Natura Impact Statement Fenit Harbour Maintenance Dredging and Dumpsite

Natura Impact Statement

Fenit Harbour Maintenance Dredging and Dumpsite

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015

ISSUE FORM Project number 14996 Document number 6001 Document revision A Document title Natura Impact Statement for Fenit Harbour Maintenance Dredging and Dumpsite Document status Final Document prepared by Monica Kane Document checked by KF-MWP-2014.12.19; JM-MWP-2015.02.12 (ornithology sections)

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015

Table of contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... II

1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ...... 1 1.1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment ...... 1 1.2 Natura Impact Statement ...... 1

2 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 2.1 Purpose of Assessment ...... 2 2.2 Legislative context ...... 2 2.3 Stages of Appropriate Assessment...... 2

3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 3 3.1 Appropriate Assessment Guidance ...... 3 3.2 Consultation ...... 3 3.3 Desk Study ...... 3 3.4 Field Surveys ...... 3

3.4.1 Bathymetry ...... 4 3.4.2 Current and Tidal Metering ...... 4 3.4.3 Baseline Characterisation Area and Dumpsite ...... 4 3.4.4 Sediment Transport Model (STM) ...... 4 3.5 Screening for Appropriate Assessment ...... 6 3.6 Natura Impact Statement ...... 6

4 SCREENING FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT ...... 8 4.1 Management of Natura 2000 sites ...... 8 4.2 Description of Plan/Project ...... 8

4.2.1 Brief Project Description ...... 8 4.2.2 Purpose of the Project ...... 9 4.2.3 Site Location and Use ...... 9 4.2.4 Description of the Dredge Site ...... 13 4.2.5 Description of Dumpsite ...... 16 4.2.6 Characteristics of the Project ...... 17 4.2.7 Summary of Characteristics of Project ...... 23 4.2.8 Identification of Other Projects or Plans or Activities ...... 25 4.3 Identification of Natura 2000 Sites ...... 26

4.3.1 Zone of Impact Influence ...... 26 4.3.2 Identification of Natura 2000 and Ramsar Sites ...... 26 4.3.3 Characteristics of Natura 2000 and Ramsar Sites ...... 29 4.3.4 Conservation Objectives ...... 32

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4.4 Identification of Potential Impacts ...... 33 4.5 Assessment of Significance of Potential Impacts ...... 33

4.5.1 Habitat Loss and Alteration ...... 34 4.5.2 Habitat or Species Fragmentation...... 35 4.5.3 Disturbance and/or Displacement of Species ...... 36 4.5.4 Water Quality ...... 36 4.5.5 Cumulative/In-combination Impacts ...... 37 4.6 Conclusion of Screening Stage ...... 38

5 NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT ...... 39 5.1 Introduction ...... 39 5.2 Natura 2000 Sites ...... 39 5.3 Zone of Influence of Dredging Operation ...... 40 5.4 Zone of Influence of Dumping at Sea Operation ...... 41

5.4.1 Tralee Bay Complex SAC (002070) ...... 41 5.4.2 Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332) ...... 49 5.4.3 Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188) ...... 52 5.4.4 Magharee Islands SAC (002261) ...... 59 5.4.5 Magharee Islands SPA (004125) ...... 60 5.5 Assessment of Potentially Signficant Effects To Natura 2000 Sites ...... 64

5.5.1 Habitat Loss ...... 64 5.5.2 Habitat Alteration (water quality) ...... 65 5.5.3 Habitat and Species Fragmentation ...... 68 5.5.4 Disturbance and/or displacement of species ...... 68 5.5.5 Water quality and resource (otter) ...... 70 5.6 Assessment of Potentially Significant Cumulative Effects ...... 71

5.6.1 Harbour Operations ...... 71 5.6.2 Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion Project ...... 71 5.6.3 Oyster Fishing ...... 71 5.6.4 Point and Diffuse Pollution ...... 71 5.7 Mitigation ...... 72

5.7.1 Timing of Dredging ...... 72 5.7.2 Water Quality Management ...... 72 5.7.3 Control of Overflow...... 74 5.8 Residual Impacts ...... 74 5.9 Conclusion ...... 74

6 REFERENCES ...... 75

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TABLE OF TABLES Table 1. Significance of impact (EPA, 2002) ...... 7 Table 2. Results of sediment chemistry of the material to be dumped at sea, with reference to Irish Action Levels ...... 15 Table 3. Approximate dredge volumes in the commercial berth and manoeuvring area over a 10 year period ...... 24 Table 4. Approximate dredge volumes in the commercial berth and manoeuvring area over a 10 year period ...... 24 Table 5: Designated conservation sites within 15km radius of the dredge site and dumpsite ...... 27 Table 8: Designated site with qualifying features of conservation interest ...... 29 Table 9. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Tralee Bay Complex SAC (002070) ...... 43 Table 10. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332) ...... 50 Table 11. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188) ...... 53 Table 12. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Magharee Islands SAC (002261) ...... 59 Table 13. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Magharee Islands SPA (004125) ...... 61

TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1. Extent of Hydrodynamic Model ((AquaFact, 2014(b)) ...... 5 Figure 2. Location of Fenit Harbour ...... 10 Figure 3. Plan of Fenit Harbour ...... 11 Figure 4. Dumpsite location in outer Tralee Bay ...... 13 Figure 5. Dredging Areas ...... 19 Figure 6. Map showing location of dredge area and dumpsite overlaid by Natura 2000 sites ...... 28 Figure 7. Map showing location of dredge area and dumpsite overlaid by Natura 2000 sites in the wider context of Tralee Bay ...... 28

LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1 Stages of Appropriate Assessment Appendix 2 Project Drawings (Drawing No’s: 14996-5003, 14996-5004, 14996-5202, 14996-5006, 14996-5007, 14996-5203) Appendix 3 Maps of Natura 2000 Sites Appendix 4 AquaFact (2014) Sediment Transport Model (STM) for Dumpsite

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1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

1.1 SCREENING FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT The project entails maintenance dredging at Fenit Harbour and disposal of the Project dredge material to a dumpsite in Tralee Bay in County Kerry Project Proponent Kerry County Council Project Location Fenit Harbour and Tralee Bay It has been concluded that the proposal to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay is likely to have a significant effect, or significant effects cannot be ruled out at this stage, on the following Natura 2000 sites:

Conclusion  Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (002070)  Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332)  Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188)  Magharee Islands SAC (002261)  Magharee Islands SPA (004125)

1.2 NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT The project entails maintenance dredging at Fenit Harbour and disposal of the Project dredge material to a dumpsite in Tralee Bay in County Kerry Mitigation measures include:  Restrictions on the timing of dredging Mitigation  Water quality management  Control of overflow from suction hopper dredger

In conclusion, provided the recommended mitigation measures are implemented in full, it is not expected that the proposal to carry out maintenance dredging at Fenit Harbour and disposal of the dredge material to a dumpsite in Tralee Bay will result in an adverse residual impact on the Natura 2000 sites considered in this NIS, namely:

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2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 PURPOSE OF ASSESSMENT This Screening for Appropriate Assessment and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been undertaken to determine the potential for significant impacts on a proposal to carry out maintenance dredging at Fenit Harbour and disposal of the dredge material to a dumpsite in Tralee Bay in County Kerry, on nearby sites with European conservation designations (i.e. Natura 2000 Sites). A foreshore licence (FL) application for consent under the Foreshore Act for dredging at the harbour and dumping operations at the dumpsite for a single event in 2015 will be sought from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG). A Dumping at Sea (DaS) permit application to dispose of the material at the proposed dumpsite will be sought from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act 2009 for a ten year period. This Screening for Appropriate Assessment and the NIS will accompany both these applications to allow a full assessment of the implications of the proposal on Natura 2000 sites. Any FL granted will be subject to conditions and the Marine Planning – Foreshore Unit of the DECLG will be responsible for management and enforcement of such conditions. Similarly, a DaS licence will be subject to conditions imposed by the EPA who will be responsible for management and enforcement of such conditions.

This Screening for Appropriate Assessment and NIS has been undertaken by Malachy Walsh and Partners ecologists while additional specialist marine surveys were undertaken by Aqua-Fact International Services, Hydro Environmental Ltd and Hydrographic Surveys Ltd.

2.2 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) seeks to conserve natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora by the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) seeks to protect birds of special importance by the designation of Special Protected Areas (SPAs). It is the responsibility of each member state to designate SPAs and cSACs, both of which will form part of Natura 2000, a network of protected sites throughout the European Community. Further information is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/ http://www.npws.ie/planning/appropriateassessment/

The current assessment was conducted within this legislative framework and also the DoEHLG (2009) guidelines. As outlined in these, it is the responsibility of the proponent of the project (in this case the FL and DaS permit applicant, Kerry County Council) to provide a comprehensive and objective Screening for Appropriate Assessment and NIS, which can then be used by the competent authorities, the DECLG and the EPA, respectively, in order to conduct the Appropriate Assessment (DoEHLG, 2009).

2.3 STAGES OF APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT The Appropriate Assessment process is a four-stage process with issues and tests at each stage. An important aspect of the process is that the outcome at each successive stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. The stages are set out in Appendix 1. This proposal has proceeded as far as Stage 2.

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3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

3.1 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE This Screening for Appropriate Assessment, or Stage 1, and the NIS, Stage 2, has been undertaken in accordance with the European Commission Methodological Guidance on the provision of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC (EC, 2001) and the European Commission Guidance ‘Managing Natura 2000 sites’ (EC, 2000) and guidance prepared by the NPWS (DoEHLG, 2009).

3.2 CONSULTATION In preparing the FL and DaS permit applications, consultation was undertaken with the:

 Developments Applications Unit / National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (NPWS Letter Ref: GPre00024/2014)  EPA (one meeting at MWP offices and a second meeting on site)  Marine Institute (MI) (confirmed marine sediment quality parameters and review of results)  Fenit Harbour Master (meeting)  Fenit Harbour Pilot (meeting)  Local fishermen (meeting)  Tralee Bay Oyster Society (meeting)

A number of these consultations (e.g. NPWS, EPA, MI) was used to inform the NIS.

3.3 DESK STUDY In order to complete the Screening for Appropriate Assessment and NIS certain information on the existing environment is required. A desk study was carried out to collate available information on the site’s natural environment. This comprised a review of the following publications, data and datasets:

 OSI Aerial photography and 1:50000 mapping  National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)  National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) (on-line map-viewer)  Ireland’s Marine Atlas (IMA) (on-line map-viewer)  BirdWatch Ireland  The Dingle Peninsula Bird Reports from 2008-2010 & 2011-2013  General ornithology literature  Teagasc soil area maps (NBDC website)  Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) area maps  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality data  MWP (2011) Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion EIS

3.4 FIELD SURVEYS A number of marine surveys were completed by AquaFact International Services Ltd and Hydrographic Surveys Ltd, both specialist marine consultancies, in support of the FL and DaS permit

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015 applications and were in turn used to inform the Screening for Appropriate Assessment and NIS and include:

 Hydrographic Surveys (2014), Bathymetric Survey of Fenit Harbour and potential dredge locations  Hydrographic Surveys (2014), Tidal Current Metering  AquaFact (2014), Fenit Harbour and Proposed Dumpsite Baseline Characterisation Report  AquaFact (2014), Sediment Transport Model (STM) for Dumpsite (see Appendix 4)

The following sections summarise the methodologies employed for each of the elements listed above.

3.4.1 Bathymetry A bathymetry survey was completed by Hydrographic Surveys during the summer of 2014 to map the sea floor terrain and depths at the dumpsite.

3.4.2 Current and Tidal Metering A current and tidal survey was completed by Hydrographic Surveys during the summer of 2014 to characterise the hydrodynamic environment at the dumpsite. An ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) was deployed at grid location E70524, N120342 from 17th July 2014 to 1st Aug 2014 providing almost 15 days of records.

3.4.3 Baseline Characterisation Area and Dumpsite

3.4.3.1 Benthic Faunal Sampling To carry out the subtidal benthic faunal assessment of the proposed dumpsite, AquaFact International Services Ltd sampled 8 sites within and around the dumpsite. Samples were retrieved using a 0.025m2 van Veen grab. At the laboratory all samples were sorted and identified to species level. Statistical evaluation of the faunal data was undertaken.

3.4.3.2 Granulometry and Organic Carbon Sampling An additional sample was collected at all 8 stations for grain size analysis and organic carbon content. Organic carbon by Loss on Ignition for the faunal samples was carried out by ALS Labs in Loughrea. AquaFact carried out the particle size analysis and moisture and density content analysis.

3.4.3.3 Sediment Characterisation To carry out the sediment characterisation survey, one grab sample was collected at 7 stations at the harbour and 3 stations at the dumpsite. Once back in the laboratory, all sediment samples for the analysis of organics and contaminants were sent to the RPS Mountainheath Laboratory in Hertfordshire.

3.4.4 Sediment Transport Model (STM) The sediment transport modelling was undertaken by Hydro Environmental Ltd (see Appendix 4 for a full copy of report). The TELEMAC system and specifically Telemac-2D hydrodynamic module is the software of choice for modelling the complicated hydrodynamics of Tralee Harbour and Approaches. TELEMAC is a software system designed to study environmental processes in free surface transient flows. It is therefore applicable to seas and coastal domains, estuaries, rivers and lakes. Its main fields of application are in hydrodynamics, water quality, sedimentology and water waves. (AquaFact, 2014(b))

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The hydrodynamics from Telemac are determined for a 50-day period covering nearly two lunar spring and neap tidal cycles and inputted to a STM PSED. PSED is a Lagrangian particle tracking model for simulating non-cohesive sediments developed by the Canadian Hydraulics Centre. The PSED model utilises the hydrodynamic output from the Telemac-2D model requiring bathymetry, time varying water depths and velocities. PSED simulates the transport of both suspended and bed load of a variety of non-cohesive sediment types from fine silts and sands to coarser sands and gravels. The model computes the mobility, entrainment, advection, dispersion and settling of sediments under steady and unsteady flows. The model allows for the re-suspension of the sediments once its critical shear stress is exceeded. (AquaFact, 2014(b))

A 2-dimensional depth averaged hydrodynamic model of Fenit Harbour, Tralee bay and the Atlantic from head of the Dingle Peninsula to Kerry Head and extending 30km offshore was developed to model the tidal hydrodynamics and sediment transport. The total number of computational nodes was 15,205 and triangular finite elements were 29,418. The coastal area modelled is c. 190km2, with depths to sea bed varying from 2 to -130m O.D. Malin. (AquaFact, 2014(b))

Dumpsite

Fenit Harbour

Figure 1. Extent of Hydrodynamic Model ((AquaFact, 2014(b))

The following sources of bathymetry data was relied on in the model build; Hydrographic Surveys Ltd. bathymetric survey of the proposed dumpsite, the Admiralty Tralee Bay Chart, the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) Infomar Study which provided seabed lidar survey of Tralee Bay and the BODC (British Oceanographic Data Centre) GEBCO_08 Grid dataset, which is a global bathymetric

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015 grid at 30 arc second intervals (released January 2009 and updated Nov 2009 and Sept 2010) and relates to local mean sea water. (AquaFact, 2014(b))

Boundary conditions driving the Hydrodynamic Model were generated from regional/local tidal solutions by Oregon State University. The hydrodynamic model was calibrated against current speeds and direction at the ADCP site surveyed in July 2014 by Hydrographic Services Ltd. (AquaFact, 2014(b))

3.5 SCREENING FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT As set out in the NPWS guidance, the task of establishing whether a plan or project is likely to have an effect on a Natura 2000 site(s) is based on a preliminary impact assessment using available information and data, including that outlined above, and other available environmental information, supplemented as necessary by local site information and ecological surveys. This is followed by a determination of whether there is a risk that the effects identified could be significant. The precautionary principle approach is required.

Once the potential impacts that may arise from the proposal are identified the significance of these is assessed through the use of key indicators:

 Habitat loss  Habitat alteration  Habitat or species fragmentation  Disturbance and/or displacement of species  Water quality and resource.

3.6 NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT Stage 2 of Appropriate Assessment, otherwise known as Appropriate Assessment, involves the consideration of the impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site of the project, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, with respect to the site’s structure and function and its conservation objectives. Additionally, mitigation of these impacts can be considered.

In cases where an Appropriate Assessment is required a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) shall be prepared and shall include a report of a scientific examination of evidence and data, carried out by competent persons to identify and classify any implications for Natura 2000 sites in the view of the conservation objectives of the site. The aim of the assessment is to provide a sufficient level of information to the competent authority on which to base their appropriate assessment of the plan or project. The plan or project should be fully described particularly in relation to the aspects that could interact with the surrounding environment.

Table 1 below presents the significance categories used for the NIS.

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Table 1. Significance of impact (EPA, 2002) Significance of Impacts Definition Slight Impact An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable consequences. An impact which causes noticeable changes in the character of the environment Imperceptible Impact without affecting its sensitivities. An impact that alters the character of the environment in a manner that is Moderate Impact consistent with existing and emerging trends. An impact which, by its character, magnitude, duration or intensity alters a Significant Impact sensitive aspect of the environment. Profound Impact An impact which obliterates sensitive characteristics.

In line with the EPA Guidelines (EPA, 2002), the following terms are defined when quantifying duration:

 Temporary: up to 1 year  Short-term: from 1-7 years  Medium-term: 7-15 years  Long-term: 15-60 years  Permanent: over 60 years

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4 SCREENING FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT Screening for Appropriate Assessment (Stage 1) determines the need for a full Appropriate Assessment (Stage 2) and consists of a number of steps, each of which is addressed in the following sections of this report:

4.1 Establish whether the project is necessary for the management of a Natura 2000 site 4.2 Description of the project (Fenit Maintenance Dredging) 4.3 Identification of Natura 2000 sites potentially affected 4.4 Identification and description of individual and cumulative impacts of the project 4.5 Assessment of the significance of the impacts on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites 4.6 Conclusion of screening stage

4.1 MANAGEMENT OF NATURA 2000 SITES The proposal is not connected with or necessary to the conservation management of a Natura 2000 site.

4.2 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN/PROJECT

4.2.1 Brief Project Description This project involves the excavation of sediment from the seabed, termed maintenance dredging, at Fenit Harbour, a commercial shipping port. Dredging is an activity carried out by a dredge, which scrapes material from the sea bed and deposits it elsewhere. Dredged material will be transported to the outer Tralee Bay to a proposed dumpsite.

A foreshore licence (FL) application for consent under the Foreshore Act for dredging at the harbour and dumping operations at the dumpsite will be sought from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG). A Dumping at Sea (DaS) permit application to dispose of the material at the proposed dumpsite will be sought from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act 2009. The previous DaS licence expired in March 2011 and the current application is for a ten year period for an ongoing maintenance dredging campaign requirement of a 3-5 year cycle. A separate FL consent will be required from the DECLG for each dredging event.

The following FL and DaS application drawings are included in Appendix 2:

 Drawing No. 14996-5003, Dredging Areas  Drawing No. 14996-5004, Bathymetric Survey of Fenit Harbour  Drawing No. 14996-5202, Bathymetric Survey and Dredging Areas  Drawing No. 14996-5006, Dredging Areas - Sections  Drawing No. 14996-5007, Admiralty Chart (Fenit Harbour)  Drawing No. 14996-5203, Admiralty Chart (Dumpsite)

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4.2.2 Purpose of the Project Maintenance dredging is required to deepen or maintain navigable channels, which are at risk of becoming silted over time due to the transport of suspended sediments into the sheltered waters of the harbour that in turn deposit on the seabed. The project will increase the navigability of Fenit harbour and thereby reduce the associated safety concerns for commercial ships and boats.

4.2.3 Site Location and Use

4.2.3.1 Fenit Harbour and Marina The site is located on the west coast of Ireland, in County Kerry on the northern side of Tralee Bay. The bay is sheltered from the Atlantic by the Maharee tombolo, which extends northwards from the Dingle Peninsula. Fenit Harbour and Marina is located about 10km west of Tralee Town, just south of the mouth of the Shannon Estuary (Lat 52°16’N Long 9°52’W). The village of Fenit lies north of the harbour. A location map of the site is presented in Figure 2.

A 400 m long causeway and viaduct connects the site to the village. The footprint of the existing harbour and marina is 7ha. From the viaduct the fishing quays stretch south to the rocky outcrop that is Samphire Island and turn east to the newer commercial shipping quays and spur/spring pier. The marina area is located within the shelter of the rubble mound breakwater to the northeast of the site. A plan of the existing site is given in Figure 3.

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Figure 2. Location of Fenit Harbour

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Figure 3. Plan of Fenit Harbour

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Fenit is the most westerly commercial port in Ireland and is the only commercial port between Foynes and Cork. It is used for commercial shipping, servicing a domestic fishing fleet, leisure and amenity and lifesaving. The main deep sea pier is 175m long with extensive storage facilities available. The landing quays have a design dredge depth of -7.5mCD. Fenit Harbour is an important logistical base for the Killarney based Liebherr cranes. The commercial shipping quays facilitate 15,000 tonne ships of container cranes of a frequency of approximately 15 to 20 per annum. Currently, the fishing fleet operating out of Fenit include approximately 1 large trawler, 2 medium trawlers and 24 half decker trawlers in addition to a number of charter sea angling vessels. Fenit Marina was built in 1997 and has a 130 berth marina and caters to leisure craft from 6m to 15m in length. It has a plan area of approximately 1.5ha. The marina has a design dredge depth of -3.5mCD. The existing marina berths facilitate leisure craft during the peak summer months and a mixture of both fishing and leisure in the off-season.

Land use in the vicinity of the harbour on the mainland includes agricultural, recreational, residential, commercial and open space. The harbour is approximately 500m south of Fenit village. The land directly to the north of the proposed expansion is primarily amenity, residential and open space. The Fenit blue flag beach is located to the northwest of the site and is an important amenity area for the local community. A further stony beach is located to the northeast of the site.

4.2.3.2 Dumpsite The dumpsite is located approximately 3km west of the coast at Carrahane Lower townland and approximately 1.5km north-northwest of Fenit Island in the outer part of Tralee Bay. It lies between 1.5km to 2.5km south and southeast of Illaunnabarnagh and Mucklaghmore Islands, which are essentially small rocky outcrops. The seabed in the general surrounds is classified as sand and muddy sand with reefs located over 1km to the northwest.

The boundary extents of the dumpsite are square in shape with each side measuring 1km giving a total area of 100ha.

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Figure 4. Dumpsite location in outer Tralee Bay

4.2.4 Description of the Dredge Site

4.2.4.1 Bedrock geology and coastline to the north Fenit Harbour is situated on the northern shore of Tralee Bay, north of the Dingle Peninsula. According to Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) mapping and supporting data the Dingle Peninsula which makes up the southern shore of the bay is a syncline of Devonian Sandstone with Namurian Sandstone on its flanks. In addition, the GSI map indicates that Tralee Bay is underlain with Carboniferous Limestone as is the Tralee area with the hills to the west consisting of Namurian sandstone.

The Carboniferous Limestone outcrops within the harbour at Samphire Island. Geotechnical investigations undertaken in 1996 indicate that the rock dips away under the surrounding overburden which forms the bed of the harbour and nearby area. The existing harbour was constructed on the rock of Samphire Island with an original L-shaped pier extending north and east- northeast of the rock outcrop. The north oriented leg of the harbour is connected to the mainland via a piled viaduct and causeway.

The shore to the north of the harbour consists of a glacial till cliff to the northeast and a short sandy beach to the northwest. Further west the beach merges into a rocky foreshore. The shore immediately east of the viaduct consists of a rock cliff becoming a glacial till cliff further east. Fronting the glacial till cliff is a layer of sand, gravel and cobbles overlying an eroded platform in the till. The shoreline at Fenit comprises sandy beach, rocky shore and cobble and gravel shingle.

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4.2.4.2 Bathymetry The bathymetry survey conducted by Hydrographic Services Ltd in July 2014 indicate that depths in the current commercial berth range from -4.5 to 5.5mCD, a decrease of up to -3mCD in places from the optimum design depth of -7.5mCD as a result of the accumulation of silt over time (see application drawing 14996-5004, Appendix 2). Depths in the shipping manoeuvre area have decreased from the optimum design depth of -5mCD to -4mCD, and to -2mCD in places. The bathymetry survey indicates an accumulation of sediment in all parts of the harbour including the inner harbour and the marina since the last maintenance dredge of this area in 2011.

4.2.4.3 Marine Sediments Sediment sampling for quality analysis was undertaken at seven locations across the harbour area including one at the fishing berth (F1), marina (F2), commercial berth (F3), maneuvering area (F6) and navigation channel (F7), and two immediately east of the eastern breakwater (F4, F5). F3 and F6 locations are representative of the dredge area sediment quality while locations F4 and F4 are representative of the edge of the backslope dredge areas.

There are no current or historic heavy industries, boat building or repair associated with Fenit Harbour. The principal sources of pollutants within the harbour would be hydrocarbons associated with vessels, machinery and equipment.

The sediments from the harbour area were classified as muddy sand throughout by Folk (1954), being dominated by silt-clay and very fine sand for the most part. The levels for arsenic and nickel exceeded the lower Irish action limits for many of their samples placing them in Class 2. Class 2 sediments hold contaminant concentrations between Level 1 and Level 2 and are considered marginally contaminated (Cronin et al., 2006). None of the parameters exceed the upper Irish action limit. See Table 2 below for the full list of parameters and results.

Arsenic can be naturally present in marine sediment and in some locations natural levels of arsenic can exceed the upper value of 70 mg kg-1. The lower level is 9 mg kg-1 and this is exceeded at sampling stations F1, F2, F3, F4, F6, F8, DS2 and DS3 with levels ranging from 11.2 mg kg-1 to 19.6 mg kg-1. Levels for arsenic do not exceed the upper Irish action level and do not exceed the U.S. probable effects level (PEL) used for biological effects guidelines of 41.6 mg kg-1 (Cronin et al., 2006).

Nickel levels exceeded the lower Irish action level of 21 mg kg-1 for six out of the seven sampling stations for sediment quality, namely F1, F2, F3, F4, F6 and F7, thus categorising them as Class 2 sediments. Nickel levels were below the lower Irish action level for the dumpsite. Levels for nickel do not exceed the upper Irish action level of 60 mg kg-1and do not exceed the U.S. probable effects level (PEL) used for biological effects guidelines of 42.8 mg kg-1 (Cronin et al., 2006).

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Table 2. Results of sediment chemistry of the material to be dumped at sea, with reference to Irish Action Levels Parameter Units (dry Sampling points (locations of sampling stations included) wt) Note 2 Fishing Marina Commercial East of East of Manoeuvring Navigation Dumpsite Dumpsite Dumpsite berth berth breakwater breakwater area channel F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 DS1 DS2 DS3

Arsenic mg kg-1 19.5 19.6 18.8 11.2 8.98 15.1 18.5 7.67 14.0 15.5 Cadmium mg kg-1 0.52 0.52 0.65 0.53 0.44 0.44 0.61 0.35 0.32 0.32 Chromium mg kg-1 60.1 65.1 62.1 44.7 40 50 61.5 13.3 10 9.5 Copper mg kg-1 20.7 21.8 20 14.6 12 13.9 21.1 3.23 3.78 3.17 Lead mg kg-1 24.8 25.3 23.7 17.3 14.5 18.6 25.1 5.32 5.96 5.66 Mercury mg kg-1 0.09 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.07 0.07 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 Nickel mg kg-1 29.2 31.8 30.3 21.3 19.1 24.5 29.7 6.93 7.13 5.95 Zinc mg kg-1 80.8 83.5 85.5 59 50.8 59.2 77.2 16.7 20.2 16.6  TBT & DBT Note 3 mg kg-1 <0.06 <0.04 <0.06 <0.04 <0.02 <0.02 <0.06 <0.02 <0.02 -HCH (Lindane) Note 4 g kg-1 <0.025 <0.018 <0.021 <0.018 <0.008 <0.008 <0.020 <0.008 <0.008 HCB Note 5 g kg-1 <0.025 <0.018 <0.021 <0.018 <0.008 <0.008 <0.020 <0.008 <0.008 PCB (individual congeners of ICES 7) Note 6 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 028 PCB 052 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 101 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 138 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 153 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 180 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 118 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB ( ICES 7) Note 6 g kg-1 2.17 1.54 1.4 1.54 0.7 0.7 1.75 0.7 0.7 PAH ( 16) Note 7 g kg-1 162.15 183.97 150.63 204.54 829.70 127.02 194.49 57.87 Total Extractable Hydrocarbons g kg-1 0.165 0.108 0.174 0.162 0.0584 0.0784 0.24 0.00756 - -

Exceed Lower Irish Action Limit Exceeds Upper Irish Action Limit Note 1: Applicants should highlight in Table B.1 any results which exceed either the upper or lower Irish action levels. Action levels are published in: Cronin et al. 2006. Guidelines for the Assessment of Dredge Material for Disposal in Irish Waters. Marine Environment & Health Series, No. 24. Marine Institute. Note 2: Total sediment <2 mm Note 3: Sum of tributyl tin and dibutyl tin Note 4: 1α,2α,3β,4α,5α,6β-hexachlorocyclohexane Note 5: Hexachlorobenzene Note 6: ICES 7 polychlorinated biphenyls: PCB 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180. Note 7: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (measured as individual compounds): Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, Acenaphthene, Fluorene,Phenanthrene, Anthracene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene, Benzo(a)anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Benzo(k)fluoranthene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Dibenzo(ah)anthracene, Benzo(ghi)perylene, Indeno(123-cd)pyrene.

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4.2.4.4 Benthic Ecology In 2009 Aqua-Fact undertook benthic survey work at 10 sampling stations in and around Fenit Harbour to inform the Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion project.

The western part of the inner harbour area (grab Stations S1 and S2) was dominated by fine muds (>98% silt-clay content). Only three species were recorded in any appreciable numbers in this area but numbers were still low when compared to the stations outside the harbour. Nepthys hombergii and nemerteans dominated here.

The harbour entrance area (grab Stations S3) was dominated by silt-clay, with Stations S4 and S6 dominated by sandy mud. All stations had a poor species assemblage with Nepthys hombergii dominated each site.

The area east of the harbour was relatively homogenous consisting of sandy mud formed into small wavelets by the action of the tidal currents. Further east, areas of compact clay formed large shallow mounds on the bottom. Apart from drift algae, no flora or fauna was observed. Faunal grab station S4 revealed the dominance of the infaunal polychaete Nephtys hombergii in this location along with the bivalve molluscs Abra nitida and Nucula nucleus. The community here was consistent with the SS.SMU Sublittoral cohesive mud and sandy mud communities biotope.

4.2.5 Description of Dumpsite

4.2.5.1 Bedrock geology The GSI map indicates that Tralee Bay is underlain with Carboniferous Limestone as is the Tralee area.

4.2.5.2 Bathymetry The bathymetry survey conducted by Hydrographic Services Ltd in July 2014 indicate that depths in the dumpsite range from 13m to 17mCD (see application drawing 14996-5202, Appendix 2).

4.2.5.3 Marine Sediments The sediment type in the eastern half of the dumpsite consisted of fine/medium sand, coarse/medium sand and coarse/very coarse sand. Areas of hard ground were encountered in the western half. Immediately south of the dumpsite coarse/medium sand dominated and very fine sand dominated just over 1km south of the dumpsite. Fine/very fine sand dominated to the east of the dumpsite and coarse/very coarse sand dominated to the north. All sediments were classified as sand or gravelly sand by Folk (1954). Silt-clay fractions were extremely low throughout. (AquaFact, 2014)

The chemical characteristics of the marine sediments within the dumpsite have been presented in section 4.2.4.3 above.

4.2.5.4 Benthic Ecology The faunal assemblage of the dumpsite and surrounding areas can be classified by Fossitt (2000) as SS1 Infralittoral gravels and sands. Variations in the community type and dominating species between the stations was evident. These local variations are common in the natural environment. All species observed are typically of the gravelly/sandy habitat in the area and the species present represent a balanced mix of longer lived deeper burrowing equilibrium species and smaller shorter

14996-6001-A Screening for Appropriate Assessment February 2015 lived opportunistic species. Some of the main dominants of the assemblage include the gastropod mollusc Caecum trachea, bivalve molluscs Goodalia triangularis, Angulus fabula, Chamelea striatula and Pharidae, Nematoda, the polychaete Chaetozone christiei and Spiophanes bombyx and the copepod crustacean Longipedia scotti. (AquaFact, 2014).

It is worth noting that one of the reasons the site was selected was not a favoured fishing grounds for local fishermen and they had no fishery related concerns here.

4.2.6 Characteristics of the Project

4.2.6.1 Requirement for Maintenance Dredging Fenit Harbour has a need for regular maintenance dredging. Historically, this is done in a 3 or 5 year cycle depending on whether it is the commercial shipping berth or the inner marina harbour area. The first and only capital dredging operation was undertaken in 1995/6 to develop the new marina, spring pier and breakwater, and to provide sufficient navigation depth for fishing vessels, yachts and commercial shipping during all tides. Following this dredging operation the optimum design depths were a minimum of -3.5mCD1 for the inner harbour and marina area, -7.5mCD for the commercial shipping berth and -5mCD for the shipping manoeuvre area.

The previous DaS licence covered the period of 16th June 2008 to 11th March 2011. Within that period the following dredging operations were completed at Fenit:

 June 2008 where 40,000m3 was dredged in the commercial berth and in the ship manoeuvring area.  March 2010 to end of May 2010 where 34,000m3 was dredged in the inner harbour and fishing berths.  March 2011 where 51,000m3 was dredged in the commercial berth, approach channel and some accumulated areas of sediment.

The previous DaS licence expired in March 2011 and the current application is for a ten year period for an ongoing maintenance dredging campaign requirement. Dredging of the harbour area will be required every 3-5 years. Currently, the commercial berth is depositing sediment at a rate of approximately 2m over a 3 year period. This is considered to be a relatively rapid deposition rate. One of the reasons for such a relatively rapid accumulation rate with the commercial berth in recent years is believed to be related to the accumulation of sediment adjacent to the eastern breakwater leg. As a result it is believed that the accumulated sediment outside the breakwater at the harbour mouth is directing flow and material into the berth at faster rate than in the past. The proposed 2015 dredge event would seek to remove a portion of this material to slow down the rate of deposition in the commercial berth.

Presently, a significant volume of material has accumulated in the commercial berth since it was last dredged in 2011, which is actively used by Liebherr Crane shipping activities. Inadequate navigation depth leads to reduced control of ship movement and resulting safety and navigation issues.

1 Chart Datum is the lowest depth at low water, which creates a safe water depth for navigation (only used by boats)

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Admiralty chart shows the optimum design depths for navigation and berthing safely, however, the site as evident from the recent bathymetry data currently does not meet these.

Approximately, 63,000m3 of material needs to dredged, removed and deposited at the dumpsite located in the outer Tralee Bay area. This will be removed from the commercial berth and at the mouth of the harbour area and beyond to the east (see Figure 5 below). The dredge area comprises of two separate dredge locations, namely Area A and Area B. Area A, the commercial berth, lies in the vicinity of the mouth of the harbour covering an area of 11,820m2 and to achieve a depth decrease from approximately -5mCD to -7.5mCD will require the removal of approximately 44,000m3. The maximum depth will be achieved in the vicinity of the pier while the area to the north will be backsloped. Area B, the ship manoeuvring area, lies east of the mouth of the harbour covering an area of 14,000m2 and to achieve a depth increase from approximately -3mCD to -5mCD will require the removal of approximately 19,000m3. The maintenance dredging project will prioritise dredging adjacent to the commercial berth and the total maximum area or footprint to be dredged is 2.6 ha and the total maximum volume is 63,000m3. These figures are the maximum dredge areas and volumes because in reality it will be funding and financial constraints that will determine the actual area and volume of maintenance dredging. Therefore, it is estimated that a more realistic total dredge volume in 2015 would be closer to 55,000m3 as opposed to 63,000m3.

Following the proposed 2015 dredging event, there may be a maximum or worst case dredging requirement of up to approximately 50,000m3 in the commercial berth and manoeuvring area every 3 years on average during the ten year period. This would total approximately 150,000m3 over a ten year period, and when the proposed 2015 dredging event is included, this would total over 200,000m3. Following the proposed 2015 dredging event, which would involve the removal of a portion of the accumulated sediment adjacent to the eastern breakwater, which is believed to be partly responsible for the current increased deposition rate within the commercial berth, there may be a lesser dredging volume requirement in the commercial berth and manoeuvring area.

Deposition rates in the marina and fishing berth are relatively slower than the commercial berth and manoeuvring area. There may be a dredging requirement of up to approximately 30,000m3 in the marina and fishing berth area every 4 to 5 years on average during the ten year period. This would total approximately 80,000m3 over a ten year period.

Once the conditioned DaS licence is in place, KCC will have to notify EPA of the next planned campaign as well as documenting and notifying OSPAR of all dredged quantities. Furthermore, KCC will have to notify the EPA of the selected dredger that will be used for the each dredging event. The FL applies to singular dredging events; therefore, KCC will need to apply to the DECLG for each proposed dredging event.

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Figure 5. Dredging Areas

4.2.6.2 Dredging Operation The dredging will be undertaken using a suction hopper dredger, which will be on site for a maximum of four weeks, subject to weather and tides. The suction hopper dredger enables removal of material from the bed in a controlled fashion. This type of dredger has greater controls in terms of the accuracy of dredging and minimisation of any plumes within the water column in comparison to a back-hoe dredger. The suction hopper dredger moves in a linear defined corridor and dredges in stages. In effect it does so by a series of passes over a defined footprint area until it reaches its design depth, which in this case is -7.5mCD for the commercial berth and -5mCD for the ship manoeuvring area.

One of two suction pipes descends to the bottom of the seabed with a trailing head at the end, which also serves to loosen material on the seabed. The trailing head moves across the dredge area sucking up the sediment, comparable to a large vacuum cleaner. Material is then discharged to the hopper and the material will sink while the seawater is discharged overboard.

Dredging pumps suck water through the pipes to prime them and once this is complete the pipe then begins to suck sediment. The dredging operation is fully automated and linked to satellite GPS. The area and volume of dredging is pre-programmed to an automated computerised system. Sensors estimate the area and volume of dredge material. Furthermore, cameras are placed on the boat and suction dredge. Depth is determined using sounders. The crew visually monitor during the dredging operation for any plumes or any rubbish that might damage the dredge equipment. The harbour also provides good shelter against poor weather conditions. In summary, much of the dredge operation is automated through a computer management system and thus the operation is

14996-6001-A Screening for Appropriate Assessment February 2015 well controlled within harbour. The use of the suction hopper dredger method and associated automation of the dredging operation is relatively clean, fast and efficient and is thus the most suitable method for sensitive sites and this is the method of maintenance dredging used in sensitive marine environments such as the Shannon Estuary, Port of Cork and Dublin Port, and has also been used in the last two dredging campaigns at Fenit.

As the dredger progresses it fills its on-board storage bay. When full the dredger then steams to the dumpsite location. Once there the location within the footprint of the dumpsite is recorded and the dredger opens it sea doors that close the hopper and deposit the excavated silt material onto the sea bed. The position over which the dredger deposits each load and the deposited volume is recorded. Deposition is undertaken at optimum times of the tide, within good weather windows. Visual monitoring of the plume at the deposition site is undertaken as part of normal good practice.

Sample image of suction hopper dredger with single Sample image of suction hopper dredger filling its suction tube (source: IHC Holland, storage area (source: www.mining-technology.com) www.theartofdregding.com)

Once the dredger is finished the disposal process it then steams back to port and recommences the dredging operation. This process is repeated until such time as all material is removed and the design depths are achieved. A bathymetry survey is then undertaken to confirm dredge depths.

The dredging period is limited to October-November or February-May and will take place over a three to four week period. The inner Tralee Bay area due east of the harbour has an area designated for shellfish, which in this case is the native oyster. Accordingly, any potential impact on the shellfish areas has to be avoided or minimised. Therefore, the dredging must avoid the oyster spatting (settlement and recruitment of larvae) period between June and July and ideally the oyster harvesting period between November and end of January/early February due to relatively heavy use of the harbour during this time. The summer leisure period will also be avoided.

Once dredging operations are completed a full report of the volumes removed and deposited will be produced following a bathmetry survey. This will also include drawings and details presenting the dump footprint, its co-ordinates and the volumes deposited.

4.2.6.3 Dredge material The characteristics of the dredge material have been described in section 4.2.4.3 above.

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4.2.6.4 Selection of Dumpsite A Site Selection Report report for the selected dumpsite has been completed by Malachy Walsh and Partners where alternative sites were examined in a systematic manner; this report accompanies the DaS licence application. It provides detail on the criteria for dumpsite selection, consultation and the staged and iterative process involved. Some of the characteristics for selecting the dumpsite over other sites are:

 Avoidance of shipping lanes and main navigation routes  Avoidance of known seabed archaeological features  Avoidance of Natura 2000 sites  Avoidance of fishing grounds and nursery areas for fish and aquaculture  Avoid impacts on Blue Flag beaches  Selection of area of sea bed with reasonable depths of water  Selection of an area of sea bed that has a suitable profile or depression  Location that has favourable current regime  Location that has suitable bed characteristics for receipt of dredged material  Minimisation of impacts on benthic communities within and surrounding the dump site  Examination of previously used dump site locations and experience with these locations

A DaS permit is required for the deposition of dredge material. Over the years a number of DaS permits were issued by the Department of Marine and Department of Environment. The last DaS permit expired in 2011 after the last dredging project was completed.

The western half of the dumpsite overlaps with two dumpsites, where dredged material was dumped between 1996 and 2003. A further historic dumpsite occurs approximately 0.5km west of Fenit Island where dredged material was dumped between 1985 and 1996.

4.2.6.5 Sediment Transport Model (STM) A sediment transport study was undertaken by Hydro Environmental Ltd and the results are summarised in the following paragraphs (see Appendix 4 for full copy of the report). The model assumed 55,000m3 of material would be dredged over a 10 day period. The mass of sediment to be disposed of is 9,900 metric tonnes per day over a 50 day period representing disposal of 9.9 million kg of sediment per day. (AquaFact, 2014 (b)).

In the sediment tracking model, the sediment is primarily driven by a hydrodynamic input that includes water velocities, surface elevations and water depths. The simulation covers a 50-day period from 18th July to 6th September 2014 which coincides with the availability of hydrometric field data which was used in the hydrodynamic model calibration. The loss of material at the disposal location was simulated as a series of line sources across the proposed disposal area with particles released evenly along the line sources throughout the 10-day dredge disposal operation. The sediment fractions were released separately to allow the parcels to behave differently because of the great differences in their diameters and settling velocities. Approximately, 39% of the sediment is silt and the remaining 61% is sand. (AquaFact, 2014 (b)).

The sediment modelling assumes that each fraction of sediment is independent and available for resuspension and transport if the critical shields number (mobility factor) is exceeded (i.e. mobility

14996-6001-A Screening for Appropriate Assessment February 2015 factor greater than 1). This does not allow for the shielding/capping effect from the larger heavier sediment sand fractions which would prevent or slow/retard the rate of resuspension of the intermixed silt particles. Consequently, the silt results presented in the output plots and the rates reported in the discussion below represent conservative estimates of deposition rates and sediment concentration. (AquaFact, 2014 (b)).

In respect to the silt fraction the deposition plots show initially a reasonable spreading of the silt within and surrounding the dumpsite with typical deposition rates within the dumpsite of 10 to 20kg/m2 with the deposition reduced during ebb and flood flows due to resuspension. Initially, the heavier silt fraction is shown to remain at the deposition site but following high spring tides during days 24 to 27 the dumpsite is virtually cleared of all silt with the heavier silt deposited just to the south of the dumpsite. (AquaFact, 2014 (b)).

The general tendency over the 50-day simulation period is for the silt deposition to migrate southwards, then westward and eventually northwards out of Tralee Bay and westward to open sea. Temporary deposition in the reef areas to the south, southwest, northwest and the reefs further to the west of the dumpsite is predicted. Deposition rates over the 50-day simulation period are generally in the wider areas of the reefs to be less than 0.2 to 0.5kg/m2 but local highs of up to 3kg/m2 are predicted. (AquaFact, 2014 (b)).

Due to the higher settling velocities the sand fraction is less mobile than the silt with the heavier fractions (representing coarse and very coarse sands) shown to remain deposited within the dumpsite, which comprises approximately 17% of the dredged material. The lighter sand fractions of medium to very fine sands are transported to the south of the site where they remain. In other words, 32% is deposited locally around the dumpsite, primarily to the south covering approximately 1.5 times the area of the dumpsite (145ha). The remaining 51% of silt and fine sand fractions is dispersed with the tide and deposits temporarily at slack tides but eventually will be well dispersed, and majority of the fine sediment will flushed out to sea in a northwest direction. Only the very fine sand migrates towards the reef area to the south and southwest similar to the silt fraction but of a considerably lower rate. (AquaFact, 2014 (b)).

In conclusion, the silt and very fine sand fractions of the sediment will be transported from the dumpsite under ambient tidal currents and will temporarily deposit in the surrounding reefs to the northwest, south, southwest and west. Deposition rates are shown to be generally less than 0.2 to 0.5kg/m2 but local highs of up to 3kg/m2 are predicted. In terms of sediment depth 1kg/m2 represents a sediment depth of 0.55mm per m2 at density of 1800kg/m3. The heavier sand is shown to remain at or near the dumpsite. This amount of additional sediment depositing on any substrate does not have the capacity to cause smothering or blocking of light. No permanent or long-term impact is therefore considered likely on any habitat or species. (AquaFact, 2014 (b)).

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4.2.7 Summary of Characteristics of Project The following table provides a summary of the characteristics of the project.

 The current FL is for a singular dredge event in 2015 for approximately 63,000m3 of material needs to dredged and deposited at the dumpsite but due to economic constraints is likely to be closer to 55,000m3. The current DaS application is for a ten year period for an ongoing maintenance dredging campaign requirement of a 3-5 year cycle. This would total Size, scale, area, land-take approximately 205,000m3 for the commercial berth and manoeuvring area

and approximately 80,000m3 for the marina and fishing berth over a ten year period.  The dredge material currently covers an area of 2.6ha with dredge depths of up to 3m (~2m on average).

Ten year DaS licence application:  The optimum design depths are a minimum of -3.5mCD for the inner harbour and marina area, -7.5mCD for the commercial shipping berth and - 5mCD for the shipping manoeuvre area. An ongoing maintenance dredging campaign will be required over a 3-5 year cycle to maintain these depths.  This material will then be disposed of at a dumpsite approximately 3km off the coast in the outer bay in approximately 7 dredging events over a 10 year period.

Details of physical changes FL application: that will take place during  A FL will be required for each proposed dredging event within a 10 year the various stages of period. A FL will also be required for the dumpsite, which addresses a implementing the proposal maximum volume to be deposited over a ten year period. The NIS is completed in support of the current FL application only.  The current sediment depths in Area A, the commercial berth, are approximately -5mCD and this will be dredged to -7.5mCD allowing ships and boats greater draught.  The current sediment depths in Area B, the manoeuvring area, are approximately -3mCD and this will be dredged to -5mCD allowing ships and boats greater draught.  This material will then be disposed of at a dumpsite approximately 3km off the coast in the outer bay.

Description of resource requirements for the construction/operation and  Suction hopper dredger equipped with one or two rearward extending decommissioning of the suction pipes, dredging pumps, an overflow to discharge the water proposal (water resources,  Fuel and oils construction material, human presence etc)

Description of timescale for the various activities that The dredging works will take place during October-November or February-May will take place as a result of to avoid adversely affecting oysters and summer leisure activities. The suction implementation (including hopper dredger will be on site for a maximum of four weeks, subject to weather likely start and finish date) and tides.

Description of wastes arising and other residues The principal waste is the dredge material, which comprises of muddy sand (including quantities) and dominated by silt-clay and very fine sand for the most part. their disposal

Identification of wastes Parameters that lie within Class 2 are considered marginally contaminated and

14996-6001-A Screening for Appropriate Assessment February 2015 arising and other residues include arsenic and nickel. With the exception of arsenic and nickel, all other (including quantities) that parameters are below the lower Irish action limit. may be of particular concern in the context of the Natura 2000 network

Description of any additional services required to implement the project or N/A plan, their location and means of construction

Table 3. Approximate dredge volumes in the commercial berth and manoeuvring area over a 10 year period Dredge Location 2015 2018 2021 2024 Commercial Berth and Manoeuvring Area *55,000m3 50,000m3 50,000m3 50,000m3 Total 205,000m3 *Expected volume due to economic constraints

Table 4. Approximate dredge volumes in the commercial berth and manoeuvring area over a 10 year period Dredge Location 2016 2020 2025 Inner Harbour (Marina and Fishing Berth) 30,000m3 25,000m3 25,000m3 Total 80,000m3

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4.2.8 Identification of Other Projects or Plans or Activities

4.2.8.1 Harbour operations Fenit harbour forms the main access point to the sea for various water based activities, including commercial shipping, fishing, sailing, casual boating and lifesaving. Land use within the existing harbour includes commercial shipping, fishing, leisure and amenity, lifesaving and maintenance dredging.

4.2.8.2 Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion Project Planning permission for Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion project was granted by KCC in 2010. The total proposed development will result in a 7ha expansion of the existing harbour and includes the following key elements:

 Moving and extending the existing rubble-mound breakwater eastwards of its current location  Expanding the existing Marina into the extended harbour space. Including the provision of 210 additional berths consisting of pontoons, fingers and an access bridge and bank seat  Sheet piled wave wall.  Expansion of the landmass on the northern side of the harbour to create space for a new boatyard and boat lift, washdown area, refuse area, and oyster landing area  Provision of additional parking to compliment the above  Expansion of the existing commercial pier by widening it and lengthening the existing mooring length by 20m  Upgrading of the existing site services to compliment the proposed development  Capital Dredging Works to facilitate the above

4.2.8.3 Oyster Fishing Oysters are harvested in the months of November until the end of January/early February. Oyster fishermen harvest oysters using a dredge plough over a relatively large portion of the inner bay and within the Shellfish designated area, both of which occur approximately 0.5km east of the head of Fenit pier. The dredge is towed along the seabed by a boat and rakes up the oysters into a net causing sediment to become suspended in the water column resulting in sediment plumes. Fishermen must seek an oyster dredge licence from IFI.

4.2.8.4 Diffuse and Point Sources of Pollution Polluting substances from point (industrial pollutants, wastewater effluents, stormwater sewers) and diffuse (urban and agricultural runoff) sources associated with ongoing activities in the Tralee Bay catchment area enter the lower catchment and estuary. The following is a list of known point sources:

 Tralee WWTP, status: pass (source: EPA)  Ballyheigue WWTP, status: pass (source: EPA)  Fenit Septic Tank, status: fail due to lack of secondary treatment (source: EPA)  Ardfert WWTP, status: fail due to lack of secondary treatment (source: EPA)  Castlegregory Septic Tank, status: fail due to lack of secondary treatment (source: EPA)

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 Two WWDL (Waste Water Discharge Licences or Certificates) occur within the bay hinterland (source: North Kerry – Tralee Bay WMU, 2009-2015)

An application for consent for an urban WWTP at Fenit and Castlegregory has been lodged to the EPA and KCC, repectively. This has been approved for Castlegregory WWTP.

4.3 IDENTIFICATION OF NATURA 2000 SITES

4.3.1 Zone of Impact Influence The screening stage of AA involves compiling a ‘long list’ of European sites within a zone of potential impact influence for later analysis which may or may ultimately not be significantly impacted upon by the proposal. All Natura 2000 sites within 15km of the proposal location will be characterised in the context of the rationale for designation and qualifying features, in accordance with NPWS guidance. In line with the precautionary principle, this report considers any Natura 2000 sites that lie outside 15km that may be significantly impacted as a result of the proposed activities. Following this, the potential impacts associated with the proposal will be identified before an assessment is made of the likely significance of these impacts.

As described above, the test for the screening for Appropriate Assessment is to assess, in view of best scientific knowledge, if the development, individually or in combination with other plan/project is likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site. If there are any significant, potentially significant, or uncertain effects, it will be necessary to proceed to Appropriate Assessment and submit an NIS.

4.3.2 Identification of Natura 2000 and Ramsar Sites Adopting the precautionary principle in identifying potentially affected European sites, it has been decided to include all cSACs and SPAs/Ramsar sites, within a 15km radius of the proposal site. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, more commonly known as the Ramsar Convention, was ratified by Ireland in 1984. Ramsar sites are also subject to AA screening. Although not specifically required, it would be considered best practice to include Ramsar sites (classified under the Ramsar Convention 1971) in the appropriate assessment process2 .

The table below lists designated cSACs, SPA and Ramsar sites within 15km or the zone of influence of the proposal site including their proximity. Natura 2000 sites within 15km and beyond are presented on a map in Appendix 3. Figure 6 and 7 below show the Natura 2000 sites within the vicinity of the project and Tralee Bay.

2 EPA, A Note on Waste Water Discharging Licence Appropriate Assessments

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Table 5: Designated conservation sites within 15km radius of the dredge site and dumpsite Proximity of dredge site to Proximity of dumpsite to Site No. Designated Site nearest point of designated nearest point of Code site designated site Tralee Bay and Magharees Both the commercial berth 1 Peninsula, West to Cloghane 002070 and dredge areas lie within 3.2km to the southwest SAC this site. 0.9km to the northwest Akeragh, Banna and Barrow 2 000332 extending to the north along 1.5km to the southeast Harbour SAC the coast. 1.2km to the north-northeast separated by Fenit neck of 3 Tralee Bay Complex SPA 004188 1.9km to the southeast land and 1.7km to the east- southeast in the inner bay. 9.4km to the south- 4 Slieve Mish Mountains 002185 4.1km to the south southeast 7.1km to the northwest (closest islands 5 Magharee Islands SAC 002261 0.8km Illaunnabarnagh and Mucklaghmore) 1.5km to the north- 6 Magharee Islands SPA 004125 8km to the north-northwest northwest (Illaunnabarnagh Is.) 7 Mount Brandon SAC 000375 10.8km to the southwest 11.1km to the southwest 8 Castlemaine Harbour SAC 000343 12.1km to the south 17.4km to the south 12.3km to the southwest 9 Dingle Peninsula SPA 004153 (eastern slopes of Stradbally 13.1km to the southwest Mt) 10 Castlemaine Harbour SPA 004029 12.4km to the south 17.4km to the south 11 Ballyseedy Wood SAC 002112 13.1km to the east-southeast 16.4km to the southeast 7.6km to the north- 12 Kerry Head SPA 004189 13. 4km to the south northeast 9.3km to the north- 13 Lower River Shannon SAC 002165 15.9km to the northwest northeast 14 Kerry Head Shoal SAC 002263 20.4km to the northwest 14.4km to the northwest

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Figure 6. Map showing location of dredge area and dumpsite overlaid by Natura 2000 sites

Figure 7. Map showing location of dredge area and dumpsite overlaid by Natura 2000 sites in the wider context of Tralee Bay

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4.3.3 Characteristics of Natura 2000 and Ramsar Sites The following tables list the features of interest for the cSACs and SPA sites that lie within 15km of the Fenit Harbour and/or the dumpsite. Information pertaining to designated sites is from site synopses, conservation objectives and other information available on www.npws.ie and on the Ramsar website.

Table 6: Designated site with qualifying features of conservation interest Designated Site Qualifying features of conservation interest Estuaries [1130] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] Coastal lagoons [1150] Large shallow inlets and bays [1160] Reefs [1170] Annual vegetation of drift lines [1210] Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220] Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] Tralee Bay and Magharees Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] Peninsula, West to Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii) [1395] Cloghane SAC (002070) Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120] Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130] Dunes with Salix repens ssp.argentea (Salix arenariae) [2170] Humid dune slacks [2190] Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Annual vegetation of drift lines [1210] Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Embryonic shifting dunes [2110] Harbour SAC (000332) Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120] Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130] Humid dune slacks [2190] European dry heaths [4030] Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) [A038] Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046] Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048] Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] Tralee Bay Complex SPA Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] (004188) / Tralee Bay Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053] Ramsar Site (440) Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054] Scaup (Aythya marila) [A062] Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130] Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137] Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140]

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Designated Site Qualifying features of conservation interest Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141] Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142] Sanderling (Calidris alba) [A144] Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149] Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156] Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [A157] Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160] Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162] Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) [A169] Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179] Common Gull (Larus canus) [A182] Wetlands [A999]

Tralee Bay Ramsar Site is designated for coastal and wetland habitats as well as wintering and other waterbirds. Killarney fern (Trichomanes speciosum) [1421] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [4010] Slieve Mish Mountains European dry heaths [4030] (002185) Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060] Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220] Magharee Islands SAC Reefs [1170] (002261) Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) [A014] Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) [A018] Common Gull (Larus canus) [A 182] Magharee Islands SPA Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) [A193] (004125) Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) [A194] Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) [A195] Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) [A396] Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) [1029] Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts [1230] Killarney fern (Trichomanes speciosum) [1421] Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Mount Brandon SAC Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea [3130] (000375) Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [4010] Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060] Blanket bog (*active only) [7130] Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8210] Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220] Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) [1095] River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1099] Salmon (Salmo salar) [1106] Estuaries [1130] Castlemaine Harbour SAC Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] (000343) Annual vegetation of drift lines [1210] Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220] Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355]

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Designated Site Qualifying features of conservation interest Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii) [1395] Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Embryonic shifting dunes [2110] Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) [2120] Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes) [2130] Dunes with Salix repens ssp.argentea (Salix arenariae) [2170] Humid dune slacks [2190] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) [A009] Dingle Peninsula SPA Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) [A103] (004153) Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) [A346] Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) [A001] Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) [A017] Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046] Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053] Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054] Scaup (Aythya marila) [A062] Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) [A065] Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130] Castlemaine Harbour SPA Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137] (004029) / Castlemaine Sanderling (Calidris alba) [A144] Harbour Ramsar Site (470) Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [A157] Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162] Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) [A164] Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) [A169] Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) [A346] Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999]

Tralee Bay Ramsar Site is designated for coastal and wetland habitats as well as wintering and other waterbirds. Ballyseedy Wood SAC Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion (002112) incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) [A009] Kerry Head SPA (004189) Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) [A346] Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) [1029] Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) [1095] Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [1096] River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [1099] Salmon (Salmo salar) [1106] Lower River Shannon SAC Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time [1110] (002165) Estuaries [1130] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] Coastal lagoons [1150] Large shallow inlets and bays [1160] Reefs [1170] Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220]

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Designated Site Qualifying features of conservation interest Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts [1230] Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310] Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) [1320] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] Bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) [1349] Otter (Lutra lutra) [1355] Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [3260] Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [6410] Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [91E0] Kerry Head Shoal SAC Reefs [1170] (002263)

4.3.4 Conservation Objectives According to the Habitat’s Directive, the conservation status of a natural habitat will be taken as ‘favourable’ within its biogeographic range when:

 its natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing, and  the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and  the conservation status of its typical species is favourable as defined below.

According to the Habitat’s Directive, the conservation status of a species means the sum of the influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long-term distribution and abundance of its populations. The conservation status will be taken as ’favourable’ within its biogeographic range when:

 population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and  the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and  there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis.

The specific conservation objectives (CO) for each site are available on www.npws.ie. These have been accessed for the sites listed in the tables above on the 13th November 2014. Generic conservation objectives were available for the following sites:

 Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332)  Magharee Islands SPA (004125)  Mount Brandon SAC (000375) (a Conservation Statement was also available for this site)  Ballyseedy Wood SAC (002112) (a Conservation Statement was also available for this site)

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Site specific and more detailed conservation objectives series (COS) were available for the following sites:

 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (002070)  Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188)  Slieve Mish Mountains (002185) (a Conservation Statement was also available for this site)  Magharee Islands SAC (002261)  Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343)  Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029)  Lower River Shannon SAC (002165)

Management plans were not available for any sites. All conservation objectives together with other designated site information are available on http://www.npws.ie/protectedsites/.

4.4 IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS Potential likely ecological impacts arising from the project are identified in this section.

Description of elements of the project - Maintenance dredging operation planned for 2015 and which likely to give rise to potential ecological is subject to a FL application at Fenit Harbour for the impacts sites. commercial berth and manoeuvring area - Dumping activities over 10 year DaS licence period - Dumpsite, which is also subject to a FL

Describe any likely direct, indirect or - Loss and alteration of seabed habitat and associated species secondary ecological impacts of the at the location of the dredge areas, which lie within an Natura project (either alone or in combination 2000 site with other plans or projects) by virtue of: - Loss and alteration of seabed habitat and associated species at the location of the dumpsite, which lies within 1km of the Size and scale; nearest Natura 2000 site Land-take; - Water quality impacts from increased suspended sediment Distance from Natura 2000 Site or key and turbidity levels in the water column at the dredge and features of the Site; dumpsite Resource requirements; - Disturbance to species through smothering from the Emissions; deposition of suspended solids Excavation requirements; - Water quality impacts from accidental oil spill associated with Transportation requirements; fuelling activities of the suction hopper dredger Duration of construction, operation etc.; and Other.

4.5 ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS This section considers the list of sites identified in section 4.3.2 above together with the potential ecological impacts identified in the previous section and determines whether the proposed dredge and dumping at sea project is likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site. The likelihood of significant cumulative/in-combination effects is assessed in Section 4.5.5.

The features for which the Ramsar sites, Tralee Bay and Castlemaine Harbour, were designated broadly coincide with the qualifying features of Tralee Bay Complex SPA, Tralee Bay and Magharees

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Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC, Castlemaine Harbour SPA and Castlemaine Harbour SAC. Therefore, it is considered that the screening assessment of the latter Natura 2000 sites will apply to, and adequately cover, the features of interest of the Ramsar sites.

4.5.1 Habitat Loss and Alteration There will be habitat loss as a result of the dredging of the commercial berth and manoeuvring area within Fenit Harbour. These areas were last dredged in 2011 and in the intervening period sediment has deposited and accumulated up to 2m in places; this level of sedimentation is considered to a relatively high. There will be habitat loss within:

 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (002070)

There will be a temporary local increase in suspended solids in the vicinity of the dredging operation at Fenit Harbour. According to the results of the STM (AquaFact, 2014 (b)) of the dumpsite there is potential for increased suspended sediments and sediment deposition within and outside of the bay (see Appendix 4). Approximately, 17% of the less mobile heavier fractions of material remain at the dumpsite. Approximately, 32% is deposited locally around the dumpsite, primarily to the south. The remaining 51% of silt and fine sand fractions is dispersed with the tide and deposits temporarily at slack tides but eventually will be well dispersed and majority of the fine sediment will flushed out to sea in a northwest direction. Once the remaining sediment leaves the bay it is transported in a northwest direction away from the mouth of the Shannon estuary, therefore, it is anticipated that the project will not have a significant effect on the conservation objectives of the Lower River Shannon SAC. Due to the intervening distance of over 14km between the dumpsite and the Kerry Shoal SAC, which lies to the northwest of the dumpsite, and the dilution factor available off the western Irish coast, it is anticipated that the proposal will not have a significantly effect on the conservation objectives of the site. There is potential for habitat alteration as a result of increased suspended sediments and sediment deposition within the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (002070)  Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188)  Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332)  Magharee Islands SAC (002261)  Magharee Islands SPA (004125)

Due to the maritime nature of the proposed dredging and disposal works the zone of influence of the project will be confined to the marine environment. The following Natura 2000 sites are terrestrial and therefore it is not expected that significant habitat loss or alteration to these sites will occur as a result of the project:

 Slieve Mish Mountains (002185)  Mount Brandon SAC (000375)  Dingle Peninsula SPA (004153)  Ballyseedy Wood SAC (002112)  Kerry Head SPA (004189)

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Due to the separation buffer provided by the intervening Dingle Peninsula landmass between the Natura 2000 sites and the proposed dredge area and dumpsite the sites are outside of the zone of influence of the project, therefore, there will be no significant loss or alteration of habitat to the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343)  Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029)

4.5.2 Habitat or Species Fragmentation Habitat fragmentation can be described as discontinuities in an organisms preferred habitat resulting in a fragmentation of the population. Habitat loss or alteration can result in habitat fragmentation. There is potential for habitat fragmentation within the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (002070)  Tralee Bay Complex SPA  Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332)  Magharee Islands SAC (002261)  Magharee Islands SPA (004125)

Due to the intervening distance and the outputs of the STM, significant habitat or species fragmentation are not expected to occur within the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Lower River Shannon SAC (002165)  Kerry Shoal SAC (002263)

Due to the maritime nature of the proposed dredging and disposal works the zone of influence of the project will be confined to the marine environment. The following Natura 2000 sites are terrestrial and therefore it is not expected that significant habitat or species fragmentation to these sites will occur as a result of the project:

 Slieve Mish Mountains (002185)  Mount Brandon SAC (000375)  Dingle Peninsula SPA (004153)  Ballyseedy Wood SAC (002112)  Kerry Head SPA (004189)

Due the separation buffer provided by the intervening Dingle Peninsula landmass between the Natura 2000 sites and the proposed dredge area and dumpsite the sites are outside of the zone of influence of the project, therefore, there will be no significant habitat or species fragmentation to the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343)  Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029)

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4.5.3 Disturbance and/or Displacement of Species Disturbance or displacement of species will result from habitat loss within Fenit Harbour as a result of the dredging operations and may result from increased turbidity in the water column or deposition of sediment on the seabed. There is potential for disturbance/and or displacement of species within the following Natura 2000 sites:

The Dingle Peninsula SPA (004153) and the Kerry Head SPA (004189) are designated for fulmar, peregrine and chough. The latter two species are mountainous or coastal species and occur a distance from the zone of influence and will not be significantly impacted by the project. Fulmar is not expected to be significantly impacted by the project.

Due to the intervening distance and the outputs of the STM, significant disturbance of displacement of species are not expected to occur within the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Lower River Shannon SAC (002165)  Kerry Shoal SAC (002263)

Due to the maritime nature of the proposed dredging and disposal works the zone of influence of the project will be confined to the marine environment. The following Natura 2000 sites are terrestrial and therefore it is not expected that significant disturbance of displacement of species to these sites will occur as a result of the project:

 Slieve Mish Mountains (002185)  Mount Brandon SAC (000375)  Ballyseedy Wood SAC (002112)

Due the separation buffer provided by the intervening Dingle Peninsula landmass between the Natura 2000 sites and the proposed dredge area and dumpsite the sites are outside of the zone of influence of the project, therefore, there will be no significant disturbance of displacement of species in the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343)  Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029)

4.5.4 Water Quality It is estimated that a relatively low percentage volume of sediment will be lost to the water column during the dredging operation. Loss of this material will result in an increase in the volume of suspended sediments and an increase in turbidity levels in the water column. It is predicted that the greatest increase in suspended sediment concentration will occur in the vicinity of the proposed

14996-6001-A Screening for Appropriate Assessment February 2015 dredging areas. It is expected that concentrations will lower significantly with distance from the dredging operations. There is potential for disturbance/and or displacement of species through increased turbidity in the water column within the following Natura 2000 sites:

Due to the intervening distance, the outputs of the STM and the available dilution factor off the west Irish coast, significant water quality impacts are not expected to occur within the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Lower River Shannon SAC (002165)  Kerry Shoal SAC (002263)

Due to the maritime nature of the proposed dredging and disposal works the zone of influence of the project will be confined to the marine environment. The following Natura 2000 sites are terrestrial and therefore it is not expected that significant water quality impacts to these sites will occur as a result of the project:

 Slieve Mish Mountains (002185)  Mount Brandon SAC (000375)  Dingle Peninsula SPA (004153)  Kerry Head SPA (004189)  Ballyseedy Wood SAC (002112)

Due the separation buffer provided by the intervening Dingle Peninsula landmass between the Natura 2000 sites and the proposed dredge area and dumpsite the sites are outside of the zone of influence of the project, therefore, there will be no significant water quality impacts to the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343)  Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029)

4.5.5 Cumulative/In-combination Impacts Cumulative projects that could act in combination with the proposed dredging and dumping operations include the regular harbour activities such as commercial shipping, fishing, sailing, casual boating and lifesaving. There is potential for cumulative water quality impacts in-combination with other activities and projects at the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (002070)  Tralee Bay Complex SPA  Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332)

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 Magharee Islands SAC (002261)  Magharee Islands SPA (004125)

4.6 CONCLUSION OF SCREENING STAGE In conclusion, to determine the potential impacts, if any, of the proposal to carry out maintenance dredging at Fenit Harbour and disposal of the dredge material to a dumpsite in Tralee Bay on nearby Natura 2000/Ramsar sites, a screening for Appropriate Assessment was undertaken. The proposed development is within 15km of 14 Natura 2000 and 2 Ramsar sites.

It has been objectively concluded during the screening process that the 9 sites within 15km of the project are likely not to be significantly affected by the proposal to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay, and these include:

 Slieve Mish Mountains (002185)  Mount Brandon SAC (000375)  Ballyseedy Wood SAC (002112)  Castlemaine Harbour SAC (000343)  Castlemaine Harbour SPA (004029)  Dingle Peninsula SPA (004153)  Kerry Head SPA (004189)  Lower River Shannon SAC (002165)  Kerry Head Shoal SAC (002263)

It has been concluded that the proposal to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay is likely to have a significant effect, or significant effects cannot be ruled out at this stage, on the following Natura 2000 sites:

 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (002070)  Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332)  Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188)  Magharee Islands SAC (002261)  Magharee Islands SPA (004125)

Further assessment is required to determine whether the project is likely to adversely affect the integrity of these Natura 2000 sites. This assessment is presented in the Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in the following sections.

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5 NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT

5.1 INTRODUCTION Appropriate Assessment is the consideration of the impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site of the project, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, with respect to the site’s structure and function and its conservation objectives. Additionally, mitigation of these impacts can be considered.

The focus of the assessment is to determine whether the proposed works to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay will have a significant negative impact on the qualifying features (i.e. target features or features of interest of the Natura 2000 site or reason for designation). This assessment identifies the environmental aspects of the project that will interact with the ecological requirements or sensitivities of the qualifying features and in this case the maintenance dredging at Fenit Harbour and the dumping of the dredge material over the period of the licence at the dumpsite.

The test of the assessment is whether the plan or project will have ‘an adverse effect on the integrity of the site’. Where potentially significant effects are identified proven mitigation measures will be recommended.

5.2 NATURA 2000 SITES It has been concluded that the proposal to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay is likely to have a significant effect, or significant effects cannot be ruled out at this stage, on the following Natura 2000 sites:

When Natura 2000 sites are selected for stage 2 assessments, then all the qualifying features of conservation interest must be included in that stage of the assessment. However, when assessing impact, qualifying features are only considered relevant where a credible or tangible source- pathway-receptor link exists between the proposed development and a protected species or habitat

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015 type. In order for an impact to occur there must be a risk initiated by having a 'source' (e.g. nearby watercourse), a 'receptor' (e.g. a protected species associated aquatic or riparian habitats), and an impact pathway between the source and the receptor (e.g. a watercourse which connects the proposed development site to the site designated for the protection of the aforementioned species). Identifying a risk that could, in theory, cause an impact does not automatically mean that the risk event will occur, or that it will cause or create an adverse impact. However, identification of the risk does mean that there is a latent possibility of ecological or environmental damage occurring, with the level and significance of the impact depending upon the nature of the risk, the extent of the exposure to the risk and the characteristics of the receptor. Therefore, bearing in mind the scope, scale, nature and size of the project, its location relative to the distribution of the species and habitats listed and the degree of connectedness that exists between the project and the potential receptors, it is considered that not all of them are within the zone of potential impact of the proposal. An evaluation based on these factors to determine which AnnexI habitat types and Annex II species (i.e. qualifying features) are the plausible ecological receptors for potential impacts of the unmitigated proposal has been conducted in sections 5.4 below. This evaluation determined that certain habitat types and species should be selected for further assessment as plausible ecological receptors.

The features for which the Tralee Bay Ramsar Site was designated broadly coincide with the qualifying features of Tralee Bay Complex SPA and Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC. Therefore, it is considered that the screening assessment of the latter Natura 2000 sites will apply to, and adequately cover, the features of interest of the Ramsar sites.

5.3 ZONE OF INFLUENCE OF DREDGING OPERATION Tidal currents filling the Bay on the flood tide sweep past the harbour in a west to east direction. On the ebb relatively strong currents approach the harbour from the east. The currents are strong enough to move considerable volumes of sediment in the vicinity of the harbour which was built on Samphire Island adjacent to a channel of deeper water.

It is predicted that the greatest increase in suspended sediment concentration will occur in the vicinity of the proposed development. It is expected that concentrations will lower significantly with distance from the dredging operations. Sediment transport modelling was undertaken for the permitted Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion project. This project would involve the removal of over 250,000m3 of dredge material and construction of a new outer breakwater. Numerical modelling was undertaken for the project based on a dredger operating 24 hours a day 7 days a week over a 2 week period. The dredging with the most impact to water quality would take place during dredging for the breakwater, which equating to 87,500m3 of the total proposed dredge volume. The project assumed a 3% loss of material into the water column and this equates to approximately 1kg/s of clay/ silt material, which could be lost into the water column. Material coarser than the silt/ clay fraction has a relatively high fall velocity and, if stirred up into the water column, quickly falls to the seabed. Such material would therefore fall close to the dredging point. Much of the coarser fraction of dredged material would fall to the seabed within 100m of the dredge site with the fine sand likely to be carried in suspension no further than 0.5 to 1km from the dredge site within the areas of maximum currents. The silt/clay sized material can stay in suspension much longer than the coarser fraction and can therefore be transported by tidal currents far from the site.

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Because of the volumes of sediment on the move in the bay, dredging would have formed part of harbour operations at Fenit since its initial construction and one on the principal concerns would relate to the potential impacts of this dredging. It should be noted that similar quantities of dredging to that proposed has been undertaken at Fenit in the past. A capital dredge was undertaken in 1996 for the existing harbour and some maintenance dredging since then. Since 1996 maintenance dredging of the commercial berth was undertaken in 2003, 2008 and 2011. Maintenance dredging of the inner harbour was completed in 2010. Material from these dredging campaigns was disposed of in the licensed sites to the north of Tralee Bay.

No formal complaints were made by fishermen, harbour users or the general public in the 2008, 2010 and 2011 dredge campaigns (Ken Fitzgerald3, pers. comm.). Since the construction of the breakwater in 1996, which means the harbour is contained on three sides, the filling tide has less influence over the harbour during dredging operation resulting in less movement of suspended sediments while the ebbing tide pulls sediment back into the harbour.

From visual monitoring of previous maintenance dredging in 2010 and 2011, the visible turbidity is considered to be up to approximately 100-200m from the head of the pier at Fenit Harbour (Ken Fitzgerald, pers comm.).

The use of a suction hopper dredger and the proposed methodology for the dredging operation (see section 4.2.6.2 above) limits the potential for dispersion of sediment to the water quality and is relatively clean, fast and efficient. The suction hopper dredger will be on site for a maximum of four weeks, subject to weather and tides. If the weather is favourable (calm, no storms) during the dredging operation, it may take between two to three weeks to complete. Dredging will typically take place on mid-tide to rising and falling to facilitate navigation of dredge boat and could work at night, or over 16 hour shifts.

5.4 ZONE OF INFLUENCE OF DUMPING AT SEA OPERATION The zone of influence of the dumping at sea operation is determined by the STM. According to the results of the STM (AquaFact, 2014 (b)) of the dumpsite there is potential for increased suspended sediments and sediment deposition within and outside of the bay (see Appendix 4). Approximately, 17% of the less mobile heavier fractions of material remain at the dumpsite. Approximately, 32% is deposited locally around the dumpsite, primarily to the south. The remaining 51% of silt and fine sand fractions is dispersed with the tide and deposits temporarily at slack tides but eventually will be well dispersed and the majority of the fine sediment will flushed out to sea in a northwest direction. Once the remaining sediment leaves the bay it is transported in a northwest direction away from the mouth of the Shannon estuary.

5.4.1 Tralee Bay Complex SAC (002070)

5.4.1.1 Description of the Natura 2000 site This large site in Co. Kerry stretches from Tralee town westwards to Fenit Harbour and Cloghane, encompassing Tralee Bay, Brandon Bay and the Magharees Peninsula. It includes extensive mudflats at the eastern end, the beaches of Derrymore Island, the sand dunes and lagoons of the Magharees Peninsula, as well as the rocky headlands at its end. The site is mostly underlain by limestone, but

3 Resident Engineer during previous dredge campaigns, 2010 and 2011

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015 significant parts of this are covered with glacial drift or windblown sand. Both the Tralee and Brandon (Owenmore) estuaries feature wide expanses of sheltered intertidal flats. (NPWS site synopsis 002070)

The majority of Tralee Bay is shallow and composed of sublittoral sediments. In the more sheltered areas of the bay, there is a variety of important sublittoral sediment communities in which a number of rare species occur. Seagrass beds occur on sandy substrates in the bay. The native oyster, Ostrea edulis, occurs in sediment communities throughout the bay. Maerl beds, composed of the free-living coralline algae Lithothamnion corallioides and Phymatolithon calcareum, and characterized by anemones (Anthopleura balli) and oysters, occur in the middle of the bay. The rare anemone Halcampa chrysanthellum has been recorded here. (NPWS site synopsis 002070)

Saltmarsh vegetation frequently fringes the mudflats, with the most extensive areas being found at Blennerville, Derrymore Island and Fermoyle in Brandon Bay. The dominant type of saltmarsh present is Atlantic salt meadow. The main dune area on this southern shore occurs on the Magharees Peninsula - a tombolo which joins a number of the Magharees Islands with the mainland. Here there are extensive areas of fixed ‘grey’ dunes, which feature a number of damp hollows or dune slacks. Lough Gill, a natural sedimentary lagoon, is located at the base of the Magharees Peninsula. The dune complex supports the largest Irish breeding population of natterjack toads. The lagoon is only slightly brackish and therefore contains freshwater species along with lagoon specialists. Other coastal habitats that occur within the site include shingle beaches, rocky shores and vegetated sea-cliffs. (NPWS site synopsis 002070)

5.4.1.2 Identification of Potentially Significant Impacts to Qualifying Features The following table lists the qualifying features of the Tralee Bay complex SAC (002070) and evaluates through a scientific examination of evidence and data whether or not these features should or should not be selected for further assessment in the NIS. The qualifying features that are selected for further assessment are discussed further in the section followed by an assessment of potentially significant effects arising from the proposal to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay.

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Table 7. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Tralee Bay Complex SAC (002070) Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts The COS 002165 has mapped the extent of the estuary from the bridge at Blennerville and including the canal west as far as Curraheen townland but stops short of where Curraheen River enters the bay. The estuary lies approximately 6km east of the Fenit Harbour. Considering the use of the suction hopper dredger and the dredging methodology, the zone of influence of the Estuaries No dredge material and the shallow and dynamic nature of the sublittoral sediments, it is considered that the estuary habitat type will not be significantly effected by the proposed dredging at Fenit Harbour. Therefore, estuary habitat type will not be considered further in the NIS. Mudlfats predominantly occur in inner Tralee Bay, which is relatively sheltered. Sandy beaches line the coast of Tralee and Mudflats and sandflats Brandon Bay as well as Scraggane Bay on the northern shore of the Magharees Pensinsula. The impact from the dredging and not covered by seawater No dumping operation will be limited to the marine sublittoral environment; significant intertidal impacts to this habitat type are at low tide not expected to occur. Therefore, this habitat type, mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide, is not considered further in the NIS. Lough Gill, east of Castlegregory village, is the only mapped coastal lagoon (COS 002070). This drains into Tralee Bay north of Castlegregory village through sluice gates at Magherabeg. The lagoon is only slightly brackish and only small amounts of seawater enters and there is no tidal fluctuation (Healy et al., 1997)). As this habitat type is confined to coastline above the Coastal lagoons No high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential impact arising from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to coastal lagoons. Therefore, this habitat type, coastal lagoons, is not considered further in the NIS. The entire of Tralee Bay as far as the northern shore of Magharees Peninsula as well as the inner waters of Brandon Bay (which Large shallow inlets and Yes itself is not shallow) are mapped as large shallow inlets and bays (COS 002070). The increased suspended sediments in the bays water column will result in water quality impacts. Reef habitats are widespread marine features with immobile hard substrate available for colonisation by epifauna (NPWS, 2013a). Reef habitat types include gravels, cobbles, boulders and bedrock as well as biogenic conglomerations. Significant areas of reef habitat are mapped along the southern side of Tralee Bay (Derrymore spit west to Castlegregory village), Reefs Yes scattered though the middle of the Tralee Bay and off the northern part of Magharee Peninsula. The nearest mapped reef (COS 002070) lies approximately 1km south of the dredge area and northwest of the dumpsite. The increased suspended sediments in the water column will either deposit on the seabed within and outside of the bay, while the finer fractions may remain in suspension. There is a risk of disturbance or displacement of fauna from deposition of sediment on reef habitat. Annual vegetation of drift No This type of vegetation occurs on sandy, shingle or stony substrate at the upper part of the strand, around the high tide mark.

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts lines It is mapped as occurring in sections of the coastline of Tralee Bay and to a lesser extent along Brandon Bay. The impact from the dredging and dumping operation will be limited to the marine sublittoral environment; significant intertidal impacts to annual vegetation of drift lines are not expected to occur. Therefore, this habitat type, annual vegetation of drift lines, is not considered further in the NIS. This habitat type occurs along the coast where shingle (cobbles and pebbles) and gravel have accumulated to form elevated ridges or banks above the high tide mark (NPWS, 2013a); it is mapped as occurring along the northern shore of Derrymore spit. Perennial vegetation of As this habitat type is confined to coastline above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential No stony banks impact arising from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to perennial vegetation of stony banks. Therefore, this habitat type, perennial vegetation of stony banks, is not considered further in the NIS. Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand is classified by Fossitt (2000) as lower salt marsh. This habitat type is a pioneer saltmarsh community that may occur on muddy sediment seaward of established saltmarsh or form patches within Salicornia and other other saltmarsh communities where the elevation is suitable and there is regular tidal inundation (NPWS, 2013(a). This habitat annuals colonizing mud No type is not mapped in the COS 002070, however, it is recorded at Derrymore Island. The impact from the dredging and and sand dumping operation will be limited to the marine sublittoral environment; significant intertidal impacts to this habitat type are not expected to occur. Therefore, this habitat type, Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand, is not considered further in the NIS. Atlantic salt meadows are classified by Fossitt (2000) as lower salt marsh. The COS 002070 has mapped its occurrence along Atlantic salt meadows the inner shore of Derrymore spit, inner Tralee Bay just west of Blennerville village and a small extent in the western part of (Glauco-Puccinellietalia No Brandon Bay south of Fermoyle tombolo. The impact from the dredging and dumping operation will be limited to the marine maritimae) sublittoral environment; significant intertidal impacts to this habitat type are not expected to occur. Therefore, this habitat type, Atlantic salt meadows, is not considered further in the NIS. Otter occur along the coastline of the SAC and the critical habitat includes shoreline and watercourses. There is potential for Otter (Lutra lutra) Yes significant effects to water quality. There is potential for significant indirect impacts to fish species, which are a food source for otters. Therefore, there is potential for significant indirect impacts to otter. Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii) is a small, pale green thallose liverwort with erect lamellae on its upper surface (NPWS, Petalwort (Petalophyllum 2013b). It occurs in three locations on the Magharee Peninsula (COS 002070). As this species is confined to terrestrial locations No ralfsii) above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential impact arising from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to petalwort. Therefore, this species, petalwort

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts (Petalophyllum ralfsii), is not considered further in the NIS. Mediterranean salt meadows are classified by Fossitt (2000) as upper salt marsh. The COS 002070 has mapped its occurrence Mediterranean salt along the shore southeast of Castlegregory village, inner Tralee Bay at Curraheen townland and a very small extent in the meadows (Juncetalia No western part of Brandon Bay south of Fermoyle tombolo. The impact from the dredging and dumping operation will be limited maritimi) to the marine sublittoral environment; significant intertidal impacts to this habitat type are not expected to occur. Therefore, this habitat type, Mediterranean salt meadows, is not considered further in the NIS. Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) are dunes which are partly stabilised and are Shifting dunes along the dominated by Ammophila arenaria (NPWS, 2013a). This habitat type is confined to the coastline above the high tide mark at shoreline with Tralee and Brandon Bay (COS 002070). As this habitat type is confined to coastline above the high tide mark and outside of the No Ammophila arenaria zone of influence of any potential impact arising from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a (white dunes) significant impact to shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria. Therefore, this habitat type, shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria, is not considered further in the NIS. The main sand dune complex occurs along the middle of Magharee Peninsula extending in a southwest manner along the northern shore of Lough Gill (COS 002070). Fixed dune also occurs along the coastline of Brandon and Tralee Bay. As this Fixed coastal dunes with habitat type is confined to terrestrial locations above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential herbaceous vegetation No impact arising from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to fixed coastal (grey dunes) dunes with herbaceous vegetation. Therefore, this habitat type, fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation, is not considered further in the NIS. This habitat type is confined to the dune complex in the Magharee Peninsula (COS 002070). As this habitat type is confined to Dunes with Salix repens terrestrial locations above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential impact arising from the ssp.argentea (Salix No dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to dunes with Salix repens ssp.argentea arenariae) (Salix arenariae). Therefore, this habitat type, dunes with Salix repens ssp.argentea (Salix arenariae), is not considered further in the NIS. This habitat is associated with the well developed sand dune complex at the Magharee Peninsula and along the northern shore of Lough Gill (COS 002070). As this habitat type is confined to terrestrial locations above the high tide mark and outside of the Humid dune slacks No zone of influence of any potential impact arising from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to humid dune slacks. Therefore, this habitat type, humid dune slacks, is not considered further in the NIS. Molinia meadows on The current full extent of this habitat within the SAC is unknown. Good examples of this habitat have been recorded at No calcareous, peaty or Cappaclough East on the southern margins of the SAC between Camp and Castlegregory (COS 002070). As this habitat type is

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts clavey-silt-laden soils confined to terrestrial locations above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential impact arising (Molinion caeruleae) from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt-laden soils. Therefore, this habitat type, Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt- laden soils, is not considered further in the NIS. Alluvial forests with This habitat type is mapped in two locations at Farrandalouge, overlooking Brandon Bay. As this habitat type is confined to Alnus glutinosa and terrestrial locations above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential impact arising from the Fraxinus excelsior (Alno- No dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa Padion, Alnion incanae, and Fraxinus excelsior. Therefore, this habitat type, alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior, is not Salicion albae) considered further in the NIS.

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5.4.1.3 Large shallow inlets and bays The extent of the large shallow inlets and bays habitat type covers the marine environs of the site excluding the estuary in inner Tralee Bay. It comprises of the following marine community types, some of which are keystone communities (presented in bolded text) i.e. integral to the structure and function of the Annex I habitat type, large shallow inlets and bays, and other communities, which are the remaining constituent communities that are of structural importance:

 Sand to sandy mud with polychaetes and bivalves community complex  Sand with Nephtys cirrosa community complex  Mixed sediment with crustaceans, bivalves and polychaetes community complex  Zostera-dominated community complex  Mytilus-dominated community  Sabellaria-dominated community complex  Ostrea edulis-dominated community  Intertidal reef community complex  Subtidal reef community complex  Laminaria-dominated reef community complex

Zostera, Mytilus, and Sabellaria-dominated communities are considered to be keystone communities that are of considerable importance to the overall ecology and biodiversity of a habitat by virtue of their physical complexity. Zostera meadows serve as important nursery grounds for fish species. Mytilus communities are a considerable food source for a number of bird species and along with Sabellaria communities provide a diversity of habitats for a large number of other species. (NPWS, 2014)

The proposed dredge areas comprise of Sand with Nephtys cirrosa community complex. Ostrea edulis-dominated community occurs to the east of the pier while Subtidal reef community complex occurs approximately 1km to the south of the harbour.

5.4.1.4 Reefs This community complex occurs within Tralee Bay from Derrymore west to Aughacasla Point and in the centre of the bay from Little Samphire Island to Kilshannig Point. The substrate is that of flat or sloping bedrock, cobble/boulder flat or field or a mosaic of the two. It occurs in exposure regimes from sheltered to exposed reefs, in depths of between 0m and 30m. The species associated with this community include a variety of red foliose algae including Delesseria sanguinea, Callophyllis laciniata and Plocamium cartilagineum as well as the brown algae Dictyota dichotoma, the coralline algae, the sponge Cliona celata and the echinoderms Echinus esculentus and Marthasterias glacialis. P. cartilagineum is recorded throughout the complex while D. sanguinea along with Heterosiphonia plumosa are more abundant in deeper waters (14m to 25m). The hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus is also recorded within the complex. In areas subjected to sand scour the red algae Furcellaria lumbricalis and Polyides rotundus are common. Where sand occurs amongst boulders the anthozoan Anthopleura balli and the hydroid Sertularia cupressina are recorded. The red alga Chondrus crispus is recorded east of Kilshannig Point. (NPWS, 2014)

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5.4.1.5 Otter Otter are known to occur and breed within the site. In broad terms the diet of otter varies locally and seasonally, but dominated by fish, in particular salmonids, eels and sticklebacks in freshwater (Bailey and Rochford, 2006) and wrasse and rockling in coastal waters (COS 002165). Otter are considered to be in good conservation status (NPWS, 2013(a)).

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5.4.2 Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332)

5.4.2.1 Description of the Natura 2000 site Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC is a large coastal site covering a 10 km section of coastline in Co. Kerry, and including a wide diversity of habitats. The underlying rock is limestone, which outcrops only in the southern part of the site, in the impressive columns and hillsides north of Fenit. Elsewhere shell sand is predominant with occasional development of peat. Sand dunes run southwards from Ballyheigue and they become especially interesting south of the Akeragh outflow where they show great variety in both physiography and vegetation. The largest proportion of the sand dune system is fixed dune grassland. Mobile Marram dunes occur as a narrow band running along the seaward side of the entire coastal strip. There is a slight increase in dune mobility towards the growing tip at Carrahane. The site contains a number of dune slack areas, these being best developed on the landward side of Carrahane dunes. Of particular ecological interest is the gradation from fixed dune and dune slack to saltmarsh at Carrahane. Saltmarsh here is particularly well-developed but also occurs at Barrow Harbour. The harbour is surrounded by low hills of limestone which support an interesting grassland community where they remain unfertilised. This is best seen at the entrance to Carrahane Bay but recurs sporadically elsewhere. Coastal heath occurs scattered on limestone rocky areas in the southern part of the site. Akeragh Lough now supports extensive areas of brackish vegetation. It was formerly richer in birdlife, but the lake level has been controlled by a sluice on the outflow, the total water area has declined. (NPWS site synopsis)

5.4.2.2 Identification of Potentially Significant Impacts to Qualifying Features The following table lists the qualifying features of the Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332) and evaluates through a scientific examination of evidence and data whether or not these features should or should not be selected for further assessment in the NIS. The qualifying features that are selected for further assessment are discussed further in the section followed by an assessment of potentially significant effects arising from the proposal to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay.

While Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC is located approximately 2km to the east of the dumpsite, the STM illustrates the eastern extent of sediment dispersion at approximately 1km to the east of the edge of the dumpsite (see Appendix 4).

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Table 8. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour SAC (000332) Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts This type of vegetation occurs on sandy, shingle or stony substrate at the upper part of the strand, around the high tide Annual vegetation of drift mark. The impact from the dredging and dumping operation will be limited to the marine sublittoral environment; No lines significant intertidal impacts to annual vegetation of drift lines are not expected to occur. Therefore, this habitat type, annual vegetation of drift lines, is not considered further in the NIS. Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand is classified by Fossitt (2000) as lower salt marsh. The main saltmarsh habitat is located at Barrow Harbour and Carrahane Strand where it is particularly well developed. The impact from the Salicornia and other annuals No dredging and dumping operation will be limited to the marine sublittoral environment; significant intertidal impacts to this colonizing mud and sand habitat type are not expected to occur. Therefore, this habitat type, Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand, is not considered further in the NIS. Atlantic salt meadows are classified by Fossitt (2000) as lower salt marsh. The main saltmarsh habitat is located at Barrow Atlantic salt meadows Harbour and Carrahane Strand where it is particularly well developed. The impact from the dredging and dumping (Glauco-Puccinellietalia No operation will be limited to the marine sublittoral environment; significant intertidal impacts to this habitat type are not maritimae) expected to occur. Therefore, this habitat type, Atlantic salt meadows, is not considered further in the NIS. Mediterranean salt meadows are classified by Fossitt (2000) as upper salt marsh. The main saltmarsh habitat is located at Mediterranean salt Barrow Harbour and Carrahane Strand where it is particularly well developed. The impact from the dredging and dumping meadows (Juncetalia No operation will be limited to the marine sublittoral environment; significant intertidal impacts to this habitat type are not maritimi) expected to occur. Therefore, this habitat type, Mediterranean salt meadows, is not considered further in the NIS. Embryonic shifting dunes are low sand mounds (generally less than a metre high) occurring between the high tide mark and shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes). They are unstable habitats where wind-blown sand is common and they are still vulnerable to saltwater intrusion. (NPWS, 2013a) As this habitat type is confined to Embryonic shifting dunes No coastline above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential impact arising from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to embryonic shifting dunes. Therefore, this habitat type, embryonic shifting dunes, is not considered further in the NIS. Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) are dunes which are partly stabilised and are Shifting dunes along the dominated by Ammophila arenaria (NPWS, 2013a). This habitat type is confined to the coastline above the high tide mark shoreline with Ammophila No at Banna. As this habitat type is confined to coastline above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any arenaria (white dunes) potential impact arising from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria. Therefore, this habitat type, shifting dunes along the shoreline

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts with Ammophila arenaria, is not considered further in the NIS. The main sand dune complex occurs along the coastline at Banna. As this habitat type is confined to terrestrial locations Fixed coastal dunes with above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential impact arising from the dredge works and herbaceous vegetation (grey No associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation. dunes) Therefore, this habitat type, fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation, is not considered further in the NIS. This habitat is associated with the well developed sand dune complex at Banna. As this habitat type is confined to terrestrial locations above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of influence of any potential impact arising from the Humid dune slacks No dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to humid dune slacks. Therefore, this habitat type, humid dune slacks, is not considered further in the NIS. Dry heath occurs scattered on limestone rocky areas in the southern part of the site. It generally occurs in association with dry grassland. As this habitat type is confined to terrestrial locations above the high tide mark and outside of the zone of European dry heaths No influence of any potential impact arising from the dredge works and associated disposal activities, there will not be a significant impact to European dry heaths. Therefore, this habitat type, European dry heaths, is not considered further in the NIS.

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5.4.3 Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188)

5.4.3.1 Description of the Natura 2000 site The Tralee Bay Complex SPA is located along the coast of north Co. Kerry between Ballyheige in the north, Tralee in the east and Stradbally in the west. The site includes the inner part of Tralee Bay, including Derrymore Island, the inlets of Barrow Harbour and Carrahane Strand, Akeragh Lough, Lough Gill, and much of the intertidal habitat from Scraggane Point at the northern end of the Magharees Peninsula around the coast to c. 2 km south of Ballyheige. Inner Tralee Bay is well sheltered by the Derrymore Island peninsula. The intertidal sediments vary from muddy sands on the upper shore to firm rippled sands on the lower, more exposed shore. The intertidal flats have extensive beds of Eelgrass (Zostera spp.). The site is of special conservation interest for holding internationally and nationally important waders and waterbird populations, and holds an assemblage of over 20,000 wintering waterbirds. (NPWS site synopsis) Other species that occur in Tralee Bay but are not qualifying features include red-throated diver, great northern diver, common scoter, red-breasted merganser, grebes and black guillemot.

5.4.3.2 Identification of Potentially Significant Impacts to Qualifying Features The following table lists the qualifying features of the Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188) and evaluates through a scientific examination of evidence and data whether or not these features should or should not be selected for further assessment in the NIS. The qualifying features that are selected for further assessment are discussed further in the section followed by an assessment of potentially significant effects arising from the proposal to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay.

Most of the bird species below are coastal confining themselves to coastlands and intertidal areas of the Natura 2000 site. The SPA supports various shoreline habitats such as beaches at Banna and Castlegregory, estuary in inner Tralee Bay and intertidal mudflats mainly within the estuary but also at Barrow Harbour, as well as sand dune complex and lagoon on the Magharees Peninsula, and saltmarsh at Carrahane Strand and Derrymore. The site is designated for wintering Annex I (Birds Directive) species including whooper swan, golden plover and bar-tailed godwit and for a host of regularly occurring migratory birds not listed on Annex I. The period for dredging will be February- May or October-November.

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Table 9. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188) Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts Whooper swan is amber-listed as Ireland hosts more than 20% of the European wintering population. The site is designated for wintering whooper swan that visit lakes and marshes and can be found grazing in fields and sloblands. Birds arrive in Ireland in late autumn and leave by mid-April and a few may remain throughout the summer. Those few birds that remain over the summer are young or sick birds while some are known to breed in County Donegal. While the project may take place Whooper Swan (Cygnus No during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. The whooper cygnus) swan is found on lakes, marshes and sloblands feeding on grasses, roots and water plants. Whooper swan is a common visitor to Lough Gill. Thus the whooper swan is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering whooper swan. Therefore, whooper swan is not considered further in the NIS. The site is designated for wintering light-bellied brent goose, which are amber-listed as the majority winter at less than ten sites and the Irish population is also internationally significant. It winters on coastal estuaries during the autumn and early winter as well as on grasslands from mid-winter before departing to breeding grounds in Canada in late April. While the Light-bellied Brent Goose project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine No (Branta bernicla hrota) environment. The light-bellied brent goose is found on the intertidal areas and grazes on coastal grasslands, estuaries and mudflats taking a wide variety of plan material, especially Zostera spp.. Thus the brent goose is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering light-bellied brent goose. Therefore, light-bellied brent goose is not considered further in the NIS. Shelduck is amber-listed as the majority of the wintering population occurs at less than ten sites. The site is designated for wintering shelduck. Breeding birds have declined in Kerry generally. In July the adults departs to the Waddenzee to moult returning to the Shannon estuary in November. While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water Shelduck (Tadorna No quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. The shelduck mainly confines itself the intertidal area tadorna) and coastlands of the SPA and feeds on mudflats. Thus the shelduck is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering shelduck. Therefore, shelduck is not considered further in the NIS. Wigeon is red-listed due to a decline in its non-breeding (wintering) population. The site is designated for wintering wigeon. The birds arrive in Ireland in August and September and winter on the coast on estuaries and lagoons and further inland on Wigeon (Anas penelope) No lakes, marshes and grassland close to water. On the Dingle Peninsula it is a common winter visitor to estuaries and wetlands. While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts marine environment. At coastal locations wigeon are found on the intertidal areas feeding on Zostera spp. or coastal grasslands. Thus the wigeon is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering wigeon. Therefore, wigeon is not considered further in the NIS. Teal is amber-listed due to a decline in the breeding population. The site is designated for wintering teal. Small numbers of teal breed near small freshwater lakes or pools or small upland streams away from the coast. Teal winter on lakes, marshes and estuaries and feed on seeds, Enteromorpha sp. and molluscs. On the Dingle Peninsula it is a common winter visitor to estuaries and freshwater lakes and there has been a serious decline of numbers in winter on Lough Gill. While the project Teal (Anas crecca) No may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. At coastal locations teal are found on the intertidal areas. Thus the teal is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering teal. Therefore, teal is not considered further in the NIS. Mallard is a green-listed species and the site is designated for wintering populations. Mallard is found on lakes, ponds, marshes and estuaries and feeds on aquatic plants and seeds. While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. There appears to have been an increase in Mallard (Anas No population on the Dingle Peninsula in recent years. At coastal locations mallard are found on the intertidal areas feeding platyrhynchos) molluscs and crustaceans, as well as plant material. Thus the mallard is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering mallard. Therefore, mallard is not considered further in the NIS. Pintail is red-listed due to a decline in its non-breeding (wintering) population. It is an extremely rare breeding species with records from the midlands and north. The site is designated for wintering pintail. In winter it is found on freshwater lakes, lagoons and estuaries and feeds on a variety of aquatic plants, seeds and other plant material. While the project may take Pintail (Anas acuta) No place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. At coastal locations pintail are found on the intertidal areas feeding invertebrates and plant material. Thus the pintail is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering pintail. Therefore, pintail is not considered further in the NIS. Greater scaup is amber-listed for its small breeding population and its localised wintering range. The site is designated for wintering scaup. Greater scaup is found on open coastal waters, bays and also on freshwater lakes close to coastal localities Scaup (Aythya marila) Yes and feeds by diving for molluscs and crustaceans as well as feeding on marine plants. Greater scaup are usually found in areas less than 10m in depth. As greater scaup feed on small molluscs at coastal sites and dive for their prey, they may be

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts temporarily displaced from feeding areas as a result of water quality impacts. Oystercatcher is amber-listed for breeding and wintering birds for localised wintering population. The site is designated for wintering oystercatcher. It breeds on undisturbed rocky beaches and on islands. It feeds on intertidal mudflats or fields. Oystercatcher While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral No (Haematopus ostralegus) marine environment. They are mainly found in the intertidal areas feeding on molluscs and bivalves. Thus the oystercatcher is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering pintail. Therefore, oystercatcher is not considered further in the NIS. Ringed plover is amber-listed as internationally important numbers winter in Ireland. The site is designated for wintering ringed plover. They are found in the outer estuary on intertidal mudflats feeding on a variety of insects,molluscs and other invertebrates. On the Dingle Peninsula it breeds in small numbers on undisturbed shingle beaches and stony patches on the Ringed Plover (Charadrius No coast. While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the hiaticula) sublittoral marine environment. Ringed plover are found on the intertidal mudflats in the SPA. Thus the ringed plover is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering ringed plover. Therefore, ringed plover is not considered further in the NIS. Golden plover is red-listed as a breeding species due to a decline in the breeding and non-breeding (wintering) population. The site is designated for wintering golden plover. While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water Golden Plover (Pluvialis No quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Golden plover are found on the intertidal mudflats in apricaria) the SPA. Thus the golden plover is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering golden plover. Therefore, golden plover is not considered further in the NIS. Grey plover is amber-listed as the majority winter at less than ten sites. The site is designated for wintering grey plover. They are found on intertidal mudflats in the estuary and also on beaches and feed on marine molluscs, crustaceans and woms. Grey Plover (Pluvialis While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral No squatarola) marine environment. Grey plover are found on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus the grey plover is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering grey plover. Therefore, grey plover is not considered further in the NIS. Lapwing is red-listed due to a decline in the breeding and non-breeding population. The site is designated for wintering Lapwing (Vanellus lapwing. Numbers move in from the east during particularly cold winters. They winter on mudflats and estuaries as well as No vanellus) inland on open grasslands or ploughed fields and breed on grasslands and grassy wetlands. While the project will take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Lapwing is

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts mainly found on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus the lapwing is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering lapwing. Therefore, lapwing is not considered further in the NIS. The wintering population of sanderling is green-listed. The site is designated for wintering sanderling. Sanderling are mainly found on beaches but also occur on mudflats and feed on small invertebrates and are a common winter visitor at Tralee Bay and the Dingle Peninsula. While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be Sanderling (Calidris alba) No confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Sanderling is mainly found on the beaches in the SPA. Thus the sanderling is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering sanderling. Therefore, sanderling is not considered further in the NIS. Dunlin is amber-listed in Ireland as the majority winter at less than ten sites. The site is designated for wintering dunlin. Dunlin mainly occurs in the estuary along mudflats feeding on small invertebrates. While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Dunlin is mainly Dunlin (Calidris alpina) No found on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus, the dunlin is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering dunlin. Therefore, dunlin is not considered further in the NIS. Black-tailed godwit is amber-listed in Ireland as the majority winter at less than ten sites. The site is designated for wintering black-tailed godwit. Birds feed on intertidal mudflats, brackish pools and rough grassland. While the project may take place Black-tailed Godwit during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Black-tailed No (Limosa limosa) godwit is mainly found on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus, the black-tailed godwit is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering black-tailed godwit. Therefore, black-tailed godwit is not considered further in the NIS. Bar-tailed godwit is amber-listed in Ireland as the majority winter at less than ten sites. The site is designated for wintering bar-tailed godwit. Bar-tailed godwit feed on intertidal mudlfats. While the project may take place during the wintering Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Bar-tailed godwit is mainly found No lapponica) on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus, the bar-tailed godwit is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering bar-tailed godwit. Therefore, bar-tailed godwit is not considered further in the NIS. Curlew is red-listed due to a long-term decline in its breeding and wintering population and its breeding range. The site is Curlew (Numenius arquata) No designated for wintering curlew. There are no recent records of breeding on the Dingle Peninsula. Curlew winter in the

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts estuary and coastal grasslands and feed on intertidal mudlfats. They nest in bogs, damp meadows and farmland. While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Curlew is mainly found on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus, the curlew is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering curlew. Therefore, curlew is not considered further in the NIS. Redshank is red-listed due to a long-term decline in its breeding population. The site is designated for wintering redshank. Very small numbers of redshank breed in the midlands. Redshank feed along the shore of estuaries and along muddy river channels. While the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the Redshank (Tringa totanus) No sublittoral marine environment. Redshank is mainly found on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus, the redshank is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering redshank. Therefore, redshank is not considered further in the NIS. Turnstone is green-listed. The site is designated for wintering turnstone. It is found on rocky coasts, shorelines with stones and seaweed, harbours and piers and feeds by turning over stones or tossing seaweed aside in search of food items. While Turnstone (Arenaria the project may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine No interpres) environment. Turnstone is mainly found on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus, the turnstone is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering turnstone. Therefore, turnstone is not considered further in the NIS. Black-headed gull is red-listed due to a long term decline in its breeding population. The site is designated for wintering black-headed gull. Black-headed gull are widespread during the winter along the coast and inland. They are a very common widespread breeding species nesting in colonies in sand dunes, coastal islands, moorland polls, bogs and on freshwater lake Black-headed Gull islands and takes a wide variety of food items including fish, worms, molluscs, insects and plant material. While the project (Chroicocephalus No may take place during the wintering season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine ridibundus) environment. In winter it is found on inland pastures and ploughed fields, reservoirs, and on coastal estuaries and mudflats. Thus, the black-headed gull is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering black-headed gull. Therefore, black-headed gull is not considered further in the NIS. Common-gull is amber-listed for a decline in its breeding range. The site is designated for wintering common gull. Common Common Gull (Larus canus) No gull is widespread along the coast in winter and found on estuaries, mudflats, coastal fields and on inland lakes and pastures and feeds on a wide range of insects, molluscs, worms and fish. While the project may take place during the wintering

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Common gull is mainly found on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus, the common gull is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering common gull. Therefore, wintering common gull is not considered further in the NIS. The proposed works will not result in any habitat loss of wetlands supporting waterbirds. Therefore, it is considered that the Wetlands No project will not significantly affect wetlands and waterbirds.

5.4.3.3 Scaup Scaup, often referred to as the greater scaup, is a common winter visitor to Tralee Bay and to Lough Gill and Sandy Bay on the Dingle Peninsula. Scaup is a common winter visitor from breeding grounds in Iceland and Scandinavia. It is found on open coastal water, bays and also on freshwater lakes close to coastal localities. Scaup are amber-listed for localised wintering populations; where more than half of the wintering population is also limited to ten or fewer sites then the non-breeding population is considered localised.

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5.4.4 Magharee Islands SAC (002261)

5.4.4.1 Description of the Natura 2000 site This marine site is centred around the Magharee Islands, which lie about 2 km north of the Magharee Peninsula in Co. Kerry. The site includes two of the smaller islands, Illaunnabarnagh and Mucklaghmore, which lie about 5 km to the northeast of the main group. The islands are exposed on their west coasts and more sheltered on their east coasts with moderately strong currents between them. The islands are composed of Carboniferous limestone. (NPWS Site Synopsis)

5.4.4.2 Identification of Potentially Significant Impacts to Qualifying Features The following table lists the qualifying features of the Magharee Islands SAC (002261) and evaluates through a scientific examination of evidence and data whether or not these features should or should not be selected for further assessment in the NIS. The qualifying features that are selected for further assessment are discussed further in the section followed by an assessment of potentially significant effects arising from the proposal to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay.

Table 10. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Magharee Islands SAC (002261) Qualifying Potential for Rationale Feature Significant Impacts Reef habitats are widespread marine features with immobile hard substrate available for colonisation by epifauna (NPWS, 2013a). Reef habitat types include gravels, cobbles, boulders and bedrock as well as biogenic conglomerations. Shallow water reefs occur around and between the islands. For the most part, the reefs are a mixture of boulders, cobbles, pebbles and sand, but in some areas are solid Reefs Yes bedrock. (NPWS site synopsis 002261) The closest islands to the dumpsite are Illaunnabarnagh and Mucklaghmore, which are separated from the main Magharee Islands north of the Maghareee Peninsula by a distance of 4.9km. The increased suspended sediments in the water column will either deposit on the seabed within and outside of the bay, while the finer fractions may remain in suspension. There is a risk of disturbance or displacement of epifauna from deposition of sediment.

5.4.4.3 Reef The shallow water reefs around and between the Magharee Islands consist of areas that are exposed to wave action on the west coasts of the islands, more sheltered on the east coasts and subject to weak or moderate tidal streams. For the most part, the reefs are a mixture of boulders, cobbles, pebbles and sand, but in some areas is solid bedrock. In shallow water areas that are sheltered from wave action, mixed kelp forests colonize larger boulders and bedrock. In areas exposed to wave action the reefs at depths of 19-28 m are generally characterised by a community of foliose red algae. (NPWS Site Synopsis)

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5.4.5 Magharee Islands SPA (004125)

5.4.5.1 Description of the Natura 2000 site The Magharee Islands lie about 2 km north of the Magharees Peninsula on the north side of the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry. The site includes the main Magharee Islands (“Seven Hogs”), the islands of Mucklaghmore and Illaunnabarnagh to the east, Illaunnanoon and Doonagaun Island to the south and several smaller rocky islets. Illaunimmill and Illauntannig are the largest of the islands included in the site. The islands are most exposed on their west coasts, and there are moderately strong sea currents between them. The Magharee Islands are of national importance for breeding seabirds and also for wintering geese. It is of note that five of the species that occur, i.e. Barnacle Goose, Chough, Common Tern, Arctic Tern and Little Tern are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. (NPWS Site Synopsis)

5.4.5.2 Identification of Potentially Significant Impacts to Qualifying Features The following table lists the qualifying features of the Magharee Islands SPA (004125) and evaluates through a scientific examination of evidence and data whether or not these features should or should not be selected for further assessment in the NIS. The qualifying features that are selected for further assessment are discussed further in the section followed by an assessment of potentially significant effects arising from the proposal to dredge Fenit harbour and dispose of the dredge materials at a dumpsite in Tralee Bay.

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Table 11. Identification of potentially significant impacts to qualifying features of the Magharee Islands SPA (004125) Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts Storm petrel is red-listed because of its localised breeding. The site is designated for breeding storm petrel. It nests in crevices in walls, under rocks and in burrows. The Blasket Islands is the largest colony in the UK and Ireland and the second largest in the world. Numbers on the Magharee Islands numbered 1,244 in 2007. Following breeding the species disperses to the open Storm petrel (Hydrobates sea. Storm petrel feeds on a wide variety of marine food items, including small fish and plankton. The project may take place No pelagicus) during the wintering season but dredging may take place in March/April/May in the breeding season. Breeding storm petrel leave the nests during the day to feed out at sea, beyond the dumpsite. Once suspended silt is transported out of the bay it is present at very low levels. Thus, the project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of breeding storm petrel. Therefore, storm petrel is not considered further in the NIS. Shag is amber-listed because the breeding population is considered to be of international importance. The site is designated for a breeding population. A total of 271-284 pairs nested on six islands in 2007. Shags are maritime and are rarely found Shag (Phalacrocorax inland and in winter occur on open coastal waters. They feed on a wide variety of small fish and some crustaceans. The project No aristotelis) will take place during the wintering/early breeding season. Once suspended silt is transported out of the bay it is present at very low levels. Thus, the project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of breeding shag. Therefore, shag is not considered further in the NIS. Common-gull is amber-listed for a decline in its breeding range. The site is designated for breeding common gull. Common gull is widespread along the coast in winter and found on estuaries, mudflats, coastal fields and on inland lakes and pastures and feeds on a wide range of insects, molluscs, worms and fish. Common gull breeds in colonies on small lakes or coastsal islands, Common gull (Larus No usually nesting on the ground. A survey of the Magharees in 2007 found 178-187 breeding pairs on six islands. The project will canus) take place during the wintering/early breeding season. Any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering common gull. Therefore, breeding common gull is not considered further in the NIS. Common tern is amber-listed for a decline in its breeding population as well as localised breeding. The site is designated for breeding common tern. Breeding usually takes place in colonies on small coastal and lake islands. Twelve pairs have been recorded breeding in the site in the NPWS Natura 2000 Form. In 2013 the colony on Illauntannig was abandoned though Common tern (Sterna Yes breeding did take place on other islands, though numbers were unknown. Common tern feed on a variety of small fish, sand hirundo) eel and sprat, which are caught by diving from a height. Birds arrive from mid-March and begin breeding in April. Were the dredging operation to take place in breeding season, there is potential for a temporary increase in turbidity from an increase in suspended solids in the water column to temporarily affect feeding success of common tern. Therefore, based on this and the

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Potential for Qualifying Feature Rationale Significant Impacts precautionary principle, there is potential for significant impact to common tern. Arctic tern is amber-listed for a decline in its breeding population as well as localised breeding. The site is designated for breeding arctic tern. Breeding usually takes place on small islands and undisturbed shorelines. A total of 164 pairs have been recorded breeding in the site in the NPWS Natura 2000 Form. Arctic tern feed on a variety of small fish, sand eel and sprat, Arctic tern (Sterna Yes which are caught by diving from a height. Birds arrive from mid-March and begin breeding in April. Were the dredging paradisaea) operation to extend into the month of April/May, there is potential for increased turbidity to temporarily affect feeding success of arctic tern. Therefore, based on this and the precautionary principle, there is potential for significant impact to arctic tern. Little tern is amber-listed for a decline in its breeding population as well as localised breeding. The site is designated for breeding little tern. Breeding usually takes place in small colonies on shingle and sandy beaches. Thirty-six pairs have been recorded breeding in the site in the NPWS Natura 2000 Form. Arctic tern feed on a variety of crustaceans and ssmall fish, sand Little tern (Sterna Yes eel and sprat, which are caught by diving from a height. Birds arrive from mid-March and begin breeding in April. Were the albifrons) dredging operation to extend into the month of April/May, there is potential for increased turbidity in the water column to temporarily affect feeding success of little tern. Therefore, based on this and the precautionary principle, there is potential for significant impact to little tern. Barnacle goose is amber listed because of its local breeding population and the wintering population is considered to be of international importance. The site is designated for wintering birds. The barnacle goose arrives from Greenland and the main population is almost exclusively on the west coast. It is fond on quiet, undisturbed grazing areas, especially favouring Barnacle goose (Branta uninhabited islands and feeds on grass, rushes and other plant material. While the project will take place during the wintering No leucopsis) season, any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Barnacle goose is mainly found on the intertidal areas in the SPA. Thus, the barnacle goose is outside of the zone of influence of the project. The project will not significantly affect the population trend or distribution of wintering barnacle goose. Therefore, wintering barnacle goose is not considered further in the NIS.

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5.4.5.3 Common tern Common tern is an uncommon visitor from April to October, mainly around breeding sites on the Magharees. It has also bred on the Blasket Islands in the past. There has been a serious decline from about 200 pairs on the Magahree Islands in 1967. Common tern is amber-listed for both moderate and long-term declines as well as localised breeding with 50% or more of the total Irish breeding population concentrated into ten or fewer sites.

5.4.5.4 Arctic tern Arctic tern is a common summer visitor and passage migrant between April and October and breeds on the Blasket Islands and the Magharee Islands. Arctic tern is amber-listed for both moderate and long-term declines as well as localised breeding with 50% or more of the total Irish breeding population concentrated into ten or fewer sites.

5.4.5.5 Little tern Little tern is a scarce summer visitor and rare passage migrant. There is only one colony in Kerry on the Magharee Islands. Little tern is amber-listed for both moderate and long-term declines as well as localised breeding with 50% or more of the total Irish breeding population concentrated into ten or fewer sites.

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5.5 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY SIGNFICANT EFFECTS TO NATURA 2000 SITES

5.5.1 Habitat Loss

5.5.1.1 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC There will be a loss of sublittoral sediment habitat and associated species within the dredge areas. During the 2009 benthic survey, the sublittoral communities within the existing inner harbour (marina, fishing and commercial berths) were species poor, containing a low number of species and individuals. In addition, Stations S4 (immediately east of the eastern breakwater) and S6 (manoeuvring area 6) were also species poor. The common polychaete Nephtys hombergii dominated all of these sites, except S1 (fishing berth) where nemerteans narrowly dominated ahead of Nephtys hombergii. (Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion EIS, MWP (2011)).

While Nephtys hombergii will be completely removed from the dredged areas, it is common in all surrounding areas. It can move very quickly through the substratum, downwards on the ebb tide and up again on the flood tide (Clay, 1967), it is also capable of swimming short distances with an undulatory movement. It also releases planktotrophic (planktonic-dispersing larva that derives its nourishment by feeding in the plankton) and lecithotrophic (a planktonic-dispersing larva that lives off yolk supplied via the egg) larvae. All of these biological traits will ensure that this species will recolonise the dredged area over time (<1 year) and the existing communities, although species poor, will be re-established. (Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion EIS, MWP (2011)).

In addition to the infaunal animals present, the anemones, sponges, hydroids and oysters will also be removed from the dredged areas. The oysters present were small in number and did not constitute oyster beds proper. All of these species have the ability to re-establish themselves from surrounding populations through the colonisation of larvae. (Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion EIS, MWP (2011)).

Anthropogenic disturbance may be considered significant when it causes a change in biotic and/or abiotic variables in excess of what could reasonably be envisaged under natural processes. The capacity of the habitat to recover from this change is obviously an important consideration (i.e. habitat resilience) thereafter. (NPWS, 2014). There will be a loss of approximately 2.6ha of the Sand with Nephtys cirrosa community complex within Tralee Bay Complex SAC, which lies within the shallow inlet and bay Annex I habitat type. It is not considered to be a key contributor to the structure and/or function i.e. keystone community, of the site. Rather, it is considered to be a structurally important community type within an Annex I marine habitat.

The loss of approximately 2.6ha of the Sand with Nephtys cirrosa community complex is considered a temporary to short-term impact as it will likely recover again in time as larvae and sediment recolonise the dredge areas. However, after 5 years it will likely require to be dredged again. The current area of this community type within the Natura 2000 site is considered to be 2,435ha. The target of the conservation objective for the non-keystone community types is to conserve them in a natural condition. Significant continuous or ongoing disturbance of these communities should not exceed an approximate area of 15% of the interpolated area of each community type, at which point an inter-Departmental management review is recommended prior to further licensing of such activities (NPWS, 2014). Proposed activities or operations that cause significant disturbance to communities but may not necessarily represent a continuous or ongoing source of disturbance over

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015 time and space may be assessed in a context specific manner giving due consideration to the proposed nature and scale of activities during the reporting cycle and the particular resilience of the receiving habitat in combination with other activities within the designated site. (NPWS, 2014). The loss of Sand with Nephtys cirrosa community complex will be 0.1% of the estimated total area of this community complex within the site. As large shallow bays and inlet habitat type comprise 60% or 6,979ha of the overall Natura 2000 site, there will be a loss of 0.03% of the Annex I habitat type, a tiny fraction of the overall area and less than the significance threshold of 15%; thus it is considered that temporary to short-term loss of habitat within this community is not a significant impact to the qualifying feature, large shallow inlet and bays, and will not adversely affect the integrity of Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC.

5.5.2 Habitat Alteration (water quality)

5.5.2.1 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC Habitat alteration arising from the proposed project is considered to be intrinsically linked to water quality impacts. There are two sources of suspended and deposited dredge material during the project, which can enter the marine environment:

1. The dredging operation at Fenit Harbour can give rise to suspended and deposited sediment from the loss of dredge material from the dredge bucket and overflow of the hopper, and 2. The dumping operation at the dumpsite will give rise to suspended and deposited sediment.

Potential water quality effects to habitats and species are twofold, suspended sediment in the water column, which can cause increased turbidity, and sedimentation effects i.e. deposition of sediment over benthic habitat and is measured as overburden thickness (millimetres above the pre-existing sediment horizon). Increased turbidity can also be caused by storms, heavy rains and floods as well as oyster dredging. Sedimentation is a natural process and organisms living in estuarine environments such as oysters are adapted to tolerate conditions within the normal range (Germano and Cary, 2005). Certain species such as oysters are sensitive to increased sedimentation and turbidity arising from dredging operations. Increased turbidity can clog gill structures, interfere with particle feeding activities and reduce disease resistance.

Dredging Operation Inner Tralee Bay is within the zone of influence of the dredge area where material that escapes or is lost during the dredging may deposit or stay in suspension in the water column. Only a small portion, approximately 3%, of the material dredged will be lost to the water column from the dredger head. A similar small portion of material is likely to be lost through overflow of the hopper. It is predicted that the greatest increase in suspended sediment concentration will occur in the vicinity of the proposed development. While the coarser gravel and sand material will likely fall out close to and within 1km of dredge area, the silt material will likely stay in suspension and could be transported far from the site.

The dredge areas and surrounds support Sand with Nephtys cirrosa community complex. The Ostrea edulis-dominated community occurs 1km east and southeast of the site. Dunnington (1968) reported preliminary results that indicated that oysters buried 1.25 cm or less could "usually clear their bills of sediment if the water was warm enough for active pumping." A thin veneer of sediment (several mm) may not be fatal but is known to affect reproduction and adversely effect settlement and

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015 recruitment of bivalve larvae (McKinney et al. 1976). Oysters require hard surfaces to settle. However, dredging will not take place within the oyster spatting season between June and July, thus avoiding any interaction or resulting significant impact with oyster spat.

The nearest of the two Ostrea edulis-dominated community lies immediately east of the proposed dredge areas, the other occurs at the western side of the bay near Castlegregory. This community while an important constitutive part of the large shallow inlet and bay habitat type is not a keystone community. Therefore, significant continuous or ongoing disturbance of communities should not exceed an approximate area of 15% of the interpolated area of each community type. Considering, the extent of the zone of influence of the dredge area and the proposed methodology it is not considered that significant volumes of dredge material will deposit on the oysters. While the proposed dredging is not expected to have a significant impact on this community type, the precautionary principle is applied and water quality control mitigation has been proposed in section 5.7 below to ensure that the water quality during the dredging operation meets the shellfish regulations. Suspended soil content in the water column must not exceed by more than 30% the content of waters not so affected in the Tralee Bay Shellfish Area in the vicinity of the capital dredging works in accordance with the (European Communicates (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations 2006.

Other habitats within 1km of the dredge areas include Mixed sediment with crustaceans, bivalves and polychaetes community complex and Subtidal reef community complex. While all of these community complexes are of structural importance to the community composition of large shallow bays and inlets they are not considered to be keystone constituents. Therefore, any significant continuous or ongoing disturbance of communities should not exceed an approximate area of 15% of the interpolated area of each community type (NPWS, 2014). Considering, the extent of the zone of influence of the dredge area, the proposed dredge methodology, and the temporary nature and level of silt deposition on reef (deposition rates are shown to be generally less than 0.2-0.5kg/m2, which equates to 0.1-.27mm, with local highs of 3kg/m2, which equates to 1.65mm), it is not considered that significant volumes of dredge material will not deposit on Mixed sediment with crustaceans, bivalves and polychaetes community complex and Subtidal reef community complex community types. Therefore, the proposed dredging is not expected to have a significant impact on the Mixed sediment with crustaceans, bivalves and polychaetes community complex and the Subtidal reef community complex.

The keystone communities, those considered to be a key contributor to the structure and/or function, of the shallow inlet and bay habitat type and their associated area are:

 Zostera-dominated community complex (350ha)  Mytilus-dominated community (11ha)  Sabellaria-dominated community complex (7ha)

Any significant anthropogenic disturbance to the extent of these communities should be avoided and the extent of these communities should be maintained (NPWS, 2014). The Zostera-dominated community complex is located along the shore between Blennerville and Derrymore Island as well as in the vicinity of the Magharees Peninsula. The nearest point of this community to Fenit Harbour is over 3km south of Derrymore Island where it extends to the inner bay. Some very small areas of

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Mytilus-dominated community occur immediately north of the Zostera beds between Derrymore Island and Blennerville. Sabellaria-dominated community complex occurs in a linear fashion immediately south of Derrymore Island along the shoreline. While the coarser gravel and sand material will likely fall out within 1km, the silt material will likely stay in suspension and could be transported far from the site. Due to the intervening distance, the background turbid nature of the inner bay and the proposed dredge methodology, it is considered unlikely that a significant impact on the keystone communities will occur.

Dumping Operation A paper by Fredette and French (2004) using 35 years of research examined the environmental impacts of dredged material disposal along the eastern U.S. coast report that direct effects of disposal have been detected within only a few hundred metres of the disposal site. Farther from the disposal point, where only thin (<50cm) layers of sediment are deposited, benthic organisms can burrow through overburden. Near the disposal site recolonisation usually proceeds rapidly.

The STM has indicated that inner Tralee Bay is outside of the zone of influence of the deposited or suspended dumpsite material (see Appendix 4). Therefore, the zone of influence of the dumpsite material is in Tralee Bay west of Fenit Harbour. The qualifying features (habitat types) within the zone of influence include:

 Large shallow bays and inlets  Reefs

The following littoral communities occur within the zone of influence of the dumpsite material within the large shallow bay and inlet habitat type:

 Sand with Nephtys cirrosa community complex  Mixed sediment with crustaceans, bivalves and polychaetes community complex  Ostrea edulis-dominated community  Subtidal reef community complex  Zostera-dominated community complex

Of these community types the keystone Zostera-dominated community complex occurs on the shore northeast of Castlegregory. The STM has indicated that inner Tralee Bay where keystone and non- keystone communities occur is outside of the zone of influence of the deposited or suspended dumpsite material.

The STM for deposition over the 50-day period shows the deposition of sand in the vicinity of the dumpsite with little volumes entering the Natura 2000 site. The STM for deposition over the 50-day period shows the deposition of silt in the vicinity of the dumpsite and within lesser volumes in the Natura 2000. Deposition rates are shown to be generally less than 0.2-0.5kg/m2, which equates to 0.1-.27mm, with local highs of 3kg/m2, which equates to 1.65mm. Most of the deposition occurs on the Mixed sediment with crustaceans, bivalves and polychaetes community complex and the Subtidal reef community complex. The STM shows minimal deposition of up to 0.05kg.m2 or 0.03mm on the edges of the Zostera-dominated community complex and Ostrea edulis-dominated community to the west of the bay. This level of sediment does not have the capacity to cause

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015 smothering or blocking of light and therefore, no impact is considered likely on any habitats or species (AquaFact, 2014). It is considered that there is unlikely to be a significant impact on the large shallow bays and inlets, a qualifying feature of the Natura 2000 site, as a result of the dumping of volumes of approximately 55,000m3 of dredge material during the 10 year period of the dumping at sea licence.

The specific conservation objectives for reef habitat, Targets 1 and 2, aim to maintain the permanent area and distribution of this habitat and does not refer to long or short term disturbance of the biology of the site. The remaining targets refer to Mytilus- and Sabellaria-dominated communities, which lie outside of the zone of influence of the dumpsite material. It is considered that the deposition of silt on reef is a temporary impact and that the movement of tides and currents will eventually transport the sediment out of the bay in a northwest direction. It is considered that there is unlikely to be a significant permanent impact on the reefs, a qualifying feature of the Natura 2000 site, as a result of the dumping of approximately 300,000m3 of dredge material during the course of seven dredge events during the 10 year period of the dumping at sea licence.

The hopper suction dredger is the only source of fuel and oil, however, it is not expected that a fuel/oil spill will occur. In the event of an accidental hydrocarbon spill and on the basis of the precautionary principle, the need for appropriate fuel management measures to be in place has been specified in section 5.7.

5.5.2.2 Magharee Islands SAC (002261) While there are conservation objectives for the Magharee Islands SAC, there are no specific conservation objective series, thus the target attributes set out in the developed series for Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC is referred to here.

The conservation objectives for reef habitat, Targets 1 and 2, aim to maintain the permanent area and distribution of this habitat and does not refer to long or short term disturbance of the biology of the site. The remaining targets refer to Mytilus- and Sabellaria-dominated communities, which lie outside of the zone of influence of the dumpsite material. It is considered that the deposition of silt on reef is a temporary impact and that the movement of tides and currents will eventually transport the sediment out of the bay in a northwest direction. It is considered that there is unlikely to be a significant permanent impact on the reefs, a qualifying feature of the Natura 2000 site, as a result of the dumping of approximately 300,000m3 of dredge material during the course of seven dredge events during the 10 year period of the dumping at sea licence.

5.5.3 Habitat and Species Fragmentation

5.5.3.1 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC There will be short-term loss of habitat and temporary alteration within this site but it is not expected to be significant. Therefore, any temporary or short-term habitat or species fragmentation is not expected to be significant.

5.5.4 Disturbance and/or displacement of species

5.5.4.1 Tralee Bay Complex SPA (004188) There is a risk that scaup could be temporarily displaced from feeding areas during the dredging operation and so has been included for further consideration in the NIS on the basis of the

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015 precautionary principle. Scaup, often referred to as the greater scaup, is a common winter visitor to Tralee Bay and to Lough Gill and Sandy Bay on the Dingle Peninsula. There has been an increase from 58 in the 1984-87 Winter Wetlands Survey to 800 recorded in November 1996, and the Tralee Bay flock as a whole is now the third largest in the UK and Ireland. There has been a significant increase in Irish scaup numbers over the period between 1994/95 and 2012/13 with shorter-term decline for the period 2008/09 to 0212/13 according the I-WeBS. I-WeBS trends for the Irish scaup population measured between 1994/95 to 2012/13 showed overall declines of at least 2%.

There is evidence from the Firth of Forth in Scotland that numbers fluctuate regularly with a crash here in the mid-1970’s. These changes are widely believed to be linked to scaup’s sensitivity to variations in food supply and their ability to detect and exploit temporary food sources. Scaup in the Firth of Forth were apparently attracted to a sewage outfall pipe, which held grain from a local distillery and probably high densities of marine annelids as a result of eutrophication. When sewage treatment improved scaup numbers fell dramatically. Evidence from the Solway Firth, Scotland, suggests that scaup exploited cockles rejected by fishermen and that this has influenced their substantially increased numbers and distribution here. (Quinn et al., 1996)

Dredging has been taking place on a regular basis since the capital dredge of 1996. As scaup is subject to fluctuating densities, and numbers Tralee Bay now holds the third largest flock in the UK despite regular dredging operations, it is not considered that the proposed dredging and dumpsite operations will significantly affect scaup numbers in Tralee Bay Complex SPA.

5.5.4.2 Magharee Islands SPA (004125) The project may take place up to the month of May in the breeding season. Any water quality impacts will be confined to the sublittoral marine environment. Were the dredging operation to take place in April/May, there is potential for increased turbidity arising from an increase in suspended solids associated with dispersal of dumpsite material in the water column to affect feeding success of tern. Tern feed on sand eels and sprat on sandy substrate and a temporary increase in turbidity may decrease their feeding ability during the breeding season. This may result in a local displacement of tern to areas not, or less, affected by increased turbidity.

In 2013 common tern the colony on Illauntannig was abandoned but breeding did take place on other islands though numbers were unknown.

The arctic tern breeds on the Blasket and Magharee Islands on the Dingle Peninsula. In 2007 193-170 pairs were recorded on six of the islands. In 2010 at least 70 pairs bred on Illauntannig and in 2011 at least 140 pairs bred on the Magharees.

There is one colony of little tern in Kerry on the Magharee Islands. In 2008, 11 pairs were recorded breeding, and in 2010, 12-14 pairs were recorded breeding, on Illauntannig. In 2011 17-19 pairs nested at two adjacent colonies on the Magharees while in 2013 20 pairs, at one colony, were recorded nesting. It appears that the dredging of the harbour in 2010 in March to May and 2011 in March to a nearby dumpsite didn’t have a significant effect on little tern breeding numbers.

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Therefore, as little tern breeding success didn’t appear to be affected by past maintenance dredging operations (no accurate numbers for all the islands available for common or arctic tern) it is unlikely that tern breeding populations are significantly affected by maintenance dredging operations.

5.5.5 Water quality and resource (otter)

5.5.5.1 Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC In the COS 002070 the otter habitat has been mapped under the following categories:

 10m Freshwater Terrestrial (areas include freshwater habitat such as rivers, canal, and Lough Gill and associated drains)  80m Freshwater Aquatic (area limited to the shoreline of Lough Gill)  10m Marine Terrestrial (areas limited to the immediate vicinity of the high water mark)  80m Marine Aquatic (this area extends from the high water onto the intertidal zone)  Freshwater Aquatic Linear Habitat (includes rivers, streams, land drains (e.g. feeding Lough Gill)  Otter Commuting 250m (this area extends into the sublittoral zone beyond the Marine Aquatic area)

The aquatic, terrestrial and intertidal otter habitat areas will not be affected by the project because it is outside of the zone of influence of the dumpsite. According to the STM (see Appendix 4) the remaining habitat, the 250m Otter Commuting belt, is primarily outside of the zone of influence of the deposition of silt and sand with the exception of some very low relatively isolated volumes of up to 0.05kg/m2, or 0.03mm, at Samphire Island and east of Fenit Harbour. According to the STM the 250m Otter Commuting belt is primarily outside of the zone of influence of the deposition of silt and sand with the exception of some very low isolated concentrations of up to 2mg/l at Samphire Island and east of Fenit Harbour. Therefore, targets for each of the attributes such as distribution, extent of terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitat and barriers to connectivity will not be significantly affected by the project. However, fish biomass available may be potentially affected by a local reduction in water quality, particularly in the vicinity of the harbour, which could result in a temporary impact to fish biomass availability, however otters also eat crab, sea urchins and molluscs so there food source in general is unlikely to be significantly affected.

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5.6 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

5.6.1 Harbour Operations Fenit harbour forms the main access point to the sea for various water based activities, including commercial shipping, fishing, sailing, casual boating and lifesaving. Due to the temporary nature of the dredging works and effects, it is not expected that the project will have significant effects in- combination with daily operations at the harbour.

5.6.2 Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion Project Planning permission for Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion project was granted by KCC in 2012. The total proposed development will result in a 7ha expansion of the existing harbour and includes moving and extending the existing rubble-mound breakwater eastwards of its current location and expanding the existing marina into the extended harbour space and will require capital and ongoing maintenance dredging to accommodate the new footprint. There is potential for significant water quality affects in-combination with the permitted construction and operation of the harbour and marina extension should it proceed. However, the Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion project is not a strategic project for harbour development at Fenit, nor is it part of the strategic development plan for the harbour for the coming years. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that it will be developed within the next number of years. Furthermore, in the unlikely event it should be developed within the next number of years, it will be subject to a separate FL and DaS licence application procedure (Eamon Scanlon4, pers. comm.). Therefore, the Fenit Harbour and Marina Expansion project is not considered further in the cumulative impact assessment.

5.6.3 Oyster Fishing Oysters are harvested in the months of November until the end of January/early February. Oyster fishermen harvest oysters using a dredge plough over a relatively large portion of the inner bay. The dredge is towed along the seabed by a boat and rakes up the oysters into a net causing sediment to become suspended in the water column resulting in sediment plumes. Fishermen must seek an oyster dredge licence from IFI. Given the naturally turbid nature of inner Tralee Bay, the temporary nature of the harbour dredging work, the localised and temporary nature of the oyster dredging and the fact that the project will not coincide with the oyster dredging operation, it is considered that the project will not have a significant in-combination effect with oyster fishing.

5.6.4 Point and Diffuse Pollution Tralee Bay is subject to various point and diffuse sources of pollution arising from ongoing industrial, wastewater, agricultural and urban activities. Many of the point sources of pollution are controlled, monitoring and/or treated through various licences (e.g. discharge licence, IEL licence). Diffuse pollution is generally less controlled and unlicensed. However, should significant temporary water quality impacts arise as a result of the proposed dredging and dumping activities, on the basis of the precautionary principle there is potential for significant temporary cumulative water quality impacts in combination to the existing various point and diffuse sources of pollution.

4 Senior Executive Engineer, Capital Infrastructure Unit, Kerry County Council

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5.7 MITIGATION

5.7.1 Timing of Dredging Dredging will not be undertaken during the:

 Oyster spatting (settlement and recruitment of larvae) period between June and July5  Bathing water (June 1st to end of August) and monitoring season (the two weeks preceding bathing season). It is worth noting that the implementation of the new Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No. 79 of 2008) may alter the bathing and monitoring times and dredging should not be carried out during the new calendar period.

5.7.2 Water Quality Management Maintenance dredging has potential to result in a temporary impact upon water quality in Tralee Bay. A Water Quality Management Programme (WQMP) will be prepared and implemented to incorporate the mitigation measures outlined in this section.

It is proposed to undertake a programme of water quality monitoring taken at various depths, states of the tide and weather conditions prior to the commencement of and during dredging operations for the proposed 2015 dredging campaign. Water quality monitoring prior to the dredge event will provide a baseline against which to apply the shellfish water and other environmental quality standards for suspended solids and other parameters e.g. dissolved oxygen, temperature etc. and will be incorporated in to the Water Quality Management Plan.

A WQMP is required to provide water quality measurements:

 Prior to commencement of dredging (baseline)  During dredging  Post dredging

The following parameters should form part of the programme:

 Turbidity  Dissolved oxygen  Total suspended solids

Weather conditions and vessel traffic should also form part of the WQMP.

5.7.2.1 Turbidity Monitoring Plan The Turbidity Monitoring Plan will comprise:

 Fixed station in situ water quality monitoring  Boat-based in situ water quality monitoring  Visual water quality monitoring

5 Tralee Oyster Fishery Society, in consultation (see Appendix 13)

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015

 Laboratory water quality monitoring

A permissible level for turbidity and/or suspended solids should be agreed with the relevant authority, above which dredging must cease until levels drop below the permissible level.

Fixed station in situ water quality monitoring Turbidity sensors should be used to determine turbidity during the dredging operation using in-situ readings. Continuous, real-time, in situ water quality data should be collected through the use of sensors deployed on a buoy near the construction site. High-frequency data is averaged at regular intervals and uploaded via telemetry to a website.

Fixed locations for turbidity sensors should be identified and agreed with the relevant authority.

Boat-based in situ water quality monitoring Daily mobile manual monitoring will also take place by boat-based water quality monitoring, the frequency of which should be approved by the relevant authority.

Visual water quality monitoring Visual monitoring should also be carried out from the shore and suction hopper by the Contractor and Resident Engineer.

Laboratory water quality monitoring Samples should be collected at agreed regular intervals to test for suspended solids.

The Plan should be approved by the relevant authority.

5.7.2.2 Additional Water Quality Measures The following measures are also recommended:

 Consult with relevant stakeholders prior to dredging to inform them  Prepare contracts which meet the requirements of all licenses, consents and agreements applicable  Fully brief the contractor beforehand on the sensitivities of the site and any monitoring that will be taking place  Ensure dredging is undertaken in a manner that reduces the volumes of sediment that escape into the water column and become suspended

5.7.2.3 Fuel Management It is recommended that appropriate fuel management measures are put in place are put in place and agreed with the Harbour Master prior to the works commencing to ensure that no significant negative impacts occur to water quality.

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5.7.3 Control of Overflow It will not be permitted to allow any water to escape or overflow from the suction hopper dredger; therefore overflow of the dredge material into the water must be strictly controlled to prevent any occurrence. Once the dredger is full it must steam out to the dumpsite and dump the material at the appropriate location.

5.8 RESIDUAL IMPACTS Provided that the recommended mitigation measures in section 5.7 above are implemented in full, it is not expected that significant impacts will result to the qualifying features identified for appraisal in this NIS and thus it is not expected that the proposal will have an adverse impact on Natura 2000 sites.

5.9 CONCLUSION In conclusion, provided the recommended mitigation measures are implemented in full, it is not expected that the proposal to carry out maintenance dredging at Fenit Harbour and disposal of the dredge material to a dumpsite in Tralee Bay will result in an adverse residual impact on the Natura 2000 sites considered in this NIS, namely:

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6 REFERENCES AquaFact (2014(a)). Fenit Harbour and Proposed Dumpsite Baseline Characterisation Report.

AquaFact (2014(b)). Sediment Transport Model for Dumpsite

Bailey, M. and J. Rochford (2006). Otter Survey of Ireland 2004/2005. Irish Wildlife Manuals no. 23

Clay, E., (1967). Literature survey of the common fauna of estuaries, 6. Nephtys hombergii Lamarck. Imperial Chemical Industries Limited, Brixham Laboratory, PVM45/B/379

Clery, M. (2014). The Dingle Peninsula Bird Reports from 2011-2013. Corca Dhuibhne Branch, Birdwatch Ireland.

Clery, M. (2011). The Dingle Peninsula Bird Reports from 2008-2010. Corca Dhuibhne Branch, Birdwatch Ireland.

Cronin, M., McGovern, E., McMahon, T. and R. Boelens (2006). Guidelines for the Assessment of Dredge Material for Disposal in Irish Waters. Marine Environmental and Health Series, No. 24, 2006.

Dempsey, E. And M. O’cleary (2002). The Complete Guide to Ireland’s Birds. Second Edition. Gill & Macmillan

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) (2009). Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

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

EC (2001). Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.

EPA (2002). Guidelines on information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements. Published by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland.

Fredette, T.J. and G.T. French (2004). Understanding the physical and environmental consequences of dredged material disposal: history in New England and current perspectives. Marine Pollution Bulletin 49, 93-102

Folk, R.L. (1954). The distinction between grain size and mineral composition in sedimentary rock nomenclature. Journal of Geology 62 (4): 344-359.

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Fossitt, 2000. A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council.

Germano, J.D. and Carey, D.A. 2005. Rates and effects of sedimentation in the context of dredging and dredged material placement. DOER Technical Notes Collection (ERDC TNDOER-E19), U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS.

Healy, B., Oliver, G., Hatch, P. and J. Good (1997). Coastal Lagoons in the Repluvic of Ireland – Volume II. Inventory of Lagoons and Saline Lakes. Prepared for National Parks & Wildlife Services.

NPWS (2014). Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane SAC (site code: 2070). Conservation objectives supporting document – marine habitats. Version 1 February 2014.

NPWS (2013a). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Habitat Assessments Volume 2. Version 1.1. Unpublished Report, National Parks & Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland.

NPWS (2013b). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Species Assessments Volume 3. Version 1.0. Unpublished Report, National Parks & Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland.National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2014

Quinn, J.L., Still, M.C., Carrier, J.S. and P. Lambdon (1996). Scaup Aythya marila numbers and the Cockle Cadium edule fishery on the Solway Firth: are they related?

OSPAR (2001). Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Hazardous Substances Series

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Appendix 1 Stages of Appropriate Assessment

Appendix

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Stage 1 - Screening This is the first stage of the Appropriate Assessment process and that undertaken to determine the likelihood of significant impacts as a result of a proposed project or plan. It determines need for a full Appropriate Assessment. If it can be concluded that no significant impacts to Natura 2000 sites are likely then the assessment can stop here. If not, it must proceed to Stage 2 for further more detailed assessment.

Stage 2 - Natura Impact Statement (NIS) The second stage of the Appropriate Assessment process assesses the impact of the proposal (either alone or in combination with other projects or plans) on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site with respect to the conservation objectives of the site and its ecological structure and function. This is a much more detailed assessment that Stage 1. A Natura Impact Statement containing a professional scientific examination of the proposal is required and includes any mitigation measure to avoid, reduce or offset negative impacts. If the outcome of Stage 2 is negative i.e. adverse impacts to the sites cannot be scientifically ruled out, despite mitigation, the plan or project should proceed to Stage 3 or be abandoned.

Stage 3 - Assessment of alternative solutions A detailed assessment must be undertaken to determine whether alternative ways of achieving the objective of the project/plan exists.

Where no alternatives exist the project/plan must proceed to Stage 4.

Stage 4 - Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain The final stage is the main derogation process examining whether there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) for allowing a plan or project to adversely affect a Natura 2000 site where no less damaging solution exists.

Appendix

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Appendix 2 Project Drawings

Appendix

473335 E, 615480 N

$UHD% Pð boats 9ROXPH% Pñ Dredge to -5.0 CD boats $UHD$ Pð

9ROXPH$ Pñ boats boats Dredge to -7.5 CD

boats

boats boats

boats boats Legend:

Foreshore Licence Area (Edged in Red) Total Area = 4.22ha

Dredge Area A

Dredge Area B

Backslope (Side Slope of 1:5)

ITM Co-ordinates

472670 E, 614620 N Map Reproduced From Ordnance Survey Ireland By Permission Of The Government. Licence Number EN 0015714 Project

A 10.12.14 JK KF KF Rev. Date Description by ch'd app Cork Tralee London Limerick Title Scales (A3) Drg. No. Rev. Drawn Checked Legend:

Foreshore Licence Area (Edged in Red) Total Area = 4.22ha

X = 471091, Y = 620862

X = 473097, Y = 614948 X = 473273, Y = 614943

X = 472933, Y = 614877 Proposed Dredging Area

X = 473294, Y = 614823

X = 473105, Y = 614845

X = 472966, Y = 614780

Project

A 10.12.14 JK KF KF Rev. Date Description by ch'd app Cork Tralee London Limerick Title Map Reproduced From Ordnance Survey Ireland Scales (A3) Drg. No. Rev. By Permission Of The Government. Licence Number EN 0015714 Drawn Checked Legend:

Proposed Dump Site Area (Edged in Red) Total Area = 100ha

Proposed Dump Site

X = 470091, Y = 620862 X = 471091, Y = 620862

X = 470091, Y = 619862 X = 471091, Y = 619862

Project

14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015

Appendix 3 Maps of Natura 2000 Sites

Appendix

Project Title: Fenit Dumping at sea permit Cashen River Estuary pNHA Drawing Title: Lower River Shannon SAC Natura 2000 Sites

Kerry Head Shoal SAC Client: Kerry County Council

Drawn by: JK Checked by: MK KERRY HEAD SPA Drawing Date: 27/11/2014 Drawing Size: A3

Legend

Fenit Harbour Fenit Harbour 15km Buffer Proposed Dump Site Proposed Dump Site 15km Buffer Natural Heritage Area (NHA) Proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Special Protected Area (SPA) Illaunnabarnagh Island pNHA Akeragh, Banna And Barrow Harbour SAC Inishtooskert And Illaunimmil (Magharees) pNHA Mucklaghmore Island pNHA Akeragh, Banna And Barrow Harbour pNHA Illauntannig (Magharees) pNHA Gurrig Island (Magharees) pNHA Magharee Islands SAC Magharee Islands SPA STACK'S TO MULLAGHAREIRK MOUNTAINS, WEST LIMERICK HILLS AND MOUNT EAGLE SPA Proposed Dump Site Area

DINGLE PENINSULA SPA Church Hill, Tralee pNHA

Fenit Harbour

Tralee Bay And Magharees Peninsula, West To Cloghane pNHA Tralee Bay Complex SPA Tralee Bay And Magharees Peninsula, West To Cloghane SAC Ballyseedy Wood SAC

Mount Brandon pNHA Slieve Mish Mountains SAC Mount Brandon SAC

02.5 5 km ´

Map Reproduced From Ordnance Survey Ireland By Permission Of The Government. Licence Number EN 0015714

Emlagh East Salt Marshes pNHA Castlemaine Harbour pNHA Castlemaine Harbour SPA Castlemaine Harbour SAC ´ km 0.375 ForeshoreArea Licence Area Shellfish 0Map Reproduced From Ordnance SurveyIreland By Permission OfThe Government. Licence NumberEN 0015714 0.75 Project Title: Project FenitHarbour Commercial Berth Dredging Title: Drawing ForeshoreAreas Licence and Shellfish Client:Kerry County Council Drawnby: JK Checked by:KF DrawingDate: 11/12/2014 A3 DrawingSize: Legend

m 7 6 4 14996-6001-A Natura Impact Statement February 2015

Appendix 4 Sediment Transport Model of Dumpsite Report (AquaFact, 2014)

Appendix

Fenit Harbour & Proposed Dumpsite Baseline Characterisation Report

Produced by

AQUAFACT International Services Ltd

On behalf of Malachy Walsh & Partners

September 2014

AQUAFACT INTERNATIONAL SERVICES ltd 12 KILKERRIN park TUAM rd GALWAY city www.aquafact.ie [email protected] tel +353 (0) 91 756812 fax +353 (0) 91 756888 Table of Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Description of Proposed Works 2

3. Materials & Methods 5

3.1. Sampling Procedure ...... 5 3.2. Sample Processing ...... 1 3.2.1. Fauna ...... 1 3.2.2. Sediment ...... 2 3.3. Data Analysis ...... 4

4. Results 7

4.1. Fauna ...... 7 4.1.1. Community Analysis ...... 7 4.1. Sediment ...... 14 4.1.1. Faunal Survey ...... 14 4.1.2. Sediment Characterisation Survey ...... 16 4.1.3. Chemical Properties ...... 17

5. Discussion 23

6. References 23

List of Figures Figure 1.1: Location of Fenit Harbour and Dumpsite in relation to nearby cSACs and SPAs...... 1 Figure 2.1: The area to be dredged...... 4 Figure 3.1: Faunal survey station locations ...... 6 Figure 3.2: Sediment characterisation station locations ...... 7 Figure 4.1: Dendrogram produced by Cluster analysis...... 12 Figure 4.2: MDS plot ...... 13

List of Tables Table 3.1: Coordinates of faunal grab sampling stations...... 6 Table 3.2: Coordinates of the sediment characterisation station locations ...... 1 Table 3.3: Limits of Detection...... 4 Table 4.1: Univariate measures of community structure...... 8 Table 4.2: SIMPER Results ...... 10 Table 4.3: Granulometric data from the faunal survey...... 15 Table 4.4: Organic carbon results for the faunal stations ...... 16 Table 4.5: Physical properties of sediment ...... 16 Table 4.6: Chemical properties of sediment ...... 18 Table 4.7: Results with reference to Irish Action Limits ...... 21

List of Appendices Appendix 1 Faunal Abundance List Appendix 2 Breakdown of Granulometric Results from Stations F1 to F7 Appendix 3 Results from RPS Mountainheath Fenit Harbour and Dumpsite Malachy Walsh & Partners Baseline Characterisation September 2014

1. Introduction

AQUAFACT International Services Ltd. was commissioned by Malachy Walsh & Partners to carry out a baseline assessment of a proposed new dumpsite as part of the Fenit Harbour dredging campaign. Sediment characterisation was also required from the harbour area in line with Cronin et al. (2006) ‘Guidelines for the assessment of dredge material for disposal in Irish waters’.

Fenit Harbour is located within the Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula, West to Cloghane cSAC (Site Code: IE002070) and within 1.1km of Tralee Bay Complex SPA (Site Code: IE004188) and within 760m of Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour cSAC (Site Code: IE000332). The dumpsite is located c. 800m southeast of Magharee Islands cSAC (Site Code: IE002261), c. 1.5km northwest of Akeragh, Banna and Barrow Harbour cSAC (Site Code: IE000332), 3.1km northeast of Tralee Bay Complex SPA (Site Code: IE004188), 1.5km south of Magharee Islands SPA (Site Code: IE004125) and 1.9km northwest of Tralee Bay Compex SPA (Site Code: IE004188). The location of Fenit Harbour and dumpsite in relation to nearby cSACs and SPAs can be seen in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1: Location of Fenit Harbour and Dumpsite in relation to nearby cSACs and SPAs.

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2. Description of Proposed Works

Fenit Harbour has a need for regular maintenance dredging. Historically this is done in a 3 or 5 year cycle depending on whether it is the commercial shipping berth or the inner marina harbour area. A dumping at sea site is required for the deposition of dredge material. Over the years a number of Dumping At Sea permits were issued by the Department of Marine and Department of Environment. The last permit expired in 2011 after the last dredging campaign was completed.

Presently there is a significant volume of material that has accumulated in the commercial berth which is actively used by Liebherr Crane shipping activities. Approximately 43,000m3 of material needs to dredged and removed and deposited at the Dumping at sea site located in the outer Tralee Bay area.

Currently an application for a Dumping At Sea licence is being completed for submission to the EPA. The dredging will be undertaken using a suction hopper dredger which will be on site for a maximum of three weeks, subject to weather and tides. The suction hopper dredger enables removal of material from the bed in a controlled fashion. This type of dredger has greater controls in terms of accuracy of dredging and in minimisation of a plume within the water column.

The location of the dredging is adjacent to the main commercial pier on its northern side. The area or footprint to be dredged is 2.6 ha and is shown in Figure 2.1. The inner Tralee Bay area due east of the harbour has an area designated for shellfish, which in this case is the native oyster. Accordingly any potential impact on the shellfish areas has to be minimised ore removed.

During the dredging operations an array of turbidity monitors with alarms’ will be placed due east of the dredge location so as to monitor any deterioration in water quality and any obvious large dispersion of a dredge plume. There will also be visual monitoring during dredge activities by harbour staff and the dredge captain.

The suction hopper dredger moves in a linear defined corridor and dredges in stages. In effect it does so by a series of passes over a defined footprint area until it reaches its design depth, which in this case is -7.5 for the berth and -5.5 for the ship manoeuvring area.

As the dredger progresses it fills its on board storage bay. When full the dredger then steams to the dumping at sea location. Once there the location within the footprint of the dump site is recorded and

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then the dredger opens it sea doors and deposits the excavated silt material onto the sea bed. The area over which the dredger deposit each load is recorded with co-ordinates and the volume deposited is noted. Deposition is undertaken at optimum times of the tide, within good weather windows. There will also be monitoring of the plume at the deposition site as part of normal good practice.

Once dredging operations are completed a full report of the volumes removed and deposited will be produced. This will also include a drawing showing the dump footprint, its co-ordinates and the volumes deposited.

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Figure 2.1: The area to be dredged.

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3. Materials & Methods

3.1. Sampling Procedure

All sampling took place on the 23rd July 2014. AQUAFACT has in-house standard operational procedures for benthic sampling and these were followed for this project. Additionally, the recently published MESH report on “Recommended Standard methods and procedures” were adhered to.

To carry out the subtidal benthic faunal assessment of the proposed dumpsite, AQUAFACT sampled 8 sites within and around the dumpsite (see Figure 3.1). Station coordinates and depths can be seen in Table 3.1. Samples were retrieved using a 0.025m2 van Veen grab.

Two replicate grab samples were taken at all 8 stations for faunal analysis. Each sample was carefully and gently sieved on a 1mm mesh sieve as a sediment water suspension for the retention of fauna. Great care was taken during the sieving process in order to minimise damage to taxa such as spionids, scale worms, phyllodocids and amphipods. Very stiff clay was fragmented very carefully by hand. The sample residue was carefully flushed into a pre-labelled (internally and externally) container from below. Each label contained the sample code and date. The samples were stained immediately with Eosin-briebrich scarlet and fixed immediately in with 4% w/v buffered formaldehyde solution (10% w/v buffered formaldehyde solution for very organic mud). These samples were ultimately preserved in 70% alcohol upon return to the laboratory. The grab sampler was cleaned between stations to prevent cross contamination.

An additional sample was collected at all 8 stations for grain size analysis and organic carbon content. All sampling jars were marked externally with date, station number, sample number and survey reference number and placed in a cooler box.

To carry out the sediment characterisation survey, one grab sample was collected at 7 stations in the harbour and 3 stations in the dumpsite (correspond to stations DS1, DS2 and DS3 from the faunal survey – these stations which were selected by the Marine Institute had to be relocated due to hard ground at the original DS2 and DS3 sites). Figure 2.2 shows the station locations and Table 3.2 shows the station coordinates and depths. The grab samples were divided up for contaminant analysis, organic carbon content, particle size analysis, sediment density and moisture content. All sampling jars

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were marked externally with date, station number, sample number and survey reference number and placed in a cooler box. Table 3.3 shows the required determinands at each station.

Figure 3.1: Faunal survey station locations

Table 3.1: Coordinates of faunal grab sampling stations.

Station Longitude Latitude Depth (m) DS1 -9.89643 52.31958 17.8 DS2 -9.89866 52.31941 17.6 DS3 -9.89639 52.31756 17.7 S4 -9.89575 52.32199 19.5 S5 -9.89363 52.32566 20.5 S6 -9.88843 52.31953 19.2 S7 -9.89678 52.31465 17.7 S8 -9.89977 52.30488 15.9

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Figure 3.2: Sediment characterisation station locations

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Table 3.2: Coordinates of the sediment characterisation station locations

Station Longitude Latitude Depth (m) Determinand Required Visuals, Water Content, Density, Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, F1 -9.86234 52.27003 4.1 OCLs & PCBs, Hydrocarbons, TBT, DBT, PAHs Visuals, Water Content, Density, Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, F2 -9.86327 52.27092 4.6 OCLs & PCBs, Hydrocarbons, TBT, DBT, PAHs Visuals, Water Content, Density, Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, F3 -9.86103 52.27037 7.5 OCLs & PCBs, Hydrocarbons, TBT, DBT, PAHs Visuals, Water Content, Density, Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, F4 -9.86035 52.27139 2.1 OCLs & PCBs, Hydrocarbons, TBT, DBT, PAHs Visuals, Water Content, Density, Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, F5 -9.85943 52.2716 2.7 OCLs & PCBs, Hydrocarbons, TBT, DBT, PAHs Visuals, Water Content, Density, Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, F6 -9.85859 52.27071 7.9 OCLs & PCBs, Hydrocarbons, TBT, DBT, PAHs Visuals, Water Content, Density, Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, F7 -9.85949 52.26964 6.0 OCLs & PCBs, Hydrocarbons, TBT, DBT, PAHs Visuals, Water Content, Density, Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, DS1 -9.89643 52.31958 17.8 OCLs & PCBs, Hydrocarbons, TBT, DBT, PAHs Visuals, Water Content, Density, DS2 -9.89866 52.31941 17.6 Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, TBT, DBT Visuals, Water Content, Density, DS3 -9.89639 52.31756 17.7 Granulometry, TOC, Carbonate, Metals, OCLs & PCBs

3.2. Sample Processing

3.2.1. Fauna

All faunal samples were placed in an illuminated shallow white tray and sorted first by eye to remove large specimens and then sorted under a stereo microscope (x 10 magnification). Following the

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removal of larger specimens, the samples were placed into Petri dishes, approximately one half teaspoon at a time and sorted using a binocular microscope at x25 magnification.

The fauna was sorted into four main groups: Polychaeta, Mollusca, Crustacea and others. The ‘others’ group consisted of echinoderms, nematodes, nemerteans, cnidarians and other lesser phyla. The fauna were maintained in stabilised 70% industrial methylated spirit (IMS) following retrieval and identified to species level where practical using a binocular microscope, a compound microscope and all relevant taxonomic keys. After identification and enumeration, specimens were separated and stored to species level.

3.2.2. Sediment

Once back in the lab, all sediment samples for the analysis of organics and contaminants were sent to the RPS Mountainheath laboratory in Hertfordshire. Organic carbon by Loss on Ignition for the faunal samples was carried out by ALS Labs in Loughrea. AQUAFACT carried out the particle size analysis and moisture and density content as described below.

3.2.2.1. Particle Size Analysis (PSA)

AQUAFACT carried out the PSA analysis in-house using the following methodology: 1. Approximately 100g of dried sediment (previously washed in distilled water and dried) was weighed out and placed in a labelled 1L glass beaker to which 100ml of a 6 percent hydrogen peroxide solution was added. This was allowed to stand overnight in a fume hood. 2. The beaker was placed on a hot plate and heated gently. Small quantities of hydrogen peroxide were added to the beaker until there was no further reaction. This peroxide treatment removed any organic material from the sediment which can interfere with grain size determination. 3. The beaker was then emptied of sediment and rinsed into a 63μm sieve. This was then washed with distilled water to remove any residual hydrogen peroxide. The sample retained on the sieve was then carefully washed back into the glass beaker up to a volume of approximately 250ml of distilled water. 4. 10ml of sodium hexametaphosphate solution was added to the beaker and this solution was stirred for ten minutes and then allowed to stand overnight. This treatment helped to dissociate the clay particles from one another. 5. The beaker with the sediment and sodium hexametaphosphate solution was washed and rinsed into a 63μm sieve. The retained sample was carefully washed from the sieve into a labelled aluminium tray and placed in an oven for drying at 100ºC for 24 hours.

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6. The dried sediment was then passed through a Wentworth series of analytical sieves (>8,000 to 63μm; single phi units). The weight of material retained in each sieve was weighed and recorded. The material which passed through the 63μm sieve was also weighed and the value added to the value measured in Point 5 (above). 7. The total silt/clay fraction was determined by subtracting all weighed fractions from the initial starting weight of sediment as the less than 63μm fraction was lost during the various washing stages. 8. The following range of particle sizes: <63m, 63<125m, 125<250m, 250<500m, 500<1000m, 1000<2000m, 2000<4000m and 4000<8000m were reported.

3.2.2.2. Moisture Content & Density

Moisture content was taken as the percentage weight difference between the wet and dried sediment. Sediment density was calculated by placing a fixed volume (100 ml) of sediment in a volumetric cylinder and weighing the contents.

3.2.2.3. Organic Matter

All organic matter samples from the faunal survey were sent to ALS Labs for analysis. The following methodology was used: 1. The collected sediments were transferred to aluminium trays, homogenised by hand and dried in an oven at 100º C for 24 hours. 2. A sample of dried sediment was placed in a mortar and pestle and ground down to a fine powder. 3. 1g of this ground sediment was weighed into a pre-weighed crucible and placed in a muffle furnace at 450ºC for a period of 6 hours. 4. The sediment samples were then allowed to cool in a desiccator for 1 hour before being weighed again. The organic content of the sample was determined by expressing as a percentage of the weight of the sediment after ignition over the initial weight of the sediment.

3.2.2.4. Chemical Analysis

The following methodologies were employed by RPS Mountainheath:  Total Organic Carbon analysis: Combustion and infrared analysis following carbonate removal with hydrochloric acid.  Carbonate content analysis: Gravimetric analysis of a dry portion of the sediment following carbonate removal with hydrochloric acid.

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 Total Hydrocarbons: GCFID analysis following extraction of the wet sediment with dichloromethane:methanol by ultrasonic extraction and subsequent portioning with water. Extract cleaned-up with silica and activated copper.  Organotins: GCMS analysis following the extraction of the wet sediment and subsequent derivatisation.  Metal analysis: ICP-MS analysis following microwave assisted digestion in hydrofluoric acid of the dried (<30°C) and ground sediment.  PAH & PCB analysis: GCMS analysis following extraction of the wet sediment with hexane:acetone by ultrasonic and equilibrium extraction. Extract cleaned-up with alumina and activated copper.  Dry solids at 30°C analysis: A portion of the wet sediment is dried in a temperature controlled and heap filtered cabinet at 30°C. All testes were carried out on the <2mm fraction.

The Limits of detection can be seen in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3: Limits of Detection

Parameter Unit LOD Hydrocarbons mg/kg 0.01 Mercury mg/kg 0.03 Aluminium mg/kg 1.0 Arsenic mg/kg 0.15 Cadmium mg/kg 0.05 Chromium mg/kg 0.15 Copper mg/kg 0.06 Lead mg/kg 0.08 Lithium mg/kg 0.1 Nickel mg/kg 0.15 Zinc mg/kg 0.15 OCP µg/kg 1 PAH µg/kg 0.01-1 PCBs µg/kg 0.2 DBT/TBT mg/kg 0.01

3.3. Data Analysis

Statistical evaluation of the faunal data was undertaken using PRIMER v.6 (Plymouth Routines in Ecological Research). Univariate statistics in the form of diversity indices are calculated. Numbers of

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species and numbers of individuals per sample will be calculated and the following diversity indices will be utilised: 1) Margalef’s species richness index (D) (Margalef, 1958), S 1 D  log N 2 where: N is the number of individuals S is the number of species 2) Pielou’s Evenness index (J) (Pielou, 1977) H' (observed) J = H' max H' where: max is the maximum possible diversity, which could be achieved if all species were equally abundant (= log2S)

3) Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') (Pielou, 1977)

S H' = - p (log p ) i=1 i 2 i th where: pI is the proportion of the total count accounted for by the i taxa

4) Simpson’s Diversity Index (Simpson, 1949)

1-λ’ = 1-{ΣiNi(Ni-1)} / {N(N-1)} where N is the number of individuals of species i.

Species richness is a measure of the total number of species present for a given number of individuals. Evenness is a measure of how evenly the individuals are distributed among different species. The Shannon-Wiener index incorporates both species richness and the evenness component of diversity (Shannon & Weaver, 1949) and Simpson’s index is a more explicit measure of the latter, i.e. the proportional numerical dominance of species in the sample (Simpson, 1949).

The PRIMER programme (Clarke & Warwick, 2001) was used to carry out multivariate analyses on the station-by-station faunal data. All species/abundance data from the grab surveys was square root transformed and used to prepare a Bray-Curtis similarity matrix in PRIMER ®. The square root transformation was used in order to allow the intermediate abundant species to play a part in the similarity calculation. All species/abundance data from the samples was used to prepare a Bray-Curtis similarity matrix. The similarity matrix was then be used in classification/cluster analysis. The aim of this analysis was to find “natural groupings’ of samples, i.e. samples within a group that are more

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similar to each other, than they are similar to samples in different groups (Clarke & Warwick, loc. cit.). The PRIMER programme CLUSTER carried out this analysis by successively fusing the samples into groups and the groups into larger clusters, beginning with the highest mutual similarities then gradually reducing the similarity level at which groups are formed. The result was represented graphically in a dendrogram, the x-axis representing the full set of samples and the y-axis representing similarity levels at which two samples/groups are said to have fused. SIMPROF (Similarity Profile) permutation tests were incorporated into the CLUSTER analysis to identify statistically significant evidence of genuine clusters in samples which are a priori unstructured.

The Bray-Curtis similarity matrix was also be subjected to a non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) algorithm (Kruskal & Wish, 1978), using the PRIMER programme MDS. This programme produced an ordination, which is a map of the samples in two- or three-dimensions, whereby the placement of samples reflects the similarity of their biological communities, rather than their simple geographical location (Clarke & Warwick, 2001). With regard to stress values, they give an indication of how well the multi-dimensional similarity matrix is represented by the two-dimensional plot. They are calculated by comparing the interpoint distances in the similarity matrix with the corresponding interpoint distances on the 2-d plot. Perfect or near perfect matches are rare in field data, especially in the absence of a single overriding forcing factor such as an organic enrichment gradient. Stress values increase, not only with the reducing dimensionality (lack of clear forcing structure), but also with increasing quantity of data (it is a sum of the squares type regression coefficient). Clarke & Warwick (loc. cit.) have provided a classification of the reliability of MDS plots based on stress values, having compiled simulation studies of stress value behaviour and archived empirical data. This classification generally holds well for 2-d ordinations of the type used in this study. Their classification is given below:

 Stress value < 0.05: Excellent representation of the data with no prospect of misinterpretation.  Stress value < 0.10: Good representation, no real prospect of misinterpretation of overall structure, but very fine detail may be misleading in compact subgroups.  Stress value < 0.20: This provides a useful 2-d picture, but detail may be misinterpreted particularly nearing 0.20.  Stress value 0.20 to 0.30: This should be viewed with scepticism, particularly in the upper part of the range, and discarded for a small to moderate number of points such as < 50.

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 Stress values > 0.30: The data points are close to being randomly distributed in the 2-d ordination and not representative of the underlying similarity matrix.

Each stress value must be interpreted both in terms of its absolute value and the number of data points. In the case of this study, the moderate number of data points indicates that the stress value can be interpreted more or less directly. While the above classification is arbitrary, it does provide a framework that has proved effective in this type of analysis.

The species, which are responsible for the grouping of samples in cluster and ordination analyses, were identified using the PRIMER programme SIMPER (Clarke & Warwick, 1994). This programme determined the percentage contribution of each species to the dissimilarity/similarity within and between each sample group.

4. Results

4.1. Fauna

4.1.1. Community Analysis

The taxonomic identification of the benthic infauna across all 8 faunal stations sampled in and around the dumpsite yielded a total count of 135 taxa ascribed to 7 phyla. Of the 135 taxa identified, 80 were identified to species level. The remaining 55 could not be identified to species level for the following reasons: 22 were juveniles, 27 were partial/damaged and 6 were indeterminate. Appendix 1 shows the faunal abundances from the dumpsite stations.

Of the 135 taxa present, 56 were annelids (segmented worms including sipunculids), 40 were molluscs (mussels, cockles, snails etc.), 34 was a crustacean (crabs, shrimps, prawns), 2 were echinoderms (sea urchins), 1 was a chelicerata (sea spiders), 1 was a nemertean (ribbon worm) and 1 was a nematode (round worm).

4.1.1.1. Univariate Analysis

Univariate statistical analyses were carried out on the combined station-by-station faunal data. The following parameters were calculated and can be seen in Table 4.1; taxon numbers, number of individuals, richness, evenness, Shannon-Weiner diversity and Simpson’s diversity. Taxon numbers ranged from 17 (DS1) to 53 (S5). Number of individuals ranged from 47 (S4) to 482 (S5). Richness

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ranged from 3.62 (DS1) to 8.42 (S5). Evenness ranged from 0.55 (S5) to 0.95 (S4). Shannon-Weiner diversity ranged from 2.78 (DS1) to 4.65 (S4 and S6). Simpson’s diversity ranged from 0.78 (DS1) to 0.97 (S4).

Table 4.1: Univariate measures of community structure.

Station No. Taxa No. Individuals Richness Evenness Shannon-Weiner Simpsons’s Diversity Diversity DS1 17 83 3.62 0.68 2.78 0.78 DS2 30 76 6.70 0.78 3.82 0.85 DS3 30 120 6.06 0.82 4.01 0.91 S4 30 47 7.53 0.95 4.65 0.97 S5 53 482 8.42 0.55 3.17 0.79 S6 41 144 8.05 0.87 4.65 0.95 S7 25 97 5.25 0.73 3.40 0.82 S8 37 145 7.23 0.84 4.37 0.93

4.1.1.2. Multivariate Analysis

The dendrogram and the MDS plot can be seen in Figures 4.1 and 4.2 respectively. SIMPROF analysis revealed 4 statistically significant groupings between the 8 stations (the samples connected by red lines cannot be significantly differentiated). The stress level on the MDS plot indicates an excellent representation of the data.

Group a contained stations DS1, S5 and S7 and had a within group similarity level of 35.67%. Group a separated from all other stations at a 13.43% similarity level. This group contained 71 taxa comprising 662 individuals. Of the 71 species, 54 were present twice or less. Three species accounted for 70% of the faunal abundance: the gastropod mollusc Caecum trachea (197 individuals; 29.76% abundance), Nematoda (172 individuals; 25.98% abundance) and the bivalve mollusc Goodalia triangularis (96 individuals; 14.5% abundance). Goodalia triangularis, the bivalves Mactridae (juv), Caecum trachea and the polychaete Syllis pontxioi were identified by SIMPER analysis as the characterising species of the group. Table 3.2 shows the full SIMPER results. Caecum trachea and Mactridae are species very sensitive to organic enrichment and present under unpolluted conditions. Goodallia triangularis and Syllis pontxioi are species indifferent to enrichment, always present in low densities with non- significant variations over time. Nematoda are species tolerant to excess organic matter enrichment and these species may occur under normal conditions but their populations are stimulated by organic enrichment. Species richness ranged from low to high and diversity was moderate at these stations. Organic matter levels for this group ranged between 0.79% to 3.94% and sediment type varied from

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fine sand at DS1 to gravelly sand at stations S5 and S7. Station S7 had the highest organic matter levels of all stations.

Group d contained stations DS3, S6 and S8 and had a within group similarity level of 55.55%. Group d contained 62 taxa comprising 409 individuals. Of the 62 species, 29 were present twice or less. Seven species accounted for over 53% of the faunal abundance: the bivalve molluscs Pharidae (juv) (47 individuals; 11.49% abundance) and Angulus fabula (45 individuals; 11.00% abundance), the polychaetes Cirratulidae (partial/damaged) (34 individuals; 8.31% abundance), Chaetozone christiei (32 individuals; 7.82% abundance) and Spiophanes bombyx (24 individuals; 5.87% abundance), the bivalve Tellinidae (juv) (20 individuals; 4.89% abundance) and the polychaete Pectinariidae (juv) (17 individuals; 4.16% abundance). The amphipod crustacean Bathyporeia tunipes, the polychaete Owenia fusiformis, the bivalve Angulus fabula and the polychaete Spionidae (partial/damaged) were identified by SIMPER analysis as the main characterising species of the group. Table 3.2 shows the full SIMPER results.

Pectinariidae, Pharidae, Bathyporeia tunipes and Tellinidae including Angulus fabula are species very sensitive to organic enrichment and present under unpolluted conditions. Owenia fusiformis is a species indifferent to enrichment, always present in low densities with non-significant variations over time. Spionidae including Spiophanes bombyx are species tolerant to excess organic matter enrichment and these species may occur under normal conditions but their populations are stimulated by organic enrichment. Cirratulidae including Chaetozone christiei are second order opportunistic deposit feeders which proliferate in reduced sediments. Species richness and diversity were relatively high at these stations. Organic matter levels ranged from 0.71% to 1.64%. Station DS3 had the lowest organic matter levels and sediment type varied from a very fine sand at S8 to fine sand at S6 to gravelly sand at DS3.

Group c separated from Group d at a 34.25% similarity level. Group c consisted of station S4 and contained 30 taxa comprising 47 individuals. Of the 30 species, 26 were present twice or less. Four species accounted for over 34% of the faunal abundance: the copepod crustacean Longipedia scotti (5 individuals; 10.64% abundance), the bivalve mollusc Pharidae (juv) (5 individuals; 10.64% abundance), the polychaete Spiophanes bombyx (3 individuals; 6.38% abundance) and the bivalve Chamelea striatula (3 individuals; 6.38% abundance). As only one station made up this group SIMPER analysis could not be carried out for this group. Chamelea striatula and Pharidae are species very sensitive to organic enrichment and present under unpolluted conditions. Spiophanes bombyx are species tolerant

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to excess organic matter enrichment and these species may occur under normal conditions but their populations are stimulated by organic enrichment. Species richness was relatively high at this station and species diversity was highest at this station. Organic matter levels for this station were 2.71% and fine-medium sand dominated at this station.

Group b separated from Groups c and d at a 28.68% similarity level. Group b consisted of stations DS2 and contained 30 taxa comprising 76 individuals. Of the 30 species, 26 were present twice or less. Four species accounted for over 56.6% of the faunal abundance: Nematoda (26 individuals; 36.84% abundance), the bivalve mollusc Pharidae (juv) (7 individuals; 9.21% abundance), the chelicerate crustacean Acarina (4 individuals; 5.26% abundance) and the bivalve Veneridae (juv) (4 individuals; 5.26% abundance). As only one station made up this group SIMPER analysis could not be carried out for this group. Veneridae and Pharidae are species very sensitive to organic enrichment and present under unpolluted conditions. Acarina are a species indifferent to enrichment, always present in low densities with non-significant variations over time. Species richness was relatively high at this station and species diversity was moderate at this station. Organic matter levels at this station were 0.81% and gravelly sand dominated at this station.

The habitat in the area of the dumpsite can be described (according to Fossitt, 2000) as SS1 Infralittoral gravels and sands. All species recorded are typical of the sandy/gravelly sediments found in the area.

Table 4.2: SIMPER Results

Group a Average similarity: 35.67% Species Av.Abund Av.Sim Sim/SD Contrib% Cum.% Caecum trachea 2.52 5.25 3.05 14.73 14.73 Goodallia triangularis 2.29 5.24 3.8 14.68 29.41 Syllis pontxioi 1.72 3.9 2.92 10.94 40.35 Nematoda (indet) 2.27 3.77 2.24 10.58 50.93 Gari tellinella 1.43 3.24 2.76 9.07 60 Mactridae (juv) 1.17 2.85 3.27 7.99 67.99 Glycera lapidum 1.14 2.72 2.76 7.63 75.61 Hippomedon denticulatus 0.67 1.28 0.58 3.6 79.21 Gastrosaccus spinifer 1.08 1.07 0.58 3 82.21 Pisione remota 1 0.99 0.58 2.78 84.99 Protodorvillea kefersteini 1.02 0.9 0.58 2.52 87.51 Veneridae (juv) 0.94 0.9 0.58 2.52 90.03 Group b Less than 2 samples in group Group c Less than 2 samples in group

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Group d Average similarity: 55.55% Species Av.Abund Av.Sim Sim/SD Contrib% Cum.% Pharidae (juv) 1.95 3.92 5.99 7.06 7.06 Cirratulidae (partial/damaged) 1.79 3.55 6.86 6.39 13.44 Angulus fabula 1.87 3.5 25.4 6.3 19.74 Chaetozone christiei 1.75 3.45 9.37 6.2 25.94 Spionidae (partial/damaged) 1.49 3.18 21.77 5.73 31.67 Spiophanes bombyx 1.59 2.93 8.59 5.27 36.94 Bathyporeia tenuipes 1.31 2.72 35.08 4.89 41.83 Magelona filiformis 1.33 2.63 13.55 4.73 46.56 Tellinidae (juv) 1.48 2.55 5.87 4.58 51.14 Chamelea striatula 1.31 2.45 5.29 4.4 55.55 Magelona johnstoni 1.13 2.36 5.92 4.25 59.8 Pariambus typicus 1.13 2.35 7.5 4.23 64.03 Owenia fusiformis 1.17 2.34 25.4 4.21 68.24 Sigalionidae (partial/damaged) 1 2.21 13.55 3.98 72.22 Perioculodes longimanus 1.19 2.21 13.55 3.98 76.2 Abra sp. (juv) 1 2.21 13.55 3.98 80.18 Pectinariidae (juv) 1.08 0.89 0.58 1.61 81.79 Ensis sp. (juv) 0.79 0.89 0.58 1.6 83.39 Glycera tridactyla 0.79 0.81 0.58 1.45 84.84 Nephtys sp. (partial/damaged) 0.84 0.81 0.58 1.45 86.29 Nassarius sp. (juv) 0.79 0.81 0.58 1.45 87.74 Glycera sp. (partial/damaged) 0.67 0.79 0.58 1.41 89.16 Nephtys sp. (juv) 0.89 0.79 0.58 1.41 90.57

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Figure 4.1: Dendrogram produced by Cluster analysis

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Figure 4.2: MDS plot

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4.1. Sediment

4.1.1. Faunal Survey

4.1.1.1. Granulometry

Table 4.3 shows the granulometric data from the 8 stations sampled as part of the faunal survey. Fine gravel ranged from 0 (DS1 and S6) to 20% (S7). Very fine gravel ranged from 0 (DS1) to 14% (DS3). Very coarse sand ranged from 0.4 (DS1) to 22.1% (S5). Coarse sand ranged from 3.4 (DS1) to 46.9% (DS2). Medium sand ranged from 11.7 (DS3) to 38.3% (S4). Fine sand ranged from 0.3 (S7) to 56% (DS1). Very coarse sand ranged from 0.1 (S7) to 61.5 (S8) and Silt-clay ranged from 0 (S7) to 5.1 (S8). Sediment classification according to Folk (1954) consisted of sand and gravelly sand.

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Table 4.3: Granulometric data from the faunal survey.

Station Fine Gravel Very Fine Very Coarse Coarse Sand Medium Sand Fine Sand Very Fine Sand Silt-Clay Folk (1954) (4-8mm) Gravel (2-4mm) Sand (1-2mm) (0.5-1mm) (0.25-0.5mm) (125-250mm) (62.5-125mm) (<63mm) DS1 0 0 0.4 3.4 28.7 56 10.8 0.6 Sand DS2 2.8 4 17 46.9 23.4 4.7 1 0.2 Gravelly sand DS3 15.2 14 18.9 38.3 11.7 1.2 0.6 0.1 Gravelly sand S4 0 0.2 0.8 5.1 38.3 42.6 12.4 0.6 Sand S5 4.6 6.9 22.1 46.7 18.9 0.6 0.2 0.1 Gravelly sand S6 0 0.1 0.5 3.7 20.5 45.7 28.3 1.3 Sand S7 20 6.2 15.3 31.7 26.5 0.3 0.1 0 Gravelly sand S8 0.3 0.2 0.8 4 12.5 15.6 61.5 5.1 Sand

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4.1.1.2. Organic Carbon

Table 4.4 shows the organic carbon results for the 8 stations sampled during the faunal survey. Organic matter values by Loss on Ignition ranged from 0.71 at Station DS3 to 3.94% and Station S7.

Table 4.4: Organic carbon results for the faunal stations

Station Organic Carbon DS1 0.79 DS2 0.81 DS3 0.71 S4 2.71 S5 2.73 S6 1.64 S7 3.94 S8 1.19 4.1.2. Sediment Characterisation Survey

4.1.2.1. Physical Properties

Table 4.5 shows the particle size analysis results (a detailed breakdown of all fractions can be seen in Appendix 2). Gravel content ranged from 0 (Station DS1) to 29.2% (Station DS3). Sand content ranged from 51.7% (Station F3) to 99.3% (Station DS1). Silt-clay content ranged from 0.1% (Station DS3) to 48.1% (Station F3). Moisture content ranged from 18.23% (Station DS3) to 63.16 (Station F1). Density ranged from 1.41 g/ml (Stations F1 and F2) to 2.17 g/ml (Station DS2).

Table 4.5: Physical properties of sediment

Station % Gravel % Sand Silt-Clay Moisture Density Description (>2mm) (63-2mm) (<63mm) % (g/ml)

F1 0.4 60.8 38.7 63.16 1.41 Black/grey mud, weak H2S smell F2 0.9 66.5 32.6 61.47 1.41 Black/grey mud, weak H2S smell F3 0.2 51.7 48.1 55.47 1.42 Black/grey mud, no smell F4 0.3 56.6 43.1 47.58 1.57 Grey/brown mud, no smell F5 0.3 58.5 41.3 40.31 1.68 Brown mud, no smell F6 1.1 73.4 25.6 53.91 1.48 Brown/grey mud, no smell F7 0.2 57.1 42.7 59.84 1.42 Grey/brown mud, no smell DS1 0 99.3 0.6 25.86 2.04 Yellow medium sand, no smell DS2 6.8 93 0.2 25.14 2.17 Yellow medium sand, no smell DS3 29.2 70.7 0.1 18.23 1.89 Yellow medium sand, no smell

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4.1.3. Chemical Properties

Table 4.6 shows the results from the chemical analysis. Appendix 3 contains the laboratory report. Table 4.7 shows the results with relevance to Irish Action Levels.

Arsenic exceeded the lower Irish Action Limit at all but 2 stations (F5 and DS2) and nickel exceed the lower Irish Action Limit at Stations F1 to F4, F5 and F6. Lindane and HCB exceed the upper Irish Action Limit at stations F1 to F4 and F7 and exceed the lower Irish Action Limit at all other station (please note the use of < in the reporting of the results prevents an accurate indication of the exceedances). PAHs exceed the lower Irish Action Limits at all stations except DS1.

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Table 4.6: Chemical properties of sediment

Determinand Unit F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 DS1 DS2 DS3 dry solids (at 105°C) % 32.6 45.3 38.9 44.8 53.0 56.7 40.2 77.5 71.9 79.2 carbonate % dry matter % 37.0 36.0 36.8 35.9 35.2 36.9 34.2 61.5 73.6 63.1 total organic carbon % 2.77 2.81 2.55 1.74 1.37 1.84 2.36 0.46 0.47 0.41 total petroleum hydrocarbons by mg/kg 165 108 174 162 58.4 78.4 240 7.56 GCFID (C10 - C40) dibutyltin (DBT) mg/kg <0.03 < 0.02 <0.03 < 0.02 < 0.01 < 0.01 <0.03 < 0.01 < 0.01 tributyltin (TBT) mg/kg <0.03 < 0.02 <0.03 < 0.02 < 0.01 < 0.01 <0.03 < 0.01 < 0.01 aluminium mg/kg 38500 40300 41900 27800 28100 32400 38800 7320 4040 4120 arsenic mg/kg 19.5 19.6 18.8 11.2 8.98 15.1 18.5 7.67 14.0 15.5 cadmium mg/kg 0.52 0.52 0.65 0.53 0.44 0.44 0.61 0.35 0.32 0.32 chromium mg/kg 60.1 65.1 62.1 44.7 40.0 50.0 61.5 13.3 10.0 9.50 copper mg/kg 20.7 21.8 20.0 14.6 12.0 13.9 21.1 3.23 3.78 3.17 lead mg/kg 24.8 25.3 23.7 17.3 14.5 18.6 25.1 5.32 5.96 5.66 lithium mg/kg 19.5 22.9 20.2 7.73 < 6.00 12.3 22.1 < 6.00 < 6.00 < 6.00 mercury mg/kg 0.09 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.07 0.07 < 0.03 < 0.03 < 0.03 nickel mg/kg 29.2 31.8 30.3 21.3 19.1 24.5 29.7 6.93 7.13 5.95 zinc mg/kg 80.8 83.5 85.5 59.0 50.8 59.2 77.2 16.7 20.2 16.6 naphthalene ug/kg 1030 1100 1670 1010 2000 1360 1220 732 acenaphthylene ug/kg 76.8 97.0 100 64.7 396 84.7 97.1 5.16 acenaphthene ug/kg 67.6 83.8 87.4 60.3 204 93.5 67.2 18.1 fluorene ug/kg 218 221 239 138 746 228 144 14.2 phenanthrene ug/kg 826 1090 1340 821 4420 1030 784 33.6 anthracene ug/kg 178 390 468 344 2210 296 284 < 0.100 fluoranthene ug/kg 2010 3180 4590 2600 12400 2460 2420 65.8 pyrene ug/kg 1530 2470 3610 2070 9470 1850 2090 41.3 benzo(a)anthracene ug/kg 768 1130 1940 942 4330 796 1150 21.9 chrysene ug/kg 786 1570 2400 1410 6390 923 1380 16.8 benzo(b)fluoranthene ug/kg 1630 2700 3660 2320 6810 1910 2030 49.1 benzo(k)fluoranthene ug/kg 439 812 1080 676 2500 545 674 76.2

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Determinand Unit F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 DS1 DS2 DS3 benzo(a)pyrene ug/kg 768 1560 2230 1320 5210 926 1280 18.1 indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene ug/kg 700 1080 1450 734 2040 785 722 96.8 dibenzo(a,h)anthracene ug/kg 1110 373 473 263 855 238 266 3.23 benzo(g,h,i)perylene ug/kg 792 1290 1620 835 2520 872 861 23.2 aldrin ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 (alpha-HCH) beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta- ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 HCH, beta-BHC) delta-hexachlorocyclohexane ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 (delta-HCH) gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 (lindane) hexachlorobenzene (HCB) ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 cis-chlordane ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 trans-chlordane ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 dieldrin ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 endrin ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 endosulfan A ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 endosulfan B ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 heptachlor ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 heptachlor epoxide ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 methoxychlor ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 o,p'-DDD ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 p,p'-DDD ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 o,p'-DDT ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 p,p'-DDT ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 o,p'-DDE ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 p,p'-DDE ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00 trifluralin ug/kg < 3.07 < 2.21 < 2.57 < 2.23 < 1.00 < 1.00 < 2.49 < 1.00 < 1.00

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Determinand Unit F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 DS1 DS2 DS3 2,4,4'-trichlorobiphenyl (PCB ug/kg < 0.31 < 0.22 < 0.26 < 0.22 < 0.10 < 0.10 < 0.25 < 0.10 < 0.10 congener 28) 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB ug/kg < 0.31 < 0.22 < 0.26 < 0.22 < 0.10 < 0.10 < 0.25 < 0.10 < 0.10 congener 52) 2,2',4,5,5'-pentachlorobiphenyl ug/kg < 0.31 < 0.22 < 0.26 < 0.22 < 0.10 < 0.10 < 0.25 < 0.10 < 0.10 (PCB congener 101) 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl ug/kg < 0.31 < 0.22 < 0.26 < 0.22 < 0.10 < 0.10 < 0.25 < 0.10 < 0.10 (PCB congener 118) 2,2',3,4,4',5-hexachlorobiphenyl ug/kg < 0.31 < 0.22 < 0.26 < 0.22 < 0.10 < 0.10 < 0.25 < 0.10 < 0.10 (PCB 138) 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl ug/kg < 0.31 < 0.22 < 0.26 < 0.22 < 0.10 < 0.10 < 0.25 < 0.10 < 0.10 (PCB 153) 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'- ug/kg < 0.31 < 0.22 < 0.26 < 0.22 < 0.10 < 0.10 < 0.25 < 0.10 < 0.10 heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 180)

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Table 4.7: Results with reference to Irish Action Limits

Parameter Units Sampling points (dry wt) F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 DS1 DS2 DS3 Note 2 Arsenic mg kg-1 19.5 19.6 18.8 11.2 8.98 15.1 18.5 7.67 14.0 15.5 Cadmium mg kg-1 0.52 0.52 0.65 0.53 0.44 0.44 0.61 0.35 0.32 0.32 Chromium mg kg-1 60.1 65.1 62.1 44.7 40 50 61.5 13.3 10 9.5 Copper mg kg-1 20.7 21.8 20 14.6 12 13.9 21.1 3.23 3.78 3.17 Lead mg kg-1 24.8 25.3 23.7 17.3 14.5 18.6 25.1 5.32 5.96 5.66 Mercury mg kg-1 0.09 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.07 0.07 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 Nickel mg kg-1 29.2 31.8 30.3 21.3 19.1 24.5 29.7 6.93 7.13 5.95 Zinc mg kg-1 80.8 83.5 85.5 59 50.8 59.2 77.2 16.7 20.2 16.6  TBT & DBT Note 3 mg kg-1 <0.06 <0.04 <0.06 <0.04 <0.02 <0.02 <0.06 <0.02 <0.02 -HCH (Lindane) Note 4 g kg-1 <3.07 <2.21 <2.57 <2.23 <1.00 <1.00 <2.49 <1.00 <1.00 HCB Note 5 g kg-1 <3.07 <2.21 <2.57 <2.23 <1.00 <1.00 <2.49 <1.00 <1.00 Note 6 PCB (individual congeners of ICES 7) g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 028

PCB 052 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 101 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 138 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 153 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 180 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB 118 g kg-1 <0.31 <0.22 <0.26 <0.22 <0.1 <0.1 <0.25 <0.1 <0.1 PCB ( ICES 7) Note 6 g kg-1 2.17 1.54 1.4 1.54 0.7 0.7 1.75 0.7 0.7 PAH ( 16) Note 7 g kg-1 12929.4 19146.8 26957.4 15608 62501 14397.2 15469.3 1215.49 12929.4 19146.8 Total Extractable Hydrocarbons g kg-1 0.165 0.108 0.174 0.162 0.0584 0.0784 0.24 0.00756 - -

Exceed Lower Irish Action Limit Exceeds Upper Irish Action Limit

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Note 1: Applicants should highlight in Table B.1 any results which exceed either the upper or lower Irish action levels. Action levels are published in: Cronin et al. 2006. Guidelines for the Assessment of Dredge Material for Disposal in Irish Waters. Marine Environment & Health Series, No. 24. Marine Institute. Note 2: Total sediment <2 mm Note 3: Sum of tributyl tin and dibutyl tin Note 4: 1α,2α,3β,4α,5α,6β-hexachlorocyclohexane Note 5: Hexachlorobenzene Note 6: ICES 7 polychlorinated biphenyls: PCB 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180. Note 7: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (measured as individual compounds): Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, Acenaphthene, Fluorene,Phenanthrene, Anthracene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene, Benzo(a)anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Benzo(k)fluoranthene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Dibenzo(ah)anthracene, Benzo(ghi)perylene, Indeno(123- cd)pyrene.

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5. Discussion

The sediment type in the eastern half of the dumpsite consisted of fine/medium sand, coarse/medium sand and coarse/very coarse sand. Areas of hard ground were encountered in the western half. Immediately south of the dumpsite coarse/medium sand dominated and very fine sand dominated just over 1km south of the dumpsite. Fine/very fine sand dominated to the east of the dumpsite and coarse/very coarse sand dominated to the north. All sediments were classified as sand or gravelly sand by Folk (1954). Silt-clay fractions were extremely low throughout. Depths within the dumpsite ranged between 17.6 and 19.5m and outside the dumpsite they ranged from 15.9 to 20.5m.

The faunal assemblage of the dumpsite and surrounding areas can be classified by Fossitt (2000) as SS1 Infralittoral gravels and sands. Variations in the community type and dominating species between the stations was evident. These local variations are common in the natural environment. All species observed are typically of the gravelly/sandy habitat in the area and the species present represent a balanced mix of longer lived deeper burrowing equilibrium species and smaller shorter lived opportunistic species. Some of the main dominants of the assemblage include the gastropod mollusc Caecum trachea, bivalve molluscs Goodalia triangularis, Angulus fabula, Chamelea striatula and Pharidae, Nematoda, the polychaete Chaetozone christiei and Spiophanes bombyx and the copepod crustacean Longipedia scotti.

The sediments from the harbour area were classified as muddy sand throughout by Folk (1954), being dominated by silt-clay and very fine sand for the most part. Depths in the harbour area ranged from 2.1 to 7.9m. A number of determinands exceed the lower and upper Irish Action limits and the final approval for suitability to dispose of at sea lies with the EPA (under advice from the Marine Institute).

6. References

Clarke, K.R. & R.M. Warwick. 2001. Changes in marine communities: An approach to statistical analysis and interpretation. 2nd Edition. Primer-E Ltd. Cronin, M., McGovern, E., McMahon, T. & R. Boelens. 2006. Guidelines for the assessment of dredge material for disposal in Irish waters. Marine Environmental and Health Series, No. 24, 2006. Folk, R.L. (1954). The distinction between grain size and mineral composition in sedimentary rock nomenclature. Journal of Geology 62 (4): 344-359. Fossitt, J. 2000. A guide to habitats in Ireland. The Heritage Council. Margalef, D.R. 1958. Information theory in ecology. General Systems 3: 36-71.

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Pielou, E.C. (1977). Mathematical ecology. Wiley-Water science Publication, John Wiley and Sons. pp.385. Shannon, C.E. & W. Weaver. 1949. The mathematical throry of communication. University of Illinois Press, Urbana. Simpson, E.H. 1949. Measurement of diversity. Nature 163: 688.

24 JN1266

Appendix 1 Infaunal Species List

Station 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B NEMATODA HD 1 Nematoda (indet) HD 1 33 28 55 83 1 NEMERTEA G 1 Nemertea (indet) G 1 1 2 4 1 1 1 SIPUNCULA N 1 SIPUNCULIDEA N 2 GOLFINGIIFORMES N 10 Golfingiidae N 11 Golfingiidae (juv) N 11 1 Phascolionidae N 29 Phascolion (Phascolion) strombus strombus N 34 1 ANNELIDA P 1 POLYCHAETA P 2 PHYLLODOCIDA P 3 Pisionidae P 13 Pisione remota P 15 3 5 3 Polynoidae P 25 Polynoidae (partial/damaged) P 25 1 1 Harmothoe sp. (partial/damaged) P 50 1 1 Sigalionidae P 96 Sigalionidae (partial/damaged) P 96 1 1 1 1 Sigalion mathildae P 104 1 Sthenelais limicola P 109 1 Phyllodocidae P 114 Phyllodocidae (partial/damaged) P 114 1 1 Eteone longa aggregate P 118 1 Pseudomystides limbata P 136 1 Phyllodoce sp. (partial/damaged) P 178 2 1 Glyceridae P 254 Glyceridae (partial/damaged) P 254 1 Glycera sp. (partial/damaged) P 255 1 1 1 Glycera sp. (juv) P 255 1 Glycera lapidum P 260 1 4 1

Station 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B Glycera tridactyla P 265 1 1 1 1 1 Hesionidae P 293 Psamthe fusca P 305 1 Microphthalmus sp. (partial/damaged) P 326 1 Syllidae P 346 Syllidae (partial/damaged) P 346 1 Syllis sp. (partial/damaged) P 358 1 Syllis pontxioi P 4 15 11 1 4 Syllis garciai P 2 2 1 Streptodonta pterochaeta P 391 1 Exogoninae P 410 Sphaerosyllis sp. (partial/damaged) P 424 1 Sphaerosyllis bulbosa P 425 1 Sphaerosyllis hystrix P 427 1 Nephtyidae P 490 Nephtys sp. (juv) P 494 1 1 1 1 4 4 Nephtys sp. (partial/damaged) P 494 2 3 2 Nephtys cirrosa P 498 1 Nephtys kersivalensis P 502 2 EUNICIDA P 536 Onuphidae P 537 Onuphidae (juv) P 537 1 1 1 1 Dorvilleidae P 598 Protodorvillea kefersteini P 638 7 2 1 2 Schistomeringos rudolphi P 643 1 SPIONIDA P 707 Spionidae P 720 Spionidae (partial/damaged) P 720 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 4 Spionidae (juv) P 720 1 Prionospio sp. (partial/damaged) P 763 7 4 Spio sp. (indet) P 787 1 Spio sp. (partial/damaged) P 787 1 Spiophanes bombyx P 794 2 3 13 2 5 2

Station 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B Magelonidae P 802 Magelona filiformis P 805 2 1 1 1 5 2 Magelona johnstoni P 1 1 1 1 1 Cirratulidae P 822 Cirratulidae (partial/damaged) P 822 1 17 1 1 7 4 4 1 Cirratulidae (juv) P 822 2 Chaetozone christiei P 19 8 5 CAPITELLIDA P 902 Capitellidae P 903 Mediomastus fragilis P 919 1 Notomastus latericeus P 921 2 1 Maldanidae P 938 Euclymene oerstedii P 964 1 POLYGORDIIDA P 1060 Polygordiidae P 1061 Polygordius sp. (partial/damaged) P 1062 2 3 OWENIIDA P 1089 Oweniidae P 1090 Galathowenia oculata P 1093 1 Owenia fusiformis P 1098 1 1 2 1 1 TEREBELLIDA P 1099 Pectinariidae P 1100 Pectinariidae (juv) P 1100 1 13 2 1 Lagis koreni P 1107 1 2 Sabellariidae P 1112 Sabellaria spinulosa P 1117 1 Terebellidae P 1179 Polycirrus sp. (partial/damaged) P 1235 1 OLIGOCHAETA P 1402 TUBIFICIDA P 1403 Naididae P 1405 Tubificidae P 1425 Tubificoides pseudogaster aggregate P 1498 1

Station 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B CHELICERATA Q 1 PYCNOGONIDA Q 2 Acarina Q 53 Acarina (indet) Q 53 4 CRUSTACEA R 1 COPEPODA R 142 HARPACTICOIDA R 785 Longipediidae R 787 Longipedia scotti R 792 5 1 Canuellidae R 793 Canuella perplexa R 798 1 Thalestridae R 1061 Thalestris longimana R 1079 1 Miraciidae R 1144 Miraciidae (indet) R 1144 2 2 Cylindropsyllidae R 1525 Evansula incerta R 1534 1 Laophonitdae R 1667 Asellopsis hispida R 1669 1 OSTRACODA R 2412 Ostracoda (indet) R 2412 1 EUMALACOSTRACA S 23 MYSIDACEA S 25 Mysidae S 31 Gastrosaccus sp. (juv) S 40 1 Gastrosaccus sp. (partial/damaged) S 40 2 Gastrosaccus spinifer S 44 1 3 5 2 2 4 AMPHIPODA S 97 Eusiridae S 100 Apherusa bispinosa S 102 1 Oedicerotidae S 118 Perioculodes longimanus S 131 1 1 5 1 1 1 Pontocrates arcticus S 134 1 1 1

Station 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B Synchelidium maculatum S 138 1 1 1 1 2 4 Phoxocephalidae S 252 Metaphoxus fultoni S 265 1 Lysianassidae S 271 Hippomedon denticulatus S 296 1 1 Lepidepecreum longicornis S 301 1 1 Synopioidea S 348 Argissa hamatipes S 360 1 1 Atylidae S Nototropis falcatus S 410 1 Ampeliscidae S 422 Ampelisca brevicornis S 427 1 1 Ampelisca typica S 442 1 Pontoporeiidae S 450 Bathyporeia sp. (partial/damaged) S 451 1 1 Bathyporeia sp. (juv) S 451 1 Bathyporeia tenuipes S 459 2 3 2 2 Melphidippidae S 487 Megaluropus agilis S 489 1 Melitidae S 495 Melitidae (partial/damaged) S 495 1 Cheirocratus sp. (partial/damaged) S 503 1 Isaeidae S 537 Gammaropsis sp. (partial/damaged) S 537 1 Caprellidae S 639 Pariambus typicus S 651 2 2 1 ISOPODA S 790 Gnathiidae S 792 Gnathia sp. (praniza) S 793 1 CUMACEA S 1183 Bodotriidae S 1184 Vaunthompsonia cristata S 1191 1 1 1 Iphinoe trispinosa S 1203 1

Station 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B Pseudocumatidae S 1231 Pseudocuma longicornis S 1236 3 1 Diastylidae S 1244 Diastylis bradyi S 1248 1 MOLLUSCA W 1 CHAETODERMATIDA W 3 POLYPLACOPHORA W 46 NEOLORICATA W 47 Leptochitonidae W 48 Leptochiton cancellatus W 54 1 GASTROPODA W 88 Gastropoda (partial/damaged) W 88 1 1 1 MESOGASTROPODA W 256 Cerithiidae W 258 Bittium reticulatum W 263 1 1 Iravadiidae W 406 Hyala vitrea W 410 1 Caecidae W 411 Caecum trachea W 414 20 52 113 1 12 Naticidae W 482 Euspira nitida W 491 2 NEOGASTROPODA W 670 Buccinidae W 702 Nassarius sp. (juv) W 743 1 2 2 Nassarius pygmaeus W 748 1 Mangeliidae W 771 Bela brachystoma W 1 HETEROSTROPHA W 878 Pyramidellidae W 906 Chrysallida sp. (juv) W 931 1 Turbonilla lactea W 971 2 1 OPISTHOBRANCHIA W CEPHALASPIDEA W 1002

Station 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B Cylichnidae W 1024 Cylichna cylindracea W 1028 1 1 1 2 Retusidae W 1073 Retusa truncatula W 1080 4 1 1 SCAPHOPODA W 1513 Dentallidae W 1515 Antalis entalis W 1519 1 PELECYPODA W 1560 Bivalvia (partial/damaged) W 1560 1 1 NUCULOIDA W 1561 Nuculidae W 1563 Nucula sp. (juv) W 1565 1 Nucula nitidosa W 1569 4 4 Nucula nucleus W 1570 1 VENEROIDA W 1815 Astartidae W 1921 Goodallia triangularis W 1929 9 1 16 32 3 36 Cardiidae W 1938 Parvicardium pinnulatum W 1951 2 Mactridae W 1967 Mactridae (juv) W 1967 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 Mactridae (partial/damaged) W 1967 1 Mactra stultorum W 1972 1 Spisula elliptica W 1975 1 Pharidae W 1995 Pharidae (juv) W 1995 4 3 19 3 2 3 1 2 16 3 4 Pharidae (partial/damaged) W 1995 1 Ensis sp. (juv) W 1996 2 2 2 Tellinidae W 2008 Tellinidae (juv) W 2008 1 2 3 9 5 Angulus fabula W 2019 3 2 1 9 13 17 Angulus pygmaeus W 2023 3 Donacidae W 2036

Station 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B Donax variegatus W 2039 2 Psammobiidae W 2042 Gari sp. (juv) W 2044 1 Gari tellinella W 2049 2 4 9 2 Semelidae W 2057 Abra sp. (juv) W 2058 1 1 1 1 Abra alba W 2059 1 1 Abra nitida W 2061 1 Veneridae W 2086 Veneridae (juv) W 2086 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 4 1 Chamelea striatula W 2 3 4 3 3 1 Dosinia sp. (juv) W 2126 1 1 1 MYOIDA W 2140 Hiatellidae W 2164 Saxicavella jeffreysi W 2172 1 ECHINODERMATA ZB 1 ECHINOIDEA ZB 181 ECHINOIDA ZB 190 Echinidae ZB 194 Echinocyamus pusillus ZB 212 1 SPATANGOIDA ZB 213 Loveniidae ZB 221 Echinocardium sp. (juv) ZB 222 1 3 1

Appendix 2 Breakdown of Granulometric results Stations F1 to F7

Station Fine Gravel Very Fine Very Coarse Coarse Sand Medium Sand Fine Sand Very Fine Sand Silt-Clay (4-8mm) Gravel (2-4mm) Sand (1-2mm) (0.5-1mm) (0.25-0.5mm) (125-250mm) (62.5-125mm) (<63mm)

F1 0 0.4 2.6 12.2 17.2 15 13.8 38.7 F2 0.2 0.7 3.4 13.1 17.3 15 17.7 32.6 F3 0 0.2 0.9 5.1 10.4 13.1 22.2 48.1 F4 0 0.3 1.8 4.9 7.6 10.6 31.7 43.1 F5 0.1 0.2 2.2 9.3 11.9 11.7 23.4 41.3 F6 0.4 0.7 2.2 3.4 4.4 12.8 50.6 25.6 F7 0 0.2 1.3 7.1 12.6 14.5 21.6 42.7

Appendix 3 Results from RPS Mountainheath