Unit 15 T: 021 434 5366 Melbourne Business Park Model Farm Road E:[email protected] Cork www.ocallaghanmoran.com

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

WASTE STORAGE INSTALLATION

DUNDALK PORT,

DUNDALK

COUNTY LOUTH

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

Prepared For: -

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors Ltd., 17 Mourne Vale, Avenue Road, Dundalk, County Louth

July 2015

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 OCM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY…………………………………………..….……..…… i

PREAMBLE …………………………………………………………………..….……..…. vii

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1-1 1.1 THE APPLICANT ...... 1-1 1.2 INSTALLATION OVERVIEW ...... 1-1 1.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS ...... 1-2 2 LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL POLICY ...... 2-1 2.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 2-1 2.2 PLANNING ...... 2-1 2.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY ...... 2-2 2.4 ENERGY POLICY ...... 2-4 2.5 CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY ...... 2-4 2.6 NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT ...... 2-5 3 ALTERNATIVES EXAMINED ...... 3-1 3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-1 3.2 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS ...... 3-1 3.3 ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES & SITE LAYOUT ...... 3-1 3.4 THE DO NOTHING ALTERNATIVE ...... 3-1 4 INSTALLATION DESCRIPTION ...... 4-1 For inspection purposes only. 4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... Consent of copyright owner...... required for any other use...... 4-1

4.2 LOCATION ...... 4-1 4.3 LAYOUT ...... 4-1 4.4 SURROUNDING LAND USE ...... 4-1 4.5 FACILITY MANAGEMENT & STAFFING ...... 4-1 4.6 HOURS OF OPERATION ...... 4-6 4.7 WASTE TYPES & QUANTITIES ...... 4-6 4.8 WASTE ACCEPTANCE AND HANDLING ...... 4-6 4.9 RAW MATERIAL AND RESOURCE CONSUMPTION ...... 4-7 4.10 SERVICES ...... 4-7 4.11 DRAINAGE ...... 4-7 4.12 WASTE GENERATION ...... 4-7 4.13 INCIDENTS AND COMPLAINTS ...... 4-7 4.14 SAFETY AND HAZARD CONTROL ...... 4-7 4.15 EMISSIONS ...... 4-8

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5 CLIMATE ...... 5-1 5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5-1 5.2 METHODOLOGY...... 5-1 5.3 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 5-1 5.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 5-1 5.5 IMPACTS ...... 5-2 5.6 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 5-2 5.7 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 5-2 5.8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 5-2 5.9 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 5-3 6 TRAFFIC ...... 6-1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6-1 6.1 METHODOLOGY...... 6-1 6.2 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 6-1 6.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 6-1 6.4 IMPACTS ...... 6-2 6.5 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 6-4 6.6 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 6-4 6.7 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 6-4 6.8 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 6-4 7 SOILS AND GEOLOGY ...... 7-1 7.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 7-1 7.2 METHODOLOGY...... 7-1 7.3 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 7-1 7.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 7-2 7.5 IMPACTS ...... 7-2 7.6 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 7-2 7.7 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 7-2 7.8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 7-3 7.9 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... For inspection purposes...... only...... 7-3 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

8 WATER ...... 8-1 8.1 METHODOLOGY...... 8-1 8.2 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 8-1 8.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT-SURFACE WATER ...... 8-2 8.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT-GROUNDWATER ...... 8-5 8.5 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT – FLOOD RISK ...... 8-9 8.6 IMPACTS ...... 8-9 8.7 DO NOTHING SCENARIO...... 8-9 8.8 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 8-9 8.9 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 8-11 8.10 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 8-12 9 ECOLOGY ...... 9-1 9.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 9-1 9.2 METHODOLOGY...... 9-1

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9.3 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 9-1 9.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 9-2 9.5 IMPACTS ...... 9-7 9.6 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 9-7 9.7 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 9-8 9.8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 9-8 9.9 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 9-9 10 AIR ...... 10-1 10.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 10-1 10.2 METHODOLOGY...... 10-1 10.3 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 10-1 10.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 10-2 10.5 IMPACTS ...... 10-2 10.6 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 10-4 10.7 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 10-4 10.8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 10-5 10.9 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 10-5 11 NOISE ...... 11-1 11.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 11-1 11.2 METHODOLOGY...... 11-1 11.3 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 11-1 11.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 11-1 11.5 IMPACTS ...... 11-3 11.6 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 11-3 11.7 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 11-4 11.8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 11-4 11.9 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 11-4 12 LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ...... 12-1 12.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 12-1 For inspection purposes only. 12.2 METHODOLOGY...... Consent of copyright owner...... required for any other use...... 12-1

12.3 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 12-1 12.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 12-3 12.5 IMPACTS ...... 12-5 12.6 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 12-7 12.7 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 12-7 12.8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 12-7 12.9 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 12-7 13 HUMAN BEINGS ...... 13-1 13.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 13-1 13.2 METHODOLOGY...... 13-1 13.3 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 13-1 13.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 13-2 13.5 IMPACTS ...... 13-2 13.6 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 13-2 13.7 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 13-2

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13.8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT ...... 13-2 13.9 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 13-4 14 ARCHAEOLOGY, ARCHITECTURE & CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 14-1 14.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 14-1 14.2 METHODOLOGY...... 14-1 14.3 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 14-1 14.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 14-2 14.5 IMPACTS ...... 14-2 14.6 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 14-2 14.7 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 14-2 14.8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT ...... 14-2 14.9 RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 14-3 15 MATERIAL ASSETS & NATURAL RESOURCES ...... 15-1 15.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 15-1 15.2 METHODOLOGY...... 15-1 15.3 CURRENT OPERATIONS ...... 15-1 15.4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 15-2 15.5 RESOURCE CONSUMPTION ...... 15-4 15.6 IMPACTS ...... 15-4 15.7 DO NOTHING SCENARIO ...... 15-4 15.8 MITIGATION ...... 15-4 15.9 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 15-4 15.10 RESIDUAL IMPACT ...... 15-4 16 INTERACTION OF THE FOREGOING ...... 16-1 16.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 16-1 16.2 HUMAN BEINGS / AIR ...... 16-1 16.3 WATER / ECOLOGY...... 16-1 16.4 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ...... 16-1

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LIST OF DRAWINGS & FIGURES

Drawing No WHP-SOH1-4 Rev.A Site Layout

Drawing No S 5 2014-22 DF Rev A Site Layout

Figure 4.1 Site Location

Figure 4.2 Surrounding Land Use

Figure 7.1 Soils

Figure 7.2 Geology

Figure 8.1 Surface Water Features

Figure 8.2 Aquifer Classification

Figure 8.3 Aquifer Vulnerability

Figure 8.4 Well Locations

Figure 9.1 Natura 2000 Sites

Figure 10.1 Surrounding Land Use

Figure 11.1 Surrounding Land Use

Figure 12.1 Surrounding Land Use

Figure 13.1 Surrounding For inspection purposes Land only. Use Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Figure 15.1 Surrounding Land Use

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1 – Surface Water Body Report

Appendix 2 – Groundwater Body Report

Appendix 3 Surface Water Monitoring Results

Appendix 4 – Flood Report

Appendix 5 – Natural Impact Statement: Appropriate Assessment

Appendix 6 – SAC/SPA Synopses and Conservation Objective Reports

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

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

1.1 The Applicant

O Hanlon & Sons Contractors Ltd (O’Hanlon), George’s Quay, Dundalk, County Louth has a licence from the Dublin Port Company to operate Dundalk Port. O’Hanlon also provides stevedore services at Drogheda Port.

At Dundalk Port, O’Hanlon operates a baled waste storage and shipping activity at under a Waste Permit (WFP-LH-12-0002-01) issued by Louth County Council. The Permit allows the storage of up to 50,000 tonnes of baled refuse derived fuel (RDF) and Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) and baled tyres pending shipment to overseas cement kilns and waste to energy plants.

1.2 Installation Overview

The installation comprises a site office and two separate storage areas. The first storage area is on the quayside and the second is a storage building, approximately 300m to the east of the open storage area. There are open quays to the east and west of the open storage area.

1.2.1 Site History

The installation is located in Dundalk Port, which has a history of trading extending back to 1580. In 1740 a pier was constructed, extending into the river upstream from the present harbour. In 1803 the Custom House was built followed in 1855 by the lighthouse.

In the 19th Century the port was used for both cargo and passengers, however the B&I Dundalk– For inspection purposes only. Newry–Liverpool passenger serviceConsent ceasedof copyright inowner 1968 required. forIn any the other 1980s use. and 1990s extensive work was carried out on the quays, with 220m of the current 400m of quay wall constructed in 1992 and the original two separate quays were linked to form a single long, linear quay.

In 2011 the functions of Dundalk Port Company were transferred to Dublin Port Authority and in 2012 the Dublin Port Authority issued a three year licence to O’Hanlon to operate Dundalk Port. In 2012 Louth County Council granted the Waste Permit. The storage and shipping activity began in November 2012 and is on-going.

1.2.2 Waste Activities

The current Waste Permit authorises the acceptance and storage of baled waste-refuse derived fuel and end of life tyres. There are two separate storage areas. The first is on the open quay side, and the second is in a warehouse to the east of the quay. The bales are stored until they are loaded into ships for export to overseas energy recovery plants and cement kilns where they are used as fuel.

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2.0 Local, Regional and National Policies

2.1 Planning Policy

The Louth County Development Plan sets out the development strategy (policies and objectives) for the sustainable future growth of the county. County Louth has three commercial ports (Dundalk, Drogheda and Greenore) and one fishing port (Clogherhead). It is a transport policy objective to support the development and expansion of the ports.

It is an energy policy objective to promote and encourage the provision of alternative energy resources in the line with the Government’s White Paper Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland. .

The installation consistent with Council’s objective of supporting the development and expansion of Dundalk Port, and currently the baled waste comprises more than 50% by volume of the materials handled at the port. It facilitates the manufacturing of waste derived fuel, which is consistent with Council’s objective of supporting the development of alternative energy sources.

The installation is within the development boundary of the Dundalk Development Plan. The Plan recognises that the Castletown River and Port areas afford significant potential for economic development and regeneration of the northern end of the town. The Port Harbour Area is one of seven key opportunity areas to promoted economic development and it is a policy objective (EC 6) to encourage and facilitate the development of identified key opportunity sites and areas in order to generate economic activity and renewal.

In the context of waste management, the Plan refers to the objectives of the North-Eastern Waste Management Plan, which has recently been replaced by the Eastern & Midlands Regional Waste Plan. It is a policy objective to implement and support the provisions of the Regional Plan.

2.2 Waste Management Policy For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The foundation policy statement on waste management “Changing Our Ways” bases national policy on the EU Waste Management Hierarchy, which in descending order is:

 Prevention;  Preparing for Reuse;  Recycling;  Other Recovery (including energy recovery);and  Disposal

The most recent Policy Statement ‘A Resource Opportunity Waste Management Policy In Ireland 2012 is also based on the EU Waste Management Hierarchy and sets out how the higher tiers can reduce Ireland’s reliance on finite resources, virtually eliminate reliance on landfill and minimise the impact of waste management on the environment. It is a policy objective that when waste is generated, the maximum value must be extracted from it by ensuring that it is reused, recycled or recovered.

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The Eastern & Midlands Region Waste Plan recognises the significant advances in the development of thermal recovery capacity in Ireland, where the principal use of the waste is as a fuel to generate energy. While the Region has five authorised active and approved thermal recovery plants the Plan acknowledges that the export of RDF/SRF from the region helps Ireland meet its waste recovery targets; however in the long term such wastes should be treated in Ireland. The installation is consistent with current and proposed national and regional waste policy objectives, as it facilitates the gaining of the maximum value from the waste.

2.3 Energy Policy

EU Directive 2001/77/EC sets Ireland a national target of sourcing 16% of all energy consumption from renewables by 2020. Potential energy sources, such as non-recyclable combustible waste, can be processed to produce alternatives to fossil fuels and assist in achieving the target.

2.4 Climate Change Strategy

The National Climate Change Strategy charts the way to achieve and maintain reductions in greenhouse gas emissions under the Koyoto Protocol. The EU Commission has agreed targets to meet its commitments up to 2020. To meet the 2020 target it is essential that greenhouse gases emissions are reduced at a national level. The waste sector can contribute to this by manufacturing fuel from wastes that will replace fossil fuel.

2.3 Need for the Development

The installation is key to the sustaining the commercial viability of the Port. It facilitates the manufacturing of RDF/SRF, which is crucial to meeting national and regional waste recovery targets pending the development of the required indigenous thermal treatment and waster derived fuel capacities.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 3. Alternatives Examined

The installation is located in a port and the waste activity is specifically port related i.e. storage pending loading onto the transport ships. The site is an ideal strategic alternative to the other ports in the Eastern & Midland Region from which waste is exported. It is easily accessible from those installations where the bales are produced.

The site is already authorised to store baled RDF and end of life tyres, is operational and is the only the waste storage area controlled by O’Hanlon. The alternative to obtaining a licence would be to close the installation and seek approval either at another location within Dundalk Port, or in another port. This offers no environmental and commercial advantages.

The activity is confined to the temporary storage of wrapped RDF/SRF bales and baled end of life tyres. There is no processing or handling, other than off-loading and loading transport

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Currently the baled SRF/RDF comprises more than 50% of the bulk materials transiting the port. If the development does not proceed there will be a considerable doubt over the short to medium term economic viability of the port.

4. Facility Description

The site is located on the quayside of the Castletown River at the eastern end of Dundalk Port. The layout is shown on Drawing No S5 2014-22 DF Rev A. The proposed licensed area comprises two separate storage areas and an office. The first storage area occupies 1200m2 on the quayside and the second is a storage building (900m2), which is 310m to the east.

The open storage area and the floor of the storage building is paved. There are no above ground or underground storage tanks. There are no toilet or employee welfare facilities. The entire open storage area is served by a surface water drainage system that incorporates an oil interceptor.

The Castletown River forms the northern boundary. To the west are quays. The lot adjoining the southern boundary of the open storage area is in use as a coal depot. The nearest private residences are on Quay Street, the closest of which is 73m from the south-eastern boundary of the open storage area. Staff include a Manager, crane operator and two general operatives.

As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The waste acceptance hours are 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are typically not accepted on Sundays. The facility is authorised to accept 50,000 tonnes/year of baled RDF and baled tyres. Currently only baled RDF is accepted.

The bales are off-loaded using a mechanical For inspection grab purposes are only. counted and checked for damage. Any Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. tears to the sheeting are patched. Depending on the weather conditions, the bales are stacked in either the open storage area or in the storage building. The maximum height of the stacks is two bales. The transport ships dock at Brown’s Quay and the bales are loaded onto the vessel using a crane and clamp.

The trucks that deliver the bales and the mobile plant that off load and stack the bales and load the ships use diesel. The trucks and grabs are refuelled and serviced off-site and no fuels, lubricating oils and coolants are stored at the installation. The operations do not involve the use of water or electricity, apart from lighting in the storage building

Dundalk Port obtains water from the mains supply provided by Irish Water. Electricity is supplied by a utility company. There is a connection to the Irish Water foul sewer for sanitary waste water from staff welfare facilities which are not within the proposed licensed area.

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

8th September 2014 1:500 @ A0 38 Seafield Lawns Declan Flood Dundalk Co. Louth Telephone / Fax: 042-9341571. declan flood 087-2027977 B.Sc. Building Surveying MIEI Email: [email protected]

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Rainwater run-off from the open paved storage area is collected and discharged to the estuary via an oil interceptor. The run-off from the building roofs goes to the surface water drainage system that serves the Port.

Potential and actual emissions associated with the waste activities include, rainwater run-off, contaminated run-off dust, noise and odours. Only one issue of concern about potential nuisance associated with the operation of the activity has been identified by Louth County Council since the operations began in 2012 and this related to odours.

5 Climate

5.1 Current Operation

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a diesel fuelled mechanical grab and stored either the quay side or in the building until the transport ship docks. The bales are then loaded into the ship using diesel fuelled mechanical grabs and a crane

5.2 Receiving Environment

The climate in the area can be described as mild and wet, with the prevailing wind direction from the south-west.

5.3 Impacts

The waste delivery vehicles, the mobile plant and the ships themselves use energy (oil) that releases greenhouse gas, which predominantly comprise carbon dioxide. The operation does not involve the consumption of electricity, apart from lighting in the storage building.

5.4 Do Nothing For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. If the licence is not granted the current operation will stop, but the open storage area and the storage building will, assuming alternative cargos are sourced, continue to be used for the temporary storage of materials, with no decrease in greenhouse house gas emissions.

5.5 Mitigation

O’Hanlon carries out regular reviews of mobile plant operation to reduce fuel consumption. Diesel fuelled plant engines are only turned on when the bales are being handled and engines are not allowed to idle.

5.6 Assessment of Impacts

It is not proposed to change the quantity of baled waste accepted or the method of operation and there will be no change in greenhouse gas emissions

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5.7 Residual Impacts

The facility will have an imperceptible negative impact on climate over its operational lifetime.

6 Traffic

6.1 Current Operations

The RDS/SRF is manufactured by waste management companies who collect wastes in the Eastern & Midland Waste Management Region. The bales are delivered in curtain sided articulated trucks. The waste acceptance hours are to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday and wastes are not accepted on Sunday.

6.2 Receiving Environment

Dundalk is on a major transportation corridor linking Dublin and Belfast and has excellent access to the M1 motorway and other national routes such as the N52, and the N53. The port is accessed via two entrances, the first on the Dundalk Inner Relief Road (N52) and the second on Quay Street. The N52 connects to the M1 to the north and south, which means that the trucks delivering the bales do not travel through the Town Centre. The visibility splays at the entrances are appropriate and there is a right hand turning lane at the entrance on the N52.

6.3 Impacts

There are approximately 1,923 waste delivery trips to the installation annually. A trip involves two movements, in and out of the site, therefore the total number of truck movements is 3,846. There are approximately 272 working days per year, which equates to a daily average of 14 two way movements. However, depending on the arrival time of the ship it is sometimes necessary to deliver more than the daily average and there could be up to 60 daily two way movements. There are five staff based at the facility and there is a parking area for staff adjacent to the sit office. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

6.4 Do Nothing

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease and there will be an approximate 50% reduction in traffic using the port unless alternative cargos are sourced.

6.5 Mitigation Measures

The existing local road network and entrances have the capacity to handle the traffic associated with the authorised development and mitigation measures are not considered necessary.

6.6 Assessment of Impacts

The local road network has the capacity to accommodate the traffic generated by the installation when operating at maximum capacity.

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6.7 Residual Impacts

There will be a neutral impact for the duration of the operational lifetime of the facility.

7. Soils and Geology

7.1 Current Operations

The baled wastes are stored either on the paved open quayside or inside the storage building, which has a concrete floor and the activity does not involve any excavation or ground disturbance. The bales comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling and are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting, each one weighing approximately 1000kg. Rainwater run-off from the open storage area is collected in a drain and discharged to the estuary via an oil interceptor. Run-off from the building roofs enters the port’s surface water drainage system. Oils are not stored/handled either in, or adjacent to the proposed licensed areas.

7.2 Receiving Environment

The subsoils beneath the site comprise Made Ground, which is consistent with the development of the port by land raising. The site is underlain by Silurian aged metasediments and volcanics comprising calcareous red mica Greywacke of the Clontail Formation.

7.3 Impacts

There are not and will not be any direct or indirect emissions to ground. There is the potential for liquid seeps from the bales and minor leaks may occur from the oil sumps in transport vehicles and the bale handling equipment. The potential pathways to the soil are infiltration through damaged paving and leaks from the surface water drainage systems.

7.4 Do Nothing For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming alternative cargo can be sourced, the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used to store bulk materials, with no significant change to the potential impacts on the soil and geology.

7.5 Mitigation

The RDF/SRF is manufactured by processing residual household and commercial wastes, to reduce the amount of the non and poorly combustible wastes, which include putrescible waste that are a potential source of leachate. Following processing the wastes are compressed to form bales and then wrapped in up to eight layers of plastic sheeting.

The current mitigation measures include wrapping the bales in the plastic sheeting which is intended to contain liquid seeps; use of concrete paved storage areas, and not storing any oils or other materials that have the potential to contaminate soils within the licensed areas.

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7.6 Assessment of Impacts

The plastic sheet wrap and concrete paving minimises the risk of short term direct or indirect discharges to the soils. Given the minute amount of oil that could leak from vehicle sumps the impact of infiltration through damage to the paving and/or the surface water drains on the soils would be imperceptible and there would be no impact on the bedrock. In this context further mitigation measures are not necessary.

7.7 Residual Impacts

The continuation of the activity will not have any perceptible impact on the soils and bedrock.

8. Water

8.1 Current Operations

The baled wastes are stored either on the paved open quayside or inside the storage building, which has a concrete floor. Bales are not stored on any unpaved area and the operation does not involved any excavation or ground disturbance. The bales comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling and are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting, each one weighing approximately 1000kg. Rainwater run-off from the open storage area is collected in a drain and discharged to the estuary via an oil interceptor. Run-off from the building roofs enters the port’s surface water drainage system. Oils are not stored/handled either in, or adjacent to the proposed licensed areas.

8.2 Receiving Environment

The site is located in the catchment of the Castletown River, whose main channel adjoins the quayside. The Castletown River is part of the Castletown Estuary Transitional Water Body (TWB) IE_NB_040_0200 Water M anagement For inspection purposes Unit only. (WMU) designated in the Neagh Band Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. River Basing District Management Plan. The Water Body Status Report states that the overall status is ‘Moderate’, and is considered ‘At Risk’ of not achieving its restoration objective of ‘restore’ status by 2015.

The Castletown River forms the northern boundary of the open storage area. Rainwater run- off from the open storage area discharges to the river via an oil interceptor. Rainwater run-off from the roofs of the office and the storage building roof enters the surface water drainage system serving the port, which also discharges to the river. Tests of a sample collected in the river close to the quayside in June 2015 indicates the water quality is good. .

The bedrock aquifer beneath the classified as a Poor Aquifer which is generally unproductive except for local zones. The site is approximately 400m to the north of a Locally Important Gravel Aquifer (Lg) referred to as the Dundalk Gravels. The aquifer vulnerability to pollution from the ground surface is high.

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The direction of groundwater flow locally is to the north, towards the Castletown River. There are no on-site groundwater monitoring wells. The aquifer is part of the Dundalk Town 1 Groundwater Body. The status of the water body is ‘Good’ indicating the water quality is good.

There are no records of fluvial, pluvial or groundwater flooding at the site, however high tides have caused flooding on Quay Street in the past.

8.3 Impacts

Rainwater run-off from the open storage area is collected in a drain and discharged to the river, while rainwater from the roof of the storage building discharges to the surface water system serving the port, which also outfalls to the river.

There is the potential for liquid seeps from the bales and minor leaks may occur from the oil sumps in transport vehicles and the bale handling equipment. In the open storage area the drain is a pathway to the river. There is no pathway to the river from the storage building. The potential pathway to groundwater is through damaged paving and leaks from the surface water drainage systems.

8.3 Do Nothing

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced, the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used to store bulk cargo with no significant change to the potential impact on water.

8.4 Mitigation

The RDF/SRF is manufactured by processing residual household and commercial wastes, to reduce the amount of the non and poorly combustible wastes, which include putrescible waste that are a potential source of leachate. Following the processing the wastes are then compressed to form bales and then wrapped in up to eight layers of plastic sheeting. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The current mitigation measures include wrapping the bales in the plastic sheeting which is intended to contain liquid seeps; repairing damaged bales; use of concrete paved storage areas; storing bales inside the storage building in very wet weather; not storing any oils or other materials that have the potential to contaminate soils within the licensed area; collecting run- off from the open storage area and passing it through an oil interceptor, and cleaning the storage areas after the bales have been shipped.

Although these measures have proven to be effective and there is no evidence the run-off from the open storage area is contaminated, as a precautionary measure the outfall from the interceptor will be closed when bales are stored in the open storage area.

8.5 Assessment of Impacts

There is the potential for rainwater run-off from the open storage areas to be slightly contaminated by minor oil leaks from the mobile plant used to handle the bales and from minor

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:01 seeps from damaged bales. Testing of a sample of the water collected from the surface water drain confirmed the water quality was generally good.

8.6 Residual Impacts

The continued operation will have an imperceptible negative impact on the water quality in the river for the duration of the activity, but will have no impact on the quantitative and qualitative status of the bedrock aquifer

9 Ecology

9.1 Current Operations

The baled wastes are stored either on the paved open quayside or inside the storage building, which has a concrete floor. Bales are not stored on any unpaved area and the operation does not involved any excavation or ground disturbance. The bales comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling and are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting, each one weighing approximately 1000kg. Rainwater run-off from the open storage area is collected in a drain and discharged to the estuary via an oil interceptor. Run-off from the roofs of the office and storage building enters the port’s surface water drainage system. Oils are not stored/handled either in, or adjacent to the proposed licensed areas.

9.2 Receiving Environment

The open storage yard (1200m2) is entirely concrete paved. This area and the storage building (900m2) are classified as BL3 Buildings and artificial surfaces. The open quaysides to the west of the open storage area and to the east, between it and the storage building, are classified as BL3 Buildings and artificial surfaces, as are the lots to the south and east of the storage building

There are no Special Area of Conservation For inspection (SAC), purposes Special only. Protected Areas (SPA) or National Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Heritage Areas (NHA) within the proposed licensed areas, but they do adjoin the site boundaries of the Dundalk Bay SPA (Site Code: 004026) and SAC (Site Code: 000455). The Carlingford Mountain SAC is 6km to the north-east. The protected habitats in the Dundalk SAC include mudflats and salt marsh meadows, while the protected species include a wide range of sea birds.

9.3 Impacts

The activity does not require any construction works and will not result in an impact of the habitats within the proposed licensed area. The operational areas are immediately adjacent to the Dundalk Bay SPA/SAC. They do not encroach into the SPA/SAC and do not cause any direct damage or loss to the Sites.

The Castletown River is within the SPA/SAC and there is the potential for water quality impacts that could affect the water quality and conservation interests of the SAC/SPA. The potential sources are contaminated rainwater run-off from the open storage area, windblown litter from damaged bales and bales that may fall into the river when the ship is being loaded.

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9.4 Do Nothing

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used to store bulk cargo with no significant change to the potential impact on water.

9.5 Mitigation.

The RDF/SRF is manufactured by processing residual household and commercial wastes, to reduce the amount of the non and poorly combustible wastes, which include putrescible waste that are a potential source of leachate. Following processing the wastes are compressed to form bales and then wrapped in up to eight layers of plastic sheeting.

The current mitigation measures include wrapping the bales in the plastic sheeting, which is intended to contain liquid seeps; repairing damaged bales; use of concrete paved storage areas; storing bales inside the storage building in very wet weather; not storing any oils or other materials that have the potential to contaminate soils within the licensed area; collecting run- off from the open storage area and passing it through an oil interceptor, and cleaning the storage areas after the bales have been shipped.

Although these measures have proven to be effective and there is no evidence the run-off from the open storage area is contaminated, as a precautionary measure the outfall from the interceptor will be closed when bales are stored in the open storage area.

9.6 Assessment of Impacts

The continued operation will have no impacts on the habitats within the licensed area. The only designated site that could potentially be impacted by the on-going activity is the Dundalk Bay SPA/SAC. The potential impacts are associated with contaminated rainwater run-off from the open storage area; windblown litter and a bale falling into the river during loading. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The rainwater run-off from the roofs of the site office of the storage building will not have any qualitative impact on the river. There is the potential for rainwater run-off from the open storage areas to be slightly contaminated by minor oil leaks from the mobile plant used to handle the bales and from minor seeps from damaged bales.

Although any impact on surface water quality in the Castletown River would be imperceptible due to the assimilative capacity in the river/estuary, as a precautionary measure the outlet from the oil interceptor will be closed when bales are stored on the quayside.

9.7 Residual Impacts

The continued operation will have no impact on the ecosystem within the licensed areas. It will have an imperceptible negative impact on the water quality in the river for the duration of the activity, but will have no impact on the conservation objectives of the Dundalk Bay SPA/SAC.

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10. Air

10.1 Current Operations

The baled wastes are delivered in curtain sided articulated trucks and are off-loaded using a mechanical grab and are stored either on the paved open quayside, or inside the storage building, which has a concrete floor. The bales comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling, and are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting, each one weighing approximately 1000kg. Once the transport ship has berthed the bales are loaded into the hold using the mechanical grab and a crane

10.2 Receiving Environment

Dundalk Port offers a range of services including general cargo handling, pilotage and customs and it can handle ships of up to 3,500 dry weight tonnes and 106m. In 2013, 97,000 tonnes of goods transited that port, giving rise to approximately 3,800 truck movements.

The Castletown River forms the northern boundary, with quays to the west. The lot adjoining the southern boundary of the open storage area is a coal distribution depot, with an oil tank farm to the east of this. The nearest residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street and closest ones to the storage building are on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the east.

The principle atmospheric pollutants in industrial commercial areas are primarily related to road traffic, however point emissions sources from commercial activities, for example oil fired boilers, and non-point sources such as coal and bulk storage areas are also sources of other pollutants

The EPA implements an air quality monitoring programme at a number of monitoring stations across the country. Monitoring conducted in Dundalk between December 2001 and July 2002 found that, with the exception of particulates, the air quality was good. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 10.3 Impacts

The impacts on air quality associated with the operation of waste recovery and transfer operations include odours, particulates (dust) and exhaust gases from vehicles.

10.4 Do Nothing

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming that alternative cargos can be sourced the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used to store bulk cargo. The potential impacts on air quality will depend on the type of materials.

10.5 Mitigation

The RDF/SRF is manufactured by processing residual household and commercial wastes to reduce the amount of the non and poorly combustible wastes, which include putrescible waste

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 that are a potential source of leachate. Following processing the wastes are compressed to form bales and then wrapped in up to eight layers of plastic sheeting.

The current mitigation measures include wrapping the bales in the plastic sheeting which is intended to contain odours; inspecting and repairing damaged bales; a maximum storage time for any one bale of four weeks, and cleaning the storage areas after the bales have been shipped. The heavy goods vehicles accessing the facility are fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems and an additive is used to reduce the nitrous oxide levels in the exhaust gases.

10.6 Assessment of Impacts

The current activities are not a source of odour nuisance and, since the activity began in 2012, potential concerns over odour have only been raised on one occasion. The current mitigation measures, which have proven to be effective, will continue to be implemented and will be supplemented by the provision of a road sweeper.

Wastes are not processed at the site and the bales are not a source of dust generation. The storage areas are paved with concrete and the wheels of the waste delivery vehicles are free of any debris that could be a source of dust generation in dry weather. The deployment of the road sweeper will further reduce the risk of dust generation.

The continuation of the operation not result in either any increase in the amounts of waste accepted, or any change in staff numbers and therefore there will be no new or additional sources of emissions..

10.7 Residual Impacts

The continuation of the activity will have a slight, negative impact on air quality for the duration of the operation.

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

11.1 Current Operations

The baled wastes are delivered in curtain sided articulated trucks, are off-loaded using a mechanical grab and are stored either on the paved open quayside or inside the storage building. The bales are inspected and, where there is significant damage to the sheeting, the bale is further wrapping is applied in the storage building using a mobile wrapper. Once the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the hold using the mechanical grab and a crane.

11.2 Receiving Environment

Dundalk Port offers a range of services including general cargo handling, pilotage and customs and can handle ships of up to 3,500 dry weight tonnes and 106m. In 2013 97,000 tonnes of good transited that port, giving rise to approximately 7,600 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements.

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The Castletown River forms the northern boundary, with quays to the west and a public house further to the north-west. The lot adjoining the southern boundary of the open storage area is a coal distribution depot, with an oil tank farm to the east of this. The nearest residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street and closest residences to the storage building are on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the east.

11.3 Impacts

The only source of noise emissions are the delivery vehicles and the mechanical grab and crane used to move the bales. In 2013 there was approximately 7,600 HGV movements in and out of the port, of which approximately 50% was associated with the waste storage activity.

Noise emissions only occur during the waste acceptance periods and when the ships are being loaded. At other times the installation is not a source of noise.

11.4 Do Nothing

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming that alternative cargos can be sourced the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used to store bulk cargo, with no significant changes to the noise emission levels.

11.5 Mitigation Measures

Site staff are instructed to avoid unnecessary revving of machinery and to turn off equipment / plant when not in use.

11.6 Assessment of Impacts

The storage operation began in November 2012 and no complaints have been received from either members of the public, or the local authority in relation to noise. Inspections carried out by Louth County Council and by the For Health inspection Servicepurposes only. Executive, have never identified noise Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. from the installation as being either a cause of nuisance, or of potential concern.

Current activities are not either a source of noise nuisance, or impairment of amenity outside the installation’s boundary. There will be no change to either the sources of noise, or the noise emission levels from those associated with current activities. There will be no increase in traffic movements and consequently no increase in road traffic noise at any residence.

11.7 Residual Impacts

The continuation of the activity will have an imperceptible negative impact for the duration of the operation.

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12 Landscape & Visual Impact

12.1 Current Operations

The existing site comprises an open storage area on the quayside, a storage building to the east and an office which is an annex to another warehouse. The quayside is typical of the other quays in the port and the storage building has a typical industrial/warehouse appearance.

The baled wastes are delivered in curtain sided articulated trucks, off-loaded using a mechanical grab and stored either on the paved open quayside, or inside the storage building. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting, each one being approximately 1.1 m in diameter and are stacked two bales high. Once the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the hold using the mechanical grab and a crane

12.2 Receiving Environment

Dundalk Port can handle ships of up to 3,500 dry weight tonnes and 106m. There are five 30- tonne crawler cranes are capable of handling up to 160 tonnes per hour each and ships of up to 3,000 tons can be discharged in twelve hours. The cargos transiting the port include bulk timber, grain, oil and coal) and containers.

The Port is not located in any designated Landscape Character Area, an area of high scenic quality, or outstanding natural beauty. The Castletown River forms the northern boundary, to the west are quays, with a public house further to the north-west from which the open storage area is visible. There is a coal import and distribution depot to the south of the open storage area, with an oil storage tank farm to the east. The nearest private residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street and the closest residences to the storage building are on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the west.

The open storage area is on the quayside and is not overlooked by any private residences from the south, but is visible from the public house to the north-west, the undeveloped northern bank of the Castletown River and from the upper For inspection floor purposes of commercial only. units on the Inner Relief Road. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The storage building is not visible from the south and west, but is visible from the back gardens of private houses to the east (Mountain View), from the northern bank of the Castletown Building and from the open quayside to the west.

12.3 Impacts

The bales are not visible from any private residences or from view points from either Quay Street, or Point Road. They are visible from the northern bank of the Castletown River, but depending on the colour of the wrapping are similar in appearance to other materials temporarily stored at the port, for example timber and coal.

12.6 Do Nothing Scenario?

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced the open storage area and storage building will continue to be used and the visual impact will depend on the nature of the materials.

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12.7 Mitigation Measures

As the storage of the bales does not have any discernible negative impacts, mitigation measures are not required.

12.8 Assessment of Impacts

The subject site is in an operational port, which is not in an area of scenic value or outstanding natural beauty. The bales are similar in appearance to other cargo transiting the port, are not visually intrusive and do not negatively affect the local landscape character.

12.9 Residual Impacts

The continuation the activity will have a neutral impact on the landscape character and visual amenity for the duration of the operation.

13 Human Beings

13.1 Current Operations

The baled wastes are delivered in curtain sided articulated trucks, off-loaded using a mechanical grab are stored either on the paved open quayside or inside the storage building. The bales comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling and are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting, each one weighing approximately 1000kg. Once the transport ship has berthed the bales are loaded into the hold using the mechanical grab and a crane

13.2 Receiving Environment

Dundalk Port is located to the east of the For town inspection centre purposes andonly. on the southern bank of the Castletown Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. River. The land use to the east, south and west is a mix of commercial and residential. To the west of the open storage areas are quays, with a public house further to the north-west and is the closest non-port related commercial activity. The nearest private residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street, the closest of which is 73m from the south-eastern boundary. The closest private residences to the storage Building are on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the west.

13.3 Impacts

While odours do not present a direct risk to health, they can be a significant nuisance and cause of discomfort that may indirectly affect human health. The baled waste contains residual amounts of materials that have the potential to be a source of odour nuisance. Facilities that accept and process wastes are also potential sources of other nuisance including dust, noise vermin and pests. Traffic to and from waste management facilities can, depending on the size,

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 location and capacity of the local road network, be a cause of congestion that affects local residents.

13.4 Do Nothing Scenario

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced the open storage area and storage building will continue to be used and the potential for impacts on human beings will depend on the nature of the materials.

13.5 Mitigation Measures

O’Hanlon implements the control measures specified in the Waste Permit to ensure that operations are not a cause a nuisance outside the site boundaries linked to odours, noise and pests.

13.6 Assessment of Impact

The mitigation measures that are currently implemented, which are designed to control odours, dusts, noise and pests), have proved to be effective. Since the operation began in 2012 only one potential concern regarding nuisance has been raised by Louth County Council, which was in July 2014. Inspections carried out by the County Council and by the Health Service Executive have, with the exception of the potential concern raised in July 2014, never identified the installation as being either a cause of nuisance, or of potential concern. The activity does not cause traffic congestion in the locality.

13.7 Residual Impacts

The continuation of the activity will have an imperceptible, negative impact on human beings for the duration of the operation.

14 Archaeology, Architecture and For inspection Cultural purposes Heritage only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

14.1 Current Operations

The baled wastes are stored either on the paved open quayside, or inside the storage building, which has a concrete floor and the activity does not involve any excavation or ground disturbance. The bales comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling and are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting, each one weighing approximately 1000kg.

14.2 Receiving Environment

Dundalk Port has a long history of trading products and the first cargo vessel was recorded in 1580. There is no record of any archaeological feature, protected structure, or cultural heritage feature within the proposed licensed areas and they are not designated Architectural Conservation Areas.

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14.3 Impacts

The on-going storage of the bales does not require any excavation or ground disturbance works and there is no risk of any impacts on any unidentified archaeological features.

14.4 Do Nothing Scenario

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced the open storage area and storage building will continue to be used and the potential for impacts on the archaeology, architecture and cultural heritage will remain unchanged.

14.5 Mitigation Measures

As the on-going storage of the baled wastes will not have any impact on any archaeological, architectural or cultural feature, mitigation measures are not required.

14.6 Assessment of Impact

The continued storage of baled wastes will not have any impact on any archaeological, architectural or cultural feature.

14.7 Residual Impacts

The storage of baled wastes will not have any impact on any archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage features.

15 Material Assets

15.1 Current Operations

The baled wastes are delivered in curtain For inspection sided purposes articulatedonly. truck, are off-loaded using a Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. mechanical grab are stored either on the paved open quayside or inside the storage building, The bales comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling and are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting, each one weighing approximately 1000kg. Once the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the hold using a mechanical grab and a crane

16.2 Receiving Environment

Dundalk Port is located to the east of the town centre and on the southern bank of the Castletown River. The land use to the east, south and west is a mix of commercial and residential. Castletown River and Dundalk’s coast line are important amenity features for the inhabitants of the town and the surrounding area and it is an objective of Louth County Council to open up the area for recreational and amenity purposes.

Dundalk Port is the smallest of the three commercial ports in Count Louth, the others being Drogheda and Greenore. The port is still an important economic hub for the town and it a

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 transport policy objective of Louth County Council to support the development and expansion of the port. In addition, the Port Harbour Area is one of seven key opportunity areas to promote economic development.

In the 2011 census Dundalk had a population of 37,816. There were 17,525 persons aged 15 years and over in the labour force and of these, 73 % (12,875) were at work. The unemployment rate was 26.5 % compared with a national average rate of 19.0 %. The daytime working population (resident and non-resident) was 12,936 with commerce and trade professional services being the largest industry

The only natural resources consumed by the activity is diesel used to power the mobile plant that handle the bales.

15.4 Impacts

The continued storage of the baled waste will not result in any loss or impairment of amenity value either within, or in the vicinity of the installation. It will not have any perceptible impact on the local and regional infrastructure. It will involve consumption of diesel.

15.5 Do Nothing Scenario

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced, the open storage area and storage building will continue to be used and the potential for impacts on material assets will depend on the nature of the materials. The baled waste comprises just over 50% of the total cargo transiting the port. If alternative cargos cannot be sourced, there will be a serious doubt over the economic viability of port operations in the short to medium term.

15.8 Mitigation

O’Hanlon implements the nuisance control measures specified in the Waste Permit to ensure that operations do not cause a nuisance For outside inspection purposes the site only. boundaries linked to odours, noise and Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. pests.

15.9 Impact Assessment

The activity has not resulted in the loss of any amenities or rights of way. It is not a source of adverse environmental nuisance or impairment of amenities outside the site boundary and the local road network has the capacity to deal with the associated traffic. It has neither adversely affected the economic activities in the surrounding area, nor reduced the potential for the future expansion of such activities. The activity is port related and contributes more than 50% of the goods transiting the port and its continued operation will have a significant positive economic impact for the port.

15.8 Residual Impact

The continuation of the activity will have not have any adverse impact on amenity values and socio-economic activities in the locality. It will have a slight negative impact in relation to the

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 consumption of fossil fuels, but this will be off-site by its part in the supply chain of alternatives to such fuels. It will have a significant positive economic impact for port operations.

17 Interaction of the Foregoing

There are actual and potential direct, indirect and cumulative effects due to interaction between relevant receptors, which are Human Beings, Air, Water and Ecology.

17.1 Human Beings / Air

The installation has the potential to impact on human beings arising from noise, dust, vehicle exhaust emissions and odour. The location, design and proposed method of operation have taken account of these emissions and effective mitigation measures, which comply with the requirements of the Waste Permit, have been identified and applied.

17.2 Surface Water / Ecology

Surface water run-off from the paved open storage area discharges to the Castletown River which is part of the Dundalk Bay SPA and SAC. There is the potential for contaminants in the run-off to impact on the river ecosystem. The method of operation, incorporates measures to minimise the risk of contaminated run-off in and these are assessed in Chapter 9.

17.4 Cumulative Effects

The assessment of the impacts took into consideration the cumulative effects of the installation and other port related activities.

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

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PREAMBLE

This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) examines the potential impacts and significant effects on the environment of the storage of baled waste at Dundalk Port. The storage is currently carried out under a Waste Permit granted by Louth County Council, however as it is an activity that falls under the Industrial Emissions Licensing Regulations that were introduced in 2013, the storage now requires a Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The operator, O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors Ltd (O’Hanlon), applied to the Agency for a Licence in February 2015. The EPA has determined that the storage activity is one that requires the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment and requested O’ Hanlon to prepare and submit an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The information contained in the EIS complies with Paragraph 2 of the Second Schedule of the European Communities Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 1989, as amended by the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations 2001.

The EIS follows the grouped format structure recommended in the Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements (March 2002), published by the EPA, and the EPA’s Advice Notes to these Guidelines. This structure assesses each relevant topic in a separate section, which describes the existing (receiving) environment, the impacts associated with the activity, the proposed mitigation measures and the residual impacts.

The impacts on the receiving environment are assessed in terms of the likely natural or physical changes to the environment resulting either directly, or indirectly from the proposed development, taking into consideration ‘do nothing scenario’ cumulative and residual effects.

For inspection purposes only. The EPA’s Guidelines state the Consentsignificance of copyright owner of anrequired impact for any otheris determineduse. by a combination of objective (scientific) and subjective (social) concerns and that development has the potential to either cause significant impacts on an aspect of the environment that has been formally or systematically designated as being of importance, or to “significantly alter the existing character of some aspects of the environment”.

The following objective criteria were used to determine the significance of an impact:

 Magnitude and Intensity - Any development which can cause effects over a wide area, to a large number of receptors, or effects which are of an intensity that is significantly in excess of those normally experienced.

 Integrity -The degree to which the character or attributes of the baseline environmental topic is continued, enhanced or reduced.

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 Duration - A development that can cause impacts over a long period of time (more than one generation), or which will cause permanent changes to any aspect of the environment.

 Probability - Where the magnitude, intensity, duration or consequences of any change cannot be anticipated with a reasonable level of certainty

Impacts are, where possible, described in terms of quality; significance and duration.

Quality: Positive, Neutral, Negative.

Significance: Imperceptible; Slight; Moderate; Significant; Profound.

Duration: Temporary <1 year; Short-term 1-7 years; Medium Term 7-15 years; Long Term 15-60 year; Permanent >60 years.

Project Team

O’ Callaghan Moran & Associates (OCM) were the prime consultants, and were assisted by a number of specialist service providers. Unless otherwise referenced, OCM were responsible for completing the baseline surveys and assessment of impacts.

O’Callaghan Moran & Associates – Environmental Consultants: Prime Consultants

Address: Unit 15, Melbourne Business Park, Model Farm Road Cork Telephone: 021 - 4345366 e-mail: [email protected]

Faith Wilson Ecological Consultant: Ecology

Address Kilnamanagh Farm, For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Kilanmanagh Beg, Glenealy, County Wicklow Telephone 1850 381136 e-mail

FitzScientific: Water Analysis

Address: Unit 35, Boyne Business Park, Drogheda, County Louth Telephone: 041-99845440 e-mail: [email protected]

Difficulties in Compiling the Required Information

OCM did not encounter any particular difficulties in compiling the required information.

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 1 Introduction

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Applicant

O Hanlon & Sons Contractors Ltd (O’Hanlon), George’s Quay, Dundalk, County Louth is a company that has a licence from the Dublin Port Company to operate Dundalk Port. O’Hanlon also provides stevedore services at Drogheda Port.

At Dundalk Port, O’Hanlon operates a baled waste storage and shipping activity at under a Waste Permit (WFP-LH-12-0002-01) issued by Louth County Council. The Permit allows the storage of up to 50,000 tonnes of baled refuse derived fuel (RDF) and Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) pending shipment to overseas cement kilns and waste to energy plants.

1.2 Installation Overview

1.2.1 Site History

Dundalk Port has a long history of trading in different products including gypsum, perlite, sand, peat, salt, scrap metal, pit props, cattle, fertilizers, machinery, paper, wood and general cargo. The first vessel recorded as trading to Dundalk was in 1580. In 1646 a grant of 'perfect freedom of trade' was made.

In 1740 a pier was constructed, extending into the river upstream from the present harbour. In 1800 a harbour master was appointed and in 1803 the Custom House was built. In 1840 an Act “for regulating, preserving, improving and maintaining the river, port and harbour of Dundalk” was passed. The lighthouse was constructed in 1855. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

In the 19th Century the port was used for both cargo and passengers, however in 1968 the B&I Dundalk–Newry–Liverpool passenger service ceased. The B&I compound was subsequently sold for use for grain warehousing.

In the 1980s and 1990s extensive work was carried out on the quays to repair, maintain and extend them, with 220m of the current 400m of quay wall constructed in 1992. In response to the steady rise in port traffic, the original two separate quays were linked with a new 25 m stretch to form a single long, linear quay.

In 2002 Dundalk Port became a semi-state limited company. In 2011 the functions of Dundalk Port Company were transferred to Dublin Port Authority. In 2012 the Dublin Port Authority issued a three year licence to O’Hanlon to operate Dundalk Port. In 2012 Louth County Council granted O’Hanlon the Waste Permit to store baled wastes pending shipment. The activity began in November 2012 and is on-going. There have been no incidents or accidents at the installation that could have given rise to environmental pollution.

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 1 Introduction 1.2.2 Waste Activities

The Waste Permit authorises the acceptance and storage of 50,000 of baled processed municipal solid waste pending shipment to overseas cement kilns and waste to energy plants. The storage area is in the north-east of the port adjacent to the quay.

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab and stored either on the open paved area on the quayside until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes).

When the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the hold. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Permit restricts waste acceptance hours to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are not accepted on Sunday

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab and stored either on the open paved area on the quayside, or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes)..

When the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the ship. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Permit restricts waste acceptance hours to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are not accepted on Sunday

1.3 Proposed Developments

It is not proposed to change the types and volumes of wastes accepted at the installation. The continued operation of the installation does not require the provision any new buildings or ancillary infrastructure.

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 1-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 2 Planning & Waste Management Policy

2 LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL POLICY

2.1 Introduction

This Chapter presents an overview of the relevant national and regional waste and planning policies and demonstrates how the proposed development is consistent with the policy objectives. It is based on the Louth County Development Plan 2013 -2019; the Dundalk Development Plan 2009-2015, as varied; national Waste Policy Statements and the Waste Management Plan for the Eastern & Midlands Region.

2.2 Planning

2.2.1 Louth County Development Plan 2009-2015

The Louth County Development Plan sets out the development strategy (policies and objectives) for the sustainable future growth of the county. The Plan is being revised and a Draft Plan for 2015-2021 has been prepared, but has not yet been adopted.

In relation to waste management, it is policy (ENV 19) of the current plan to implement and support the provisions of the North East Waste Management Plan. The Draft Plan 2015-2021 also contains a policy objective (ENV 22) to implement and support the provisions of the North East Region, Waste Management Plan 2005-2010 (evaluation 2012) and the Eastern-Midlands Waste Management Plan, when adopted.

County Louth has three commercial ports (Dundalk, Drogheda and Greenore) and one fishing port (Clogherhead). It is a transport policy objective (TC27) to ensure there is sufficient land available for port extensions and related uses and to support the development and expansion of For inspection purposes only. all four ports, subject to the preparationConsent of copyright of owner an required appropriate for any other assessmentuse. exercised under the provisions of the EU Habitats Directive.

It is an energy policy objective (EN 3) to promote and encourage the provision of alternative energy resources in the line with the Government’s White Paper Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland. .

The installation is consistent with Council’s objective of supporting the development and expansion of Dundalk Port taking into consideration an assessment of the impacts on Natura 2000 Sites (Chapter 9). Currently the baled waste comprises more than 50% of the goods handled at the port.

The installation facilitates the operation and expansion of RDF/SRF manufacturing by waste management companies and is consistent with Council’s objective of supporting the development of alternative energy sources.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 2-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 2 Planning & Waste Management Policy 2.2.2 Dundalk Development Pan 2009-2015

The installation is within the development boundary of the Dundalk Development Plan. The Plan recognises that the Castletown River and Port areas afford significant potential for economic development and regeneration of the northern end of the town.

A study of the feasibility of redeveloping the area extending eastwards from the Newry Road Bridge to the port identified the development options that could reintroduce Dundalk to its river, creating interest and activity along its banks, providing a focus for development that balances that around the city, and contributes to the environmental, cultural and leisure amenities of both visitors and residents.

The Port Harbour Area is one of seven key opportunity areas to promoted economic development and it is a policy objective (EC 6) to encourage and facilitate the development of identified key opportunity sites and areas in order to generate economic activity and renewal.

The Plan references the Northeastern Waste Management Plan, the objective of which is to decrease the amount of waste generated and disposed of to landfill throughout the region by promoting the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle and to provide sustainable measures of waste disposal. It is a policy objective (EN 10) to implement and support the provisions of the Plan

2.3 Waste Management Policy

2.3.1 National Waste Management Policy

The foundation policy statement on waste management “Changing Our Ways” was published by the Department of the Environment and Local Government in September 1998. This statement firmly bases national policy on the EU Waste Management Hierarchy. In descending order, the current preference is: - For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.  Prevention;  Preparing for Reuse;  Recycling;  Other Recovery (including energy recovery);and  Disposal

The 2002 policy statement ‘Preventing and Recycling Waste - Delivering Change’ identified initiatives to achieve progress at the top of the Waste Hierarchy to prevent waste arising and increase recycling rates.

In ‘Waste Management – Taking Stock and Moving Forward’ 2004, the significant improvement in recycling rates achieved since 1998 were recognised, but the need for further expansion was emphasised. The statement confirmed that Ireland’s national policy approach remained ‘grounded in the concept of integrated waste management, based on the internationally recognised waste hierarchy, designed to achieve, by 2013, the ambitious targets set out in Changing Our Ways’.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 2-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 2 Planning & Waste Management Policy In 2006, the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy was published. Its primary focus was to achieve the targets set for the quantity of biodegradable municipal waste that can be landfilled under the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC). A key element is the collection of source separated household and commercial food waste or “brown bin” material and its treatment, primarily biological treatment.

In 2008, the Government initiated a review of waste policy, to identify possible changes to policy at national level that would assist Ireland to move towards a sustainable resource and waste policy, including minimising the creation of waste and self-sufficiency in the reuse and recycling of materials. The review also addressed the application of alternative technologies for waste management.

The EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC was introduced to coordinate waste management in Member States with the objective of limiting the generation of waste and optimising the organisation of waste treatment and disposal. The Directive, which also established the first EU wide recycling targets, was transposed into Irish Law by the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations 2011 (S. I. No.126 of 2011).

In response, the Government initiated a further review of national waste policy, one of whose objectives was to provide the necessary measures to ensure that waste undergoes recovery operations in accordance with Articles 4 and 13 of the Directive. A consultation document issued by the Department stated that classification of a treatment process as a recovery activity depends on the level of success in recovering material or producing heat and/or power.

The most recent Policy Statement ‘A Resource Opportunity Waste Management Policy In Ireland 2012 is also based on the EU Waste Management Hierarchy and encompasses a range of measures across all tiers namely, prevention and minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal.

The Statement sets out how the higher tiers can reduce Ireland’s reliance on finite resources, virtually eliminate reliance on landfill and minimise the impact of waste management on the environment. It is a policy objective Forthat inspection when purposes waste only. is generated, the maximum value must Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. be extracted from it by ensuring that it is reused, recycled or recovered.

2.3.2 Waste Management Plan for the Eastern & Midland Region

The Waste Management Plan for the North East Region 2005-2010, which is referenced in both the Louth County Development Plan and the Dundalk Development Plan was replaced by the Waste Management Plan for the Eastern & Midland Region (EMR) in May 2015.

The Plan recognises the significant advances in the development of thermal recovery capacity in Ireland, where the principal use of the waste is as a fuel to generate energy. The EMR contains five authorised active and pending thermal recovery plants- two waste to energy (WtE), and three cement kilns. These facilities typically accept waste from all parts of Ireland and operate on a national market basis

The cement kilns accept RDF and SRF manufactured from municipal solid waste, as well as other wastes such as meat and bone meal and chipped tyres. The local authorities in the region, who are the authors of the Plan, view thermal treatment capacity as a means of addressing national needs for the recovery of residual municipal waste and other waste streams.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 2-3

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 2 Planning & Waste Management Policy The Plan acknowledges that RDF/SRF is exported from ports within the region to WtE facilities in Europe and, while this assists Ireland in meeting its recovery targets, a growing dependence on export may lead to an overreliance on overseas markets that could have consequences for the national policy of becoming self-sufficient in treating residual wastes.

The long term alternative to the export of residual wastes is for Ireland to manage and treat the waste in indigenous efficient thermal treatment facilities in co-combustion industrial furnaces and cement kilns. The Plan promotes self-sufficiency and the development of indigenous capacity, and it is a policy objective (A4) to improve regional and national infrastructure for the reprocessing and recovery of particular waste streams, such as mixed municipal wastes, in accordance with the proximity principle.

Pending the development of the required indigenous thermal treatment capacity, export remains crucial to Ireland meeting its waste recovery targets and complying with the Waste Management Hierarchy.

The operation of the installation is consistent with current and proposed national and regional waste policy objectives, as it will increase the treatment capacity in the Eastern Midlands Region to get the maximum value from the waste and will contribute to the achievement and maintenance of national and regional recycling targets.

2.4 Energy Policy

The EU Climate and Energy Policy is based on achieving the following targets by 2020;

 renewables providing 20% of energy,

 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and

 20 % improvement in energy efficiency. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. EU Directive 2001/77/EC sets Ireland a national target of sourcing 16% of all energy consumption from renewables by 2020. The potential renewable energy sources that can assist in achieving this target include non-recyclable combustible waste that can be processed to produce alternatives to fossil fuels.

2.5 Climate Change Strategy

The National Climate Change Strategy charts the way to achieve and maintain reductions in greenhouse gas emissions under the Koyoto Protocol. In 2009, the EU Commission agreed a package of proposals to deliver on the EU's commitments to fight climate change and promote renewable energy up to 2020 and beyond. The package seeks to achieve a 20% reduction in total EU greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (relative to 1990 levels) and at the same time, to increase to 20% the amount of renewables in energy consumption.

To meet the 2020 target, it is essential that greenhouse gases emissions are reduced at a national level and the waste sector must contribute to this reduction. Fuel manufactured from non- recyclable wastes will replace fossil fuels. While at present a significant volume of the

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 2-4

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 2 Planning & Waste Management Policy RDF/SRF is exported, as referred to earlier, there is a growing indigenous capacity to use such fuels.

2.6 Need for the Development

The installation is key to the sustaining the short to medium term commercial viability of Dundalk Port. It facilitates the manufacturing of RDF/SRF, which is crucial to meeting national and regional waste recovery targets pending the development of the required indigenous thermal treatment and waste derived fuel capacities.

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 2-5

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 3 Alternatives Examined

3 ALTERNATIVES EXAMINED

3.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the alternatives to the proposed development that were considered, including site location, treatment technologies and layout and a ‘Do Nothing’ scenario.

3.2 Alternative Locations

The installation is located in a port and the waste activity is specifically port related i.e storage pending loading onto the transport ships. The site is an ideal strategic alternative to the other ports in the EMR from which waste is exported. It is easily accessible from those installations where the bales are produced.

The site is already authorised to store baled RDF and end of life tyres, is operational and is the only the waste storage area controlled by O’Hanlon. The alternative to obtaining a licence would be to close the installation and apply for a licence either at another location within Dundalk Port, or in another port.

Relocating to another site within Dundalk Port offers no environmental advantage. Relocating to another port would require the lease of land and the installation of a surface water collection system. The development of an alternative facility offers no environmental advantages compared to the continuation of the current operation.

3.3 Alternative Technologies & Site For inspectionLayout purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The activity is confined to the temporary storage of wrapped RDF/SRF bales and bales of end of life tyres. There is no processing or handling, other than off-loading and loading transport vehicles and the occasional rewrapping of bales that have been damaged during transport. In this context alternative technologies are not relevant. The current layout complies with the requirements of the Waste Permit and is the most efficient in terms of loading ships.

3.4 The Do Nothing Alternative

Currently the baled SRF/RDF comprises more than 50% of the bulk materials transiting the Dundalk Port. If the licence is not granted, one of the export outlets for RDF/SRF arising in the Eastern & Midland Region will be lost and there will be a considerable doubt over the short to medium term economic viability of the port.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 3-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 4 Installation Description

4 INSTALLATION DESCRIPTION

4.1 Introduction

This Chapter presents an overview of the installation location, layout, operation and emissions. More information on the ambient environmental conditions is presented in the Chapters 5 to 15, which also address the impacts associated with the operation of the installation.

4.2 Location

The installation is located in Dundalk Port, which is on the southern bank of the Castletown River and east of Dundalk Town Centre (Figure 4.1).

4.3 Layout

The layout is shown on Drawing No. S5 2014-22DF Rev A. The proposed licensed areas comprises two separate storage areas and a site office. The first occupies 1200m2 on the quayside and the second is a storage building (900m2), which is approximate 300m to the east of the open storage area. The site office is an annex to a larger warehouse located between the two storage areas. There are open quays to the east and west of the open storage area.

The open storage area and the floor of the storage building are paved with concrete. There are no above ground or underground storage tanks. There are no toilet or employee welfare facilities. The entire open storage area is served by a surface water drainage system that incorporates an oil interceptor, as shown on Drawing No WHP-SOH1-4 Rev A. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

4.4 Surrounding Land Use

The surrounding land uses is shown on Figure 4.2. The Castletown River forms the northern boundary. To the west of the open storage areas are quays and port warehousing. The lot adjoining the southern boundary of the open storage area is in use as a coal depot. There is a tank farm and three large vertical silos to the east of the open storage area, between it and the storage building. The nearest private residences are on Quay Street, the closest of which is 73m from the south-eastern boundary of the open storage area. There are commercial units on the southern side of the Inner Relief Road.

4.5 Facility Management & Staffing

The installation is operated by O’Hanlon stevedores based at the Dundalk Port. Staff include a Manager, crane operator and two general operatives. All staff have the requisite qualifications and experience to complete their assigned tasks.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 4-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 704000 705000 706000 707000 708000 Ü 0 0 0 8 0 8

Site Location )" 0 0 0 7 0 8

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

0 0 0

Kilometers 6 0 0 1 2 8

         )" Site Location This drawing is the property of O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall  not be used, produced or disclosed to anyone without the prior wrtiten permission at O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon request 

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 N

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

O’Callaghan Moran & Associates, Legend: Unit 15 Melbourne Business Park, Registration No. Model Farm Road, Cork, Ireland. 150m Tel. (021) 4345366 Licence Boundary P1007 - 01 Email: [email protected]

This drawing is the property of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall Client: Title: Figure: not be used, reproduced or disclosed to anyone without the prior written permission of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon O’Hanlon Site & Surrounding Land Use Figure 4.2 request.

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 0

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

8th September 2014 1:500 @ A0 38 Seafield Lawns Declan Flood Dundalk Co. Louth Telephone / Fax: 042-9341571. declan flood 087-2027977 B.Sc. Building Surveying MIEI Email: [email protected]

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 0

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

8th September 2014 1:500 @ A0 38 Seafield Lawns Declan Flood Dundalk Co. Louth Telephone / Fax: 042-9341571. declan flood 087-2027977 B.Sc. Building Surveying MIEI Email: [email protected]

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 4 Installation Description O’Hanlon have developed an environmental management system, as required under Condition 2 of the current Waste Permit. This includes the development of waste acceptance and handling procedures and an Emergency Response Procedure.

4.6 Hours of Operation

As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The waste acceptance hours are 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are typically not accepted on Sundays.

4.7 Waste Types & Quantities

The installation is authorised to accept 50,000 tonnes/year of baled RDF and baled tyres. Currently only baled RDF/SRF is accepted. The bales are manufactured at authorised materials recovery facilities and meet the standards specified by the end destination recovery plants and the information submitted to the National Transfrontier Shipment Office.

The RDS/SRF is manufactured by waste management companies who collect wastes in the Eastern & Midlands Waste Management Region and the installations producing the RDF/SRF are all licenced by the EPA.

The RDF/SRF comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting and each one weighs approximately 1000kg. The bales of end of life tyres are typically produced at Waste Permitted facilities.

4.8 Waste Acceptance and Handling For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The installation is not open to the general public and only accepts waste from waste companies that have valid waste collection permits. All the bales accepted at the facility are produced at authorised waste management facilities, where they are weighed out. They delivery vehicles are weighed in at the weighbridge at the eastern entrance to the port, which is outside the proposed licensed area.

The bales are off-loaded using a mechanical grab and this is supervised by the vehicle driver. Once the truck is unloaded the bales are counted and checked for damage. Any minor tears to the sheeting are patched. Any bale, whose wrapping may have been significantly damaged during transport, is brought to the storage building, where further wrapping is applied using a mobile wrapper powered by a take-off shaft connected to a tractor unit.

Depending on the weather conditions, the bales are stacked in either the open storage area, or in the storage building. The maximum height of the stacks in the open storage area is two bales.

The transport ships dock at Brown’s Quay, following which the immediate area is cordoned off. The bales are loaded onto the vessel using a Sennaboggan 650 crane and clamp. Once the vessel is loaded the open storage area on the quayside is cleaned using a road sweeper attachment fitted to a forklift. O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 4-6

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 4 Installation Description 4.9 Raw Material and Resource Consumption

The trucks that deliver the bales and the mobile plant that off load and stack the bales and load the ships use diesel. The trucks and grabs are refuelled and serviced off-site and no fuels, lubricating oils and coolants are stored at the installation. The operations do not involve the use of water or electricity, apart from lighting in the storage building

4.10 Services

Dundalk Port obtains water from the mains supply provided by Irish Water. Electricity is supplied by a utility company. There is a connection to the Irish Water foul sewer for sanitary waste water from staff welfare facilities which are not within the proposed licensed areas.

4.11 Drainage

Rainwater run-off from the open paved storage area is collected in a drain installed along the southern edge of the area and discharged to the estuary via an oil interceptor (Drawing No. WHP-SOH1-4). The run-off from the building roof goes to the surface water drainage system that serves the Port. The timing and volume of the emission will be weather dependent.

4.12 Waste Generation

The site is used solely for the storage of baled RDF and tyres pending loading on ships. The process does not generate waste, other than the contents of the oil water interceptor on the surface water drainage system.

4.13 Incidents and Complaints For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. O’Hanlon has a documented complaints procedure to ensure that any complaints received from neighbours and the general public are fully investigated and addressed. Since operations began in 2012 only one concern over nuisance has been raised by Louth County Council and this related to odours in July 2014.

4.14 Safety and Hazard Control

O’Hanlon has prepared an Emergency Response Procedure (ERP) that identifies the response actions to deal quickly and efficiently with all foreseeable major incidents in a manner that minimises environmental impacts.

All personnel and visitors are obliged to comply with O’Hanlon’s guidelines regarding access to and from the facility and on-site traffic movement. All site personnel are provided with and are obliged to wear, personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for their particular functions. PPE includes facemasks, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, overalls, reflective jackets and helmets.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 4-7

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 4 Installation Description 4.15 Emissions

4.15.1 Air

There are no point source emissions to atmosphere. The only potential fugitive emissions are dust, vehicle exhausts and odours. As no waste processing is carried out, the only source of dusts are vehicle movements. Vehicle exhausts contain a range of compounds that affect air quality, for example nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, methane, carbon dioxide, benzene and particulates. Odours are associated with both the types of wastes accepted and the time they are retained at a particular location.

4.15.2 Surface Water

The only emission to surface water from the installation is rainwater run-off from the paved open storage area and the roofs of the office and storage building, which is discharged to the Castletown River. This is weather dependent and periodic. As there is the potential for the run-off from the open storage area to contain small amounts of hydrocarbons and suspended solids it is collected in the surface water drainage system and directed to a silt trap and oil interceptor. The locations of the interceptor and outfall are shown on Drawing No WHP-SOH1- 4.

4.15.3 Ground/Groundwater

There are not and will not be any direct or indirect emissions to ground and groundwater. All of the storage areas are paved with concrete. Hazardous substances (oils) are neither stored, nor handled at the installation.

4.15.4 Noise

The only source of noise emissions are the delivery vehicles and the mechanical grabs and crane used to move the bales. Noise emissions occur during the waste acceptance periods and when the ships are being loaded. At other times For inspection the storapurposesge only. activity is not a source of noise. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 4-8

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 5 Climate

5 CLIMATE

5.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the climate at the facility and the impacts the existing activity has on the climate and microclimate, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assesses the residual effects.

5.2 Methodology

The assessment was based on meteorological data obtained from Dublin Airport Meteorological Station, which is approximmately100 km to the south of the facility.

5.3 Current Operations

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a diesel fuelled mechanical grab and stored either in the open storage area on the quay side or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes). When the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the ship using diesel fuelled mechanical grabs and a crane.

5.4 Receiving Environment

For inspection purposes only. The climate in the area is mild andConsent wet, of copyright with theowner prevailing required for any otherwind use. direction from the south west.

Average rainfall, temperature, humidity and wind speed and direction for Dublin Airport is presented in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Meteorological Data: Dublin Airport Rainfall – Annual average 732.7 mm Average maximum month (Dec) 75.6 mm Average minimum month (July) 49.9mm

Temperature Mean Daily 9.6C Mean Daily Maximum (July) 18.9C Mean Daily Minimum (Feb) 2.5C Relative Humidity Mean at 0900UTC 82% Mean at 1500UTC 72% Wind (Knots) Prevailing direction South West Prevailing sector South West

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 5-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 5 Climate The average annual rainfall at the site is 732.7 mm. The winds are predominantly from the south west sector.

5.5 Impacts

There is a link between greenhouse gas (GHG) and climate change. The waste delivery vehicles, the mobile plant used to off-load and stack the bales and load them into the ships and the ships themselves use energy (oil), with consequent GHG emissions, which predominantly comprise carbon dioxide. The operation does not involve the consumption of electricity, apart from lighting in the storage building.

Under the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Ireland's total emissions were limited to an average of 62.84 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents per annum in the period 2008-2012. The EPA, which is the responsible authority for reporting on climate change, reports that in 2011 Ireland's total GHG emissions had decreased across all sectors by 14.9% compared to 2008.

The EPA has produced initial estimates of GHG emissions for the time period 1990-2013. The total national GHG emissions in 2013 are estimated to be 57.8 million tonnes CO2 equivalent, which is 0.7 % lower than emissions in 2012. The EPA states that the figures indicate that Ireland will comply with its 2013 annual limit set under the EU’s Effort Sharing Decision (Decision 406/2009/EC)

The EPA has also produced projected estimates of GHG emissions for the time period 2014- 2035. Under the ‘best case’ scenario Ireland is projected to cumulatively meet its compliance obligations; however under the ‘worst case’ it could cumulatively exceed its obligations. In relation of sectoral emissions, GGH emissions for the waste sector are projected to decrease by 20% by 2020, due to the reduction in methane generation at landfills and an increase in waste recovery rates.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 5.6 Do Nothing Scenario

If the licence is not granted the current operation will stop, but assuming alternative cargos can be sourced, the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used for the temporary storage of bulk cargo, with no decrease in the GGH emissions.

5.7 Mitigation Measures

Fuel costs are a significant element of the stevedoring overheads and O’Hanlon carries out regular reviews of mobile plant operation to check consumption. Diesel fuelled plant engines are only turned on when the bales are being handled engines are not allowed to idle.

5.8 Assessment of Impacts

It is not proposed to change the quantity of baled waste accepted or the method of operation and there will be no change in GHG emissions.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 5-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 5 Climate

5.9 Residual Impacts

The facility has an imperceptible negative impact on climate, which will continue over its operational lifetime.

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 5-3

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 6 Traffic

6 TRAFFIC

Introduction

This Chapter describes existing road traffic conditions and the impacts the existing activity has on the local and regional road network, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assesses the residual effects.

6.1 Methodology

It is based on the traffic movements associated with the current operations, the Dundalk & Environs Development Plan 2009-2015 and data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reports on the total tonnage of goods passing through Dundalk Port in 2007 and 2013.

6.2 Current Operations

The RDS/SRF is manufactured by waste management companies who collect wastes collected in the Eastern & Midlands Waste Management Region. The installations producing the bales are all authorised by either the Agency or a local authority and are located in the Region.

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab and stored either at the open storage area on the quayside, or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes).

For inspection purposes only. The Waste Permit restricts wasteConsent acceptance of copyright owner hours required to for 08.00 any other touse. 18.00 Monday to Friday and

08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday and wastes are not accepted on Sunday. It is not proposed to change the waste acceptance hours

When the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the ship. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

6.3 Receiving Environment

6.3.1 Surrounding Land Use

The Castletown River forms the northern boundary. To the west are quays. The lot adjoining the southern boundary of the open storage area is a coal distribution depot. The nearest private residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street, the closest of which is 73m from the south-eastern boundary of the open storage area. The nearest residences to the storage building are on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the east.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 6-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 6 Traffic

6.3.2 Regional and Local Road Network

Dundalk is located along a major transportation corridor linking Dublin and Belfast and has excellent access to the M1 motorway, rail links and to air and sea ports located along the east coast. The town is well positioned relative to other national routes such as the N52 to Mullingar and the N53 to Castleblayney, where it connects to the main Dublin- Derry N2 National Primary Route.

6.3.3 Site Access

The port is accessed via two entrances, the first off the Dundalk Inner Relief Road (N52) and the second off Quay Street, as shown on Drawing No. S5 2014-22 DF RevA. The N52 connects to the M1 to the north at Junction 18 and south at Junction 18, which means that Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) delivering the bales to the port avoid travelling through the Town Centre. The visibility splays at the entrances are appropriate and there is a right hand turning lane at the entrance on the N52.

6.4 Impacts

6.4.1 Waste Vehicle Movements

The bales are delivered in curtain sided articulated trailers. Using an average loading of 26 tonnes, the 50,000 tonnes of waste delivered to the installation tonnes equates to 1,923 trips to the port annually. A trip involves two separate vehicle movements, in and out of the site, therefore the total number of individual vehicle movements associated with the activity is 3,846

Allowing for bank holidays and half-day working on Saturdays there are approximately 272 working days per year when wastes can be received at the facility. This equates to a daily average of 14 two way movements. However, depending on the arrival time of the ship, it is sometimes necessary to deliver more Forthan inspection the purposesdaily only. average and in such circumstances there Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. could be up to 60 daily two way movements.

6.4.2 Staff Vehicle Movements

There are only five staff based at the facility and there is a parking area for staff adjacent to the Storage Building.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 6-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 0

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

8th September 2014 1:500 @ A0 38 Seafield Lawns Declan Flood Dundalk Co. Louth Telephone / Fax: 042-9341571. declan flood 087-2027977 B.Sc. Building Surveying MIEI Email: [email protected]

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 6 Traffic 6.5 Do Nothing Scenario

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease and there will be an approximate 50% reduction in traffic using the port unless alternative cargos are sourced.

6.6 Mitigation Measures

The existing local road network and entrances have the capacity to handle the traffic associated with the authorised development and mitigation measures are not considered necessary.

6.7 Assessment of Impacts

In 2013, which is the most recent year for which statistics are available, 97,000 tonnes passed through the port, which equates to 7,462 two way movements annually. There has been a significant reduction in traffic using the port since 2007, when 313,000 tonnes of goods were handled, generating approximately 24,076 two way heavy goods vehicle movements. In this context the local and regional road network has the capacity to accommodate the existing traffic.

6.8 Residual Impacts

The local road network has the capacity to accommodate the traffic generated by the installation. There will be an imperceptible adverse impact for the duration of the operational lifetime of the facility.

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 6-4

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 7 Soils & Geology

7 SOILS AND GEOLOGY

7.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the soils and bedrock conditions at the facility and the impacts of the existing activity on soils and geology within the proposed licensed areas, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assesses the residual effects.

7.2 Methodology

The assessment took into consideration the Institute of Geologists of Ireland (IGI) ‘Guidelines for the Preparation of Soils Geology and Hydrogeology Chapters of Environmental Impact Statements’ (2013) and the EPA guidelines described in the Introduction. A desk study of databases maintained by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), EPA and Teagasc was completed

7.3 Current Operations

The current Waste Permit authorises the acceptance and storage of EWC 19 12 10 (combustible waste refuse derived fuel, baled and impermeably wrapped), EWC 19 12 12 (waste from the mechanical treatment of waste-refuse derived fuel baled an impermeably wrapped) and EWC 16 01 03 end of life tyres (in bound bales).

The installations producing the RDF/SRF are all licenced by the EPA, while the baled tyres are For inspection purposes only. generally originate from Waste PeConsentrmitted of copyright sites. owner The required RDF/SRF for any other use. comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting and each one weighs approximately 1000kg. The bales of end of life tyres are tied with steel ties and are not wrapped in polythene.

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab. The bales are inspected and minor tears to the sheeting are patched. Any RDF/SRF bale whose wrapping has been significantly damaged during transport is brought to the storage building where further wrapping is applied using a mobile wrapper. The wrapper is operated using a power take-off shaft connected to a tractor unit.

The bales are then stored either at the open paved storage area on the quayside ,or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes). When the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the ship. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 7-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:02 Chapter 7 Soils & Geology Rainwater run-off from the open storage area is collected in a surface water drain and discharged to the estuary via an oil interceptor. Rainwater run-off from the roof of the storage building and the office discharges to the surface water system serving the port. There are no floor drains or sumps in the building floor.

The vehicles that deliver the bales and the mobile plant used to handle them are diesel fuelled. The vehicles and plant are neither refuelled nor serviced at the installation and oils (diesel/hydraulic/engine) are not stored either in, or adjacent to the proposed license boundaries.

7.4 Receiving Environment

7.4.1 Subsoils

The subsoil distribution is shown on Figure 7.1. The Teagasc Subsoil Maps indicate the subsoils beneath the site comprise Made Ground, which is consistent with the development of the port by land raising.

7.4.2 Bedrock

The bedrock geology is shown on Figure 7.2. The site is underlain by Silurian aged metasediments and volcanics comprising calcareous red mica Greywacke of the Clontail Formation.

7.5 Impacts

There are no current direct emissions to ground. There is the potential for liquid seeps from the putrescible wastes in the bales and also minor oil leaks from the sumps of the waste transport vehicles and the mobile plant used to off-load and stack the bales and load then into the ships. The potential pathways to the soil are infiltration through damaged paving and leaks from the surface water drainage systems. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

7.6 Do Nothing Scenario

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming alternative cargo can be sourced the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used to store bulk materials. The potential impacts on the soil and geology will depend on the nature of the goods handled.

7.7 Mitigation Measures

The RDF/SRF is manufactured from residual household and commercial wastes. Urban areas and towns that have a population greater than 1,500 are served by a three bin collection service, comprising recyclables, food waste and residual waste. The separate collection of food waste reduces the amount of putrescible waste in the residual bin.

The manufacture involves mechanical processing of the residual waste to remove the non and poorly combustible wastes, which include putrescible waste that are a potential source of O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 7-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 7 Soils & Geology leachate. Not all of the putrescible wastes are extracted and the percentage remaining depends on the extent of the processing.

Following the processing the wastes are then compressed to form bales and then wrapped in up to eight layers of plastic sheeting. One of the objectives of the sheeting is to contain liquid seeps associated with the remaining putrescible wastes.

The current mitigation measures to protect the subsoils and the bedrock include;

 Wrapping the bales in the plastic sheeting which is intended to contain liquid seeps;

 The provision of impermeable paving across the open storage areas and inside the storage building,

 Inspecting all bales on arrival, rewrapping any bales where the sheeting has been significantly damaged and patching any minor tears;

 Not storing any oils or other materials that have the potential to contaminate soils either within, or adjoining the proposed licensed areas.

These measures are considered to be appropriate for the waste activities carried out and the existing site conditions and no further mitigation actions are required.

7.8 Assessment of Impacts

The provision of impermeable paving, minimises the risk of short term direct or indirect discharges to ground.

For inspection purposes only. 7.9 Residual Impacts Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The waste storage activity has not had and will not have any impact on the natural soils and bedrock.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 7-3

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 704000 705000 706000 707000 708000 Mesc Ü 0 0 0 8 0 Rck 8 Site Location )" Made GLPSsS 0 0 0 7 0 8 TLPSsS

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. MGs 0 0 0

A Kilometers 6 0 0 1 2 8

      Mesc - Estuarine sediments (silts/clays)  Site Location PAR_M T )" MGs - Raised beach sands and gravels  A - Alluvium undifferentiated gravelly Rck - Bedrock at surface  GLPSsS - Sandstone and shale sands and gravels Lower Palaeozoic TLPSsS - Sandstone and shales till Devonian/Carboniferous This drawing is the property of O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall  Made ground not be used, produced or disclosed to anyone without the prior wrtiten permission at O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon request 

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 704000 705000 706000 707000 708000

Dinantian Limestones (undiffeÜrentiated) 0 0 0 8 0 8

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Clontail Formation 0 0 7 0 8

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0 0 0

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     )"

Be dr oc k Ge ol og y  UN IT _N AM E Site Location   Clontail Formation  This drawing is the property of O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall  Dinantian Limestones (undifferentiated) not be used, produced or disclosed to anyone without the prior wrtiten permission at O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon request 

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 8 Water

8 WATER

This Chapter describes the surface water and the groundwater conditions at the installation and the impacts that the activity has on water within and outside the proposed licensed areas, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assesses the residual effects.

8.1 Methodology

The assessment took into consideration the IGI ‘Guidelines for the Preparation of Soils Geology and Hydrogeology Chapters of Environmental Impact Statements’ (2013) and the EPA guidelines described in the Introduction.

The assessment of surface waters is based on a review of the Neagh Bann International River Basin District (NBIRBD) Management Plan; databases maintained by the EPA, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and the results of surface water monitoring carried out by O’Hanlon. The assessment of groundwater is based on a review of Plan; databases maintained by the GSI, Teagasc and the EPA.

The assessment of flood risk is based on records maintained by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and information in the Dundalk and Environs Development Plan.

8.2 Current Operations

The current Waste Permit authorises the acceptance and storage of EWC 19 12 10 (combustible For inspection purposes only. waste refuse derived fuel, baledConsent and ofimpermeably copyright owner required wrapped), for any other use.EWC 19 12 12 (waste from the mechanical treatment of waste-refuse derived fuel baled an impermeably wrapped) and EWC 16 01 03 end of life tyres (in bound bales).

The installations producing the RDF/SRF are all licenced by the EPA, while the baled tyres are generally originate from Waste Permitted sites. The RDF/SRF comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting and each one weighs approximately 1000kg. The bales of end of life tyres are tied with steel ties and are not wrapped in polythene.

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab. The bales are inspected and minor tears to the sheeting are patched. Any RDF/SRF bale whose wrapping has been significantly damaged during transport is brought to the storage building where further wrapping is applied using a mobile wrapper. The wrapper is operated using a power take-off shaft connected to a tractor unit.

The bales are stored either at the open paved storage area on the quayside or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes). When the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the ship using the mechanical grab and a

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 8-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 8 Water crane. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Rainwater run-off from the open storage area is collected in a surface water drain and discharged to the estuary via an oil interceptor. Rainwater run-off from the roof of the storage building and the site office discharges to the surface water system serving the port. There are no floor drains or sumps in the building floor.

The vehicles that deliver the bales and the mobile plant used to handle them are diesel fuelled. The vehicles and plant are neither refuelled nor serviced at the installation and oils (diesel/hydraulic/engine) are not stored either in, or adjacent to the proposed license boundaries.

8.3 Receiving Environment-Surface Water

8.3.1 Regional Surface Water Catchment

The site is located in the catchment of the Castletown River, whose main channel adjoins the quayside. The Castletown River is part of the Castletown Estuary Transitional Water Body (TWB) IE_NB_040_0200 Water Management Unit (WMU) designated in the NBIRBD Management Plan.

The NBIRBD Plan contains reports on the ‘Status’ of each Water Body. Status means the condition of the water in a watercourse and is defined by its ecological and chemical status, whichever is worse. Waters are ranked in one of five status classes, High, Good, Moderate, Poor and Bad

The WFD requires measures to ensure waters achieve at least ‘Good Status’ by 2015, and that their current status does not deteriorate. Where necessary, for example in heavily impacted or modified watercourses, extended deadlines (2021 and 2027) have been set for achieving the following objectives:- For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.  Prevent Deterioration  Restore Good Status  Reduce Chemical Pollution  Achieve Protected Areas Objectives

The objectives for particular watercourses are based on ‘Pressure and Impact Assessments’ of point and diffuse emissions, land use (e.g. peat harvesting, quarrying, industrial and residential use) and morphological conditions (e.g. river depth and width, structure and substrate of river bed) to identify those Water Bodies that are ‘At Risk’ of failing to meet the WFD objectives.

‘At Risk’ does not necessarily mean that the Water Bodies have already been adversely impacted, but that there is a likelihood that one will fail to meet its objectives unless appropriate management action is taken.

The Water Body Status Report states that the overall status is ‘Moderate’, and is considered ‘At Risk’ of not achieving its restoration objective of restore status by 2015. No point source risks are identified. A copy of the report is in Appendix 1.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 8-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 8 Water 8.3.2 Local Drainage System

The local and regional drainage pattern is shown on Figure 8.1. The facility is in the catchment of the Castletown River, which forms the northern boundary of the open storage area. Rainwater run-off from the open storage area discharges to the river via an oil interceptor, which was installed in compliance with the Waste Permit conditions. Rainwater run-off from storage building and office roofs enters the surface water drainage system serving the port, which also discharges to the river

8.3.3 Surface Water Quality

A sample was collected from the Castletown River in June 2015 and analysed a range of organic and inorganic indicators of water quality which included Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, ammonia, suspended solids, mineral oil and dissolved metals.

The laboratory report is in Appendix 3 and the results are presented in Table 8.1, which includes for comparative purposes the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) specified for ‘Transitional’ and ‘Other Waters’ in the Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No.272 of 2009). The EQS are not emission limit values, but are the concentrations that must be achieved to meet the objectives set for the Water Body in the NBIRBD Plan. The results indicate the water quality in the river is good.

Table 8.1 Surface Water Quality Castletown River

Parameter Units Result EQS

BOD mg/l <2.5 <4 COD mg/l 20 NE TSS mg/l 7 NE

Ammonia mg/l For inspection0.072 purposes only.NE Consent of copyright owner required for1 any other use. Cadmium ug/l <0.09 0.2 Chromium ug/l <0.68 322 Copper ug/l 3.18 51 Lead ug.l <0.173 7.21 Nickel ug/l 1.79 201 Zinc ug/l 16 401 Mineral Oil ug/l <2.5 NE NE : Not Established 1 Arithmetic Average 2 Maximum Allowable Concentration

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 8-3

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       )" Site Location   Rivers This drawing is the property of O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall not be used, produced or disclosed to anyone without the prior wrtiten  permission at O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon request 

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 8 Water 8.4 Receiving Environment-Groundwater

8.4.1 Aquifer Classification

The GSI has developed a classification system for aquifers based on the value of the resource and their hydrogeological characteristics. The bedrock aquifer classification is presented in Figure 8.2. The bedrock beneath the installation (Clontail Formation) is classified as a Poor Aquifer (PI) which means the bedrock is generally unproductive except for local zones. The aquifer is part of the Dundalk Town 1 Groundwater Body (IE_NB_G_030). The installation is approximately 400m to the north of The Dundalk Gravels, which comprise a Locally Important Gravel Aquifer (Lg).

8.4.2 Aquifer Vulnerability

Aquifer vulnerability is defined by the GSI as the intrinsic geological and hydrogeological characteristics that determine the ease with which groundwater may be contaminated by human activities. Vulnerability categories range from Extreme to High to Moderate to Low and are dependent on the nature and thickness of subsoils above the water table. The GSI Vulnerability Map (Figure 8.3) indicates the vulnerability is High.

8.4.3 Recharge

All of the baled waste storage areas are either paved with concreted or occupied by buildings which effectively prevents groundwater recharge.

8.4.4 Groundwater Flow Direction

The direction of groundwater flow, which is based on the proximity to the river is to the north.

8.4.5 Well Search

A review of the GSI groundwater well For database inspection purposes found only. that there are no public water supply or Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. drinking water protection zones within 30km of the site. The closest recorded public water supply well is some30km to the south.

The closest recorded well for which there is information available is approximately 900m to the west of the site (Figure 8.4). It is used for industrial supply and has a reported yield of 390m3/day. The depth to bedrock is 21.3m and the total depth of the well is 73m. There is a record of a well located ~600m south of the site, but there are no details regarding water yield and it is likely that this borehole was drilled for geotechnical purposes, rather than water supply.

8.4.6 Groundwater Quality

There are no on-site groundwater monitoring wells. The status of the Dundalk Town 1 GWB is ‘Good’ but it has an overall risk rating of ‘Probably at Risk’ and an Overall Objective of ‘Protect’. The GWB Report is in Appendix 2. Given the proximity to the Castletown River, which is tidal, it is possible that the groundwater is affected by a saline intrusion.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 8-5

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Kilometers 6 0 0 1 2 8

     

Sea mles sA qCla sU pd ate_ 27N OV  Aqu iferC at )" Site Location  Lm - Locally Important Bedrock Aquifer Generally, Moderately Productive  Pl - Poor Bedrock Aquifer Generally Unproductive except in Local Zones This drawing is the property of O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall not be used, produced or disclosed to anyone without the prior wrtiten  permission at O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon request 

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 704000 705000 706000 707000 708000 Ü 0 0 0 8 0 8

Site Location )" 0 0 0 7 0 8

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

0 0 0

Kilometers 6 0 0 1 2 8

     Site Location VUL _Q4 _201 3_I G  Vuln erab il )"  Rock near or at surface  Extreme  High This drawing is the property of O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall Moderate not be used, produced or disclosed to anyone without the prior wrtiten  permission at O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon request Low 

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.! .! 0 .! .! .! 0 .! .! 0 .! 7 0 .! .! 8 .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! For inspection purposes only. .! .! .! .! .! Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! 0 .! .! .! .! 0 .! .! .! 0 .! .! Kilometers 6 0 .! .! .! .! .! 0 1 2 8 .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!    .! .! .!  Well Accuracy 10 - 50m .! .! .! .!   .! .! .! .! Well Accuracy 50 - 100m .! .! .!  .! .! .!  Well Accuracy 100 - 200m .! .! .! .! .! .! .!  Well Accuracy 250 - 500m .! .! .! .! Well Accuracy 500 - 1km .! .! .! .!.!This drawing is the property of O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall  .! .! .!.! .!not be used, produced or disclosed to anyone without the prior wrtiten Site Location .! .!.!permission at O'Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon request )"  .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.!.! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .!.!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .!.!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .!.! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.!.!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .!.! .! .! .!.! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .! .!

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.! Chapter 8 Water

8.5 Receiving Environment – Flood Risk

Dundalk is part of the Dundalk and Blackrock South Area for Further Assessment (AFA) in the Neagh Bann Catchment Flood Risk Management (CFRAM ) Programme, which is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

The Dundalk & Environs Development Plan states that significant tracts of coastal lands in Dundalk and Environs are considered to be at risk from flooding, as are areas adjacent to rivers and streams. The installation is adjacent to the main channel of the Castletown River, which is tidal along this stretch. A review of the OPW records did not identify any record of any pluvial, fluvial or groundwater flooding in the port, however high tides have caused flooding on Quay Street. A copy of the OPW Flood Report is in Appendix 4.

8.6 Impacts

Rainwater run-off from the open storage area is collected in a drain and discharged to the river, while rainwater from the roof of the office and storage building discharges to the surface water system serving the port, which also outfalls to the river.

There is the potential for liquid seeps from the bales and minor leaks may occur from the oil sumps in transport vehicles and the bale handling equipment. In the open storage area the drain is a pathway to the river. There is no pathway to the river from the storage building. The potential pathway to groundwater is through damaged paving and leaks from the surface water drainage systems.

8.7 Do Nothing Scenario.

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced the open storage area and the For storage inspection purposesbuilding only. will continue to be used to store bulk Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. cargo. The potential for impacts on water will depend on the nature of the materials handled.

8.8 Mitigation Measures

8.8.1 Surface Water

The RDF/SRF is manufactured from residual household and commercial wastes. Urban areas and towns that have a population greater than 1,500 are served by a three bin collection service, comprising recyclables, food waste and residual waste. The separate collection of food waste reduces the amount of putrescible waste in the residual bin.

The residual wastes are processed to remove the non and poorly combustible materials, which include the putrescibles are a potential source of leachate. Not all of the putrescibles are extracted and the percentage remaining depends on the extent of the processing.

Following processing the wastes are compressed to form bales and then wrapped in up to eight layers of plastic sheeting. One of the objectives of the sheeting is to contain liquid seeps associated with the remaining putrescible materials.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 8-9

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 8 Water

The mitigation measures to protect surface water that are and will be implemented at the installation include;

 Wrapping the bales in the plastic sheeting which is intended to contain liquid seeps;

 The provision of impermeable paving across the open storage areas and inside the storage building;

 Inspecting all bales on arrival, rewrapping any bales where the sheeting has been significantly damaged and patching any minor tears;

 Storing the bales in a fully enclosed building during very wet periods;

 The provision of a drainage system that collects rainwater run-off from the open storage area and directs it to an oil interceptor;

 Shutting off the outlet from the interceptor when bales are stored in the open storage area, and removing the contents to an off-site wastewater treatment plant;

 The maximum length of time any one bale is stored at the installation is four weeks;

 After the bales have been loaded into the ships the storage areas are cleaned using a road sweeper, and

 Not storing any oils or other materials within the licensed area that have the potential to contaminate surface water.

8.8.2 Groundwater

For inspection purposes only. The mitigation measures to protectConsent of groundwater copyright owner required that for any are other and use. will be implemented at the installation include;

 Wrapping the bales in the plastic sheeting which is intended to contain liquid seeps;

 The provision of impermeable paving across the open storage areas and inside the storage building;

 Inspecting all bales on arrival, rewrapping any bales where the sheeting has been significantly damaged and patching any minor tears;

 The maximum length of time any one bale is stored at the installation is four weeks; and

 Not storing any oils or other materials within the licensed area that have the potential to contaminate surface water.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 8-10

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 8 Water 8.9 Assessment of Impacts

There is the potential for rainwater run-off from the open storage areas to be slightly contaminated by minor oil leaks from the mobile plant used to handle the bales and from minor seeps from damaged bales.

A sample was collected from the surface water drain and analysed for a range of organic and inorganic indicators of potential contaminants which included Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, ammonia, suspended solids, mineral oil and dissolved metals.

The laboratory report is in Appendix 3 results are presented in Table 8.2, which includes for comparative purposes the emission limit values (ELV) specified in the Waste Permit and the EQS specified for ‘Transitional’ and ‘Other’ Waters’. Although an EQS is not directly applicable to an emission, as it does not take into consideration the assimilative capacity of the receiving water body, it is useful for comparative purposes.

The results indicate the water quality is generally good. While the ammonia level is slightly elevated there is no EQS established for Transitional Waters. The BOD, suspended solid, dissolved metals and mineral oil concentrations are all well below the EQS, where established.

Table 8.2 Surface Water Run-Off From Open Storage Area

Parameter Units ELV EQS BOD mg/l <2.5 25 <4 COD mg/l 40 TSS mg/l 9 35 Ammonia mg/l 0.244 Cadmium ug/l <0.09 Chromium* ug/l <0.68 0.6 Copper ug/l 0.802 5 For inspection purposes only. Lead ug.lConsent of copyright<0.173 owner required for any other use.7.2

Nickel ug/l 0.508 20 Zinc ug/l 29.6 40 Mineral Oil mg/l <00.0025 5 *Chromium VI

The monitoring results indicate that the run-off from the open storage area is good and none of the ELVs were exceeded; however the data is limited.

There is the potential in a severe storm event that run-off might by pass the collection drain and flow directly into the river. A 1:100 return event- 30mm of rain in one hour would generate 36m3 of run-off from the open storage area (1200m2). Based on the results of the water tests, which indicate the water quality of the run-off from the paved area is good, and the water quality and the dilution capacity in the river, the risk of any discernible impact on water quality in the river is very low.

Although any impact on surface water quality in the Castletown River due to an exceedance of the ELV would be imperceptible due to the assimilative capacity in the river/estuary, as a precautionary measure the outlet from the oil interceptor will be closed when bales are stored O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 8-11

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 8 Water on the quayside. The rainwater run-off from the roofs of the storage building and the office will not have any qualitative impact on the estuary.

The continued operation will have no impact on the quantitative and qualitative status of bedrock aquifer at either a local, or Water Body scale.

8.10 Residual Impacts

The continued operation will have an imperceptible negative impact on the water quality in the river for the duration of the activity, but will have no impact on the quantitative and qualitative status of the bedrock aquifer

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 8-12

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 9 Ecology

9 ECOLOGY

9.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the ecological significance of the site and the impacts the continued operation has on the receiving environment within and outside the boundary of the proposed licensed areas, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assesses the residual impacts.

9.2 Methodology

Faith Wilson Ecological Consultant completed an ecology survey of the site within included a desk top study of the site and a field survey which was completed in June 2015. The report, which includes details of the methodology applied, is in Appendix 5 and the findings summarised in this Chapter.

Faith Wilson also prepared a Natura Impact Statement Appropriate Assessment of the effects, if any, of the proposed changes on Natura 2000 sites within 10 km of the site. The report on the Appropriate Assessment, which was a separate exercise from the EIA, is in Appendix 6.

9.3 Current Operations

The current Waste Permit authorises the acceptance and storage of EWC 19 12 10 (combustible waste refuse derived fuel, baled and impermeably wrapped), EWC 19 12 12 (waste from the mechanical treatment of waste-refuse derived fuel baled an impermeably wrapped) and EWC 16 01 03 end of life tyres (in bound bales). For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The installations producing the RDF/SRF are all licenced by the EPA, while the baled tyres are generally originate from Waste Permitted sites. The RDF/SRF comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting and each one weighs approximately 1000kg. The bales of end of life tyres are tied with steel ties and are not wrapped in polythene.

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab. Any bale, whose wrapping may have been damaged during transport, is either patched or brought to the storage building, where further wrapping is applied using a mobile wrapper. The wrapper is operated using a power take off shaft connected to a tractor unit.

The bales are stored either at the open paved storage area on the quayside, or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes). When the ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the hold using mechanical grabs and a crane.

The Permit restricts waste acceptance hours to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday and wastes are not accepted on Sunday. It is not proposed to change the waste acceptance hours. When the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the ship.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 9-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 9 Ecology As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

9.4 Receiving Environment

9.4.1 Habitats Within the Installation Boundary

The open storage yard (1200m2) is entirely concrete paved. This area and the storage building (900m2) and the office are classified as BL3 Buildings and artificial surfaces.. Along the quay itself are a series of warehouses and various buildings associated with the port.

9.4.2 Habitats Outside the Installation Boundary

The open quaysides to the west of the open storage area and to the east, between it and the storage building, are classified as BL3 Buildings and artificial surfaces, as are the lots to the south and east of the storage building.

Adjoining the site to the north are the tidal waters, mudflats and areas of saltmarsh which form the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA, which is designated as both an SAC and an SPA At low tide a small area of mudflats are present adjoining the quay wall while further north across the tidal channel are extensive areas of saltmarsh. These habitats correspond to the Annex I habitats of international importance estuaries (1130), mudlfats and sandlfats not covered by seawater at low tide (1140), and the Atlantic salt meadow communities (1330).

9.4.3 Flora & Fauna

There is little or no vegetation in within the installation boundary. There are occasional ruderal species such as ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), red valerian (Centranthus rubra), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.), bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), grasses and other opportunistic weeds which have become established on the quayside wall and site margins For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The site is of low importance for fauna and only urban species such as house mouse (Mus musculus), brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and fox (Vulpes vulpes) would be expected to occur with any regularity. Bird species recorded within the site include feral pigeon (Columba livia domestica), jackdaw (Corvus monedula), various gulls (Larus sp.) and pied wagtail (Motacilla alba). The adjoining habitats of the SPA/SAC are used by a wide variety of waterbirds during the autumn/winter months.

9.4.4 Natura 2000 Sites

There are no Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protected Areas (SPA) or National Heritage Areas (NHA) within the proposed licensed areas, but they do adjoin the site boundaries of the Dundalk Bay SPA (Site Code: 004026) and SAC (Site Code: 000455). The Carlingford Mountain SAC is 6km to the north-east. The locations of the SPA and SAC are shown on Figure 9.1 and summary details, including the Qualifying Interests are presented in Table 9.1, with the full Synopsis Reports in Appendix 5.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 9-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 9 Ecology Table 9.1. Designated Natura 2000 Sites within a 10km radius.

Site Code Site Name and Approximate Conservation Interest Designation distance from Priority Habitats indicated with an asterisk Site 000455 Dundalk Bay Adjoins the site  Estuaries [1130] SAC  Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]  Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220]  Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310]  Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]  Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia aritimi) [1410] Site Code Site Name and Approximate Conservation Interest Designation distance from Priority Habitats indicated with an asterisk Site 004026 Dundalk Bay Adjoins the site  Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) SPA [A005]  Greylag Goose (Anser anser) [A043]  Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046]  Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048]  Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]  Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053]  Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]  Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) [A065]  Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) [A069]  Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130]  Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137]  Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140] For inspection purposes Grey only. Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141] Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.  Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142]  Knot (Calidris canutus) [A143]  Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]  Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]  Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [A157]  Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160]  Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162]  Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) [A179]  Common Gull (Larus canus) [A182]  Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) [A184]  Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] 000453 Carlingford 6km NE  Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060] Mountain SAC  Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) [8110]  Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8210]  Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220]

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 9-3

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

O’Callaghan Moran & Associates, Legend: Unit 15 Melbourne Business Park, Registration No. Model Farm Road, Cork, Ireland. 500 m Tel. (021) 4345366 Site Location SAC / SPA P1007 - 01 Email: [email protected]

This drawing is the property of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall Client: Title: Figure: not be used, reproduced or disclosed to anyone without the prior written permission of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon O’Hanlon SAC / SPA Figure 9.1 request.

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 9 Ecology

A detailed site management plan has been prepared for Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA, but only generic conservation objectives have been set for the Carlingford Mountain SAC. A summary of the conservation objectives for each Site is presented in Tables 9.2 and 9.3, with the full reports in Appendix 5.

Table 9.2. Conservation Objectives: Designated Natura 2000 sites within 10km

Site Code: Conservation Objectives Dundalk Bay Objective 1: To maintain the favourable conservation status of the SAC 000455 Qualifying Interests of the SAC.  Estuaries [1130]  Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]  Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220]  Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310]  Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]  Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410]

Objective 2: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site.

Objective 3: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities. Carlingford Objective 1: To maintain the favourable conservation status of the Mountain SAC Qualifying Interests of the SAC, or the Special Conservation Interests of 000453 the SPA.  Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060]  Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) [8110]  Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8210]  Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220] For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Objective 2: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site.

Objective 3: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 9-5

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 9 Ecology Table 9.3. Conservation Objectives: Designated Natura 2000 sites within 10km

Site Code: Conservation Objectives Dundalk Bay SPA Objective 1: To maintain the favourable conservation status of the 004026 Qualifying Interests of the SAC, or the Special Conservation Interests of the SPA.  Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) [A005]  Greylag Goose (Anser anser) [A043]  Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046]  Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048]  Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]  Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053]  Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]  Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) [A065]  Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) [A069]  Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130]  Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137]  Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140]  Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141]  Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142]  Knot (Calidris canutus) [A143]  Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]  Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]  Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [A157]  Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160]  Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162]  Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) [A179]  Common Gull (Larus canus) [A182]  Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) [A184]  Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Objective 2: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site.

Objective 3: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities.

9.4.5 Proposed Natural Heritage Areas

There are six proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) within 10km of the site, which are

 Dundalk Bay pNHA (Site Code: 000455), which adjoins the site,

 Carlingford Mountain pNHA (Site Code: 000453), which is 6km north-east,

 Ravensdale Plantation pNHA (Site Code: 001805), which is 6.8km north east,

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 9-6

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 9 Ecology  Trumpet Hill (Louth) pNHA (Site Code: 001468), which is 4.4km north east,

 Drumach, Toprass and Cortial Loughs pNHA (Site Code: 001462), which is 6km west, and

 Stephenstown Pond pNHA (Site Code: 001803), which is 7km south west.

9.4.6 Receiving Environment

No rare or protected species of plant was found within the installation boundaries. The lands within the boundaries are rated as having no conservation value from the perspective of flora as they are mostly covered in concrete, tarmacadam or other hard standing surfaces and as being of low conservation value (E) from a faunal perspective, as a number of common urban bird and mammal species were recorded.

The main interest at the installation from a conservation perspective is the adjoining Natura 2000 sites (Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA), which are of international importance and it is on these habitats and species that the potential impacts of the installation are primarily assessed.

9.5 Impacts

The licensed activity does not require any construction works and will not result in an impact of the habitats within the licensed areas. The operation does not involve any works that will affect important faunal habitats

During the operational phase there is a potential risk to water quality in Dundalk Bay arising from runoff from stored bales, that may be contaminated with small amounts of oil from leaks from road vehicles and mobile site plant and liquid seeps from the bales. This would have conservation implications for the habitats For inspection and species purposes only. in the adjoining Natura 2000 site. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

There is also potential disturbance to waterbirds during the winter months from lighting at the port during loading operations. Lighting can have impacts on bird species which form part of the qualifying interests of the SPA notably during the migration period when waders and other species are on passage.

There is no requirement for any direct discharges of wastewater from the site to the adjoining Natura 2000 site or to the existing mains wastewater system in the town. All surface water from the site currently discharges to Dundalk Bay and hence the Natura 2000 site via a silt trap and oil separator.

9.6 Do Nothing Scenario

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used to store bulk cargo. The potential impacts on ecology will depend on the type of materials handled.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 9-7

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 9 Ecology 9.7 Mitigation Measures

The RDF/SRF is manufactured from residual household and commercial wastes. Urban areas and towns that have a population greater than 1,500 are served by a three bin collection service, comprising recyclables, food waste and residual waste. The separate collection of food waste reduces the amount of putrescible waste in the residual bin.

The manufacture involves mechanical processing of the residual waste to remove the non and poorly combustible wastes, which include putrescible waste that are a potential source of leachate. Not all of the putrescible wastes are extracted and the percentage remaining depends on the extent of the processing.

Following the processing the wastes are compressed to form bales and then wrapped in up to eight layers of plastic sheeting. The objectives of the sheeting is to contain liquid seeps associated with the remaining putrescible wastes and prevent windblown litter.

The mitigation measures that are and will be implemented at the installation include;

 Inspecting all bales on arrival, rewrapping any bales where the sheeting has been significantly damaged and patching any minor tears;

 Storing the bales in a fully enclosed building during very wet periods;

 The provision of a drainage system that collects rainwater run-off from the open storage area and directs it to an oil interceptor;

 Shutting off the outlet from the interceptor when bales are stored in the open storage area;

 The maximum length of time any one bale is stored the installation is four weeks;

For inspection purposes only.  After the bales have beenConsent loaded of copyright into theowner ships required the for any storage other use. areas are cleaned using a road sweeper;

 Not storing any oils or other materials that have the potential to contaminate surface water within the licensed area, and

 The ship is berthed tight to the quayside and bales are loaded individually into the hold minimising the risk of falling into the river.

9.8 Assessment of Impacts

The continued operation will have no impacts on the habitats within the licensed area. The only designated Site that could potentially be impacted by the on-going activity is the Dundalk Bay SPA/SAC. The potential impacts are associated with contaminated rainwater run-off from the open storage area; windblown litter and a bale falling into the river during loading.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 9-8

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 9 Ecology The rainwater run-off from the roofs of the office and the storage building will not have any qualitative impact on the river. There is the potential for rainwater run-off from the open storage areas to be slightly contaminated by minor oil leaks from the mobile plant used to handle the bales and from minor seeps from damaged bales. Although any impact on surface water quality in the Castletown River would be imperceptible due to the available assimilative capacity, as a precautionary measure the outlet from the oil interceptor will be closed when bales are stored on the quayside.

9.9 Residual Impacts

The continued operation will have no impact on the ecosystem within the licensed areas. It will have an imperceptible negative impact on the water quality in the river for the duration of the activity, but will have no impact on the conservation objectives of the SPA/SAC.

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 9-9

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 10 Air

10 AIR

10.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the ambient air quality and the impacts the continued operation will have on the receiving environment within and outside the facility boundary, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures that are implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assess the residual impacts.

10.2 Methodology

The assessment is based on information derived from air quality databases maintained by the EPA, the conditions of the Waste Permit and the operational experience gained since the activity began in 2012.

10.3 Current Operations

The current Waste Permit authorises the acceptance and storage of EWC 19 12 10 (combustible waste refuse derived fuel, baled and impermeably wrapped), EWC 19 12 12 (waste from the mechanical treatment of waste-refuse derived fuel baled an impermeably wrapped) and EWC 16 01 03 end of life tyres (in bound bales).

The installations producing the RDF/SRF are all licenced by the EPA, while the baled tyres are generally produced at Waste Permitted sites. The RDF/SRF comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The For inspection purposes only. bales are wrapped in multipleConsent layers of copyright of owner polythene required for any sheeting other use. , with each one weighing approximately 1000kg. The bales of end of life tyres are tied with steel ties and are not wrapped in polythene.

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab. Any RDF/SRF bale whose wrapping may have been damaged during transport is either patched or brought to the storage building, where further wrapping is applied using a mobile wrapper. The wrapper is operated using a power take off shaft connected to a tractor unit.

The bales are stored either on the paved open quayside and/or in the storage building until there are enough to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes). Once the ship has berthed the bales are loaded into the hold using the mechanical grab and a crane.

The Permit restricts waste acceptance hours to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are not accepted on Sunday. It is not proposed to change these waste acceptance hours. As ship movements depend on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 10-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:03 Chapter 10 Air

10.4 Receiving Environment

10.4.1 Port Activities

Dundalk Port offers a range of services including general cargo handling, pilotage and customs. It can handle ships of up to 3,500 dry weight tonnes and 106m. There are five 30-tonne crawler cranes capable of handling up to 160 tonnes per hour each and ships of up to 3,000 tons can be discharged in twelve hours.

The port is accessed via two entrances, the first off the Dundalk Inner Relief Road (N52) and the second off Quay Street. The N52 connects to the M1 to the north at Junction 18 and south at Junction 18, which means that Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) delivering the bales avoid travelling through the Town Centre

10.4.2 Surrounding Land Use

The land use within 500m of the site is shown on Figure 10.1. The Castletown River forms the northern boundary. To the west are quays, with a public house further to the north-west which is the closest non-port related commercial activity. The lot adjoining the southern boundary of the open storage area is a coal distribution depot, with an oil tank farm to the east of this. The nearest private residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street, the closest of which is 73m from the south-eastern boundary. The closest private residences to the storage building are on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the east.

10.4.3 Ambient Air Quality

The principle atmospheric pollutants in industrial commercial areas are nitrous oxides, sulphur oxides, particulates and dust, which are primarily related to port, road and sea traffic, however point emissions sources from commercial activities, for example oil fired boilers and non pint sources such as coal and bulk storage areas are also sources of other pollutants. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The EPA implements an air quality monitoring programme at a number of monitoring stations across the country. Dundalk is in Zone C, one of the four air quality zones in Ireland. Zone C comprises fifteen specified urban areas with populations greater than 15,000.

The closest monitoring point to the port was a temporary station at Dundalk Fire Station on Rampart Road, where monitoring for carbon monoxide, sulphur and nitrous oxides, particulates, benzene and lead was conducted between December 2001 and July 2002. The results indicate that, with the exception of particulates (PM10), the air quality was good.

10.5 Impacts

The emissions from waste storage operations with potential to adversely impact on air quality include odours, dust and vehicle exhaust gases.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 10-2

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

O’Callaghan Moran & Associates, Legend: Unit 15 Melbourne Business Park, Registration No. Model Farm Road, Cork, Ireland. 150m Tel. (021) 4345366 Licence Boundary P1007 - 01 Email: [email protected] This drawing is the property of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall Client: Title: Figure: not be used, reproduced or disclosed to anyone without the prior written permission of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon O’Hanlon Site & Surrounding Land Use Figure 10.1 request.

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 10 Air

10.6 Do Nothing Scenario

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming that alternative cargos can be sourced the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used to store bulk cargo. The potential impacts on air quality will depend on the type of materials.

10.7 Mitigation Measures

10.7.1 Odours

Only the bales of RDF/SRF are potential sources of odours. The RDF/SRF is manufactured from residual household and commercial wastes. Urban areas and towns with a population greater than 1,500 are provided with a three bin collection service, comprising recyclables, food waste and residual waste.

The residual waste is processed to remove the non and poorly combustible materials, which include putrescibles (e.g. food) that are a potential source of odours. Not all of the putrescible materials are extracted and the percentage remaining depends on the extent of the processing.

The processed wastes are compressed to form bales and then wrapped in up to eight layers of plastic sheeting. One of the objectives of the sheeting is to contain odours associated with the remaining putrescible wastes.

The mitigation measures that are and will be implemented at the installation include;

 Inspecting all bales on arrival, rewrapping any bales where the sheeting has been significantly damaged and patching any minor tears;

 The maximum time any one bale is stored is four weeks, and

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.  Cleaning the storage areas with a road sweeper after all of the bales have been loaded into the ship.

10.7.2 Dusts

The only source of dust emissions are vehicle movements on the quayside during dry periods. The waste transport vehicles do not travel across any unpaved areas and the wheels do not have any debris which can be a source of dust in dry weather. The deployment of the road sweeper will further reduce the risk of dust generation.

10.7.3 Vehicle Exhausts

The heavy goods vehicles accessing the facility are typically fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. A diesel exhaust fuel (AdBlue) is used in the SCR to reduce the nitrous oxide levels in the exhaust gases. It is O’Hanlon policy not to allow engine idling.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 10-4

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 10 Air 10.8 Assessment of Impacts

10.8.1 Odours

Complaints about odours from waste recovery and transfer facilities are not uncommon. O’Hanlon has a documented complaints procedure to ensure that all complaints received from neighbours and the general public are fully investigated and addressed.

The current activities are not a source of odour nuisance and since the activity began in 2012 O’Hanlon has not received any complaints from members of the public relating to odours. Louth County Council raised concerns about the potential for odours in July 2014 and corrective measures were implemented.

The continued operation does not involve taking in different waste types or increasing the amount of waste accepted. The current mitigation measures, which have proven to be effective, will continue to be implemented and will be supplemented by the provision of the road sweeper.

Apart from the occasion in July 2014, inspections carried out by Louth County Council and by the Health Service Executive, the latter in response to the notification by the Agency of the receipt of the licence application, have never identified odours from the installation as being either a cause of nuisance, or of potential concern.

10.8.2 Dust

Wastes are not processed at the site and the bales are not a source of dust generation. The storage areas are paved with concrete and the wheels of the waste delivery vehicles are free of any debris that could be a source of dust generation in dry weather. The deployment of the road sweeper referred to in Section 10.7.2, will further reduce the risk of dust generation.

10.8.3 Vehicle Exhausts

The continuation of the operation will not result in any increase in the amounts of waste For inspection purposes only. accepted or any change in staff numbersConsent of copyright and therfore owner required there for any will other beuse. no new or additional emission sources.

10.9 Residual Impacts

The activity will have a slight, negative impact on air quality for the duration of the operational lifetime of the facility.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 10-5

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 11 Noise

11 NOISE

11.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the existing noise sources and associated impacts of the installation on the receiving environment within and outside the facility boundary, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures that are implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assesses the residual impacts.

11.2 Methodology

The assessment is based on data on the noise emission levels from the vehicles and plant used at the installation, the conditions of the Waste Permit and the operational experience since the activity began in 2012.

11.3 Current Operations

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab. Any bale whose wrapping may have been damaged during transport is brought to the storage building, where further wrapping is applied using a mobile wrapper. The wrapper is operated using a power take off shaft connected to a tractor unit.

The bales are stored on the paved open quayside and/or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes). Once the ship has berthed the bales are loaded into the hold using the mechanical grab and a crane. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The Permit restricts waste acceptance hours to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are not accepted on Sunday. It is not proposed to change these waste acceptance hours. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

11.4 Receiving Environment

Dundalk Port offers a range of services including general cargo handling, pilotage and customs. It can handle ships of up to 3,500 dry weight tonnes and 106m. There are five 30-tonne crawler cranes capable of handling up to 160 tonnes per hour each and ships of up to 3,000 tons can be discharged in twelve hours. The port is accessed via the Inner Relief Road (N52) and Qauy Street.

The land use in the area is shown on Figure 11.1. The Castletown River forms the northern boundary. To the west are quays, with a public house further to the north-west. The lot adjoining the southern boundary of the open storage area is a coal distribution depot, with an oil storage tank farm and silos to the east of this.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 11-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 N

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

O’Callaghan Moran & Associates, Legend: Unit 15 Melbourne Business Park, Registration No. Model Farm Road, Cork, Ireland. 150m Tel. (021) 4345366 Licence Boundary P1007 - 01 Email: [email protected] This drawing is the property of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall Client: Title: Figure: not be used, reproduced or disclosed to anyone without the prior written permission of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon O’Hanlon Site & Surrounding Land Use Figure 11.1 request.

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 11 Noise

The nearest private residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street, the closest of which is 73m from the south-eastern boundary. The closest private residences to the Storage Building are also on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the east.

The Louth Local Authorities have prepared a Noise Action Plan (2013-2018) to address environmental noise for specified major roads. These include sections of the M1 motorway, N1 dual carriageway, the N52 and the R132. The purpose of the Plan is to manage the existing and protect the future noise environment along these roads. Dundalk Port is not in any designated area.

11.5 Impacts

The only source of noise emissions are the delivery vehicles and the mechanical grab and crane used to move the bales. In 2013 97,000 tonnes of good transited that port, giving rise to approximately 3,800 HGV movements. Approximately 50% of the total port related traffic was associated with the waste storage activity.

Noise emissions only occur during the waste acceptance periods and when the ships are being loaded. At other times the installation is not a source of noise. The emission levels associated with the main items of plant at 1m distance are presented in Table 11.1.

Table 11.1 Existing Noise Emissions

Plant Item Noise Level dB(A)

HGV 80 Baler 94 – 96 Mechanical Grab 97-100

Schedule B5 of the Waste Permit sets For noise inspection emission purposes only. levels that must not be exceeded at one Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. monitoring location (N1). These are as follows:

 55 DbA Leq LT during the hours 08.00 to 20.00

 45 DbA Leq LT during the hours 20.00 to 08.00

The Permit also stipulates that there shall be no clearly audible tonal or impulsive component from the site at any noise sensitive location. The Waste Permit specifies that noise monitoring should be conducted as required by the Louth County Council. The Council has not requested O’Hanlon to carry out any monitoring.

11.6 Do Nothing Scenario

If the license is not granted the current activity will cease, but assuming that alternative cargos can be sourced the open storage area and the storage building will continue to be used to store bulk cargo, with no significant changes to the noise emission levels.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 11-3

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 11 Noise 11.7 Mitigation Measures

Site staff are instructed to avoid unnecessary revving of machinery, to turn off equipment / plant when not in use and limit the hours of site activities that are likely to give high noise level emissions.

11.8 Assessment of Impacts

Complaints about noise from waste recovery and transfer facilities are not uncommon. O’Hanlon has a documented complaints procedure to ensure that all complaints received from neighbours and the general public are fully investigated and addressed. The storage operation began in November 2012 and no complaints have been received from either members of the public or the local authority in relation to noise.

Inspections carried out by Louth County Council and by the Health Service Executive, the latter in response to the notification by the Agency of the receipt of the licence application, have never identified noise from the installation as being either a cause of nuisance, or of potential concern.

Current activities are neither a source of noise nuisance nor impairment of amenity outside the installation’s boundary. There will be no change to either the sources of noise, or the noise emission levels from those associated with current activities. There will be no increase in traffic movements and consequently no increase in road traffic noise at any residence.

11.9 Residual Impacts

The continuation of the activity will have an imperceptible negative impact from noise emissions for the duration of the operation.

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 11-4

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 12 Landscape & Visual Impact

12 LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT

12.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the landscape and provides an assessment of the visual impacts of the installation on the landscape and visual amenity, which includes a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures that are implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assess the residual impacts.

12.2 Methodology

The assessment was carried out in accordance with the guidelines in ‘Landscape and Landscape Assessment, Consultation Draft of Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ published by the Department of the Environment and Local Government (June 2002) and took into consideration the Landscape Character Assessment (Louth County Council 2002) and the requirements of the Dundalk & Environs Development Plan 2009-2015 in relation to Landscape and Strategic Views.

The objective was to determine the significance and magnitude of the landscape character and visual setting. Significance depends on the sensitivity of the affected landscape or visual receptor and the magnitude of change associated with a proposed development. In considering the magnitude and significance of any change the following are taken into account:

 The sensitivity of the view taking into account both the public accessibility of the land where views are possible and the likely sensitivity of that view given the distance,

travelling speed, intervening vegetation For inspection purposes and land only. usage; Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

 The quality and value of the existing landscape;

 The degree to which the proposal will be visible within the surrounding area; and

 Any other changes in the existing landscape e.g. new road junctions.

12.3 Current Operations

The existing site layout is shown on Figure 12.1. It comprises an open storage area on the quayside, a storage building to the east and a site office that is an annex to a warehouse. The quayside is typical of the other quays in the port and the storage building is a double span steel frame structure with metal 1.5m blockwork wall topped with metal cladding, which has a typical industrial/warehouse appearance.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 12-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 N

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

O’Callaghan Moran & Associates, Legend: Unit 15 Melbourne Business Park, Registration No. Model Farm Road, Cork, Ireland. 150m Tel. (021) 4345366 Licence Boundary P1007 - 01 Email: [email protected] This drawing is the property of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall Client: Title: Figure: not be used, reproduced or disclosed to anyone without the prior written permission of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon O’Hanlon Site & Surrounding Land Use Figure 12.1 request.

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 12 Landscape & Visual Impact The baled wastes are delivered in curtain sided articulated trucks, are off-loaded using a mechanical grab and stored either on the paved open quayside or inside the storage building. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting, each one being approximately 1.1 m in diameter and are stacked two bales high. Once the transport ship has berthed the bales are loaded into the hold using the mechanical grab and a crane

12.4 Receiving Environment

Dundalk Port offers a range of services including general cargo handling, pilotage and customs. It can handle ships of up to 3,500 dry weight tonnes and 106m. There are five 30-tonne crawler cranes capable of handling up to 160 tonnes per hour each and ships of up to 3,000 tons can be discharged in twelve hours. The cargos transiting the port include timber, grain, oil and coal.

12.4.1 Landscape Character

The landscape character of an area is determined by the forces of nature and human impact over time. In urban areas the built environment is the dominant landscape feature and is shaped primarily by human actions.

The Louth County Development Plan identifies nine Landscape Character Areas (LCA) and separate areas of high scenic quality and outstanding natural beauty. LCAs are distinct types of landscape that are relatively homogeneous in character. They are generic in nature in that they may occur in different areas of the county, but where they occur they share broadly similar conditions of geology, topography, drainage, vegetation, historical land use, etc. e.g. Drumlin areas.

Dundalk Town is not located in any designated LAC or in an area of high scenic quality or outstanding natural beauty. The landscape character of the town, including the port, is formed by the built environment, its coastal and riverside location and the panoramic views extending to the Cooley and Mourne Mountains. The underlining topography and landform is generally flat, but rises in a westerly direction For towards inspection purposes Mount only. Avenue, where the Castletown Motte Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. National Monument occupies a dominant elevated position.

12.4.2 Landscape Sensitivity

The sensitivity of a landscape is the measure of its ability to accommodate intervention without suffering an unacceptable or detrimental loss or alteration of landscape character type. On a site specific level the storage operation is consistent with other port related activities.

12.4.3 Visibility

The Castletown River forms the northern boundary. To the west are quays, with a public house further to the north-west which is the closest non-port related commercial activity from which the quayside is visible.

The lot adjoining the southern boundary of the open storage area is a coal distribution depot, with an oil storage tank farm and three large vertical silos to the east. The nearest private residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street, the closest of which is 73m from the south-eastern boundary. The closest private residences to the Storage Building are also on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the east. O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 12-3

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 12 Landscape & Visual Impact The open storage area (Photograph 1) is on the quayside and is not overlooked by any private residences from the south. This area is visible from the public house to the north-west, from the undeveloped northern bank of the Castletown River (Photograph 2) and from the upper floors of commercial units on the Inner Relief Road.. The storage building is not visible from the south and west, but is visible from the back gardens of private houses to the east (Mountain View), from the northern bank of the Castletown Building and from the open quayside to the west.

Photograph 1: Open Storage Area

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

Photograph 2 Northern Bank of the Castletown River

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 12-4

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 12 Landscape & Visual Impact 12.5 Impacts

The bales are wrapped in pale blue and black polythene sheeting and are stacked two bales high in the open storage area on the quayside (Photograph No. 3). The bales are not visually intrusive and are not visible from any private residences or from view points from either Quay Street, or Point Road.

Photograph 3 Open Storage Area

The open storage area is overlooked from the upper floors of the commercial units on Quay Street (Photograph 4).

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

Photograph 4 Commercial Units on Quay Street O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 12-5

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 12 Landscape & Visual Impact The bales are visible from the northern bank of the Castletown River, but depending on the colour of the wrapping are similar in appearance to other materials temporarily stored in the port, for example timber and coal (Photograph 5).

Photograph 5 Other Material Storage

The storage building is a double span steel frame structure with metal 1.5m blockwork wall topped with metal cladding, which has a typical industrial/warehouse appearance (Photographs 6 and 7).

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

Photograph 6 Exterior of Storage Building

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 12-6

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 12 Landscape & Visual Impact

Photograph 7 Interior of Storage Building

12.6 Do Nothing Scenario

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced the open storage area and storage building will continue to be used and the visual impact will depend on the nature of the materials.

12.7 Mitigation Measures

As the storage of the bales does not have any discernible negative impacts, mitigation measures are not required. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

12.8 Assessment of Impacts

The subject site is in an operational port, which is not in an area of scenic value or outstanding natural beauty. The bales are similar in appearance to other cargo (Photographs ? and ? transiting the port and are not visually intrusive and do not negatively affect the local landscape character

12.9 Residual Impacts

The on-going storage of the bales will have a neutral impact on the existing landscape character and visual amenity for the duration of the operation.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 12-7

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 13 Human Beings

13 HUMAN BEINGS

13.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the economic activity, social considerations and land uses in the vicinity of the facility and assesses the impacts of the installation on the local population, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures that are implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assess the residual impacts.

13.2 Methodology

The assessment was based on the planning zoning status, the land use in the vicinity of the facility, population density and employment sectors. The information was derived from data bases maintained by the CSO, the Louth County Council Development Plan (2009-2015) and the Dundalk & Environs Development Plan (2009-2015).

13.3 Current Operations

The current Waste Permit authorises the acceptance and storage of EWC 19 12 10 (combustible waste refuse derived fuel, baled and impermeably wrapped), EWC 19 12 12 (waste from the mechanical treatment of waste-refuse derived fuel baled an impermeably wrapped) and EWC 16 01 03 end of life tyres (in bound bales).

The RDF/SRF comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of For inspection purposes only. polythene sheeting and each oneConsent weighs of copyright approximately owner required for 1000kg.any other use. The bales of end of life tyres are tied with steel ties and are not wrapped in polythene.

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks, are off loaded using a mechanical grab. Any bale of RDF/SRF, whose wrapping may have been damaged during transport, is brought to the storage building, where further wrapping is applied using a mobile wrapper. The wrapper is operated using a power take off shaft connected to a tractor unit.

The bales are stored on the paved open quayside and/or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes). Once the ship has berthed the bales are loaded into the hold using the mechanical grab and a crane.

The Permit restricts waste acceptance hours to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are not accepted on Sunday. It is not proposed to change these waste acceptance hours. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 13-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 13 Human Beings 13.4 Receiving Environment

Dundalk Port is located to the east of the town centre and on the southern bank of the Castletown River. The land use to the east, south and west is a mix of commercial and residential (Figure 13.1. To the west of the open storage areas are quays, with a public house further to the north- west and is the closest non-port related commercial activity.

The nearest private residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street, the closest of which is 73m from the south-eastern boundary. The closest private residences to the storage Building are on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the west.

13.5 Impacts

13.5.1 Human Health

While odours do not present a direct risk to health, they can be a significant nuisance and cause of discomfort that may indirectly affect human health. The baled waste contains residual amounts of materials that have the potential to be a source of odour nuisance at off-site receptors.

13.5.2 Environmental Nuisance

Facilities that accept and process wastes are potential sources of nuisance (odours, dust, noise vermin and pests) that can significantly adversely impair the environment outside the site boundaries if they are not properly designed and operated.

13.5.3 Traffic

Traffic movement to and from waste management facilities can, depending on the size, location and capacity of the local road network, be a cause of congestion that affects local residents. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

13.6 Do Nothing Scenario

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced the open storage area and storage building will continue to be used and the potential for impacts on human beings will depend on the nature of the materials.

13.7 Mitigation Measures

O’Hanlon implements the nuisance control measures specified in the Waste Permit. These are described in Chapter 4 Site Description, Chapter 10 Air and Chapter 11 Noise.

13.8 Assessment of Impact

The mitigation measures that are currently implemented, which are designed to control odours, dusts, noise and pests), have proved to be effective, with only one concern about potential nuisance (odours) being raised by Louth County Council since operations began in 2012. O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 13-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 N

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

O’Callaghan Moran & Associates, Legend: Unit 15 Melbourne Business Park, Registration No. Model Farm Road, Cork, Ireland. 150m Tel. (021) 4345366 Licence Boundary P1007 - 01 Email: [email protected] This drawing is the property of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall Client: Title: Figure: not be used, reproduced or disclosed to anyone without the prior written permission of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon O’Hanlon Site & Surrounding Land Use Figure 13.1 request.

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 13 Human Beings Inspections carried out by the Health Service Executive, the latter in response to the notification by the Agency of the receipt of the licence application, did not identify the installation as being either a cause of nuisance, or of potential concern.

13.9 Residual Impacts

The continuation of the activity will have an imperceptible negative impact on human beings for the duration of the operation.

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 13-4

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 14 Archaeology, Architecture & Cultural Heritage

14 ARCHAEOLOGY, ARCHITECTURE & CULTURAL HERITAGE

14.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the archaeological, and cultural heritage significance of the installation and describes the closest architectural structures and assesses its impacts, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures that are implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assess the residual impacts.

14.2 Methodology

The study was based on information derived from the Records of Monuments and Places published by the Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht and information contained in the Dundalk and Environs Development Plan (2009-2105) and the Louth County Development Plan (2009-2015).

14.3 Current Operations

The current Waste Permit authorises the acceptance and storage of EWC 19 12 10 (combustible waste refuse derived fuel, baled and impermeably wrapped), EWC 19 12 12 (waste from the mechanical treatment of waste-refuse derived fuel baled an impermeably wrapped) and EWC 16 01 03 end of life tyres (in bound bales).

The RDF/SRF comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of For inspection purposes only. polythene sheeting and each oneConsent weighs of copyright approximately owner required for 1000kg.any other use. The bales of end of life tyres are tied with steel ties and are not wrapped in polythene.

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab. Any bale, whose wrapping may have been damaged during transport, is brought to the storage building, where further wrapping is applied using a mobile wrapper. The wrapper is operated using a power take off shaft that connects to a tractor unit.

The bales are stored on the paved open quayside and/or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes). Once the ship has berthed the bales are loaded into the hold using a mechanical grab and a crane.

The Permit restricts waste acceptance hours to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are not accepted on Sunday. It is not proposed to change these waste acceptance hours. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 14-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 14 Archaeology, Architecture & Cultural Heritage 14.4 Receiving Environment

14.4.1 Archaeological and Historical Background

Dundalk Port has a long history of trading in different products and the first cargo vessel recorded as calling was in 1580. A search of the Sites and Monuments Records and review of the Development Plans did not identify any record of any archaeological feature within the subject site. Dundalk Town Centre and the Castletown Motte are the closest designated Areas of Special Archaeological Interest.

14.4.2 Architectural Heritage – Protected Structures

There is no record of any protected structure (e.g. medieval structure, church) within the subject site boundary. The subject site is not in any of the Architectural Conservation Areas identified in the Dundalk and Environs Development Plan.

14.4.3 Cultural Heritage

There is no record of any ritual and religious associations, riverine and estuarine sites, find spots of archaeological or heritage objects, designed landscapes, natural landscapes with cultural heritage associations, relic landscapes and folklore associations within the existing and proposed development site

14.5 Impacts

There is no record of any archaeological feature on the site. The on-going storage of the bales does not require any excavation or ground disturbance works and there is no risk of any impacts on any unidentified archaeological features.

For inspection purposes only. 14.6 Do Nothing Scenario Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced, the open storage area and storage building will continue to be used and the potential for impacts on the archaeology, architecture and cultural heritage will remain unchanged.

14.7 Mitigation Measures

As the on-going storage of the baled wastes will not have any impact on any archaeological or cultural feature, mitigation measures are not required.

14.8 Assessment of Impact

The continued storage of baled wastes will not have any impact on any archaeological, architectural or cultural feature.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 14-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 14 Archaeology, Architecture & Cultural Heritage 14.9 Residual Impacts

The storage of baled wastes will not have any impact on any archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage features.

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 14-3

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 15 Material Assets & Natural Resources

15 MATERIAL ASSETS & NATURAL RESOURCES

15.1 Introduction

This Chapter describes the material assets and natural resources at an in the environs of the installation and assesses its impacts, including a ‘do nothing’ scenario. It identifies the mitigation measures that are implemented to reduce the significance of the impacts and assess the residual impacts.

15.2 Methodology

The assessment is based on information obtained from the surveys carried to assess the impacts of all of the different elements of the proposed development, and data derived from the CSO and the Louth County Development Plan (2009-2015 and Dundalk and Environs Development Plan (2009-2015)

15.3 Current Operations

The current Waste Permit authorises the acceptance and storage of EWC 19 12 10 (combustible waste refuse derived fuel, baled and impermeably wrapped), EWC 19 12 12 (waste from the mechanical treatment of waste-refuse derived fuel baled an impermeably wrapped) and EWC 16 01 03 end of life tyres (in bound bales).

The RDF/SRF comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting and each one weighs approximately 1000kg. The bales of end of life tyres For inspection purposes only. are tied with steel ties and are notConsent wrapped of copyright in owner polythene. required for any other use.

The bales are delivered to the site by curtain sided articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab. Any bale of RDF/SRF, whose wrapping may have been damaged during transport, is brought to the storage building, where further wrapping is applied using a mobile wrapper. The wrapper is operated using a power take off shaft that connects to a tractor unit.

The bales are stored on the paved open quayside and/or in the storage building until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes). Once the ship has berthed the bales are loaded into the hold using the mechanical grab and a crane.

The Permit restricts waste acceptance hours to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are not accepted on Sunday. It is not proposed to change these waste acceptance hours. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 15-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 15 Material Assets & Natural Resources 15.4 Receiving Environment

15.4.1 Surrounding Land Use and Amenity Value

Dundalk Port is located to the east of the town centre and on the southern bank of the Castletown River (Figure 15.1). The land use to the east, south and west is a mix of commercial and residential. To the west of the open storage area are quays, with a public house further to the north-west. The nearest private residences to the open storage area are on Quay Street, the closest of which is 73m from the south-eastern boundary. The closest private residences to the storage building are also on Point Road to the south and in Mountain View to the west.

Castletown River and Dundalk’s coast line are important amenity features for the inhabitants of the town and the surrounding area that need to be protected, particularly having regard to Dundalk Bay’s designation as an SAC, SPA and pNHA. It is an objective of Louth County Council to open up the area for recreational and amenity purposes by the provision of cycle and pedestrian paths along the river extending from Toberona to Blackrock Village.

15.4.2 Infrastructure

Dundalk Port is one of three commercial ports in County Louth, the others being Drogheda and Greenore. It is the smallest of the three in terms of goods handled, but is still an important economic hub for the town, with 97,000 tonnes of goods transiting the port in 2013. It is a transport policy objective of Louth County Council to support the development and expansion of the port.

The local and regional road network and the impact of the proposed development is described in Chapter 6. There is an electricity and mains water supply and a connection to the Irish Water foul sewer.

15.4.3 Socio-Economic Activity

For inspection purposes only. In the 2011 census Dundalk hadConsent a population of copyright owner of 37,816required for. any The other populationuse. of pre-school age (0- 4) was 3,008, of primary school going age (5 -12) was 4,354 and of secondary school going age (13-18) was 2,983. There were 4374 persons aged 65 years and over, while the number aged 18 years or over was 28,014.

There were 17,525 persons aged 15 years and over in the labour force and of these, 73 % (12,875) were at work. The unemployment rate for this area was 26.5 % compared with a national average rate of 19.0 %. Of the 12,875 workers, 3,120 worked outside the area. The daytime working population (resident and non-resident) was 12,936 with commerce and trade professional services being the largest industry. Five of the people employed at the port work at the installation.

The Dundalk & Environs Development Plan recognises that the Castletown River and Port areas afford significant potential for economic development and regeneration of the northern end of the town. The port is part of The Port Harbour Area, which is one of seven key opportunity areas to promote economic development and it is a policy objective (EC 6) to encourage and facilitate the development of identified key opportunity sites and areas in order to generate economic activity and renewal.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 15-2

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 N

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

O’Callaghan Moran & Associates, Legend: Unit 15 Melbourne Business Park, Registration No. Model Farm Road, Cork, Ireland. 150m Tel. (021) 4345366 Licence Boundary P1007 - 01 Email: [email protected] This drawing is the property of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall Client: Title: Figure: not be used, reproduced or disclosed to anyone without the prior written permission of O’Callaghan Moran & Associates and shall be returned upon O’Hanlon Site & Surrounding Land Use Figure 15.1 request.

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 15 Material Assets & Natural Resources 15.5 Resource Consumption

The trucks that deliver the bales and the mobile plant that off load and stack the bales and load the ships use diesel. The trucks and grabs are refuelled and serviced off-site and no fuels, lubricating oils and coolants are stored at the installation. The operations do not involve the use of water or electricity, apart from lighting in the storage building

15.6 Impacts

Waste management facilities have the potential, if not properly designed and operated, to adversely impact on local amenity value and socio-economic activity as a result of environmental nuisance, for example odours and noise emissions and traffic congestion. They also involve the direct and indirect consumption of natural resources, including fossil fuels, water and electricity.

15.7 Do Nothing Scenario

If the licence is not granted the activity will cease, but assuming other cargos can be sourced, the open storage area and storage building will continue to be used and the potential for impacts on material assets will depend on the nature of the materials. The baled waste comprises just over 50% of the total cargo transiting the port. If alternative cargos cannot be sourced, there will be a serious doubt over the economic viability of port operations in the short to medium term.

15.8 Mitigation

O’Hanlon implements the nuisance control measures specified in the Waste Permit and also applies resource consumption control measures to minimise usage. These are described in Chapter 4 Site Description, Chapter 10 For Air inspection and purposes Chapter only. 11 Noise. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

15.9 Assessment of Impacts

The activity is port related and contributes more than 50% of the goods transiting the port. It is in keeping with national and local waste management policy objectives and existing site use, and has not resulted in the loss of any amenities or rights of way. The current operations are not a source of adverse environmental nuisance or impairment of amenities outside the site boundary and the local road network has the capacity to deal with the associated traffic.

The activity has not adversely affected the existing economic activities in the surrounding area, nor has it reduced the potential for the future expansion of such activities. The continued operation will have a significant positive economic impact for the port.

15.10 Residual Impact

The continuation of the activity will have not have any adverse impact on amenity values and socio-economic activities in the locality. It will have a slight negative impact in relation to the O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 15-4

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 15 Material Assets & Natural Resources consumption of fossil fuels, but this will be off-site by its part in the supply chain of alternatives to such fuels. It will have a significant positive economic impact for port operations.

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

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 15-5

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 16 Interaction of the Foregoing

16 INTERACTION OF THE FOREGOING

16.1 Introduction

Earlier Chapters describe the impacts associated with the proposed changes and the mitigation measures. This Chapter discusses the significance of the actual and potential direct, indirect and cumulative effects of the changes due to interaction between relevant receptors, which are Human Beings, Air, Water and Ecology. It is based on the combined physical, environmental, visual and socio-economic impact of the development on the receiving environment.

16.2 Human Beings / Air

The activity has the potential to impact on human beings arising from noise, dust, traffic, vehicle exhaust emissions and odour. The location, design and method of operation have taken account of these emissions and effective mitigation measures, which comply with the requirements of the Waste Permit, have been identified and applied. These measures, are described in Chapter 4 Installation Description, Chapter 6, Chapter 10 and Chapter 11

16.3 Water / Ecology

Surface water run-off from the site will discharge to the Castletown River which is part of the Dundalk Bay SPA and SAC. There is the potential for contaminants in the run-off to impact on the river ecosystem. The method of operation, incorporates measures to minimise the risk of contaminated run-off in and these are assessed in Chapter 9.

For inspection purposes only. 16.4 Cumulative Effects Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The assessment of the impacts of the current activity took into consideration the impacts of the other port related operations.

O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015 16-1

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04 Chapter 16 Interaction of the Foregoing

Table 17.1 Interaction of Impacts

Climate Traffic Soils & Water Ecology Air Noise Landscape Human Heritage Material Geology Beings Assets Climate Traffic √ Soils & Geology Water √ Ecology Air √ Noise

Landscape

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

Beings Heritage

Material Assets

16-2 O’Hanlon & Sons Contractors EIS Dundalk Port July 2015

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:04

APPENDIX 1 Surface Water Body Report

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

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Full Report for Waterbody Castletown Estuary

River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) have been published for all River Basin Districts in Ireland in accordance with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The WaterMaps viewer is an integral part of the River Basin Management Plan and provides access to information at individual waterbody level and at Water Management Unit level for all the River Basin Districts in Ireland. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The following report provides summary plan information about the selected waterbody (indicated by the pin in the map above) relating to its status, risks, objectives, and measures proposed to retain status where this is adequate, or improve it where necessary. Waterbodies can relate to surface waters (these include rivers, lakes, estuaries [transitional waters], and coastal waters), or to groundwaters. Other relevant information not included in this report can be viewed using the WaterMaps viewer, including areas listed in the Register of Protected Areas.

You will find brief notes at the bottom of some of the individual report sheets that will help you in interpreting the information presented. More detailed information can be obtained in relation to all aspects of the RBMPs at www.wfdireland.ie.

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Summary Information:

Water Management Unit: N/A

WaterBody Category: Transitional Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Castletown Estuary

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_040_0200

Overall Status: Moderate

Overall Objective: Restore 2015

Overall Risk: 1a At Risk

Heavily Modified: No

Report data based upon final RBMP, 2009-2015.

The information provided above is a summary of the principal findings related to the selected waterbody. Further details and explanation of individual elements of the report are outlined in the following pages.

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

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Status Report Water Management Unit: N/A

WaterBody Category: Transitional Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Castletown Estuary

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_040_0200

Overall Status Result: Moderate

Heavily Modified: No

Status Element Description Result Status information DIN Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen status Moderate MRP Molybdate Reactive Phosphorus status Moderate DO Dissolved oxygen as per cent saturation status Moderate BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5-days) status Good PHY Macroalgae - phytobiomass status Moderate OPP Macroalgae - opportunistic algae status N/A RSL Macroalgae - reduced species list status N/A ANG Angiosperms - Seagrass and Saltmarsh status N/A BIN Benthic Invertebrates status N/A FIS Fish status N/A HYD Hydrology status N/A

For inspection purposes only. MOR Morphology status Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Less than Good SP Specific Pollutant Status N/A PAS Overall protected area status Less than good ES Ecological Status Moderate CS Chemical Status N/A SWS Surface Water Status N/A EXT Extrapolated status N/A DON Donor water bodies N/A

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 n/a - not assessed

Status By ‘Status’ we mean the condition of the water in the waterbody. It is defined by its chemical status and its ecological status, whichever is worse. Waters are ranked in one of 5 status classes: High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad. However, not all waterbodies have been monitored, and in such cases the status of a similar nearby waterbody has been used (extrapolated) to assign status. If this has been done the first line of the status report shows the code of the waterbody used to extrapolate.

You can read more about status and how it is measured in our RBMP Document Library at www.wfdireland.ie (Directory 15 Status).

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

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Risk Report Water Management Unit: N/A WaterBody Category: Transitional Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Castletown Estuary

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_040_0200

Overall Risk Result: 1a At Risk

Heavily Modified: No

Risk Test Description Risk Hydrology

THY1 Water balance - Abstraction 2a Probably Not At Risk Marine Direct Impacts

TMDI Dangerous Substances na N/A 1 TMDI OSPAR 1b Probably At Risk 2 TMDI UWWT Regs Designations 1a At Risk 3 TMDI Marine Direct Impacts Overall - Worst Case 1a At Risk O Morphological Risk Sources

TM1 Channelisation na N/A TM2 Deposition na N/A TM3 Coastal Defences na N/A

TM4 Impoundments For inspection purposes only. na N/A Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. TM5a Built Structures - Port Tonnage na N/A TM5b Built Structures - Industrial Intakes na N/A TM6 Intensive Landuse na N/A TMO Morphology Overall - Worst Case na N/A TMO Overall (MIMAS) Morphological Risk - Worst Case (2008) na N/A Overall Risk

RA Transitional Overall - Worst CaseOverall (MIMAS) Morphological Risk - 1a At Risk Worst Case (2008) Point / MDI Worst Case

TPOL Worst case of Point Overall and MDI OverallOverall (MIMAS) 1a At Risk Morphological Risk - Worst Case (2008)

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Point Risk Sources

TP1 WWTPs (2008) 2b Not At Risk TP2 CSOs 2b Not At Risk TP3 IPPCs (2008) 2b Not At Risk TP4 Section 4s (2008) 2b Not At Risk TP5 WTPs/Mines/Quarries/Landfills na N/A TPO Overall Risk from Point Sources - Worst Case (2008) 2b Not At Risk

Risk By 'risk' we mean the risk that a waterbody will not achieve good ecological or good chemical status/potential at least by 2015. To examine risk the various pressures acting on the waterbody were identified along with any evidence of impact on water status. Depending on the extent of the pressure and its potential for impact, and the amount of information available, the risk to the water body was placed in one of four categories: 1a at risk; 1b probably at risk; 2a probably not at risk; 2b not at risk. Note that '2008' after the risk category means that the risk assessment was revised in 2008. All other risks were determined as part of an earlier risk assessment in 2005.

You can read more about risk assessment in our 'WFD Risk Assessment Update' document in the RBMP document library, and other documents at www.wfdireland.ie (Directory 31 Risk Assessments).

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

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Objectives Report

Water Management Unit: N/A

WaterBody Category: Transitional Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Castletown Estuary

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_040_0200

Overall Objective: Restore 2015

Heavily Modified: No

Objectives Description Result Extended timescale information E1 Extended timescales due to time requirements to upgrade WWTP discharges No Status E2 Extended timescales due to delayed recovery of chemical pollution and No Status chemical status failures E3 Extended timescales due to winter dissolved nitrogen exceedances No Status E4 Extended timescales due to time requirements for status recovery No Status E5 Extended timescales from Northern Ireland Environment Agency No Status E0V Overall extended timescale - combination of all extended timescales fields No Status Objectives information OB1 Prevent deterioration objective No Status OB2 Restore at least good status objective No Status OB3 Reduce chemical pollution objective No Status

OB4 Protected areas objective For inspection purposes only. Restore 2015 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. OBO Overall objectives Restore 2015

Extended timescales Extended timescales have been set for certain waters due to technical, economic, environmental or recovery constraints. Extended timescales are usually of one planning cycle (6 years, to 2021) but in some cases are two planning cycles (to 2027).

Objectives In general, we are required to ensure that our waters achieve at least good status/potential by 2015, and that their status does not deteriorate. Having identified the status of waters (this is given earlier in this report), the next stage is to set objectives for waters. Objectives consider waters that require protection from deterioration as well as waters that require restoration and the timescales needed for recovery. Four default objectives have been set initially:-

Prevent Deterioration Restore Good Status Reduce Chemical Pollution Achieve Protected Areas Objectives

These objectives have been refined based on the measures available to achieve them, the latter's likely effectiveness, and consideration of cost-effective combinations of measures. Where it is considered necessary extended deadlines have been set for achieving objectives in 2021 or 2027.

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Measures Report Water Management Unit: N/A WaterBody Category: Transitional Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Castletown Estuary

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_040_0200 Heavily Modified: No

Measures Description Applicable BC Total number of basic measures which apply to this waterbody 19 BW Directive - Bathing Waters Directive No BIR Directive - Birds Directive Yes HAB Directive - Habitats Directive Yes MAE Directive - Major Accidents and Emergencies Directive Yes EIA Directive - Environmental Impact Assessment Directive Yes UWT Directive - Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive Yes PPP Directive - Plant Protection Products Directive Yes NIT Directive - Nitrates Directive Yes IPC Directive - Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Directive Yes POI Other Stipulated Measure - Control of point source discharges Yes DIF Other Stipulated Measure - Control of diffuse source discharges Yes PS Other Stipulated Measure - Control of priority substances Yes MOD Other Stipulated Measure - Controls on physical modifications to surface waters Yes OA Other Stipulated Measure - Controls on other activities impacting on water status Yes For inspection purposes only. AP Other Stipulated Measure - PreventionConsent of copyrightor reduction owner required of the for impact any other of use. accidental Yes

pollution incidents TP1 WSIP - Agglomerations with treatment plants requiring capital works Yes TP2 WSIP - Agglomerations with treatment plants requiring further investigation prior to No capital works TP3 WSIP - Agglomerations requiring the implementation of actions identified in Yes Shellfish PRPs TP4 WSIP - Agglomerations with treatment plants requiring improved operational Yes performance TP5 WSIP - Agglomerations requiring investigation of CSOs No TP6 WSIP - Agglomerations where exisitng treatment capacity is currently adequate but No predicted loadings would result in overloading OTS On-site waste water treatment systems Yes SHE Shellfish Pollution Reduction Plan No IPR IPPC licences requiring review Yes WPR Water Pollution Act licences requiring review No

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 HQW Protect high quality waters No

Measures Measures are necessary to ensure that we meet the objectives set out in the previous page of this report. Many measures are already provided for in national legislation and must be implemented. Other measures have been recently introduced or are under preparation. A range of additional potential measures are also being considered but require further development. Any agreed additional measures can be introduced through the update of Water Management Unit Action Plans during the implementation process.

You can read more about Basic Measures in 'River Basin Planning Guidance' and in other documents in our RBMP Document Library at www.wfdireland.ie.

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

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05

APPENDIX 2 Groundwater Body Report

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

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Full Report for Waterbody Dundalk Town 1

River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) have been published for all River Basin Districts in Ireland in accordance with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The WaterMaps viewer is an integral part of the River Basin Management Plan and provides access to information at individual waterbody level and at Water Management Unit level for all the River Basin Districts in Ireland. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The following report provides summary plan information about the selected waterbody (indicated by the pin in the map above) relating to its status, risks, objectives, and measures proposed to retain status where this is adequate, or improve it where necessary. Waterbodies can relate to surface waters (these include rivers, lakes, estuaries [transitional waters], and coastal waters), or to groundwaters. Other relevant information not included in this report can be viewed using the WaterMaps viewer, including areas listed in the Register of Protected Areas.

You will find brief notes at the bottom of some of the individual report sheets that will help you in interpreting the information presented. More detailed information can be obtained in relation to all aspects of the RBMPs at www.wfdireland.ie.

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Summary Information:

Water Management Unit: N/A

WaterBody Category: Groundwater Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Dundalk Town 1

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_G_030

Overall Status: Good

Overall Objective: Protect

Overall Risk: 1b Probably At Risk

Heavily Modified: No

Report data based upon final RBMP, 2009-2015.

The information provided above is a summary of the principal findings related to the selected waterbody. Further details and explanation of individual elements of the report are outlined in the following pages.

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

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Chemical and Quantitative Status Report Water Management Unit: N/A

WaterBody Category: Groundwater Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Dundalk Town 1

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_G_030

Overall Status Result: Good

Heavily Modified: No

Status Element Description Result Status information INS Status associated with saline intrusion into groundwater GS-HC DWS Status associated with exceedances of water quality above specific standards GS-HC DS Chemical status of groundwater due to pressure from diffuse sources of pollution GS-HC CLS Chemical status of groundwater due to pressure from contaminated soil or land. GS-HC MS Chemical status of groundwater due to pressure from mine sites (active or closed). GS-HC UAS Chemical status of groundwater due to pressures from urban areas GS-LC GWS General groundwater quality status GS-LC RPS Status associated with MRP loading to rivers GS-LC TNS Status associated with nitrate loading to transitional and coastal waters GS-HC SWS Overall status associated with nutrient loadings to rivers and transitional and GS-LC coastal waters SQS Status associated with dependant surface water quantitative status GS-HC For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. GDS Groundwater dependant terrestrial ecosystems status GS-HC QSO Quantitative status overall GS-HC CSO Chemical status overall GS-LC OS Overall status Good

GS -HC : Good status High Confidence GS- LC : Good status Low Confidence n/a - not assessed

Status By ‘Status’ we mean the condition of the water in the waterbody. It is defined by its chemical status and quantitative status, whichever is worse. Groundwaters are ranked in one of 2 status classes: Good or Poor.

You can read more about status and how it is measured in our RBMP Document Library at www.wfdireland.ie (Directory 15 Status).

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Risk Report Water Management Unit: N/A WaterBody Category: Groundwater Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Dundalk Town 1

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_G_030

Overall Risk Result: 1b Probably At Risk

Heavily Modified: No

Risk Test Description Risk Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems

TE GWDTE Risk na N/A Groundwater Quality

DIF Diffuse Elements (General) Risk na N/A DW Drinking Waters Risk na N/A INT Intrusions Risk na N/A WB Water Balance Risk na N/A Groundwater Quality (General)

GQ General Groundwater Quality Risk na N/A Groundwater Quality (Point Risk)

CL Contaminated Land Risk na N/A LF Landfill Risk na N/A MI Mine Risk na N/A For inspection purposes only. QY Quarry Risk Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. na N/A

UR Urban Risk na N/A UW UWWT Risk na N/A GW Diffuse Risk Sources

WB3 Mobile Nutrients (NO3) na N/A WB4 Mobile Chemicals na N/A WB5 Clustered OSWTSs and leaking urban sewerage systems na N/A GW Hydrology

WB1 Water balance - Abstraction na N/A WB2 Abstraction - Intrusion na N/A

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 GW Point Risk Sources

WB10 Risk from Point sources of pollution - Contaminated Land na N/A WB11 Risk from Point sources of pollution - Trade Effluent Discharges na N/A WB12 Risk from Point sources of pollution - Urban Wastewater Discharges na N/A WB6 Risk from Point sources of pollution - Mines na N/A WB7 Risk from Point sources of pollution - Quarries na N/A WB8 Risk from Point sources of pollution - Landfills na N/A WB9 Risk from Point sources of pollution - Oil Industry Infrastructure na N/A Overall Risk

RA Groundwater Overall - Worst Case na N/A Risk information

CLR Contaminated land risk 2b Not At Risk DR Risk of groundwater due to pressure from diffuse sources of pollution 2a Probably Not At Risk DWR Risk associated with exceedances of water quality above specific 2b Not At Risk standards GDR Groundwater dependant terrestrial ecosystems risk 2b Not At Risk GWR General groundwater quality risk 1b Probably At Risk INR Risk associated with saline intrusion into groundwater 2b Not At Risk LR Risk due to landfills sites/old closed dump sites 2b Not At Risk MR Mines risk 2b Not At Risk NULL Diffuse nitrates from agriculture risk na N/A QR Risk due to quarries 2b Not At Risk RA Revised risk assessment 1b Probably At Risk For inspection purposes only. RPR Risk associated with MRP loadingConsent to rivers of copyright owner required for any other use. 2a Probably Not At Risk

SQR Risk associated with dependant surface water quantitative status 2b Not At Risk SWR Overall risk associated with nutrient loadings to rivers and transitional 2a Probably Not At Risk and coastal waters TNR Risk associated with nitrate loading to transitional and coastal waters 2b Not At Risk UAR Risk of groundwater due to pressures from urban areas 1b Probably At Risk UWR Risk due to direct discharges of urban wastewater 2b Not At Risk

Risk By 'risk' we mean the risk that a waterbody will not achieve good ecological or good chemical status/potential at least by 2015. To examine risk the various pressures acting on the waterbody were identified along with any evidence of impact on water status. Depending on the extent of the pressure and its potential for impact, and the amount of information available, the risk to the water body was placed in one of four categories: 1a at risk; 1b probably at risk; 2a probably not at risk; 2b not at risk. Note that '2008' after the risk category means that the risk assessment was revised in 2008. All other risks were determined as part of an earlier risk assessment in 2005.

You can read more about risk assessment in our 'WFD Risk Assessment Update' document in the RBMP document library, and other documents at www.wfdireland.ie (Directory 31 Risk Assessments).

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Objectives Report

Water Management Unit: N/A

WaterBody Category: Groundwater Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Dundalk Town 1

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_G_030

Overall Objective: Protect

Heavily Modified: No

Objectives Description Result Extended timescale information E1 Extended deadlines due to agricultural P No Status E2 Extended deadlines due to agricultural N No Status E3 Extended deadlines due to mines No Status E4 Extended deadlines due to urban areas No Status E5 Extended deadlines due to contaminated lands No Status EO Extended deadlines - overall No Status Objectives information OB1 Prevent deterioration objective Protect OB2 Restore at least good status objective No Status OB3 Reduce chemical pollution objective No Status OB4 Protected areas objective No Status For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. OBO Overall objectives - objective Protect Extended timescales Extended timescales have been set for certain waters due to technical, economic, environmental or recovery constraints. Extended timescales are usually of one planning cycle (6 years, to 2021) but in some cases are two planning cycles (to 2027).

Objectives In general, we are required to ensure that our waters achieve at least good status/potential by 2015, and that their status does not deteriorate. Having identified the status of waters (this is given earlier in this report), the next stage is to set objectives for waters. Objectives consider waters that require protection from deterioration as well as waters that require restoration and the timescales needed for recovery. Four default objectives have been set initially:-

Prevent Deterioration Restore Good Status Reduce Chemical Pollution Achieve Protected Areas Objectives

These objectives have been refined based on the measures available to achieve them, the latter's likely effectiveness, and consideration of cost-effective combinations of measures. Where it is considered necessary extended deadlines have been set for achieving objectives in 2021 or 2027.

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Measures Report Water Management Unit: N/A WaterBody Category: Groundwater Waterbody

WaterBody Name: Dundalk Town 1

WaterBody Code: IE_NB_G_030 Heavily Modified: No

Measures Description Applicable BC Total number of basic measures which apply to this waterbody 26 BW Directive - Bathing Waters Directive No BIR Directive - Birds Directive Yes HAB Directive - Habitats Directive Yes DW Directive - Drinking Waters Directive Yes MAE Directive - Major Accidents and Emergencies Directive Yes EIA Directive - Environmental Impact Assessment Directive Yes SS Directive - Sewage Sludge Directive Yes UWT Directive - Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive Yes PPP Directive - Plant Protection Products Directive Yes NIT Directive - Nitrates Directive Yes IPC Directive - Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Directive Yes CR Other Stipulated Measure - Cost recovery for water use Yes SUS Other Stipulated Measure - Promotion of efficient and sustainable water use Yes DWS Other Stipulated Measure - Protection of drinking water sources Yes For inspection purposes only. ABS Other Stipulated Measure - ControlConsent of of abstractioncopyright owner and required impoundment for any other use. Yes

POI Other Stipulated Measure - Control of point source discharges Yes DIF Other Stipulated Measure - Control of diffuse source discharges Yes GW Other Stipulated Measure - Authorisation of discharges to groundwaters Yes PS Other Stipulated Measure - Control of priority substances Yes MOD Other Stipulated Measure - Controls on physical modifications to surface waters Yes OA Other Stipulated Measure - Controls on other activities impacting on water status Yes AP Other Stipulated Measure - Prevention or reduction of the impact of accidental Yes pollution incidents OTS On-site waste water treatment systems Yes FPM Freshwater Pearl Mussel sub-basin plan No SHE Shellfish Pollution Reduction Plan Yes IPR IPPC licences requiring review Yes WPR Water Pollution Act licences requiring review No FOR Forestry guidelines and regulations Yes

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 HQW Protect high quality waters Yes

Measures Measures are necessary to ensure that we meet the objectives set out in the previous page of this report. Many measures are already provided for in national legislation and must be implemented. Other measures have been recently introduced or are under preparation. A range of additional potential measures are also being considered but require further development. Any agreed additional measures can be introduced through the update of Water Management Unit Action Plans during the implementation process.

You can read more about Basic Measures in 'River Basin Planning Guidance' and in other documents in our RBMP Document Library at www.wfdireland.ie.

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

Date Reported to Europe:July 2010 Date Report Created 09/12/2014

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05

APPENDIX 3 Surface Water Monitoring Results

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

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Unit 35, Boyne Business Park, Drogheda, Co. Louth Ireland Tel: +353 41 9845440 Fax: +353 41 9846171 Web: www.fitzsci.ie email [email protected] A copy of this certificate is available on www.fitzsci.ie

Customer Declan Flood Lab Report Ref. No. 2555/002/02 O'Hanlon & Sons Date of Receipt 18/06/2015 Georges Quay Sampled On 16/06/2015 Dundalk Date Testing Commenced 18/06/2015 Co. Louth Received or Collected Delivered by Customer Condition on Receipt Acceptable Customer PO Date of Report 26/06/2015 Customer Ref Interceptor Drain Quay Dundalk 16/06/15 Sample Type Surface Water Ref 2 Ref 3 CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS Test Parameter SOP Analytical Technique Result Units Acc. Ammonia (Surface Water) 114 Colorimetry 0.244 mg/L as N UKAS BOD (Surface Water) 113 Electrometry <2 mg/L UKAS Cadmium (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS <0.09 ug/L Chromium (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS <0.68 ug/L COD (Surface Water) 107 Colorimetry 40 mg/L UKAS Copper (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS 0.802 ug/L Lead (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS <0.173 ug/L Mineral Oil by Calculation 189 GC-FID <2.5 ug/L Nickel (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS 0.508 ug/L pH (Surface Water) 110 Electrometry 7.7 pH Units UKAS Solids (Total Suspended) 106 Filtration/ Drying @ 104C 9 mg/L Zinc (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS For inspection purposes only. 29.67 ug/L Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Signed : Date : 26/06/2015 Aoife Harmon - Technical Supervisor Acc. : Accredited Parameters by ISO 17025:2005 PVL - Parametric Value Limit as per EU (Drinking water) Regulations (SI 122 2014) For bacterial analysis a result of 0 means none detected in volume examined All organic results are analysed as received and all results are corrected for dry weight at 104 C Results shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the approval of Fitz Scientific Results contained in this report relate only to the samples tested (P) : Presumptive Results ** : The test result for this parameter may be invalid as it has exceeded the recommended holding time (BS EN ISO 5667-3:2012)

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Unit 35, Boyne Business Park, Drogheda, Co. Louth Ireland Tel: +353 41 9845440 Fax: +353 41 9846171 Web: www.fitzsci.ie email [email protected] A copy of this certificate is available on www.fitzsci.ie

Customer Declan Flood Lab Report Ref. No. 2555/002/01 O'Hanlon & Sons Date of Receipt 18/06/2015 Georges Quay Sampled On 16/06/2015 Dundalk Date Testing Commenced 18/06/2015 Co. Louth Received or Collected Delivered by Customer Condition on Receipt Acceptable Customer PO Date of Report 26/06/2015 Customer Ref Castletown River - 16/06/15 Sample Type Surface Water Ref 2 Ref 3 CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS Test Parameter SOP Analytical Technique Result Units Acc. Ammonia (Surface Water) 114 Colorimetry 0.072 mg/L as N UKAS BOD (Surface Water) 113 Electrometry <2 mg/L UKAS Cadmium (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS <0.09 ug/L Chromium (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS <0.68 ug/L COD (Surface Water) 107 Colorimetry 20 mg/L UKAS Copper (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS 3.18 ug/L Lead (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS <0.173 ug/L Mineral Oil by Calculation 189 GC-FID <2.5 ug/L Nickel (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS 1.796 ug/L pH (Surface Water) 110 Electrometry 7.8 pH Units UKAS Solids (Total Suspended) 106 Filtration/ Drying @ 104C 7 mg/L Zinc (Dissolved) 177 ICPMS For inspection purposes only. 16 ug/L Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Signed : Date : 26/06/2015 Aoife Harmon - Technical Supervisor Acc. : Accredited Parameters by ISO 17025:2005 PVL - Parametric Value Limit as per EU (Drinking water) Regulations (SI 122 2014) For bacterial analysis a result of 0 means none detected in volume examined All organic results are analysed as received and all results are corrected for dry weight at 104 C Results shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the approval of Fitz Scientific Results contained in this report relate only to the samples tested (P) : Presumptive Results ** : The test result for this parameter may be invalid as it has exceeded the recommended holding time (BS EN ISO 5667-3:2012)

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APPENDIX 4 Flood Report

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

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Summary Local Area Report This Flood Report summarises all flood events within 2.5 kilometres of the map centre. The map centre is in: County: Louth NGR: J 060 076

This Flood Report has been downloaded from the Web site www.floodmaps.ie. The users should take account of the restrictions and limitations relating to the content and use of this Web site that are explained in the Disclaimer box when entering the site. It is a condition of use of the Web site that you accept the User Declaration and the Disclaimer. Map Legend Flood Points

Multiple / Recurring Flood Points Areas Flooded

Hydrometric Stations

Rivers

Lakes

River Catchment Areas

Land Commission *

Drainage Districts *

Benefiting Lands * * Important: These maps do not indicate flood hazard or Map Scale 1:5,215 flood extent. Thier purpose For inspection purposes only. and scope is explained in the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 14 Results Glossary.

1. River Rampart Dundalk December 1978 Start Date: 27/Dec/1978 County:Louth Flood Quality Code:2

Additional Information: Reports (1) More Mapped Information

2. Rampart Dundalk February 1977 Start Date: 01/Feb/1977 County:Louth Flood Quality Code:3

Additional Information: Reports (1) More Mapped Information

3. Rampart Dundalk Winter 1966 Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:3

Additional Information: Reports (1) More Mapped Information

4. Rampart Dundalk Winter 1957 Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:3

Additional Information: Reports (1) More Mapped Information

5. Rampart Dundalk Winter 1959 Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:3

Report Produced: 20-Jul-2015 10:14

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Additional Information: Reports (1) More Mapped Information

6. Balmers Bog, Dundalk, Co. Louth Recurring Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:3

Additional Information: Reports (2) Press Archive (1) More Mapped Information

7. Dundalk October 2004 Start Date: 27/Oct/2004 County:Louth Flood Quality Code:3

Additional Information: Reports (1) More Mapped Information

8. Lismore, Dundalk, Co Louth Recurring Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:3

Additional Information: Reports (1) More Mapped Information

9. Thomas St./Rampart Rd Dundalk Co Louth Recurring Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:3

Additional Information: Reports (1) Press Archive (1) More Mapped Information

10. Long Avenue Dundalk County Louth Recurring Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:3

Additional Information: Reports (1) Press Archive (2) More Mapped Information

11. Quay St, Dundalk, Co. Louth Recurring Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:4

Additional Information: Reports (1) Press Archive (6) More Mapped Information

12. Racecourse Road Dundalk Co. Louth Recurring Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:4

Additional Information: Reports (1) Press Archive (1) More Mapped Information

13. Fairgreen Road, Dundalk, Co Louth Recurring Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:4

Additional Information: Reports (1) More Mapped Information For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 14. Castletown River Dundalk Co Louth Undated Start Date: County:Louth Flood Quality Code:4

Additional Information: Reports (1) More Mapped Information

Report Produced: 20-Jul-2015 10:14

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05

APPENDIX 5 Ecology Report

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

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05

Application for industrial emissions licence for a storage facility for baled refuse at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Flora and Fauna

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

28th July 2015

Faith Wilson Ecological Consultant B.Sc. (Hons) CEnv MCIEEM Kestrel Ridge, Tigroney West, Avoca, Co. Wicklow

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:05 Faith Wilson Ecological Consultant BSc CEnv MCIEEM

Application for industrial emissions licence for a storage facility for baled refuse at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Flora and Fauna

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1 Background ...... 3 1.2 Project Description ...... 4 2. METHODOLOGY ...... 5 2.1 Desk Study ...... 5 2.2 Field Survey ...... 5 2.3 Significance Criteria ...... 6 3. RESULTS ...... 8 3.1 Desktop Survey ...... 8 3.1.1. Conservation Designations ...... 8 3.2 Field Survey ...... 10 3.1.2. Description of the site, its environs, habitats and species ...... 10 3.3 The Receiving Environment - Evaluation ...... 12 4. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 13 5. MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 13 5.1 Awareness of Site Designations ...... 13 5.2 Surface Water ...... 13 5.3 Site and Operational Lighting...... 18 For inspection purposes only. 6. RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... Consent of copyright owner...... required for any other use...... 19 7. CONCLUDING STATEMENT ...... 19 8. REFERENCES ...... 20 9. APPENDIX 1. BASELINE WATER QUALITY REPORTS ...... 22

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Application for industrial emissions licence for a storage facility for baled refuse at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Flora and Fauna

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Faith Wilson BSc CEnv MCIEEM (an independent ecological consultant) was commissioned by Sean O’ Hanlon to prepare the Flora and Fauna Chapter as part of an EIS for a storage facility for baled refuse at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth (Grid Reference J 06 07) as illustrated on Figure 1 below. The EIS was requested by the Environmental Protection Agency as part of an application for consent for an industrial emissions licence for the facility.

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

Figure 1. Proposed site layout at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk.

This report provides an assessment of the likely impacts of the proposed waste facility on the ecological environment (i.e. flora, fauna and habitats) at the site and it’s environs. It is carried out in compliance with the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1989-2000, and follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2002) and uses some of the relevant guidance from the National Roads Authority Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes (NRA 2009).

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1.2 Project Description

O’ Hanlon Sons currently have planning permission and a waste permit to operate a waste facility at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The current operations at the facility are summarised below:

O’Hanlon stores baled waste at the site pending shipment for use as a fuel in overseas waste to energy plants and cement kilns. No other types of waste are accepted or stored at the site. The total quantity of waste accepted annually is 50,000 tonnes, with a maximum of 3,000 tonnes stored at any one time.

The facility is regulated by a Waste Permit (WFP-LH-002-01) granted by Louth County Council in October 2012. The waste is categorised as EWC 19 12 12 and 19 12 10 (Ref Schedule 1 of the Permit) and the bales are produced at materials recovery facilities that are regulated by Licences issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. They comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The bales are wrapped in multiple layers of polythene sheeting and each one weighs approximately 1000kg.

The bales are delivered to the site by articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab and stored in an open paved area on the quay side until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes).

When the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the ship. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Permit For inspection purposes only. restricts waste acceptanceConsent hou of copyrightrs to owner 08.00 required to for18.00 any other Monday use. to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are not accepted on Sunday

The Permit conditions specify the types of waste that can be accepted at the site. The Permit authorises the storage of baled tyres, but these are not typically shipped from the site.

The Permit also specified the infrastructure and operational controls that must be provided and implemented to ensure the activity does not give rise to environmental pollution. These measures are listed in Conditions 4, 5 and 6 of the Permit. Condition 7 specifies the environmental monitoring programme that must be implemented at the site, while Condition 8 specifies the accident prevention and response measures that are applied.

An application for consent for an industrial emissions licence for the facility from the EPA is now required and an EIS has been prepared for same.

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2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Desk Study

A desk study was carried out to collate the available information on the ecological environment potentially impacted by the proposed development at Dundalk, Co. Louth. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) database of designated conservation areas and NPWS and records of rare and protected plant species were checked with regard to the location of the lands at Dundalk.

Information on protected species of fauna and flora listed for protection under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), Annex I of the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act (2000) was also sought from NPWS and published sources. Recent, high resolution, colour aerial photographs were also used to identify potential habitats.

2.2 Field Survey

The site was visited in June 2014 when any habitats present and any associated fauna were assessed.

Habitats The field survey was conducted to identify, describe, map and evaluate habitats, and to verify the information gathered at the desk study stage. The flora of the site was surveyed using Phase 1 habitat survey methodology (JNCC, 1993) to survey the vegetation communities and habitats present, which are described For inspection purposes only. using Fossitt (2000) andConsent the of Heritage copyright owner Council required for any‘Best other Practiceuse. Guidance for Habitat

Survey and Mapping’ (Smith et al. 2011). Plant identification follows Parnell & Curtis (2012), and species nomenclature follows Scannell & Synnott (1987). Searches for the presence or likely presence of rare or protected species of plant were made on the site with reference to Curtis & Mc Gough (1988) and the Flora Protection Order 1999.

Mammals Fauna was surveyed during the walk over survey. The presence of mammals was assessed with reference to any feeding signs, tracks, burrows, and droppings found (Bang & Dahlstrøm, (2001)). Mammals were identified with reference to Hayden et al. (2000). Such an assessment of mammals is not exhaustive in itself.

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2.3 Significance Criteria

The criteria used for evaluating the ecological importance of ecological sites and fisheries waters was that developed by the National Roads Authority in 2004, (revised in 2009) and is presented below in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3. Evaluation of sites for flora, fauna and fisheries in Environmental Impact Assessment (NRA, 2009).

Rating Importance of Ecological Sites Importance of Fisheries Waters A Internationally important Internationally important Sites designated (or qualifying for Sites designated (or qualifying for designation) as SAC* or SPA* under designation) as SAC* for salmonids the EU Habitats or Birds Directives. or Annex II species under the EU Undesignated sites containing good Habitats Directives. examples of Annex I priority habitats Major salmon river fisheries. under the EU Habitats Directive. Major salmonid (salmon, trout or char) lake fisheries. B Nationally important Nationally important Sites or waters designated or proposed Major trout river fisheries. as an NHA* or statutory Nature Water bodies with major amenity Reserves. fishery value. Undesignated sites containing good Commercially important coarse examples of Annex I habitats (under fisheries. EU Habitats Directive). Undesignated sites containing significant numbers of resident or regularly occurring populations of Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive or species protected For under inspection the purposes Wildlife only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. (Amendment) Act 2000. C+ County value County value Sites containing semi-natural habitat Small water bodies with known types with high biodiversity in a salmonid populations or with good county context and a high degree of potential salmonid habitat. naturalness, or significant populations of species which are Large water bodies with some coarse Sites containing resident or regularly fisheries value. occurring populations of Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive.

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Rating Importance of Ecological Sites Importance of Fisheries Waters C High value, locally important High value, locally important Sites containing semi-natural habitat Small water bodies with known types with high biodiversity in a local salmonid populations or with good context and a high degree of potential salmonid habitat. naturalness, or significant populations Large water bodies with some coarse of locally rare species. fisheries value. Sites containing any resident or regularly occurring populations of Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive. D Moderate value, locally important Moderate value, locally Sites containing some semi-natural important habitat or locally important for Small water bodies with some coarse wildlife. fisheries value or some potential salmonid habitat. Any water body with unpolluted water (Q-value rating 4-5). E Low value, locally important Low value, locally important Artificial or highly modified habitats Water bodies with no current with low species diversity and low fisheries value and no significant wildlife value. potential fisheries value. F Unknown Value Unknown Value Sites of possible ecological value which Sites of possible fisheries value require further investigation at the requiring further survey. optimum season to establish importance. (*SAC = Special Area of Conservation, SPA= Special Protection Area, NHA= Natural Heritage Area)

The significance criteria developed as part of the NRA Guidelines (2004) have For inspection purposes only. been used to assess theConsent significance of copyright owner of requiredthe impacts for any other onuse. terrestrial habitats and are

summarised below in Table 2.4.

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Table 2.4: Criteria for assessing impact significance on terrestrial sites.

Site category* A sites B sites C+ Sites C Sites D sites E sites Internationally Nationally High value, High value, Moderate Low value, important important locally locally value, locally locally important important important important

Impact level Severe Any Permanent negative permanent impacts on impacts a large part of a site Major Temporary Permanent Permanent Permanent negative impacts on a impacts on impacts on impacts on a large part of a a small part a large part large part of site of a site of a site a site Moderate Temporary Temporary Permanent Permanent Permanent negative impacts on a impacts on impacts on impacts on a impacts on a small part of a a large part a small small part of large part of site of a site part of a a site a site site Minor Temporary Temporary Temporary Permanent Permanent negative impacts on impacts on impacts on a impacts on a impacts on a a small part a large part large part of small part of large part of of a site of a site a site a site a site Neutral No impacts No impacts No impacts No impacts No impacts Permanent impacts on a small part of a site Minor Permanent Permanent positive beneficial beneficial impacts on a impacts on a small part of large part of a site a site Moderate Permanent Permanent Permanent positive beneficial beneficial beneficial impacts on impacts on a impacts on a For inspectiona small purposes only.small part of large part of Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. part of a a site a site site Major Permanent Permanent Permanent positive beneficial beneficial beneficial impacts on impacts on impacts on a a small part a large part large part of of a site of a site a site

3. RESULTS

3.1 Desktop Survey

3.1.1. Conservation Designations There are three main types of conservation designations in Ireland – NHAs, SACs and SPAs. NHAs are considered to be of national importance, while SACs and SPAs are of international importance for nature conservation.

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Candidate SACs are habitats of international significance that have been identified by NPWS and submitted for designation to the EU. SAC is a statutory designation, which has a legal basis under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) as transposed into Irish law through the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997. The main implication of this designation is that any project likely to have a significant adverse impact on the integrity of the SAC may only be carried out for “imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature”.

SPA is a statutory designation, which has a legal basis under the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC). The primary objective of SPAs is to maintain or enhance the favourable conservation status of the birds for which the SPAs have been designated.

Proposed NHAs (pNHAs) are also habitats or sites of interest to wildlife that have been identified by NPWS. These sites become NHAs once they have been formally advertised and land owners have been notified of their designation. NHAs are protected under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, from the date they are formally proposed. To date the only sites which have undergone the statutory process and are now full NHAs are raised bog and blanket bog sites. NHA is a statutory designation in accordance with the Wildlife (Amended) Act, 2000 and requires consultation with NPWS if any development impacts on a pNHA.

The lands proposed for development for the waste facility at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth are not currently the subject of any conservation designations but they do adjoin the site boundaries of the Dundalk Bay SPA (Site Code: 004026) and SAC (Site Code: 000455). For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The desktop research identified a number of other internationally important sites for nature conservation (SACs/SPAs - Natura 2000 sites) or sites of national conservation importance within a 10km radius of the site. These include;  Carlingford Mountain SAC (Site Code: 000453) which is 6km north-east.  Dundalk Bay pNHA (Site Code: 000455), which adjoins the site,  Carlingford Mountain pNHA (Site Code: 000453), which is 6km north- east,  Ravensdale Plantation pNHA (Site Code: 001805), which is 6.8km north east,  Trumpet Hill (Louth) pNHA (Site Code: 001468), which is 4.4km north east,  Drumach, Toprass and Cortial Loughs pNHA (Site Code: 001462), which is 6km west, and  Stephenstown Pond pNHA (Site Code: 001803), which is 7km south west.

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Table 3.1.1. Designated Natura 2000 sites adjoining the land at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk.

Site Code, Site Name Conservation Interest (summarised from site synopsis) and Designation Priority Habitats are indicated with an asterisk 004026 Dundalk Bay SPA  Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) [A005]  Greylag Goose (Anser anser) [A043]  Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046]  Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048]  Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]  Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053]  Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]  Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) [A065]  Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) [A069]  Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130]  Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137]  Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140]  Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141]  Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142]  Knot (Calidris canutus) [A143]  Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]  Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]  Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [A157]  Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160]  Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162]  Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) [A179]  Common Gull (Larus canus) [A182]  Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) [A184]  Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] 000455 Dundalk Bay SAC  Estuaries [1130]

For Mudflats inspection purposes and only.sandflats not covered by seawater at low Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. tide [1140]  Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220]  Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310]  Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]  Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410]

3.2 Field Survey

3.1.2. Description of the site, its environs, habitats and species The quayside at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay consist of areas of hard standing surface waters from which all ultimately drain to Dundalk Bay to the north.

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There is little or no vegetation in these areas which are best described as BL3 – buildings and other artificial surfaces. There are occasional ruderal species such as ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), red valerian (Centranthus rubra), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.), bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), grasses and other opportunistic weeds which have become established on the quayside wall and site margins. Along the quay itself are a series of warehouses and various buildings associated with the port.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Plate 1. Baled refuse stored on the quay wall for loading.

Adjoining the site to the north are the tidal waters, mudflats and areas of saltmarsh which form the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA, which is designated as both an SAC and an SPA as detailed above in Table 3.1.1. At low tide a small area of mudflats are present adjoining the quay wall while further north across the tidal channel are extensive areas of saltmarsh. These habitats correspond to the Annex I habitats of international importance estuaries (1130), mudlfats and sandlfats not covered by seawater at low tide (1140), and the Atlantic salt meadow communities (1330).

The site is of low importance for fauna and only urban species such as house mouse (Mus musculus), brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and fox (Vulpes vulpes) would be expected to occur with any regularity. Bird species recorded within the site include feral pigeon (Columba livia domestica), jackdaw (Corvus monedula), various gulls (Larus sp.) and pied wagtail (Motacilla alba). The adjoining habitats

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of the SPA/SAC are used by a wide variety of waterbirds during the autumn/winter months.

Plate 2. Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA adjoins the site boundary with a small margin of mudflats adjoining the estuarine channel and extensive areas of saltmarsh on the northern shore.

3.3 The Receiving Environment For - inspection Evaluation purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

No rare or protected species of plant was found within the proposed development site (Flora Protection Order 1999, Curtis & Mc Gough (1988)).

Habitats were assessed for their ecological importance based on an evaluation system as presented in Table 2.3. The lands within the site boundary are rated as having no conservation value from the perspective of flora as they are mostly covered in concrete, tarmacadam or other hard standing surfaces and as being of low conservation value (E) from a faunal perspective as a number of common urban bird and mammal species were recorded.

The main interest at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk from a conservation perspective is the adjoining Natura 2000 sites (Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA), which are of international importance and it is on these habitats and species that the potential impacts of the development are assessed. A Natura Impact Statement has also been completed as part of the assessment and is provided separately.

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4. POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The main potential impacts which arise from the development of the waste facility Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk arise from the operational phase of the project as there will be no additional construction required at the site.

During the operational phase there is a potential risk to water quality in Dundalk Bay arising from runoff from stored bales which is likely to have high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and other contaminants including heavy metals. This would have conservation implications for the habitats and species in the adjoining Natura 2000 site. There is also potential disturbance to waterbirds during the winter months from lighting at the port during loading operations. Lighting can have impacts on bird species which form part of the qualifying interests of the SPA notably during the migration period when waders and other species are on passage.

There is no requirement for any direct discharges of wastewater from the site to the adjoining Natura 2000 site or to the existing mains wastewater system in the town. All surface water from the site currently discharges to Dundalk Bay and hence the Natura 2000 site via a silt trap and oil separator. An Emergency Response Plan setting out procedures to be followed in the event of a major emergency, including a major oil spill is available and the project staff are trained accordingly.

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

5.1 Awareness of Site Designations All contractors’ working on the site should be informed of the designation of the adjoining lands as a Natura 2000 site to ensure that there is no accidental disposal of any materials, sediment laden surface water, etc. to the bay.

5.2 Surface Water The main risks posed by the facility have been previously addressed through the conditions associated with the Waste Facility Permit Licence (WFP – LH – 12 – 0002 – 01). These include conditions on the following:  Scope  Management of the activity  Record keeping and reporting  Facility infrastructure  Facility operations  Environmental protection and emissions  Monitoring  Accident prevention and emergency response

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 Charges and environmental provisions  Restoration and aftercare

There is no discharge of trade effluent, leachate or contaminated storm water to the groundwater, surface water drains or watercourses. There is no discharge of surface water apart from roof runoff from the facility other than those discharged via silt trap and oil separator.

All surface water run-off potentially loaded with hydrocarbons from leaks from vehicles and the hard standing areas in the yard pass through a silt trap and oil separator which has a shut-off valve in advance of discharge. The silt trap and separator is constructed in accordance with I.S. EN 858-2:2003 (separator systems for light liquids). A baseline sample of water quality from the interceptor drain on Georges quay and from the adjoining Castletown River was taken in June 2015 and the detailed results of same are summarised below, while the laboratory report is presented in full in Appendix 1.

Surface Water Analysis – Castletown River A sample was collected from the Castletown River in June 2015 and analysed a range of organic and inorganic indicators of water quality which included Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, ammonia, suspended solids, mineral oil and dissolved metals.

The laboratory report is in Appendix 1 and the results are presented in Table 5.2, which includes for comparative purposes, the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) specified for ‘Transitional Waters’ in the Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No.272 of 2009). The EQS are not emission limit values, but are the concentrations that must be achieved to meet the objectives set for the Water Body. The results indicate the water quality in the For inspection purposes only. river is good. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Table 5.2. Surface Water Quality Castletown River.

Parameter Units Result EQS BOD mg/l <2.5 <4 COD mg/l 20 TSS mg/l 7 Ammonia mg/l 0.072 Cadmium ug/l <0.09 Chromium* ug/l <0.68 0.6 Copper ug/l 3.18 5 Lead ug.l <0.173 7.2 Nickel ug/l 1.79 20 Zinc ug/l 16 40 Mineral Oil ug/l <2.5 *Chromium VI

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Surface Water Analysis – Quayside drain

There is the potential for rainwater run-off from the open storage areas to be slightly contaminated by minor oil leaks from the mobile plant used to handle the bales and from minor seeps from damaged bales.

A sample was collected from the surface water drain and analysed for a range of organic and inorganic indicators of potential contaminants which included Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, ammonia, suspended solids, mineral oil and dissolved metals.

The laboratory report is in Appendix 1 results are presented in Table 5.3, which includes for comparative purposes, the emission limit values (ELV) specified in the Waste Permit and the EQS specified for ‘Transitional Waters’ The EQS are not emission limit values, but are the concentrations that must be achieved to meet the objectives set for the Water Body. Although an EQS is not directly applicable to an emission to a water body, as it does not take into consideration the assimilative capacity of the receiving water body, if is useful for comparative purposes.

The results indicate the water quality is generally good. While the ammonia level is slightly elevated, there is no EQS established for Transitional Waters. The BOD, suspended solid, dissolved metals and mineral oil concentrations are all well below the EQS, where established.

Table 5.3 Surface Water Run-Off (drain)

Parameter Units ELV EQS BOD mg/l <2.5 25 <4 For inspection purposes only. COD Consent ofmg/l copyright owner required40 for any other use.

TSS mg/l 9 35 Ammonia mg/l 0.244 Cadmium ug/l <0.09 Chromium* ug/l <0.68 0.6 Copper ug/l 0.802 5 Lead ug.l <0.173 7.2 Nickel ug/l 0.508 20 Zinc ug/l 29.6 40 Mineral Oil mg/l <00.0025 5 *Chromium VI

The monitoring results indicate that the run-off from the open storage area is good and none of the ELVs were exceeded; however the data is limited.

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Assessment of potential impacts on surface waters

The rainwater run-off from the roof of the storage building and the office will not have any qualitative impact on the river. There is the potential for rainwater run-off from the open storage areas to be slightly contaminated by minor oil leaks from the mobile plant used to handle the bales and from minor seeps from damaged bales. The run-off is collected in the surface water drain and passed through a silt trap and interceptor before discharging to the river.

There is the potential in a severe storm event that run-off might by pass the collection drain and flow directly into the river. A 1:100 return event comprising 30mm of rainfall in one hour would generate 36m3 of run-off from the open storage area (1200m2).

Based on the results of the water tests, which indicate the water quality of the run-off from the paved area is good, and the water quality and the assimilative capacity in the river, the risk of any discernible impact on water quality in the river is not significant.

Although any impact on surface water quality in the Castletown River would be imperceptible due to the available assimilative capacity, as a precautionary measure the outlet from the oil interceptor will be closed when bales are stored on the quayside.

There is the potential in a severe storm event for rainwater run-off to by- pass/over flow the collection drain and directly enter into the river. A 1:100 return event comprising 30mm of rainfall in one hour would generate 36m3 of run-off from the open storage area (1200m2).

For inspection purposes only. The rainwater run-offConsent from of copyright the roof owner of required the for Storage any other use. Building will not have any qualitative impact on the estuary.

The continued operation will have no impact on the quantitative and qualitative status of bedrock aquifer at either a local, or Water Body scale.

All pump sumps, storage tanks and other treatment plant chambers from which spillage of environmentally significant materials might occur are fitted with high level liquid alarms or oil detectors as appropriate. Areas used for the storage of fuel oils, lubricants, chemicals or the like comply with the requirements of the Waste Permit Licence.

An Emergency Response Plan setting out procedures to be followed in the event of a major emergency, including a major oil spill has been prepared and all staff are trained accordingly.

Additional measures to ensure that there is no potential for runoff from the stored bales to enter the bay include the following:

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Only waste that has been processed to remove the organic fraction and which is assigned EWC Code 19 12 12 will be accepted at the facility. The bales will be delivered typically within 2 days of being wrapped. Upon arrival each bale will be inspected and any tears to the plastic wrapping will be patched. If considered necessary, further wrapping will be applied using the mobile wrapper maintained at the facility (See Plate 1).

Plate 1. Mobile wrapper at Dundalk Port.

The bales are stored on the quayside pending loading onto the ships. The bales will be stacked two bales high (See Plate 2) to reduce the risk of seeps from the bale. The maximum length of time any one bale is stored at the facility is four weeks. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Plate 2. Bale storage on the quay.

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A road-sweeper will be used to clean the quayside between the edge of the storage area and the quay wall. Following the loading of the ship the road- sweeper will be used to clean the area where the bales had been stored. Bales can also be stored inside the shed at the eastern end of the licensed area (see Plate 3) during particularly wet periods. This building can accommodate up to 2,000 tonnes of bales. There are no floor drains and no connection to the surface water drainage system from this shed.

When the bales are stored on the quayside the storage area will be inspected daily for evidence of any leaks/seeps from the bales that may present a risk of surface water contamination and the findings will be recorded in an Inspection Sheet. There will be no storage of any oils or other materials that have the potential to contaminate surface water within the proposed license areas.

When the bales are stored on the quay the outlet from the oil interceptor on the surface water drainage system will be closed which will prevent the discharge of rainwater run-off from the storage area to the estuary and the Natura 2000 sites. In this scenario, the interceptor will be inspected daily and when full will be emptied using a road tanker and the contents sent to an off-site wastewater treatment plant for appropriate disposal. This will ensure that no potentially contaminated surface water enters Dundalk Bay.

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Plate 3. Storage Inside Shed

During loading the ship is berthed tight to the quayside and bales are loaded individually into the hold minimising the risk of falling into the river/estuary.

5.3 Site and Operational Lighting There will be no additional lighting required during site operations beyond that already in place. If additional lighting may be required for future operations there should be zero direct upward light emitted to the sky (all output shall be at

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or below 90º to the horizontal to help prevent sky glow from light pollution of the night sky). In particular the adjoining saltmarsh and mudflats will not be illuminated to prevent disturbance to waders and waterbirds.

6. RESIDUAL IMPACTS

Provided the mitigation measures detailed above are applied to ensure that no silt or pollutants enter the surface water drains and hence the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA and these measures are enforced during the operational period it is considered that this waste facility should have no adverse impacts on the integrity of any of the species or habitats of the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA or on any flora and fauna within the site.

7. CONCLUDING STATEMENT

Given the ongoing implementation of the mitigation measures outlined above in addition to those measures which form part of the conditions of the Waste Facility Permit Licence (WFP – LH – 12 – 0002 – 01) it is concluded that there will be no negative impacts on the qualifying interests or species of the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA or on any flora and fauna within the lands at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay.

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8. REFERENCES

S.I. No. 477 of 2011. The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. Irish Government, Government Publications Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

Anon. (1996). Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 15, European Commission, Brussels.

Anon. (2010). Appropriate Assessment of plans and projects in Ireland: Guidance for planning authorities. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dept Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Bang P. and P. Dahlstrøm (2001). Animal Tracks and Signs. Oxford University Press.

Colhoun, K. & S. Cummins (2013). Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2014– 2019. Irish Birds 9: 523-544 (2013).

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) 1982.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention) 1979.

Council of the European Communities (1992). Council Directive of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC). O.J. L 206/35, 22 July 1992.

For inspection purposes only. Council of the EuropeanConsent Communities of copyright owner required (1979). for any Councilother use. Directive of 02 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC). O.J.L. 103, 25 April 1979.

European Commission (2001). Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 200 sites- methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6 (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

European Commission (2002). Managing Natura 2000 sites - the provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

Flora (Protection) Order, 1999 (S.I. No. 94 of 1999). Dublin: Office of the Attorney General. Fossitt, J. (2000). A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. Heritage Council, Kilkenny.

Hayden, T. and R. Harrington (2000). Exploring Irish Mammals. Town House and Country House Ltd. ISBN 1-186059-093-4.

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Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (version 7 July 2006). http://www.ieem.org.uk/ecia/index.html

JNCC (1993). Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey, a technique for environmental audit. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

Marnell, F., Kingston, N. & Looney, D. (2009). Ireland Red List No. 3: Terrestrial Mammals, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Online Database. Available online at www.npws.ie

Natura 2000 Sites - Site Synopsis. Available online at www.npws.ie

NPWS (2011). Conservation objectives for Dundalk Bay SAC [000455] and Dundalk Bay SPA [004026]. Version 1.0. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

NPWS (2015) Conservation objectives for Carlingford Mountain SAC [000453]. Generic Version 4.0. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

NRA (2009). Guidelines for the Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes. National Roads Authority. Revision 2, 1st June 2009.

Parnell, J. & T. Curtis (2012). Webb’s An Irish Flora (8th Edn.). Cork University Press.

For inspection purposes only. Ramao, C. (2003). InterpretationConsent of copyright owner Manual required for ofany other the use. European Union Habitats

Version Eur 25. European Commission DG Environment Nature and Biodiversity. Brussels.

S.I. No. 477 of 2011. The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. Irish Government, Government Publications Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

Wildlife Act (1976). Government of Ireland.

Wildlife (Amendment) Act (2000). Government of Ireland.

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9. APPENDIX 1. BASELINE WATER QUALITY REPORTS

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 ISSN 2009-4086 National Parks and Wildlife Service

Conservation Objectives Series

Carlingford Shore SAC 002306

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15 Jul 2013 Version 1 Page 1 of 8

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. Web: www.npws.ie E-mail: [email protected]

Citation: NPWS (2013) Conservation Objectives: Carlingford Shore SAC 002306. Version 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

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Series Editor: Rebecca Jeffrey ISSN 2009-4086

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 Introduction The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network. European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain habitats and species in the Natura 2000 network at favourable conservation condition. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites.

A site-specific conservation objective aims to define favourable conservation condition for a particular habitat or species at that site. The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level.

Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: • its natural range, and area 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.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved 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. Notes/Guidelines: For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 1. The targets given in these conservation objectives are based on best available information at the time of writing. As more information becomes available, targets for attributes may change. These will be updated periodically, as necessary. 2. An appropriate assessment based on these conservation objectives will remain valid even if the targets are subsequently updated, providing they were the most recent objectives available when the assessment was carried out. It is essential that the date and version are included when objectives are cited. 3. Assessments cannot consider an attribute in isolation from the others listed for that habitat or species, or for other habitats and species listed for that site. A plan or project with an apparently small impact on one attribute may have a significant impact on another. 4. Please note that the maps included in this document do not necessarily show the entire extent of the habitats and species for which the site is listed. This should be borne in mind when appropriate assessments are being carried out. 5. When using these objectives, it is essential that the relevant backing/supporting documents are consulted, particularly where instructed in the targets or notes for a particular attribute.

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 Qualifying Interests * indicates a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive

002306 Carlingford Shore SAC

1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks

Please note that this SAC overlaps with Carlingford Lough SPA (004078). See map 2. The conservation objectives for this site should be used in conjunction with those for the overlapping site as appropriate.

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 Supporting documents, relevant reports & publications Supporting documents, NPWS reports and publications are available for download from: www.npws.ie/Publications NPWS Documents

Year : 1999 Title : National Shingle Beach Survey of Ireland 1999

Author : Moore, D.; Wilson, F. Series : Unpublished Report to NPWS Year : 2009 Title : Coastal Monitoring Project 2004-2006

Author : Ryle, T.; Murray, A.; Connolly, C.; Swann, M. Series : Unpublished report to NPWS Year : 2013 Title : Carlingford Shore SAC (site code 2306) Conservation objectives supporting document- coastal habitats V1 Author : NPWS Series : Conservation objectives supporting document

Other References

Year : 2008 Title : The phytosociology and conservation value of Irish sand dunes

Author : Gaynor, K. Series : Unpublished PhD thesis, National University of Ireland, Dublin

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 Spatial data sources

Year : Revision 2013 Title : National Shingle Beach Survey

GIS Operations : Clipped to SAC boundary. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising Used For : 1220 (map 3)

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 Conservation Objectives for : Carlingford Shore SAC [002306] 1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Annual vegetation of drift lines in Carlingford Shore SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, Current area unknown, but thought to occur in a subject to natural mosaic with perennial vegetation of stony banks processes, including (1220). Habitat is very difficult to measure in view of erosion and succession its dynamic nature, which means that it can appear and disappear within a site from year to year. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Habitat Occurrence No decline, or change in Current distribution unknown, but thought to occur distribution habitat distribution, subject in a mosaic with perennial vegetation of stony banks to natural processes (1220). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Physical structure: Presence/ absence of Maintain the natural Accumulation of organic matter in tidal litter is functionality and physical barriers circulation of sediment and essential for trapping sand. Rock armour is present sediment supply organic matter, without at Ballagan Point and Greenore. These physical any physical obstructions barriers will affect sediment supply. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation Occurrence Maintain the range of Thought to occur in a mosaic with perennial structure: coastal habitats including vegetation of stony banks (1220). See coastal zonation transitional zones, subject habitats supporting document for further details to natural processes including erosion and succession Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain the presence of Based on data from the Coastal Monitoring Project composition: representative number species-poor communities (CMP) (Ryle et al., 2009) and Gaynor (2008). See typical species of monitoring stops with typical species: sea coastal habitats supporting document for further and sub- rocket (Cakile maritima), details communities sea sandwort (Honckenya peploides), prickly saltwort (Salsola kali) and orache (Atriplex spp.) Vegetation Percentage cover Negative indicator species Negative indicators include non-native species, composition: (including non-natives) to species indicative of changes in nutrient status and negative indicator represent less than 5% species not considered characteristic of the habitat. species cover Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009). See coastal For inspection purposes only.habitats supporting document for further details Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 Conservation Objectives for : Carlingford Shore SAC [002306] 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Perennial vegetation of stony banks in Carlingford Shore SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, Current area unknown. Habitat recorded during the subject to natural National Shingle Beach Survey (NSBS) (Moore and processes, including Wilson, 1999) from three sub-sites: Whitestown to erosion and succession Cooley Point, Ballagan Point and Greenore. Although extent was not mapped, these contiguous sites extend for 3.5km along the coastline. Area of vegetated shingle is estimated to cover 130ha. NB Further unsurveyed areas maybe present within the SAC. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Habitat Occurrence No decline, or change in Based on data from Moore and Wilson (1999). Exact distribution habitat distribution, subject current distribution unknown, although the habitat to natural processes. See has been recorded along a 3.5km stretch of map 3 for mapped coastline from Greenore, extending south to Cooley locations Point (Moore and Wilson, 1999). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Physical structure: Presence/ absence of Maintain the natural Based on data from Moore and Wilson (1999). West functionality and physical barriers circulation of sediment and of Cooley Point there has been a lot of development sediment supply organic matter, without at Templetown beach, including the installation of a any physical obstructions car park. The NSBS noted two areas of coastal defences (rock armour), one in an area south of Ballagan Point and another in an area south of Greenore (approx. 200m in length). A number of tourism-related developments, including a promenade protected with rock armour, have been constructed at Greenore. Shingle features are relatively stable in the long term. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation Occurrence Maintain range of coastal Based on data from Moore and Wilson (1999). At structure: habitats including Ballagan Point the shingle vegetation is backed by zonation transitional zones, subject cobble-based grassland. Elsewhere along the to natural processes Carlingford shore, gradations to inland habitats are including erosion and disrupted by a road. Habitat is thought to occur in a succession mosaic with annual vegetation of drift lines (1210). See coastal habitats supporting document for further For inspection purposes only.details Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain the typical Based on data from Moore and Wilson (1999). See composition: representative sample vegetated shingle flora coastal habitats supporting document for further typical species of monitoring stops including the range of sub- details and sub- communities within the communities different zones Vegetation Percentage cover Negative indicator species Based on data from Moore and Wilson (1999). composition: (including non-natives) to Negative indicators include non-native species, negative indicator represent less than 5% species indicative of changes in nutrient status and species cover species not considered characteristic of the habitat. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Legend ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

SITE CODE: ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ MAP 1: SAC 002306; version 3 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ CARLINGFORD SHORE SAC ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ± SAC DESIGNATION ￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Map Version 1 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Date: June 2013

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

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

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

Legend ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

MAP 2: SITE CODE: SAC 002306; version 3 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ SPA 004078; version 2.01 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ CARLINGFORD SHORE SAC ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ADJOINING / OVERLAPPING ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ± DESIGNATIONS ￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Map Version 1 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Date: June 2013

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:06 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

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

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

Legend ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

MAP 3: SITE CODE: ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ SAC 002306; version 3 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ CARLINGFORD SHORE SAC ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ PERENNIAL VEGETATION OF ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ± STONY BANKS ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Map Version 1 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Date: June 2013

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 National Parks and Wildlife Service

Conservation Objectives

Dundalk Bay SAC 000455 Dundalk Bay SPA 004026

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Introduction The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network. European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain habitats and species in the Natura 2000 network at favourable conservation condition. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites. A site‐specific conservation objective aims to define favourable conservation condition for a particular habitat or species at that site. The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level. Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: • its natural range, and area 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. The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved 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.

Notes/Guidelines:

1. The targets given in these conservation For inspection objectives purposes only.are based on best available information at the time of writing. As more informationConsent ofbecomes copyright owner available, required for targetsany other use. for attributes may change. These will be updated periodically, as necessary. 2. An appropriate assessment based on these conservation objectives will remain valid even if the targets are subsequently updated, providing they were the most recent objectives available when the assessment was carried out. It is essential that the date and version are included when objectives are cited. 3. Assessments cannot consider an attribute in isolation from the others listed for that habitat or species, or for other habitats and species listed for that site. A plan or project with an apparently small impact on one attribute may have a significant impact on another. 4. Please note that the maps included in this document do not necessarily show the entire extent of the habitats and species for which the site is listed. This should be borne in mind when appropriate assessments are being carried out. 5. When using these objectives, it is essential that the relevant backing/supporting documents are consulted, particularly where instructed in the targets or notes for a particular attribute.

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Qualifying Interests * indicates a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive 000455 Dundalk Bay SAC QI Description 1130 Estuaries 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand 1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco‐Puccinellietalia maritimae) 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) 004026 Dundalk Bay SPA QI Description A005 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus wintering A043 Greylag Goose Anser anser wintering A046 Light‐bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota wintering A048 Shelduck Tadorna tadorna wintering A052 Teal Anas crecca wintering A053 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos wintering A054 Pintail Anas acuta wintering A065 Common Scoter Melanitta nigra wintering A069 Red‐breasted Merganser Mergus serrator wintering A130 Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus wintering A137 Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula wintering A140 Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria wintering A141 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola wintering A142 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus wintering A143 Knot Calidris canutus wintering A149 Dunlin Calidris alpina wintering A156 Black‐tailed Godwit Limosa limosa wintering For inspection purposes only. A157 Bar‐tailed Godwit LimosaConsent lapponica of copyright owner required for any other use. wintering

A160 Curlew Numenius arquata wintering A162 Redshank Tringa totanus wintering A179 Black‐headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus wintering A182 Common Gull Larus canus wintering A184 Herring Gull Larus argentatus wintering A999 Wetlands & Waterbirds

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Supporting documents, relevant reports & publications (listed by date) Supporting documents, NPWS reports and publications are available for download from: www.npws.ie/Publications Title: Dundalk Bay SPA (004026): Conservation objectives supporting document [Version 1] Year: 2011 Author: NPWS Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: Dundalk Bay SAC (000455): Conservation objectives supporting document ‐ marine habitats [Version 1] Year: 2011 Author: NPWS Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: Dundalk Bay SAC (000455): Conservation objectives supporting document ‐ coastal habitats [Version 1] Year: 2011 Author: NPWS Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: A subtidal soft sediment survey of Dundalk Bay Year: 2009 Author: Aquatic Services Unit Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: Saltmarsh Monitoring Report 2007‐2008 Year: 2009 Author: McCorry, M.; Ryle, T. Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: A survey of mudflats and sandflats in Ireland. An intertidal soft sediment survey of Dundalk Bay Year: 2008 Author: Aquatic Services Unit For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: A survey of mudflats and sandflats [Dundalk Bay] Year: 2007 Author: Aquatic Services Unit Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: Saltmarsh Monitoring Report 2006 Year: 2007 Author: McCorry, M. Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: National Shingle Beach Survey of Ireland 1999 Year: 1999 Author: Moore, D.; Wilson, F. Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Spatial data sources Year: 2010 Title: EPA transitional waterbody data GIS operations: Clipped to SAC boundary Used for: 1130

Year: Interpolated 2011 Title: Mudflat and sandflat surveys 2007, 2008; subtidal soft sediment survey 2009 GIS operations: Polygon feature classes from marine community types base data sub‐divided based on interpolation of marine survey data Used for: Marine community types, 1140

Year: 2005 Title: OSi Discovery series vector data GIS operations: High water mark (HWM) and low water mark (LWM) polyline feature classes converted into polygon feature classes and combined; Saltmarsh and Sand Dune CO datasets erased out Used for: Marine community types base data

Year: Revision 2010 Title: Saltmarsh Monitoring Project 2007‐2008. Version 1 GIS operations: QIs selected; clipped to SAC boundary Used for: 1310, 1330, 1410

Year: 2005 Title: OSi Discovery series vector data GIS operations: High water mark (HWM) and low water mark (LWM) polyline feature classes converted into polygon feature classes and combined; saltmarsh data for site combined to HWM and LWM polygon feature class; resulting polygon feature class unioned with SPA boundary; resulting polygon feature class clipped to SPA boundary; bird use zone attributes assigned to each polygon Used for: Bird use zones (map 6) For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SAC [000455] 1130 Estuaries To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Estuaries in Dundalk Bay SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Habitat area Hectares The permanent habitat area is Habitat area was estimated at 2799ha stable or increasing, subject to using OSI data and the defined natural processes. See map 2 Transitional Water Body area under the Water Framework Directive. See marine habitats supporting document for further information

Community Hectares The Subtidal fine sand Habitat structure was elucidated from distribution community complex should intertidal core and dig sampling be conserved in a natural undertaken in 2007 and 2008 combined condition. See map 4 with data obtained from subtidal grab samples obtained in 2009. See marine habitats supporting document for further information

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

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SAC [000455] 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide at Dundalk Bay SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Habitat area Hectares The permanent habitat area is Habitat area was estimated at 4375ha stable or increasing, subject to using OSI data. See marine habitats natural processes. See map 3 supporting document for further information

Community Hectares The Muddy fine sand Habitat structure was elucidated from distribution community and Intertidal fine intertidal core and dig sampling sand community complex undertaken in 2007 and 2008 combined should be conserved in a with data obtained from subtidal grab natural condition. See map 4 samples obtained in 2009. See marine habitats supporting document for further information

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

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SAC [000455] 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Perennial vegetation of stony banks in Dundalk Bay SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Habitat area Hectares Area stable, subject to natural Exact current area unknown, but shingle is processes, including erosion known to occur almost continuously from and succession Salterstown to Lurgan White House in the south bay and from Jenkinstown to east of Giles Quay in the north bay. Shingle is estimated to cover 12ha. Probably less than 25% of this would be vegetated. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural See coastal habitats supporting document processes for further details

Physical structure: Presence/absence of Maintain the natural Based on data from the national shingle Functionality and physical barriers circulation of sediment and beach survey conducted in 1999 (Moore sediment supply organic matter, without any and Wilson, 1999). See coastal habitats physical obstructions supporting document for further details

Vegetation Occurrence Maintain range of habitat Based on data from Moore and Wilson structure: zonation zonations including (1999). See coastal habitats supporting transitional zones, subject to document for further details natural processes including erosion and succession. See map 5

Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain the presence of Based on data from Moore and Wilson composition: representative sample species‐poor communities (1999). See coastal habitats supporting typical species and of monitoring stops with characteristic species: document for further details sub‐communities Honckenya peploides, Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima, Crithmum maritimum, Tripleurospermum For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyrightmaritimum owner, requiredGlaucium for anyflavum other use. and Silene uniflora

Vegetation Percentage cover Negative indicator species Based on data from Moore and Wilson composition: (including non‐natives) to (1999). See coastal habitats supporting negative indicator represent less than 5% cover document for further details species

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SAC [000455] 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand To restore the favourable conservation condition of Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand in Dundalk Bay SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, Based on data from the Saltmarsh subject to natural processes, Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, including erosion and 2009). One sub‐site (Dundalk Bay) was succession. For sub‐site mapped, giving a total estimated area of surveyed: 35.00ha. See map 5 35ha for Salicornia mudflat, which is one of the largest areas of this habitat in the country. NB further unsurveyed areas maybe present within the site. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details.

Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural See coastal habitats supporting document processes. See map 5 for for further details known distribution

Physical structure: Presence/absence of Maintain/restore natural See coastal habitats supporting document sediment supply physical barriers circulation of sediments and for further details organic matter, without any physical obstructions

Physical structure: Occurrence Maintain/restore creek and Based on data from McCorry and Ryle creeks and pans pan structure, subject to (2009). See coastal habitats supporting natural processes, including document for further details erosion and succession

Physical structure: Hectares flooded; Maintain natural tidal regime See coastal habitats supporting document flooding regime frequency for further details

Vegetation Occurrence Maintain range of saltmarsh Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: zonation habitat zonations including (2009). See coastal habitats supporting transitional zones, subject to document for further details natural processes including For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyrighterosion owner and requiredsuccession. for any See other use. map 5

Vegetation Centimetres Maintain structural variation Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: within sward (2009) vegetation height

Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain more than 90% of Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: representative sample area outside creeks vegetated (2009) vegetation cover of monitoring stops

Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain range of sub‐ See coastal habitats supporting document composition: representative sample communities with for further details typical species and of monitoring stops characteristic species listed in sub‐communities Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry & Ryle, 2009)

Vegetation Hectares No significant expansion of Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: negative Spartina. No new sites for this (2009). See coastal habitats supporting indicator species ‐ species and an annual spread document for further details Spartina anglica of less than 1% where it is already known to occur

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SAC [000455] 1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco‐Puccinellietalia maritimae) To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic salt meadows in Dundalk Bay SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, Based on data from the Saltmarsh subject to natural processes, Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, including erosion and 2009). One sub‐site (Dundalk Bay) was succession. For the sub‐site mapped and additional areas of potential (357.57ha) and potential saltmarsh were identified from an areas (22.42ha) mapped: examination of aerial photographs, giving 379.98ha. See map 5 a total estimated area for Atlantic salt meadow of 379.98ha. NB further unsurveyed areas maybe present within the site. See coastal habitats supporting document for further information

Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural See coastal habitats supporting document processes. See map 5 for for further details known distribution

Physical structure: Presence/absence of Maintain/restore natural See coastal habitats supporting document sediment supply physical barriers circulation of sediments and for further details organic matter, without any physical obstructions

Physical structure: Occurrence Maintain/restore creek and Based on data from McCorry and Ryle creeks and pans pan structure, subject to (2009). See coastal habitats supporting natural processes, including document for further details erosion and succession

Physical structure: Hectares flooded; Maintain natural tidal regime See coastal habitats supporting document flooding regime frequency for further details

Vegetation Occurrence Maintain range of saltmarsh Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: zonation habitat zonations including (2009). See coastal habitats supporting transitional zones, subject to document for further details For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyrightnatural owner processes required including for any other use. erosion and succession. See map 5

Vegetation Centimetres Maintain structural variation Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: within sward (2009) vegetation height

Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain more than 90% of Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: representative sample area outside creeks vegetated (2009) vegetation cover of monitoring stops

Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain range of sub‐ See coastal habitats supporting document composition: representative sample communities with for further details typical species and of monitoring stops characteristic species listed in sub‐communities Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry & Ryle, 2009)

Vegetation Hectares No significant expansion of Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: negative Spartina. No new sites for this (2009). See coastal habitats supporting indicator species‐ species and an annual spread document for further details Spartina anglica of less than 1% where it is already known to occur

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SAC [000455] 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mediterranean salt meadows in Dundalk Bay SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, Based on data from the Saltmarsh subject to natural processes, Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, including erosion and 2009). One sub‐site (Dundalk Bay) was succession. For sub‐site mapped, giving a total estimated area of mapped: 0.045ha. See map 5 0.045ha for Mediterranean salt meadow. NB further unsurveyed areas maybe present within the site. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural See coastal habitats supporting document processes. See map 5 for for further details known distribution

Physical structure: Presence/absence of Maintain/restore natural See coastal habitats supporting document sediment supply physical barriers circulation of sediments and for further details organic matter, without any physical obstructions

Physical structure: Occurrence Maintain/restore creek and Based on data from McCorry and Ryle creeks and pans pan structure, subject to (2009). See coastal habitats supporting natural processes, including document for further details erosion and succession

Physical structure: Hectares flooded; Maintain natural tidal regime See coastal habitats supporting document flooding regime frequency for further details

Vegetation Occurrence Maintain range of saltmarsh Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: zonation habitat zonations including (2009). See coastal habitats supporting transitional zones, subject to document for further details natural processes including erosion and succession. See For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyrightmap 5 owner required for any other use.

Vegetation Centimetres Maintain structural variation Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: within sward (2009) vegetation height

Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain more than 90% of Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: representative sample area outside creeks vegetated (2009) vegetation cover of monitoring stops

Vegetation Percentage cover at a Maintain range of sub‐ See coastal habitats supporting document composition: representative sample communities with for further details typical species and of monitoring stops characteristic species listed in sub‐communities Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry & Ryle, 2009)

Vegetation Hectares No significant expansion of Based on data from McCorry and Ryle structure: negative Spartina. No new sites for this (2009). See coastal habitats supporting indicator species‐ species and an annual spread document for further details Spartina anglica of less than 1% where it is already known to occur

19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 11 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A005 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Great Crested Grebe in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 12 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A043 Greylag Goose Anser anser To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Greylag Goose in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys.See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 13 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A046 Light‐bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Light‐bellied Brent Geese in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 14 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A048 Shelduck Tadorna tadorna To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Shelduck in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 15 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A052 Teal Anas crecca To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Teal in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 16 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A053 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mallard in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 17 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A054 Pintail Anas acuta To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Pintail in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 18 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A065 Common Scoter Melanitta nigra To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Common Scoter in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment using stable or increasing (Generalised Additive Modelling (GAM)) could not be undertaken for this species due to an incomplete dataset. A measure of population change was calculated using the 'generic threshold' method. See Section 4 of the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for more details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 19 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A069 Red‐breasted Merganser Mergus serrator To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Red‐breasted Merganser in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 20 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A130 Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Oystercatcher in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 21 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A137 Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Ringed Plover in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 22 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A140 Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Golden Plover in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 23 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A141 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Grey Plover in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 24 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A142 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Lapwing in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 25 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A143 Knot Calidris canutus To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Knot in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 26 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A149 Dunlin Calidris alpina To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Dunlin in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 27 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A156 Black‐tailed Godwit Limosa limosa To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Black‐tailed Godwit in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 28 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A157 Bar‐tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Bar‐tailed Godwit in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 29 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A160 Curlew Numenius arquata To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Curlew in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 30 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A162 Redshank Tringa totanus To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Redshank in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment (Generalised stable or increasing Additive Modelling (GAM)) was undertaken using waterbird count data collected through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey and other surveys. See the the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for further details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 31 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A179 Black‐headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Black‐headed Gull in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment using stable or increasing (Generalised Additive Modelling (GAM)) could not be undertaken for this species due to an incomplete dataset. A measure of population change was calculated using the 'generic threshold' method. See Section 4 for more details of the SPA conservation objectives supporting document

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 32 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A182 Common Gull Larus canus To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Common Gull in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment using stable or increasing (Generalised Additive Modelling (GAM)) could not be undertaken for this species due to an incomplete dataset. A measure of population change was calculated using the 'generic threshold' method. See Section 4 of the SPA conservation objectives supporting document for more details

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 33 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A184 Herring Gull Larus argentatus To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Herring Gull in Dundalk Bay SPA, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Population trend Percentage change Long term population trend Population trend assessment using stable or increasing (Generalised Additive Modelling (GAM)) could not be undertaken for this species due to an incomplete dataset. A measure of population change was calculated using the 'generic threshold' method. See Section 4 for more details of the SPA conservation objectives supporting document

Distribution Number and range of No significant decrease in the As determined by regular low tide and areas used by numbers or range of areas other waterbird surveys. Waterbird waterbirds used by waterbird species, distribution from the 2009/2010 waterbird other than that occurring survey programme is discussed in Section from natural patterns of 5 of the SPA conservation objectives variation supporting document

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 34 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Conservation objectives for: Dundalk Bay SPA [004026] A999 Wetlands & Waterbirds To maintain the favourable conservation condition of the wetland habitat in Dundalk Bay SPA as a resource for the regularly‐occurring migratory waterbirds that utilise it. This is defined by the following attribute and target: Attribute Measure Target Notes

Habitat area Hectares The permanent area occupied As defined by SPA boundary to MLWM; by the wetland habitat is MLWM to MHWM; and MHWM to SPA stable and not significantly boundary (the latter value is minus the less than the areas of 8136, area of Lurgangreen Fields) 4374 and 649 hectares respectively for subtidal, intertidal, and supratidal habitats, other than that occurring from natural patterns of variation. See map 6

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19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 35 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:07 Dundalk

SAC 000455 CO. LOUTH SPA 004026

Drogheda

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Legend

SAC 000455 SPA 004026

SITE CODE The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. MAP 1: CO. LOUTH Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. SAC 000455 Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission Version 1.02 DUNDALK BAY of the Government (Permit number EN 0059208). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. SPA 004026 CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar Version 1.02 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 km comharthaithe. Macasamhail d’ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis SAC & SPA DESIGNATIONS le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN 0059208) Map Version 1 Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. ± Date: March 2011

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Legend

SAC 000455 1130 Estuaries OSi Discovery Series County Boundary

SITE CODE The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. MAP 2: CO. LOUTH Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission SAC 000455 DUNDALK BAY of the Government (Permit number EN 0059208). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. Version 1.02 CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 km comharthaithe. Macasamhail d’ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis ESTUARIES le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN 0059208) Map Version 1 Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. ± Date: March 2011

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Legend

SAC 000455 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide OSi Discovery Series County Boundary

SITE CODE MAP 3: The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. CO. LOUTH Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. DUNDALK BAY Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission SAC 000455 of the Government (Permit number EN 0059208). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. Version 1.02 CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 km comharthaithe. Macasamhail d’ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis MUDFLATS AND SANDFLATS le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN 0059208) Map Version 1 Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. ± Date: March 2011

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:08 Legend

SAC 000455 SPA 004026 OSi Discovery Series County Boundary Marine Community Types Fine sand community complex Muddy fine sand community Gravel dominated by Polychaetes

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SITE CODE MAP 4: The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. CO. LOUTH Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. SAC 000455 DUNDALK BAY Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission Version 1.02 of the Government (Permit number EN 0059208). CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. SPA 004026 Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar Version 1.02 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 km comharthaithe. Macasamhail d’ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis MARINE COMMUNITY TYPES le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN 0059208) Map Version 1 Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. ± Date: March 2011

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Legend

SAC 000455 OSi Discovery Series County Boundary Saltmarsh Habitats 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand 1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) Potential Annex Habitat

SITE CODE MAP 5: The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. CO. LOUTH Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. DUNDALK BAY Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission SAC 000455 of the Government (Permit number EN 0059208). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. Version 1.02 CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 km comharthaithe. Macasamhail d’ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis SALTMARSH HABITATS le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN 0059208) Map Version 1 Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. ± Date: March 2011

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:08 Legend

SPA 004026 OSi Discovery Series County Boundary Bird Use Zones Subtidal Intertidal Supratidal Terrestrial

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SITE CODE MAP 6: The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. CO. LOUTH Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. DUNDALK BAY Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission SPA 004026 CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES of the Government (Permit number EN 0059208). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. Version 1.02 WETLANDS AND WATERBIRDS Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 km comharthaithe. Macasamhail d’ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis BIRD USE ZONES le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN 0059208) Map Version 1 Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. ± Date: March 2011

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:08 Produced by: National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. Web: www.npws.ie E‐mail: [email protected]

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Citation: NPWS (2011) Conservation Objectives: Dundalk Bay SAC 000455 and Dundalk Bay SPA 004026. Version 1.0. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Series Editors: Rebecca Jeffrey & Naomi Kingston ISSN 2009‐4086

19 July 2011 Version 1.0 Page 36 of 36

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:08 SITE SYNOPSIS

Site Name: Carlingford Shore SAC

Site Code: 002306

The Carlingford Shore SAC site comprises the entire southern shoreline of Carlingford Lough and continues round the tip of the Cooley Peninsula to just west of Cooley Point. While the principal conservation interests lie in the perennial vegetation of shingle banks and the annual vegetation of drift lines, the site also has intertidal sand and mudflats, patches of saltmarsh, some areas of dry grassland, and an area of mixed deciduous woodland. The site is flanked by Carlingford Mountain to the south-west. The underlying rock within the SAC is mainly carboniferous limestone. This outcrops in places in the form of bedrock shore or reefs. Granite boulders are occasionally found. Intertidal mudflats and sand/gravel banks also occur.

The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species listed on Annex I / II of the E.U. Habitats Directive (* = priority; numbers in brackets are Natura 2000 codes):

[1210] Annual Vegetation of Drift Lines [1220] Perennial Vegetation of Stony Banks

In Carlingford Shore SAC the shingle and drift line habitats extend more or less continuously from Greenore to west of Cooley Point. They occur as a strip of varying width, from only a few metres in places,For inspection to purposes up to only. about 50 m. One of the best Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. developed areas is south of Ballagan Point. The substrate varies from stones and cobbles to gravels and coarse sands. The exposure level of this shoreline is high.

The perennial vegetation of the upper beach of these shingle banks is widely ranging, well developed and often stable. In places lichens encrust the stones farther back from the sea. Typical species present throughout the site include oraches (Atriplex spp., including A. prostrata, A. glabriuscula and A. littoralis), Sea Beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima), Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Sea- milkwort (Glaux maritima), Lyme-grass (Leymus arenarius) and Sea Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. maritimum). This grades landward mainly into lowland dry grassland, though there are patches of wet grassland.

The vegetation of the stony banks is often interspersed with the vegetation occupying accumulations of drift material and gravels rich in nitrogenous organic matter. The vegetation is sparse. Species seen include Prickly Saltwort (Salsola kali), Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima), Sea Sandwort (Honkenya peploides), Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias), Sea Mayweed (Matricaria maritima) and oraches. The Red Data

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:08 Book species Oysterplant (Mertensia maritima) is also found. This plant is protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999.

There are small patches of saltmarsh on the drier sections of outcropping reefs and at the landward edge of the site. Species present include Sea Aster (Aster tripolium), Sea Purslane (Halimione portulacoides), Lax-flowered Sea-lavender (Limonium humile), Common Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima), Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima) and Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima). In areas which are more regularly flooded Annual Sea-blite (Suaeda maritima) is found. A small brackish lake is present on the landward side of the railway line.

A relatively extensive expanse of intertidal flats (more sand than mud) occur, particularly between Greenore Point and Carlingford Harbour. The flats in this area are broken by outcropping reefs and some shingle deposits and saltmarsh on the drier higher rocks. These flats are very important feeding grounds for wildfowl and waders. Patches of green algae (filamentous, Ulva sp. and Enteromorpha sp.) and lugworm casts occur in places, while fucoid seaweeds are common on the more stony flats. Abundant barnacle shells and lichens are also present on many of the rocks. Eelgrass (Zostera sp.) beds are found on the flats - the main food source for the internationally important population of Pale-bellied Brent Goose at the site. Small tufts of cord-grass (Spartina sp.) are also found.

Above the low-lying shoreline dry grassland often occurs, with species such as Red Fescue, Common Bent (Agrostis stolonifera), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea). West of Carlingford town the shoreline is backed in places by low cliffs. An area of mixed woodland occurs at Ferry Hill, overlooking the mouth of the Newry River. This has a low canopy dominated by For inspection purposes only. Elder (Sambucus nigra) and withConsent some of copyright Pedunculate owner required for Oakany other (Quercus use. robur), Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). The non-native and invasive Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) is common.

The threshold for internationally important numbers of birds within the site has been exceeded in single years, by some species such as Pale-bellied Brent Goose in the 1980s and 1994/95. The site is nationally important for a number of species such as Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Ringed Plover and Red-Breasted Merganser. This classification is based on species which attained interim all-Ireland importance on the basis of the three year mean maximum counts for the winters 1994/95-96/97. There are a number of bird species recorded, including Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit, which are listed under Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. The intertidal flats between Greenore and Carlingford have been designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive. Black Guillemots (6) were recorded in pairs nesting in wooden breakwater in Greenore and 8 birds were seen at the breakwater. A colony of Terns in Northern Ireland feed in the SPA, particularly Sandwich Tern with some Common Tern.

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EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:08 Approximately 25-30 Grey Seals haul out on reefs between Greenore and Carlingford. This species is listed in Annex II under the E.U. Habitats Directive.

The principal activities in the site are recreational usage and shellfish production. Much of the area around the mean low water mark (MLWM) between Carlingford Harbour and Greenore is under production of oyster, and to a lesser extent, clams. The principal threat to the shoreline habitats is further commercial development, either for shellfish or tourism. Coastal defence works is also a threat to the shoreline. Aquaculture occurs in Carlingford Lough and may have negative impacts on the wintering bird populations.

Carlingford Shore has a wide diversity of habitats including very good examples of perennial vegetation of stony banks and drift lines. The presence of Red Data Book species adds to the ecological interest. The wide area of intertidal flats within the site is internationally important for birds and is designated as a Special Protection Area. The presence of Grey Seal, an Annex II species under the E.U. Habitats Directive, adds to the conservation value of the site.

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Version date: 27.01.2014 3 of 3 002306_Rev13.Doc

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:08 SITE SYNOPSIS

SITE NAME: DUNDALK BAY SPA

SITE CODE: 004026

Dundalk Bay is a large open shallow sea bay with extensive saltmarshes and intertidal sand/mudflats, extending some 16 km from Castletown River on the Cooley Peninsula, in the north, to Annagassan/Salterstown in the south. The bay encompasses the mouths and estuaries of the Rivers Dee, Glyde, Fane, Castletown and Flurry. The site contains five habitats listed under the EU Habitats Directive, i.e. perennial vegetation of stony banks, tidal mudflats, salt marshes, Salicornia mudflats and estuaries.

The extensive sand flats and mud flats (over 4,000 ha) have a rich fauna of bivalves, molluscs, marine worms and crustaceans which provides the food resource for most of the wintering waterfowl. The salt marshes, which occur in four main areas at Lurgangreen, Marsh South, Dundalk Harbour/Ballymascanlan Bay and Bellurgan, are used by the roosting birds at high tide. The marshes are dominated by wide expanses of Common Cord-grass ( Spartina anglica), while Sea Purslane ( Halimione portulacoides ), Common Saltmarsh-grass ( Puccinellia maritima ) and Glasswort (Salicornia spp.) are other common species. The herbivorous waterfowl (notably Brent Geese and Wigeon) feed on the salt marsh grasses, as well as on areas of Zostera and green algae on the mudflats.

Shingle beaches are particularly well represented in Dundalk Bay, occurring more or less continuously from Salterstown to Lurgan White House in the south bay, and from

Jenkinstown to east of Giles Quay For in inspection the north purposes bay. only. The shingle supports such Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. species as Spear-leaved Orache ( Atriplex prostrata ), Sea Mayweed ( Matricaria maritima ), Sea Beet ( Beta vulgaris ), Sea Rocket ( Cakile maritima ) and Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum ), as well as scarcer plants including Yellow Horned-poppy (Glaucium flavum ), Sea Scutch ( Leymus arenarius ) and the Red Data Book species Sea-kale ( Crambe maritima ). At high tide, many birds roost on the shingle beaches.

The outer part of the bay provides excellent shallow-water habitat for divers, grebes, and sea duck. In summer, it is thought to be a major feeding area for auks from the Dublin breeding colonies. At night the wintering Greylag and Greenland White- fronted Geese, and Whooper Swans, from Stabannan/Braganstown (inland from Castlebelligham) and other inland sites roost in Dundalk Bay.

The site is internationally important for waterfowl on the basis that it regularly holds over 20,000 birds (average peak of 40,781 over five winters 1995/96-1999/00). In the same period it also qualifies as a site of international importance for supporting populations of Brent Goose (337), Black-tailed Godwit (1,067) and Bar-tailed Godwit (1,950). There is also a range of other species which occur in numbers of national importance – these are Great Crested Grebe (302), Greylag Goose (435), Shelduck (492), Mallard (763), Pintail (117), Red-breasted Merganser (121) (over 500 have

EPA Export 31-07-2015:23:44:08 been recorded in August/September), Oystercatcher (8,712), Ringed Plover (147), Golden Plover (5,967), Grey Plover (204), Lapwing (4,850), Knot (9,710), Dunlin (11,515), Curlew (1,234) and Redshank (1,489) (all figures are average peaks over the period 1995/96 to 1999/00). Other wintering species which occur regularly in regionally important numbers include Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Goldeneye, Greenshank and Turnstone.

The site also supports large numbers of gulls during winter. In the 1995/96 to 1999/00 period, the following were recorded (figures are average peaks over the five winters): Black-headed Gull (6,630), Common Gull (551), Herring Gull (751) and Great Black-backed Gull (185).

In spring and autumn the site attracts a range of passage migrants, including Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper and Ruff.

This site is one of the most important wintering waterfowl sites in the country and one of the few which regularly supports more than 20,000 waterfowl. It supports three species in numbers of International Importance and a further 15 species in numbers of National Importance. The populations of Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Red- throated and Great Northern Divers are of particular note as these species are listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. The site is also a designated Ramsar site. The site is monitored annually as part of I-WeBS.

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04.03.2002

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APPENDIX 6 Natura Impact Statement

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Application for industrial emissions licence for a storage facility for baled refuse at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Natura Impact Statement

FINAL REPORT

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28th July 2015

Faith Wilson Ecological Consultant B.Sc. (Hons) CEnv MCIEEM Kestrel Ridge, Tigroney West, Avoca, Co. Wicklow

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Application for industrial emissions licence for a storage facility for baled refuse at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Natura Impact Statement

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1 Background ...... 3 1.2 Legislative Background ...... 4 1.3 Stages of Appropriate Assessment ...... 6 2. APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING MATRIX ...... 7 2.1 Project Description ...... 7 2.2 Desk Study ...... 8 2.3 Identification of Sites ...... 8 2.4 Description of the site, its environs and habitats ...... 12 2.5 Assessment of Significance ...... 14 2.6 Screening Assessment Conclusion ...... 16 3. APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT ...... 17 4. MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 18 4.1 Awareness of Site Designations ...... 18 4.2 Surface Water ...... 18 4.3 Site and Operational Lighting...... 23 5. RESIDUAL IMPACTS ...... 23 6. CONCLUDING STATEMENT ...... 23 For inspection purposes only. 7. REFERENCES ...... Consent of copyright...... owner required for any ...... other use...... 25 8. APPENDIX 1. BASELINE WATER QUALITY REPORTS ...... 27

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Application for industrial emissions licence for a storage facility for baled refuse at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Natura Impact Statement

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Faith Wilson Ecological Consultant was commissioned by Sean O’ Hanlon to prepare a Natura Impact Statement as part of an application to the Environmental Protection Agency for consent for an industrial emissions licence for a storage facility for baled refuse at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth (Grid Reference J 06 07) as illustrated on Figure 1 below.

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Figure 1. Proposed site layout at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk.

The EPA as part of their review of the application for consent for an industrial emissions licence for the development conducted an in house AA Screening Assessment, with the results as follows:

AA Screening Determination:

“That the activity is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site as a European site and that it cannot be excluded, on the basis of objective information, that the activity, individually or in combination with other

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plans or projects will have a significant effect on a European site and accordingly determined that an Appropriate Assessment of the activity is required, and for this reason determined to require the applicant to submit a Natura Impact Statement.

The following are the reasons for this determination are as follows:  The storage of waste at the installation will generate runoff which is likely to have high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and other contaminants including heavy metals.  The annual throughput of waste at the installation is proposed to be 50,000 tonnes per annum.  The activity is located directly adjacent to two European Sites”.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC). Council directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna – ‘The Habitats Directive’ was transposed into Irish law by the European Community (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94/1997).

1.2 Legislative Background The aim of the European Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of wild habitats and of wild fauna and flora) is to create a network of protected wildlife sites across Europe, which are to be maintained at a favourable conservation status1. Each member state must designate their most important natural areas as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). The Directive specifies the scientific criteria on the basis of which SAC sites must be selected and very strictly curtails theFor inspection grounds purposes thatonly. can be used as justification for Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. damaging a site. The network of sites is referred to as NATURA 2000 and includes SACs (Special Areas of Conservation) for protected habitats and species and SPAs (Special Protection Areas) for birds, which are designated under the European Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC as amended by Directive 2009/147/EC).

It is a requirement of the Habitats Directive ((92/43/EEC) that the competent consent authority, which is either the planning authority or in some instances An Bord Pleanála, must ensure that a proposal, which is likely to have a significant

1 The conservation status of a habitat can be taken as "favourable” when its natural range and area it covers within that range is stable or increasing and the ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future.

The conservation status of a species can be taken as "favourable" 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, 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 continue to be a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. Article 1 (i) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

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effect on an SAC or SPA, is authorised only to the extent that the authority is satisfied it will not adversely affect the integrity of the area and that an appropriate assessment of the implications of the development for the conservation status of the site is undertaken.

The European Parliament, in a communication to the European Council in September 2000, states: The implementation of the European Habitats Directive and Birds Directive, both with respect to species conservation and with respect to the establishment of the Natura 2000 network, is one of the most important tools for achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity in the European Union and member states (European Parliament 2000).

Article 6 of the Habitats Directive provides a strict assessment procedure for any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a designated European site but which has the potential to have implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive set out the decision-making tests for plans and projects likely to affect Natura 2000 sites (Annex 1.1). Article 6(3) establishes the requirement for Appropriate Assessment (AA):

Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the [Natura 2000] site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subjected to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In 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) states: For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the [Natura 2000] 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 a social or economic nature, Member States shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted.

The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 were implemented to transpose the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive into Irish law as well as addressing transposition failures identified in the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) judgements.

This report has taken into consideration the relevant requirements of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2010).

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References to Natura 2000 sites throughout this report are to be taken as referring to European sites as defined in the above Planning Act.

1.3 Stages of Appropriate Assessment

This report has been prepared with regard to the following guidance documents where relevant:

- 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 (European Commission Environment Directorate General, 2001)

- Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The Provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (EC Environment Directorate General, 2000)

- Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidance for Planning Authorities. (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2010 revision)

- Guidelines for Good Practice, Appropriate Assessment of Plans under Article 6(3) Habitats Directive (International Workshop on Assessment of Plans under the Habitats Directive, 2011)

- Guidance Document on Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

Clarification of the Concepts For inspection ofpurposes Alternative only. Solutions, Imperative Reasons Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. of Over-riding Public Interest, Compensatory Measures, Overall Coherence. Opinion of the European Commission (European Commission, January 2007)

This report has followed the stage by stage approach detailed in the above guidelines as outlined below:

Stage 1. Screening — the process which identifies the likely impacts upon a Natura 2000 site of a project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, and considers whether these impacts are likely to be significant;

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 or 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;

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This report consists of Stage 1 and Stage 2 of Appropriate Assessment; the Screening for Appropriate Assessment (Stage 1), and Stage 2. Appropriate Assessment. Neither Stage 3. Assessment of Alternative Solutions nor Stage 4. Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain were applicable in this instance, as the proposed development at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk will not adversely affect the integrity of any Natura 2000 site and, in particular, it will not adversely affect the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA.

2. APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING MATRIX

2.1 Project Description

O’ Hanlon Sons currently have planning permission and a waste permit to operate a waste facility at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The current operations at the facility are summarised below:

O’Hanlon stores baled waste at the site pending shipment for use as a fuel in overseas waste to energy plants and cement kilns. No other types of waste are accepted or stored at the site. The total quantity of waste accepted annually is 50,000 tonnes, with a maximum of 3,000 tonnes stored at any one time.

The facility is regulated by a Waste Permit (WFP-LH-002-01) granted by Louth County Council in October 2012. The waste is categorised as EWC 19 12 12 and 19 12 10 (Ref Schedule 1 of the Permit) and the bales are produced at materials recovery facilities that are regulated by Licences issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. They comprise predominantly paper, cardboard and plastics, with small amounts of organics that are not suitable for recycling. The bales are For inspection purposes only. wrapped in multipleConsent layers of copyright of owner polythene required for any sheeting other use. and each one weighs approximately 1000kg.

The bales are delivered to the site by articulated trucks and are off loaded using a mechanical grab and stored in an open paved area on the quay side until there are enough bales to fill a ship (between 2,700 and 3,000 tonnes).

When the transport ship has berthed, the bales are loaded into the ship. As the ship movement depends on the tide, the operational hours i.e. the times the bales are loaded onto the ships, are 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Permit restricts waste acceptance hours to 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Wastes are not accepted on Sunday

The Permit conditions specify the types of waste that can be accepted at the site. The Permit authorises the storage of baled tyres, but these are not typically shipped from the site.

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The Permit also specified the infrastructure and operational controls that must be provided and implemented to ensure the activity does not give rise to environmental pollution. These measures are listed in Conditions 4, 5 and 6 of the Permit. Condition 7 specifies the environmental monitoring programme that must be implemented at the site, while Condition 8 specifies the accident prevention and response measures that are applied.

An application for consent for an industrial emissions licence for the facility from the EPA is now required.

2.2 Desk Study

A desk study was carried out to collate the available information on the ecological environment potentially impacted by the proposed development at Dundalk, Co. Louth. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) database of designated conservation areas and NPWS and records of rare and protected plant species were checked with regard to the location of the lands at Dundalk.

Information on protected species of fauna and flora listed for protection under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), Annex I of the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act (2000) was also sought from NPWS and published sources. Recent, high resolution, colour aerial photographs were also used to identify potential habitats.

The site was visited in June 2014.

2.3 Identification of Sites For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. In line with the European Commission Methodological Guidance (EC (2001)) and the DoEHLG Guidance (DoEHLG (2010)) a review of all Natura 2000 sites that could be potentially affected by the proposed project was made using the NPWS online map viewer. These included any Natura 2000 sites within or adjacent to the land at Dundalk and any Natura 2000 sites within the likely zone of impact of the proposed development (a 10km radius) including any downstream. These are summarised in Table 2.3.1 below.

In addition to the identified Natura 2000 sites consideration is also given to relevant species listed under Annexes I and II and IV of the Birds and Habitats Directives respectively.

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are habitats of international significance that have been identified by NPWS and submitted for designation to the EU. The obligations imposed in relation to SACs and SPAs (or “European Sites”) are set out in the Planning Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No.

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477 of 2011). The main implication of this designation is that any project likely to have a significant adverse impact on the integrity of a “non priority” site of international importance for nature conservation may only be carried out for “imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature”.

Proposed NHAs are also habitats or sites of interest to wildlife that have been identified by NPWS. These sites become NHAs once they have been formally advertised and land owners have been notified of their designation. NHAs are protected under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, from the date they are formally proposed. NHA is a statutory designation according to the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) and requires consultation with NPWS if any development impacts on a pNHA. NHAs are considered to be of national importance, while SACs and SPAs are of international importance for nature conservation.

The lands at Dundalk are not currently designated for any nature conservation purposes but they do adjoin the site boundaries of the Dundalk Bay SPA (Site Code: 004026) and SAC (Site Code: 000455). A number of other Natura 2000 designated sites occur within a 10km radius of the site. These include;  Carlingford Mountain SAC (Site Code: 000453) which is 6km north-east.

Some of these and a number of other sites in the area are also designated as proposed Natural Heritage Areas:  Dundalk Bay pNHA (Site Code: 000455), which adjoins the site,  Carlingford Mountain pNHA (Site Code: 000453), which is 6km north- east,  Ravensdale Plantation pNHA (Site Code: 001805), which is 6.8km north east,  Trumpet Hill (Louth) For inspection pNHA purposes (Site only. Code: 001468), which is 4.4km north east, Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

 Drumach, Toprass and Cortial Loughs pNHA (Site Code: 001462), which is 6km west, and  Stephenstown Pond pNHA (Site Code: 001803), which is 7km south west.

Table 2.3.1. Designated Natura 2000 sites within a 10km radius of the land at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk.

Site Code, Site Approximate Conservation Interest (summarised from site Name and distance from synopsis) Designation Brown’s Quay Priority Habitats are indicated with an asterisk and Connick Quay 004026 Adjoins the site  Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) [A005] Dundalk Bay  Greylag Goose (Anser anser) [A043] SPA  Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046]  Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048]  Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]

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Site Code, Site Approximate Conservation Interest (summarised from site Name and distance from synopsis) Designation Brown’s Quay Priority Habitats are indicated with an asterisk and Connick Quay  Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053]  Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]  Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) [A065]  Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) [A069]  Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130]  Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137]  Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140]  Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141]  Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142]  Knot (Calidris canutus) [A143]  Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]  Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]  Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [A157]  Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160]  Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162]  Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) [A179]  Common Gull (Larus canus) [A182]  Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) [A184]  Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] 000455 Adjoins the site  Estuaries [1130] Dundalk Bay  Mudflats and sandflats not covered by SAC seawater at low tide [1140]  Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220]  Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310] For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner Atlantic required for salt any meadowsother use. (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]  Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410] 000453 6km NE  Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060] Carlingford  Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels Mountain SAC (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) [8110]  Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8210]  Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220]

Conservation Objectives: At present a detailed site management plan is available for Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA (NPWS, 2011) but only generic conservation objectives are available for Carlingford Mountain SAC (NPWS, 2015). A summary of the conservation objectives for each of the Natura 2000 sites outlined above are summarised below in Table 2.3.2. This Natura Impact Statement has examined the generic and

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detailed conservation objectives for each Natura 2000 site and the attributes and targets for each conservation objective and has identified a potential risk of significant impact on these targets arising from runoff from the site, which is likely to have high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and other contaminants including heavy metals.

Table 2.3.2. Conservation Objectives for the designated Natura 2000 sites within a 10km radius of the land at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay.

Site Code: Conservation Objectives Dundalk Bay SPA Objective 1: To maintain the favourable conservation status of 004026 the Qualifying Interests of the SAC, or the Special Conservation Interests of the SPA.  Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) [A005]  Greylag Goose (Anser anser) [A043]  Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) [A046]  Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048]  Teal (Anas crecca) [A052]  Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) [A053]  Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054]  Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) [A065]  Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) [A069]  Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130]  Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) [A137]  Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140]  Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141]  Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142]  Knot (Calidris canutus) [A143]  Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149]  Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156]  For Barinspection-tailed purposes Godwit only. (Limosa lapponica) [A157] Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.  Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160]  Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162]  Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) [A179]  Common Gull (Larus canus) [A182]  Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) [A184]  Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999]

Objective 2: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site.

Objective 3: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities.

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Site Code: Conservation Objectives Dundalk Bay SAC Objective 1: To maintain the favourable conservation status of 000455 the Qualifying Interests of the SAC.  Estuaries [1130]  Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140]  Perennial vegetation of stony banks [1220]  Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [1310]  Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330]  Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) [1410]

Objective 2: To maintain the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site.

Objective 3: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities. Carlingford Objective 1: To maintain the favourable conservation status of Mountain SAC the Qualifying Interests of the SAC, or the Special 000453 Conservation Interests of the SPA.  Alpine and Boreal heaths [4060]  Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) [8110]  Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8210]  Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [8220]

Objective For inspection 2: To purposesmaintain only. the extent, species richness and Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. biodiversity of the entire site.

Objective 3: To establish effective liaison and co-operation with landowners, legal users and relevant authorities.

2.4 Description of the site, its environs and habitats The quayside at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay consist of areas of hard standing which all ultimately drain to Dundalk Bay to the north. Along the quay are a series of warehouses and various buildings associated with the port. Adjoining the site to the north are the tidal waters, mudflats and areas of saltmarsh which form the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA.

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Plate 1. Baled refuse stored on the quay wall for loading.

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

Plate 2. Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA adjoins the site boundary.

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2.5 Assessment of Significance

This section considers the list of Natura 2000 sites detailed in Table 2.3.1 and their qualifying habitats and species under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives.

The potential impacts of the proposed development at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk on the Natura 2000 sites within a 10km radius of the property are assessed using the following factors (European Commission (2001). Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites - methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6 (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC):

 size and scale  land-take  distance from the Natura 2000 site or key features of the site  resource requirements (water abstraction etc.)  emissions (disposal to land, water or air)  excavation requirements  transportation requirements  duration of construction, operation, decommissioning, etc.  reduction of habitat area  disturbance to key species  habitat or species fragmentation  reduction in species density  changes in key indicators of conservation value (water quality etc.)  climate change  key relationships that define the structure of the sites  key relationships that define the function of the site For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. These impacts on the Natura 2000 sites within a 10km radius of the site are summarised below in Table 2.5.1.

Table 2.5.1. Likely direct, indirect or secondary impacts of the project (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) on Natura 2000 sites within a 10km radius of the site by virtue of:

Size and scale None within any Natura 2000 site Land-take None within any Natura 2000 site Distance from Natura 2000 sites  the site adjoins Dundalk Bay SAC (Site Code: 000455)  the site adjoins Dundalk Bay SPA (Site Code: 004026)  Carlingford Mountain SAC (Site Code: 000453) is 6km NE from the site

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Resource requirements (water Should any water be required for the abstraction, etc.) project it will be taken from the mains water supply within Dundalk town which currently services the site. Emissions (disposal to land, There will be no direct discharges of water or air) wastewater from the system to the adjoining Natura 2000 site or to the existing mains wastewater system in the town.

All surface water from the site currently discharges to the Natura 2000 site via a silt trap and oil separator.

An Emergency Response Plan setting out procedures to be followed in the event of a major emergency, including a major oil spill is available and staff are trained accordingly. Excavation requirements None within any Natura 2000 site Transportation requirements 14 two way movements daily. However, depending on the arrival time of the ship, it is sometimes necessary to deliver more than the daily average and in such circumstances there could be up to 60 daily two way movements. For inspection purposes only. Duration of construction,Consent of copyright owner requiredNo for anyadditional other use. construction is

operation, decommissioning, etc. required.

Operations will continue as per the conditions of the waste facility permit. Reduction of habitat area None within any Natura 2000 site

Changes to any Natura 2000 sites within a 10km radius of the site arising as a result of disturbance, fragmentation, etc. are summarised below in Table 2.5.2.

Table 2.5.2. Description of likely changes to the site arising as a result of:

Disturbance to key species Potential disturbance from lighting during loading operations Habitat or species fragmentation None within any Natura 2000 sites Reduction in species density None within any Natura 2000 sites

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Changes in key indicators of Potential risk to water quality in conservation value (water Dundalk Bay arising from runoff quality etc.) from stored bales which is likely to have high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and other contaminants including heavy metals. This would have conservation implications for the habitats and species in the adjoining Natura 2000 site. Climate change Unknown

Likely impacts on any Natura 2000 sites within a 10km radius of the site as a whole in terms of structure and functions are described below in Table 3.2.3.

Table 2.5.3. Describe any likely impacts on the Natura 2000 site as a whole in terms of:

Key relationships that define the Potential risk to water structure of the sites quality/benthic life within the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA should contaminated surface water enter the bay or should an oil spill occur on site during refuelling or other ongoing operations. This could have negative implications for the structure of marine habitats such as mudflats and cause a decrease in the long term in the numbers and range of areas used by waterbird species. For inspection purposes only. Key relationships Consentthat defineof copyright the owner requiredPotential for any other use.risk to waterbird species

function of the site and the fauna and quality of habitats should contaminated surface water enter the bay or should an oil spill occur on site during refuelling or other ongoing operations.

2.6 Screening Assessment Conclusion

In order to determine the potential impacts, if any, of the proposed development at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay on nearby Natura 2000 sites a screening process was completed. This identified two Natura 2000 sites within a 10km radius, which are designated as either an SAC or an SPA.

It was concluded that there is no likelihood of any significant effects on Carlingford Mountain SAC. It has been determined that only one of these sites is potentially impacted by the proposed development – this is the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA the boundaries of which adjoin the site. It has been determined that

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there is a potential risk to water quality/benthic life within the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA should contaminated surface water enter the bay or should an oil spill occur on site during refuelling or other ongoing operations. There are also potential impacts from lighting causing disturbance to wildfowl.

A full Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment has therefore been conducted.

3. APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT

A Screening for Appropriate Assessment for an application for an industrial emissions licence for the development of a waste facility at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Lockington’s Yard, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth identified two Natura 2000 sites within a 10km radius, which are designated as either an SAC or an SPA.

It was concluded that there is no likelihood of any significant effects on Carlingford Mountain SAC. It has been determined that only one of these sites is potentially impacted by the proposed development – this is the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA the boundaries of which adjoin the site. It has been determined that there is a potential risk to water quality/benthic life within the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA should contaminated surface water enter the bay or should an oil spill occur on site during refuelling or other ongoing operations. There are also potential impacts from lighting causing disturbance to wildfowl.

Construction Phase: No additional construction is required for this project.

Operational Phase: For inspection purposes only. The main potential impactsConsent of copyright of the owner proposedrequired for any other waste use. facility arise during the operational phase arising from a risk of surface water entering the bay and potential disturbance to waterbirds from additional lighting at the port during loading operations.

Surface Water The main potential impacts of this phase relate to potential contamination of the adjoining Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA should a major spill occur or should pollutants enter the bay via surface waters. Runoff from stored bales is likely to have high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and could potentially contain other contaminants including heavy metals.

Bird Migration Lighting (during the operational phase) may have impacts on bird species which form part of the qualifying interests of the SPA notably during the migration period when waders and other species are on passage.

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4. MITIGATION MEASURES

4.1 Awareness of Site Designations All contractors’ working on the project should be informed of the designation of the adjoining lands as a Natura 2000 site to ensure that there is no accidental disposal of any materials, sediment laden surface water, etc. to the bay.

4.2 Surface Water The main risks posed by the facility have been previously addressed through the conditions associated with the Waste Facility Permit Licence (WFP – LH – 12 – 0002 – 01). These include conditions on the following:  Scope  Management of the activity  Record keeping and reporting  Facility infrastructure  Facility operations  Environmental protection and emissions  Monitoring  Accident prevention and emergency response  Charges and environmental provisions  Restoration and aftercare

There is no discharge of trade effluent, leachate or contaminated storm water to the groundwater, surface water drains or watercourses. There is no discharge of surface water apart from roof runoff from the facility other than those discharged via silt trap and oil separator.

All surface water run-off potentially loaded with hydrocarbons from leaks from vehicles and the hard standing For inspection areas purposes in the only. yard pass through a silt trap and oil Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. separator which has a shut-off valve in advance of discharge. The silt trap and separator is constructed in accordance with I.S. EN 858-2:2003 (separator systems for light liquids). A baseline sample of water quality from the interceptor drain on Georges quay and from the adjoining Castletown River was taken in June 2015 and the detailed results of same are summarised below, while the laboratory report is presented in full in Appendix 1.

Surface Water Analysis – Castletown River

A sample was collected from the Castletown River in June 2015 and analysed a range of organic and inorganic indicators of water quality which included Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, ammonia, suspended solids, mineral oil and dissolved metals.

The laboratory report is in Appendix 1 and the results are presented in Table 4.2, which includes for comparative purposes, the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) specified for ‘Transitional Waters’ in the Environmental Objectives

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(Surface Water) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No.272 of 2009). The EQS are not emission limit values, but are the concentrations that must be achieved to meet the objectives set for the Water Body. The results indicate the water quality in the river is good.

Table 4.2. Surface Water Quality Castletown River.

Parameter Units Result EQS

BOD mg/l <2.5 <4 COD mg/l 20 TSS mg/l 7 Ammonia mg/l 0.072 Cadmium ug/l <0.09 Chromium* ug/l <0.68 0.6 Copper ug/l 3.18 5 Lead ug.l <0.173 7.2 Nickel ug/l 1.79 20 Zinc ug/l 16 40 Mineral Oil ug/l <2.5 *Chromium VI

Surface Water Analysis – Quayside drain

There is the potential for rainwater run-off from the open storage areas to be slightly contaminated by minor oil leaks from the mobile plant used to handle the bales and from minor seeps from damaged bales. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. A sample was collected from the surface water drain and analysed for a range of organic and inorganic indicators of potential contaminants which included Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, ammonia, suspended solids, mineral oil and dissolved metals.

The laboratory report is in Appendix 1 results are presented in Table 4.3, which includes for comparative purposes, the emission limit values (ELV) specified in the Waste Permit and the EQS specified for ‘Transitional Waters’ The EQS are not emission limit values, but are the concentrations that must be achieved to meet the objectives set for the Water Body. Although an EQS is not directly applicable to an emission to a water body, as it does not take into consideration the assimilative capacity of the receiving water body, if is useful for comparative purposes.

The results indicate the water quality is generally good. While the ammonia level is slightly elevated, there is no EQS established for Transitional Waters.

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The BOD, suspended solid, dissolved metals and mineral oil concentrations are all well below the EQS, where established.

Table 4.3 Surface Water Run-Off (drain)

Parameter Units ELV EQS BOD mg/l <2.5 25 <4 COD mg/l 40 TSS mg/l 9 35 Ammonia mg/l 0.244 Cadmium ug/l <0.09 Chromium* ug/l <0.68 0.6 Copper ug/l 0.802 5 Lead ug.l <0.173 7.2 Nickel ug/l 0.508 20 Zinc ug/l 29.6 40 Mineral Oil mg/l <00.0025 5 *Chromium VI

The monitoring results indicate that the run-off from the open storage area is good and none of the ELVs were exceeded; however the data is limited.

Assessment of potential impacts on surface waters

The rainwater run-off from the roof of the storage building and the office will not have any qualitative impact on the river. There is the potential for rainwater run-off from the open storage areas to be slightly contaminated by minor oil leaks from the mobile plant used to handle the bales and from minor seeps from For inspection purposes only. damaged bales. The Consentrun-off of copyright is collected owner required in for the any othersurface use. water drain and passed

through a silt trap and interceptor before discharging to the river.

There is the potential in a severe storm event that run-off might by pass the collection drain and flow directly into the river. A 1:100 return event comprising 30mm of rainfall in one hour would generate 36m3 of run-off from the open storage area (1200m2).

Based on the results of the water tests, which indicate the water quality of the run-off from the paved area is good, and the water quality and the assimilative capacity in the river, the risk of any discernible impact on water quality in the river is not significant.

Although any impact on surface water quality in the Castletown River would be imperceptible due to the available assimilative capacity, as a precautionary measure the outlet from the oil interceptor will be closed when bales are stored on the quayside.

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There is the potential in a severe storm event for rainwater run-off to by- pass/over flow the collection drain and directly enter into the river. A 1:100 return event comprising 30mm of rainfall in one hour would generate 36m3 of run-off from the open storage area (1200m2).

The rainwater run-off from the roof of the Storage Building will not have any qualitative impact on the estuary.

The continued operation will have no impact on the quantitative and qualitative status of bedrock aquifer at either a local, or Water Body scale.

All pump sumps, storage tanks and other treatment plant chambers from which spillage of environmentally significant materials might occur are fitted with high level liquid alarms or oil detectors as appropriate. Areas used for the storage of fuel oils, lubricants, chemicals or the like comply with the requirements of the Waste Permit Licence.

An Emergency Response Plan setting out procedures to be followed in the event of a major emergency, including a major oil spill has been prepared and all staff are trained accordingly.

Additional measures to ensure that there is no potential for runoff from the stored bales to enter the bay include the following:

Only waste that has been processed to remove the organic fraction and which is assigned EWC Code 19 12 12 will be accepted at the facility. The bales will be delivered typically within 2 days of being wrapped. Upon arrival each bale will be inspected and any tears to the plastic wrapping will be patched. If considered necessary, further wrapping will be applied using the mobile wrapper For inspection purposes only. maintained at the facilityConsent (See of copyright Plate owner 1). required for any other use.

Plate 1. Mobile wrapper at Dundalk Port.

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The bales are stored on the quayside pending loading onto the ships. The bales will be stacked two bales high (See Plate 2) to reduce the risk of seeps from the bale. The maximum length of time any one bale is stored at the facility is four weeks.

Plate 2. Bale storage on the quay.

A road-sweeper will be used to clean the quayside between the edge of the storage area and the quay wall. Following the loading of the ship the road- sweeper will be used to clean the area where the bales had been stored. Bales can also be stored inside the shed at the eastern end of the licensed area (see Plate 3) during particularly wet periods. This building can accommodate up to 2,000

tonnes of bales. There are no For floorinspection drains purposes only.and no connection to the surface water drainage system from Consentthis shed of copyright. owner required for any other use.

When the bales are stored on the quayside the storage area will be inspected daily for evidence of any leaks/seeps from the bales that may present a risk of surface water contamination and the findings will be recorded in an Inspection Sheet. There will be no storage of any oils or other materials that have the potential to contaminate surface water within the proposed license areas.

When the bales are stored on the quay the outlet from the oil interceptor on the surface water drainage system will be closed which will prevent the discharge of rainwater run-off from the storage area to the estuary and the Natura 2000 sites. In this scenario, the interceptor will be inspected daily and when full will be emptied using a road tanker and the contents sent to an off-site wastewater treatment plant for appropriate disposal. This will ensure that no potentially contaminated surface water enters Dundalk Bay.

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Plate 3. Storage Inside Shed

During loading the ship is berthed tight to the quayside and bales are loaded individually into the hold minimising the risk of falling into the river/estuary.

4.3 Site and Operational Lighting There will be no additional lighting required during site operations beyond that already in place. If additional lighting may be required for future operations there should be zero direct upward light emitted to the sky (all output shall be at or below 90º to the horizontal to help prevent sky glow from light pollution of the night sky). In particular the adjoining saltmarsh and mudflats must not be

illuminated to prevent disturbance For inspection to purposes waders only. and waterbirds. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

5. RESIDUAL IMPACTS

Provided the mitigation measures detailed above are applied to ensure that no silt or pollutants enter the surface water drains and hence the SAC/SPA and these measures are enforced during the operational period it is considered that this waste facility should have no adverse impacts on the integrity of any of the species or habitats of the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA or on any Natura 2000 site within a 10km radius of the site.

6. CONCLUDING STATEMENT

Given the ongoing implementation of the mitigation measures outlined above in addition to those measures which form part of the conditions of the Waste Facility Permit Licence (WFP – LH – 12 – 0002 – 01) it is concluded that there will

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be no negative impacts on the qualifying interests or species of the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA or on any Natura 2000 site within a 10km radius of the lands at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay.

Following the review of the project during the Stage 1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment it is concluded that the proposed development at Brown’s Quay and Connick Quay, Dundalk will not adversely affect the integrity of any Natura 2000 site and, in particular, it will not adversely affect the Dundalk Bay SAC/SPA.

On the basis of the findings of this Natura Impact Statement, it is concluded that the proposed development will not have a significant effect on the Natura 2000 network and neither a Stage 3. Assessment of Alternative Solutions or a Stage 4. Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain is required.

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

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7. REFERENCES

S.I. No. 477 of 2011. The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. Irish Government, Government Publications Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

Anon. (1996). Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 15, European Commission, Brussels.

Anon. (2010). Appropriate Assessment of plans and projects in Ireland: Guidance for planning authorities. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dept Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) 1982.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention) 1979.

Council of the European Communities (1992). Council Directive of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (92/43/EEC). O.J. L 206/35, 22 July 1992.

Council of the European Communities (1979). Council Directive of 02 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC). O.J.L. 103, 25 April 1979.

European Commission (2001). Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 200 sites- methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and 6 (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. European Commission (2002). Managing Natura 2000 sites - the provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Online Database. Available online at www.npws.ie

NPWS (2011). Conservation objectives for Dundalk Bay SAC [000455] and Dundalk Bay SPA [004026]. Version 1.0. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

NPWS (2015) Conservation objectives for Carlingford Mountain SAC [000453]. Generic Version 4.0. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Natura 2000 Sites - Site Synopsis. Available online at www.npws.ie

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Ramao, C. (2003). Interpretation Manual of the European Union Habitats Version Eur 25. European Commission DG Environment Nature and Biodiversity. Brussels.

Wildlife Act (1976). Government of Ireland.

Wildlife (Amendment) Act (2000). Government of Ireland.

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8. APPENDIX 1. BASELINE WATER QUALITY REPORTS

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