table Very high 5 ground level a
Flow mechanism Intergranular b Moderate 3
Aquifer classification Locally important aquifer c Moderate 3
Abstractions & SPZ None with 1.5km Very Low 1
Ballagh River located 57m Watercourses & springs Moderate 3 west To be installed within Drains extension to capture surface Low 2 runoff Total 25
Groundwater Vulnerability Rating Moderate Note: a Depth to the water table measured from existing ground level. Post burial the depth to the water table relative to the coffin will be reduced to distance at or close to the water table. b intergranular flow rates to the properties of the superficial deposits. c Relates to Bedrock aquifer.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Table 6.2 Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment for Southern Extension
Vulnerability Vulnerability Vulnerability Factor Site Result Rank Score (1 to 5) Drift type Alluvium / sandy clay loam High 4
Drift thickness Proven to 3.3m in places Moderate 3 1.0 – 1.16 metres below ground level Depth to water table Very high 5 (1.9 – 2.06m below constructed ground level) a Flow mechanism Intergranular b Moderate 3
Aquifer classification Locally important aquifer c Moderate 3
Abstractions & SPZ None with 1.5km Very Low 1
Ballagh River located 51m Watercourses & springs Moderate 3 west To be installed within Drains extension to capture surface Low 2 runoff Total 24
Groundwater Vulnerability Rating Moderate Note: a Depth to the water table measured from existing ground level. Post burial the depth to the water table relative to the coffin will be reduced to distance at or close to the water table. b intergranular flow rates to the properties of the superficial deposits. c Relates to Bedrock aquifer.
For the purposes of the generating an Overall Risk Rating for each of the extension sites, WYG have assumed an average burial rate of 6No. burials per year within the proposed extension areas. The number of burials per annum can influence the overall risk rating of a site. Based on the relationship between burial rates, vulnerability class and level of risk presented in Young et al (2002) both extension sites at Rossinver pose an overall risk rating of Moderate.
This is based on the moderate vulnerability score of 25 for the Northern area and 24 for the Southern area. If the numbers total number of burials per annum were to increase from six to twenty-six per annum, the site would be considered to be a high-risk development. If the numbers total number of burials per annum were to decrease to two per annum, the site would be considered to be a low risk development.
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7.0 Conclusions
This assessment involved a desktop study only but has drawn upon available intrusive site investigations information for the extension areas. The desktop study collated published information in relation to site geology (GSI Geology Map viewer), hydrology (EPA Map Viewer, Flood Hazard Map), and hydrogeology (GSI Groundwater Map viewer). The findings of the assessment are split into conclusions for the northern extension and for the southern extension areas respectively.
7.1 Northern Extension
Factors including the till thickness, permeability of the sandy soils and water entries into the trial trenches all contributed to the moderate groundwater vulnerability rating. The number of burials per annum are expected to mimic those of the existing cemetery area.
The northern extension area is expected to meet the NIEA guidance for proposed cemeteries given that the following criteria are met:
• There are no known boreholes, springs, or wells used for the supply of drinking water and or bottling mineral water within 250m.
• The minimum 50m setback distance from a river, canal, lake, wetland, or the coast is fulfilled given that the distance of the to the Ballagh River is 51m and Lough Melvyn is located 118m to the north.
• The minimum 10m setback distance from field drains will be maintained.
• Bedrock has not been encountered during any of the trial pit investigations.
• The northern extension area displays a minimum thickness of (natural) ground cover of 1.8m. This is sufficient to ensure that no burials will take place sub-water table.
7.2 Southern Extension
Factors including the till thickness, permeability of the sandy soils and water entries into the trial trenches all contributed to the moderate groundwater vulnerability rating. The number of burials per annum are expected to mimic those of the existing cemetery area.
The southern extension area is expected to meet the NIEA guidance for proposed cemeteries given that the following criteria are met:
• There are no known boreholes, springs, or wells used for the supply of drinking water and or bottling mineral water within 250m.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
• The minimum 50m setback distance from a river, canal, lake, wetland, or the coast is fulfilled given that the distance of the to the Ballagh River is 57m and Lough Melvyn is located 185m to the north.
• The minimum 10m setback distance from field drains will be maintained.
• Bedrock has not been encountered during any of the trial pit investigations.
• The southern extension area displays a minimum thickness of ground cover of 1.0m; however it is proposed that the ground will be raised in this area by importing clean soils to increase the thickness of soil above the water table by a further 0.9m. This should be sufficient to ensure that no burials will take place sub-water table.
7.3 Conclusions
Given that the existing cemetery is situated a near identical distance from the main water receptors (i.e. Lough Melvin and the Ballagh River) neither of the proposed extension areas pose any significant increased risk than the existing cemetery in terms of distance, ground conditions, or receptors. The proposed extension areas effectively maintain the status quo. The loam rich sand is expected to extend as far as the Ballagh River and Lough Melvyn and its properties are expected to afford a level of natural attenuation to any contamination released to ground by the small number of burials proposed each year. The overall site risk rating derived based on the assessment criteria is moderate. Upon completion of the hydrogeological assessment, it is considered that the Northern extension is most suitable due to the recorded minimum thickness of (natural) ground cover of 1.8m. On this basis planning permission will be pursued for the northern extension.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
FIGURES
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Figure 1 – Site Location Plan
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c CST Group This drawing and any design hereon is the copyright of the Consultants and must not be reproduced without written consen N N All drawings remain the property of the Consultants. Figured dimension only to be taken from this drawing. N NE N NENE NW LOUGH MELVIN NWNW
E E E All dimensions to be checked on site.
W W W
SE SE SE
SW SW SW
S S S Consultants to be informed immediately of any LOCH MEILBHE discrepancies before work proceeds. c Ordnance Survey Ireland Government of Ireland Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence Number18 EN 00528
EXISTING GRAVEYARD REV. AMENDMENT BY DATE
DRAWN: TECH. CHECK: S SUMMERFIELD SITE PROPOSED M ROBB LOCATION EXTENSION OF SCALE @ A3: AS NOTED ENG. CHECK: S SUMMERFIELD GRAVEYARDS DATE: 05.12.2018 APPROVED: S SUMMERFIELD
STAGE: PLANNING
JOB TITLE: EXTENSION TO ROSSINVER GRAVEYARD CO. LETRIM
DRAWING TITLE:SITE LOCATION MAP
CLIENT: ROSSINVER GRAVEYARD EXT. COMITTEE
DRAWING No: 118248-100 REV: P0
1, O'CONNELL ST. SLIGO F91 W7YV IRELAND SCALE: 1:25,000 SCALE: 1:1,250 +353 71 919 4500 [email protected] www.cstgroup.ie Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Figure 2 – Historical Ordnance Survey Maps
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Figure 3 – Bedrock Geology Map
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Figure 4 – Superficial Geology Map
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Figure 5 – Soil Map
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Figure 6 – National Flooding Hazard Map
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Figure 7 – Groundwater Wells and Springs Map
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
APPENDICES
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Appendix A – Report Conditions
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
APPENDIX A - REPORT CONDITIONS GROUND INVESTIGATION
This report is produced solely for the benefit of CST Group and no liability is accepted for any reliance placed on it by any other party unless specifically agreed in writing otherwise.
This report refers, within the limitations stated, to the condition of the site at the time of the inspections. No warranty is given as to the possibility of future changes in the condition of the site.
This report is based on a visual site inspection, reference to accessible referenced historical records, information supplied by those parties referenced in the text and preliminary discussions with local and Statutory Authorities. Some of the opinions are based on unconfirmed data and information and are presented as the best that can be obtained without further extensive research. Where ground contamination is suspected but no physical site test results are available to confirm this, the report must be regarded as initial advice only, and further assessment should be undertaken prior to activities related to the site. Where test results undertaken by others have been made available these can only be regarded as a limited sample. The possibility of the presence of contaminants, perhaps in higher concentrations, elsewhere on the site cannot be discounted.
Whilst confident in the findings detailed within this report because there are no exact UK definitions of these matters, being subject to risk analysis, we are unable to give categoric assurances that they will be accepted by Authorities or Funds etc. without question as such bodies often have unpublished, more stringent objectives. This report is prepared for the proposed uses stated in the report and should not be used in a different context without reference to WYG. In time, improved practices or amended legislation may necessitate a re- assessment.
The assessment of ground conditions within this report is based upon the findings of the study undertaken. We have interpreted the ground conditions in between locations on the assumption that conditions do not vary significantly. However, no investigation can inspect each and every part of the site and therefore changes or variances in the physical and chemical site conditions as described in this report cannot be discounted.
The report is limited to those aspects of land contamination specifically reported on and is necessarily restricted and no liability is accepted for any other aspect especially concerning gradual or sudden pollution incidents. The opinions expressed cannot be absolute due to the limitations of time and resources imposed by the agreed brief and the possibility of unrecorded previous use and abuse of the site and adjacent sites. The report concentrates on the site as defined in the report and provides an opinion on surrounding sites. If migrating pollution or contamination (past or present) exists further extensive research will be required before the effects can be better determined.
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Appendix B – Lough Melvin and Ballagh River Water Quality Water Framework Directive Classification
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WFD Cycle 2
Catchment Erne
Subcatchment Drowes_SC_010
Code 36_20
2UGQDQFH6XUYH\,UHODQG$OOULJKWVUHVHUYHG/LFHQFH1XPEHU(1
Generated on: 07 Nov 2018
1 Generated by WFD Application
Assessment Purpose
This assessment has been produced as part of the national characterisation programme undertaken for the second cycle of Water Framework Directive river basin management planning. It has been led by the EPA, with input from Local Authorities and other public bodies, and with support from RPS consultants.
The characterisation assessments are automatically generated from the information stored in the WFD Application. They are based on information available to the end of 2015 but may be subject to change until the final 2018-21 river basin management plan is published. Users should ensure that they have the most up to date information by downloading the latest assessment before use.
2 Evaluation of PrioritySubcatchment Issues
There are a number of water bodies which are cross border within this subcatchment, and ongoing discussions with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency are needed to help identify the significant pressures for these shared water bodies. The two lake water bodies within the subcatchment, Melvin and Lattone, are At Risk; Lough Melvin has Moderate 2010-2015 ecological status (driven by macrophytes) and Lattone has Bad ecological status for 2010-2015 (driven by Bad fish status and Moderate total phosphorus). Investigative assessments are needed to determine the significant pressures impacting the fish status for Lough Lattone, with nutrients being the likely pressure for both lakes. It is noted that activities such as fishing take place on both water bodies, and there have been reports of foam forming on Melvin lake on the Northern Ireland side. Both lakes are verified to have the invasive zebra mussel present.
There are a number of areas within the subcatchment that have steep slopes, with runoff exacerbated by the topography likely to be impacting water bodies. Forestry activities involving felling have also been identified. Seven of the river water bodies have unassigned status with no biology or chemistry data available. These water bodies are under Review, given the limited information about the extent of potential pressures within their subbasins and therefore further characterisation is needed to establish water body risks and pressures. Forestry, agricultural activities and wastewater discharges are the main potentially significant pressures.
There is one High Ecological Status Objective water body, Glenaniff_010, which has maintained its High ecological status for 2010-2015.
Map Subcatchment Risk Map
3 River And Lake Waterbodies: WFD Risk
The following river and lake waterbodies are in the subcatchment. Code Name Type WFD Risk Significant Pressure IE_NW_35_143 Lattone Lake At risk Yes IE_NW_35_160 Melvin Lake At risk No UKGBNI1NW353504082 DROWES_010 River At risk Yes IE_NW_35B010400 BALLAGH_010 River Review No IE_NW_35K380940 KINLOUGH_010 River Review No IE_NW_35L660960 LATTONE_010 River Review No IE_NW_35R320460 ROSFRIAR_010 River Review No IE_NW_35S070870 SRAGARVE_010 River Review No UKGBNI1NW353504075 County River (Carran River Review No West)
Map Subcatchment Water Quality Status Map
4 River And Lake Waterbodies: Water Quality Status
The water quality status of river and lake waterbodies in the subcatchment is as follows. Code Name Type 2007-09 2010-12 2010-15 IE_NW_35B010400 BALLAGH_010 River Unassigned Unassigned Unassigned UKGBNI1NW35350 County River (Carran West) River Unassigned Unassigned Unassigned 4075 UKGBNI1NW35350 County River (Lattone) River Unassigned Unassigned Unassigned 4076 UKGBNI1NW35350 DROWES_010 River Good Good Moderate 4082 IE_NW_35G020200 GLENANIFF_010 River High High High IE_NW_35K380940 KINLOUGH_010 River Unassigned Unassigned Unassigned IE_NW_35_143 Lattone Lake Bad Bad Bad IE_NW_35L660960 LATTONE_010 River Unassigned Unassigned Unassigned IE_NW_35_160 Melvin Lake Moderate Moderate Moderate IE_NW_35R320460 ROSFRIAR_010 River Unassigned Unassigned Unassigned IE_NW_35S070870 SRAGARVE_010 River Unassigned Unassigned Unassigned
Potentially Dependent Transitional and Coastal Waterbodies
The Transitional and Coastal waterbodies listed below intersect spatially with river and lake waterbodies in the subcatchment « Code Name Type Local Authority WFD Risk IE_NW_010_0000 Donegal Bay (Erne) Coastal Donegal County Council Not at risk IE_NW_020_0000 Bundoran Bay Coastal Donegal County Council Review IE_NW_020_0100 Drowes Estuary Transitional Donegal County Council Review
5 Potentially Dependent Groundwater Waterbodies
The groundwaters listed below interset spatially with river and lake waterbodies in the subcatchment « Code Name Type Local Authority WFD Risk IE_NW_G_042 Glenfarne Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk IE_NW_G_043 Glenaniff Groundwater Leitrim County Council Review IE_NW_G_045 Largydonnell Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk IE_NW_G_046 Ballaghnatrillick Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk IE_NW_G_074 Kiltyclogher Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk IE_WE_G_0055 Killarga Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk IE_WE_G_0056 Killarga South Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk IE_WE_G_0059 Glenade Groundwater Leitrim County Council Review IE_WE_G_0060 Glencar Groundwater Leitrim County Council Review IEGBNI_NW_G_01 Bundoran Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk 3 IEGBNI_NW_G_01 Tullaghan-Lough Melvin Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk 4 IEGBNI_NW_G_01 Castlecaldwell Forest Groundwater Donegal County Council Not at risk 5 IEGBNI_NW_G_01 Kilcoo Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk 7 IEGBNI_NW_G_02 Ballintempo Groundwater Leitrim County Council Not at risk 1 IEGBNI_NW_G_04 Rossinver Groundwater Leitrim County Council Review 4
Protected Areas intersecting River and Lake Waterbodies
The Protected Areas listed below intersect spatially with river and lake waterbodies in the subcatchment « Code Name Type Waterbody Name Association Type IE0004151 Donegal Bay SPA SPA DROWES_010 Overlapping / partly within Protected Area IEPA1_NW_35_160 Melvin Drinking Water Melvin Within Protected Area
6 Pressures
Below is a list of all significant pressures identified in the subcatchment. Code Name WFD Risk Pressure Category Pressure Sub Category IE_NW_35_143 Lattone At risk Forestry Forestry UKGBNI1NW353504082 DROWES_010 At risk Agriculture Pasture IE_NW_020_0000 Bundoran Bay Review Anthropogenic Unknown Pressures IE_NW_020_0100 Drowes Estuary Review Anthropogenic Unknown Pressures IE_NW_G_043 Glenaniff Review Anthropogenic Unknown Pressures IE_WE_G_0059 Glenade Review Anthropogenic Unknown Pressures IE_WE_G_0060 Glencar Review Anthropogenic Unknown Pressures IEGBNI_NW_G_044 Rossinver Review Anthropogenic Unknown Pressures
7 Further Characterisation Actions
The following further characterisation actions have been identified. These are necessary to help understand more fully issues in the subcatchment and their likely cause. Code Name Action Responsible Organisation IE_NW_35R320460 ROSFRIAR_010 IA3 Determination of Water Quality Leitrim County Council (unassigned waterbody) UKGBNI1NW353504 DROWES_010 IA7 Multiple Sources in Multiple Areas Leitrim County Council 082 UKGBNI1NW353504 County River (Carran West) IA1 Provision of Information Northern Ireland Environment 075 Agency UKGBNI1NW353504 County River (Carran West) IA1 Provision of Information Environmental Protection 075 Agency IE_NW_35S070870 SRAGARVE_010 IA3 Determination of Water Quality Leitrim County Council (unassigned waterbody) UKGBNI1NW353504 DROWES_010 IA1 Provision of Information Northern Ireland Environment 082 Agency IE_NW_35_160 Melvin IA9 Lake pressures Leitrim County Council UKGBNI1NW353504 County River (Carran West) IA1 Provision of Information Northern Ireland Environment 075 Agency UKGBNI1NW353504 DROWES_010 IA1 Provision of Information Donegal County Council 082 IE_NW_35K380940 KINLOUGH_010 IA3 Determination of Water Quality Leitrim County Council (unassigned waterbody) IE_NW_35_143 Lattone IA1 Provision of Information Environmental Protection Agency UKGBNI1NW353504 DROWES_010 IA1 Provision of Information Northern Ireland Environment 082 Agency UKGBNI1NW353504 County River (Carran West) IA3 Determination of Water Quality Leitrim County Council 075 (unassigned waterbody) IE_NW_35L660960 LATTONE_010 IA5 Multiple Sources in defined rural Leitrim County Council area (1km) or waterbody or rural town IE_NW_35_143 Lattone IA1 Provision of Information Inland Fisheries Ireland IE_NW_35B010400 BALLAGH_010 IA3 Determination of Water Quality Leitrim County Council (unassigned waterbody)
8 Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Appendix C – Lough Melvin Water Management Unit Action Plan
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Lough Melvin Water MtUitAtiManagement Unit Action Plan
Lough Melvin Water Management Name Unit (WMU) Area 353 km2 River Basin District North Western IRBD Main Counties Leitrim 4 SC(SAC (Lough Melvin, Bundu ff Lough & Machair/ Trawalua/ Mullaghmore, Arroo Mountain, and Ben Bulben, Gleniff & Protected Areas Glenade Compp)lex) 1 surface drinking water (Lough Melvin) 1 Bathing Water (Mullaghmore) Sectoral Total Phosphorus Source ((pyp)This does not im p l y im p act )
100
90
80
70
60
50 % 40
30
20
10
0 yy dd dd nn yy PP ee dd ee ss Urba WwT
Forestr Peatlan
Propertie Agricultur Unsewere Backgroun Aquacultur
nsewered Industr U Lough Melvin Water Management Unit Action Plan STATUS/IMPACTS Overall status 48 river water bodies – 14 High, 26 Good, 6 Moderate and 2 Poor. 2 lakes within River Status Lake Status WMU both of which are at moderate status. Poor Status elements Macroinvertebrates (Q value) dictates status, nutrient values pass physio-chemical M oderate 4% standards. Chemical status passes 13 % High Possible Impacts - BRADOGE – (XB__ 35 1, XB__ 35 2, XB__ 35 3, Status 2009 – Good,,,) Good, Poor) 29% EPA Water Quality Upstream stretches improving but severe deterioration in Bundoran Town (XB_35_3). Sewage discharges and ‘pollutant tolerant’ species observed. DROWES – (XB_35_6, Status 2009) - Continuing satisfactory with a Q score of 4 in 2006. DUFF – (NW_35_2684, Status 2009 – High) Continuing satisfactory at all sites with Q scores of 4 in 2006. GLENANIFF – (NW_35_1341, Status 2009 – High) This tributary of Lough Melvin is also continuing satisfactory with Q score of 4-5 in2006.
PRESSURES/RISKS Good 54% Nutrient sources Over 91% of total phosphorus is diffuse with agriculture accounting for 59% and forestry accounting for over 15% with unsewered properties contributing 5%. Point source load represents 9% of the phosphorus load. Point pressures 5 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) (Bundoran, Kiltyclogher, Tullagahan, Mullaghmore and Kinlough); SELECTED ACTION PROGRAMME (continued) 2 Local Authority Licenced (Section 4) discharges - organic centre and fish farm. NB All relevant basic measures, general supplementary measures and SEA mitigation measures apply 1 water treatment plant (WTP) (Lough Melvin WTP) Other Channelisation survey required to investigate morphology pressures Wastewater Treatment Kinlough (Leitrim) WWTP - risks to water quality associated with insufficient Future abstractions licensing programme Plants (WWTP) and capacity. Industrial Discharges Mullaghmore (Sligo) WWTP - risks to water quality associated with possible Future Throughout the river basin management cycle future pressures and developments will need to be insufficient capacity.. Developments managed to ensure compliance with the objectives of the Water Framework Directive and the Bundoran WWTP – risk to water quality relating to insufficient existing WWTP Programme of Measures will need to be developed to ensure issues associated with these new capacity which may require measures including capital works . pressures are addressed.
Quarries, Mines & 1 registered quarry at Rossinver. No water bodies assessed to be at risk WWTP Measures Landfills Point Source Agriculture 3 river water bodies within the WMU are thought to be at risk from Agricultural County Priority Measure (Capital Works ) Date WMU practices. (NW_35_2686, NW__35_4227, XB_35_3) Discharge Bundoran Donegal 1 Increase capacity of treatment plant. 2015 LoughMelvin On-site systems There are 2250 septic tanks in this WMU, 173 septic tanks in 5 river water bodies are ppgosing arisktowaterqqyuality due to their density, location and unsuitable Bundoran Donegal 1 Provide tertiary treatment or relocate outfall. 2012 LoughMelvin hydrogeological conditions. (NW_35_2686, NW_35_3618, NW_35_1700, XB_35_2 and XB_35_3). Kiltyclogher Leitrim 2 Increase capacity of Treatment Plant 2010 LoughMelvin Local Authority housing on-site system at Rossinver (NW_35_3618, river water body Kinlough Leitrim 1 2010 LoughMelvin at risk). Increase capacity of Treatment Plant Kinlough Leitrim 1 2010 LoughMelvin Forestry No water bodies at risk Provide tertiary treatment or relocate outfall Kinlough Leitrim 1 2010 LoughMelvin Dangerous substances No water bodies at risk Provide nutrient removal or relocate outfall Kinlough Leitrim 2 2012 LoughMelvin Morphology 2 river water bodies at risk from channelisation - NW_35_1011 and NW_35_3775 Increase capacity of treatment plant Point Source Abstractions Surface water - Ballintrillick, Lough Melvin WTP, Rossinver, Mountain, Kiltyclogher County Priority Date WMU Discharge Measure (Investigation before Capital Works) (Lough Melvin at risk as is river water body XB_35_6) Mullaghmore Sligo 2 Investigate the need for increase in capacity of treatment plant. 2012 LoughMelvin SELECTED ACTION PROGRAMME NB All relevant basic measures, general supplementary measures and SEA mitigation measures apply OBJECTIVES Point Sources WWTP measures are summarised in the Table below. Good status 2015 There are 40 river water bodies at satisfactory condition and should be retained at high or good Examine the terms of discharge authorisations to determine whether they require status. 6 river water bodies and 2 lake water bodies have an objective to achieve good status by review for the purpose of compliance with water body objectives including protected 2015. area objectives and environmental quality standards. Diffuse Sources Good Agriculture Practice Regulations inspections/enforcement Alternative Objectives Heavily modified water bodies/ Artificial water bodies - None Septic tanks - The 173 at risk septic tanks are to be prioritised for inspections. New Modifications - None Subsequent upgrade or connection to municipal systems depends on inspection and Extended Timelines - 2 extensions proposed to 2021 for river water bodies. economics tests. Lough Melvin Water Management Unit Action Plan River Data IE_NW_LoughMelvin Biological Elements Supporting Protected Areas Elements Date ob Member State Macroi Specif Speci Nutri Dono Fres Ecol (Ext
Code Phy Che Dri Sp P C h e o n a r h s r j e i m n Monitored Monitored Water Pea onservatio Morpholog nt Sensitiv apolated N c Pollutant ective to b to ective gical Statu Waterbod l Protectio vertebrate io-chemic ytobentho cial Area king Wat ical Statu (Diatom Objectiv achieve Water Muss A Fis ( re Q e o s a e r Y h n n d a e e e y y s s s s s s ) ) ) r f l l l
NW_35_1011 N NW_35_2684 H Y Y HES 2009
NW_35_1076 N NW_35_3775 G Y GES 2009
NW_35_1133 N NW_35_2684 H Y Y HES 2009
NW_35_1277 N NW_35_3775 G Y Y GES 2009
NW_35_1303 N NW_37_305 G Y GES 2009
NW_35_1341 Y H H Y HES 2009
NW_35_1349 N NW_35_3775 G Y GES 2009
NW_ 35_ 1472 N NW_ 36_ 1784 G GES 2009
NW_35_1500 N NW_35_2684 H Y Y HES 2009
NW_35_1700 N NW_35_3775 G GES 2009
NW_35_2015 N NW_35_1341 H HES 2009
NW_35_2296 N NW_37_2588 M GES 2015
NW__ 35 2327 N NW __ 35 3775 G GES 2009
NW_35_2388 N NW_35_1341 H Y HES 2009
NW_35_2390 N NW_37_2588 M Y GES 2015
NW_ 35_ 2403 N NW_ 35_ 1341 H HES 2009
NW_35_2472 N NW_37_2588 M Y Y GES 2015
NW_35_2541 N NW_35_3775 G Y Y GES 2009
NW_35_2597 N NW_35_3775 G Y GES 2009
NW_35_2645 N NW_35_3775 G GES 2009
NW_ 35_ 2684 Y H H Y Y HES 2009
NW_35_2686 N NW_37_2591 G Y Y GES 2009
NW_35_3228 N NW_35_2684 H Y Y HES 2009
NW_35_3229 N NW_35_2684 H Y Y HES 2009
NW_35_3237 N NW_35_3775 G Y Y GES 2009
NW_35_3302 N NW_37_305 G Y Y GES 2009
NW_35_3437 N NW_37_2588 M Y Y GES 2015
NW_35_3453 N NW_37_305 G Y Y GES 2009
NW_ 35_ 3585 N NW_ 35_ 2684 H Y Y HES 2009
NW_35_3618 N NW_37_2588 M Y GES 2015
NW_35_3629 N NW_36_1784 G GES 2009
NW_35_3775 Y G G Y Y GES 2009
NW_35_3803 N NW_37_305 G Y GES 2009 Lough Melvin Water Management Unit Action Plan IE_NW_LoughMelvin Biological Elements Supporting Protected Areas River Data Elements Date ob Member State Macroi Specif Speci Nutri Dono Fres Ecol (Ext
Code Phy Che Dri Sp P C h e o n a r h s r j e i m n Monitored Monitored Water Pea onservatio Morpholog nt Sensitiv apolated N c Pollutant ective to b to ective gical Statu Waterbod l Protectio vertebrate io-chemic ytobentho cial Area king Wat ical Statu (Diatom Objectiv achieve Water Muss A Fis ( re Q e o s a e r Y h n n d a e e e y y s s s s s s ) ) ) r f l l l
NW_35_3875 N NW_37_305 G Y Y GES 2009
NW_35_3920 N NW_35_3775 G Y Y GES 2009
NW_35_4049 N NW_35_2684 H Y Y HES 2009
NW_35_4227 N NW_37_2591 G GES 2009
NW_35_659 N NW_37_3589 G GES 2009
NW_35_724 N NW_37_3589 G GES 2009
NW_35_750 N NW_35_2684 H Y Y HES 2009
NW_ 35_ 817 N NW_ 35_ 2684 H HES 2009
XB_35_1 Y G G GES 2009
XB_35_2 N XB_35_1 G GES 2009
XB_35_3 Y P P GES 2021
XB_35_4 Y G M H M GES 2009
XB__ 35 5 Y GG HG Y GES 2015
XB_35_6 Y G H G Y Y GES 2009
XB_36_west_10 Y H P G G P GES 2021
IE_ NW_LoughMelvin Biological Supporting Protected Areas Elements Elements D M
Lake Data Special Ar ate objec Member State Name onitored
Code Nutrien Spec N t u e Y i t ive tobe a al Protecti trient Enri trient a of Conse Sensitive (Extrapol Ecological Physio C Chemical Drinkin Bathin Macr Mor Chl O o p b o g g h o c a c rvation W Status Status rophyll hology jective phytes Water Water hieved emical n Area hment ted N) aters Fish
NW___35_160 Melvin ((g) Lough ) Y MH M M M G Y GES 2015
NW_35_143 Lattone Y M GES 2015 Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Appendix D – Groundwater Vulnerability Matrix
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Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Appendix E – Leitrim County Council Site Investigation Report
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Site Investigation Report for Rossinver Graveyard Extension March 2018
Prepared by: J Mulligan
Date: 13th March 2018
Leitrim County Council Introduction:
The local parish committee in Rossinver approached Leitrim County Council with the proposal to extend the existing graveyard at Gaghalaun, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim. As part of their proposal it agreed that Leitrim County Council would carry out as site investigation.
This report presents the soil investigation based on five trial hole, conducted on the 9th March 2018 at the proposed site at Gaghalaun (see location map in Appendix A). Trial holes were dug with a JCB 8065RTS mini track machine. The main purpose of this site investigation is to identify sub soils but primarily the water table level.
Description of soil strata:
Sub-soil conditions
This section briefly describes the soil encountered on site. Details of soil conditions are presented in each trial hole in the Appendix B. Based on the data collected from the trial holes it can be classified the soil in this area as follows:
Soil layers: (1) Top Soil – Sandy CLAY Loam (2) Sandy CLAY Loam – Loam (3) Sandy CLAY Loam – Silt
(1) Top Soil This is the top layer of soil in this area. Initially at shallow depth, fine sand to courses sand is observed but as you proceed to base of this layer it changes to sandy CLAY with small amounts of silt. (2) Sandy CLAY Loam – Loam, presents itself beneath the top soil layer. The Clay content increase as does the Silt content. (3) Sandy CLAY Loam – Silt Loam, lies below the water table, darker in colour saturated with minimal strength. More amounts of blue/grey daub observed in trial holes 2 & 5.
Water Table:
Please refer to Appendix C Trial holes Cross Section. Generally it was observed that the water table was encountered in all five trial holes ranging from 1.0m – 1.160m below existing ground level.
General Geology:
The project lies on glacial drift mainly from namurian sandstone and conglomerate with some shale, with a gley; alfic haplaquept classification.
Leitrim County Council
Appendix A
Leitrim County Council
Proposed Graveyard extension location Map (exact location indicated by arrow)
Leitrim County Council
Trial holes location points
Leitrim County Council
Appendix B
Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council
Appendix C
Leitrim County Council Trial Hole 1A
Leitrim County Council
Trial Hole 1B
Leitrim County Council
Trial Hole 2A
Leitrim County Council
Trial Hole 2B
Leitrim County Council
Trial 3A
Leitrim County Council
Trial Hole 3B
Leitrim County Council
Trial Hole 4A
Leitrim County Council
Trial Hole 4B
Leitrim County Council
Trial 5A
Leitrim County Council
Trial Hole 5B
Leitrim County Council Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Appendix F – Anne Carey, Archaeological Consultancy Report
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Archaeological Pre-development Testing 1
ANNE CAREY, MA, MUBC, MIAI, ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT 80 PORTACARRON, BALLYMONEEN ROAD, GALWAY 091 503894/086 8137102 [email protected] Archaeological Report on Trial Trenching at Gubalaun townland, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim.
Licence No. 19E0042 Pre-Planning January, 2019
Client: Fr. Pat Farrelly, Parochial House, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim. Consultant: CST Group, Chartered Consulting Engineers, 1 O’Connell Street, Sligo.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 2
Contents
List of Illustrations…………………………………………………………...…..3 List of Plates……………………………………………………………………...3 General Introduction…………………………………………………………...……...... 4 Archaeological Brief………………………………………………………………...………...….4 Locational Information…………………………………………….…………………....…....5 Siting and Access……………………………………………………………...... 5 Historical Information...... ……...... 6 Site Description…....…………………………………………….………..…...…8 Programme of Trial Trenching………………………………………………………...………...…….9 Archaeological Impact Assessment…………………………………………………………..…….....…15 Conclusions and Recommendations…………………….…………….……………………....…..16
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 3
List of Illustrations
Illus. 1 Site Location Map. © Government of Ireland. Illus. 2 Historic Mapping. Extract of First Edition, OS 6” Sheet LE005, 1835-6. Illus. 3 Historic Mapping. Extract of Second Edition, OS 25” Sheet, LE005, 1882-7. Illus. 4 Location of Trial Trenches and Trial Holes.
List of Plates
Plate 1 Gubalaun Abbey. Plate 2 Site Location, extract of Aerial Photograph, www.archaeology.ie. © Government of Ireland. Plate 3 Aerial photographs from 2000 and 2005, showing development of the modern graveyard at Gubalaun. Plate 4 Site of the proposed burial ground, prior to pre-development testing, from north-west. Plate 5 Trench 1, fully excavated, from s. Plate 6 Trench 2, fully excavated, from s. Plate 7 Trench 3, fully excavated, from s. Plate 8 Trench 4, fully excavated, from s. Plate 9 Trench 5, fully excavated, from s. Plate 10 a. Trial Hole 1, northern end of Trench 1, and b. excavated material. Plate 11 a. Trial Hole 2, southern end of Trench 1, and b. excavated material. Plate 12 a. Trial Hole 3, mid-point Trench 3, and b. excavated material. Plate 13 a. Trial Hole 4, northern end of Trench 4, and b. excavated material. Plate 14 a. Trial Hole 5, southern end of Trench 5, and b. excavated material.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 4
General Introduction
This report was prepared by the writer at the request Fr. Pat Farrelly, owner and developer of the site, Parochial House, Rossinver, through CST Group, Consulting Engineers, Sligo. It concerns the archaeological assessment of the site of a proposed development at Gubalaun townland, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim (Illus. 1). The proposed development involves extending an existing modern burial ground into a greenfield site to the north.
The proposed burial ground lies to the south-east of and partly within the Zone of Notification for a ruined medieval church (Gubalaun Abbey/St. Mogue’s Church, RMP No. LE005:003001). The church is a ruined medieval masonry building currently undergoing conservation works. It is located on the north-eastern side of a graveyard (RMP LE005-002) which has a number of cross slabs of Early Christian date (RMP LE005-005 and -006), a re- used slab bearing rock art (RMP LE005-007) and a fragment of trefoil-headed arcading (RMP LE005-009) among the much later burial monuments of the eighteenth to twenty-first centuries.
Archaeological pre-development testing was requested by the developer as part of the submission for a Part 8 application for the burial ground to Leitrim County Council.
The archaeological work was carried out on 10th January, 2019 and funding was provided by the developer.
Archaeological Brief
Archaeological pre-development testing was requested as part of the pre-planning process. The archaeological brief comprises the preparation of an archaeological assessment, which consisted of the following: Excavation of trial trenches at the site. The excavation of test trenches was carried out under license to the Department of the Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Licence No. 19E0042) to determine locations, nature and extent of any archaeological features/deposits on site. Archaeological impact assessment. Recommended migratory procedures to avoid/lessen the impact of the development on such features.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 5
Locational Information
Townland Gubalaun County Leitrim
Parish Rossinver OS LE005 6’Map National Grid 592354/849759 RMP Near LE005-003001 (medieval church) Co-Ords No.
Siting and Access
The site of the proposed development is located on the southern shore of Lough Melvin in the townland of Gubalaun (Illus. 1). The proposed burial ground extension is located to the north of an existing modern burial ground (Plate 2) and to the south-east of the medieval church (Plate 1) and graveyard (RMP No. LE005-003001 and 002). The modern burial ground and the site of the proposed new burial ground are located to the east of a narrow roadway that provides access to the medieval church and graveyard from the public road to the south. The ecclesiastical remains are located to the west of this roadway. The proposed development site is accessed by a double gate that currently serves the modern burial ground on the eastern side of the small access road.
Lough Melvin Site of proposed burial ground
Illus. 1 Site Location Map. © Government of Ireland.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 6
Site of proposed development
Plate 1 Gubalaun Abbey. Existing modern burial ground
Location of pre-development testing in 2018 (18E0055)
Plate 2 Site Location, extract of Aerial Photograph, www.archaeology.ie. © Government of Ireland.
Historical Information
Gubalaun townland is located in the parish of Rossinver and the barony of Rosclogher, Co. Leitrim. The name Gubaluan derives from the Irish ‘Ghob an láin’ which has been translated as ‘the full point’ or ‘the full mouth’. The area surrounding Gubalaun townland is rich in archaeological remains, particularly on the shores of Lough Melvin and on its islands. In the immediate vicinity of Gubalaun Abbey, some 150m to the north-east, is the site of a holy well (SMR No. LE005-003003). According to O’Donovan a second well called St. Caillin’s Well was situated within a few perches of it (SMR No. LE005-003004) of which there is now no trace. A well called Tobercallain appears on a seventeenth century list of holy places in North Leitrim and it may refer to this site. A site known as the Whiskey Ditch (SMR No. LE005- 003010) is located close to the holy wells. This site is an S-shaped earthen bank used to provide shelter from the element to the visitors to the Gubalaun Abbey and well.
The extant ruined church in Gubalaun townland (RMP No. LE005-003001) dates to the 12th – 13th century, with evidence of modifications to the building in the 15th century. The church is
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 7 variously known as Gubalaun Abbey and St. Mogue’s Church. The latter name is derived from associations the site had the Early Christian saint Mogue or Máedoc. St. Mogue, who was also known as St. Áedan or St. Aidan, was born in Inisbrefny in Co. Cavan to Setna and Eithne. He is reputed to have founded thirty churches and a number of monasteries and he is most notably associated with Ferns Abbey, Co. Wexford. He died on 31st January, 632. The graveyard to the south and south-west of the church (RMP No. LE005-003002) has two Early Christian cross slabs, a 16th century fragment of trefoil arcading and a re-used memorial bearing rock art. The majority of the memorials in the graveyard and within the ruined church date from the eighteenth to twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Pre-development testing at a previous proposed burial ground extension location was undertaken by the writer in March, 2018 (Licence No. 18E0055) on a site immediately to the south of the existing modern burial ground (Plate 2). Nothing of archaeological significance was found during these works.
Illus. 2 Historic Mapping. Extract of First Edition OS 6” Sheet LE005, 1835-6.
Illus. 3 Historic Mapping. Extract of Second Edition OS 25” Sheet, LE005, 1882-7.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 8
Site Description
The site of the proposed development is located to the north of an existing modern burial ground, situated to the east of the small access road leading to Gubalaun Abbey (Illus. 1, Plate 2). The site comprises an irregular-shaped field that is flat and under grass. Aerial photographs (www.osi.ie) show the site of the proposed development before (2000) and after (2005) the development of the existing modern burial ground and there is evidence that some landscaping was undertaken at the proposed development site at that time.
2000 2005 Plate 3 Aerial photographs from 2000 and 2005, showing development of the modern graveyard at Gubalaun.
modern burial ground
Plate 4 Site of the proposed burial ground, prior to pre-development testing, from north-west.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 9
Programme of Trial Trenching
The brief for the archaeological assessment was that trial trenching was to be undertaken by a licenced archaeologist and a report on the testing was to be submitted to the Planning Authority and the Department of the Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Following a request from CST, Consulting Engineers, for the project, five engineering trial holes were also excavated to establish the level of the water table across the site.
TH4
TH1 TH3
TH 2 TH5
Illus. 4 Location of Trial Trenches.
Five trenches were excavated at the site. Trench 1 measured 15m in length and 1m in width. Trench 2 measured 15m in length and 1m in width. Trench 3 measured 18m in length and 1m in width. Trench 4 measured 22m in length and 1m in width. Trench 5 measured 22m in length and 1m in width.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 10
Trench 1 Trench 1 was excavated to a depth of 1.6m (Illus. 4, Plate 5). A thin sod overlay the trench. Underlying topsoil was a highly disturbed fill, with a depth of 1.4m, comprising lenses of re-deposited material including sand, clay and silt. There were finds plastic interspersed in the fill but no finds of archaeological or historic interest. Underlying the re-deposited fill was a gritty sand, which was excavated for a depth of 200mm. This trench did not contain archaeological features of any kind.
Trial Holes 1 and 2 (Illus. 4, Plates 10-11) were excavated through the gritty sand under the fill for a further depth of 600mm at the northern and southern ends of the trench respectively, giving the trench a total depth of 2.2m at these points. Water was evident at 2.1m.
Trench 2 Trench 2 was excavated to a minimum depth of 2.2m (Illus. 4, Plate 6). A thin sod overlay the trench. Underlying sod was a highly disturbed fill, with a depth of 2.1m, comprising lenses of re-deposited material including sand, clay and silt. There were finds plastic interspersed in the fill but no finds of archaeological or historic interest. Underlying the re-deposited fill was a gritty sand, which was excavated for a depth of 100mm. Water was evident at 2.1m.
Trench 3 Trench 3 was excavated to a maximum depth of 2.2m, rising to a minimum depth of 1.4m at the southern end of the trench (Illus. 4, Plate 7). A thin sod overlay the trench. Underlying sod was a highly disturbed fill, with a depth at the northern end of the trench of 1.9m and a depth at the southern end of the trench of 1.1m, comprising lenses of re- deposited material including sand, clay and silt. There were finds plastic interspersed in the fill but no finds of archaeological or historic interest. Due to the loose nature of the fill, the eastern face of the trench, under the spoil heap, collapsed as the trench was being excavated. Underlying the re-deposited fill was a gritty sand, which was excavated for a depth of 300mm. This trench did not contain archaeological features of any kind.
Trial Hole 3 (Illus. 4, Plate 12) As water was already evident in the trench in the proposed location of Trial Hole 3, further excavation in this location was not needed. Water was evident at 2.1m and the trench was excavated to a depth of 2.2m in this location. The trench collapsed during the excavations.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 11
Plate 5 Trench 1, fully excavated, from s. Plate 6 Trench 2, fully excavated, from s.
Plate 7 Trench 3, fully excavated, from s. Plate 8 Trench 4, fully excavated, from s.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 12
Plate 9 Trench 5, fully excavated, from s.
Trench 4 Trench 4 was excavated to a maximum depth of 1.7m at the northern end and a minimum depth of 1.3m at the southern end of the trench (Illus. 4, Plate 8). A thin sod overlay the trench. Underlying sod was a highly disturbed fill, with a depth of between 1m and 1.6m. It fill comprised re-deposited material including sand, clay and silt. There were finds plastic interspersed in the fill but no finds of archaeological or historic interest. Underlying the re- deposited fill was a gritty sand, which was excavated for a depth of 100mm.
Trench 5 Trench 1 was excavated to a depth of 1.6m (Illus. 4, Plate 5). A thin sod overlay the trench. Underlying topsoil, in contrast to Trenches 1-4, was a light orange sand, with a depth of 800mm. A dark gritty sand, with a depth of 500mm, underlay the light orange sand. Underlying this dark gritty sand was a light creamy white gritty sand, which was excavated for a depth of 300mm. There were no finds from this trench and the trench did not contain archaeological features of any kind.
Trial Holes 4 and 5 (Illus. 4, Plates 13-14) were excavated through the creamy white gritty sand for a further depth of 400mm at the northern and southern ends of the trench respectively, giving the trench a total depth of 2m at these points. Water was evident at 1.9m in Trial Hole 4 and 1.8m in Trial Hole 5.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 13
a. b.
Plate 10 a. Trial Hole 1, northern end of Trench 1, and b. excavated material.
a. b.
Plate 11 a. Trial Hole 2, southern end of Trench 1, and b. excavated material.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 14
a.
Plate 12 a. Trial Hole 3, mid-point Trench 3, and b. excavated material.
b. a. b.
Plate 13 a. Trial Hole 4, northern end of Trench 4, and b. excavated material.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 15
a. b.
Plate 14 a. Trial Hole 5, southern end of Trench 5, and b. excavated material.
Archaeological Impact Assessment
The excavation of five trenches at the site of the proposed development did not yield any heretofore unknown archaeological features or material. The highly mixed fills noted in four of the five trenches (Trenches 1-4) represent a modern and most-likely mechanical disturbance within this area. The fills contained only modern finds, mainly plastic. Natural ground within this field was seen in Trench 5, comprising layers of sand. This indicates that the fill in Trenches 1-4 was re-deposited on the site and mixed with the existing material to form a loose, stoneless and unstable fill. The stratigraphy in Trench 5 comprised natural undisturbed sand and gravel layers under sod. The natural layers of sand and gravel did not contain any finds or features and nothing of archaeological interest was revealed.
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Archaeological Pre-development Testing 16
Conclusions and Recommendations
Archaeological testing at the site of the proposed burial ground extension did not result in the discovery of heretofore unknown or unrecorded archaeological features. The site was seen to be highly disturbed, with four trenches excavated to between 1.6m and 2.2m, having deep re- deposited fill under sod. One trench, Trench 5, was composed of naturally occurring sand and gravel. The disturbance at the site appears to be modern in date and mechanical in nature, with fragments of plastic featured in the deep fills of Trenches 1-4.
Based on the results of the archaeological testing, it appears that the proposed burial ground extension will not impact on sub-surface archaeological remains.
All recommendations are subject to the final approval of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht..
______Anne Carey
19E0042 Gubalaun townland, Co. Leitrim Rossinver Graveyard Extension – Hydrogeological Risk Assessment
Appendix G – Graveyard Risk Assessment Tool
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Cemetery & Burial Site Development Tier 1 Assessment Tool Site Information
Site name: Rossinver Graveyard - Proposed Northern Extension Area Site coordinates: 592349, 849756
County: Leitrim Site Access: Rossinver Parish Chruch, Rossinver, Leitrim
Assessment prepared by: WYG Dated: 31-Jan-19 (Council or company name) (DD/MM/YR)
Indicate the type of burial site to be assessed: Human Cemetery
General Information These spreadsheets have been developed by WYG Environment to facilitate Tier 1 risk assessments for cemetery/burial developments and expansions in England & Wales according to the methods outlined in the referenced documents (below). Accordingly, this Tier 1 assessment is divided into two stages, namely, "Stage 1 - Site Vulnerability" and "Stage 2 - Risk Assessment ", as discussed below.
Stage 1: The Site Vulnerability assessment reviews the local hydrology and ground condition as inferred from published maps. This is a broad assessment to estimate the relative ease that burial pollutants could move through the environment and identifies the potential receptors that may be impacted. Proceed with Stage 1 by choosing the "Site Vulnerability" tab and filling in the highlighted areas.
Stage 2: Providing the number of burials per year, allows an estimate of the pollutant loading on the environment. Stage 2 of this assessment couples this pollutant loading estimate with the vulnerability data to derive a risk rating for the burial site based on the work by Young et al. (2002). Proceed to Stage 2 by choosing the appropriate burial type from the sheet tabs and fill in the number of burials. After you have filled in the neceassary data, the burial development risk will be indicated on the sheet along with some notes on the assessment.
The output of this assessment will be summarised on the "Tier 1 Summary" spreadsheet, along with some comments on the next steps to take.
The output of this assessment will provide the basic information required by the Environment Agency to consider the pollution potential of a cemetery/burial development site and assist in the decision making process. To facilitate this process the "Attachments" spreadsheet may be used to include any licensed copies of maps as figures to complete this information pack.
Terms of use This spreadsheet tool is provided free of charge on an 'as is basis' and without warranty. This spreadsheet is only a tool, intended to assist in the decision making process with respect to cemetery and other burial sites. Every effort has been made by WYG Environment to ensure these spreadsheets are error free. However, the possibility exists that there are errors in the spreadsheets. The distribution of these spreadsheets does not constitute any warranty by WYG Environment, and no responsibility is assumed by WYG Environment in connection with the use of these spreadsheets. You may copy and distribute these spreadsheets as required.
References: Environment Agency. 2004. Assessing the Groundwater Pollution Potential of Cemetery Developments . Environment Agency, Bristol. Young, C.P., K.M. Blackmore, P. Reynolds and A. Leavens. 2002. Pollution Potential of Cemeteries. Environment Agency. R&D Technical Report P223. Bristol
Developed by WYG Environment • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Environmental Consultancy & Ground Investigation Services TIER 1 / Stage 1 - Site Vulnerability Site: Rossinver Graveyard - Proposed Northern Extension Area Date: 31/01/2019 County: Leitrim Assessment prepared by: WYG
Vulnerability Vulnerability Vulnerability Criteria Assessment Data Source of Information (Provide reference details)* Rating Score Drift Type Sand/Gravel High 4 Site Investigation - Alluvium / sandy clay Drift Thickness 0m to 3m High 4 Site Investigation - Archaeological Report Depth to water table Less than 5m Very High 5 Site Investigation Water flow mechanism Fissured Very High 5 Intergranular flow through moderate permeability sandy clay Aquifer Classification Unproductive strata Very Low 1 Geological Survey of Ireland online viewer Distance to Abstraction and SPZ Outside Zone III Very Low 1 Desk study found no private wells within 250m of the site Distance to Watercourses & Springs 50m to 70m Moderate 3 Desk study found water courses within 50m of the site Distance to Drains 40m to 100m Low 2 Client confirms drains to be installed within proposed extensions Total Score: 25 *e.g. British Geological Survey geology map Sheet 263 Vulnerability Assessment
Very High Vulnerability assessment: Moderate
High
Moderate
Low
Very Low Vulnerability Score (8 to 40) to Score(8 Vulnerability
Vulnerability Assessment
Developed by WYG Environment
7JCM2 TIER 1/Stage 2 - Human Burial Risk Assessment Site: Rossinver Graveyard - Proposed Northern ExtensionDate: Area 31/01/19 Qualitative Risk Assessment Chart County: Leitrim 1000 Assessment prepared by: WYG
Vulnerability Assessment Summary: Score 25 Rating Moderate High Risk Development Burial Data 100 Enter the number of burials per year: 6
Risk Assessment Results Based on the vulnerability assessment and the number of burials per year, the risk of Intermediate Risk the proposed cemetery is qualitatively assessed as: Intermediate Development
10 Number of Human Burials Per Year Per Burials of Human Number Notes:
Intermediate risk developments require a Tier 2 level assessment. Refer to the Tier 1 Summary sheet for more details. Low Risk Development
1 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40
Vulnerability Score
Site specific risk indicator ......
Developed by WYG Environment
7JCM2 Cemetery & Burial Site Development Tier 1 Assessment Tool Site Information
Site name: Rossinver Graveyard - Proposed Southern Extension Area Site coordinates: 592361, 849696
County: Leitrim Site Access: Rossinver Parish Chruch, Rossinver, Leitrim
Assessment prepared by: WYG Dated: 31-Jan-19 (Council or company name) (DD/MM/YR)
Indicate the type of burial site to be assessed: Human Cemetery
General Information These spreadsheets have been developed by WYG Environment to facilitate Tier 1 risk assessments for cemetery/burial developments and expansions in England & Wales according to the methods outlined in the referenced documents (below). Accordingly, this Tier 1 assessment is divided into two stages, namely, "Stage 1 - Site Vulnerability" and "Stage 2 - Risk Assessment ", as discussed below.
Stage 1: The Site Vulnerability assessment reviews the local hydrology and ground condition as inferred from published maps. This is a broad assessment to estimate the relative ease that burial pollutants could move through the environment and identifies the potential receptors that may be impacted. Proceed with Stage 1 by choosing the "Site Vulnerability" tab and filling in the highlighted areas.
Stage 2: Providing the number of burials per year, allows an estimate of the pollutant loading on the environment. Stage 2 of this assessment couples this pollutant loading estimate with the vulnerability data to derive a risk rating for the burial site based on the work by Young et al. (2002). Proceed to Stage 2 by choosing the appropriate burial type from the sheet tabs and fill in the number of burials. After you have filled in the neceassary data, the burial development risk will be indicated on the sheet along with some notes on the assessment.
The output of this assessment will be summarised on the "Tier 1 Summary" spreadsheet, along with some comments on the next steps to take.
The output of this assessment will provide the basic information required by the Environment Agency to consider the pollution potential of a cemetery/burial development site and assist in the decision making process. To facilitate this process the "Attachments" spreadsheet may be used to include any licensed copies of maps as figures to complete this information pack.
Terms of use This spreadsheet tool is provided free of charge on an 'as is basis' and without warranty. This spreadsheet is only a tool, intended to assist in the decision making process with respect to cemetery and other burial sites. Every effort has been made by WYG Environment to ensure these spreadsheets are error free. However, the possibility exists that there are errors in the spreadsheets. The distribution of these spreadsheets does not constitute any warranty by WYG Environment, and no responsibility is assumed by WYG Environment in connection with the use of these spreadsheets. You may copy and distribute these spreadsheets as required.
References: Environment Agency. 2004. Assessing the Groundwater Pollution Potential of Cemetery Developments . Environment Agency, Bristol. Young, C.P., K.M. Blackmore, P. Reynolds and A. Leavens. 2002. Pollution Potential of Cemeteries. Environment Agency. R&D Technical Report P223. Bristol
Developed by WYG Environment • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Environmental Consultancy & Ground Investigation Services TIER 1 / Stage 1 - Site Vulnerability Site: Rossinver Graveyard - Proposed Southern Extension Area Date: 31/01/2019 County: Leitrim Assessment prepared by: WYG
Vulnerability Vulnerability Vulnerability Criteria Assessment Data Source of Information (Provide reference details)* Rating Score Drift Type Sand/Gravel High 4 Site Investigation - Alluvium / sandy clay Drift Thickness 3m Moderate 3 Site Investigation - Leitrim County Council Report Depth to water table Less than 5m Very High 5 Site Investigation Water flow mechanism Fissured Very High 5 Intergranular flow through moderate permeability sandy clay Aquifer Classification Secondary aquifer Moderate 3 Geological Survey of Ireland online viewer Distance to Abstraction and SPZ Outside Zone III Very Low 1 Desk study found no private wells within 250m of the site Distance to Watercourses & Springs 50m to 70m Moderate 3 Desk study found water courses within 50m of the site Distance to Drains 40m to 100m Low 2 Client confirms drains to be installed within proposed extensions Total Score: 26 *e.g. British Geological Survey geology map Sheet 263 Vulnerability Assessment
Very High Vulnerability assessment: Moderate
High
Moderate
Low
Very Low Vulnerability Score (8 to 40) to Score(8 Vulnerability
Vulnerability Assessment
Developed by WYG Environment
7JCM2 TIER 1/Stage 2 - Human Burial Risk Assessment Site: Rossinver Graveyard - Proposed Southern ExtensionDate: Area 31/01/19 Qualitative Risk Assessment Chart County: Leitrim 1000 Assessment prepared by: WYG
Vulnerability Assessment Summary: Score 26 Rating Moderate High Risk Development Burial Data 100 Enter the number of burials per year: 6
Risk Assessment Results Based on the vulnerability assessment and the number of burials per year, the risk of Intermediate Risk the proposed cemetery is qualitatively assessed as: Intermediate Development
10 Number of Human Burials Per Year Per Burials of Human Number Notes:
Intermediate risk developments require a Tier 2 level assessment. Refer to the Tier 1 Summary sheet for more details. Low Risk Development
1 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40
Vulnerability Score
Site specific risk indicator ......
Developed by WYG Environment
7JCM2