Patrick Byrne uisce eireann BOSC~OP 6000 Environmental Licensing Programme Baiiekha Cliath 1 tire OfFice of Climate, Licensing & Resource Use Irish Water Environmental Protection Agency PO Box 6000 Dublin 1 McCumiskey House Ireland Richview T: +353 1 89 25000 F 1353 1 89 25001 Clonskeagh Dublin 14.
17th September 2014 IW-ER-LT0128
RE: Lilliput Adventure Centre Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application (A0529-01)
Dear Patrick, In response to the Regulation 25(c)(ii) request for further information notice dated the 8th of August 2014, please find attached the Appropriate Assessment (Natura Impact Statement) Report for Lilliput Adventure Centre agglomeration as requested.
Best Regards, For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. c;' 4c;' 4L''k e
Gerry Galvin Chief Technical Advisor
EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Natura Impact Statement as part of the Lilliput Adventure Centre Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application: A0529-01
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Contents
Introduction 3 Legislative Context 3 __~~- .-
Methodology 5 Guidance Followed 5 Stages Involved in the Appropriate Assessment Process 6 Field Walkover Surveys 6 Consultation 6 __ ~
Stage 1: Screening 7
Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment 8 Description of the Project 8
~~ ~ ~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ Description of the Receiving Environment and Monitoring Results 9 Simple Assimilative Capacity Model for Lakes 9 Field Walkover Survey 10
~ ~~~~~~~~ Description of the Natura 2000 Site Affected 12 ____~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lough Ennell SAC 12 Lough Ennell SPA 13 Description of the Conservation Interests of the SAC 14 Annex I Habitats 14
Annex II Species For inspection purposes only. 14 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Description of the Conservation Interests of the SPA 16 Annex II Birds and Qualifying Species and Habitats 16 Conservation Objectives of the Natura 2000 sites 18 Lough Enneil SAC 18 Lough Ennell SPA 18 ... .~~~_____~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ Impact Prediction 18
~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~ Impacts on Water Quality 18
Impacts on Annex I Habitats ~_. 19 Mitigation Measures 23 Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment Conclusion Statement 24 ~~ __~~~~~ ~____
References 25
2 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre
EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Introduction
This Natura Impact Statement provides an Appropriate Assessment (AA) of the Waste Water Discharge from the Lilliput Adventure Centre, County Westmeath, for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007), as amended. It assesses whether the on-going effluent discharge from the Lilliput Adventure Centre, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, is likely to have significant effects on a European Site(s) in view of best scientific knowledge and the conservation objectives of the site(+ European Sites are those identified as sites of European Community importance designated as Special Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Directive or as Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive.
This report foilows the guidance for AA published by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 'Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 IS./. No. 684 of 2007)' (EPA, 2009); and takes account of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government's guidelines 'Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for PlanningAuthorities' (DoEHLG, 2009) and Circular L8108 'Water Services lnvestment and Rural Water Programmes - Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments' (DoEHLG, 2008).
This Natura impact Statement was completed by Nicholas ODwyer Ltd. on behalf of Irish Water.
Legislative Context
The Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, better known as "The Habitats Directive", provides legal protection for habitats and species of European importance. Articles 3 to 9 provide the legislative means to protect habitats and species of Community interest through the establishment and conservation of an EU-wide network of sites known as Natura 2000. These are Special Areas of Conservation (SACS) For inspection purposes only. designated under the Habitats ConsentDirective of copyright and Special owner required Protection for any other Areas use. (SPAS) designated under the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive (791409lECC) as codified by Directive 200911471EC.
Articles 6(3) and 6(4) ofthe Habitats Directive set out the decision-making tests for plans and projects likely to affect Natura 2000 sites (Annex 1.1). Article 6(3) establishes the requirement for Appropriate Assessment (AA):
Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the [Natura 20001 site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subjected to appropriate assessment of its implications For the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authwities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, seer having obtained the opinion of the general public.
3 Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre
EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Article 6(4) states:
If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the [Natura ZOOO] site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, Member States shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted.
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
4 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre
EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Methodology
Guidance Followed
Both EU and national guidance exists in relation to Member States fulfilling their requirements under the EU Habitats Directive, with particular reference to Article 6(3) and 6(4) of that Directive The methodology followed in relation to this AA has had regard to the following guidance:
Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007). Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA, 2009). . Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, (DoEHLG, 2010). . Circular L8108 - Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes - Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, (DoEHLG, 2008). . Communication from the Commission on the Precautionary Principle. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, (EC, 2000a). . Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the 'Habitats' Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg, (EC, 2000b). . Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Articles 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92143lEEC. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Brussels (EC, 2001). . Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the 'Habitats Directive' 92143lEEC -Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the Commission. Office for For inspection purposes only. Official Publications ofConsent the European of copyright Communities,owner required for any Luxembourg, other use. (EC, 2007). . Nature and biodiversity cases: Ruling of the European Court of Justice. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg (EC, 2006). . European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 201 1 (S.I. No.477 of 2011). . Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 28. European Commission (EC, 2013).
5 Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - LilliputAdventure Centre
EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Stages Involved in the Appropriate Assessment Process Stage 1: Screening I Test of Significance This process identifies whether the Lilliput Adventure Centre discharge is directly connected to or necessary for the management of a European Site(s); and identifies whether the discharge is likely to have significant impacts upon a European Site(s) either alone or in combination with other projects or plans.
The output from this stage is a determination for each European Site(s) of not significant, significant, potentially significant, or uncertain effects. The latter three determinations will cause that site to be brought forward to Stage 2.
Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment This stage considers the impact of the discharge on the integrity of a European Site(s), either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, with respect to (1) the site’s conservation objectives; and (2) the site’s structure and function and its overail integrity. Where adverse impacts are identified, mitigation measures to negate those impacts are identified.
The output from this stage is a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). This document must include sufficient information for the EPA to cany out the appropriate assessment. If the assessment is negative, i.e. adverse effects on the integrity of a site cannot be excluded, then the process must consider alternatives (Stage 3) or proceed to Stage 4.
Stage 3: Assessment of Alternatives This process examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project or pian that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the European Site. This assessment may be carried out concurrently with Stage 2 in order to find the most appropriate solution. If no alternatives exist or all alternatives would result in negative impacts tc the integrity of the European sites then the process either moves to Stage 4 or the project is abandoned.
Stage 4: Assessment Where Adverse For inspectionImpacts purposes Remain only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. This process is an assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI), it is deemed that the project or plan should proceed.
Field Walkover Surveys A field walkover survey was undertaken by Ecologist Tony Nagle on 27” of August 2014 to identify the potential for qualifying species and habitats in the surrounding environs of the Liiiiput Adventure Centre waste water discharge location on the banks of Lough Enneil.
Consultation The EPA, as the Competent Authority, will seek NPWS advice as may be required in reaching their decision: and the NPWS can only communicate with the applicant (i.e. Irish Water) on request from the Competent Authority, when the formal application process to the Competent Authority has already commenced.
6 Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre
EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Stage I:Screening
Screening for Appropriate Assessment was undertaken by the EPA who determined that an Appropriate Assessment of the existing discharge from the Lilliput Adventure Centre is required due to the potential for significant effects on the European Site, the Lough Ennell SAC (Site Code 000685) and Lough Ennell SPA (Site Code 004044),due to hydrological connectivity of the discharge to the SAC and SPA. Therefore, in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive, the current discharge at Lilliput will be brought folward for a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment.
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
7 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement- Lilliput Adventure Centre
EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment
The Lough Ennell SAC and SPA, which have been determined as requiring Appropriate Assessment, are described in the following sections and all the potential impacts resulting from the Lilliput Adventure Centre waste water discharge are discussed in relation to the conservation objectives of these designated sites.
Description of the Project The Waste Water Treatment Plant at Lilliput, Co. Westmeath serves the Lilliput Adventure Centre located within the Jonathan Swift Park. The associated Waste Water Treatment Plant is located at National Grid Reference 237560E, 2441 1ON also in the townland of Nure (or Lilliput), Co. Westmeath. The Waste Water Treatment Plant comprises of a gravity sewer pipe from the Lilliput Adventure Centre, BMS Blivet compact sewage treatment system and a reed bed treatment system (RBTS). The Plant was constructed in 2003 and was upgraded in 2009. The upgrade included the construction of the two horizontal flow reed beds, which operate in parallel.
The Waste Water Treatment Plant is designed to collect and treat domestic and commercial effluent from a population equivalent of 100. The influent flow from the Lilliput Adventure Centre is seasonal. In summer the Waste Water Treatment Plant will treat in the region of 12.0 m3of effluent per day whilst in winter the flow drops to almost zero. The package plant was designed to produce a treated effluent to comply with the following standards: BOD5 20 mg/l and Suspended Solids 30 mgll and the RBTS was designed to further treat the effluent from the packaged plant to produce a treated effluent to comply with the following standards: BOD5 5 mgll and Suspended Solids 5 mg/l.
There are two primary discharges from the Plant, one is directly to a surface drain (at National Grid Reference 237643E, 244158N) in the towniand of Nure (or Lilliput). Co. Westmeath and the second one is to a percolation system (at National Grid Reference 237584E, 244082N) in the townland of Nure (or Lilliput), Co. Westmeath. The surface drain flows into Lough Ennell 279 m For inspection purposes only. downstream. There are no stormConsent water of copyright overflows owner associatedrequired for any with other theuse. network.
Lilliput effluent quality is sampled by IWWestmeath County Council as part of their monitoring programme. Results of this monitoring (January 2013 -June 2014) are detailed below in Table 1.0.
Table 1.0: Average Lilliput WwTP Effluent Monitoring Data (mg/l) (January 2013 -June 2014) (Source: IWMTestmeath Co. Co.) i;g+ I Zti.tlU I 91.69 31.03 Ammonia 24.47 Orthophosphate Based on the above results, the plant is not operating to its design standards. 8 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Description of the Receiving Environment and Monitoring Results Lough Enneli is classed as an OiigotrophidMesotrophic lake based on Lake Quality 2007-2009. The trophic status is 'Moderate: Lough Ennell is used for recreation and is also a game fishery. In 2008,2009 and 2010, 'Poor'bathing water quality was recorded at Liliiput (Code PA3-0118). The EPA report on 'The QualifyofBathing Waterin Ire/and'(EPA, 2010) indicates that the Lilliput region of the lake failed to achieve sufficient water quality status. In the same 2010 report, the bathing water quality at Lilliput (Lough Ennell) is understood to be of particular concern because it has been classified as 'Poor'for the past three years. It failed to meet compliance with EU mandatory guidelines and faecal streptococci guideline values. It is stated in the EPA Report (2010) that adequate measures need to be taken to improve the water quality of this bathing area. The Brosna WMU Action Plan determined the ecological status of Lough Ennell as 'Moderate' with the supporting elements (physio chemical and nutrient enrichment) also 'Moderate'. The moderate physico-chemicalstatus of Lough Ennell is driven by phosphorus (ShlRBD, 2010). Parameter Upstream Concentration Bsnnot~eamConcerlhatson BOD 1.82 1.23 Ammonia 0.05 0.04 Orthophosphate 0.03 0 01 Total Nitrogen 2 08 2.19 Simple Assimilative Capacity Model for Lakes A simple dispersion model has been used to indicate the Lilliput Adventure Centres' discharge compliance with Article 7 of the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface For inspection purposes only. Waters) Regulations 2009. ThisConsent model of copyrightis solelyfor owner requireduse as for an any indication other use. of the situation in Lough Ennell and has been applied here as limited data is available and no alternate model was available. The model makes a number of assumptions: 9 The forward rate of the discharge plume is an assumed velocity (s = 0.1 m/s). The lateral dispersion is taken to be half of the folward velocity. It assumes no buoyancy effects. It assumes that there is full vertical mixing of the plume, be. the average depth (b) of the receiving water is used to calculate the volume of receiving water available for dilution. It assumes the receiving water body is static i.e. it takes no account of tidal variations in velocity or volume. Finally, the flow rate (F) will be maximum hourly discharge flow rate (m3/hr). 9 Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Model The following equations were used to determine assimilative capacity of Lough Ennell at the discharge location. Equation 1.1 : D = (8930 X b)/F Where: b = Average depth of the receiving water (m3) F = Maximum hourly flow rate of the discharge allowable under licence (m3/hr) Equation 1.1 provides a measure of the available dilutions within the receiving waterbody at the point of discharge. The following equation is then applied to calculate the effluent discharge concentration at the point of discharge: Equation 1.2: Where: Cb = Background Concentration of Chosen Parameter (mgll) C, = Effluent discharge Concentration of Chosen Parameter (mg/l) Equation 1.2 was used to determine the effluent concentrations for various parameters of ecological importance as detailed in Table 3.0 bellow. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Ammonia 0.05 0.07 ~ 50.14' Orthophosphate 0.03 0.03 1 NiA Total Nitrogen ~1 2.08 2.09 N/A The WAC calculation above indicates that there is assimilative capacity within Lough Ennell at the discharge location for Ammonia based on the Surface Water Regulations ESQ for "Good' Status. Field Walkover Survey A site walkover survey was conducted by Tony Nagle (Ecologist) on the 27Ih August 2014. The walkover survey was focussed on the area around the WwTP and the discharge to Lough Ennell. The WwTP is situated close to the road leading to the recreation centre and is surrounded by an ecologically diverse area of wet grassland with a good mixture of plant species including Broad- 10 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 leaved Dock, Catsear, Common Knapweed, Dandelion, Devil's-bit Scabious, Greater Willowherb, Hcgweed, Marsh Thistle, Meadow Buttercup, Meadowsweet, Meadow Vetchling, Purple Loosestrife, Ragwort, Ribwort Plantain, Rosebay Willowherb, Silverweed, Tufled Vetch and Yellow Iris. Bramble occurs at the margins and there is a man-made reedbed consisting of Phragmites which forms part of the WwTP. The grassland to the north of the reedbed area is regularly mown. In terms of the SACS qualifying habitats, both Alkaline Fens and Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. are present downstream of the discharge point and both are located at several locations throughout the lake. In terms of the SACS qualifying species, there was no presence or signs of Brook Lamprey or Otter on the day of the site visit. However, there is the potential for both species downstream of the discharge and the potential for Otter to be present in the wetland habitat upstream of the discharge. In terms of the SPA, there was no observation of Pochard, Tufled Duck or Coot during the site visit. However, a number of wetland bird species were observed from the iakeshore: Little Grebe (16) Great Crested Grebe (4) Mute Swan (5) * Moorhen (2) Common Tern (10) Many wetland species occur in the winter months only, so much lager numbers of waterbirds are likely to be present from October to March. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 11 I Irish Water Natura lmpad Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Description of the Natura 2000 Site Affected Lough Ennell SAC Lough Ennell is a large, open, steep-sided lake, located 3 km south of Mullingar in Co. Westmeath. The lake bottom is of limestone with a marl deposit. The water is markedly alkaline and mesotrophic, possibly owing to effluents received from Mullingar town and to fertilizer inputs from farmland surrounding the lake. The River Brosna flows into the lake from the north at Butler's Bridge, and out from the south. Lough Ennell supports a diverse aquatic flora. Seven stonewort species have been identified, including two Red Data Book species, Chara denudata and C. tomentosa. Much of the lakeshore consists of dry, stony ground colonised by calcareous grassland. These areas were formerly part of the lake bed but are now exposed as a consequence of drainage. Species such as Mountain Everlasting (Antennaria dioica), Hairy Lady's-mantle (Alchemilla filicaulis subsp. vestita), Frog Orchid (Coeloglossum viride), Fairy Flax (Linum cathatticum) and Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata) occur here. Alkaline fen is also found on the lake shore, with species such as Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia paiustris), Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyie vulgaris) and Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata). In wet marshy patches along the shore Marsh-marigold (Calfha palustris), Brookweed (Samolus vaierandi) and Lesser Water-plantain (Baldellia ranunculoides) are common. Reedbeds and species-poor swamp vegetation fringe the lake in places, particularly around the points of inflow and outflow, and on the eastern shore around Tudenham Park. Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is abundant here. Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), Cowbane (Cicufa virosa), Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) and Tufted-sedge (Carex elata) also occur. The latter two species are of note in that they have restricted distributions in Ireland. The rare Fibrous Tussock-sedge (Carex appropinquata) has also been recorded from this site. Mixed woodland of Beech (Fagus sylvatica). For inspection Ash purposes (Fraxinus only. excelsior) and Downy Birch (Betula Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. pubescens) fringes the lakeshore to the north-west. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Lords-and-ladies (Arum maculatum) are among the woodland ground flora. Yellow Archangel (Lamiasfrum galeobdolon), a rare plant listed in the Red Data Book, has been recorded in the woods along the eastern shores of Lough Ennell. This is the only record for this species outside the south-east of Ireland. The rare Myxomycete fungus, Licea Castanea, has been recorded from woodland in the site. A species of blue-green alga (Schizothrix fasciculafa), which forms little pebbles of lime that are cast up on the lakeshore, occurs in Lough Ennell and has not been recorded elsewhere in Ireland. Scharfk Char (Salvelinos scharffi), a distinct race of char which was once found only in Lough Owel and Lough Ennell, is now thought to be extinct. Notable aquatic invertebrates recorded from the lake include Tinodes maculicornis (Order Trichoptera), Metalype fragilis (Order Trichoptera), Limnephilus nigriceps (Order Trichoptera), Picromerus bidens (Order Heteroptera), Monatthia humili (Order Hemiptera) and Donacia obscura (Order Coleoptera). 12 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement- Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Lough Enneil is an important amenity area, much used for fishing, boating and camping. Sections of the shoreline are managed for visitor access and amenity. The chemical composition of effluent from the Mullingar sewage treatment plant has a significant impact on the water quality of Lough Enneil. The mid-1970s saw the introduction of treatment of the sewage to reduce phosphates, with a resulting improvement in water quality (according to data compiled during 1987-90). However, levels of planktonic algal growth in the lake water continue to fluctuate, in response to the variable efficiency of the phosphate removal facility at the Mullingar sewage treatment plant and the re-mobilization of phosphate from the lake sediments. Lough Ennell is of significance as a highly productive lake which supports a rich variety of lower plant and invertebrate species. Its lakeshore habitats, which include alkaline fen, a habitat listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, support a diverse flora. These habitats also provide important refuges for wildfowl. Lough Ennell SPA Lough Ennell is a large, limestone lake. It has ,: length of approximately 6.5 km along its long axis and is mostly c. 2 km wide. The River BrOsna is the principal inflowing and oufflowing river. It is a relatively shallow lake, with a maximum depth of c. 30 m. The water is hard, with low colour and markedly alkaline pH. The lake is classified as a mesotrophic system though it has been eutrophic in the past. The lake bottom is of limestone with a marl deposit. Much of the lakeshore is rather dry, stony ground, which was formerly part of the lake bed but is now exposed by drainage, and colonised by calcareous grassland. Alkaline fen also occurs on the lake shore. There are several islands within the lake. Lough Ennell is an important Trout fishery. Lough Ennell is one of the most important Midland lakes for wintering waterfowl, with nationally important populations of Mute Swan (340), Pochard (738), Tufted Duck (1,303) and Coot (433) - all figures are average peaks for the 5 seasons 1995/96- 1999/00. The population of Tufted Duck represents over 3% of the national total. At times, the lake is utilised as a roost (with limited feeding) by the internationally important For Midlandinspection purposeslakes populationonly. of Greenland White-fronted Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Goose (c. 400 strong). The site also attracts Golden Plover (200) and Lapwing (673) though these feed mainly outside of the site, as well as Little Grebe (30), Mallard (93), Great Crested Grebe (24) and Goldeneye (22). Lough Ennell is very vulnerable to pollution from agricultural and domestic sources though water quality has been satisfactory in recent years. Deterioration in water quality could affect bird populations (as shown by marked fluctuations in some populations in the past). It is an important amenity area, much used for fishing, boating and camping. Parts of the shoreline are managed for visitor access and amenity. Increases in such recreational activities could cause disturbance to the birds. Lough Ennell is of ornithological significance for wintering waterfowl, with four species having populations of national importance. The occurrence of a further two species in the vicinity of the lake, Greenland White-fronted Goose and Golden Plover, is of particular note as these are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. 13 I Irish Water Natura lmpad Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Description of the Conservation Interests of the SAC Annex I Habitats The qualifying habitats of the Lough Ennell SAC are listed below: Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. 131401 Alkaline fens 172301 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. 131 401 This habitat type is characterised by water with a high base content (usually calcium) and is usually confined to areas of limestone and other base-rich substrates from which the dissolved minerals are derived. This habitat is characterised by very clear water and low nutrient status with the dominant vegetation type composed of dense lawns of stonewort (Chara) species (JNCC, 2007). Charophyte diversity is high in many Irish lakes and includes a number of rare and threatened species. This vegetation type is uncommon in the European Union and Ireland contains some of the best examples of the habitat in Europe. The habitat is largely restricted to situations where the catchment or aquifer from which they are supplied with water remains relatively unaffected by intensive land-use or other sources of nutrients. This habitat type is under significant pressure from eutrophication and the primary sources of pollutants are agriculture and municipal and industrial wastewaters (NPWS, 2013). Pollutant pathways through groundwater are a significant concern, in particular the high phosphate concentration recorded in karst aquifers (Craig et al., 2010). Alkaline fens 172301 Alkaline (rich) fen is an Annex I habitat under the EU Habitats Directive. Rich fen is a peat forming wetland habitat that receives mineral nutrients from sources other than rainfall, usually groundwater or flowing surface waters that are at least mildly base-rich or calcareous, and are usually found over areas of limestone bedrock. They have a high water table and minimal water level fluctuation. The substratum is waterlogged peat and this tends to have a high mineral content rich in base cations (mainly calcium but also magnesium and potassium) but poor in nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) (Sefferova Stanova et al., 2008). For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Fens differ from bogs because they are less acidic and have relatively higher mineral levels in comparison to bogs. They are therefore able to support a much more diverse plant and animal community than bogs and they can be rich in terms of mosses and flowering plant species. The vegetation of fens tends to be dominated by brown mosses and sedges. Rich fens are often important habitats for insects and certain rare snail species. They occur in a variety of wet situations including valleys or depressions, within transition mire and tall reed beds, on the landward side of hard-water oligotrophic lakeshores, base-rich flush areas in blanket bogs, dune slacks, and adjacent to raised and blanket bogs. 79% of fens have been lost in Ireland and the habitat is now highly fragmented with 80% of the country's fens less than 100ha in extent. Annex II Species Lough Ennell SAC is selected for the following Annex II species: Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [IO961 Otter (Lutra lutra) [I3551 14 Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:26 Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [10961 The Brook Lamprey (15-20 cm) is the smallest and most widespread of the three species of lamprey found in Ireland. The Sea Lamprey (100-120 cm) and the River Lamprey (50 cm) are both much larger and they migrate to the sea unlike the Brook Lamprey which remains in freshwater throughout its life cycle. Brook lamprey are nonparasitic unlike Sea Lamprey and River Lamprey. They overwinter after transforming from the ammocoete (larval) stage and migrate short distances upstream to spawn in the following spring. The principal threats to lamprey survival appears to be related to physical interference with river structure such as barriers and drainage rather than water quality. Physical habitat restoration for salmon and trout stocks aimed at improving the condition of rivers that have been subjected to drainage, flood relief or re-alignment can also benefit lampreys and noticeable increases in Brook Lamprey numbers have been recorded in the Lough Ennell and Mulkear catchments post restoration (Igoe et al., 2004). Water quality and eutrophication are not considered to be highly significant in impacting on lamprey status, in general and recent studies have found lampreys in rivers with Q values as low as 2 and OConnor (2007) suggested that lampreys seem to favour waters with slightly elevated levels of organic material and filamentous algae. Other studies have shown that both low and high density values for ammocoetes were found in a wide range of water quality types which would appear to suggest that water quality does not seem to have deleterious impacts on lamprey survival (NPWS, 2008). Nevertheless, lampreys are likely to be affected by serious pollution to waterways (Ferreri et al., 1995). The overall assessment of the conservation status of the Brook Lamprey is "Favourable" (NPWS, 2013b). Otter (Lufra lutra) [I3551 Otters are found throughout the waterways and coasts of ireland and they rely on good water quality to ensure an adequate food (healthy fish stocks) supply. Ireland is host to an For inspection purposes only. internationally important otter populationConsent of copyright and the owner species required has for any remained other use. widespread and relatively common throughout the island. Otters were not recorded within the vicinity of the Lilliput discharge location during the field survey. Nevertheless, otters are present within and around Lough Ennell and they have been recorded dose to the WwTP at Lilliput (National Biodiversity Data Centre, 2014). Lough Alkaline Fens [7230] Upstream No YeS Ennell yes yes at several locations SAC Downstream metres400 around the lake southeast Hard oligo-mesotrophic Upstream No No waters with benthic Yes, this habitat occurs Downstream Yes throughout the lake 15 Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 I c +vegetation of ~haraspp. 1 I [3140] alifying Species along Surveyed Stret ' -Lough Ennell ~~~~~.~ ~.~~..n Species Presencf ~ . - .. - -. ~.~.~~ ,ugh E Brook lamprey Upstream 10 UpstreaY NO .' SAC [IO961 Downstream I No Downstream Yes Olter [I3551 Upstream I No Upstream Yes i Downstream I No Downstream Yes Description of the Conservation Interests of the SPA Annex II Birds and Qualifying Species and Habitats Pochard (Aythya ferina) [A0591 Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) [A0611 Coot (Fulica afra) [Ai251 Wetlands 8 Waterbirds [A9991 Pochard (Aythya ferina) [AO59] (Annex II) Pochard are diving ducks and they predominantly feed on submerged plant material. Very small numbers breed in Ireland but much larger numbers arrive in Ireland from mid-September onwards though moulting males arrive at some lakes such as Lough Derravaragh in late summer. Birds begin to return to their breeding grounds in northwest Russia and northem Europe from mid-February and most have departed by late March. Pochard have recently been Red-listed in !reland due to long and short-term declines (>50%) in the non-breeding population (Colhoun & Cummins, 2013). Lough Ennell holds nationally important numbers of Pochard during the winter months though numbers have declined from 2,297 in the winter of 2001/02 to For inspection purposes only. 686 in the winter of 2008/09 (BolandConsent of & copyright Crowe, owner 2012). required for any other use. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) [AOSI] (Annex II) Tufted Ducks are also diving ducks but they feed predominantly on animal matter such as mussels, crustaceans and insect larvae. They are widespread but local breeders and their numbers are augmented by wintering visitors from Scandinavia in late September. Most wintering birds leave during March and April. Tufted Duck have recently been Red-listed in Ireland due to short-term declines (>50%) in the non-breeding population (Colhoun & Cummins, 2013). Lough Ennell holds nationally important numbers of Tufled Duck, though again, numbers have declined from 1,340 in the winter of 2001/02 to 419 in the winter of 2008/09 (Boland & Crowe, 2012). Coot (Fulica afra) [AI251 (Annex Ii) Coot are members of the rail family and they breed fairly widely throughout most of lowland Ireland. They feed primarily on submerged vegetation but also invertebrates to a lesser extent. Numbers are increased significantly by continental immigrants arriving from late summer and peaking in November and thereafter numbers begin to decline. Coot are Amber-listed in Ireland 16 1 Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 due to a long-term decline (27%) in the non-breeding population (Colhoun & Cummins, 2013). Lough Ennell holds nationally important numbers of wintering coot and numbers have increased from 265 in the winter of 2001102 to 452 in the winter of 2008109 (Boland 8 Crowe, 2012). Wetlands & Waterbirds [AOOO] Lough Ennell is a relatively large lake (1,300 ha) and over half of its area is less than 5 m deep. The shallow nature of the lake enables waterbirds to feed on its luxuriant vegetation. Equally, the invertebrates that inhabit this vegetation are more accessible than may be the case in other deeper lakes. The lake is a nationally important wintering site for several species of waterbirds (Pochard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe and Coot). Furthermore, Lough Enneil is internationally important for its wintering population of Mute Swans, with 245 birds were recorded at the site during the winter of 2008109, though numbers can vary significantly from one year to another (Boland & Crowe, 2012). As seen in Table 7.0, signs of wetland habitat were Observed upstream of the sulveyed stretch of Lough Ennell; however, this area of wetland is not suitable for waterbirds (Table 8.0). These bird species require wider expanses of open water. Table 7.0: Qualifying Habltats along Surveyed Stretch of Lough Ennell Site Qualifying Observed or Signs of Habitat Potential to be Present Habitat Presence Outside of Surveyed Stretch Lough Ennell Wetlands Upstream I Yes YeS SPA Table 8.0: Quallfyhg Species along SUNeyed Stretch of Lough Ennell I i For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 17 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Liliiput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 Conservation Objectives of the Natura 2000 sites Article 6 of the Habitats Directive states that: Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s consewation objectives. The importance of a site designated under the Habitats Directive is defined by its qualifying features or interests. Qualifying interests for any Natura 2000 site are listed on a pro forma, called the Natura 2000 standard data form, which forms the basis of the rationale behind designation, and informs the Conservation Management Plan for targeted management and monitoring of key species and habitats. Lough Ennell SAC Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected: Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [lo961 Otter (Lutra lutra) [I3551 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. [3140] Alkaline fens [72301 Lough Ennell SPA Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA: . Pochard (Ayfhya ferina) [A0591 . Tufted Duck (Ayfhya fuligula) [A0611 Coot (Fulica atra) [A1251 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Wetlands 8 Waterbirds [A9991 Impact Prediction Impacts on Water Quality The aquatic conservation interests of the Lough Ennell SPA and SAC are directly dependant on the aquatic environment and as the Lilliput WwTP discharges directly to the SPA and SAC there is a connection between this discharge and the ecological receptors in the Lough Ennell SPA and SAC. Elevated nutrient levels in Lough Enneli are considered to be the most significant threats to the integrity and favourable conservation status of both the SPA and SAC and the water dependent qualifying features for which the SPA and SAC are designated. The monitoring data available for the Lilliput waste water discharge point was used to determine the predicted concentrations within Lough Ennell. Based on the information, there appears to be sufficient assimilative capacity for the Lilliput discharge within Lough Ennell, excluding cumulative 18 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statemert- Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 impact, for all parameters examined. However, the model applied here is a simple assimilative capacity calculation and should be only viewed as an indication of the actual situation in Liiliput. It is evident however from the visual inspection carried out at the discharge location, that the discharge from the Lilliput Adventure Centre is having a localised impact on the Lough. The effluent flow from the Lilliput Adventure Centre is seasonal. In summer the Waste Water Treatment Plant will treat in the region of 12.0 m3 of effluent per day whilst in winter the flow drops to almost zero. Therefore any direct localised impact on the Lough would be occurring during the summer months. This impact howeverwill remain during the winter months. The scale of this impact on the lake water quality is unknown. Cumulative impacts in the catchment possibly pose the greatest risk to the water quality of Lough Ennell. The potential threat@) of the Lilliput discharge on water quality (long term or single event) is greatly increased when taken in combination with other water quality concerns in the catchment. For example, the Mullingar WwTP discharges into the River Brosna which in turn flows into Lough Ennell. Other impacts which are likely to act cumulatively to impact the water quality of Lough Enneil's SAC and SPA water dependent qualifying habitats and species result from the following: Chemical fertiliser application to agricultural lands (the main fertilisers in use supply nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur). Agricultural practices such as ploughing leads to greater mineralisation and nitrification, and in the case of old grassland, it can result in an increase in the release of nitrogen overa numberofyears (OECD, 1986). Artificial drainage increases nitrate leaching and reduce the morphological qualities of watercourses, thereby reducing the quality of habitat for flora and fauna. Forestry may alter water quality indirectly through increased evaporation losses and hence an increase in solute concentrations. On-site waste water treatment systems, poorly performing septic tank units and other small effluent systems can be significant sources of nutrients to rivers. For inspection purposes only. Water abstraction fromConsent rivers of can copyright cause owner low required flows, for whichany other can use. be directly damaging due to reducing flows and assimilation capacity. Point pressures including Section 4 licenced facilities and IPC licenced facilities. Quarries. Peat siltation due to peat harvesting and forestry practices in the catchment area during planting and haNeSting operations. This potential localised impact on water quality from the discharge and the cumulative impact of discharges and other point pressures on the Lough as a whole have the potential to impact the water dependent qualifying interests of the Lough Ennell SAC and Lough Ennell SPA. Impacts on Annex I Habitats Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. [3140] Mesotrophic waters are surface water and groundwater dependent. The main water pollution risk to this habitat is nutrient enrichment in the forms of phosphorous (dissolved and particulate) and nitrogen (diffuse and point source). The Lilliput discharge has the potential to have a localised impact on the quality of this habitat and cumulatively may be contributing to a deterioration of this Annex I protected habitat. Serious pollution in the 1970s led to the accumulation of phosphate in 19 Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 lake sediments. The warm summer of 2013 and remobilization of phosphate in the lake led to serious levels of blue-green algal growth on Lough Ennell and led to a bathing ban that lasted for almost a month. The appearance of high levels of blue-green algae during the site visit is an indication of water quality usually associated with eutrophic conditions and provides strong evidence of a deterioration of water quality in the lake. Alkaline fens [7230] Alkaline fens are groundwater dependent and the main water pollution risk to this habitat is nutrient enrichment in the forms of phosphorous (dissolved and particulate) and nitrogen (diffuse and point source). Flowing surface waters can also contribute to this nutrient enrichment. The Lilliput discharge has the potential therefore to have a localised impact on the quality of this Annex I protected habitat and cumulatively it may be contributing to a deterioration of one of the conditions that enables this habitat to exist i.e. availability of surface water that is low in nutrient content. Table 9.0: Qualifying Habitats Potentially Impacted by Lilliput Discharge I Qualifying.. Potential I Brief Enplanatior 1 Habitats lmpacts required ~- _I__ Hard oiigo- Yes via The effluent from the Lilliput WwTP could lead to an Yes mesotrophic Eutrophication excessive localised input of Phosphorus and Nitrogen. waters with This along with the potential for cumulative impacts with benthic other discharges could contribute to an alteration of the vegetation of 1 delicate mesotrophic conditions that currently prevaiis in - -{ Lough Ennell. Aikaline fens Yes via The effluent from the Lilliout WwTP could lead to an Yes Eutrophication excessive localised input of Phosphorus and Nitrogen. This along with the poteitial for cumulative impacts with other discharges could contribute to an alteration of the delicate mesotrophic conditions that currently prevail in Lough Ennell, which could in turn have the potential to upset the low nutrient status of the alkaline fens I surrounding the lake. Yes via I The effluent from the Lilliout WwTP could lead to an Yes For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. the Lough. This along with the potential for cumulative impacts with other discharges could contribute to an alteration of the delicate mesotrophic conditions that currently prevail in Lough Enneli. Impacts on Annex II Species Offer Water pollution represents one of the principal threats to otter survival in Ireland (Reid et a/, 2013). Otters can tolerate significant levels of pollution (Chanin, 2003; Bailey 8 Rochford, 2005; Romanowski et a/ 2012) but poor water quality tends to resuit in reduced numbers and variety of fish species which in turn will have a negative impact on otter presence in polluted waterways. The Lilliput WwTP discharge, alone and in combination with other point sources, could potentially be having indirect negative effects on otters (as a result of reduced food supply). 20 I Irish Water Natura impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 Pochard Pochard rely on adequate supplies of vegetation to sustain their numbers over the winter months. Pochard are known to favour large shallow and well vegetated eutrophic waters such as Lough Neagh. yet substantial numbers occur in Lough Ennell each winter and the current mesotrophic conditions of the lake would appear to suit this population. Lough Ennell is very vulnerable to pollution from agricultural and domestic sources and suffered from serious pollution in the 1970s. Deterioration in water quality is likely to change the current vegetation composition of the lake and this could affect bird populations. Reducedlpoor water quality has led to serious fluctuations in numbers of same species in the past (NPWS, 2013d). The Lilliput WwTP discharge, alone and in combination with other point sources, is likely to be contributing to the poorwater quality in Lough Ennell. This species is largely present at Lough Ennell during the winter months when the Lilliput effluent contribution is reported to be extremely low. Regardless of this, the Lilliput effluent will contribute to the eutrophication of the lake during the summer months and this impact is likely to remain during the winter months. ruffed Duck Tufted Duck depend on adequate supplies of invertebrates to sustain their numbers over the winter months (this species is present throughout Ireland all year). Lough Ennell is very vulnerable to pollution from agricultural and domestic sources and suffered from serious pollution in the 1970s. A deterioration in water quality could affect bird populations and this has led to serious fluctuations in numbers of some species in the past (NPWS, 2013d). The Lilliput WwTP discharge, alone and in combination with other point sources, is likely to be contributing to poor water quality in Lough Ennell. coot The large wintering flocks of Coot rely on adequate supplies of vegetation and invertebrates to survive the winter months (this species is present throughout Ireland all year). Lough Ennell is very vulnerable to pollution from agricultural and domestic sources and suffered from serious pollution in the 1970s. Deterioration in water quality is likely to change the current vegetation composition of the lake and this could affect bird populations. Poor water quality has led to For inspection purposes only. serious fluctuations in numbersConsent of some of copyright species owner in requiredthe past for (NPWS,any other use. 2013d). The Lilliput WwTP discharge, alone and in combination with other point sources, is likely to be contributing to poor water quality in Lough Ennell. Impacts on Waterbird species Lough Ennell provides a refuge for large numbers of waterbirds especially during the winter months. A variety of species are attracted to the lake varying from internationally important numbers of Mute Swans to nationally important numbers of Little Grebes. Each species occupies its own niche within the ecology of the lake. Species such as Mute Swan and Pochard feed largely on vegetation; Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot and Moorhen feed on vegetation and invertebrates; Little Grebes feed on invertebrates and small fish; Common Terns feed on small fish: Great Crested Grebes and Cormorants feed on larger fish. Deterioration in water quality is likely to change the current ecosystem of the lake and this could negatively impact on waterbird populations. The Lilliput WwTP discharge, alone and in combination with other point sources, is likely to be contributing to poor water quality in Lough Enneil. The discharge will contribute to eutrophication in the lake. In the long term eutrophication will impact the weeds and other plant species the waterbirds feed on. This will have a similar impact on insects and fish allowing only 21 ' Irish Water Natura Impact Statement- Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 pollution tolerant species to exist and thereby potentially altering the food sources available for waterbirds within the lake. Table 10.0: Qualifying Species Potentially ImDaCted by the Lilliput Discharge ~ -~- Qualifyi Potential Brief Explanaii; Mitigatii Species Requires ~ - - Otter Reduced wzer quality and ewiogic 1 Yes resuit of the effluent from the Liiiiput WwTP alone or in combination with other discharges could be having indirect effects on otters (as a resuit of reduced food supply). Brook lamprey No Brook Lamprey can tolerate relatively high levels No of eutrophication. Pochard Yes Reduced water quality and ewiogicai status as a Yes resuit of effluent from the Liiliput WwTP alone or in combination with other discharges could lead to indirect effects on Pochard foraging sources. Tufted Duck Yes Reduced water quality and ewiogicai status as a Yes resuit of effluent from the Liiliput WwTP alone or in combination with other discharges wuid lead to indirect effects on Tufted Duck foraging sources. coot Yes Reduced water quality and ecological status as a Yes resuit of effluent from the Liiiiput WwTP alone or in combination with other discharges wuid lead to indirect effects on Coot foraging sources. Waterbirds Yes Reduced water quality and ecological status as a Yes resuit of effluent from the Liiiiput WwTP alone or in combination with other discharges wuid lead to indirect effects on the foraging sources of a variety of waterbirds. - For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 22 1 Irish Water Natura impact Statement - Liliiput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 Mitigation Measures The current population equivalent Served by the Lilliput Adventure Centre WwTP is approximately c. 53 p.e (Source: 2012 COA Application). Taking the '"Pre-cautionavPrinciple" approach, there is the potential for the Lilliput WwTP discharge, alone and in combination with other point sources, to be contributing to the decline in water quality in Lough Ennell. Mitigation Measures recommended for the ongoing operation of the existing discharge are as follows: Review of the current waste water treatment process at the Lilliput Adventure Centre to establish whether or not the system in place is suited to the conditions at the site and to ensure that the plant is operating to its design standards. . Monitoring of the discharge both upstream and downstream of the discharge point on a regular basis. - The effluent quality must meet the requirements as set out in all current regulations applying to discharges to lake waters. This will serve to protect this SAC and SPA. In terms of additional discharges from other municipal sources into Lough Ennell (e.g. Muilingar WwTP and Belvedere WwTP), it is imperative that all EPA IicenceICOA conditions relating to their discharges to the aquatic environment are met. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 23 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment Conclusion Statement The current Appropriate Assessment has been prepared following the EPA (2009) ‘Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (SI.No. 684 of 2007)’. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government guidance ‘Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance forPlanningAuthorities’(DoEHLG, 2009a) has also been taken into account. The current assessment for the Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation application investigates the potential adverse effects on the aquatic qualifying interests of the Natura 2000 network arising from the discharge, in combination with other plans / projects affecting the aquatic environment. The assessment considers whether the Lilliput discharge, alone or in combination with other projects or plans, will have adverse effects on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site, and includes any mitigation measures necessary to avoid, reduce or offset negative effects. When the above mitigation measures are implemented in full, it is envisaged that there will be no significant adverse effects on the integrity of the Lough Ennell SAC and SPA in view of the site’s conservation objectives and that the conservation status of the Annex I habitats and Annex II species will not be compromised by the discharge either directly, indirectly or cumulatively. it is therefore concluded that the Lilliput Adventure Centre discharge; alone or in-combination with other plans andlor projects will not give rise to significant effects on the integrity of the Lough Enneli SAC and SPA, as long as the mitigation measures as listed above are implemented in full. Stage 2 concludes the Appropriate Assessment process of the Lilliput Adventure Centre Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Application and further assessment is not considered necessary. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 24 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement- Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 References Bailey, M. and Rochford, J. (2005). Otter survey of Ireland 2004 12005. Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 23. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland. Boland, H. & Crowe, 0. (2012). Irish Wetland Bird Survey: Waterbird Status and Distribution 2001/02 - 200W09.BirdWatch Ireland, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow. Chanin P (2003). Ecology of the European Otter. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 10. English Nature, Peterborough. ClEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management). (2006). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom. Colhoun, K. 8, Cummins, S. (2013). Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2014-2019. lrish Birds, Vol. 9, 4. BirdWatch Ireland, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow. Curtis, T. G. F. & McGough, H. N. (1988). The lrish Red Data Book 1: Vascular Plants Stationety Office, Dublin. Craig, M., Mannix, A. and Daly, D. (2010) Groundwater Quality. In: M. McGarrigle, J. Lucey, and M. 6 Cinneide (eds.) Water Quality in Ireland 2007-2009. EPA, Wexford. Crowe, O.,Boland, H., Walsh, A. (2012) Irish Wetland Bird Survey: results ofwaterbird monitoring in Ireland in 2010111. Irish Birds, Vo1.9, 3. BirdWatch Ireland, Wicklow. DoEHLG (2008).Circular L8108 Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes - Protection of Natural Heritage and National For inspection Monuments. purposes only. Department of the Environment, Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Heritage and Local Government. DoEHLG (2009). 'Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Enfo (2014). Irish Fens. ENFO - The Environmental Information Service, 17 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Available at: httD:llwww.auahtv.omlDdflirish fens enfo.Ddf EPA (2009) Waste Water Discharge Licensing Appropriate Assessment Guidance Notes. Notes on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007) Environmental Protection Agency, Co. Wexford EPA (2014). EPA Maps, accessed 07 and 0812014: httD:llais.eDa.ielEnvision European Commission (2000a). Communication from the Commission on the Precautionary Principle. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. 25 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 European Commission (2000b). Managing Natura 2000 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the 'Habitats' Directive 92/43/EEC. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. European Commission (2001). Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites: Methodological guidance on the provisions of Articles 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Oftice for Ofticial Publications of the European Communities, Brussels. European Commission (2007). Guidance document on Article E(4) of the 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/EEC -Clarification of the concepts of alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the commission. European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009. S.I. 272 Of 2009. Ferreri, C.P., Taylor, W.W. and Koonce,J.F. 1995 Effects of improved water quality and stream treatment rotation on sea lamprey abundance: Implications for lake trout rehabilitation in the Great Lakes. Journal of Great Lakes Research 21 (suppl.l), 176-/84. Heritage Council. (201 1). Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping Igoe, F., Quigley, D.T.G., Marnell, F., Meskell, E., OConnor, W. and Byrne, C. (2004). The Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinos (I.), River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis (I.) and Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeri (Bloch) in Ireland: General Biology, Ecology, Distribution and Status with Recommendationsfor Conservation. Siology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, vol. 104B, No. 3,43-/56 Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 2007. Second Report by the UK under Article 17 on the implementation of the Habitats Directive from January 2001 to December 2006. Peterborough: For inspection purposes only. JNCC. Available from: www.jncc.gov.uk/articlel7Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) databases. Available at: httD://inCC.defra.aOV.uk/ (accessed JulyIAugust 2014). National Biodiversity Data Centre (2014). Online Mapping. Available at: http://maDs.biodiversi~ireland.ie/#/MaDiNbdcTerrestrialiSDecies/l19290 Natura (2007)Westmeath Fen Study: Study to Establish the Extent, Location and Biodiversity Value of Fens in County Westmeath. Enterprise Centre, the Murrough, Wicklow. NPWS (2008). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Vol. 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin. 26 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 NPWS (2013) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Species Assessments Volume 3, Version 1.O. Unpublished Report, National Parks &Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland. NPWS (2013b) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Species Assessments Volume 3, Version 1.O. Unpublished Report, National Parks 8 Wildlife Services. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland. NPWS (201 3c). Report on the main results of the surveillance under article 17 for annex I habitat types (Annex D). CODE: 3140. Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin. http://www.n~ws.ie/~ublications/articlel7consultation/habitatsassessments/individualhabitatre~ort ~13140Hard Water Lakes Assessment.pdf NPWS (2013d) Lough Ennell SAC Site Synopsis. htt~://www.n~ws.ie/media/n~wsie/content/svno~sis/SYOOO685.~df OConnor, W. 2007 A baseline survey of juvenile lamprey populations in the Corrib and Suir catchments. irish Wildlife Manual No 26. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dept. of Environment, Heritage and local Government, Dublin Ireland. Reid, N., Hayden, B., Lundy, M.G., Pietravalle, S., McDonald, R.A. 8 Montgomery, W.I. (2013) National Otter Survey of Ireland 2010/12. Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 76. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeitacht, Dublin, Ireland. Romanowski, J., Brezinski, M. 8 Zmihorski, M. (2012). Habitat correlates of the Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra recolonizing Central Poland. Acta Theriol, 58: 149-155. sefferova Stanova V., Seffer J. & Janak M. (2008). Management of Natura 2000 habitats. 7230 Alkaline fens. European Commission. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Smith, V.H., Tilman, G.D. & Nekola, J.C. (1999). Eutrophication: impacts of excess nutrient inputs on freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. EnvironmentalPollution, 100, 179-196. Westem RBD, ESBl 8 Eleanor Mayes (2008) Report Protected Areas: Water Dependent Habitats and Species. Westmeath County Council, (2012). Lilliput Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge Authorisation Certificate Application. County Buildings, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Westmeath County Council (2013). Bathing Restrictions on Lough Enneil. htt~://www.westmeathcow.ie/en/news/name.l4564,en.htmi 27 I Irish Water Natura Impact Statement - Lilliput Adventure Centre EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. EPA Export 30-09-2014:23:33:27