Bathing Water Profile - Bunmahon Beach (2014) Bathing Water: Bunmahon Beach Bathing Water Code: IESEBWC050_0000_0200 Local Authority: Waterford County Council River Basin District: South Eastern Monitoring Point: 243400E, 98600N 1. Profile Details: Profile Id: BWPR00266 Toilets Available: No Year Of Profile: 2014 Car Parking Available: Yes Year Of Identification 1992 Disabled Access: Yes Version Number: 1 First Aid Available: Yes Sensitive Area: Yes Dogs Allowed: No Lifesaving Facilities: Yes Figure 1: Bathing Water 2. Bathing Water Details: Map 1: Bathing Water Location & Extent Bathing Water location and Bunmahon beach is located on the south coast of Ireland in county Waterford 25 km east of between extent: Dungarvan town. The beach is immediately west of the mouth of the River Mahon and it lies within the coastal body of the South East River Basin district. The designated bathing area is approximately 500 metres long and 100 metres wide (at low tide). Main features of the Bathing Type of Bathing Water: Bunmahon is a sandy beach with a gentle slope down to the low water mark and Water: variable slope below the low water mark. Currents can be very variable with sometimes challenging conditions for swimmers. The advice of lifeguards and locals should be asked for newcomers to the beach. Flora/Fauna, Riparian Zone: There is an interesting area of dunes on the road side of the beach with associated marine dune flora (plants) and fauna (animals). Above the cliffs areas of heath, improved grassland, unimproved wet and dry grassland, and woodland occur. On the beach low tide gives access to rock pools towards the western end of the beach which are home to a variety of plants and animals such as shrimp, crabs, small fish and anenomies. Water Depth: Water depth is generally shallow but underwater and beach channels can form due to the variable currents so water users should be cautious. Tidal Range: The tidal range is medium and approximately 75% of the 100 metres wide beach is covered at high tide. Sensitive Area: Bunmahon Beach lies along a spectacular stretch of coastline known as the “Copper Coast”. The whole coast displays a series of geologically important volcanic and sedimentary phenomena illustrating ancient geological developments. Copper minerals and associated mineworkings occur in several places. The United Nations Economic Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recognised the south coast of the county between Garrarus and Ballyvoyle Head as a GeoPark; one of a network of European sites of exceptional geological interest . The coastal area is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for the following species: Chough, Peregrine, Cormorant and Herring Gull. Sea cliffs are the predominant habitats for these birds. The coastal area is also a proposed natural heritage area pNHA, which confers habitat protection. Beach user numbers: The average number of visitors to the beach is approximately 75, with an estimated maximum of 300 on some days in high season. Given its expanses, the beach does not get overcrowded. Lifeguards are present at the beach during July and August. Main features of the Bathing Water: Activities available at the In addition to swimming, surfing and kayaking are popular activities at Bunmahon. There are also many Bathing Water: interesting sights within walking distance of the beach to explore, such as the geological park, the spectacular coastal scenery and the old mining features. Contributing catchment CATCHMENT CHARACTERISTICS details: Bunmahon Area: 98.7 km2 Hydrological apects: Large River Mahon running just east of bathing area Topography: high point metres 792 Topography: distance from high point to bathing area metres 1600 Topography: average slope % 50 Bedrock: Limestone 10% Sandstone 90% Land cover and land use: Urban 5%Peat 10%Woodland 20%Arable & pasture 65% Designated areas: SAC/pNHA Comeragh MountainspNHA Coast Main Towns/ Villages (Population): Kilmacthomas (600)Bunmahon (400) Precipitation mm/yr: 800-1200 Monitoring point details: The monitoring point is located in the centre of the designated bathing area Reason for selection of the Greatest number of bathers expected at this point. monitoring point: Water quality assessment: The bathing water is continuously monitored for the different types of bacteria shown in the tables. The bathing water is tested at least every 30 days. In the table you can see when the water has been analysed and how many bacteria were found. A small number of bacteria tell you that the water is very clean - a high number of bacteria tell you that the water may be polluted and could contain bacteria from sewage. Statistical analysis is used to determine the classification for the year -GOOD, SUFFICIENT or POOR. The latest water classification at Bunmahon for 2013 was GOOD. The classifications for the previous three seasons are presented below. Year Classification 2010 Good 2011 Good 2012 Sufficient 3. Identified Pressures: Map 2: Bathing Water Catchment 3.1 Potential pressures in the catchment assessed as posing no risk: No pressures identified 3.2 Potential pressures in the catchment assessed as posing risk: Description: Mahon river discharging to sea east of bathing area. Possible high bacterial loads during floods. Tidal and wind conditions may hold river water close to beach at times. Source: Mahon River Type: Run off from agricultural land Short Term Pressure: Yes Nature: Moderate Risk Frequency: 3 Duration: < 48 hours Risk Assessment The Microbial Pollution Potential (MPP) of the pressure was assessed according to the EPA and Methodology: WHO guidance documents on recreational and bathing water profiling. The Water Quality Impact (WQI) was assessed by calculating the 95%ile values for Faecal Coliform and Faecal Streptococci results for the most recent five bathing seasons. Finally, the Microbial Pollution Risk (MPR) was assessed by combining the MPP and WQI scores to get low, medium or high risk scores for each identified pressure.. Risk Assessment MPP High Results: WQI B MPR HIGH Details: After heavy rain and easterly wind Management Measures: Elimination of risk not possible. However weather conditions which would give rise to floods in river usually militates against bathing at Bunmahon Beach. Farm surveys with follow-up enforcement will be carried out on notification of specific risk. Extra monitoring of river and bathing water following observed risk or failure of water quality. Monitoring of rainfall to be considered as possible warning trigger in 2014. HSE to be consulted if pollution incident posing risk to bathing water occurs. Advice to public to be posted at beach and on council website if required. Description: Sewage outfall to Mahon River from Bunmahon Village Source: Sewage outfall to Mahon River Type: Waste Water Treatment plant Short Term Pressure: No Nature: N/A Frequency: N/A Duration: N/A Risk Assessment The Microbial Pollution Potential (MPP) of the pressure was assessed according to the EPA and Methodology: WHO guidance documents on recreational and bathing water profiling. The Water Quality Impact (WQI) was assessed by calculating the 95%ile values for Faecal Coliform and Faecal Streptococci results for the most recent five bathing seasons. Finally, the Microbial Pollution Risk (MPR) was assessed by combining the MPP and WQI scores to get low, medium or high risk scores for each identified pressure.. Risk Assessment MPP MODERATE Results: WQI B MPR LOW Details: N/A Management Measures: N/A 3.3 Other Risks: Assessment of the potential for proliferation Cyanobacteria are not considered a risk in this saline open water location. There is no recorded of cyanobacteria: instance of cyanobacteria at the bathing area or in surrounding waters. Proposed management measures for Any complaints received regarding macroalgae accumulations will be investigated with regard to cyanobacteria: potential nuisance, health risk and appropriate actions. Assessment of the potential for proliferation N/A of macroalgae: Proposed management measures for Phytoplankton blooms (of Phaeocystsis sp and Noctiluca sp) have been recorded in the past macroalgae: along the Waterford coast. Assessment of the potential for proliferation Macroalgae can be occasionally washed up on the beach depending on weather conditions. of marine phytoplankton: However this seldom poses a significant nuisance. Proposed management measures for marine Prompt investigation of reports of water discolouration and phytoplankton blooms. Identification of phytoplankton: species present and liaison with Marine Institute, Phytoplankton Section. Provision of information to the public via notice boards and website. Additional Information: In accordance with beach bye-laws, dogs are not permitted on the beach between 11am and 7pm during June, July and August. The lighting of fires, camping, exercising of horses and use of motor vehicles are also generally prohibited on the beach, unless permission is granted under special licence. Jetskis or fast motor boats are not permitted within 200 metres of the waterline. 4 Bathing Water Status From Previous Sampling Years: 2010 2011 2012 2013 Bunmahon Beach Good Good Sufficient Sufficient 5 Contact Details: Contact: Waterford City and County Council Email: [email protected] Address: Water Services, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford Phone: 058 22000.