Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Issue | 8 February 2013
This report takes into account the particular instructions and requirements of our client. It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by any third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party.
Job number 224515.00
Ove Arup & Partners Ireland
Arup 50 Ringsend Road Dublin 4 Ireland www.arup.com
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Contents
Page
1 Introduction 1
2 Background information 1 2.1 History of the project 1 2.2 Surveys 2
3 Proposed scheme & assessment methodology 2 3.1 Proposed scheme 2 3.2 Application Methodology 5
4 Surveys 8 4.1 Sediment granulometry & chemistry 8 4.2 Sediment transport 24 4.3 Radiological assessment 24 4.4 Archaeological 24
5 Proposed methodology for dredging 56 5.1 Introduction 56 5.2 Dredging operation 57 5.3 Impact assessment 58 5.4 Mitigation measures 63 5.5 Monitoring 66 5.6 Residual impacts 67 5.7 Previous dredge spoil disposal 68
6 Consultees 68 6.1 Sea Fisheries Protection unit 68 6.2 Department of Agriculture 69 6.3 Marine Institute 69 6.4 Additional consultees 69
7 Conclusions 69
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup
J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
1 Introduction
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have granted a DaS Permit (Dumping at Sea Permit) for the disposal of the contaminated material obtained from the dredging of Arklow Harbour. This material will be disposed by dumping at sea in a purposely dredged pit to contain the contaminated sediments. The pit will be covered with a 3.1m thick capping layer and an erodible layer of 1.4 m Arup has been commissioned to prepare this foreshore licence application required for the dredging works in the harbour to be submitted to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG). This report, accompanying the foreshore licence application will examine how the dredging works will be completed and also any potential impacts from dredging in Arklow Harbour may have. 2 Background information
2.1 History of the project The Avoca River continues to deposit river borne suspended sediment loading in the Avoca Estuary downstream of Arklow Bridge which constitutes the area utilised as the Port. This is due to the local hydrodynamic regime which allows the river to slow east of the Bridge. The lowering of river velocity allows the suspended sediment load to deposit at the mouth of the estuary which is the location of the port berths and facilities, the marina and the dock. It is necessary for the maintenance dredging to take place to ensure the viability of Arklow as one of Ireland’s east coast ports (recognised in the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin and Mid-East Areas), to ensure that local yachting can maintain access to the marina and in situ pontoons and berths which forms a key aspect of the tourism industry and a social amenity for Arklow. Dredging is also essential in order to ensure that the Irish Coast Guard Lifeboat Station can launch their lifeboat at low water which they are currently having difficulty with due to the continued deposition of sediments in the dock area. 2007: A previous application for dredging in Arklow Harbour by the Arklow Harbour Commissioners was submitted in 2007. This application was turned down by the Coastal Management Division due to insufficient data. 2009: Arup were commissioned by Arklow Harbour Commissioners in the year 2009 to prepare and manage an updated application for a Dredge Spoil Disposal Licence for Arklow Port. It was identified by the Coastal Management Division during the first application process (2007) that contamination in the Avoca Estuary at Arklow Port was significant enough to warrant further investigation. Legislative requirements for the disposal of dredge spoil included the undertaking of a full contamination assessment of the sediment and identifying ecological and archaeological constraints. The dredge site and the site where potentially contaminated spoil will be deposited for disposal were both the subject of a
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 1 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
detailed investigation. Based on the investigations carried out a Dumping at sea licence was awarded by the EPA: DaS Licence (EPA Licence No. S0002-01) 2010: Arup were commissioned by Wicklow County Council to prepare and manage an application for maintenance dredging at Arklow Harbour. This document outlines the range of environmental investigations that were undertaken, the proposed mitigation and monitoring for the duration of the proposed scheme as well as an Impact Hypothesis.
2.2 Surveys In situ investigative work was completed by Arup’s specialist sub-consultants; Moore Group Ltd. Moore Group is a fully accredited professional geotechnical company with whom Arup has a successful working relationship which also includes previous investigative work at Arklow. As part of Arup’s environmental role in the Arklow Flood Relief Scheme, a full contamination assessment of the Avoca River in the vicinity of Arklow and the upper catchment was required. Arup utilised Moore Group Ltd. for the in situ sampling tasks. Moore Group conducted the following investigations for Arklow Port Dredge Disposal Licence Application at the end of 2008 and early 2009; • Sediment Dive Sampling, dredge and dump area; • Archaeological Study, dredge and dump area • Ecological Survey for the dump area; • Bathymetric and Hydrodynamic Survey for the dump area (Oceanography Chapter). A new bathymetric survey of the harbour was carried out on June 10th 2011 In order to undertake the foreshore licence required for the dredging works in the harbour, this report outlines the reports and surveys carried out related to the dredge area of Arklow Harbour.
3 Proposed scheme & assessment methodology
3.1 Proposed scheme The purpose of the dredging scheme is to maintain the depth of the Avoca Estuary (essentially a tidal channelised river) and adjacent dock at low water for the continued use of Arklow Port. Consequently this dredging scheme has been classified by Arklow Harbour Commissioners as Maintenance Dredging. The average depth of material to be dredged is approx. 1.3 m in the turning basin, 0.3 m in the river and 1,4 m in the dock. The area within Arklow Harbour and Dock to be dredged along with the current depths is indicated in Appendix A_003a (Appendices Application form). Maintenance dredging previously
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 2 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
undertaken within Arklow Harbour (most recently in 1996) utilised disposal of dredge spoil at sea at a previously used spoil disposal site. At Arklow this was considered to be the most suitable option for disposal of dredge spoil material at that time. Following guidance from the EPA Inspector report, almost all of the dredged material has been reclassified material as contaminated.
Figure 1 Previous classification of the material. The contaminated spoil material disposal site was recommended by the Coastal Management Division to be a “dig, dump and cover” site where the sea bed is excavated, contaminated spoil deposited and the removed sea bed material placed back over the contaminated material as a cap.
3.1.1 Dredge Site The area of Arklow Harbour to be dredged in the proposed scheme is illustrated in Appendix A_003a (Appendices Application form). The following coordinates apply to the area for proposed dredging;
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 3 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Irish Grid Co-ordinates ETRF89 GPS Co-ordinates
Latitude Longitude Point no. Easting Northing degrees minutes seconds degrees minutes seconds 01 325167.404 173122.905 52 47 41.811 -6 8 42.528 02 325127.731 173163.837 52 47 43.167 -6 8 44.587 03 325111.250 173150.501 52 47 42.750 -6 8 45.485 04 325095.111 173132.991 52 47 42.197 -6 8 46.370 05 325089.658 173121.497 52 47 41.830 -6 8 46.676 06 325086.312 173106.976 52 47 41.363 -6 8 46.875 07 325088.211 173083.933 52 47 40.617 -6 8 40.617 08 325097.903 173060.812 52 47 39.861 -6 8 46.320 09 325105.763 173049.870 52 47 39.501 -6 8 45.916 10 325127.032 173032.522 52 47 38.922 -6 8 44.805 11 325162.217 173016.924 52 47 38.388 -6 8 42.950 12 325210.690 173080.469 52 47 40.403 -6 8 40.277 13 325228.255 173064.931 52 47 39.886 -6 8 39.362 14 325274.966 173036.679 52 47 38.933 -6 8 36.909 15 325324.938 173014.062 52 47 38.160 -6 8 34.275 16 325334.041 172993.357 52 47 37.483 -6 8 33.818 17 325444.009 172960.201 52 47 36.319 -6 8 27.998 18 325541.346 172930.854 52 47 35.632 -6 8 24.562 19 325528.392 172898.467 52 47 34.623 -6 8 25.408 20 325436.148 172926.888 52 47 35.249 -6 8 28.463 21 325319.801 172967.430 52 47 36.657 -6 8 34.613 22 325219.450 172998.003 52 47 37.729 -6 8 39.923 23 325172.780 172980.109 52 47 37.189 -6 8 42.437 24 325179.066 172980.585 52 47 37.200 -6 8 42.101 25 325198.896 172971.395 52 47 36.886 -6 8 41.056 26 325246.930 172947.694 52 47 36.079 -6 8 38.527 27 325295.909 172923.526 52 47 35.257 -6 8 35.948 28 325251.277 172859.421 52 47 33.222 -6 8 38.417 29 325201.321 172787.796 52 47 30.948 -6 8 41.180 30 325166.573 172804.868 52 47 31.529 -6 8 43.010 31 325181.393 172836.022 52 47 32.524 -6 8 42.176 32 325156.517 172874.427 52 47 33.786 -6 8 43.450 33 325141.303 172882.897 52 47 34.073 -6 8 44.250 34 325128.839 172904.884 52 47 34.794 -6 8 44.885 35 325150.153 172941.430 52 47 35.958 -6 8 43.697
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 4 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
3.1.2 Sediment Quantities It is estimated that the following volumes of sediment will be dredged from Arklow Harbour and Dock based on the areas designated in Appendix A_003a (Appendices Application form); Area A: o River Channel – 4,000 m³ o Turning Basin – 14,000 m³
Area B: o Dock – 24,000 m³ The total volume of sediment is approximately 41,800 m³.
3.2 Application Methodology
3.2.1 Contamination Classification The DCMNR in conjunction with the Marine Institute developed upper and lower guidance threshold levels for contamination in sediment to be dredged. These guidance levels form the basis for the contamination classification of dredge spoil. The upper threshold indicates contamination levels at which extreme deleterious effects on the marine environment occur. Between the upper and lower thresholds anthropogenic input can begin to affect the local ecosystem. Below the lower threshold indicates natural background levels. The levels are outlined in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 DCMNR Sediment Contaminant Guidance Levels
Parameter Unit (Dry Weight) Lower Level Upper Level
Arsenic (As) mg / Kg 9.0 70
Cadmium (Cd) mg / Kg 0.7 4.2
Chromium (Cr) mg / Kg 120 370
Copper (Cu) mg / Kg 40 110
Lead (Pb) mg / Kg 60 218
Mercury (Hg) mg / Kg 0.2 0.7
Nickel (Ni) mg / Kg 21 60
Zinc (Zn) mg / Kg 160 410
∑ TBT & DBT mg / Kg 0.1 0.5
HCH Lindane µg / Kg 0.3 1.0
HCB µg / Kg 0.3 1.0
PCB (individual cogeners of the ICES 7) µg / Kg 1.0 180
∑ PCB (ICES 7) µg / Kg 7.0 1260
∑ PAH (ICES 16) µg / Kg 4000 -
Total Extractable Hydrocarbons g / Kg 1.0 -
DCMNR Sediment Contaminant Guidance Levels
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 5 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Following the assessment of sediments using the guidance levels, the classification of the sediments involves a 3-tiered approach. In effect, the approach works as a classification system where sediments with concentrations less than the lower level fall within class 1; sediments with concentrations between the lower and upper levels fall within class 2 while those above the upper level fall within class 3. • Class 1 o Contaminant concentrations less than Lower Level. o Uncontaminated: no biological effects likely. • Class 2 o Contaminant concentrations between Lower and Upper Levels. o Marginally contaminated. • Class 3 o Contaminant concentrations above the Upper Level. o Heavily contaminated, very likely to cause biological effects / toxicity to marine organisms. Consequently, the potential sediment contamination within Arklow Port has been assessed and classified according to the most up to date National Guidelines. This classification informs the dredge spoil disposal strategy.
3.2.2 Dredge Site Contamination Assessment
3.2.2.1 Sediment Sampling Sediment sampling points are indicated on the accompanying Figure 1 (Figures Chapter). Sampling was completed via a series of cored samples which indicate the historical and natural background contamination of the older sediments. The sampling regime was as follows: • Eight core samples (BC1 – 8). Coring to a depth of 1500 mm with sub samples taken at A - 500 mm and B - 1000 mm and C - 1500 mm for historical contamination assessment. Three samples for analysis from each Core (24 samples in total).
3.2.2.2 Component Analysis The sediments were assessed for all chemical and physical components by a fully accredited laboratory. The full assessment is in compliance with the 2006 Guidelines for the Assessment of Dredge Material for Disposal in Irish Waters issued by the DCMNR. These guidelines apply to any form of disposal of any sediment removed from the Irish Foreshore or tidal estuary. The full suite of laboratory chemical testing conducted on all samples included the following parameters;
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 6 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
• Total Organic Carbon (%) • Total Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Sulphur (%) • Total Extractable Hydrocarbons (mg/kg) • Heavy Metals (Total) (mg/kg); o Arsenic o Cadmium o Chromium o Cobalt o Copper o Lead o Manganese o Mercury o Nickel o Zinc • Organotins • Organochlorines • Trichlorbenzenes (123, 124 and 135) ( µg/kg) • HCHs (Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma) ( µg/kg) • PCBs; Total Combined ICES 7 ( µg/kg) • PAHs ( µg/kg); Hydrocarbons indicate potential fuel / oil spillages. Heavy Metals are associated both with industry and natural background leaching from the catchment bedrock. Organotins and Organochlorines are associated with boat maintenance and industrial processes. PCBs and PAHs are associated with industrial facilities past and present. Historically these contaminants are consistently associated with estuarine ecosystems. While the industrial origins of these contaminants may have ceased, they can linger in estuarine subsurface sediments for decades. Consequently, any development within the estuary must be conscious of this historical contamination to protect the estuary.
3.2.3 Archaeological Assessment Side-scan sonar was used to determine potential archaeological constraining features which then directed the locations of archaeological dive surveys. As an accompaniment to the diving surveys, side-scan sonar provided information on the sedimentary layers present and any potential associated archaeological features.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 7 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
4 Surveys
4.1 Sediment granulometry & chemistry The following chapter outlines in summary the findings of the most recent granulometric analysis and physico-chemical analysis of the material to be dredged from the designated areas within Arklow Harbour. All laboratory certificates and a results spreadsheet for sediment granulometric and chemistry analysis are located in Appendix A1. Previous 2007 results from the analysis of sediments within Arklow Harbour are located in Appendix A2. All results are provided in tabular format below. All data is also included on the accompanying CD.
Result Table Key
Above DCMNR Lower Threshold Level
Above DCMNR Upper Threshold Level
BDL Below Detection Level
Two unforeseeable factors did not allow for the complete analysis of all planned sample sites and parameters. During the sampling process at sample site BC3 large clasts and heavy gravels were encountered in the sub surface layers. This material was not conducive for core samples to be taken at this location in spite of repeated attempts. Analysis for BC3B and BC3C was therefore not completed. Upon submission of samples to the accredited laboratory, the analytical method for organochlorine compounds including HCH Lindane was unavailable as the laboratory is currently undergoing recertification. Sub-contracting this analysis to another laboratory was not possible as no other accredited laboratory was available to undertake such analysis on spoil material at that time. However, a contamination assessment for the Arklow Flood Relief Scheme in 2008 indicated that HCH Lindane concentrations in the vicinity of Arklow Harbour were detected in sub-surface sediments and registered between the lower and upper threshold guideline levels.
4.1.1 Granulometry Average grain size distribution for the eight samples are described below in Table 4.1. Full granulometry for each individual sub sample (A, B and C) is located in Appendix A1. Table 4.1 Average Granulometric Distribution
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 8 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1 BC2 BC3 BC4 BC5 BC6 BC7 BC8
< 20 µm % 0.0 12.8 27.5 40.6 20.6 0.0 48.8 49.5 < 63 µm % 0.0 24.0 59.8 55.4 30.5 0.0 71.1 72.9 63 – 125 µm % 0.0 5.2 18.2 7.8 7.9 0.1 7.8 10.0 125 – 249 µm % 0.0 5.8 8.8 11.8 14.1 24.3 5.4 12.1 250 – 499 µm % 7.4 22.9 12.2 9.2 20.0 57.4 1.4 4.9 500 – 999 µm % 35.9 21.4 1.0 1.1 19.6 11.2 0.2 0.0 1000 – 2000 µm % 22.1 3.7 0.0 0.7 6.7 1.6 0.2 0.0 2000 – 3999 µm % 13.3 4.7 0.0 0.8 0.2 0.6 0.3 0.0 4000 – 7999 µm % 11.5 8.6 0.0 3.3 0.5 2.6 2.0 0.0 > 8000 µm % 8.5 3.4 0.0 9.3 0.5 1.8 11.1 0.0
From this granulometric distribution, the majority of sediments within Arklow Harbour are comprised of sand and silt and a minor portion of gravels. Please note that some sample sites distribution does not add up to 100% and exceeds it. This is due to the sorting coefficient as the sediments disaggregate and the presence of organic material in the samples such as leaves and detrital matter that are broken down in the sieving process. Full granulometric data including sorting coefficients and associated sampling kurtosis is located in Appendix A1.
4.1.2 Potential Sources of Contamination
4.1.2.1 Metals A significant source of metals to the estuarine environment in the past has been waste disposal, particularly sewage sludge and dredged materials disposal. Due to the fact the major proportion of metals in disposed wastes is associated with solid phases, which accumulate on the estuarine bottom, the biological effects are manifested most conspicuously among the benthos. Many commercially and recreationally important fin- and shellfish species, either inhabiting the seafloor or feeding on bottom dwelling organisms, tend to absorb and accumulate the metals. The contamination of these species may have deleterious effects on humans that consume them (Bryan, 1985). The concentrations of metals in the water column often do not reflect the metal contamination trapped in sediment (Kennish, 1994). As sediment locks in metals, they can still exist in an estuarine system long after
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 9 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
the original source of the contaminant has been depleted. Often in metal pollution assessment six metals will be analysed; Cd (Cadmium), Cr (Chromium), Cu (Copper), Ni (Nickel), Pb (Lead) and Zn (Zinc). They are considered the most common and dangerous to the estuarine ecosystem (EPA, 2000). Cd is often associated with the use of zinc in industry. It arises from the fumes, dust and waste water from lead and zinc mining and quarrying. Cd has been increasingly used in Ni-Cd batteries, thus Cd pollution can arise from landfills which leach into groundwater and riverine systems (Clarke, 1997). Cr is often associated with quarrying and industrial processes (Clarke, 1997), as well as from sewage and its sludge derivatives (Gray, 2000). Cr can be attributed to particulate matter washed into the estuarine environment from streets and roads of urban areas, as it is used in automobile manufacture at an increasing rate. Urban run-off loading can contain between 10 – 50 µg Cr / L (Shepherd et al., 2006). Cu enters the estuarine environment from the bedrock and sediment composition of the estuary which may be copper enriched from its bedrock source e.g. limestone and sandstone (GSI, 2005). Anthropogenic sources of Cu include sewage sludge (Gray, 2000), contamination from quarry tailings (Clarke, 1997) and notably from antifouling paints from ships, some antifouling paints contain up to 50g of copper per litre (Kennish, 1994). Urban runoff concentrations can range from 10 - 100 µg Cu / L (Bibby & Webster-Brown, 2005; Shepherd et al., 2006). Ni is introduced into estuarine ecosystems through various routes, notably from landfills where Ni-Cd batteries accumulate, breakdown and leach into aquatic systems (Gray, 2000). Ni is used in steel and other alloys, electroplating and in batteries, (Ward, 1984). Fossil fuels are rich in Ni, and combustion of oil and coal results in a significant contribution to atmospheric deposition. Urban run-off loading can contain between 60 – 220 µg Ni / L (Shepherd et al., 2006). Pb was a major riverine and estuarine contaminant in the 1970's and 80's, but since the introduction of unleaded automobile fuel consumption it has reduced dramatically. It enters riverine and estuarine system in particulate form from roads and streets in urban areas (Kennish, 1994). Pb also enters the estuarine environment from sewage sludge (Gray, 2000). Most Pb used in compound form is lost to the environment and will enter watercourses and eventually the estuarine ecosystem. Urban runoff Pb concentrations can range from 10 - 100 µg Pb / L (Bibby & Webster-Brown, 2005; Shepherd et al., 2006). Input of Zn into estuarine systems results from anthropogenic sources as well as from natural background Zn levels from both seawater and bedrock (GSI, 2005). Anthropogenic sources include phosphate fertilisers, automobiles and from quarrying and cement processing (Clarke, 1997). Urban runoff from a city of approximately 1 million people can range from 40 - 100 µg Zn / L (Bibby & Webster-Brown, 2005).
4.1.2.2 Organotins Tributyltin (TBT) and its breakdown product Dibutyltin (DBT) are anthropogenic contaminants that arise from antifouling paint residues during boat maintenance and the production of PVC materials. TBT contamination also gives rise to contamination by DBT which is created through the break down of TBT through
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 10 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
estuarine physico-chemical processes. The use of TBT is now strictly prohibited due to its extremely deleterious effects on the aquatic ecosystem (Buggy & Tobin, 2006a). Its use has been restricted in Ireland since 1987 (Oireachtas Eireann, 1987). TBT has a half life of seven years in estuarine sediments. Over the course of its degradation, TBT concentrations will decrease while DBT levels increase to similar concentrations to the parent material. DBT subsequently decreases when the parent material is exhausted and it eventually dissipates to the water column and is lost to the marine environment.
4.1.2.3 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) The presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the estuarine environment is directly related to industrial processes along the estuarine boundary. These compounds can be point source pollutants (e.g. oil spill) or non-point source (e.g. atmospheric deposition) and are one of the most widespread organic pollutants. Some of them are known or suspected carcinogens, and are linked to other health problems. They are primarily formed by incomplete combustion of carbon- containing fuels such as wood, coal, diesel, fat, or tobacco. Tar also contains PAHs. Since human civilization relies so heavily on combustion, PAHs are inevitably linked to our energy production and industry. Different types of combustion yield different distributions of PAHs in both relative amounts of individual PAHs and in total PAHs produced. Thus, those produced from coal burning are different from those produced by petrol combustion, which differ from those produced by agricultural field burning practices (Fetzer, 2000).
4.1.2.4 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic compounds that were used as coolants and insulating fluids for transformers and capacitors, stabilizing additives in flexible PVC coatings of electrical wiring and electronic components, pesticide extenders, cutting oils, flame retardants, hydraulic fluids, sealants, adhesives and paints. PCB production was banned in the 1970s due to the high toxicity of most PCB congeners and mixtures. PCBs are classified as persistent organic pollutants which bioaccumulate in animals (Breivik et al., 2002). PCBs have entered the environment through both use and disposal. The environmental transport of PCBs is complex and nearly global in scale. The public, legal, and scientific concerns about PCBs arose from research indicating they were likely carcinogens having the potential to adversely impact the environment and therefore undesirable as commercial products. Despite active research spanning five decades, extensive regulatory actions, and an effective ban on their production since the 1970s, PCBs still persist in the environment and remain a focus of attention.
4.1.3 Avoca Historical Contamination
4.1.3.1 Avoca River Overview The Wicklow Mountains are enriched with a wide range of valuable metals including Lead, Copper and Gold. Consequently, the natural background of metal levels in aquatic systems in the Wicklow Mountains can be significantly higher than concentrations found in rivers and lakes elsewhere in Ireland. Elevated
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 11 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
natural metals in a hydrological system can affect the river system in a number of ways, notably in depositional areas metal concentrations are significantly elevated in surface sediment and sub-surface sediment matrices. Consequently the sediment matrices of low lying areas of the river in its later stages and in its estuary are expected to exhibit elevated metal concentrations. Adverse effects on the river ecosystem are expected from high metal concentrations, however in general if the river is naturally high in metals, the ecosystem will have adapted to these conditions and rarely exhibit any adverse effects from the natural metals. Anthropogenically induced elevated metal concentrations are the root cause of adverse effects to an aquatic ecosystem rather than natural metals. The Wicklow Mountains have been mined for centuries with little regard to their environment. Mining in the past two centuries in the Avoca Valley for Gold and Copper has lead to the Avoca River considered as the most polluted river in Ireland (Gray, 2000; ERFB, 2002; ERBD, 2005; Yau & Gray 2005). As previously stated an assessment of selected heavy metal concentrations in riverine sediments was conducted in 2003. Results indicated that the abandoned mines in the upland catchment caused serious sediment contamination in the river with significant metal concentrations; Zn 50,352 mg/kg, Pb 18,547 mg/kg Cu 426 mg/kg and Cd 147 mg/kg. The Avoca Mines Complex directly upstream of Avoca Village has been the primary contributor of metals and associated acid mine effluent pollutants to the Avoca River.
4.1.3.2 Avoca Estuary Overview The Marine Institute as part of their environmental assessment of coastal and marine areas around Ireland included a brief synopsis on the Avoca Estuary (Marine Institute, 1999). The principal sections of the synopsis is included to provide an overview of the Avoca Estuary and coastal region and provides an introduction to the hydrological and physico-chemical processes at work in the Avoca’s confluence with the Irish Sea; The tidal range of the Avoca Estuary is considered small (0.2-0.8m) and the limit of marine influence is only a short distance upstream of Arklow. As the estuary has been artificially narrowed to form a harbour, throughput of river water to the Irish Sea is rapid. Due to acid mine drainage in the lower catchment, aquatic life in the Avoca River is extremely limited. Water at the freshwater limits is characterised by low pH and elevated metal concentrations. This altered chemistry appears to influence nutrient levels. For example, the high suspended load of iron oxide tends to scavenge ortho-phosphorous from solution. Accordingly, of all the rivers sampled in the Irish Sea during two winter surveys, the Avoca was found to have the lowest concentrations of orthophosphate (ERU, 1991; NORSAP, 1992). Oxidised nitrogen concentrations are not affected as concentrations recorded at the freshwater limits are similar to other rivers in the area. Ammonia inputs to the estuary are substantial, amounting to between 2,300 and 2,500 tonnes of ammonia nitrogen per year between 1990 and 1994. This was due to industrial discharges from the former IFI fertiliser plant upstream of Arklow. Data for 1995 and 1996 indicate that this input has been reduced considerably since then (now approximately 1,000 tonnes nitrogen per year).
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 12 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
The estuary was sampled for nutrients in January 1991 and both nitrogen and phosphorous displayed conservative behaviour (NORSAP, 1992). Given the short length of the estuary and rapid throughput, it is unlikely that estuarine processes would significantly alter the seaward passage of nutrients at any time of the year. Consequently, there is little potential for eutrophication within the estuary. In the coastal zone adjacent to the estuary, tidal currents are strong (0.2 – 2.0 m / sec) and residual currents run in a northerly direction. Thus, riverine nutrients entering the area are well dispersed. There are no chlorophyll data for the estuary or adjacent coastal zone, but in view of its physical and chemical characteristics nuisance levels of algae would not be anticipated. Benthic studies have shown impoverishment in the estuary and in the adjacent sub-littoral zone (Wilson & Elkraim, 1991; Natura, 1992). Whether this deterioration is due to metal or ammonia toxicity, or simply to depressed pH is undetermined. Estuarine systems are inherently more complex than riverine systems (Herut & Kress, 1997; Hoch et al., 2003). Estuarine and riverine physical conditions affect the fate of metals in the aquatic environment (Herut & Kress, 1997). Although chemical and biological processes are common to all rivers and estuaries, the distributions of contaminants and their rates of reactivity vary greatly between estuaries, depending on environmental factors such as hydrodynamic residence times, mixing patterns and transport processes. Consequently, there are no universal patterns of metal behaviours in aquatic systems, however there are features common to all rivers and estuaries (Camusso et al., 1997). A river at its simplest is a moving conduit of freshwater whereas an estuary at its simplest is a partly enclosed tidal inlet of the sea in which seawater and river water mix to some degree (Little, 2000). Estuaries may vary in size from a few square kilometres to hundreds of square kilometres yet most have many similar features and patterns. Their shape is highly variable. In situ physical factors affecting estuaries include freshwater saltwater mixing, tides, wave action, sediment transport, erosion and deposition, biota, and temporal cycles. Generally estuaries can be divided into three sectors; (1) a marine or lower estuary, in free connection with the open sea; (2) a middle estuary, subject to strong salt and freshwater mixing; and (3) an upper or fluvial estuary, characterised by freshwater but subject to daily tidal action. The Avoca in Arklow while tidally influenced beyond the study area to west of the N11 Arklow Bypass Bridge, does not display typical estuarine conditions or zonations. The outer estuary can be considered to be located between Arklow Bridge and the harbour mouth of the Avoca, however here it is completely entrained by man made walls and essentially displays the characteristics of a river. The middle estuary in this instance is the slightly wider area directly upstream of Arklow Bridge. This section of the estuary is an area of deposition which is typical of the middle zone, however this is caused by the sill underneath Arklow Bridge rather than as a natural deposition mechanism. The inner estuary can be described as between the N11 Bypass Bridge and arbitrarily the slightly wider area directly upstream of Arklow Bridge. This section displays completely riverine qualities but is tidally influenced. Potential sources of contamination located in the vicinity of the estuary aside from the pollutant loading of the Avoca River itself include the facilities at Arklow Port, the urban centre of Arklow itself and the closed IFI Fertiliser Plant upstream of the N11 Bypass Bridge.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 13 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
4.1.4 Previous Contaminant Analysis (2007) In 2007, the Arklow Harbour Commission completed two suites of sampling by Enterprise Ireland (Sample Results A, Table 4.2 below) and IGSL (Sample Results B, Table 4.3) in the outer estuary and dock area of Arklow Port. Only surface sediments were sampled. Laboratory data and sample locations from this previous contamination assessment are located in Appendix A2 and Figure 2 (Figures Chapter). From this assessment, the contaminants that were revealed to be of primary concern in the area were metals. Across the area the majority of metals exceeded the lower threshold guideline level and for Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn exceeded the upper threshold level in a number of samples. Concentrations of Tributyltin (TBT) and Total PAHs were also notably above threshold levels. The sampling data is summarised below in Tables 4.2 and 4.3. Table 4.2 Arklow Harbour Commission Sample Results A
Samples Enterprise Ireland Sample Points Parameter Unit A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 Organic Carbon % 3.17 3.79 4.15 4.67 3.14 1.95 1.25 As mg/kg 26.3 29.3 32.2 29 27.3 24.6 22.7 Cd mg/kg 1.5 1.87 2.36 2.45 2.33 1.23 0.81 Cr mg/kg 90.7 96.5 101 98.8 157 97.1 112 Cu mg/kg 114 150 183 228 237 106 92.1 Pb mg/kg 138 165 187 231 237 160 94.3 Hg mg/kg <0.05 0.061 <0.05 <0.05 0.13 <0.05 <0.05 Ni mg/kg 40 44.7 47.5 51.6 84.8 49.7 54.4 Zn mg/kg 346 434 533 530 567 296 212 PAH ∑16 mg/kg 1117.3 21224 3511 TBT mg/kg 0.1 0.7 0.3 0.01 0.04 0.04 <0.003 DBT mg/kg <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.03
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 14 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Table 4.3 Arklow Harbour Commission Sample Results B
Samples IGSL Sample Points
Parameter Unit S1 S2 S3 Organic Carbon % 4 15 6.4 As mg/kg <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Cd mg/kg <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Cr mg/kg 15 19 22 Cu mg/kg 96 92 111 Pb mg/kg 94 114 165 Hg mg/kg <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 Ni mg/kg 13 7 16 Zn mg/kg 263 256 392 PAH ∑16 mg/kg 3000 702 1212 TBT mg/kg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 DBT mg/kg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Also of note in this assessment was the presence of total Extractable Hydrocarbons above the lower threshold guideline level. However, as an active port in an urban setting these concentrations were not unexpected. The high concentrations of metals, organometals, PAHs and hydrocarbons in this area of the Avoca Estuary are directly attributable to three factors; • High concentrations of OM (due to sewage input) in the sedimentary matrices of the outer estuary accumulate and store contamination for significant periods. These high concentrations reflect accumulation of contaminant input over a significant period of time. • Local boating and shipping in the past century has likely contributed significant quantities of antifouling paint residues to this area of the Avoca Estuary. Antifouling paints are composed primarily of metals (notably As, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) but TBT was the favoured antifouling compound of the last century. However, OM enriched sediment can retain TBT in colloidal matrices for significant periods after the initial TBT contamination has occurred. • Port facilities and urban runoff contaminants have accumulated in conjunction with contaminant loading from the Avoca catchment (natural and anthropogenically induced) in this area of the estuary where tidal flushing is not strong enough to remove contamination to the marine environment where it can be gradually broken down and dispersed.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 15 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
4.1.5 Current Dredge Site Contaminant Loading
4.1.5.1 Organics & Nutrients Table 4.4 Sediment Organic Content
Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1A BC2A BC3A BC4A BC5A BC6A BC7A BC8A <0.40 <0.40 Carbon % 0 0.860 4.90 2.79 6.72 0 8.95 6.19 Organic <0.40 0.87 <0.40 Carbon % 0 0.440 0 2.55 5.59 0 5.00 4.81 <0.02 0.36 0.20 0.32 0.047 0.43 0.67 Nitrogen % 0.129 0 7 7 4 0 3 1 mg/k Phosphorous g 275 316 489 756 980 158 980 1050 mg/k Sulphur g 418 1790 1650 4050 6840 46.9 438 3580 Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1B BC2B BC3B BC4B BC5B BC6B BC7B BC8B <0.40 Carbon % 0 7.47 7.47 5.82 0.850 7.05 6.53 Organic <0.40 <0.40 Carbon % 0 4.25 4.25 5.06 0 4.32 4.54 0.57 0.54 <0.02 0.44 0.50 Nitrogen % 0.201 0.456 6 7 0 9 3 mg/k Phosphorous g 320 473 623 713 225 1070 1850 mg/k Sulphur g 1710 3550 4270 3340 120 5410 518 Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1C BC2C BC3C BC4C BC5C BC6C BC7C BC8C <0.40 <0.40 Carbon % 0 0 5.23 4.51 0.760 6.70 6.07 Organic <0.40 <0.40 <0.40 Carbon % 0 0 3.52 2.97 0 5.59 4.76 <0.02 0.077 0.28 0.30 0.056 0.36 0.75 Nitrogen % 0 0 4 8 0 3 4 mg/k Phosphorous g 364 357 818 724 229 2180 1240 mg/k Sulphur g 387 1060 2860 3000 116 7010 515
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 16 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
4.1.5.2 Metals Table 4.5 Sediment Metal Content
Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1A BC2A BC3A BC4A BC5A BC6A BC7A BC8A Aluminium mg/kg 56500 48900 16800 41000 43900 14400 42300 54400 Arsenic mg/kg 16.4 16.0 7.69 17.0 24.4 6.18 24.0 31.0 Cadmium mg/kg 0.287 0.664 0.420 0.686 0.983 0.0470 1.43 1.88 Chromium mg/kg 44.4 62.5 15.8 53.8 58.9 11.2 62.6 75.4 Cobalt mg/kg 7.36 7.20 5.83 10.6 10.9 1.89 8.55 9.14 Copper mg/kg 176 75.4 33.3 116 117 7.65 131 221 Lead mg/kg 69.2 90.8 58.4 103 145 11.9 135 207 Lithium mg/kg 90.9 108 23.3 70.1 63.1 18.1 62.9 76.1 Manganese mg/kg 660 926 297 1300 699 168 432 528 Mercury mg/kg 0.0048 0.0087 0.0529 0.0528 0.0530 0.0020 0.0700 0.0984 Nickel mg/kg 23.4 23.8 9.24 22.3 27.3 7.06 28.2 32.1 Zinc mg/kg 205 307 116 236 419 40.4 417 741 Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1B BC2B BC3B BC4B BC5B BC6B BC7B BC8B Aluminium mg/kg 47400 46400 43700 51200 20000 48100 53800 Arsenic mg/kg 15.9 30.4 20.0 18.8 6.73 25.6 35.9 Cadmium mg/kg 0.283 1.33 0.634 0.626 0.0600 1.48 2.62 Chromium mg/kg 51.5 67.3 54.4 57.4 12.3 71.7 79.2 Cobalt mg/kg 8.30 9.35 10.9 10.3 2.94 9.59 15.3 Copper mg/kg 66.0 209 99.9 55.8 12.5 212 299 Lead mg/kg 67.4 134 115 94.6 18.3 169 268 Lithium mg/kg 89.4 99.5 82.9 63.1 22.4 65.1 72.6 Manganese mg/kg 795 1160 874 849 211 491 601 Mercury mg/kg 0.0089 0.0602 0.0375 0.0409 0.0030 0.101 0.107 Nickel mg/kg 22.3 29.8 24.5 24.1 7.38 29.4 31.9 Zinc mg/kg 195 467 446 209 63.0 605 990 Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1C BC2C BC3C BC4C BC5C BC6C BC7C BC8C Aluminium mg/kg 45800 56100 58900 48300 19700 49800 56500 Arsenic mg/kg 17.3 22.2 24.2 21.6 6.33 51.7 39.8 Cadmium mg/kg 0.213 0.691 0.494 0.463 0.0620 3.57 2.92 Chromium mg/kg 46.0 48.4 69.6 54.5 11.4 81.2 93.2 Cobalt mg/kg 7.66 9.61 8.61 8.55 3.52 13.0 8.90 Copper mg/kg 83.6 54.8 79.0 196 15.2 659 458 Lead mg/kg 89.4 103 102 91.8 18.4 362 339 Lithium mg/kg 93.6 113 71.3 60.2 28.4 68.0 72.4 Manganese mg/kg 1860 838 624 795 198 579 578 Mercury mg/kg 0.0041 0.0076 0.0719 0.0474 0.0052 0.210 0.171 Nickel mg/kg 25.3 26.3 30.8 22.4 6.86 28.4 34.6 Zinc mg/kg 182 292 298 250 64.5 1500 1260
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 17 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
4.1.5.3 Organotin Table 4.6 Sediment Organotin Content
Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1A BC2A BC3A BC4A BC5A BC6A BC7A BC8A Dibutyltin µg/kg <4.00 <5.00 <40.0 <6.00 <7.00 <3.00 <8.00 <8.00 Tributyltin µg/kg <4.00 6.00 80.0 20.0 30.0 <3.00 400 300 Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1B BC2B BC3B BC4B BC5B BC6B BC7B BC8B Dibutyltin µg/kg <3.00 <6.00 <4.00 <7.00 <3.00 <7.00 <7.00 Tributyltin µg/kg <3.00 <6.00 6.00 <7.00 <3.00 70.0 40.0 Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1C BC2C BC3C BC4C BC5C BC6C BC7C BC8C Dibutyltin µg/kg <3.00 <4.00 <5.00 <6.00 <3.00 <7.00 <6.00 Tributyltin µg/kg <3.00 <4.00 20.0 <6.00 <3.00 50.0 40.0
4.1.5.4 Persistent Organic Pollutants (Trichlorobenzenes & PAHs) Table 4.7 Sediment Persistent Organic Pollutant Content
Samples Sample Points BC1 BC2 BC3 BC4 BC5 BC6 BC7 BC8 Parameter Unit A A A A A A A A 1,2,3- µg/k Trichlorobenzene g <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 1,2,4- µg/k Trichlorobenzene g <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 1,2,5- µg/k Trichlorobenzene g <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 µg/k Acenapthene g 10.5 15.9 19.6 15.5 48.8 5.14 177 29.4 µg/k Acenapthylene g <4.50 <9.70 <6.10 <10.8 <24.5 <2.00 <59.6 <43.6 µg/k Anthracene g <2.00 42.4 2.82 12.0 55.0 <2.00 71.0 54.6 µg/k Benzo(a)anthracene g 5.22 22.4 27.4 68.4 205 5.21 471 231 µg/k Bezno(a)pyrene g <3.60 16.4 <2.00 75.9 258 6.06 536 268 µg/k Benzo(ghi)perylene g <10.0 10.5 31.8 57.0 187 <10.0 348 191 Benzo(k)fluoranthen µg/k e g <10.0 <10.0 18.9 42.6 139 <10.0 <263 <152 µg/k Chrysene g 7.78 26.8 40.5 77.8 266 5.72 606 267 Dibenzo(ah)anthrace µg/k <5.00 <5.00 12.4 12.7 48.3 <5.00 88.8 47.0
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 18 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
ne g µg/k Fluoranthene g 11.5 78.2 64.0 130 383 12.0 938 436 µg/k Fluorine g 10.2 63.1 21.9 34.8 83.8 <10.0 150 61.6 µg/k Indeno(123cd)pyrene g <10.0 12.1 53.0 68.2 218 <10.0 423 228 µg/k Napthalene g 64.3 64.3 19.1 99.2 145 <10.0 198 58.8 µg/k Phenanthrene g <10.0 123 25.8 60.1 233 <10.0 609 159 µg/k Pyrene g 12.0 56.7 41.0 113 316 10.8 841 403 Total (ICES ∑16) µg/k 121 531 378 867 2585 45 5457 2434 g Samples Sample Points BC1 BC2 BC3 BC4 BC5 BC6 BC7 BC8 Parameter Unit B B B B B B B B 1,2,3- µg/k Trichlorobenzene g <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 1,2,4- µg/k Trichlorobenzene g <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 1,2,5- µg/k Trichlorobenzene g <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 µg/k Acenapthene g 14.0 13.2 22.2 18.4 7.07 22.8 25.6 µg/k Acenapthylene g <12.7 <19.5 <16.2 <10.0 <4.20 <33.3 <32.8 µg/k Anthracene g 8.14 17.8 19.5 18.1 4.08 46.6 57.3 µg/k Benzo(a)anthracene g 28.3 107 83.8 87.2 19.2 144 189 µg/k Bezno(a)pyrene g 28.5 122 94.8 100 17.3 159 <203 µg/k Benzo(ghi)perylene g 16.5 79.3 63.6 78.1 <10.0 148 167 Benzo(k)fluoranthen µg/k e g 14.3 62.0 53.2 58.1 <10.0 <125 <122 µg/k Chrysene g 27.9 106 90.6 107 18.6 200 239 Dibenzo(ah)anthrace µg/k ne g <5.00 16.5 14.7 18.7 <5.00 35.5 40.2 µg/k Fluoranthene g 52.4 191 160 169 39.0 313 365 µg/k Fluorine g 15.4 22.8 36.1 30.3 <10.0 68.7 62.7 Indeno(123cd)pyren µg/k e g 18.4 94.0 75.7 93.5 11.9 183 196 µg/k Napthalene g 90.5 48.9 112 59.4 81.8 66.6 64.5 Phenanthrene µg/k 14.3 54.7 71.1 91.9 <10.0 172 152
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 19 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
g µg/k Pyrene g 43.4 173 140 141 34.5 287 357 Total (ICES ∑16) µg/k 372 1108 1037 1070 233 1846 1915 g Samples Sample Points BC1 BC2 BC3 BC4 BC5 BC6 BC7 BC8 Parameter Unit C C C C C C C C 1,2,3- µg/k Trichlorobenzene g <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 1,2,4- µg/k Trichlorobenzene g <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 1,2,5- µg/k Trichlorobenzene g <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 <3.00 µg/k Acenapthene g 9.10 11.0 85.3 26.8 4.86 41.2 28.5 µg/k Acenapthylene g <5.50 <4.00 <19.0 <22.3 <2.60 <88.6 <52.8 µg/k Anthracene g <2.00 <2.00 25.2 18.3 3.03 134 96.9 µg/k Benzo(a)anthracene g 4.99 <2.00 83.2 80.2 20.9 416 293 µg/k Bezno(a)pyrene g 5.15 <2.00 95.7 83.6 20.7 411 299 µg/k Benzo(ghi)perylene g <10.0 <10.0 106 78.7 12.1 297 232 Benzo(k)fluoranthen µg/k e g <10.0 <10.0 72.4 46.3 11.1 <251 <176 µg/k Chrysene g 7.28 3.30 123 94.8 20.8 488 353 Dibenzo(ah)anthrace µg/k ne g <5.00 <5.00 23.6 18.2 <5.00 72.9 55.0 µg/k Fluoranthene g 10.6 7.11 203 142 43.6 823 581 µg/k Fluorine g <10.0 17.0 111 36.0 <10.0 97.2 80.5 Indeno(123cd)pyren µg/k e g <10.0 <10.0 133 94.3 15.1 343 262 µg/k Napthalene g 19.7 69.9 109 263 <10.0 138 88.0 µg/k Phenanthrene g <10.0 <10.0 165 74.7 <10.0 268 237 µg/k Pyrene g 10.0 5.77 151 123 36.2 731 526 Total (ICES ∑16) µg/k 66 114 1486 1179 188 4260 3132 g
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 20 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
4.1.5.5 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Table 4.8 Sediment PCB Content
Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1A BC2A BC3A BC4A BC5A BC6A BC7A BC8A PCB 028 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.290 <0.100 <1.32 <0.100 PCB 052 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <5.57 <4.06 PCB 101 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 0.190 <0.100 <0.100 2.65 PCB 118 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 1.49 PCB 138 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 0.280 <0.100 <0.100 3.26 PCB 153 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 0.270 <0.100 <0.100 2.79 PCB 180 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 0.410 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 1.64 Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1B BC2B BC3B BC4B BC5B BC6B BC7B BC8B PCB 028 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.110 <0.100 <1.32 <1.30 PCB 052 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.200 <0.100 <4.32 <6.14 PCB 101 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 0.590 <0.100 1.77 9.36 PCB 118 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.150 <0.100 1.15 6.48 PCB 138 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 0.93 8.37 PCB 153 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 0.180 <0.220 0.120 1.9 11.2 PCB 180 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 0.34 5.53 Samples Sample Points Parameter Unit BC1C BC2C BC3C BC4C BC5C BC6C BC7C BC8C PCB 028 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.700 <0.320 <0.100 <2.00 <0.200 PCB 052 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <3.63 <6.54 <4.73 PCB 101 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 0.110 <0.100 3.83 2.77 PCB 118 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 2.35 1.42 PCB 138 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.300 <0.100 <0.100 3.21 2.65 PCB 153 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 0.440 <0.100 <0.100 4.14 2.82 PCB 180 µg/kg <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 <0.100 1.52 <1.14
4.1.5.6 Extractable Hydrocarbons Table 4.9 Sediment Hydrocarbon Content
Samples Sample Points Paramete BC1 BC2 BC6 r Unit A A BC3A BC4A BC5A A BC7A BC8A 27900 68000 52000 Aliphatic µg/kg 3670 18300 0 22100 29600 <3000 0 0 86900 13600 91900 24700 Aromatic µg/kg 19200 70300 0 99700 0 <3000 0 0 mg/K Total g 22.9 88.6 1150 122 166 <4.00 1600 767 Samples Sample Points Paramete Unit BC1B BC2B BC3B BC4B BC5B BC6B BC7B BC8B
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 21 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
r 14300 42500 Aliphatic µg/kg 3230 15000 9110 11000 4800 0 0 20000 42800 Aromatic µg/kg 32500 72900 35800 66000 5360 0 0 mg/K Total g 35.7 87.9 44.9 77.1 10.2 343 852 Samples Sample Points Paramete BC1 BC2 BC6 r Unit C C BC3C BC4C BC5C C BC7C BC8C 23800 22300 Aliphatic µg/kg 4420 3610 23100 7380 <3000 0 0 10100 28300 53600 Aromatic µg/kg 7080 17800 0 25100 8030 0 0 mg/K Total g 11.5 21.4 124 32.5 9.53 521 759
4.1.6 General Overview of Dredge Site In comparison to the previous assessment of 2007, the surface sedimentary matrix within Arklow Harbour displays similar characteristics yet lower contaminant concentrations to the sub-surface layers. This indicates the relatively static nature and reduced flushing mechanisms of the entrained harbour and enclosed dock area. The relatively higher contaminant concentrations in the sub-surface sediments imply that ongoing contamination to the surface sediments is low and that the contaminants present in the sub-surface layers are remnants of past pollution problems associated with the urban and port environments. It is highly likely that the sub-surface sediments are contributing pollutants to the surface sediments. Consequently, the removal of contaminated sediment from this area effectively remove pollutants from the harbour that have no other mechanism for physical removal and this will likely lead to a significant improvement of the benthic quality of the area
4.1.6.1 Granulometry The granulometric distribution of the sedimentary matrix at Arklow displays moderately well mixed properties. No grain size in particular dominates the matrix however sand and silt comprise the majority of the sediment within the Harbour area. The proportion of fine grained material which accumulates the greatest concentrations of contaminants displays a moderate reduction towards the harbour mouth which indicates the influence of marine removal of fine grained particles. These sediment proportions within the harbour area are likely a result of the entrainment of the estuary and its riverine characteristics which are preventing significant deposition of fine grained material. However, within the dock area, fine grained particles dominate, with silt and mud comprising the majority of the sedimentary matrix. Consequently this sediment matrix is conducive for the long term retention of contamination which would require dominance by the fine grained silt and mud fractions of sediment (Zhang et al., 2001).
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 22 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
4.1.6.2 Nutrients The estuary displays high Organic Matter concentrations (Total Organic Carbon) and associated nutrient loading (Nitrogen and Sulphur). This is due to the depositional environment of the estuary which retains OM and nutrients within the sedimentary matrix. This retention of OM and nutrients is not due to a natural phenomenon, OM residue from the sewage outfalls of Arklow town allow significant quantities of OM and nutrients to build up in the sediment of this area. Without this anthropogenic input of OM it is more likely that OM concentrations would be significantly lower. These high OM concentrations retain contaminants within the harbour and dock area which would not occur to the same degree in a natural estuary. The dock area displays the highest concentrations of OM and nutrients indicating that it has a very low flushing mechanism and that this area in particular has the capacity to retain contamination without a natural mechanism to remove contaminants out to the marine area via turbulence and tidal flushing.
4.1.6.3 Contaminants
Harbour For metal contamination in the harbour area, the sediment can be classified as a Class 2 sediment utilising the DCMNR guidelines. The majority of contaminant concentrations fall between the lower and upper guideline threshold levels while a number of samples indicated concentrations above the upper threshold. Consequently, the sediment within the harbour area can be classified as marginally contaminated. Sediment in the vicinity of sampling point 6 demonstrated low contaminant concentrations in general indicating the influence of tidal mechanisms removing pollutants from this area. While surface sediment contaminant concentrations were lower than sub-surface sediment contaminant concentrations as expected, the difference between layers is not significant. The hydrological regime exhibiting riverine characteristics rather than estuarine is not conducive for sediment layering. In conjunction with the hydrological regime estuarine sediments display a broad granulometry without domination by fine grained material (one of the key factors influencing sediment layering). Unrestricted estuaries generally display significant variation between sub-surface and surface contaminant concentrations. The restricted nature of the estuary at Arklow Harbour and the moderately heterogenous sediment matrix i.e. composed of a broad granulometric distribution without domination of one sediment type throughout, has prevented significant accumulation of historical contamination and prevented considerable contaminant concentration difference between sedimentary layers. Consequently contaminant layering in the Avoca estuary in the vicinity of Arklow Harbour, while evident is not as extreme as was expected and the difference in contaminant concentration between surface and sub-surface sediment in the Harbour area is immaterial. Dock Sediments within the dock area were significantly more contaminated than sediments in the harbour area. While concentrations of contaminants were slightly higher with depth, the variation between sedimentary layers within the dock was
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 23 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
also not significant. The dock area demonstrated the highest metal concentrations, and the only concentrations of Organotin, PAHs and PCBs above the lower guideline threshold level. Sediment within the dock area could be classified by the DCMNR guidelines as a high Class 2 sediment verging on a Class 3 as the majority of sediment samples recorded concentrations between the lower and upper thresholds but some samples were above the upper threshold also.
4.2 Sediment transport A transport study undertook by MarCon calculates the sediment transport rates and has been taken into account the proposed methods of loading and placement.
4.3 Radiological assessment The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) was contracted by Arklow Harbour Commission in March 2007 to conduct a radiological assessment of sediment at three locations within the site to be dredged. These sites are indicated on Figure 2 (Figures Chapter). The institute’s resulting report is located in Appendix A.3. The RPII results indicated that dumping of dredge spoil at sea would not result in any radiological hazard to the surrounding environment.
4.4 Archaeological
4.4.1 Introduction Moore Group was commissioned by Arup to compile a Cultural Heritage chapter for the licence application associated with the Arklow Port Dredge Spoil Disposal Project. This chapter had been designed to assess the impact of the proposal on the receiving archaeological environment and to propose ameliorative measures to safeguard any cultural heritage in the area, however it also includes the description of some of the archaeological features on the vicinity of the dredging area. ‘Cultural Heritage’ is a general term used to incorporate aspects of the environment which are valued for their age, beauty, history or tradition. It encompasses aspects of archaeology, architecture, history, folklore and tradition and topography. Cultural Heritage is expressed in both the physical landscape and seascape in numerous, often interrelated ways. This may include the remains of shipwrecks, settlement features, burial places and associated monuments, routes, fords and bridges, industrial features and artefact scatters.
4.4.1.1 Legal Background The National Monuments Acts 1930-1994, The Heritage Act 1995, The Architectural Heritage and Historic Properties Act 1999 and the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000 are the main legal mechanisms by which the archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage resource is protected today in Ireland.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 24 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
According to the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999, the information to be contained in an EIA includes “a description of aspects of the environment likely to be affected by the proposed development, including in particular… material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, and the cultural heritage” (S.I. No. 93 of 1999).
4.4.2 Methodology The assessment of the cultural heritage was based on a desktop study of published and unpublished documentary and cartographic sources, followed by a field survey.
4.4.2.1 Desk Study The desktop study involved consultation of the following sources: a. Archaeological and Historical Background Much of the data contained in this section was gleaned from reference material contained in the Local Studies section of Wicklow County Library in Wicklow town. A number of local histories and general historical/archaeological texts were consulted (see bibliography for details). The aim of this section is to provide an archaeological and historical background to the subject site, highlighting the possible uses and exploitation of the surrounding landscape through time. This exercise is undertaken with the aim of identifying area of potential archaeological significance and importance. b. Place-name evidence There are few places in the world which display the same longevity of place-name meaning as Ireland. Investigation of place name evidence is a useful tool in identifying topographic or geographic features which relate the surrounding environment and are often archaeologically related. Furthermore place-names often provide indications of the former function of regions or specified areas. The analysis of this information can often be an important tool in the assessment of development lands. c. Irish Excavations Database 'Excavations' is an annual bulletin, now funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which contains summary accounts of all excavations carried out in Ireland – North and South. The bulletins can now be accessed on the Internet at www.excavations.ie. It contains summary accounts of all excavations carried out from 1970 to 2003. Both the bulletins and database were consulted to establish whether excavations have been previously carried out in the vicinity of the proposed development. d. Record of Monuments and Places The RMP of the Department of Arts, Heritage, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, was established under the 1994 Amendment to the National Monuments Acts (1930- 94). It is based on the pre-existing Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and information from completed county archaeological inventories. As such, it records known upstanding archaeological monuments, their original location (in cases of
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 25 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
destroyed monuments) and the position of possible sites identified as cropmarks on vertical aerial photographs. The RMP information is compiled from the files of the Archaeological Survey, which combines cartographic sources, published and publicly available documentary sources, including periodicals, the records of the NMI, Geological Survey of Ireland 1:30,000 vertical aerial photographs and inspections of sites in the field. The latter provide the most up to date knowledge on the current physical appearance of known monuments on the ground. The information held in the RMP is read in conjunction with constraint maps, published at reduced six-inch scale, on which recorded sites are clearly marked (Fig. 6). The RMP is constantly updated and is the first stage in the preparation of a national census of archaeological sites, with inventories also published at an interim stage. The RMP sheets relevant to the present proposal are sheets 40, 41 & 45 of the O.S six-inch series for Wicklow (which is based on the OS revision of 1937). e. Topographical Files of the National Museum of Ireland The discovery of artefacts can be an important indicator of past levels of activity in an area and therefore a useful guide to the archaeological potential of a site. The Topographical Files of the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) archive identify recorded stray finds that have been donated to the state in accordance with National Monuments legislation between 1928 and 1995. Within the archive, finds are catalogued by year and accession number and are provenanced to townland. In the majority of cases, files include details on the location of and nature of the find, or where applicable, reports of excavations undertaken by NMI archaeologists in the early twentieth century. f. Aerial Photographs Aerial photographs are an invaluable resource in archaeology for the recognition of new sites and contributing to the understanding of known sites. Features can be recognised from the air as earthworks in relief or as vegetation marks where a buried feature such as a wall or ditch affects the growth of the surrounding flora. The Geological Survey of Ireland Aerial Photograph Collection, based in Dublin, holds a comprehensive archive of high-level vertical photographs available for consultation by the public and researchers but may not be copied. In addition to this, CD No. 1 of the National Coastline Survey details contains records of coastal lands. The final series of aerial images consulted were the series captured by the Ordnance Survey of Ireland in 2000 and 2005. g. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage The NIAH is a section within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The work of the NIAH involves identifying and recording the architectural heritage of Ireland, from 1700 to the present day, in a systematic and consistent manner. Its main functions are to provide a source of guidance for the selection of structures for protection, supply data to local authorities, which helps them to make informed judgments on the significance of building stock in their functional area and foster greater knowledge and appreciation of Ireland's architectural heritage. NIAH maintain a documentary architectural archive of similar size and scope to that operated by National Monuments in the archaeological area and uses this archive in the creation of two major architectural surveys:
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 26 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
• The Interim County Surveys: These surveys cover all buildings within specific counties. There are 27 counties grouped into 9 planning regions within the State. • The Town Surveys: These surveys record the buildings of individual towns throughout Ireland. h. Wicklow County Development Plan (2004-2008) Record of Protected Structures The recent Wicklow County Development Plan was consulted. It contained the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) for County Wicklow. As of the year 2000, buildings listed on the County’s RPS are protected structures. Cartographic Sources Cartographic sources consulted include the first edition map of the Ordnance Survey (O.S) six-inch series published in 1837; the twenty-five inch 1905 O.S map of and the 1906 O.S six-inch revision were also consulted. All maps were sourced in the Map Library of Trinity College Dublin. Shipwreck Inventory The Shipwreck Inventory is principally a desktop survey with information gathered from a broad range of cartographic, archaeological and historical sources, both documentary and pictorial. It is currently updated by the Underwater Archaeology Unit of the National Monuments Service. Ports and Harbour Archive A national inventory of piers, harbours, and lighthouses was started in 1997, based largely on 19th century Office of Public Works (OPW) records. It details repairs and changes made to piers and harbours in Ireland. i. Site Survey The purpose of the site survey was to assess the topographical context and archaeological potential of the proposed development area and the potential impact of the proposed scheme on existing cultural heritage sites. This was achieved through the use of remote sensing techniques, primarily marine magnetometry and bathymetric survey.
4.4.2.2 Archaeological & Historical Background a. Mesolithic Period The Mesolithic (middle stone age) people were the first inhabitants of Ireland, arriving about 9000 years ago. They were a mobile society relying on wild resources for food, which was hunted and gathered using stone tools as well as boats, nets and traps. Settlement was in temporary and semi permanent groups of huts constructed of wood slung with hide, which may have operated as seasonal or hunting camps. In general the only artefacts found relating to these Mesolithic societies are scattered stone tools or middens, which are usually found on seashores or riverbanks. The main body of evidence for Mesolithic activity in Ireland comes
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 27 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
from the coastal region through the form of scattered artefacts and shell middens. There is no recorded evidence for Mesolithic activity having taken place in the area surrounding the proposed development. b. Neolithic Period Farming was first adopted in the Middle East but spread gradually across Europe in succeeding centuries, arriving in Ireland about 4000 BC. Tending of crops and animals required a more sedentary lifestyle and larger permanent settlements were built. The megalithic (from the Greek mega – large and lith – stone) monuments of the Neolithic people built as communal tombs or for ceremonial purposes, are relatively common in the landscape. New methods were adopted for shaping stone tools and the first long distance trade networks were established. The earliest clearly dated settlement in Wicklow occurred in the Neolithic period and is indicated by a small number of burial monuments constructed of stone (Megalithic Tombs). Passage tombs are found mainly on the hill and mountaintops in the north and west of the county such as at 'Scurlocksleap Seefin' on the Roundwood/Blessington road and the passage tomb at Pinnacle, 'Baltinglass Hill' in the heritage town of Baltinglass. Towards the end of the Neolithic, wedge tombs constructed in several places probably continued to be used as places of burial and ceremony well into the Bronze Age. c. The Bronze Age As stone tools were replaced by the use of copper, later combined with tin to make bronze, the structure of society also changed over centuries. While some communal megalithic monuments, particularly wedge tombs continued to be used, the Bronze Age is characterised by a movement towards single burial and the production of prestige items and weapons, suggesting that society was increasingly stratified and warlike. During the earlier part of this period individual burials were deposited in small stone lined graves (cists) and unlined pits. An early Bronze Age cist burial containing the cremated bones of an adult was recovered in Ballynerrin townland in the 1950’s to the north of Arklow. These burials were often accompanied by distinctive pottery vessels (food vessels) and other grave goods occasionally of copper and bronze. These burial sites are often represented by a single grave without any above ground marker. Some were placed in mounds or barrows and these sites may have developed into larger cemeteries. The majority of the burials from this period occur along the western and especially northwestern side of County Wicklow and form part of a dense distribution of Early Bronze Age activity, which extends into Counties Kildare and Dublin. An Early Bronze Age cemetery was excavated by Barra O’Donnabháin in Ballinagore, although the site had been disturbed in the past a portion of a low mound with three ring ditches to the west was found. Collared urns, stone lined cists; stone battle-axe and a flint knife were among the artefacts recovered. Sherds of Neolithic were also recovered suggesting continuity of use on the site. Another example of Bronze Age funerary practices was represented by a ring barrow in Rosanna Upper townland, south of Ashford. These monuments represent ‘one funerary pattern in the later centuries BC and early centuries AD that involved cremation and the occasional deposition of small or token deposits of bone sometimes accompanied by small. …items of glass or bronze’ (Waddell,
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 28 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
2000,368). During the course of pre-development excavations associated with the construction of the N11, four urn burials were recorded. County Wicklow contains a number of impressive hilltop enclosures or hillforts, especially in the north of the county where they form an important cluster indicating powerful local communities from the Bronze Age era. d. The Iron Age In late Bronze Age Ireland the use of the metal reached a high point with the production of high quality decorated weapons, ornaments and instruments, often discovered from hoards or ritual deposits. The Iron Age however is known as a ‘dark age’ in Irish prehistory. Iron objects are found rarely, but there is no evidence for the warrior culture of the rest of Europe, although the distinctive La Tené style of art with animal motifs and spirals was adopted. Life in Iron Age Ireland seems to have been much as it was in the early historic period – mixed farmers living in or around small defended settlements known as ringforts or stone cashels. In the Early Historic period large numbers of enclosed domestic habitations 'ringforts or raths' were built and occupied and these represent the most numerous of Wicklow's archaeological sites. The impact of Christianity in County Wicklow is indicated by a number of important early church foundations. In addition to the great monastic complex at Glendalough established by St. Kevin in the 6th century, there are several small ecclesiastical sites. In addition to the small churches associated with these sites there are some stone crosses, grave slabs and especially 'bullauns' or blocks of uncut natural stone into which circular or oval basins have been carved to form a font. Arklow town itself is one of two Viking settlements in the county, the second being Wicklow. Both of these centres became important medieval towns in the Anglo -Norman period, which also saw the emergence of Bray. In the initial decades after the Norman invasion a distinctive type of earth and timber fortification, the motte and bailey was built at several locations and stone castles followed in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. e. Early Historic Period After the arrival of the Anglo-Normans, their leader Theobald Walter, ancestor of the Earls of Ormonde, was granted the town and castle of Arklow by King Henry II. In 1264 the Dominicans were granted a large tract of land, which is now known as Abbeylands, and they built an abbey, which became known as the Priory of the True Cross or Holy Cross. Some time after 1416, the Manor of Arklow came into the control of the MacMurrough Kings of Leinster, possibly after the death of the 4th Earl of Ormonde in 1452. In 1525, Muiris Kavanagh (McMurrough, King of Leinster 1522-31) returned the manor and castle of Arklow and its lands to his nephew Piers Butler, the Earl of Ormonde. During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in September 1649, Oliver Cromwell arrived at Arklow on his way to Wexford and took the surrender of the town. In 1714 James, Duke of Ormonde, sold the Manor of Arklow to John Allen of Stillorgan, County Dublin. In 1750 Allen’s eldest granddaughter Elizabeth Allen
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 29 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
married John Proby who was raised to the peerage in 1752 as Baron Carysfort of County Wicklow, and came into possession of the Arklow Estate. On June 9th 1798, the town was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles of the 1798 rebellion when a large force of Wexford rebels attacked the town in an attempt to spread the rising to Dublin but were repulsed by the entrenched British forces with huge slaughter. f. Site Specific Background Samuel Lewis’ topographical dictionary of Ireland compiled in 1837 records the following for the area surrounding Arklow: Arklow, a sea-port, market and post-town, and a parish, in the barony of Arklow, county of Wicklow, and province of Leinster, 12 miles (S.) from Wicklow, and 40 miles (S. by E.) from Dublin; containing 6309 inhabitants, of which number, 4383 are in the town. This place, formerly called Arclogh and Alercomshed, appears to have been occupied as a fishing station from time immemorial. It was included in one of those grants of territory for which Hen. II., in 1172, caused service to be done at Wexford; and by an original charter, preserved among the rolls of Kilkenny Castle, it appears that John, Lord of Ireland, granted and confirmed the castle and town of Arclogh, with all their appurtenances, to Theobald Fitzwalter, hereditary lord-butler of Ireland. Fitzwalter founded here a monastery, which he dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, for monks of the Cistertian order, whom he brought from the abbey of Furness, in Lancashire. The barony, which with the chief butlery always descended to the next heir male, was inherited by Theobald, the third of that name, who died here on the 26th of September, 1285, and was buried in the abbey church, under a tomb ornamented with his effigy. In 1281, a battle was fought near this place between the English and the Irish, in which the latter were totally defeated by Stephen de Fulborne, Bishop of Waterford and Lord Justiciary of Ireland; and in 1316, the O'Tooles and O'Byrnes, who had risen in arms and burnt Arklow, Bray, and Newcastle, with all the neighbouring villages, were defeated on the 16th of April by Edward le Boteler. In 1331, the castle was taken by the O'Tooles, but was retaken by Lord de Birmingham; and in the year following it was again taken by the Irish, who were finally repulsed by Sir Anthony Lucy, who repaired the fortifications and strengthened the garrison. In 1641, the castle was surprised by a party of insurgents, and the garrison put to the sword; and being afterwards held for the royalists, it was, in 1649, assaulted by Oliver Cromwell in his victorious march southward, and on its surrender was totally demolished. During the disturbances of 1798, a battle was fought near Arklow bridge, between the king's troops, under the command of Gen. Needham, and the insurgents, in which the latter were defeated and their leader shot; among the slain on the side of the royal forces was Thomas Grogan Knox, Esq., of Castletown, cornet of the 5th dragoon guards, to whose memory a neat marble tablet has been placed in the church. The town is situated on the acclivity of a hill extending along the right bank of the river Ovoca, and on the mail coach road from Dublin to Wexford. The Ovoca, after winding through the beautiful and romantic vale to which it gives name, passes under a bridge of nineteen arches at this place, and discharges itself into the sea, about 500 yards below the town. It is divided into the Upper and Lower Towns, which latter is called the "Fishery;" and in 1831 it contained 702 houses. The houses in the Upper Town, which consists of one principal street, are neatly built; those in the Lower Town, which is chiefly inhabited by fishermen, are mostly thatched cabins. The inhabitants are amply supplied with water from numerous excellent springs, but no works have been
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 30 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
established to convey it to their houses; and the only improvement that has recently taken place is the Macadamising of the principal street, and the laying down of foot pavements. On the site of the ancient castle are barracks for two companies of infantry. The principal trade is the fishery, which was formerly very lucrative, having two seasons in the year; one in May, which has lately ceased; and the other in November, which, though still continued, has become so unproductive as scarcely to remunerate the persons employed in it. The fishery, in 1835, employed about 200 boats in the herring fishery and in dredging for oysters, of the latter of which great quantities are taken off the coast in some years, and sent to different parts of Ireland and to England. Formerly much of the copper ore from the Wicklow mines, which are situated nearly midway between this town and Rathdrum, was shipped from this port during the summer season; and some trade is still carried on in the importation of coal. The want of a safe harbour in which the fishermen might shelter during bad weather, which for two or three seasons has prevailed on this coast, has been severely felt, there being no port between Kingstown and Waterford into which they can run for shelter, and many lives are annually lost. The harbour is accessible only for small boats, as the passage is sinuous and subject to shifting sands. The market is on Thursday; and fairs are held on Jan. 11th, March 22nd, April 19th, May 14th, June 28th, Aug. 9th, Sep. 25th, and Nov. 15th, chiefly for the sale of woollen cloth, cattle, sheep, and pigs. A constabulary police station has been established here; and on the north side of the river, in the parish of Kilbride, is a coast-guard station belonging to the Gorey district. The petty sessions for the barony of Arklow are held every Thursday, in a neat court-house rented by the magistrates for that purpose, and of which the lower part is appropriated to the use of the savings' bank. The parish, which is situated at the south-eastern extremity of the county, and intersected by the river Ovoca, comprises 5851 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act. The surface is broken, abrupt, and mountainous; the soil towards the coast, and in the inlets between the hills is rich, and abounds with excellent marl, which, together with lime, is used for manure. The system of agriculture has been greatly improved, under the auspices of the Agricultural Society; the drill husbandry is practised where the soil will admit of it, and green crops have been partially introduced. The mountain of Croghan Kinshela, towards the close of the last century, became an object of intense interest from its supposed production of native gold; a peasant fishing in one of the streams which descended from it discovered, at different times, small particles of gold, which for about 12 years he continued to sell privately to a goldsmith, till, in September 1796, the discovery became known, and thousands of persons engaged in the search for this precious metal. Several masses of extraordinary size were found, one of which weighed nine, another eighteen, and a third twenty-two ounces; and so great was the number of the peasantry allured to the spot by the hope of enriching themselves, that in the short space of six or seven weeks, during which the washing of the sands was continued, not less than 2666 ounces of pare gold were obtained, which were sold for £10,000. After the people had continued their searches for a little more than six weeks, Government took possession of the mine, and stationed a party of the Kildare militia to prevent further encroachment; an act of parliament was passed for working it, and Messrs. Weaver, Mills, and King were appointed directors of the operations. Steam-works were established on several rivulets which descended from the mountain; and from this time till May 1798, when the works were destroyed in the insurrection of that disturbed period, the total quantity of gold found was 944 oz., 4 dwts., and 15 grs., which was sold for £3675. 8. 0. In 1801 the mining operations were resumed, and on the
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 31 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
representation of the directors, Government was induced to extend the search upon a more systematic principle: the stream-works were continued to the heads of the several streams, and the solid mass of the mountain was more minutely examined, by cutting trenches in every direction down to the firm rock. The veins already known, and such as were afterwards discovered by the process of trenching, were more extensively explored and their depth minutely ascertained, by means of a gallery, or level, driven into the mountain at right angles to the general range of their direction. The mineral substances thus obtained were subjected to a rigid chymical analysis, but in no instance was a single particle of gold discovered; the result of these operations convinced Government that no gold existed as an inherent ingredient in any of the veins which traversed the mountain, and the works were consequently abandoned. The environs of Arklow are much admired for the beauty, richness, and variety of their scenery; the banks of the Ovoca are embellished with handsome seats, and the sides of the vale with woods of luxuriant growth. Shelton Abbey, the seat of the Earl of Wicklow, though in the parish of Kilbride, forms a conspicuous and interesting feature in the scenery of this parish; it is beautifully situated on the north bank of the river, and at the base of a range of hills of gentle elevation, richly wooded with oak and birch. The mansion, which was remodelled some years since by the Messrs. Morrison, is a low quadrilateral edifice with two principal fronts, richly embellished with decorated pinnacles, and resembling an ecclesiastical structure of the 14th century, converted into a baronial residence at a subsequent period; the entrance-hall is wainscoted with carved oak, and the ceiling delicately enriched with fan tracery, of which the pendants are gilt; the great hall, gallery, and state apartments, are all in a style of corresponding richness and elegance; the library contains an exceedingly valuable collection of works made by a learned member of the family; and the cloisters are in a style of appropriate beauty. The demesne, which comprises more than 1000 statute acres, is ornamented with some of the most stately beech and chestnut trees in the island; and the whole forms one of the most delightful retreats in this romantic part of the country. During the temporary sequestration of the family estates at the time of the Revolution, Jas. II., on his flight to Waterford, after the battle of the Boyne, was entertained at Shelton Abbey by the party then in possession; and there is still a road within the demesne which is called King James's road. Glenart, a castellated mansion belonging to the Earl of Carysfort, and at present occupied by his lordship's brother, the Hon. Capt. Proby, R. N., is situated on the south bank of the Ovoca, nearly opposite to the abbey, on a gentle slope in a very retired spot, commanding from the high grounds some fine views of the sea and of the richly wooded hills of Shelton Abbey and Bally-Arthur. Ballyrane, the seat of the Rev. T. Quin, is a handsome modern house, pleasantly situated within a mile of the town, of which it commands a fine view, and also of the sea. Lambarton, the seat of Capt. Hore, R.N., is beautifully situated in the midst of fine plantations, and commands delightful views of the sea and the demesnes of Shelton and Bally- Arthur, terminating in the magnificent range of mountains in the neighbourhood of Lugna-quilla. Emma Vale, the seat of D. Wright, Esq., is situated about a mile to the south-west of the town; the house has been enlarged and improved, the plantations are tastefully laid out, and the prospect comprehends a fine view of Glenart woods and mansion, Bally Arthur and the distant part of Shelton demesne, and an extensive range of mountain scenery. Elton, about half a mile to the south, is a commodious house occupying a healthful situation. The living is a vicarage, in the diocese of Dublin and Glendalough, to which the greater portion of the rectory, which formerly belonged to the abbey of Woney, was united in the
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 32 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
year 1673, subject to a reserved rent of £3. 12.; and to which also the vicarage of Enorily and the perpetual curacies of Killahurler, Kilbride, and Templemichael, and part of the rectory of Kilgorman, were united from time immemorial till 1833, when they were, with the exception of Killahurler and Kilgorman, separated from it by act of council and made a distinct benefice; leaving only Arklow and Killahurler, with part of Kilgorman, to constitute the vicarial union, which is in the patronage of the Archbishop. The other portion of the rectory is impropriate in W. Johnson and D. Howell, Esqrs. The tithes amount to £230. 15. 4 3/4., of which £46. 8. 7 1/2. is payable to the lay impropriators, and the remainder to the incumbent; and the gross tithes of the union payable to the incumbent amount to £250. 8. 8. The church, situated in the principal street of the town, was erected in 1823, at an expense of £2000, of which sum £1100 was granted on loan by the late Board of First Fruits; and in 1829 it was enlarged, at an expense of £1200, granted by the same Board, in consideration of which grant the additional sittings are free. It was built after a design by Mr. Johnson, and is in the later English style, with a square tower. A grant of £249 has been lately made by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for its repair. In the R. C. divisions this parish is the head of a union or district, which comprehends the parishes of Arklow, Killahurler, and Ballintemple, in the county of Wicklow, and of Inch and Kilgorman in the county of Wexford. The chapel is a handsome modern structure, situated opposite to the remains of the ancient castle; and there are chapels also at Johnstown, Castletown, and Ballycowgue, to all of which schools are attached. There is a small place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists. About 320 children are instructed in the several public schools, of which a boys' school is supported by the Trustees of Erasmus Smith's charity, two for girls are aided by Mrs. Proby, and an infants' school is maintained by voluntary contributions; and there are six private schools, in which are about 240 children, and two Sunday schools. A fever hospital and dispensary was erected in 1821, at an expense of £550, of which sum, £400 was presented by the grand jury, and the remainder was raised by subscription: it is a neat square building, in a healthy situation just without the town. The only relic of the ancient castle is a small fragment mantled with ivy, situated on an eminence above the river and adjoining the barracks. The cemetery of the Cistertian abbey is still used as a burying-place by the Roman Catholics. Arklow gives the title of baron, in the peerage of Ireland, by creation, to his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, and by tenure to the noble family of Butler, Marquesses of Ormonde.
4.4.2.3 Place-name Evidence The name Arklow derives from the irish An t-Inbhear Mór, meaning ‘Great Estuary’. This is an obvious reference to the location of the town at the mouth of the Avoca River.
4.4.2.4 Irish Excavations Database A search of the excavations database of Irish excavations show that whilst there have been no archaeological excavations carried out on the subject site, there have been numerous carried out in the vicinity. It also indicated that materials had been found during a number of these projects. This serves to highlight the potential for the project to impact previously unrecorded archaeological remains. Location: SOUTH QUAY, ARKLOW
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 33 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Site Type: Urban medieval NGR: 325858 173440 Excavation No: 98E0187 Archaeological assessment took place at a proposed residential development at South Quay, Arklow, Co. Wicklow. Two trenches were dug. Trench 1 was 88m long, 1m wide and 2m deep. At the south end of the trench was a black, organic layer, 0.3m thick, containing 19th-century pottery. It sat on natural estuarine gravels. At the north end a layer of red brick rubble overlay the natural gravel. Donald Murphy, Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd, 15 Trinity Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Location: ARKLOW TOWN GAS PIPELINE Site Type: Urban Excavation No: 00E0891 The proposed development involved the placement of a feeder mains pipeline from Rathnew to Arklow Town, Co. Wicklow. In general the proposed pipe- trench will measure between 0.29m and 0.45m and will be excavated to a total depth of 0.9m. Desk study for the project stated that this pipeline will marginally affect the areas of archaeological potential in both Arklow and Wicklow towns. In Arklow, the route entered the zone of archaeological potential in an area corresponding to the original harbour. The main area of concern in relation to Arklow is the crossing of the Avoca. If the riverbed is disturbed, archaeological material might well come to light. Artefacts have been found in relation to this river crossing, and therefore the potential in this instance is high. The archaeologically sensitive riverbed under the main bridge into the town from the north will be bypassed, as planning permission has been approved to strap the pipeline to the side of the bridge. A buffer zone 100m on either side of the bridge remains unexcavated at this time. Trenching on the South Quays has been completed. In the first section opened, south-east of the buffer zone and extending for about 150m, a 0.5m-deep concrete road surface sealed 1.6m+ of infill. The fill was mainly composed of sand, course gravel and pockets of large cobbles and clay. As stated in the archaeological appraisal, this appears to be part of recent construction work. Further south and for the length of the quay, the underlying stratigraphy was composed of natural yellow/red, sandy clay sealed by the road surface. No archaeological features or deposits were encountered in this phase of monitoring. The project was to continue in 2001. Redmond Tobin, Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd, 2 Killiney View, Albert Road Lower, Glenageary, Co. Dublin.
Location: Arklow Bank Wind Park Site Type: Offshore monitoring of dredging
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 34 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
NGR: 334686 176249 Excavation No: 03E1101 Phase 1 of the Arklow Bank Wind Park development in 2003 proposed to install seven wind turbines on the Arklow Bank, c. 10km off the coast of County Wicklow. The turbines were to be installed in a single row running north-south along the bank. Monitoring was undertaken between 27 July and 24 August 2003. The monitoring archaeologists on board were Labhaoise McKenna and Benen Hayden. No monitoring of dredging operations had previously been undertaken on the Arklow Bank, where the National Maritime Wreck Register lists c. 300 vessels as having been wrecked. The register lists only those vessels lost from the time that records began but demonstrates that the area was the site of wreckings from the earliest times. Pre-development geophysical site surveys by Boland Archaeological Services Ltd identified sixteen sites of archaeological potential (licence No. 02R093) within the present proposed development area. Boland Archaeological Services Ltd was commissioned by G.E. Wind Energy to monitor the dredging of a channel measuring 200m by 50m by 6.5m adjacent to the location of turbine No. 5. This channel was to allow the pontoon pile driver, Jumping Jack, with a draft of 6.5m, to be manoeuvred to and from the location of the turbine. The initial phase of monitoring was conducted between 27 July and 3 August 2003, employing the backhoe dredger Atlas. A hopper barge, Den Droge, was tied alongside to collect and dump dredged material. A small coin and a sherd of white pottery were observed in the hopper's hold. The Atlas was replaced by the suction hopper dredger Zeezand Express during the second phase of monitoring, conducted on a 24-hour basis between 13 and 24 August 2003. Sand and gravel were sucked from the seabed and deposited in the hopper of the dredger. A grid was attached to the dredger head to prevent large items being sucked up through the pipe. As the material being dredged entered the suction pipe underwater, monitoring was limited to the inspection of the dredge head when it was lifted at the end of each load. This was the only opportunity to inspect the dredge head. However, had the pipe become blocked by impacting upon large objects, such as timbers, suction would have become impaired and the dredge head raised for inspection. No such instances occurred during this work. An overflow box with a metal grate was located in the aft compartment of the barge's hold. The grate collected debris which had been sucked up into the hold and discharged with the sand and water through the fine grid. Although only a limited volume of the hopper's load exited the vessel via the overflow box, a number of artefacts were recovered. Sand deposits built up on deck during each load and provided another opportunity to retrieve random finds. Artefacts recovered included two worked flint nodules, fifteen sherds of glazed white earthenware dating from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century, a clay-pipe stem and two metal conglomerates. It is unlikely that the percentage and type of finds found is representative of the overall debris on the Arklow Bank, as the majority of the spoil from the hopper did not exit the barge via the overflow box. Kieran Campbell, 6 St Ultan's, Laytown, Drogheda, for Boland Archaeological Services Ltd.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 35 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Location: Ferrybank, Arklow Site Type: Foreshore and salt marsh NGR: 325357 173752 Excavation No: 03E0737 Monitoring took place from 27 May to 11 June 2003 during the excavation of a trench for electricity cables at Ferrybank, Arklow. The laying of electricity cables was associated with the proposed offshore Arklow Wind Park being constructed by G.E. Wind Energy. The overall route of the cable trench ran from a landfall on the North Pier at the mouth of Arklow Harbour to an ESB substation at Killiniskyduff, a distance of c. 3.2km. However, monitoring was required only on that section of the trench which ran along the former foreshore and reclaimed salt marsh (i.e. from the North Pier to where the trench joined the Brittas road, a distance of c. 1800m). The monitored stretch of trench excavation was located entirely within the townland of Ferrybank. The cable trench, 0.6m wide and 1.2-1.4m deep, was excavated by a JCB in lengths of 100-150m per day. Four 110mm-diameter plastic ducts were laid in the trench, which was backfilled at the end of each day. Monitoring revealed that the fill excavated from the cable trench over the southern half of the route along the quay and Mill Road, comprising stone rubble and industrial waste, clinker, etc., was datable to the latter half of the 20th century. The modern date of the material exposed may be explained by the shallowness of the excavation, a maximum depth of 1.4m, which did not extend down to the original sea and foreshore level. Monitoring over the northern half of the trench route recorded the reclaimed salt marsh level, with 20th-century landfill, including modern household rubbish, overlying it. Since 1987, a large protective rock armour embankment has been constructed on the seaward side of the salt marsh, which is now reclaimed as a park. A pond shown within the salt marsh on the 6-inch OS map of the early 1900s has been retained. At the north end of the pond, in a 5m length of the trench, many fragments from large 'chemical stoneware' vessels occurred within sand at a depth of 0.6-0.9m. The vessels were flat-bottomed, straight-sided containers, c. 290mm in diameter and at least 200mm high, with large squared rims over which fitted heavy overlapping lids. Lids and vessel sides bore an oval stamp, 'DOULTON & Co. LIMITED LAMBETH'. The proximity of the findspot, a matter of c. 150-200m, to the site of Kynoch's munitions factory, which was in operation from 1895 to 1918, raises the possibility of the vessels being from that source. A short length of an above-ground concrete tunnel structure close to the cable trench route is one of the few surviving remnants of the factory. On the ground rising up to the Brittas road, natural sand was encountered directly under topsoil and sod for most of the length of the trench. Kieran Campbell, 6 St Ultan's, Laytown, Drogheda, for Boland Archaeological Services Ltd.
Location: 4 RIVER WALK, ARKLOW
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 36 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Site Type: No archaeological significance NGR: 334570 173550 Excavation No: 05E1375 Monitoring was carried out on a development site located within the zone of archaeological potential for Arklow town and to the south of the Avoca River. It was 12m long and 10m wide along the street front, narrowing to 4m at the south. The footprint area was excavated to a depth of 0.6m below ground level. The ground comprised fill and sterile river gravel deposits, with some demolition rubble in the upper level. Nothing of archaeological significance was found Melanie McQuade, O’Donoghue Street, Inchicore, Dublin 8.
4.4.2.5 Record of Monuments and Places The development lands span two Record of Monuments and Place’s (RMP) Maps. These are County Wicklow Sheets (see figure 2). Although there are a number of recorded monuments in the vicinity of the proposed development, none will be directly impacted by the scheme. RMP No.: WI:40: 029 Townland: Abbeylands, Arklow, Ferrybank, Marsh, Sheephouse, Classification: Town Description: Abbeylands 1: Church and Graveyard: Dominican Friary of the Holy Cross: This house was founded in 1264 by Thomas Theobald Fitzwalter and he was buried there in 1285 (Gwynn & Hadcock, 1970, 221). It was suppressed in 1539 but parts of the buildings survived into the 18th century. It was located on the outh side of Main Street. There are no upstanding remains of the church today and the site is now a public park. A series of 18th and 19th century tombstones are now arranged around the walls. Arklow 1. Castle: The castle was the administrative centre of the medieval manor, situated on high ground at the west end of the town overlooking the Avoca River. Bradley suggest it replaces a pre- Norman structure. The remains consist of a stretch of curtain wall and a circular corner tower built on rock outcrop of randomly coursed rubble, 13th century in date. The tower survives to 3 storeys (8m) but was originally higher. The curtain wall is also some 8m high at the west end. Arklow 2. Church and Graveyard: Parish Church of St. Mary; the medieval parish church was located on the north side of Main Street. There are no upstanding remains of the church today and the site is now a public park. A series of 18th and 19th century tombstones are now arranged around the walls. Arklow 3. Tooher: No information in file ans no information in Urban Survey Ferrybank 1. Church and Graveyard (site of) : Cistercian Abbey: Before 1204 Theobald Fitzwalter granted the island of Arklow to the Cist of Furness (Lancs) for the foundation of an abbey but in 1205 he transferred the monks to a new abbey at Abington, Limerick. O’ Curry (OS Letters, Co. Wicklow noted that “an ancient graveyard with the site of a church was found on the north side of the
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 37 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
bridge of Arklow in a sandbank in Ferrybank townland…”. Several graves with skeletons were found there, covered in large flags.
RMP No.: WI:45: 005 Townland: Rock Big Classification: Church & Graveyard Description: This site is indicated on the 1st ed. OS map (1837) and on the 3rd edition (1940). It is located on a NE- facing rocky slope overlooking the shore. In 1838 O’Donovan describes “an old burial place at the south end of the strand in the townland of Big Rock” with no name (O’ Flanagan 1927, P137). Price writing in 1967 says the place he is talking about is called Chapel Hogan (Price 1967, Vol. 3, P484). He claims a mound once existed here with a stone on top but it has now been levelled (ibid.). The RMP files report no visible above ground remains now exist, and there is no local memory of a chapel here.
RMP No.: WI:45: 006 Townland: Rock Big Classification: Holy Well/ Lady’s Well Description: Indicated on the 1st ed. OS map (1837) and on the 3rd edition (1940), this site is located on a north- facing rocky slope. In 1838 O’Donovan refers to a holy well called ‘Lady’s Well’ to the south of the little burial place (O’ Flanagan 1927, P137). According to Price writing in 1967, it was visited on the 25th of March and 15th of August and a shrine has been recently built over it (Price 1967, Vol 3, P484). The RMP files report that a large Marian Shrine has been built over it in 1953.
RMP No.: WI:45: 007 Townland: Rock Big Classification: St Patrick’s Well
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 38 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Description: Indicated on the 1st ed OS map (1837) and on the 3rd edition (1940), this site is located on an east- facing rocky slope overlooking the sea shore. According to Price writing in 1967, nothing was known of the well, however. locals remembered the site but said it was no longer visible. A once existing field boundary in the field respected the well.
Figure 2 Extract from RMP Map WI:40, 41 & 45
4.4.2.6 Urban Archaeological Survey The following is an extract from the Urban Archaeological Survey for Arklow: Arklow is a port town situated on the south bank of the Avoca River. The tradition of a burial mound and some sepulchral urns containing ashes and partially burnt bone found in close proximity to the centre of the town suggests prehistoric activity in the area. Arklow is said to be derived from Scandinavian (Ar lo- ‘river meadow’). The presence of this place name together with a 9th century Viking burial and some stray brooch finds within the town indicates Scandinavian settlement in the vicinity, although the nature of this is unclear. An absence of
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 39 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
documentary sources indicate it was not a town, but its possible it was a hamlet or fishing village, or perhaps a station on the Dublin- Bristol route. The first real physical evidence of the beginning of the town is with the coming of Normans. Theobald Fitzwalter was granted the manor of Arklow by Prince John in 1185 and settled the area soon after (Orpen 1911- 20, I, 371). He founded the Cistercian abbey on the “island of Arklow” (Gwynn & Hadcock 1970, 126), suggesting there was no Scandinavians here at this time as Cistercians preferred isolated rural locations. The property was in Butler hands throughout the middle ages. In the 14th Arklow was under pressure from the Gaelic resurgence and the castle was captured in 1331 (Power 1981, 30), but it seems the town survived as a bastion outpost of the Pale. In the 16th century the Butlers reasserted their interests and an important document of 1571 describes the town in dilapidation, with the castle, harbour and defences in poor condition (Curtis 1932- 43, v, 211- 2). The town surrendered to Cromwell in September 1649. In 1700 the Butlers sold their interest in the town and manor of Arklow to John Allen of Stillorgen (Power 1981, 55). A large number of recorded shipwrecks carrying cargo off the coast of Arklow particularly on and near the Arklow Banks during the 18th and 19th century suggests the town was an important trading port. a. Archaeological Inventory 1. Streets and Pattern: street plan linear based on Main Street which runs E-W following the line of the Avoca River. Burgage plots pattern visible on the first edition Ordnance Survey map, where the narrow characteristic properties run back to the river on the north side and have a common boundary south. 2. Market Place: The first market place in the town was likely to have been located on the current location of Main Street. 3. Harbour: The presence of an early harbour can be inferred from Viking times when the location at a river estuary would have been an attractive feature. The repair of the ‘haven’ is among the features mentioned in 1571 covenant between the Earl of Ormond and the townsmen (Curtis 1932- 43, v, 212). The harbour was probably located on the east side of the town where there are quays today. Lewis states that in the early 19th century, the harbour was only accessible to small boats because of shifting. 4. Town Defences: The 1571 covenant between the Earl of Ormond and the burgesses of Arklow mention that the burgesses shall “at their own charges make strong gates, ditches and pales for better defence…” There is no evidence that these were built and there are no surviving remains. 5. Castle: The castle was the administrative centre of the medieval manor, situated on high ground at the west end of the town overlooking the Avoca River. Bradley suggest it replaces a pre- Norman structure. The remains consist of a stretch of curtain wall and a circular corner tower built on rock outcrop of randomly coursed rubble, 13th century in date. The tower survives to 3 storeys (8m) but was originally higher. The curtain wall is also some 8m high at the west end.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 40 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
6. Parish Church of St. Mary; the medieval parish church was located on the north side of Main Street. There are no upstanding remains of the church today and the site is now a public park. A series of 18th and 19th century tombstones are now arranged around the walls. 7. Dominican Friary of the Holy Cross: This house was founded in 1264 by Thomas Theobald Fitzwalter and he was buried there in 1285 (Gwynn & Hadcock, 1970, 221). It was suppressed in 1539 but parts of the buildings survived into the 18th century. It was located on the outh side of Main Street. There are no upstanding remains of the church today and the site is now a public park. A series of 18th and 19th century tombstones are now arranged around the walls. 8. Cistercian Abbey: Before 1204 Theobald Fitzwalter granted the island of Arklow to the Cist of Furness (Lancs) for the foundation of an abbey but in 1205 he transferred the monks to a new abbey at Abington, Limerick. O’ Curry (OS Letters, Co. Wicklow noted that “an ancient graveyard with the site of a church was found on the north side of the bridge of Arklow in a sandbank in Ferrybank townland…”. Several graves with skeletons were found there, covered in large flags. 9. Tumulus: O’ Curry states that “immediately west (of his suggested Cistercian Abbey site) there was a green mount, in which whilst digging, there were some sepulchral urns containing ashes and partially burnt bone. At that time several pieces of urn were visible (Ronan 1927, 103-4, note 9).
4.4.2.7 The National Museum of Ireland Topographical Files The topographical files records the following artefacts as having been found in the vicinity of the subject site. Two oval tortoise brooches from a Viking burial near Arklow. NMI S>A> 1901:50-52. JRSAI xxxii, 1902, 71-3. Hoard of 3 A-N coins, deposited c. 1207. Found in 1834 on a sand bank at the mouth of the Avoca River. UJA xxix (1966), 133-4. a. Aerial photographs Images from the Geological Survey of Ireland, CD No. 1 of the National Coastline Survey and the series of aerial images captured by the Ordnance Survey of Ireland in 2000 and 2005 were consulted. They did not reveal the presence of any topographical anomalies which may be indicative of the presence of archaeological features.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 41 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
The Aerial Images from the Ordnance Survey do not indicate the presence of any previously unrecorded remains on the site.
Extract from Ordnance Survey Image of site taken in 2005
4.4.2.8 Ports and Harbours Site Name: Arklow “The river Avoca which empties itself into the sea below Arklow bridge, is the only harbour for fishermen; and they have very serious obstacles to contend with in approaching and getting into the river, there being no natural advantages. There is not a pier or quay. Boats and vessels are obliged to throw out ballast at sea before they can attempt the bar. On many occasions they are obliged to be made quite light, and the ballast is taken out and put into small boats. The hardship which the Arklow fishermen suffer in consequence of not having a pier is great. A local contribution for a pier could be obtained from the inhabitants of Arklow, and its neighbourhood.” First Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry into the state of Irish Fisheries; with The Minutes of Evidence, and Appendix, p229. MDCCCXXXXVI. His Majestys Stationary Office, Dublin.
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1886- 1843-85 “Reports on harbour improvement by John Mac Neill, William Forsyth and A.M Rendell, acts concerning the Hibernian Mine Co. and the
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 42 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Wicklow Copper Mine Co., case of Wicklow Copper Mine Co. with respect to the harbour, report on the storm damage.” No. of Items- 9 Reference No.- OPW8/ Item No.- 10 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours “We felt it our duty some months since to bring under the notice of your grace the condition of Arklow Harbour, the most important fishing station on the SE coast between Dublin and Waterford. Unfortunately however it is often in such a state from the silting up of the bar at the entrance, that for weeks it is not possible for fishing or other vessels to enter or leave the port.” Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries and the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1874. Her Majestys Stationary Office, Dublin, 1875, p 9-10.
“At present owing to shifting bar at the entrance to Arklow, the boats are frequently prevented from going out for weeks at a time.” Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries and the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1875. Her Majestys Stationary Office, Dublin, 1876, p 9.
“The harbour at Arklow is more or less unsatisfactory from the changes that constantly take place at the mouth” Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries and the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1876. Her Majestys Stationary Office, Dublin, 1877, p 9.
“It is deplored that in this division the harbours are very bad, and we regret to hear that a project to improve the harbour has been abandoned.” Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries and the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1879. Her Majestys Stationary Office, Dublin, 1880, p 12.
“The long wished for pier is at last in construction at Arklow” Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries and the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1882, 1883 (1882, p 10). The Queens Printing Office Dublin.
“At Arklow, the new pier although not completed has lessened the Bar so that fishing boats can enter at nearly all tides”. Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries and the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1887, 1888 (1887, p 17). The Queens Printing Office Dublin.
“Owing to the inability of the harbour board to incur the expenditure necessary to keep open the passage through the bar, the Department erected a steam crane and subsidised a small local dredger. The Department have further undertaken to
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 43 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
procure and work a sand pump dredger specially designed to suit local conditions. The vessel is now being built” Report on the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1903, pxxii. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 1904, Dublin.
“The sand pump dredger has been built for the Department at a cost of £6400, and is at work.” Report on the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1905, pxxii. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 1906, Dublin.
“The harbour has been kept open by the Departments dredger, and its depth has been steadily increased. A scheme for the construction of a floating basin and the continued maintenance of the channel by means of dredging has been outlined.” Report on the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1906, pxvii- xxvii. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 1907, Dublin.
“The Departments Suction Dredger ‘Fag an Bealach’ was fully occupied during the year at Arklow.” Report on the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1911, p. xiv. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 1912, Dublin.
“At Arklow, the harbour has been fully maintained and steamers carrying over 1000 tons now trade. The firm have in contemplation the construction of further wharfage to allow of the discharge or loading of 2 vessels simultaneously.” Report on the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1911, xvii. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 1912, Dublin.
“The depth of the water has been maintained by the dredger ‘Fag an Bealach.” Report on the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1914,xii. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 1915, Dublin.
The facilities for navigation at Arklow Harbour were well maintained by the dredger ‘Fag an Bealach.” Report on the Sea and Inland Fisheries of Ireland for 1917,x. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 1918, Dublin.
1878-“Arklow Harbour- Proposed new north and south breakwaters (Accompanying Mr. Rendells Report of 22 Nov 1869).”
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 44 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Ref: 2336 Board of Trade; Black Series; Harbour Improvements.
1883- “Arklow- New piers at harbour. ” Ref 2914.1,2 2336 Board of Trade; Black Series; Harbour Improvements
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1886-8- “Completion of Works.” Ref: OPW 6493/88 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1890-93- “Construction of north groyne.” Ref: OPW 10593/93 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1893-6- “Building of new breakwater at harbour.” Ref: OPW 9569/96 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1885-8- “Report by Thomas Stevenson on progress of works.” Ref: OPW 4194/88 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1886- “Covering letter enclosing sketch plans of harbour.” Ref: OPW 1055/86 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1882- 1887-- “Construction of new pier.”
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 45 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Ref: OPW 10380/87 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1872- “Report of William Forsyth on proposed improvements to harbour.” Ref: OPW 5428/72 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1875- “Prelim report on the harbour and on the proposed extension and improvement works.” Ref: OPW 19231/75 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1877- “Proposed modifications to Arklow Improvement Bill” Ref: OPW 21811/76 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1882-4- “Reports of fishing boats being wrecked at the bar, and the need for repairs to the swivel bridge and the north Quay road” Ref: OPW 25598/24 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1883- “Sanction of Board of Trade for 2 piers, with accompanying plan of harbour showing proposed works” Ref: OPW 25413/83 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1884- “Contract for additional works at the harbour”
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 46 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Ref: OPW 36129/84 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
Site Name: Arklow Harbour 1876- “Report on the state of the harbour and on the proposed extension and improvement works, by Robert Manning, Civil Engineer” Ref: OPW 400/76 OPW Archives Piers and Harbours
1916- “Arklow Harbour- Construction of aerial ropeway across Arklow Harbour” Ref: 9501 Board of Trade, Black Series; Harbour Improvements
4.4.2.9 Shipwreck Inventory of Ireland The Shipwreck Inventory records that the following vessels have foundered in and around Arklow. The large number of vessels indicated that the area surrounding the subject site is of high archaeological potential. (The vessels found in the offshore area of Arklow have been removed for the purposes of this dredging application. Therefore, only the following shipwrecks in the vicinity of Arklow Harbour are described ): Site Name: Alma Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: This unregistered wooden fishing smack weighed 12 tons. The Master was James Doyle of Arklow. She was in the river, in ballast, when she broke from her moorings and collided with a number of other vessels, becoming a total loss. The incident involved 13 vessels in all. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
Site Name: Archdeacon Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: This wooden fishing lugger weighed 14 tons. The Master was James Kavanagh of Arklow. She was moored in the river, in ballast, when she broke from her moorings and collided with a number of other vessels, becoming a total loss. The incident involved 13 vessels in all. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 47 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Site Name: Confido Date of Loss: 7/9 Jan. 1908 Place of Loss: North of North Pier, Arklow/ sands north of Arklow Harbour Description: This vessel was moored at Arklow with 2 crew and a cargo of coal when she broke free and was a total loss. Bourke 1994, 39. CSP 1909, Vol. LXXVIII, Shipping Casualties, 125, 331.
Site Name: Cosy Date of Loss: 10 Nov. 1876 Place of Loss: North of the piles at entrance to Arklow Harbour Description: This wooden yawl vessel was out fishing with 5 crew when she was stranded and hit by a force 7. One life was lost. CSP 1877, Vol. LXXV, 95.
Site Name: Elephant Date of Loss: 13 Dec 1849 Place of Loss: Arklow Harbour Description: This 97 ton vessel of Harrington was lost. CSP 1852-3, Vol. XCVIII, 3.
Site Name: Ellen Date of Loss: 16 June 1877 Place of Loss: at the north entrance to Arklow Harbour Description: This 12 year old wooden smack of Dublin was out fishing in ballast with 6 crew when she became stranded and totally wrecked. The crew survived. Bourke 1998, 74. CSP 1877, Vol. LXXV, Strandings, 116.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 48 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Site Name: Fly Date of Loss: 13 Dec 1876 Place of Loss: North side of Arklow Harbour entrance Description: This vessel was fishing from Arklow in ballast with 5 crew when she was stranded. CSP 1877, Vol. XVII, 279.
Site Name: Ida Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
Site Name: Lark Date of Loss: 8 Dec. 1886 Place of Loss: near Arklow north pier head Description: This vessel was fishing from Arklow in ballast with 6 crew when she was totally wrecked. CSP 1888, Vol XC,129.
Site Name: Lovely Jane Date of Loss: 21 March 1775 Place of Loss: near Arklow Description: This vessel was en route from Dublin under Cosgrove when she struck a rock. The crew got to shore in a lifeboat. Bourke 1998, 70.
Site Name: Margaret and Kate
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 49 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
Site Name: Margaret and John Date of Loss: 19 Feb 1898 Place of Loss: Arklow Description: - CSP, 1899 Vol LXXXVII, 136.
Site Name: Mary Date of Loss: prior to 30 Jan. 1781 Place of Loss: Arklow Description: This vessel of Waterford was stranded. Bourke 1998, 76.
Site Name: Mary and Michael Date of Loss: 8 Nov. 1876 Place of Loss: at the entrance to Arklow Harbour Description: This smack of Wexford was fishing from Arklow in ballast with 6 crew when she was stranded in a NNE force 5. CSP 1877, Vol. LXXV, Standings, 94.
Site Name: Mary Jane Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 50 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Site Name: Mary Jane Date of Loss: 17 Dec 1902 Place of Loss: near Arklow Description: This smack of Wexford was fishing from Arklow in ballast with 4 crew when she floundered in a NW force 7. She was a total loss and all aboard were lost. CSP 1904, Vol. LXXXVI, Shipping Casualties, 110.
Site Name: Mountain Hare Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
Site Name: Patriot Date of Loss: 1892 Place of Loss: Arklow Description: This barque was driven ashore, broke up and was being removed. CSP 1894, Vol. LXXVI, Floating Derelicts 86
Site Name: Penryn Date of Loss: 16 March 1844 Place of Loss: Arklow Description: This Liverpool schooner was wrecked but the crew survived. Bourke 1994, 39.
Site Name: Petrel Date of Loss: 5 July 1887 Place of Loss: Avoca River
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 51 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Description: She was moored at Arklow in ballast when she became stranded and was totally wrecked. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
Site Name: Pheasant Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
Site Name: Pilgrim Date of Loss: Dec. 1851 Place of Loss: near Arklow Description: This vessel was en route to Arklow with a cargo when she went was wrecked. Bourke 1994, 43.
Site Name: Robert Emmett Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
Site Name: Shelah Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 52 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 170.
Site Name: Snow Drop Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 171.
Site Name: Susan Jane Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 171.
Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, 171.
Site Name: Virtue Date of Loss: 6 Oct. 1886 Place of Loss: Avoca River Description: She was moored in the river in ballast when she broke free colliding with other vessels becoming a total loss. One of 13 vessels involved. CSP, 1888 Vol XC, ‘Collisions’ 171.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 53 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Site Name: William and John Date of Loss: 1 September 1904 Place of Loss: Arklow Harbour Description: This unregistered wooden smack weighed 11 tons and was 36 years old. She was lying in Arklow Harbour, in ballast, when she caught fire and was completely burnt. CSP 1906, Vol. CVIII, ‘Shipping Casualities’, 165.
Site Name: Willing Mind Date of Loss: 13 Dec 1876 Place of Loss: north side of Arklow Harbour entrance Description: This 2 year old wooden smack of Dublin of 6 tons was fishing in ballast with 6 crew when she became stranded. CSP 1877, Vol. LXXV, ‘Strandings’, 99.
Site Name: Unknown Date of Loss: between 1700 and 1720 Place of Loss: Arklow Description: This German ship was lost. Most survived. Bourke 1998, 70.
Site Name: Unknown Date of Loss: 1 Dec 1904 Place of Loss: Arklow Harbour Description: This second class went on fire and was a total loss. Report on the Sea and Inland Fisheries for 1904, xxiii
4.4.2.10 National Inventory of Architectural Heritage The records of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) lists 30 structures in the town of Arklow as being of regional significance. These structures are generally located along Main Street. None will be impacted by the development
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 54 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
4.4.2.11 Record of Protected Structures / Wicklow County Development Plan (2004-2008) The Record of Protected Structures in the Wicklow County Development Plan (2004-2008) does not list any structures as being protected under the county development plan.
4.4.2.12 Cartographic Evidence a. First Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1838. This map of the early 19th century provides a very detailed depiction of the subject site and its surroundings (See figures 2 & 3 below). It depicts the area of Arklow Harbour as having a large and moving sand bar. It records the area that is the location of the current harbour as being comprised mainly of ‘sand’ and of being devoid of any development. This map does not record any features of archaeological or architectural significance at the subject site.
Figure 3 Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey Map surveyed 1838 b. Second Edition Ordnance Survey This map of shows considerable changes as having been made to the landscape since the previous 1838 map (See Figure 4 below). It records the construction of a saw mill and a lifeboat house to the east of the current harbour. It depicts the newly constructed harbour pier walls as well as the chemical factory on the northern banks. It details two small islands in the centre of the river, obviously depositional spits like those found there today and also records how a boatbuilding business had developed on the south quays. This map does not
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 55 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
record the presence of any features of possible archaeological or architectural significance which may be impacted by the development.
Figure 4. Extract from Second Edition Ordnance Survey, surveyed in 1907 5 Proposed methodology for dredging
5.1 Introduction In the original submission, the dredged material was sub-divided initially with a proposed difference between areas: some material to be disposed to marginally/uncontaminated disposal site and other to be disposed to a heavily contaminated site. However, in the Inspectors Report on a Dumping at Sea Permit Application, of 24 March 2011, the EPA reclassified almost all of the material as contaminated, since “their concerns were raised about the difficulty in delineating between contaminated and uncontaminated areas of the harbour”. Therefore all of the material will be treated the same.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 56 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
The following approach will be used for the carrying out of the works.
5.2 Dredging operation Based on the information gathered during the site investigations, the most suitable dredging operation would be required to minimise turbidity within the harbour and dock and also contain as much contaminated sediment as possible from the water column. The most suitable methods for dredging within the constrained area of Arklow Harbour and Dock area is as follows (extract from the Inspectors Report on the Dumping at sea permit application): ‘A backhoe dredger was selected as the most appropriate method of loading as it removes the sediment in discrete solid blocks thereby allowing the compacted harbour sediments to retain their cohesive nature. This will minimise the potential for dispersal of contaminants during the loading and placement process. The backhoe dredger will be equipped with a visor grab which encloses the bucket once filled, thereby preventing loss of material from the bucket as it is lifted up through the water column and minimising the contact between dredged material and the water column. The excavated blocks of dredged material will be lowered into split hopper barges for transport to the disposal pit. Dispersion of material from the loading areas into the surrounding estuarine environment will be minimalized by the appropriate use of silt curtains (see Chapter 5.4 for proposed mitigation). Based upon the current sediment granulometry, the sediments can be best described as sand / silt in active waters. Consequently side slopes of 10° are recommended from best practice principles (Yell & Rendell, 1995). However, adjacent to berths the side slopes should be cut as steep as the in situ material will allow in order to minimize the volume to be dredged, commensurate with hydraulic stability.’
5.2.1.1 Sequencing This section of the report outlines the method statement for the sequencing of dredging works that will be undertaken. Following a meeting on Friday 3 July 2009, the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC) recommended that dredging of the port should be conducted in stages to contain adequately the most contaminated sediment material at the centre of the contaminated layer at the base of the disposal basin. Consequently, the following stages of dredging will be implemented at Arklow; [1] Disposal Basin Creation; [2] Dredging and disposal of the River Channel sediments; [3] Dredging and disposal of the Dock sediments; [4] Dredging and disposal of the Turning Basin sediments; [5] Dredging and disposal of the Harbour Mouth sediments; and [6] Capping.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 57 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
5.2.1.2 Proposed dredging methods USAC guidance 1 recommends that backhoe dredging is more preferable to Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) for dredging Contaminated Dredge Material (CDM). The backhoe dredging technique allows the CDM to be retained in discrete solid blocks, particularly if the material is cohesive, and stay close to its in-situ density throughout the dredging and disposal processes. By combining this method with point dumping of the CDM from a barge, the waste will retain its mounded shape and there will be less stripping of the material as it moves through the water column during removal and placement. In addition, material collected by this method will tend to mound rather than flow during placement. This will result in easier and faster capping as the material will maintain its cohesive nature and there will be little settlement. If the material is pumped or gravity fed to the disposal pit through a pipe it would essentially flow on the sea bed. This would result in that over time it would settle and capping could not be undertaken as quickly as it can with the point dumping method. These advantages for dredging and placement type were confirmed by CEFAS 2 during the first offshore experiment capping experiment in the UK in the Tyne Estuary. Based on this review of international guidance it is proposed to proceed with the use of backhoe dredging for removing the CDM from Arklow Harbour. The waste will be placed by point dumping from a barge. The method for dredging is outlined below: • A backhoe will be used to dredge the area where CDM has been identified. • A visor grab will be used to minimise the contact of the CDM with the water column. • The excavated CDM will be lowered into split hopper barges and will be dropped from as low as possible onto the barge base (depending on the length of the grab arm) to ensure the integrity of the material is maintained as far as possible. • The barges will not be filled above a certain level to ensure there will be no overflow of contaminated water • The sediment will be transported to Disposal Site by the split hopper barge.
5.3 Impact assessment Potential impacts arising from the dredging and disposal process were assessed using the OSPAR Commissions Biodiversity Series Report 2004 and the
1 US Army Corps of Engineers (1998) Guidance for subaqueous dredged material capping. Technical Report DOER – 1, 295 pp. 2 Blake, S (2009). The First UK Offshore Contaminated Dredge Material Capping Trial: Lessons Learnt. Produced by CEFAS for DEFRA and the Marine and Fisheries Agency.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 58 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EPA 2002) and Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements) (EPA 2003). For the current Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour only the impacts due to dredging are assessed.
5.3.1 Dredging in Arklow Port During dredging the following potential impacts could occur within Arklow Harbour, however with the mitigation measures outlined in next section, any impacts will be minimised to temporary minor negative impacts or effectively negated; Potential Impacts: • Sediment mobilisation could increase turbidity within the harbour that could potentially impact in situ ecology and water quality; • Dredging of contaminated sediment could release toxicants into the water column of the harbour and increase overall bioavailability; • Fine fractions of sediment could be available for migration out of the harbour area and into the coastal environment; • Dredging sediments containing elevated nutrient concentrations could result in an increased nutrient availability during the dredging process and could potentially lead to short-term low level eutrophication. However in tidally affected waters such as the harbour this risk is considerably reduced; • Impacts on water quality could include oxygen depletion. However, in tidally affected waters this risk is considerably reduced; • Both pelagic and benthic organisms could be impacted from increased suspended sediment loading and its subsequent deposition. Impacts could be more significant at the disposal ground (covering with sediment) rather than the dredging location. A summary of the impacts at the harbour relating to ecology, archaeology, water quality, human beings and amenity were outlined in the report ‘Response to EPA Request for Additional Information 30 th August 2010’.
5.3.2 Dredge Site
5.3.2.1 Potential Impact The following potential impacts could occur within Arklow Harbour, however with the mitigation measures outlined in Chapter 5.4, any impacts will be minimised to temporary negative impacts or effectively negated; • Sediment mobilisation could increase turbidity that could potentially impact ecology and water quality; • Dredging and disposal of contaminated sediment could release toxicants into the water column and increase overall bioavailability;
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 59 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
• Fine fractions of sediment could be available for migration over significant distances. • Dredging sediments containing elevated nutrient concentrations could result in an increased nutrient availability during dredging and could cause some level of short-term eutrophication; • Impacts on water quality could include oxygen depletion. However, in tidally affected waters this risk is considerably reduced; • Both pelagic and benthic organisms could be impacted from increased suspended solids and subsequent deposition. Impacts could be more significant at the disposal ground (covering with sediment) rather than the dredging location.
5.3.2.2 Impact Summary • Ecology – As the harbour is considered to be relatively abiotic and not conducive for a robust ecosystem, the potential impacts to local ecology are temporary negative and minor. There is the potential for negative impacts to pelagic species transiting through the harbour either upstream to the Avoca catchment or downstream to the marine environment. However, the use of mitigation measures should reduce these impacts to temporary and negligible. • Archaeology – As the harbour has been dredged to the depths required and no wrecks were encountered during previous dredging operations it is considered to be unlikely that there will be any negative impact to archaeology within the confines of Arklow Harbour. However, the monitoring of dredging operations for archaeological remains will ensure that should any feature of archaeological merit be uncovered during the dredging process, the Department of Heritage can be informed and remedial action dictated by that body to protect potential archaeological remains. • Water Quality – As previously mentioned the potential impacts to surface water within the confines of Arklow Harbour will be temporary negative and moderate in nature. However, utilising specialised dredging equipment and instigating environmental mitigation will significantly reduce this impact to temporary negative and minor or negligible. • Human Beings – There is the potential for both visual and noise impacts in the vicinity of the harbour for the duration of the dredging operation. Visually the impacts will be temporary negative and minor as the view of dredging platforms and vessels within the harbour will constitute a minor perceptual visual obstruction within the harbour environment. Dredging operations have associated inherent noise impacts. These noise impacts will be temporary, negative and minor in the immediate vicinity of the harbour. Mitigation for noise may require that dredging operations are undertaken between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4.30pm Saturdays. • Amenity – Dredging operations within the harbour will not block the entire width of the channel so pleasure craft can still access the harbour and marina areas during the dredging operation. Dredging operations will also not impact the pedestrian walkways along the harbour edge. The harbour is not readily utilised for swimming or bankside fishing according to local residents
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 60 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
surveyed during public consultation for the Arklow Flood Relief Scheme. The potential impact to amenity within the harbour area is therefore temporary and negligible.
5.3.2.3 Mitigation The mitigation measures outlined in Chapter 5.4 will be utilised to minimise impact to the dredge site.
5.3.2.4 Residual Impact The above potential negative effects to water quality and subsequently aquatic ecology will be temporary in nature (duration of the project). No negative residual impacts to water quality are anticipated, if all practicable mitigation measures as stated in Chapter 5.4 are implemented for the proposed project. The classification status of the harbour and dock sediments is likely to demonstrate gradual improvement over time with the removal of the contaminated sediments by the proposed dredging operation. Given the historical source of much of the contamination, sediment deposition post-dredging will be of clean sediments and associated background metals from the Avoca catchment. The likely improvement in the classification status will comply with the objectives of the draft river basin management plans for transitional water bodies.
5.3.3 Impact on Fish Migrations
5.3.3.1 Fish Migrations Potential impacts arising from the dredging and disposal process were assessed using the OSPAR Commissions Biodiversity Series Report 2004 and the Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EPA 2002) and Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements) (EPA 2003). The following potential impacts could occur within Arklow Harbour, however with the mitigation measures outlined in Chapter 5.4, any impacts will be minimised to temporary negative impacts or effectively negated; • Sediment mobilisation could increase turbidity that could potentially impact ecology and water quality; • Dredging and disposal of contaminated sediment could release toxicants into the water column and increase overall bioavailability; • Fine fractions of sediment could be available for migration over significant distances. • Dredging sediments containing elevated nutrient concentrations could result in an increased nutrient availability during dredging and could cause some level of short term eutrophication; • Impacts on water quality could include oxygen depletion. However, in tidally affected waters this risk is considerably reduced; • Both pelagic and benthic organisms could be impacted from increased suspended solids and subsequent deposition. Impacts could be more
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 61 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
significant at the disposal ground (covering with sediment) rather than the dredging location.
5.3.3.2 Mitigation The mitigation measures outlined in section 5.4 will be used to minimise impact to the dredge site.
5.3.3.3 Residual Impact The above potential negative effects on water quality and consequently aquatic ecology will be temporary in nature (for the duration of the project). No negative residual impacts to water quality are anticipated, if all practicable mitigation measures are implemented for the proposed project. The classification status of the harbour and dock sediments is likely to demonstrate gradual improvement over time with the removal of the contaminated sediments by the proposed dredging operation. Given the historical source of much of the contamination, sediment deposition post-dredging will be of clean sediments and associated background metals from the Avoca catchment. The likely improvement in the classification status will comply with the objectives of the draft river basin management plans for transitional water bodies.
5.3.4 Fish Migration Report In addition the impact hypotheses outlined above, Arup commissioned Moore Group to undertake a Fish Migration Impact Assessment. This assessment is included in Appendix B.
5.3.5 Archaeological: Impact on known Cultural Heritage Features
5.3.5.1 Impact on Recorded Monuments, Places and Protected Structures The assessment concluded that the proposed development will not directly impact any recorded archaeological monuments or places and recorded protected structures. a. Direct Impacts The proposed development will not directly impact any recorded monuments, places or protected structures. b. ‘Do nothing’ impact If the proposed development were not to proceed there would be no negative impact on the archaeological or cultural heritage resource. c. ‘Worst case’ impact The proposed development will not pass sufficiently close to any recorded monument, place or protected structure for there to be any possibility of impact.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 62 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
5.3.5.2 Impact on Unrecorded Archaeology The site did not record the presence of any topographical variations or undulations which may be indicative of the presence of previously unrecorded archaeological material on the site. Notwithstanding this, the large number of wrecks in the area and the recovery of artefacts from the nearby sand bank means that there is a high potential that the proposed development will impact previously unrecorded archaeological material.
5.3.5.3 ‘Direct’ Impacts Based on the results of the assessment, it must be considered that the potential for the project to encounter remains is high. Consequently if the project were to proceed it would have the potential to directly, negatively and permanently impact any materials which may be present.
5.3.5.4 ‘Do nothing’ impact If the proposed development were not to proceed there would be no negative impact on the archaeological or cultural heritage resource.
5.3.5.5 ‘Worst case’ impact Under a worst-case scenario, the development of the study area would disturb previously unrecorded deposits and artefacts without proper excavation and recording being undertaken.
5.4 Mitigation measures
5.4.1 Dredging CIRIA best practice guidance (1997) and UK Environmental Agency Pollution Prevention Guidelines (2007) were used to identify a range of proposed mitigation for the dredging and disposal process. Dredging is often mistakenly perceived as an operation which will inevitably have an adverse impact on the environment. This is not true. Dredging using appropriate plant and methods can maintain or improve environmental habitats and features of particular interest. Indeed, dredging may be essential in order to preserve particular environmental conditions.
5.4.2 Dredging at Arklow Harbour When planning the timing of dredging operations common sense needs to be applied. In addition to ecological considerations, operational factors also need to be addressed such as peak recreational and commercial periods in ports and seasonal weather conditions. Therefore, a balance between nature conservation and operational interests needed to be found for planning the dredging at Arklow. Late summer / early autumn was considered to be the most suitable time to comply with guidance from the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board and to have the most favourable weather and in situ estuarine conditions to minimise environmental impact.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 63 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
As it is necessary to remove contaminated sediments by dredging, it is important to limit contact between the dredged sediments and surrounding aquatic and land environment. It is inevitable that some sediment will be spilt, or suspended into the surrounding water, but subject to the use of an appropriate dredging method such as is proposed and good control, it is possible for the level of transfer of contamination to be contained to insignificant levels. The spread of suspended material can be restricted by the use of silt curtains or air curtains. Silt curtains comprise a pervious fabric curtain, fine mesh geotextile, weighted at the bottom and suspended from floating booms. Individual curtains are arranged and anchored so as to completely surround the immediate working area of the dredger. The transportation barge will be located outside of the silt curtain area. While curtains to contain suspended solids and reduce turbidity increasing do not function at optimal efficiency in tidal environments or riverine environments, the harbour at Arklow offers the most favourable conditions in Ireland for such usage. The null tidal amphidromic point in the Irish Sea directly off Arklow significantly reduces the tidal range at Arklow. In conjunction with the river in summer low flow conditions, the summer period will offer the most suitable conditions to use this form of suspended load containment mechanism. Dredging during the summer months is also preferable for the salmonid fisheries of the Avoca River as mandated by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB, 2004). During mobilisation of the dredge plant, the following mitigation methods have been proposed to be employed; • The access area will require monitoring by the site Environmental Monitor to ensure that suspended solids are contained as much as possible. Turbidity readings will be taken immediately downstream of the launch area during the launching procedure. • Spill prevention measures will be implemented during staging and use of the landside staging area. The staging area must be situated and designed to minimise the potential for spills of vehicle fuels and other materials to enter the harbour. • Land-based activities that carry a risk of materials spills will take place within a bermed staging area. These activities include any vehicle fuelling and other maintenance that is required. Prior to dredging operations commencing the Contractor will be required to: • Prepare an Emergency Response Plan detailing the procedures to be undertaken in the event of a spill of chemical, fuel or other hazardous wastes, a fire, or noncompliance incident with any permit of license issues. • Ensure staffs are trained in the implementation of the Emergency Response Plan and the use of any spill control equipment as necessary. • Prepare method statements for the control, treatment and disposal of potentially contaminated surface water. To mitigate potential environmental impacts during dredge plant operations, the following mitigation measures are proposed: • Dredging will be undertaken using a backhoe excavator to limit, as far as practically possible, the disturbance and dispersion of sediments.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 64 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
• Ensure that the most suitable dredging equipment, as is proposed, is used in order to minimise the suspension of any fine sediments and contaminants at the dredge site, where considered appropriate. • A silt curtain will be installed where necessary around the dredging area once the dredge plant is in place, and prior to starting the dredge plant. The silt curtain will need to enclose the area and must be placed in areas upstream and downstream of the dredging area. • The silt curtain will be placed where necessary in a manner to minimise release of total suspended solids into the harbour. • A suitably qualified Environmental Monitoring Professional will be on site to collect water quality samples and to monitor general activities at the site. Specifically, the Environmental Monitoring Professional will be required to: o Be on site at all times during operation of the dredge plant; o Collect water quality samples and measure/record physical parameters within and outside the silt curtain; o Dredging will be discontinued if it be determined that work is adversely affecting water quality, as directed by the Environmental Monitoring Professional; o If dredging is halted, dredging can only be restarted under instructions from the Environmental Monitoring Professional; o Proposed monitoring is outlined below in Section 5.5. • Once the dredging operation is finished, and the dredge plant removed from the work area, the silt curtain will be left in place for two days to allow sediment in the work area to settle. The silt curtain will then be removed slowly and carefully from the work area. Although the vast majority of the sediment will have settled out of suspension prior to removal of the silt curtain, it is however expected that a small plume of sediment will be released into the aquatic environment during removal of the silt curtain. • The dredge plant will maintain a spill containment system that meets current best practice standards. A spill contingency / prevention plan should also be implemented, as follows; • The land-side area shall be graded so that it does not slope towards any surface waters; • Any areas where vehicle fuels or other potentially deleterious substances are stored shall be equipped with impervious containment berms; • Potentially deleterious substances such as fuels should be kept within a bunded storage area; • Activities that carry a risk of materials spills should take place within the bermed section. These activities include mixing concrete or other materials and any vehicle fuelling and other maintenance that is done on site; • The area should have a supply of spill clean-up and disposal equipment; • Equipment and machinery should not be washed on roadways or at other locations from which runoff could enter a storm drain; and,
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 65 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
• Before beginning work, the construction crew should be instructed regarding acceptable practices for handling potentially deleterious substances, maintaining equipment and washing construction vehicles and equipment.
5.4.3 Archaeological Mitigation Measures The desktop assessment of the survey area and its surroundings noted that it was of high archaeological potential, with a well established maritime tradition in the area and a large number of wrecks in the vicinity. Based on this assessment it would appear that the likelihood of the project impacting cultural heritage remains is high. It is recommended that mitigation against such an impact should take the form of archaeological monitoring conducted as part of the overall environmental monitoring. This work should be carried out under licence to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and local Government, with on-site capabilities to investigate any potential archaeological remains which may be encountered during the project.
5.5 Monitoring
5.5.1 Dredging Operations It is proposed that an Environmental Monitor will be part of the dredging / disposal team in situ to monitor water quality, ecology and archaeology during the dredging and disposal process. The environmental monitor will conduct the following proposed in situ monitoring; • Routine monitoring of water quality will be carried out by the Contracted Environmental Monitor at appropriate locations during the dredging process, upstream and downstream of the dredging and disposal areas. Parameters to be monitored by the Contractor shall include pH, conductivity, total suspended solids and dissolved oxygen on a daily basis while BOD and COD should be analysed by an appropriate laboratory on a weekly basis. In addition, biological monitoring (Q value assessment) will also be carried out where feasible. • The quality of surface water discharge from the site will meet water quality targets to be agreed in consultation with Arklow Town Council prior to the commencement of works. • Daily monitoring of dredge spoil for archaeological remains (as specified in Section 5.5.2). • Daily monitoring of dredge spoil for macro-invertebrate species. The Environmental Monitor shall also compile a plan to establish a post dredge monitoring programmes to verify the effect of dredging and disposal on marine ecology and sediment regimes if deemed necessary by the local authority.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 66 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
5.5.2 Archaeological monitoring ‘Archaeological Monitoring can be defined as a 'formal programme of observation and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non- archaeological reasons within a specified area or site on land or underwater, where there is possibility that archaeological deposits may be disturbed or destroyed. The programme will result in the preparation of a report and ordered archive, (IFA, 1994, 1).’
5.5.3 Proposed post disposal monitoring The MLVC recommended that the Arklow Harbour Commissioners conduct environmental monitoring upon completion of the dredging and disposal process at Arklow to determine the following; • The chemical composition of the remaining sediments in the harbour and dock after dredging operations; and • The long term integrity of the disposal basin cap. Based on the recommendations of the MLVC, the following post disposal and capping operation environmental monitoring is proposed for the harbour; • One month after dredging, sediment sampling in the harbour and dock will be conducted via grab sampling of the surface sediment. Surface sediment grab samples will be obtained at the eight previously used sampling locations (BC 1 – 8) from January 2009 for a comparison. Sediment will be submitted to an accredited laboratory for the following suite of analysis; o Total Organic Carbon o Arsenic o Cadmium o Chromium o Cobalt o Copper o Lead o Manganese o Mercury o Nickel o Zinc
5.6 Residual impacts The above potential negative effects to the harbour area will be temporary in nature (duration of the project). No negative residual impacts to water quality are anticipated, if all practicable mitigation measures as stated in Chapter 5.4 of the revised licence application report are implemented for the proposed project. The
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 67 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
classification status of the harbour and dock sediments is likely to demonstrate gradual improvement over time with the removal of the contaminated sediments by the proposed dredging operation. Given the historical source of much of the contamination, sediment deposition post-dredging will be of clean sediments and associated background metals from the Avoca catchment. The likely improvement in the classification status will assist in the compliance of the objectives of the draft river basin management plans for transitional water bodies in the Eastern River Basin District.
5.7 Previous dredge spoil disposal There has been no dredging within the confines of the Avoca River / Estuary during the last ten years. The last maintenance dredging was carried out in 1996 according to the Arklow Harbour Commission. This maintenance dredging operation deposited the dredge spoil at the previously used marine disposal site northeast of Arklow which is the current site proposed for the disposal of marginally / uncontaminated spoil material. 6 Consultees
The following consultees have been contacted in December 2012 in order to take their concerns into account in the foreshore licence application process:
6.1 Sea Fisheries Protection unit The Sea Fisheries Protection unit had the following concerns: • They are aware of the proposal and the problem with contaminants, but their main concerns/comments would be about the dump site. Since the dumping at sea licence has been already granted, the dump site impacts, mitigation measures and monitoring have been deeply studied and approved. • Arup needs to make sure any methodology states that the dredging material remains securely contained (no leaks etc) until it reaches the dump site. In the section Error! Reference source not found. , the methodology to secure the process has been provided. • They’re main interests in the area are shellfish and fishery grounds. These impacts have been analysed in the dumping at sea licence application. Arup commissioned Moore Group to undertake a Fish Migration Impact Assessment. This assessment is included in Appendix B. • The programme may need to take in to account the various times of year for fishing. This has been taken into account. • They also mentioned that they may make a recommendation that WCC or ourselves that a local fisheries liason is put in place to keep the local fishermen happy.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 68 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
6.2 Department of Agriculture The department of Agriculture don’t have any real concerns at this stage.
6.3 Marine Institute The Marine Institute was contacted. They are very aware of the project and have been involved in the on going consultations. Their only concern is regarding the contaminated material (they are not concerned with the uncontaminated material). They want Arup to ensure that the report includes the methodology and how the dredging contractor is going to minimise the disturbance of the material and the distribution in to the water column. The proposed methodology and minimisation of the disturbance of the material has been provided in section Error! Reference source not found. .
6.4 Additional consultees Arup also tried to consult with the following entities: • Inland Fisheries Ireland • Marine Survey Office • National Parks and Wildlife Service • National Monument Service
7 Conclusions
The potential impacts of the dredging scheme proposed for Arklow Harbour have been analysed, and mitigation measures have been proposed. As stated in the report, any impacts will be minimised to temporary minor negative impacts or effectively negated. However, some negative impacts to the coastal environment are expected with dredging operations even with strict environmental mitigation. As a consequence, the environmental monitoring recommended for the duration of the operation should provide detail on the day to day impacts of the proposed operation. While minor negative impacts to amenity are expected for the duration of the operation, these are inherent factors associated with the dredging process that cannot be avoided. The majority of negative impacts will be temporary for the duration of the proposed operation. Impacts to ecology and water quality will equally be temporary but of a longer duration until the water column dissipates suspended sediment loading and ecology can recover across each of the sites. As ecosystems recover post spoil deposition, there is the potential for a minor positive residual impact as re-colonisation takes place at the disposal sites.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 69 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Arklow Harbour: Foreshore licence application Supporting report for the Foreshore licence application for the dredging of Arklow Harbour
For Arklow Harbour, the residual impact will also be positive as contaminants from the port will have been removed and could potentially allow greater transit of pelagic species into the Avoca Catchment. It is however expected that in the future as the area slowly accumulates river borne sedimentary deposits, the high metal loading from the Wicklow Mountains will accrue in the area again. In conclusion, Arup and its sub-consultant Moore Group have assessed a range of potential impacts and scenarios associated with the scheme and have recommended environmental mitigation and monitoring to protect the coastal environment based on those impacts. This supplementary information report is aimed to provide sufficient detail to the DECLG to conclude their considerations on the licence application by the Arklow Harbour Commissioners for the proposed operation at Arklow Port.
| Issue | 8 February 2013 | Arup Page 70 J:\224000\224515-00\4. INTERNAL PROJECT DATA\4-03 DESIGN\4-03-03 INFRASTRUCTURE\01 FORESHORE LICENCE\UPDATED REPORT 08.02.13\APPLICATION TO BE SENT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT\ACCOMPANYING REPORT FORESHORE LICENCE APPLICATION_REVSL_08.02.13FINALISSUE.DOCX