Lough Garr NHA

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

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06

RRaatthhoowweenn WWaassttee WWaatteerr AAgggglloommeerraattiioonn

Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation

Regulation 25(c) (ii) Futher Information For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Response (A0070-01)

County Buildings Mullingar Co. Westmeath

Phone: 04493 - 32000 Fax: 04493 -42330

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 Contents Page 1. Introduction 3 1.1 Background 3 1.2 Legislation 3 1.2.1 Habitats Directive 3 1.2.2 Birds Directive 3 1.2.3 Waste Water Regulations 2007 3 1.2.4 Surface Waters Regulations 2009 4 1.2.5 Water Framework Directive 4 1.2.6 Groundwater Regulations 2010-07-21 4 1.3 Methodology 4 1.3.1 Initial Screening of Waste Water Agglomerations 4 1.4 Designated Sites 4 Lough Garr NHA. Pre Screening 5 Garriskil Bog SAC/SPA Pre screening 7

2. Stage 1: Appropriate Assessment Screening 9 Step 1: Management of the Site 9 Step 2: Project Description 9 2.1 Waste Water Treatment Plant 9 2.2 Geology of the Site and Water Quality ____ 10

3. Step 3: Characteristics of the Site 10 3.1 General Site Description 10 3.1.1 Lough Garr NHA 10 3.1.2 Garriskil Bog SAC & SPA 10 3.1.3 Annex 1 Species within the SPA______11 3.1.3 (a) Greenland White Fronted Goose 11 3.1.3 (b) Merlin 11 3.2 Identification of Potential Impacts to the NHA & SAC/SPA 11 3.2.1 Discharge Quality from the Rathowen WWW 11 For inspection purposes only. 3.2.2 AgricultureConsent Impacts of copyright owner required for any other use. 12 3.2.3 Unsewered Properties 12 3.2.4 Forestry Impacts ______12 3.3 Mitigation Measures 13 3.3.1 Control of Urban Waste Water Discharges 13 3.3.1 Control of Unsewered Waste Water Discharges 13 3.3.1 Control of Forestry Impacts 13 3.3.1 Control of Agricultural Pollution 13

4. Assessment of Significance 14 4.1 DoEHLG Circular Screening L8/08 14 4.2 Appendix Screening (Heritage) 14 4.2.1Screening Questions 1-8 14

5. Screening Conclusion 15

Appendix A – Garriskil Bog & Lough Garr Site Synopsis 16 Appendix B – Designated Areas Map No.1 19 Appendix C – Lough Garr NHA Map No.2 21 Appendix D - Garriskil Bog SAC & SPA Map No.3 23 Revised Non-Technical Summary 25 2

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1. Introduction

1.1 Background

In accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 684 of 2007) Westmeath County Council submitted six Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation applications to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on and before 22nd December 2009. The Rathowen Agglomeration was included within the six submissions.

The following report has been produced in accordance with the EPAs correspondence of 7th April 2010 (Notice in accordance with Regulation 25(c) (ii) of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007) requesting Westmeath County Council to provide further information in accordance with Circular L8/08 ‘Water Services Investment Programmes – Protection of National Heritage and National Monuments’ issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

This report also includes a revised technical summary as stipulated in the original Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation application submission.

1.2 Legislation

There were a number of legalisation documents used and referenced in the writhing of this report. These are listed below with a brief summary of each.

1.2.1 Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) (2000) Article 6(3) and (4)of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC requires an appropriate assessment of land use plans with respect to ecological implications of any plan or project, whether within or outside a designated site, which does not directly relate to the management of the site but may impact upon its conservation objectives. Therefore, the purpose of this screening report For inspection purposes only. is to consider whether, based Consenton best of copyright available owner required scientific for any other knowledge,use. the plan will have potential impacts upon the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 sites.

1.2.2 Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) The directive recognises that habitat loss and degradation are the most serious threats to the conservation of wild birds. It therefore places great emphasis on the protection of habitats for endangered as well as migratory species (listed in Annex I), especially through the establishment of a coherent network of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) comprising all the most suitable territories for these species. Since 1994 all SPAs form an integral part of the NATURA 2000 ecological network.

1.2.3 Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007(S.I. No. 684 of 2007) The above regulations govern the licensing and certification/authorisation process of sewage discharges owned, managed and operated by Water Service Authorities. All Local Authorities were obligated to apply to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a staggered date sequence for a waste water discharge licence or certificate of authorisation by 22nd December 2009.

The objectives of the regulations is allow the EPA to set conditions and limits on the discharge of any waste water treatment plant operated by a Local Authority with the aim of protecting and improving surface and ground water qualities.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 1.2.4 European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009. These regulations were established with the aim of ensuring that environmental objectives originally established within the Water Framework Directive are achieved. The regulations apply to all surface water bodies and aim to improve or maintain the environmental quality standards as set out in the regulations.

1.2.5 The Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC The Water Framework Directive was established with the aim of providing a framework document for the protection of all waters, surface, ground and coastal. The Directive establishes a management role of water bodies based on river catchments with the ultimate aim of maintaining or restoring water quality to a “Good” status.

1.2.6 European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010. The purpose of these regulations is to establish procedures in reporting and monitoring groundwater results. To implement measures to prevent or limit the addition of pollutants to groundwater and to prevent the deterioration of groundwater body status.

1.3 Methodology

1.3.1 Initial Screening of Waste Water Agglomerations The following appropriate screening is carriedout in accordance in the EPAs guidance note: Waste Water Discharge Licencing – Appropriate Assessment and The DoEHLG Circular L8/08 – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments as requested by the EPA in its correspondence of 7th April 2010 to Westmeath County Council. In particular the screening process concentrates on the likelihood of a significant impact from the Rathowen agglomeration on any European Site.

A desk top study was completed to identify the key environmental features and associated For inspection purposes only. potential impacts from the wasteConsent water of copyright agglom ownereration required for upon any other the use. site and the receiving surface water. The assessment undertakes to complete the Appropriate Assessment Screening Stage 1, steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 and in conjunction with the screening flow diagram included in the circular L8/08. A pre-screening exercise using the flow diagram model shown in the circular L8/08 is firstly used to determine the necessity for potential impact assessments.

1.4 Designated Sites There are two designated sites within a 5 kilometre radius of the Rathowen WWTP. The sites comprise of a variety of habitats including lake, wetland and bog areas. The sites comprise of the following (Map No.1 Appendix B); Lough Garr NHA and Garriskill Bog SAC & SPA. Both sites are located to the west of the Rathowen treatment plant and are sited within close proximity of each other.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 Lough Garr NHA Pre-Screening

1. Is the development in a No nature conservation site?

Yes 2a. 2b. (if the development (if the development involves a surface Involves a groundwater water abstraction Water abstraction/ /discharge:) Discharge:) Is the development in Is the development in The surface water The groundwater catchment of a nature catchment or within conservation site (or 5km (whichever is part of such a site)? Greater) of a nature Conversation site (or part of such a site)?

3. No Are the qualifying Yes Habitats and species Of the site water dependent? 4. Is the development in Yes No the surface or groundwater 5. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. catchment of other Is there a WFD sub-basin water dependent plan for the site or its Annex 11 species, protected habitats/species? Other rare or Protected species or No Salmonid waters? Yes 6. Yes Does this plan cover all potential No receptors (habitats/species)? No No further action required Yes Use WFD sub-basin plan as basis of impact assessment

ASSESS IMPACTS

Figure 1 – Rathowen Screening Flow Chart (Lough Garr NHA) 5

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 1. Is the development in a nature conservation site? No. The Rathowen waste water treatment plant is not located within a nature conservation site.

2b. Is the development in the groundwater catchment or within 5km (whichever is greater) of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site)? Yes. The development is located within 5km of the Lough Garr NHA.

3. Are the qualifying habitats and species of the site water dependent? Yes. Lough Garr Bog NHA is a site that comprises of areas of raised bogland, a habitat that is listed on Annex 1 of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Lough Garr NHA however is not listed as a Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTE) under the Shannon IRBD Groundwater Action Plan.

4. Is there a WFD sub-basin plan for the site or its protected habitats/species? No there is no sub-basin plan for the site.

Conclusion: Assess impacts

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EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 Garriskil Bog SAC Pre-Screening

1. Is the development in a No nature conservation site?

Yes 2a. 2b. (if the development (if the development involves a surface Involves a groundwater water abstraction Water abstraction/ /discharge:) Discharge:) Is the development in Is the development in The surface water The groundwater catchment of a nature catchment or within conservation site(or 5km (whichever is part of such a site)? Greater) of a nature Conversation site (or part of such a site)?

3. No Are the qualifying Yes Habitats and species Of the site water dependent? 4. Is the development in Yes No the surface or groundwater 5. catchment of other For inspection purposes only. Is there a WFDConsent sub-basin of copyright owner required for any other use. water dependent plan for the site or its Annex 11 species, protected habitats/species? Other rare or Protected species or No Salmonid waters? Yes 6. Yes Does this plan cover all potential No receptors (habitats/species)? No No further action required Yes Use WFD sub-basin plan as basis of impact assessment

ASSESS IMPACTS

Figure 2 – Rathowen Screening Flow Chart (Garriskil Bog SAC & SPA)

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1. Is the development in a nature conservation site? No. The Rathowen waste water treatment plant is not located within a nature conservation site.

3. Are the qualifying habitats and species of the site water dependent? Yes. Garriskil Bog SAC/SPA is a site that comprises of areas of raised bogland, a habitat that is listed on Annex 1 of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Merlin and Greenland White-fronted Geese both listed under Annex 1 of the Birds Directive have been recorded on the site. Garriskil Bog SAC/SPA however is not listed as a Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTE) under the Shannon IRBD Groundwater Action Plan.

4. Is there a WFD sub-basin plan for the site or its protected habitats/species? No there is no sub-basin plan for the site.

Conclusion: Assess impacts

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EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 2. (Stage 1): Appropriate Assessment Screening

Step 1: Management of the Site

The Rathowen WWTP and its discharge are not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site.

Step 2: Project Description.

2.1 Waste Water Treatment Plant The following is a brief description of the Rathowen WWTP Agglomeration and its associated discharge points. A more detailed description can be found in the Rathowen Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application.

The Rathowen Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) was constructed in 2003 to serve a small local authority housing scheme. The plant serves 11 domestic dwellings and a community centre that was later constructed to the southeast of the WWTP site. The WWTP is designed to accept and treat effluent from a population equivalent of 90 PE. The plant comprises of one Biodisc range type package plant and is a rotating biological contractor (RBC). Biological treatment occurs on the rotors. The rotors comprise of polypropylene discs (media) attached to a horizontal steel shaft that slowly rotates the membranes. The plant is designed to treat effluent to a 20:30 standard (20mg/l BOD and 30mg/l SS). The plant is designed to the following standards;

Maximum daily BOD kg 5.4 Minimum daily BOD kg 1.62 Maximum daily flow m³ 18 Minimum daily flow m³ 5.4 Peak flow rate m³/hr 2.25 in any 2 hour period. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The Biodisc plant is fitted with two rotating biological contractors. The incoming sewage is received in a primary settlement zone were settable solids are separated and retained until removed. The settled liquor then passes fro the settlement area to the first RBC unit. This biozone area encourages growth of micro-organisms upon the surface of the membrane material. The growth or biomass is designed to absorb fluctuations in the BOD demand and detergent levels within the incoming effluent.

Liquor passes to the second biozone area where the liquid level is kept constant. The second media is partially submerged and as the unit rotates and the biomass growth is alternately immersed in the liquor for absorption and digestion of waste matter and exposed to the atmosphere for oxygenation.

Following treatment the liquor containing excess biomass and settleable solids enters a final settlement tank via a submerged transfer pipe. Humus settles out and is periodically returned to the primary settlement tank by a sludge return pump. Final treated flows discharge from the final settlement tank via a weir at the outlet pipe.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 There are no storm water overflows or pumping stations present within the agglomeration. A small 0.75kw motor is present within the RBC unit in order to rotate the rotating membranes. A small sludge return pump is also present within the unit that retunes settled sludge’s in the final settlement tank to the primary settlement area.

2.2 Geology of the Site and Water Quality The Rathowen WWTP is located within the Shannon River Basin District. The Rathowen WWTP site and agglomeration lie within the Inny groundwater body. This area is classified as consisting of poorly productive bedrock where aquifers are classified as locally important. Such aquifers have a relatively poorly connected network of fractures, fissures and joints, giving a low fissure permeability which tends to decrease further with depth

The bedrock geology of the site and surrounding area comprises of Dinantian Pure Unbedded Limestones (DUIL). Soil and Subsoil’s in the treatment area are made up of sandstone tills which are recorded as deep poorly drained soil material.

Under the Shannon River Basin Management Plan 2009-2015, the ground water status for the Rathowen agglomeration is classified as “Good”.

Step 3: Characteristics of the Sites

3.1 General Site Descriptions

3.1.1 Lough Garr Bog NHA Lough Garr bog NHA is a small area of primarily raised bogland encompassed by marsh, wet woodland and grasslands. The total extent of the designated area is approximately 2.3 sq km in size. The main area of marsh habitat is sited to the north of the protected area in what was once Lough Garr. To the south of the lake area can be found the remains of high bog much of which has been cutover. The designated area supports a variety of vegetation including Ling Heather and Bog mosses on the high bog and Purple Moor grass on cutaway sections. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The closest stretch of the NHA is an area of dry grassland located approximately 1.5 kilometres from the Rathowen WWTP. Farming is the most common human activity outside of the NHA with most of the cutover bog abandoned to turf cutting. New Drainage activities and dumping within the NHA are highlighted as the primary concerns that may result in habitat losses. A map of Lough Garr NHA is included in Appendix C – Map No.2 of this report.

3.1.2 Garriskil Bog SAC & SPA The SAC (SPA) is the larger of the two designated areas and occupies just over 3 sq km of land. The site is sited 2.9 km east of the Rathowen WWTP and is bounded to the southeast by the river Inny. Garriskil Bog is very important as it comprises of a largely intact area of raised bogland. While some cutaway of peat has occurred in the past within the site, a substantial amount of bogland remains with most of peat cutting activities occurring on peatland located to the north and outside of the SAC.

The site like that of Lough Garr NHA is of national importance as examples of raised bog habitats within Europe are rare. Garriskil bog is also of importance in terms of the bird species it supports. The site has been recorded as on occasions providing refuge for flocks of Greenland White Fronted Geese which migrate to Ireland the surrounding lakes during winter. The site is also recorded to be included in the breeding territory of a pair of Merlin.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 Both bird species are included in Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive. A map of Garriskil Bog SAC & SPA is included in Appendix D – Map No.3 of this report.

A full site synopsis for the Lough Garr NHA and Garriskill Bog SAC as taken from the National Parks and Wildlife Services is included in Appendix B. Map No.1 of Appendix A summaries the location of the Rathowen WWTP and its location relative to both designated sites.

3.1.3 Annex 1 Bird Species Recorded Within Garriskil SAC

3.1.3. (a) Greenland White fronted Goose The Greenland White-fronted Goose is one of Europe’s rarest geese. The geese pass through Iceland in summer and autumn, and winter in Ireland

About 12,000 geese, half of the world population, spend the winter in Ireland. They occur in their greatest numbers feeding on agricultural land on the Wexford Slobs. The lakes close to Rathowen such as Lough Iron and Lough Derravaragh are two such habitats outside of Wexford that often records a population of Greenland White fronted Geese.

3.1.3. (b) Merlin Merlin is one of Ireland’s rarer raptor species. This species is the smallest Irish falcon and is quite similar in looks to the peregrine falcon. It is thought that Merlin generally breed close to and in bogland habitats and move to coastal waters in the winter months but can be found all year round in areas where prey such as wildfowl and wading birds congregate like that found close to the Rathowen agglomeration.

3.2 Identification of Potential Impacts to the NHA & SPA/SAC

3.2.1 Discharge Quality from the Rathowen Waste Water Works

All discharges form the Rathowen agglomeration is governed by the Urban Waste Water For inspection purposes only. Discharge Regulations 2001(S.I.Consent No. of 254 copyright of owner2001) required and for anyamendments other use. made of 2004 and 2010. Under Part 1 and Part 11 of the Second Schedule, the values of concentration of parameters discharged and the minimum percentage reductions of treated parameters are set. Table 3.1 below outlines the discharge requirements.

Parameters Concentrations Minimum percentage of reduction BOD 25mg/l/l O2 70-90 COD 125mg/l/l O2 75 Total Suspended Solids 35mg/l 90 Table 3.1: Waste Water Discharge Concentration Parameters

The concentrations in table 3.1 are mean annual concentrations. The limits set out in the table for BOD, COD and total suspended solids are required to be met by all waste water discharges whilst limits set for total phosphorus and total nitrogen are required for discharges from urban waste water treatment plants to sensitive areas.

Monitoring of the Rathowen WWTP is carriedout every quarter due to financial constraints. There are no composite samplers located at the works and all samples are taken using the grab method. 11

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Currently the treatment plant has an average treated effluent concentrations equivalent to BOD of 5mg/l, COD 101mg/l and Suspended solids of 68 mg/l. Whilst the BOD and COD levels are below the required discharge levels, SS are above the threshold of 35mg/l. On inspection the RBC unit requires to be de-sludged giving rise to an elevated level of suspended solids entering the percolation area. Historically the treatment system serving the housing development at Rathowen has preformed well and below the UWWTR limits.

There are no monitoring results available for groundwater quality close to the discharge area as there are no sampling boreholes present.

By insuring that the above standards are maintained within the agglomeration the likelihood of a significant environmental effect upon the receiving water and any designated site is limited. There are no proposals to extend the existing waste water network currently linked to the WWTP and therefore with adequate maintenance of the plant, discharge quality form the agglomeration will conform to the required standards.

3.2.2 Agriculture Impacts Agriculture can present considerable treat to ground and surface waters and the lands surrounding both Lough Garr and Garriskil are intensively farmed. Aside from urban discharges to receiving waters farming activities may present a treat to water dependent ecology within the designated sites especially from the activity of land spreading farm manures.

3.2.3 Un-Sewered Properties The Rathowen agglomeration consists of a small combined sewer network that discharges treated flows to groundwater from Local Authority built residential dwellings. However, predominantly the surrounding catchment is not severed by one single collection system with single treatment units serving the vast majority of domestic premises. Most dwellings within the village are served by private treatment systems. Lough Garr NHA and Garriskil Bog For inspection purposes only. SAC/SPA are sited approximateConsently 1.5km of copyright and owner 2.9km required for east any other of use.the WWTP location and in an area that contains a sporadic quantity of one-off houses mainly concentrated in linear development along the N4 roadway to the south of both sites. . Currently on site systems are largely unregulated and studies, such as in Oram, Co.Monaghan have shown that up to 88% of on site waste water treatment systems may not be functioning correctly.

3.2.4 Forestry Impacts There is a substantial area of forestry plantation located north of Lough Garr and south of Garriskil Bog, sited between both designated areas.

Nutrient enrichment and artificial acidification of waters arising from forestry activities can pose a treat to water quality. All forest plantations are controlled by the Forest Act of 1946 and through guidance documents issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

3.3 Mitigation Measures

Control of Urban Waste Water Discharges. The introduction of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations (S.I. 684 of 2007) requires any Water Services Authority to comply with emission limits for the discharge of waste waters to any water body. Combined with limits set in the UWWTR these new

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 regulations will provide a stricter emission limit base for discharges. The 2007 regulations provide the EPA with enhanced powers of enforcement and monitoring of urban waste water discharges which will ultimately increase the environmental quality standards of water bodies.

Westmeath County Council on receipt of any waste water discharge certificate of authorisation granted for the Rathowen agglomeration will be obliged to meet any emission limits or directions as set out in the certificate.

Control of Unsewered Waste Water Discharges. The introduction of the EPA Code of Practice will undoubtedly help prevent the establishment of waste water discharges in areas where soil and subsoil ground conditions do not allow. Strengthened powers have been assigned to Local Authorities through the introduction of the Water Services Act 2007 in relation to existing treatment systems. The Act places a duty of care on owners of unsewered premises to ensure that treatment systems do not pose a risk to the environment.

Control of Forestry Impacts. Guidelines in preventing acidification of waters have been adopted by the DoEHLG, Local Government, the EPA and the Forestry Service. All grant aided applications received are now checked for acid buffering capacity of the soil. Areas that have a low alkalinity of water run- off are not grant aided.

Control of Agricultural Pollution The recent introduction of schemes such as the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) and the document Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (S.I. 378 of 2006) has undoubtedly helped the agricultural response to improving water quality. Nationally over €2 billion has been allocated since 2006 towards supporting the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (S.I. 378 of 2006) and its action programme.

The action programme has allowed for the collection of baseline data which is are vital For inspection purposes only. setting a bench mark to target improvementsConsent of copyright ownerin water required quality.for any other use.

Westmeath County Council takes an active role in the implementation of farm surveys and monitoring of land spreading out of season within the county boundary. .

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 4. Step 4: Assessment of Significance

4.1 DoEHLG Circular L8/08 Screening - Protection of Natural Heritage

The assessment of the likelihood of significant effects methodology used in accessing the Rathowen Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is in accordance with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Governments Circular L8/08, Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of National Heritage and National Monuments.

Within the circular initial screening in accordance with Appendix 1(national heritage) and Appendix 2(archaeological heritage) are required.

4.2 Appendix 1 Screening (Heritage)

Appendix 1 of Circular L8/08 prescribes 8 questions and a screening flow diagram (see Figure 1, page 13) that are used to determine if a new development requires screening for potential impacts to habitats, flora or fauna. The 8 checklist questions are dealt with below.

4.2.2 Screening Questions

1. Is the development in or on the boundary of a nature conservation site (NHA/SAC/SPA?) No, the Rathowen Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is not situated in or on the boundary of a nature conservation site.

2. Will nationally protected species be directly impacted? (Flora Protection Order (S.I. 94 OF 1999)? No. The existing WWTP is not sited within designated area or within a site that prescribes to the hunting of bird or animal species as detailed in Schedules 4 and 5 of the Wildlife Act For inspection purposes only. 1976 and any amendment of 2000.Consent of Plantcopyright speciesowner required as for anylisted other use.and protected under the Flora Protection Order (S.I. 94 of 1999) are not affected by the existing development.

3. Is the development a surface water discharge or abstraction in the surface water catchments or immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/species? The Rathowen WWTP discharges to ground water and does not involve a surface water discharges.

4. Is the development a groundwater discharge or abstraction in the groundwater catchment or within 5km of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/species.? Yes. The existing development is located within a 5km radius of a nature conservation site.

5. Is the development in the surface water or groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? No. The Rathowen WWTP is not sited within the groundwater catchment of any waters designated as Salmonid water under S.I. No. 293/1988: European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations, 1988.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 6. Is the treatment plant in an active or former floodplain or zone of a river, lake, etc? No. The treatment plant is not situated on an active or former food plain. No recorded flood incidents are recorded on the OPWs National Flood Hazard Mapping database.

7. Is the development a surface discharge or abstraction to or from marine waters and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? No. Discharges from the plant are not sited in or within 3km of a marine conservation site.

8. Will the project in combination with other projects (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species? The Rathowen WWTP is an existing site. The WWTP and its discharges do not have any affect on the hydrology or on any water levels within any protected site.

5. Screening Conclusion

The trigger for a Stage Two Appropriate Assessment would be if the screening were likely to have significant effects on a European site. The screening report finds that the WWTP development and any effects arising from the WWTP based upon the screening Plan (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects) shall not give rise to significant effects on the integrity of any designated site.

The existing treatment plant is neither located within nor adjacent to any designated area. The existing treatment system serves discharges from predominately domestic premises, totalling 11 houses and 1 community centre (hall). Westmeath County Council has no current proposals to increase the loading to this plant under the rural water programme or water services investment programme.

Therefore, in accordance with the guidance on the EPAs guidance note: Waste Water For inspection purposes only. Discharge Licencing – AppropriateConsent of copyrightAssessme owner requirednt and for any Theother use. DoEHLG Circular L8/08 – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments, it is concluded that the appropriate assessment screening does not require any further assessment to demonstrate compliance with the Directive.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 Appendix A ______

Site Synopsis Site Name: Garriskil Bog Site Code: 000679

This raised bog site lies 3 km west of Lough Derravaragh and 3 km east of Rathowen. It is bounded to the southeast and southwest by the rivers Inny and Riffey.

The site has a well developed system of pools and hummocks occupying 25% of the dome. Here, the Bog mosses Sphagnum imbricatum, S. fuscum and the moss Leucobryum glaucum are important components of the hummocks, frequently crowned by the moss Racomitrium lanuginosum and sometimes colonised by Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). In the pools Sphagnum mosses (S. auriculatum var. auriculatum, S. cuspidatum), Great Sundew (Drosera anglica), White Beak-sedge (Rhynchospora alba) and the liverwort Cladopodiella fluitans occur. In between the pools and hummocks "quaking" Sphagnum moss carpets support Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum). The area of bog away from this system is drier and more uniformly sedge-rich. In the northwest corner of the site, there is a small wet and quaking area dominated by the moss Sphagnum cuspidatum and Common Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) with Soft Rush (Juncus effusus), Bog Asphodel and Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata) also present. Along the northeast margin a narrow band of fen-grassland occurs.

Old cutaway bog provides an additional habitat where Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) and Heather (Calluna vulgaris) dominate, along with Cottongrasses (Eriophorum angustifolium and E. vaginatum) while in some parts Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) woodland is developing.

On and around the hummocks a rich lichen flora, featuring an abundance of the scarce Cladonia rangiferina, has developed. Garriskil Bog is, on occasion, used as a refuge by the

Greenland White-fronted Goose flock For which inspection wint purposesers only. on the large Co. Westmeath lakes. The Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. site is within a breeding territory of a pair of Merlin. Both of these species are of high conservation importance and are listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. Other birds breeding on the site include Snipe, Curlew and Redshank.

In general, human landuse within the site is low, with much of the previous cutaway areas reverting to semi-natural wilderness. Burning in the past has caused damage, with some bare peat exposure evident in places. This is always a very real threat to a bogland habitat. Past drainage of the bog has unfavourably impacted on the site, although many of these drains have now been infilled and blocked. However, a more serious threat is the arterial drainage of the R. Inny. This could result in major and irreversible damage to the hydrological integrity of this raised bog habitat.

Garriskil bog is a very good example of a relatively intact true Midland raised bog characterised by its typical flora. This habitat is increasingly under threat in Ireland. A remarkable and impressive feature of this site is an extensive and well-developed system of pools and hummocks. Garriskil Bog has one of the best developed pool systems of any remaining raised bog in the country and the site is of unique conservation value.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 Site Synopsis Site Name: Lough Garr Bog NHA Site Code: 001812

Lough Garr Bog NHA is located approximately 16 km north-west of Mullingar on the main Longford road, in the townlands of Corydonnellan, Cappagh and Joanstown, Co. Westmeath. The site comprises of a mosaic of habitats which include a small raised bog, marsh, wet woodland, humid grassland and dry grassland. The site is bounded by a main road to the west and local roads to the south and east.

The raised bog on the site consists of two areas of high bog, which have been divided by a bog road. The bog surface is relatively dry. There is a flush located in the southwest section of the high bog and a marsh occurs to the east of the site in what was once Lough Garr lake. Cutover is found all around the north, west and south of the site and along the bog road. Cutover supports wet woodland, scrub and humid grassland.

Much of the high bog has vegetation typical of a Midland Raised Bog, mainly dominated by Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris). There is frequent Crossed-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), Deergrass (Scirpus cespitosa), Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) and White-beaked sedge (Rhynchospora alba). The bog mosses Sphagnum capillifolium, S. tenellum and S. magellanicum are also present. The midland indicator species Bog-rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) and the bog moss Sphagnum magellanicum are also found on the bog. There are no pools on the bog but there is a sizeable (5.5 ha) flush to the south-west of the site. The south- eastern lobe of the high bog and adjoining cutover has been afforested.

Cutover areas of the bog support wet grassland, dominated by Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), with Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Sheep’s-fescue (Festuca ovina), Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthun odaratum), Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) and Broad Buckler-fern (Dryopteris dilitata). Along the south-west margin of the site there are patches of wet woodland on cutover with Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), Goat Willow (Salix caprea agg) and Eared Willow (Salix aurita). The understorey is dominated by For inspection purposes only. Bramble (Rubus fructicosus agg.),Consent Bracken of copyright owner (Pteridium required for any aquilinum other use. ) and Purple Moor-grass. Heathy scrub areas are dominated by Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Downy Birch and Ling Heather.

An area of species-rich wet marsh occurs in a very wet lagg area in the cutover located on the south-west of margin of the site. Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and Brown Sedge (Carex disticha) are the dominant species with Marsh Cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica), Comon Marsh-bedstraw (Galium palustre), Soft Rush and Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis).

The wet marsh with floating scraw which occupies the area that was once Lough Garr, supports homogeneous vegetation which is dominated mainly by Creeping Bent, Cowbane (Cicuta virosa) and Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata). Other common species include Marsh Willowherb (Epilobium palustre), Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile), Bulrush (Typha latifolia), Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis), Common Marsh-bedstraw, Marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris) and Branched Bur-reed (Sparaganium erectum). Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and Yellow Iris (Iris pseudocarus) occasionally form small dominant patches. Other species present include Nodding Bur-marigold (Bidens cernua) and Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua). There is luxuriant moss cover, which include Calliergon giganteum and Calliergonella cuspidata. To the west of the marsh there is a slightly drier

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 area with Devil’s-bit Scabious, Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus), Common Valerain, Bottle Sedge, Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), Water Horsetail and Common Sorrel. This vegetation grades into the Downy Birch wet woodland by the high bog .

The transitional zone between the marsh and the high bog has an interesting vegetation composition. Downy Birch and Eared Willow form a patchy canopy over Bilberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) and the bog moss Sphagnum capillifolium. Jointed Rush can be locally abundant. Ling Heather, Devils-bit Scabious, Bogbean and Water Horsetail are also found here. Mosses found in this habitat include Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Pleurozium schreberi.

Current landuse on the site includes forestry, peat-cutting, dumping and grazing. There is limited peat-cutting along the bog road and most of the cutover has been abandoned. The south-east of the site, including high bog and cutover, has been afforested. Damaging activities associated with these landuses include drainage and burning of the high bog. Dumping takes place on the site, particularly by the road which runs through the centre of the bog. These activities have resulted in loss of habitat and damage to the hydrological status of the site, and pose a continuing threat to its viability.

Lough Garr Bog NHA is a site of considerable conservation significance comprising as it does a raised bog, a rare habitat in the E.U. and one that is becoming increasingly scarce and under threat in Ireland. There is an interesting transition zone between marsh and high bog on this site which supports a good range of plant species. Ireland has a high proportion of the total E.U. resource of raised bog (over 50%) and so has a special responsibility for the conservation of this habitat at an international level.

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Appendix B ______

Map No.1 – Designated Areas

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EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:06 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:07 Appendix C ______

Map No.2 – Lough Garr NHA

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EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:07 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:07 Appendix D ______

Map No.3 – Garriskil Bog SAC & SPA

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EPA Export 26-07-2013:19:44:07 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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RRaatthhoowweenn WWWWDDCC ooff AAuutthhoorriissaattiioonn

Revised Non-Technical Report

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Westmeath County Council is applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for a Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation for the existing Waste Water plant at Rathowen, Co. Westmeath, National Grid Reference 231837E, and 267491N on 22nd December 2009. A correspondence reply was sent by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dated 7th April 2010 requesting additional information in relation to the Rathowen agglomeration.

The Rathowen waste water network comprises of a small combined gravity sewer and the associated waste water treatment works. The waste water treatment plant (WWTP) consists of one RBC treatment unit. The unit incorporates a primary settling chamber, rotating drum for mixing and aeration, final settlement area/clarifier and return sludge pump.

Currently the treated effluent concentrations are as follows, average BOD concentrations of 16.6mg/l, COD concentration of 82mg/l, Total Nitrogen concentration of 16.1 mg/l N, Total Phosphorus concentration of 3.2 mg/l P and an average suspended solids concentration of 12.5 mg/l.

The Primary discharge for the plant flows directly to an adjacent percolation area at National Grid Reference (NGR) 231845E, 267621N in the townland of Rathowen, Co. Westmeath. There is no emergency overflow or storm water overflow facility located within the treatment plant site boundary. All discharges form the plants are directed through the primary discharge point to the percolation area.

Ground water quality in the townland of Rathowen is recorded as having a “Good” status however there are no groundwater monitoring locations sited within close proximity or For inspection purposes only. upstream and downstream of theConsent treatment of copyright site. owner required for any other use.

There are two designated sites located within five kilometres of the waste water treatment site. These are Lough Garr (National Heritage Area) and Garriskil Bog (Special Area of Conservation & Special Protection Area). Both Lough Garr and Garriskil Bog are sited to the east of the plant and incorporate areas of raised bogland that is increasingly becoming a rarity within Europe.

This designated sites are important in terms of supporting a variety of wildlife and in the conservation of wild birds notably Garriskil Bog, which is recorded two Annex 1 species under the Bird Directive at the site, namely the Canadian White fronted Goose and Merlin. Following appropriate assessment screening in accordance with Waste Water Discharge Licencing – Appropriate Assessment and The DoEHLG Circular L8/08 – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments it was deemed that there is no negative impact upon either designated site. It is deemed that discharges from the Rathowen WWTP are not environmentally affecting both protected sites.

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