Comhairle Contae Mhaigh Eo Aras an Chontae, Caislean an Bharraigh, Contae Mhaigh Eo. Teileaf6n: (094) 9024444 Facs: (094) 9023937

Do Thag. / Your Re£ ADO 11-0 1 Ar dTag. / Our Re£ WS 512

3nd September 2010.

Administration, Environmental Licensing Programme, Office of Climate, Licensing & Resource Use, Environmental Protection Agency, Headquarters, P.O. Box 3000 Johnstown Castle Estate, County Wexford.

RE: WASTE WATER DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE APPLICATION REGISTRATION NO: A0011-01 -

Dear Or. Creed,

Further to your letter of 7th April 2010, I enclose the required response to the query raised in the correspondence.

This documentation includes: • 1 no. signed copy & 1 no. copy in hardcopy format of the documentation • 1 no. copies of all files in electronic searchable PDF format on CD-ROM For inspection purposes only. • 1 copies of digital geo-referencedConsent of copyright owner drawing required for any files other use.on CD ROM

The content of the electronic files on the accompanying CD-ROM is a true copy of the original documentation.

Thank you,

Yours sincerely

Paddy Mahon DIRECTOR OF SERVICES

www.mayococo.te. Mayo County Council Aras an Chontae, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Tel: (094) 9024444 Fax: (094) 9023937 EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application Regulation 25(c)(ii) Reply

Contents

Regulation 24 Compliance Requirements ...... August 2010 Attachments: ...... Revised August 2010 Attachment F.1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment

Appendix A - Waste Assimilative Capacity

Appendix B – Site Synopses For SACs

Appendix C – Flow Chart from Appendix 1 of Circular L8/08

Regulation 24 Compliance Requirements ...... CD

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

A0011-01 Page 1 of 1

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL

HOLLYMOUNT

WASTE WATER DISCHARGE

Certificate of Authorisation Application

Regulation 24 Compliance Requirements

Regulation 24 Compliance Responses

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

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application

Regulation 24 Compliance Requirements

Question No. 1

Assess the likelihood of significant effects of the waste water discharges from the above agglomerations on the relevant European sites by referring to Circular L8/08 ' Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes - Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments' issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

In particular, the flow diagram in Appendix 1 should be completed and the results of each section recorded.

Provide details of the results of this assessment within one month of the date of this notice.

If significant effects are likely then an appropriate assessment must be carried out and a report of this assessment forwarded to the Agency within one month of the date of this notice.

You are advised to provide the requested information in accordance with the 'Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.1. 684 of2007)' which is available at www.epa.ie. /downloads/forms/lic/wwda/

Answer No. 1

Attachment F.1, contains a copy of the “A0011-01, Appropriate Assessment Screening for Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application, August 2010”.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The screening indicates that a full Appropriate Assessment will not be required.

A0011-01 Page 1 of 1

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL

HOLLYMOUNT

WASTE WATER DISCHARGE

Certificate of Authorisation Application

ATTACHMENT F.1

Appropriate Assessment Screening

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

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24

A0011-01 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING For HOLLYMOUNT WASTEWATER DISCHARGE Certificate of Authorisation Application August 2010

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

In accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007) And Article 6 (3) and 6 (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

1. INTRODUCTION Mayo County Council, Aras an Chontae, Castlebar, made an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation, for the Hollymount Agglomeration in compliance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007), in December 2009. Under Part II Schedule 5 (5) of the Wastewater Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007, In considering an application, where it appears to the Agency (i.e. Environmental Protection Agency) that the discharge concerned, or the proposed discharge, as the case may be, is likely to have a significant effect on a European site, either alone or in combination with other operations or activities, the Agency shall cause an assessment to be made of the implications for the site in view of that site’s conservation objectives, and the Agency in deciding on the application shall have regard to the conclusions of the assessment. The Hollymount Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges into the Robe River. The Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turlough Complex SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000504) is located approximately 3.45 km the south of the discharges. The Carrowkeel Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000475) is located 3.6 km East of the discharges. The Lough Carra/Mask Complex SAC/pNHA/SPA (Site Codes 001774 and 004051) and SPA (Site Code 004062) is located approximately 22km downstream of the primary discharge, and therefore will only be mentioned here in the introduction section of the screening document. This report includes: 1. Screening of the proposed plan in order to determine whether an Appropriate Assessment is required. Purpose of Appropriate Assessment Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC require an Appropriate Assessment of plans to prevent significant adverse effects on Natura 2000 sites.

Article 6(3) Any plan or project For inspection not purposesdirectly only. connected with or necessary to the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. management of the site but likely to have a significant effect there on either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public. Article 6(4) If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of the Nature 2000 site is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted.

A0011-01 Page 1 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

The purpose of this Assessment is to address the potential impacts of discharges from the Hollymount WWTP on the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 Sites – Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turlough Complex (Site Code 000504) and the Carrowkeel Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000475). The screening/appropriate assessment must determine whether the project is likely to have significant adverse effects on these sites either along or in conjunction with other plans and projects in the area and whether these effects will adversely affect the integrity of the SAC in terms of their nature conservation objectives. Figure 1.1 - Location Map – Hollymount WWTP and associated discharges and adjacent Natura 2000 sites.

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

A0011-01 Page 2 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

Figure 1.2 Location map of SW1 (Primary Discharge) and SW2 (Stormwater Overflow)

LEGEND o Primll'Y Di. chIo,!l'"

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

A0011-01 Page 3 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

2. APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT - THE PROCESS According to European Commission Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EC (2001) and MN2000, the assessment requirements of Article 6 establish a stage-by-stage approach as follows: Stage 1 - Screening for a likely significant effect: An initial assessment of the project or plans effect on a European site(s). If it cannot be concluded that there will be no significant effect upon a European site, an AA is required; Stage 2 - Appropriate Assessment: The consideration of the impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site of the project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects of plans, with respect to the site’s structure and function and its conservation objectives. Additionally, where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of those impacts. Stage 3 – Assessment of alternative solutions: The process which examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site: Stage 4 – Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain: An assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI), it is deemed that the project or plan should proceed. Each stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. If, for example, the conclusions at the end of Stage One are that there will be no significant impacts on the Natura 2000 site, there is no requirement to proceed further. The following Assessment has been prepared in consultation with the following documents: Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2008) Circular L8/08. Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments. For inspection purposes only. EPA (2008) Wastewater DischargConsente ofLicensing copyright owner Appropriate required for any otherAsse use.ssment: Note on Appropriate

Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007). EC (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC. 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. Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC.

A0011-01 Page 4 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

3. STAGE 1 - SCREENING Screening is the process of deciding whether or not an AA is required for the project or plan. Screening only requires sufficient information to determine if there is a likely significant effect on a Natura 2000 site and does not require the detailed information needed for the AA. The following Stage 1 Screening was undertaken according to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Circular L8/08 and EC Methodological guidance on the provision of Article 6 (3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/443/EEC. This Screening is used below to ascertain if an AA is required. 3.1 – Description of the Project

The Hollymount Sewerage Scheme consists of a WWTP with a collection network of foul sewers and one pumping station. There is one storm water overflow. The Hollymount WWTP was built in 1995 to serve a population equivalent PE of 200 and is currently operated by Mayo County Council. The WWTP consists of a package plant with primary treatment, rotating biological disc treatment, primary settlement and a reed bed.

The WWTP is designed to treat the waste water to the standards required by the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations i.e. BOD 25mg/L, COD 125mg/L and SS 35mg/L.

Emissions from the WWTP are discharged to the Robe River through the primary discharge point and one stormwater overflow which flows into Lough Mask.

The average volume currently discharged from the treatment plant is estimated at 43.2m3/day.

There are two abstraction points for the Lough Mask and Creevagh Lough Mask Group Water For inspection purposes only. Schemes, however, these pointsConsent are locatedof copyright greaowner terrequired than for any20 other km use. downstream of the Hollymount Wastewater Treatment Plant and agglomeration.

A0011-01 Page 5 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

Name: Carrowkeel Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000475) (see Appendix A for site synopses) The Carrowkeel Turlough is located approximately 3.6 km East of the discharges. The Carrowkeel Turlough SAC has an area of approximately 54.4 ha. The SAC has been designated for the following habitat: Turlough (Habitat Code 3180) – good representativity of this habitat type. Name: Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turluogh SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000504) The Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turlough is located 3.45km south of the discharges. The extensive area of wetland vegetation that occurs in the turlough basin is notable. The Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turlough SAC has an area approximately 157 ha. The SAC has been designated for the following habitat: Turlough (Habitat Code 3180) – Excellent representativity of this habitat type.

3.3 – Other projects and plans to be considered ‘in combination’. Details of planning applications within agglomeration boundary, LAP of area etc. There have been 20 planning applications submitted within the agglomeration since 2004, 14 of which have obtained planning permission (Source: Mayo County Council GIS database). Most of the applications refer to residential, retail and relatively small scale commercial projects. None of these can be considered significant in their potential impact on sites of nature conservation importance, or that would have an impact ‘in combination’ with the Hollymount WWTP and associated discharges. There is one EPA Licensed Facility at Newbrook which is located 4.3 km North of Hollymount WWTP, but it is not within the Agglomeration boundary and therefore will not be considered ‘in combination’. There are no Mayo County Council Licensed Discharges within the vicinity or agglomeration of Hollymount that would be considered ‘in combination’. There is For inspection purposes only. currently no Local Area Plan forConsent Hollymount, of copyright howevowner requireder, therefor any other is ause. Local Area Plan for 2010-2016 which was adopted by Mayo County Council in 2010. It states under Environmental Policy 12 of the Plan, that, ‘it is the objective of the council to continue to protect the River Robe watercourses and that any proposed development adjacent or close to watercourses shall be carefully assessed to ensure that is no significant impact to the watercourse, it’s riparian zone or any other water body into which it flows, including the Lough Carra/Mask Complex SAC’, and again under Environmental Policy 13 of the Plan - ‘it is an objective of the Council to ensure that any developments proposals in the Plan area, alone or in combination with other developments, do not have an adverse impact on any Natura 2000 sites in the wider area’. Conclusion: There are no projects or plans to be considered ‘in combination’ with the current discharge license application.

A0011-01 Page 6 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

3.4 – Assessment Criteria

3.4.1 – Is the development in or on the boundary of the aforementioned nature conservation sites? No, the Hollymount WWTP and agglomeration is not in or on the boundary of the Carrowkeel Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000475) or the Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000504).

3.4.2 – Will nationally protected species be directly impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection Order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Flora Protection Order Species There are no Flora Protection Order Species within the 10km2 NPWS Records. Wildlife Acts Species The NPWS have recorded in 1991 just within the 10km2 grid Pine Marten which is located approximately 8 km South West of the discharges The pine marten is a protected species under Appendix III of the 1979 Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. It is also included in Annex V of the European Community’s Habitats Directive of 1992. In the Republic of it is protected under the Wildlife Acts (1976 & 2000) and is listed in the Irish Red Data Book. Pine Marten population in Ireland has increased in range and its overall conservation status is good (NPWS 2008). Pine Marten’s diet consist mainly of small mammals and birds (Putman 2000). The main threats to the Pine Marten are predation by foxes, habitat loss and fragmentation, however, given the distance of this species from the discharges and considering the main threats, it appears that the species is not directly impacted by this development. NPWS data also have records of Irish Hare (1990) (>4 km upstream North East of primary discharge), Otter (2005) (4 km upstream North East of primary discharge), Pine Marten (2007) For inspection purposes only. (>7km South East of discharges),Consent Badger of copyright (2007) owner (4km required East for any of other discharges), use. Frog (1999) >6.5 km North West of discharges, and Freshwater Crayfish species (1977-2006) (on the Robe within the general area of the Hollymount agglomeration). Stoat, Otter, Frog and Freshwater Crayfish are water dependent species. All of these species have the potential to be indirectly impacted from water quality from the WWTP, as the river is an important food source for these species. The Robe River which has been classified by the EPA as Q3 in 2000 (poor) and Q3-4 (Moderate) at Hollymount bridge, therefore, it is considered that the WWTP and the associated discharges do not impact on the food source for these protected species. Currently, Ireland’s population of Crayfish are important as it remains free of a plague that is carried by the American crayfish species. White-clawed Crayfish distribution is strongly determined by bedrock type and are mainly found in mineral-rich waters on calcareous and rapidly weathering rocks such as limestone and sandstone (Holdich 2003). The NPWS via the EPA have recorded Freshwater Crayfish in the Robe (both upstream and downstream of the primary discharge – which would indicate that the discharges have no direct impact on this protected species). The above river system is an example of calcerous bedrock.

A0011-01 Page 7 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

Under the Water Framework Directive, in the Western River Basin District Management Plan there is a Lough Mask Water Management Unit Action Plan which lists measures to ensure the protection of the Robe and its tributaries, such measures include WWTP’s upgrades to be applied where identified in the assessment of needs. Discharges from the Hollymount WWTP are within the waste assimilative capacity for compliance with EC Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 (apart from Ammonia (calculation from one result of Section D1 (i)(b) of the wastewater treatment plant Certificate of Authorisation application form). Note* 2009 EPA data have acknowledged that there are slightly elevated ortho-phosphate and nitrite levels on occasion at most stations on the River Robe, but overall, the physico-chemical data indicated that water quality is generally satisfactory for the River Robe. Given the distance of the water dependent species from the discharges, and the fact that White-Clawed Crayfish are present both upstream and downstream of the discharges, it is considered that the discharges do not present a risk to water quality and subsequently nationally protected species (see Appendix A for WAC calculations).

3.4.3 – Is the development a surface water discharge or abstraction in the surface water catchment or immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/species? No. The Carrowkeel Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000475) is located 3.6 km east of (not downstream) the discharges and the Kilglassan/Cahervoostia Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000504) is located 3.45 km to the south of the discharges (not downstream). These sites would have water dependent qualifying habitats/species. However, given the distance of the development from the habitats it is not considered immediately downstream of the nature conservation site.

3.4.4 – Is the development a groundwater discharge or abstraction in the ground water catchment or within 5km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species? No

3.4.5 - Is the development in the surface For inspection water purposes or only. groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? No. The developmentConsent discharges of copyright ownerto therequired River for any otherRobe use. which is not designated as salmonid under the National Salmonid Regulations. The Western Regional Fisheries Board have confirmed that local anglers have observed large increases in trout stocks in 2009-2010 on the Robe river.

3.4.6 – Is the treatment plant in an active or former floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake etc.? The WWTP is located with ‘benefiting lands’, land identified by the Office of Public Works that might benefit from the implementation of Arterial (Major) Drainage Schemes under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945. There have been no floods recorded by the OPW near the Hollymount WWTP (www.floodmaps.ie), however, in the winter of 2009, the immediate area near the WWTP flooded.

3.4.7 – Is the development of a surface discharge or abstraction to or from marine waters and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? No

A0011-01 Page 8 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:24 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

3.4.8 –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? No, as the primary discharge is discharging to the Robe river and not directly into any Natura 2000 sites, it appears that the hydrology or water levels of the sites of nature conservation interests or the habitats of protected species are not affected.

3.4.9 - Conclusion: It is considered that an Appropriate Assessment is not required.

4. FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS REPORT MATRIX

4.1 – Name of project or plan Hollymount Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge License

4.2 - Name and location of Natura 2000 sites Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000504) located approximately 3.45km to the south (not downstream) of discharges, and Carrowkeel Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000475) located approximately 3.6km East (not downstream) of discharges.

4.3 - Description of the project or plan As 3.1 above.

4.4 - Is the project or plan directly No. connected with or necessary to the For inspection purposes only. management of the site (provideConsent details)? of copyright owner required for any other use.

4.5 - Are there other projects or plans that No. together with the project or plan being assessed could affect the site (provide details)?

5. – THE ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS

5.1 - Describe how the project or plan (alone or in combination) is likely to affect the Natura 2000 site.

The Hollymount WWTP and associated discharges will not impact on any Natura Site.

A0011-01 Page 9 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:25 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

5.2 - Explain why these effects are not considered significant.

There are no Natura 2000 sites immediately downstream of the WWTP and associated discharges that would be impacted by the Sewerage Scheme.

5.3 - List of Agencies Consulted: Provide contact name and telephone or e-mail address: Any available data was assessed from the following websites;  WFD Ireland,  Western Regional Fisheries Board www.wrfb.ie,  National Biodiversity Data Centre,  Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government,  and [email protected]: 5.4 - Response to Consultation

All available data has been made available by the NPWS/WRBD/EPA for the purpose of this and other screenings within County Mayo. The NPWS have indicated that there are currently no conservation objectives for the Carrowkeel Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000475) or the Kilglassan/Caheravoostia Turlough SAC/pNHA (Site Code 000504). The main draft conservation objectives for the SAC’s are to maintain the Annex I habitats and species richness for which the SAC has been selected for favourable conservation status. The Western Regional Fisheries Board indicated that there are no Salmon in the River Robe however, inspectors have observed large stocks of trout in the river.

DATA COLLECTED TO CARRY OUT THE ASSESSMENT SCREENING

Who carried out the Appropriate Assessment Screening? Maria McLoughlin Environment Section, Mayo County Council.

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

Any available data was assessed from the following websites;  WFD Ireland,  Western RBD,  National Biodiversity Data Centre,  Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government,  National Parks and Wildlife: See References/Sources of report.

Level of Assessment

Desk top study.

Where can the full results of the Assessment Screening be accessed and viewed?

Water Services Capital Works Section, Mayo County Council.

A0011-01 Page 10 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:25 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

References:

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2008) Circular L8/08. Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Irish Wildlife Manual No 23 Otter Survey of Ireland 2004/2005 EPA (2009) A report on the River Quality in County Mayo EPA Regional Inspectorate EPA (2009) Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland for Population Equivalents Greater than 500 Persons A Report for the Years 2006-2007 EPA (2008) Wastewater Discharge Licensing Appropriate Assessment: Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007). EPA (2008) A Report on River Water Quality in County Mayo EPA Regional Inspectorate EPA (2007) A Report on River Water Quality in County Mayo EPA Regional Inspectorate 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. EC (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC. Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC. Holdich, D. (2003). Ecology of the White-Clawed Crayfish. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology series No. 1. English Nature, Peterborough National Parks & Wildlife Service Datasets For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

NPWS (2008) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Conservation Status in Ireland of Habitats and Species listed in the European Council Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna 92/43/EEC

Office of Public Works Flood Data

Putman, R.J (2000) Diet of Pine Martens Martes martes in West Scotland

Reynolds, J.D (2007) Conservation assessment of the White-clawed Crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet, 1858) in Ireland. Report to NPWS. www.wfdireland.ie

A0011-01 Page 11 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:25 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

APPENDIX A – WASTE ASSIMILATIVE CAPACITY (WAC) CALCULATIONS Dilution Rate: Flow in receiving water m3/day/WWTP discharge = 1019.52/129.6 = 78.66 WAC Calculation: WAC (kg/d) = (Cmax-Cback) * F95 (m3/s) * 86.4 Where Cmax = max permissible concentration in receiving water (based on achieving ‘good status’ under the EC Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009). Cback = background (upstream) concentration (mg/l) F95 = 95% flow in receiving river (m3/s) WAC for BOD = (2.6-1) * 0.25 * 86.4 = 34.56 kg/day BOD (Using ‘Good Status’ for Cmax and results of aSW1u sample for Cback) WAC for Suspended Solids = (25-2) * 0.25 * 86.4 = 496.8 kg/d SS (Using ‘ Salmonid Regulations for Cmax and results for aSW1u sample for Cback) WAC for Ortho-phosphorus = (0.075-0.03) * 0.25 * 86.4 = 0.972 kg/d Ortho-phosphorus (Using ‘Good Status’ 95%ile for Cmax, results for aSW1u sample for Cback and 95%ile flow in receiving water) WAC for Ammonia = (0.14- 0.06) * 0.25 * 86.4 = 1.728 kg/d Ammonia (Using ‘Good Status’ for Cmax and results for a SW1u sample for Cback)

Loadings from WWTP Loading (kg/d) = (discharge concentration (mg/l) x discharge flow (m3/d)/1000 Where discharge concentrations are based on maximum concentrations provided in Table D.1 (i) For inspection purposes only. of the discharge license applicationConsent and of copyrightflows are owner based required foron any dry other weather use. flow indicated in section

C.1.2 of the discharge license application. WWTP BOD loading = (8 * 129.6)/1000 = 1.037 kg/day BOD (within WAC) WWTP SS loading = (2 * 129.6)/1000 = 0.26 kg/day SS (within WAC) WWTP Ortho-phosphorus loading = (1.55 * 129.6)/1000 = 0.2 kg/day Ortho-P (within WAC) WWTP Ammonia loading = (16.68 * 129.6)/1000 = 2.16 kg/day Ammonia (not within WAC)

A0011-01 Page 16 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:25 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening APPENDIX B – SITE SYNOPSIS SITE NAME: KILGLASSAN/CAHERAVOOSTIA TURLOUGH COMPLEX

SITE CODE: 000504

This site is situated about 7 km east of Ballinrobe. It comprises two turloughs separated by a rise of land which includes a pond and a small floating fen. The surrounding topography is gently rolling with limestone outcrop at the northern end of Kilglassan.

Both turloughs occupy relatively flat basins that remain wet even in summer and have accumulated peat. Peat depth is up to 2 m at one point in the southern section of Kilglassan and has not been cut for over 20 years.

The predominant habitat within the site is turlough, which is an EU Habitats Directive Annex I priority habitat. The large size of the site allows good development of the wetter turlough vegetation types. There are substantial areas of Amphibious Bistort (Polygonum amphibium) and Common Sedge (Carex nigra) at lower levels, with some Canary Reed-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Bladder Sedge (Carex vesicaria) and Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata). Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) and Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) are frequent on the peat surfaces, while Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea), Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale) and a little Mat-grass (Nardus stricta) occupy the shallow soils on the sides of the basin. Several ponds occur where Great Yellow- cress (Rorippa amphibia), Bur-reed (Sparganium emersum) and Hemlock Water- dropwort (Oenanthe aquatica) are characteristic. At Caheravoostia there is some For inspection purposes only. Tubular Water-dropwort (OenantheConsent of copyright fistul ownerosa) required present, for any other an use. unusual plant for a turlough and scarce west of the Shannon. The high level pond between the two basins provides a good contrast of vegetation, with species such as Lesser Tussock-sedge (Carex diandra), Knotted Pearlwort (Sagina nodosa) and Small Sweet-grass (Glyceria declinata).

Other habitats which are included in the site are wet and dry grassland and some improved grassland at the southern section of Kilglassan. These grasslands may flood at times of high water. Some scrub occurs at the margins of Kilglassan.

The wetness of the site and the lack of grazing in the central parts provides good habitat for breeding waders, with several pairs each of Lapwing, Snipe and Redshank present in 1990. The site is likely to attract wintering waterfowl but no data are available.

The turloughs lie only 1 km from the (drained) River Robe and their flooding pattern seems likely to have been affected to some degree by this drainage. There is no internal drainage apart from some ditches marking boundaries. Grazing

A0011-01 Page 17 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:25 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening occurs in both basins and some agricultural improvements have taken place around the margins of the site.

This site is of interest as it is a relatively large turlough complex with considerable habitat diversity. The extensive area of wetland vegetation that occurs in the turlough basins is notable.

22.1.1997

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

A0011-01 Page 18 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:25 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening SITE NAME: CARROWKEEL TURLOUGH

SITE CODE: 000475

Carrowkeel turlough lies between Ballinrobe and , Co. Mayo, about 2km from the Robe river. It is contained within a linear basin which is orientated northeast- southwest. There is no sign of successful external drainage though some surplus water may be taken away at the southwest corner. At the southern end of the turlough, which is generally deeper than the rest of the basin, there is a long-lasting lake (Poll Oilean na gCorr).

There is low grazing pressure throughout most of the area though some of the fields in the northeast are closely grazed by sheep.

For its size, the turlough has a high diversity of vegetation types. This is partly due to the presence of permanent water in at least part of the turlough. Because of this, the turlough offers an excellent series of communities which are linked to water depth and quality. The lake consists of a stand of Common Club-rush (Scirpus lacustris) with abundant Fine-leaved Water-dropwort (Oenanthe aquatica), Amphibious Bistort (Polygonum amphibium), Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) and the mosses Drepanocladus revolvens and Calliergon giganteum. Areas of open water have Thread-leaved Water- crowfoot (Ranunculus trichophyllus), Lesser Marshwort (Apium inundatum) and Broad- leaved Pondweed (Potamogeton natans). At the north-east end of the turlough basin a small scraw includes Floating Sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans), Water Horsetail, Bladder- sedge (Carex vesicaria), Fine-leaved Water-dropwort, Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua) and a distinct zone of Common Spike-rush

(Eleocharis palustris), Unbranched ForBur-reed inspection purposes (Sparganium only. emersum) and Creeping Bent Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. (Agrostis stolonifera) on which both Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) and Narrow-leaved Water-plantain (A. lanceolatum) grow. This vegetation type is generally rare in turloughs. Also of note is the occurrence of the scarce Marsh Stichwort (Stellaria palustris), which is found scattered throughout several different communites in the turlough.

The catchment is very small so the turlough is relatively oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) in character, at least at its northern end. A more eutrophic (nutrient-rich) band occurs across the centre of the basin, perhaps linked to the presence of a farm at the north-east corner. Despite this possible enrichment, the range of vegetation types, the presence of some uncommon plant species and the relatively natural state of the turlough itself, makes this site of conservation interest.

28.1.1997

A0011-01 Page 19 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:25 Hollymount Wastewater Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application – Appropriate Assessment Screening

APPENDIX C

FLOW CHART FROM APPENDIX 1 OF CIRCULAR L8/08 FROM DOEHLG

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

2a. (If the development involves a surface water discharge) Is the development in a surface water catchment of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site). No

4. Is the development in the surface or groundwater catchment of other water dependent Annex II species, other rare or protected species or salmonid waters? No ↓ For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

No further action required

A0011-01 Page 20 of 20

EPA Export 26-07-2013:23:03:25