Environmental Impact Statement

GREYSTONES SEWERAGE SCHEME

STAGE 2, PHASE 2

SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

1- GENERAL

1.1 The following is a brief non-technical summary of the proposal and the effect it is likely to have on the environment. Full detailed information on all matters considered and addressed are contained in the detailed Environmental Impact Statement, and in the accompanying Appendices.

2. THE PROPOSAL

2.1 It is proposed to construct a new 40,000 (population equivalent) capacity Sewage Treatment Works and Effluent Disposal facility at Greystones South, to cater for the full For inspection purposes only. projected populatioConsentn (includin of copyrightg industry owner required) fro form any Greystone other use. s and Delgany.

2.2 Construction and commissioning of the new facility will allow the de-commissioning of three existing works at Greystones North, Killincarrig and Delgany, all of which are overloaded, and are sources of water pollution.

2.3 The Treatment Works uses a biological system known as the Activated Sludge process to achieve a high level of Treatment, comfortably complying with the E.G. Urban Waste Water Directive. Tertiary Treatment is not considered to be necessary.

2.4 The treated effluent is disposed of via a 750m "long sea outfall", terminating in a multi-port diffuser discharging into strong off-shore currents. This comfortably complies with the E.G. Bathing Water Directive and the Irish National Limit Values. Sterilisation (disinfection) of the effluent is not necessary. Two separate studies costing £%,000 approximately were undertaken to investigate the offshore area, and establish definitively the required outfall length. The latter study used state-of-the-art 3D (three dimensional) modelling to investigate the current and flow patterns.

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3. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

3.1 J.B. Barry + Partners, consultants to Wicklow County Council, carried out a detailed feasibility study, aimed at establishing the best technical, environmental and economical method of providing Greystones with the required (Secondary) method of sewage treatment.

3.2 Three basic alternatives were considered viz:

(a) Treatment Plant at Greystones North

(b) Treatment Plant at Greystones South

3.3 The study shows conclusively that Greystones Sewage Treatment Works should be located in South Greystones.

4. VISUAL

4.1 The main impact of the proposal is visual. However, the Treatment Works design and layout has been strongly influenced by the existing landscape viz:

(a) The layout is designed to ensure minimal removal of existing trees and hedgerows.

(b) The more intrusive buildings and tanks are sited such that the maximum use is made of existing screening (trees, hedgerows, woodland areas

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

4.2 The proposal includes a comprehensive landscaping plan, which makes use of screening mounds and extensive planting to ameliorate the impact of the treatment works.

4.3 The effect of the amelioration measures is to reduce the overall impact of the proposal to "acceptable".

5. AIR EMISSIONS

5.1 The components of the Treatment Works which might emit malodorous gases are enclosed in buildings. Air extracted from these buildings is either scrubbed or incinerated before emission to the atmosphere. The maximum allowable residual concentrations in all emissions will comply with internationally accepted standards.

5.2 Air emissions (odour) are not therefore expected to cause adverse effects.

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6. NOISE

6.1 In common with air emissions, the approach to noise has been to enclose all noise producing equipment in sound proofed buildings. Intakes and outlets from ventilation and generation equipment will be silenced or baffled. Equipment mounted in the open will be low power, acoustically damped.

6.2 Again, it is not expected that noise will create a problem. Construction noise is a short-term Feature, limited to social hours.

7. MARINE

7.1 The impact on the Marine Environment will be positive, in that the existing treatment works at Greystones North and Killincarrig will be decommissioned, eliminating two current sources of water pollution,.

7.2 The proposal is designed to comply with the E.G. Urban Waste Water Directive, the E.G. Bathing Water Directive and the Irish National Limit Values. It wiil not have any adverse effect on the marine environment.

7.3 The construction impact will be short term, as the damaged areas can be expected to be re-colonised relatively quickly.

8. ARCHAEOLOGICAL

For inspection purposes only. 8.L There is archaeologicaConsentl ofinteres copyrightt ownerin th requirede site. for Aany preliminarother use. y excavation (licensed) shows

evidence of archaeological remains which are not of great significance. This will necessitate a further, detailed investigation, before construction commences.

8.2 The archaeological situation has no long-term implications, as construction will be allowed to take place unhindered, once the detailed investigation has been completed, and all records, artefacts etc. lodged with the National Monuments section of the Office of Public Works.

9. FLORA AND FAUNA

9.1 The proposal will not have any measurable effect on Flora and Fauna. The proposed planting will increase wildlife habitat.

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10. THREE TROUTS STREAM

10.1 The overall effect is expected to he positive, as the proposal includes decommissioning the Delgany Treatmenl Works, which will improve water quality in the stream. The proposal itself does not impact on the stream.

11. THE BEACH

11.1 There will be a short-term construction impact, which will be recolonised quickly by existing vegetation.

12. ROADS AND TRAFFIC

12.1 There will be a slightly adverse construction impact. The impact after construction is expected to be negligible.

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

December, 1991

Ref: 2I7NONTC.SUM

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:48 WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL

GREYSTONES SEWERAGE SCHEME

Stage 2 - Phase 2

SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS

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

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

December 1991 JOHN B. BARRY + PARTNERS LIMITED Revised February 1992 Consulting Engineers

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WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL

GREYSTONES SEWERAGE SCHEME

Stage 2 - Phase 2

SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

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

December 1991 JOHN B. BARRY + PARTNERS UMITED February 1992 Revised Consulting Engineers

Ref: grsieis.rep

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:49 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION NO. 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Greystones ...... 1 1.2 Existing Sewage Treatment/Disposal FaciHties ...... 1 1.3 Effluent Treatment and Disposal Standards ...... 2 1.4 John B. Barry + Partners Preliminary Report ...... 3 1.5 Population Projections ...... 3

SECTION NO. 2 - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

2.1 Alternatives Considered ...... 5 2.2 Costing ...... 7 2.3 Net Present Value Comparison ...... 7 2.4 Conclusions ...... 8 2.5 Recommendations ...... 10

SECTION NO. 3 - THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Location ...... 11 3.2 The Surrounding Area ...... 31 3.3 The Site ...... 12 3.4 Flora ...... 14^ 3.5 Fauna ...... 15 3.6 Three Trouts Stream ...... 17 3.7 Beach ...... 21 3.8 Marine ...... 22 3.9 Archaeology ...... For inspection purposes only. . 29 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 3.10 Roads and Traffic ...... 30

SECTION NO. 4 • IMPACT ASSESSMENT

4.1 Sewage Treatment Process ...... 31 4.2 Main Visually Impacting Features ...... 39 4.3 Visual ...... 40 4.4 Flora ...... 45 4.5 Fauna ...... 46 4.6 Three Trouts Stream ...... 46 4.7 Beach ...... 46 4.8 Marine ...... 47 4.9 Archaeological ...... 49 4.10 Roads and Traffic Aspects ...... 50 4.11 Noise ...... 51 4.12 Air Emissions ...... 53 4.13 Overall Summary ...... 56

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SECTION NO. 5 - MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 Introduction ...... 57 5.2 Visual Impact ...... 57 5.3 Air Emissions ...... 62 5.4 Noise ...... "...... ,...... ,.... 63 5.5 Marine Environment ...... 63 5.6 Flora ...... 64 5.7 Fauna ...... 64 5.8 Three Trouts Stream ...... 64 5.9 The Beach ...... 65 5.10 Roads and Traffic ...... 65 5.11 Overall Summary ...... 65

APPENDICES

No. 1 Land and Freshwater Ecology No. 2 Impacts on the Marine Environment and its Beneficial Uses No. 3 Sewage Treatment and Effluent Disposal No. 4 Air Emissions and Control Measures No. 5 Roads and Traffic Aspects No. 6 Noise No. 7 Archaeological Assessment No. 8 Minutes of Public Meeting No. 9 Resolution by Greystones Town Commissioners No. 10 Modelling Study Report No. 11 Landscape Character Visual Assessmen For inspectiont purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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SECTION NO. 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Grevstones

1.1.1 Greystones is located in Northern Co. Wicklow, on Ireland's east coast. A small community until the 1960's, it has since grown rapidly, influenced no doubt by improved transportation links with Dublin, and by the quality of the surrounding area.

1.1.2 The 1981 and 1986 census figures for Greystones are given below. The 1990 figure is estimated from a house-count, using population figures per house from the 1986 census. The population figure for Greystones from the 1991 Census is not available (will cot be published until late 1992).

1981 1986 1990

Population 7529 9112 9818

It is estimated that industrial, commercial and service industry loading, when added to the above, produces a current population equivalent figure of 17,000 P.E.

1.2 Existing SewageJCreatment/D'Sposal Facilities

1.2.1 Existing treatment facilities for the area consist of the following:-

(i) Grej'Stones Northern Works

Measurement Flume Storm Tank For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Imhoff Tank (4 No.) Sludge Dewatering Plant (Filter Belt Press) Control House Short Sea Outfall at North Beach

(ii) Greystones South Treatment Works (Killincarrig Treatment Works)

Septic Tank Percolating Filters (3 No.) Humus Tank (Twin compartment) Short Outfall at South Beach

(iii) Delgany Treatment Works

Septic Tank with final settlement Discharge to Three Trouts Stream

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1.2.2 The combined capacities of these works is some 9,700 population equivalent, broken down as follows:-

Northern Works : 8,000 Southern Works (Killincarrig) : 1,400 Delgany Works : 275

1.2.3 The actual contributing population (equivalent) figures to the three existing facilities are as follows:-

Northern Works : 10,500-11,000 Southern Works : 5,200 Delgany Works : 500

1.2.4 The existing facilities are assessed as follows:-

The Northern works is presently overloaded.

The Southern Works is grossly overloaded, its outfall is poorly located in an area of high amenity and in very poor condition.

The Delgany works is grossly overloaded and there is evidence of considerable pollution in the Three Trouts Stream downstream of the outfall.

1.2.5 The Greystones South (Killincarrig) and Delgany plants date back to the middle part of this century, and, as such, do not comply with current day sewage treatment practices. In any event, both plants are heavily overloaded, as discussed above.

The Greystones North (North Beach) plant is slightly overloaded, and consists of primary sedimentation followed by disposal through a "short" sea outfall. The "short" sea outfall would not result in compliance with the Irish National Limit Values (N.L. V. 's) and the Bathing Water Directive, For inspection purposes only. as discussed below. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

1.3 Effluent Treatment and Disposal Standards

1.3.1 The situation regarding effluent treatment and disposal underwent significant change throughout the late 1970's and up to the present time.

In the early part of this period, the design standards generally adopted were the "Royal Commission" Standards, which would require B.O.D. and S.S. levels in the receiving water of 3-4 mg/1. Primary Sedimentation followed by disposal through a short sea outfall would produce compliance with those standards.

The European Commission introduced, in 1976, the E.G. Directive on the quality of Bathing Waters (76/160/EEC). The Minister of the Environment published in 1980, the Irish National Limit Values (N.L.V.'s) which relate to the quality of bathing waters. These N.L.V.'s, and the E.G. Bathing Water Directive, then became the basis for Irish Policy in relation to discharges from coastal towns.

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The last major "milestone" in effluent treatment/disposal policy came with the introduction, in January 1990, by the European Commission of a Draft Directive on Municipal Wastewater Discharges. Simultaneously, the Minister for the Environment introduced the Government's Environmental Action Programme. This programme embraces the aims and standards of the Draft Directive, and sets policy objectives and target dates for the Irish wastewater disposal industry.

Subsequently, the Minister directed Wicklow County Council to carry out a feasibility study/report on providing Greystones with Secondary Treatment, in accordance with the Draft Directive.

The situation therefore is that effluent treatment/disposal standards have been raised significantly since the mid 1970's. These changing standards reflect the growing environmental awareness throughout-the world. It does, however, mean that facilities designed and installed during those earlier years no longer meet the new, raised standards.

1.3.2 The EC. in May 1991, formally adopted the EC Directive concerning Urban Waste Water Treatment (91/271/EEC). Ireland has not formally enacted the requirements of the directive into Irish Law, but are required to do so by June 30th, 1993. Member states are also required, by December 31st, 1993, to establish a programme for its implementation.

1.4 John 8. Barry + Partners Preliminary Report

1.4.1 As directed, J.B. Barry + Fanners carried out a major review of the drainage and treatment facilities at Greystones. This feasibility study included reviewing and developing:-

Population Projections Sewage Collection Arrangements Pumping Facilities Treatment Works Options Treated Effluent Disposal Options

1.4.2 J.B. Barry's Preliminary Report , whic h For resulte inspectiond fro purposesm th eonly. study, reports on the alternatives considered, the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. economic and technical issues, and makes recommendations regarding the preferred alternative. This is discussed in Section 2 below.

1.4.3 The Preliminary Report was submitted to Wicklow County Council in March 1991, and is currently with the Department for the Environment.

1.5 Population Projections

1.5.1 John B. Barry + Partners Preliminary Report projects population growth forward to 2030 (40 years forward). Allowing development within the Town Boundary, at the densities provided for in the 1989 Development Plan, gives a future population of 29,000 persons.

1.5.2 Allowance for industry is made in South Greystones and in Blacklion, again as provided for in the Greystones Development Plan, This brings the overall design loading to 40,000 population equivalent.

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1.5.3 It is therefore proposed that Greystones be provided with sewage treatment and disposal facilities capable of treating effluent from a 40,000 population equivalent. The provision of these facilities can be phased as considered appropriate.

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

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:49 SECTION NO. 2 - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

2.1 Alternatives Considered

2.1.1 In all, three main options to provide Greystones with Effluent Treatment and Disposal facilities were considered. These were as follows:-

(i) Treatment Plant at Greystones North (ii) Treatment Plant at Greystones Sooth (iii) Two Treatment Plants, appropriately sized, located at Greystones North and Greystones South.

Each of the options included full Secondary Treatment, followed by effluent disposal via an appropriate outfall.

Within the first two options, further options were developed, which relate to variances in sewage collection and transfer methods, in all, a iota! of six options were considered in detail.

2.1.2 The six options which were considered in detail are shown on the following drawings:-

Drg. No. 217/717 - Option No. 1 Drg. No. 217/718 - Option No. 2 Drg. No. 217/719 - Opiion No. 3 Drg. No. 217/720 - Option No. 4 Drg. No. 217/721 - Option No. 5 Drg. No. 217/722 - Option No. 6

Noie: These and all other drawings are bound in at the end of this siaiemenl. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 2.1.3 The options considered are as follows:-

Optton.No, 1

Construct new main lift Pumping Station at New Road. Lay new interceptor sewers on Rathdown Road/Victoria Road/New Road to connect die southern and western drainage areas. Intercept the northern drainage area at New Road and lay new interceptor sewer from existing northern treatment works. Lay new foul sewer on Victoria Road to connect the eastern drainage area. Pump effluent south via rising mam laid on New Road, Rathdown Road and Church Road to connect to main foul interceptor sewer on Church Road (at manhole adjacent to La Touche Place).

Build new Treatment Works ai Greystones South, for 40,000 population equivalent (Phased as appropriate). Provide marine outfall.

This option incorporates the abandonment and decommissioning of the existing Greystones North Treatment Works, the existing pumping station, Delgany Treatment Works and the existing Greystones South Treatment Works (Killincarrig Treatment Works).

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Option No. 2

Similar to Option No. 1 above, but varies the pumping arrangements by providing:-

(i) Rathdown Park Pumping Station: To intercept the southern and western drainage areas. Transfer directly to the Church Road sewer via a rising main laid on Rathdown Road and Church Road.

(ii) Existing Grevstones North Pumping Station: Upgrade to provide for the northern and eastern drainage areas.

The remainder of its features are similar to Option No. 1. '

Option No. 3

Similar to Option Nos. 1 and 2 but involves the addition of a further pumping station at Hillside. The intention is to intercept the flow from the Hillside Development, and provide more economical pumping by transferring direct to the Church Road sewer. This involves a third rising main on Church Road.

In all other respects, this option is similar to Option No. 2.

Option No. 4

Construct new Main Lift Pumping Station at Greystones South and transfer all effluent from the main southern drainage areas north via a rising main in Hill Road/Church Road to a manhole adjacent to La Touche Place. Lay new main interceptor sewer north from here via Church Road, Rathdown Road and, New Road to a further Main Lift Pumping Station at New Road. Lay interceptor sewer on Victoria Road. Pump all effluent to the New Northern Treatment Works via a rising main laid under the railway embankment and Northwards through the open space.

Reconstruct and extend the Treatmen t WorkFor inspections at Greystonepurposes only.s North to provide treatment to secondary level, for 40,000 population equivalenConsentt (Phas of ecopyright as appropriate) owner required. forProvid any othere use.marine outfall.

The option requires major re-construction and extension of the Northern Treatment Works, and the decommissioning of the existing North Greystones Pumping Station, Delgany Treatment Works and the existing Greystones South Treatment Works.

Cation No. 5

This option is a variant of Option No. 4, and includes a very long rising main from the new Greystones South Pumping Station, via Mill Road, Killincarrig Road, Hillside Estate, and the Bray Road to Blacklion. A new interceptor sewer is required from there via Redford Park to the new Treatment Works. This option also requires upgrading of the Greystones North Pumping Station, and laying a new rising main from there under the Railway Embankment and through the open space to the Greystones North Treatment Works.

This option is similar to Option No. 4 in all other aspects.

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Option No. 6

This option provides two treatment works:-

Greystones North Treatment Works

Greystones South Treatment Works

It also includes a substantia! upgrading of the existing Greystones North Pumping Station, and a new rising main to the Greystones North Treatment Works.

Marine Outfalls are provided as appropriate.

This option provides for the decommissioning of the Delgany Treatment Works, and the existing Greystones South Treatment Works.

2.1.4 Overflows are provided from all pumping stations as appropriate. Outfalls for storm water overflows are provided from all Pumping Stations and Treatment Works as required.

2.2 Costing

2.2.1 All options were fully costed, taking both Capital and Operating Costs into account.

2.2.2 The Capital Costs were derived from a number of sources:-

(a) Cost estimates from Civil and Mechanical/Electrical Contractors.

(b) Costs derived from similar recent projects.

(c) Costs from J.B. Barr y + Fanner For inspections cost purposesdata-base only.. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

2.2.3 Operational Costs were assembled from a number of sources:-

(a) Current ESB rates (b) Operational characteristics of equipment (c) Current plant operational costs (d) Equipment maintenance costs (e) Sludge and Screenings/Grit Disposal Costs

2.3 Net Present Value Comparison

2.3.1 The Capitalised Cost of each of the options was developed using the Net Present Value (NPV) method. The Discount Rate used with the NPV Analysis is the Real Cost of Money (i.e. nett of inflation).

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2.3.2 Population levels were built up on a straight line basis, with energy costs being calculated to reflect this.

2.3.3 The examination of the options included phasing of me construction of the plants, as appropriate. The operational and maintenance costs, as incorporated in the NPV analysis, reflect this.

2.3.4 Sludge, screenings and grit removal, handling and disposal costs again are calculated on the increasing population levels.

2.3.5 The Overall Capitalised Cosi (NPV) of the various options are set out in Table 2.1.

TABLE NO. 2.1

Option No. Overall Capitalised Cost

1 £14. 7m

2 £15. 2m

3 £15. 5m

4 £15. 7m

5 £15 .6m

6 £16. 5m

ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF OPTIONS

2.4 Conclusions

For inspection purposes only. 2.4.1 Option No. 1 is die cheapest Consentof the of alternative copyright owners considered required for any. other use.

A number of factors emerge from the economic comparison.

(i) The alternative involving two treatment plants (Option No. 6} is very expensive, both in terms of capital cost, and in capitalised running costs. Two treatment plants are more expensive to buiid and run than one large plant, and both require marine outfalls for the treated effluent.

(ii) The alternatives involving a single treatment plant at Greystones North (Option 4 and 5) are expensive compared with those based on a single treatment works at Greystones South. This is basically due to the fact that the available lands in north Greystones are at a high elevation relative to those available in south Greystones, resulting in high pumping costs. In addition, die rising main/gravity sewer routes from south Greystones to the Greystones North Treatment Works are long and difficult, and involve some double pumping.

2.4.2 The economic comparison demonstrates conclusively that a single Treatment Works should be located at Grevstones South.

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2.4.3 Option Nos. I, 2 and 3 all involve a Treatment Works atGreystones South, and consider various methods of collecting and transferring the effluent to that plant.

2.4.4 Considering each of Options 1, 2 and 3 in tum:-

Option No. 1

This proposes a single new Pumping Station at New Road, on land west of the Railway Embankment and north of Fairfield Park. This pumping station would include screenings and grit removal and handling facilities, and would be carefully designed to minimise visual impact, noise and odour emissions. Access to the site is excellent.

Further advantages to the proposal are that the interceptor sewers on Rathdown Road, Victoria Road and New Road will rationalise the sewer network, and will eliminate the surcharging difficulties at Rathdown Park.

Option No. 2

This proposal involves the upgrading of the existing North Greystones Pumping Station, to increase the pumping capacity and to improve the screening and grit handling facilities.

The present access to this pumping station is not viable in the long term, as il would not allow the necessary frequent access by trucks for removal of screenings and grit (possibly 2/3 times a week). The access would have to be improved, probably by purchasing adjacent property. It should be emphasised that this proposal is not considered viable unless the access is significantly improved.

The proposal also includes provision of a new pumping station in the open space at Rathdown Park. This is not an ideal location in an environmental sense and would, again, require careful design to minimise visual intrusion, noise and odour emissions.

Rationalisation of the sewer network to the same extent as in Option No. 1 is not possible, particularly For inspection purposes only. as the sewer at New Road cannoConsentt readil of copyrighty be ownerintercepted required for. any other use.

Option No. 3

This proposal varies from Option No. 2 only in that a third pumping station is proposed at Hillside. It is not economic, as the overall capitalised cost is higher than for Option No. 2.

2.4.5 Option No. I has the lowest overall Capitalised Cost. It is also considered that it would have the least environmental impact, and would result in a rational overall drainage layout.

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2.5 Recommendations

2.5.1 The Preliminary Report recommends the following:-

1. That a single Treatment Plant should be located at Grej'stones South, on lands west of the Driving Range and north of Three Trouts Stream.

2. That full treatment be provided, using an Activated Sludge Process.

3. That full Sludge Drying and handling facilities be provided. All available options should be investigated.

4. That Foul and Storm Marine Outfall pipelines be provided, to result in full compliance with the E.C. Bathing Water Directive, and with the requirement of the forthcoming E.C. Directive on Municipal Wastewater Discharges. (Subsequently termed the EC Urban Waste Water Directive).

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

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SECTION NO. 3 - THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Location

3.1.1 The proposed development is situated within the generally level coastal plain 0.7km south of Greystones, Co. Wicklow. The site is sei back some 200m. from the shoreline beach and the main Dublin-Wexford railway line which runs on an embankment some 2m above the surrounding landscape. The coastal plain rises to an undulating agricultural landscape as one moves west. A small stream (Three Trouts stream) runs west to east through Delgany, forming the southern boundary of the site.

3.2 The Surrounding Area

3.2.1 Site Surrounds

The land directly east forms part of the Burnaby golf driving range. The lands to the south east, (beyond the Three Trouts stream), forms part of the Charlesland Golf and County Club development, nownearing completion. To the south there is an old gravel quarry. The lands to the west are in agricultural production (primarily arable). To the north the lands form part of the private grounds of Killincarrig House, and contain extensive tree and scrub woodland and gardens.

3.2.2 Geology and Soils

The underlying rocks are Cambrian in age and are pan of the Bray Head formation. There are no rock outcrops on the site which is covered with glacial till of Irish Sea origin. Immediately south of the site there is a small sand and gravel quarry. The soils of the area south of Greystones are classed as gleys which are derived from a mixture of glacial til! and alluvium.

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

3.2.3 Coastal Geomorphologv

The site is at the northern periphery of a coastal feature known as the Murragh, which stretches some 18km from Greystones to Wicklow Town. A shingle barrier beach, reaching a height of 3.75m above sea level, protects the low-lying basin behind from the sea. This basin contains freshwater (fen) peat with lenses of marine clay suggesting periodic breaching of the shingle ridge and invasion by the sea. The beach near Greystones is made up of coarse sand with a progressive increase in pebble size to the south.

3.2.4 Rivers and Drainage

The site is located on the former floodplain of a small river known as the Three Trout Stream. The river rises on the Great Sugarloaf mountain (approximately 7km to the east) and flows out to sea through the beach approximately 200m east of the site. The river has evidently been deepened and straightened in its lower reaches so that the farmland is no longer subject to periodic flooding.

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3.2.5 Vegetation

The dominant vegetation in the surrounding area is improved agricultural grassland but some fields (including the south-western part of the site) have recently been used for arable crops. The field are divided by hedgerows which contain a range of trees and shrubs including native and exotic species. There is a small area of amenity woodland on the north-west boundary of the site.

3.2.6 Site Features

A widely used path (A Right of Way) runs through the site along the side of the retaining Wall and the northern boundary of Area 1.

The major landscape features of the site are:-

a) The hedgerows and associated trees. b) The Three Trouts stream.

3.2.7 Areas of Scientific Interest

The nearest listed Area of Scientific Interest (ASI) to the site is the Murragh which reaches its northern limit at Ballygannon, about 2km south of the site. This is a large area (1,700ha) and is listed of National importance for its ecological interest. A further nationally important ASI occurs at the Glen of the Downs, approximately 4km east of the site (Wildlife Service 1989)-.

3.3 The Site

3.3.1 General Description

The site of the proposed sewerag e treatmen For inspectiont work purposess lie only.s in a shallow valley less than 300 metres from the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. coast. The ground slopes gently to the south-east and the south-eastern boundary of the site is formed by the Three Trouts Stream. The major part of the site is covered with grassland but there are a number of prominent field boundaries and groups of trees (Drg. No. 217/723).

3.3.2 Vegetation

The natural vegetation of the site has long been replaced by farmland which may be subdivided into two main ecological types, grassland and hedgerow/woodland.

3.3.3 Grassland

The site is subdivided into three fields. The two largest are those to the east and west of the site and both have been cultivated in recent years, the western field up until 1990. As a result the vegetation is largely dominated by opportunistic species, mainly arable weeds and rank grasses in the case of the eastern field. The western field contains a certain amount of bare ground which was only beginning to be colonised in

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early 1991. The central, and smallest of the fields has been used mainly as pasture in recent years although grazing pressure would appear to be light at present. The ground is well drained and the vegetation is dominated by field grasses which are of little conservation interest.

3.3.4 Hedgerow/Woodland

The site has a number of field boundaries which may be classified as hedges, groves and a woodland edge. In addition, the stream is fringed by a line of trees and shrubs. The total length of field boundary in the site is approximately 650m. The field boundaries vary considerably in their ecological value and these have been evaluated using a quantitative scoring system for the following characters: frequency of mature trees, diversity of trees/shrubs, amount of ground cover, area covered and structural diversity. The results of this evaluation are given in Table 3.1.

TABLE 3.1

Ecological evaluation of field boundaries on site for proposed sewerage treatment works at Grey stones South

Boundary No.* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Boundary Wood Hedge Hedge Grove Hedge Hedge Hedge Type edge stream stream

Mature trees 3 3 2 3 . 0 0 1 Tree diversity 3 2 1 3 2 2 2 Ground cover 3 3 2 0 1 3 3 Area 3 2 2 1 2 1 2 Structure 3 2 1 1 1 2 2

Total score IS 12 8 8 6 8 10 (sum) For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The position of the field boundaries are shown on Drawing No. 217/729

3.3.5 Boundaries

The field boundaries with the highest ecological values in this assessment were loose numbered 1, 2 and 7. The woodland edge (1) is the most valuable of these and the closest to a natural situation although it was originally planted as a shelterbelt for Killincarrig House (the Woodlands Hotel). Of the internal hedges, the more easterly (2) is the most valuable and closest to natural in character. The hedge which follows the edge of the stream is varied in ecological character, although somewhat ragged in appearance. None of the field boundaries on the site is unique hi ecological terms although the structural diversity and age of some of me trees makes them of local value. The least ecological impact would be caused by removal of some of the coniferous trees.

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3.4 Flora

3.4.1 The Site

The site comprises of three distinct field areas and part of another (Drg. No. 217/724).

Area 1: Basically a grassland area bounded to the south by the Three Trouts stream, to the west by an old existing hedgerow of mainly native/naturalized species and to the north a small block of scrub woodland of mainly Oak, Ash, Sycamore, Larch and Pine with a dense undergrowth of Elderberry, Hawtho'rn, Bramble, and a diverse number of herbaceous material (Hogweed, Dock, Nettle, Cow Parsley, etc.). The area is open to the east where it is bounded by a golf driving range.

Area 2; A narrow wedge shaped grassland area bounded on the east by a hedgerow of native/naturalized species, on the south by Three Trouts stream and on the west by a planted hedge of Larch with some Hawthorn and Bramble. To the north the area opens out into a field with some fine Pine trees on its boundary and in clump plantings. In the northern half of this area is a group of trees, mainly Oak, Ash, Sycamore, Birch, Hawthorn and Pine.

Area 3: An open grassland field bounded to the east by the'Larch lined hedgerow, the south by the Three Trouts stream and the remnants of an old hedge of Sycamore, Hawthorn, Ash, Bramble and Elderberry. The field is open to the west and to the north is bounded by a hedge topped retaining wall, with a higher elevation field beyond.

Area 4: This area comprises part of the higher elevation field mentioned above, which is under arable production, and is open to the west and north. Ii is bounded to the east by £ Bramble/Hawthorn hedge containing some isolated Pine trees and to the south is bounded by the Old Bramble/Gorse/Hawthorn hedge atop a retaining wall to a lower elevation field.

For inspection purposes only. 3.4.2 Site Boundaries Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Six hedges in either complete or part form, divide or act as a boundary of the proposed site (Drg. No. 217/723).

Hedgerow A: Contains eleven trees principally Ash, which are mature and in a fair/good condition. The undergrowdi is dense consisting of Bramble, Gorse, Hawthorn and Herbaceous material. All the trees are over 8-10m high.

Hedgerow B: Consists generally of a line of outgrown Larch in fair condition. The trees average 7-9m and the undergrowth of Bramble and Hawthorn is weak in places. Both hedgerow A and B traverse the site and in doing so divide it into two larger areas (i.e. Area 1 and Area 3/4). The inter hedge area forms Area 2 which is small in comparison (See Drg. No. 217/724).

Hedgerow C: Forms part of the soudiern boundary and consists primarily of a dense layer of Bramble, Gorse, Elder, Hawthorn and Willow with 2-3 trees, Ash and Sycamore. It forms an important screen some 3-4m high.

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Hedgerow D: This Bramble, Gorse and Hawthorn hedge is some 2-3m high and sits on top of a 1.5m high retaining wall over Area 3.

Hedgerow F: This is strictly the southern edge of a small scrub woodland situated at the rear of Kiliincarrig House. It is a diverse planting of Ash, Cypress, Oak, Pine with Bramble, Elder, Hawthorn and a dense herbaceous under storey. The belt is I(M2m or more in height.

3.5 Fauna

3.5.1 Breeding Birds

The breeding bird community of the site was surveyed in April-May 1991 using standard Common Birds Census methodology as described by Marchant et al (1990). This is based on the mapping of territorial activity (including song) and enables an estimate of total number of pairs of each species to be calculated. The results of the survey are summarised in Table 3.2.

TABLE 3.2

Breeding pairs of birds recorded on site for proposed Sewerage Treatment Plant at Greystones South, 1991

Wren 10 Blue Tit 1 Blackbird 5 Great Tit 1 Dunnock 5 Stock Dove 1 Chaffinch 4 Stock Dove 1 Robin 4 Jackdaw 1 Song Thrush 2 Magpie 1 Greenfinch 2 Chiffchaff 1 Woodpigeon 2 Pheasant 1 MistJe Thrush 1 Goldcrest 1 For inspection purposes only. Coal Tit Consent of copyright owner1 requiredWillo forw any Warble other use.r 1 Tree Sparrow 1

TOTAL 46 Note: 'Also present but no! holding Territory: Bullfinch, Reed ~Buritihg, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Hooded Crow, Kestrel.

The area of the site is approximately 5ha with approximately 650 linear metres of field boundary. The survey recorded a total of 20 breeding species with a least 46 breeding pairs. This gives an average density of 9 pairs per hectare or 7 pairs per 100m of field boundary. The community was dominated by five species, Wren, Blackbird, Dunnock, Chaffinch and Robin, which together accounted for over 60% of all territories.

The only recent published survey of breeding birds on farmland in Ireland was carried out using similar methods in Co. Limerick during 1987 (Lysaght 1989). This recorded a total of 32 species in a much larger area (ISlha) with an average density of only 2 pairs per 100m of hedgerow. However, only 21 species were regarded as typical in this community with the same five species numerically dominant in all plots censured. In both the Limerick and Greystones census areas, the Wren accounted for 22% of the total population.

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The only species present in Greystones and not hi Limerick was the Tree Sparrow. This is a scarce breeding species found mainly on the coast in Ireland (Hutchinson 1989). Three small colonies were known in Co. Widdow in 1967 (Ruttledge 1967) but an increase in numbers is thought to have occurred since (Hutchinson 1975).

Although the Three Trouts stream flows along the south-eastern boundary of the site it does not support any specialised riparian bird species in this section because of the dense undergrowth on its banks. A single pair of Grey Wagtail breeds at the seaward end of the stream about 200m from the edge of the site.

3.5.2 Evaluation of the Bird Community

The field boundaries on the site form a network which is used by most of the birds present. Some of the larger territories cover a number of parts of the site but most are centred on one particular section. In order to evaluate different parts of the site as habitat for breeding birds, all territories mapped during the census were allocated to one or other field boundary according to the position of the greatest number of registrations of each territorial pair. The total number of species and number of territories was then summed for each field boundary in turn to give a quantitative assessment of abundance and diversity of birdlife which they contained. The results, which are given in Figure 3.1, indicate that boundaries 1 and 2 are of highest value for breeding birds, 3, 5 and 7 are of medium value and 4 and 6 are of low value. (See Drg. No. 217/729 for Boundary Reference Numbers).

to 3f Specie:

No of Ps i rs ro a in 41

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

Boundary Number

F I GUfiE 3. "1 Relative value of different field boundaries for breeding birds at Greystones Soutn

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3.5.3 Summary

The breeding bird community on the site at Greystones South is typical of farmland in Ireland with a predictable species composition. The only breeding species of more than local conservation interest is the Tree Sparrow which occurs on the extreme south-western fringe of the site. The presence of this species is of regional interest. Two of the field boundaries contain more than half of all the breeding bird territories and are of the highest value. The remainder are of lower value.

3.5.4 Overall Evaluation

The ecological features of the site are of local interest only although the field boundaries contain a good diversity of tree and bird species and are probably of equal interest for other plant and animal groups. One breeding bird species, the Tree Sparrow, which occurs on the site is of regional importance.

3.6 Three Trouts Stream

3.6.1 The Three Trouts Stream flows along the south-eastern boundary of the proposed site and enters the sea through the shingle beach approximately 300m east of the site. It is a small stream approximately 8km in length with a catchment which measures only about llknr1. It rises in three tributaries between the Great Sugarloaf Mountain and Calary Bog and flows through the Glen of the Downs National Nature Reserve. Immediately south of Delgany village it receives the effluent from a small sewerage treatment works operated by Wicklow County Council. It is proposed to decommission this treatment works when the new treatment plant at Greystones South is in operation. The Environmental Impact Statement is thus concerned primarily with the 3km section of the stream between Delgany and the sea (Drg. No. 217/730) and considers the combined effects of both the proposed new treatment works at Greystones South and the closure of the existing works at Delgany.

3.6.2 The physio-chemical characteristics of the stream have been monitored by Wicklow County Council at For inspection purposes only. three sampling stations at intervalConsents ofsinc copyrighte 1986 owner. Threquirede location for any others o use.f these stations are shown in Drg. No. 217/730 and the detailed results of the sampling programme are given in Table 3.3. In summary, the stream is mainly neutral to alkaline (pH varies from 6.8 to 7.9) with relatively high hardness (ranging from 112 to 186 ug I"1)- This is surprising given that it drains off mainly acidic soils and would suggest that, in a natural state, the productivity (i.e. biomass of living organisms) in the stream would be relatively high.

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TABLE 3.3

Average physical and chemical characteristics of the Three Trouts Stream as monitored by Wicklow County Council, 1986-1991

Site Upstream of Downstream of Downstream Delgany S/W Delgany S/W Three Trout Br.

Number of samples 5 5 3

BOD (mg/1) 1.49 4.71 3.13 - NHj-N (Ammonia) 0.064 3.62 0.126

NO3-N (Nitrate) 1.8 1.8 2.5 PO.J-P (Orthophosphate) 0.094 0.288 0.375 Ph 7.5 7.3 7.3

Hardness (As CaCo3) 140 146 159

3.6.3 Delgany Treatment Works

The stream is currently receiving effluent from the Delgany Sewerage Works and this is elevating the

levels of Ammonia (MH,) and Phosphates (PO4) in the.water downstream of the works. As a result, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is relatively high and, at least in the section downstream from Delgany, it regularly exceeds the recommended limit of 4mg/l set by the EC Freshwater Fish Directive.

3.6.4 Biological Quality

Biological monitoring of the Three Trouts Stream has not been carried out regularly because it is not included in the monitoring programme carried out by the Environmental Research Unit/An Foras Forbartha (Toner et al 1986). However, the stream was sampled at three stations in 1986 by Giliian

Wiley of Trinity College, Dublin , whos For inspectione repor purposest was only.made available to Wicklow County Council. Her conclusions were that the streaConsentm was of moderatel copyright ownery pollute required dfor bot anyh other abov use.e and below Delgany Sewerage Works

and was satisfactory at the Three Trouts Bridge (1km downstream from Delgany).

The present study included a programme of biological sampling of the stream carried out on 27 April, 1991 at five sampling stations between Delgany and the sea (locations shown onDrg. No. 217/730). The sampling method was based on that used by the ERU (Toner et al 1986) and involved a 2 minute kick sample from a gravel riffle at each of the stations using a I mm mesh hand net to trap the organisms. All organisms trapped were sorted into taxa and counted allowing the fauna! composition at each station to be compared.

The absolute numbers of organisms recorded at each of the sampling stations are given Nature Consultants Report (Appendix No. 2). For ease of comparison the communiTy diversity at each site may be expressed in terms of the percentage composition of each of the major faunal groups. The results are presented graphically in Figure 3.2. Significant features were the numerical dominance of Mollusca (mostly the snail Poiamopyrgus jenidnsi) at Stations 1 and 3 and of OHgochaete (mostly the worm Tubifex :ubifex) at Station 2. The other stations (4 and 5) had a more balanced community.

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100 •} Fauna I Gr

Oiigochaeto

M2l I LfSCB

Tf I chapters E O O Ephernoptera 60 - Qi Ot-Tier Groups

c 0) u 1-

Stat ion No.

FIGURE 3.2 Percentage composition of -the macro-invertebrate community at five sampling stations on the Three fronts Stream

3.6.5 Water Quality Assessment

For water pollution assessment purposes, the macro-invertebrate communities of rivers have been divided arbitrarily into four groups - sensitive, less sensitive, tolerant and very tolerant forms. When fee relative For inspection purposes only. proportions of the various organismConsent of scopyright are determineowner requiredd forth anye otherwate use.r quality status is then inferred by

comparison with the expected ratios in unpolluted habitats of the type under investigation. The biological information can then be condensed to & readily understandable form by means of a five-point biotic index (Q values), an arbitrary system in which community composition and water quality are related as shown in the Table 3.4:-

TABLE 3.4

Q Value {biotic index) Biological diversity Water quality 5 High Good 4 Slightly reduced Fair 3 Significantly reduced Doubtful 2 Low Poor 2 Very low Bad

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The Q values for the Three Trouts Stream, as calculated for the five stations sampled in 1991, are shown graphically in Figure 3.3 with comparable values for Stations 1-3 taken from the report by Wiley (1986). The biological quality has shown little change in the 5-year interval.

Stati on No

FIGURE 3 3 Biological Quality Rating fjj Value} for five sample on the Three Trouts Stream between De I gany snd me c

In general, the water quality of the stream is fair as evidenced by the survival of some pollution-sensitive For inspection purposes only. organisms such as mayflies (Ephemeropteran)Consent of copyright owner and requiredcaddi fors flieany others (Trichoptera), use. The complete absence of stoneflies (Plecopiera) in the samples is surprising as they usually occur where mayflies are present. Their absence suggests that there is some enrichment even above the Sewerage Works at Station 1. This implies that the closure of the Delgany Sewerage Works alone will not be sufficient to produce good water quality.

3.6.6 Sources of Pollution

There are a number of possible sources of pollution in the Three Trouts Stream which were suggested by the biological sampling programme. These are outlined below:-

(i) Upstream of Delgany: The results of chemical and biological sampling indicate some enrichment upstream of the Delgany Sewerage Works. Sampling of invertebrates in the Glen of the Downs in 1990 showed that this stretch of the stream was unpolluted (Wicklow County Council, Environmental Impact Statement for Nil Proposed Kilmacanogue to Glen of the Downs Dual Carriageway). It is thus likely that the source(s) of pollution are in the 1km section upstream of Delgany.

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(ii) Delgany Sewerage Works: The water at Station 2 (100m downstream of the discharge point) is of fair/doubtful quality (Q3-4). The very high counts of Tubificid worms (Polychaete) indicates severe organic enrichment. This is confirmed by the physio-chemical data for the period 1986-91 which show high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids, ammonia and phosphates. The pollution is quite evident in discolouration and odour from the water in the stream.

(iii) Three Trouts Bridge: An outfall pipe discharges at the bridge but the source of the discharge is unknown. There were no obvious effects of the discharge on species numbers or community composition below the bridge suggesting that the outfall carries mainly stormwater. The numerical dominance of Mollusca in the sample at Station 4 may be influenced- by slight differences in substrate between stations 3 and 4.

(iv) Three Trouts Bridge to Site: This section of the stream passes through intensive arable farmland which is subject to a high level of fertiliser application. Run-off from the fields is clearly responsible for enrichment and a5gal growth at several points in the stream and may also be responsible for the slightly reduced water quality at the Siie (Station 5). The reduced numbers of Crustacea and Mollusca at this station also suggest a possible lowering of hardness in the water. No pouit sources of pollution in this stretch of the stream were identified.

3.6.7 Evaluation

The Three Trouts Stream receives enrichment from diffuse sources, both domestic and agricultural, in the section between the Glen of the Downs and the sea and one major point source, the Delgany Sewerage Works. The capacity of the sewage works is currently being exceeded. As a result, the stream has fair-doubtful water quality with some imbalance in the fauna) communities which can survive the water downstream of the Sewerage Works.

For inspection purposes only. 3.7 Beach Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

3.7.1 Geomorphology

The site for the proposed treatment works is located approximately 200 from the coast. The outfall pipes will pass through the shingle beach and continue below the seabed to the outfall site. This section of the beach is at the northern extremity of the barrier beach known as the Murragh. Il consists of coarse sand overlying shingle. There are no sand dunes in this section of the coast as the top of the beach has been fixed by a line of gabions to prevent erosion threatening the railway line. The beach here is approximately 50m wide from high water mark to low water mark and shelves steeply.

3.7.2 Ecological Interest

The beach is predominantly bare sand with a small amount of the annual plant species sea sandwort (Honkenya peploides), present during the summer months only. This species is common and widespread on Irish coasts. No birds nest on the section of shoreline immediately adjacent to the proposed outfall

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pipe which is subject to a high level of recreational use in summer. The beach is occasionally used in the non-breeding season for feeding or roosting by gulls and small flocks of waders, especially Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Turnstone. Small numbers of Hooded Crow, Rook, Pied Wagtail and Grey Wagtail also feed among the seaweed on the driftline.

3.7.3 Evaluation

The section of the beach which will be crossed by the oulfall pipes is not of special ecological interest.

3.8 Marine

3.8.1 General

The sea area into which the proposed outfall will discharge is a typical open coastal location, with strong runs in an almost north-south direction, with sandy beaches north and south of the town.

The adjacent coastal waters constitute part of the Irish Sea which, though relatively enclosed by land masses, has not been adversely affected on a iarge scale by the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents. Localised pollution of the Irish Sea is a serious problem however, particularly in areas close to large urban and industrial centres. Nutrient levels in the Irish Sea as a whole are higher than in the north-east Atlantic Ocean, and plankton blooms have been recorded at the souihern end of the Irish Sea (St. George's Channel) and in Liverpool Bay.

Information on water quality, especially temperature, nutrients and dissolved oxygen levels, is limited in its geographical coverage. Seabed flora and fauna, especially those near the coast, are good indicators of water quality and for this reason a survey of sea-bed organisms in the vicinity of the proposed outfall location was carried out. The survey also examined marine life around the existing short outfalls at the North and South beaches. The methods used in the survey are described in the Environmental

Management Services Repor t (Appendi For xinspection No. 3 purposes) and thonly.e results are given below. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

3.8.2 Topography and Sea-Bed Material

At low tide, a maximum deptfi of 10.6 metres was recorded at the outer most survey point, 840 metres from the shore (Figure 3.4). Moving in shore from the outermost survey point, the seabed consists initially of a coarse shell gravel (3-10cm) with small boulders (10-50cm) becoming more numerous over the first 100 metres reaching 30% cover. At between 500-600 metres from the shore, the level of boulder cover was very variable (25-50%), with some boulders up to one metre across, resting on finer I-3cm gravel.

From about 500 metres in, i.e., 340 metres from shore, the seabed type was relatively homogeneous with boulders of 10-50cm in size and comprising 30% of the cover interspersed with finer gravel (l-3cm). At about 240 metres the seabed changes dramatically with the slope becoming steeper and fine mobile sand burying the previous seabed type and continuing to the shore.

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3.8.3 Marine Life

The marine community is described along the proposed outfall line from the outermost survey point (840 metres offshore), to the beach. A full species list is given in the Environmental Management Services report.

The seabed of coarse shell grave! (3-10cm) contained with large numbers of horse mussej (Modiolus) shells, but no live specimens were observed. Initially little fauna was seen apart from some painted gobies (Pomatoschistus pictus) and solitary sea squirts (Molgula sp.). However, the seabed became progressively rockier with large numbers (up to 30%_ cover) of small boulders (10-50cm) on the coarse shell gravel. These small boulders provided a much more stable habitat for encrusting sessile-organisms and thus the faunal diversity was much higher.

The community observed was typical of a shallow sublittoral habitat with little silt due to tidal scour. The kelp Laminaria hyperborean was the dominant seaweed on top of the boulders with the understorey comprising the red algae Delesseria sanguinolema and large numbers of encrusting organisms. The latter included tunicates, bryozoans, hydroids (Senularia cupressina, Obelia geniculata), sponges (Myxilla rosacea, Srylosiichonplumosum, Halichdndriapanicea, Halichondriabowerbanki, Amphileaus fucorum) and anemones (ealia felina, Sagartia elegans).

The mobile fauna included starfish (Crossasierpappous, Asterias rubens), feather stars (Aniedon bifida), sea urchins (Echinus esculentits) crabs (Liocardnus puber. Cancer pagurus, Pagurus bernhardus, Porcellana longicornis, Macropodia rostrata, Inachus dorsetiensis), shrimp (Palaemon sp.), barnacles (Balanus cruentatus), sea snails (Bucdnum undatum, Calliostoma ziziphynum. Lacuna vincta) and sea slugs. Other large seaweeds which were observed were Halidrys siliqua and Saccorhize polyschides. Some pieces of live maerl, a eorraline algae Lishothamnion, were also noted.

Increasing numbers of overturned boulders occur from about 480 metres from the shore. The concomitant replacement of the kelp Laminaria hyperborean by the kelps L. digitate, L. saccharhina and Saccorhiza potyschides is indicative of more turbulent water movement. That this turbulence overturned and rocked boulders, as well as causing abrasion due to shingle movement, was apparent from the distribution of epifauna on them. Bare patches of boulder clay beneath the shingle were also apparent. For inspection purposes only. Sponges were now the dominanConsentt membe of copyrightr of owner the requiredepifaun fora anymakin other use.g up to 80% of the cover on boulders.

A number of juvenile dragnet fish were observed.

The diversity of marine life decreased within 240 metres of the shore. Encrusting coralline algae (Lithothamnion) became more significant as other organisms that are less well adapted to sand scour were replaced. At less than 4 metres depth, the boulder/shingle substratum was buried with mobile sand and a few specimens of Laminaria digitate were seen protruding up through the sand cover. This sand continues all the way to the low tide mark.

3.8.4 Comments on the^MarineJFIcira^and Fauna

The succession of macrophytes observed is typical of any Irish rocky coast with Laminaria hyperborean dominating at depths greater than approximately 7 to 8 metres and being progressively replaced at shallower depths by Laminaria digitate and Laminaria saccharina. Similarly the fauna found are typical of a current swept, relatively silt free stony bottom community.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:50 Figure 3.4 Depth Profile of Proposed Greystones Outfall

10 Depth below Sea Surface

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

120 250 360 490 600 725 650 Distance from Shore (metres) Series A

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The succession observed in the encrusting fauna is due to a progressive increase in sand scour and wave action as one approaches the beach. The more erect organisms start to be replaced by lower growing forms such as sponges around the 400 metres mark and these in turn are replaced by the coralline encrusting algae around 250-31X1 metres out. Finally even these are overcome when smothered by the mobile sand from 200 metres out, this being so mobile and of such a shallow depth over the rocks that little or no faun can exist in it.

Despite the absence of published data on comparable subtidal marine communities on the Irish Sea coast of Ireland, it is very likely that the area around Greystones is not unique. No habitats or marine communities of significant conservation value were found, and no factors are present which would indicate that the marine life is sensitive or vulnerable to the discharge of treated effluent.

3.8.5 Existing Marine Outfall

The discharge from both the North and South beach outfalls are visible from the beach, particularly at low tide. When the tide is higher, the upwelling of effluent from the North Beach outfall is readily visible. As a consequence, the outfalls detract from the amenity value of the North and South beaches.

Discharges of partially treated sewage from these outfalls are also associated with poor water quality which has been the cause of numerous complaints by residents. Coliform counts carried out by the Public Health Laboratory of the Eastern Health Board have heen in excess of the EC Bathing Waters Directive standard and the Irish National Limit Value and in the summer of 1991 Wicklow County Council erected signs warning swimmers against using the North Beach. The survey at the two outfall sites showed the following:-

(a) South Beach

The existing south beach outfall is exposed at low tide. The diver-operated underwater sled survey indicated that the seabed materials and marine communities were essentially the same as dial found on the proposed new outfall route, both in a north-south direction up and down the shore and in a seaward For inspection purposes only. direction. The sampling dive confirmeConsent of copyrightd this; ownerno visuall requiredy for apparen any other tuse. differences were found in seabed type

and fauna! composition. The outfall was not discharging a! the time of the survey.

(b) North Beach

The upwelling of effluent from the North Beach outfall is readily visible a few metres from the shore. The seabed of the area in the vicinity of the North beach outfall is composed of ridges of sticky, stable clay one to two metres high, running perpendicular to the shore widi sand flooring the troughs. This area was more silly, with the underwater visibility being less than 20cm on occasions in comparison to two to three metres elsewhere. This may well have been due to the fact that this outfall was discharging at the time of the survey.

The surface of the clay was completely devoid of sessile encrusting fauna due to constant erosion. The only sessile organisms observed were some small kelp plants (Laminaria digitate) growing on rocks embedded in the clay.

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Other organisms seen were the crabs Cancer pagurus, Liocarcinus puber, the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus and a dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula. There was also evidence of a considerable quantity of infauna burrowing in the clay, these primarily being the paddock, Zirfaea crispaia.

3.8.6 Comments on Possible Effects of the Existing Outfalls

The lack of an observed visual impact of the existing outfalls on marine life is probably due to rapid dispersal and dilution of the effluent and to its degradation in well oxygenated conditions. The survey undertaken can only provide information at the point in time when the study was completed, the possibility that longer-term changes may be taking place would go undetected and should not be ignored.

Discharges of sewage to the marine environment are normally associated with increases in aquatic vegetation, but there is some limited evidence to suggest that the opposite may have occurred in Greystones. In the past, according to local information, seaweed used to be washed ashore in the vicinity of the harbour, during and after storms. This material was sold to local farmers as a fertilizer supplement. Presently, very little aquatic vegetation comes ashore after storms. -

Additionally, piers which years ago were colonised by marine algae currently remain clean. Algal species which used to be abundant, such as bootlace seaweed, can no longer be found. Such observations may suggest the presence of a contaminate which is having a toxic or inhibitory effect.

3.8.7 Existing Bacteria! Quality of Water

In addition to considering the effects of the existing outfalls on marine life, their impact on the quality of water used for bathing or swimming, must be taken inlo account. The presence of sewage discharges has been the cause of many complaints by community members. These concerns have been partially addressed by the water quality monitoring programme carried out by the Public Health Laboratory of the Eastern Health Board. Figure 3.5 summarizes the tests completed from July 1987 to the present.

Nineteen percent of these tota l colifor Form inspection count spurposes were only.in excess of the Irish National Limit Value (5000 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. coliforms/100 ml sample) and 13 percent of these counts exceeded the Mandatory EC standard (10000 coliforms/100 ml sample) for bathing waters. Total coliform counts include micro-organisms which are not necessarily of human origin.

Faecal colifonns are more specific organisms which are limited to the digestive tracts of mammals (humans included). For faecal coliforms, 33 percent of the results exceeded the Irish National Limit Value {1000 Coliforms/100 ml sample) and 17 percent were in excess of the Mandatory EC standard. It may be pointed out that colifonns are not necessarily pathogenic, but are generally accepted as an indicator of contamination by sewage.

Some of the coliforms counts have been unacceptably high, for example, in September 1988, the total coliform count was 160,000 and the faecal coliform count was 60,000 colifonns/lOOml sample; likewise in July 1991, the total coliform count peaked at 180,000 with a faecal count of 22,500 coliforms/100 ml sample. A high faecal coliform count of 18,000 coliforms/100 ml sample was also reported in August of 1990. These values are exceptionally high; untreated wastewater generally has a coliform count of 3 million to 5 million colonies per 100 ml sample.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:50 GREYSTONES WATER QUALITY TOTAL COLIFORMS/lOOml SAMPLE

5000 - 10000 (6%)

10000 (13%) < 5000 (81%) GREYSTONES WATER QUALITY FAECAL COLIFORMS/lOOml SAMPLE

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

000-2000(16%)

< 1000 (67%)

>2000

Figure 3.5 - Greystones Water Quality - Coliforms

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It is considered that the existing storm water discharge arrangements should be checked, to establish if they are operating as designed, or if foul sewage sources have been inadvertently connected to them.

3.8.8 Amenity Uses of the Grevstones Coastal Area

The Greystones Coastal Area is heavily used for recreational purposes:-

(a) History

Greystones has historically been a summer seaside resort. Tourists come to Greystones to enjoy the seafront, hike the surrounding hills and participate in water sports such as fishing, boating and swimming. In earlier times, the centre of activity was the harbour; this was not only a meeting place for fishermen and sailors, but also a preferred location for swimming races and other water contact activities.

Greystones lost its status as a tourist attraction in the mid-1950's when the car/ferry service was initiated in Dun Laoghaire. Irish tourists could now travel to Europe for their holidays, while European visitors could bring their cars and see sites throughout Ireland. This led to a slump in Greystones' tourists trade, but not a reduction in the amenity uses of the surrounding coast. Coastal and nearshore activities include fishing (commercial and recreational), swimming, diving, boating and coastal walking. The areas where these activities take place are shown in Drg. No. 217/728, and are described briefly below.

(b) W.ickl_pw_ County Council Development Plan

The importance of the coast as a tourist and recreation resource is recognised in the Wicklow County Council Development Plan and the desirability of developing the area more fully is accepted. The Council recognises the importance of the coast as a day visitor destination and that there is considerable demand for based holiday accommodation. The stated policy of the Council in planning

the future development o f th e are aFor to inspection adopt thpurposese broa only.d strategy outlined in the National Coastline study Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. which is based on maintaining and increasing the capacity of the coast to cater for day visitors, while providing for based holiday makers at specific locations.

Many residents are swimming enthusiasts, some having swum in the waters of the Greystones' coast for decades. There has been a swimming club in the town since 1920.

Swimming and water safety classes are conducted on the North Beach of Greystones by members of the National Safety Council. This group trains approximately 120 people a year in the handling of aquatic emergencies.

Prior to the construction of the North Beach sewage treatment plant, approximately 20 percent of swimming took place on the North Beach, currently on the National Safety Council uses the North Beach and even then with concern for water quality. This concern was apparently justified for at the end of the summer of 1991, Wicklow County Council erected signs warning swimmers against using the North Beach.

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(d) Scuba Diving

Because of the interesting submarine flora and fauna, scuba diving is becoming an increasingly popular aquatic sport in Greystones. Currently, Greystones has a fairly active diving club which holds dives two or three times a week.

(e) Boating Activities

Greystones has a small and fairiy exposed harbour with 44 safe small boat moorings and 60 moorings which are more exposed. Sailing is limited to small boats. There are no deep water'moorings, visiting yachts can only moor for short periods and then only in good weather. From the harbour there is limited access to the water with on)y one slip available for launching boats. At the height of the season, the harbour accommodates a fleet of approximately 120 boats (including 15-20 trailerable boats). The peak usage of the harbour is usually associated with the numerous fishing competitions.

Greystones1 Sailing Club is located just north of the harbour, and maintains a roster of 200 members. The club is active from early April to the end of October, with scheduled events occurring on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Windsurfers {Board Sailors) occasionally come to Greystones, but this is not as popular a sport as small boat sailing.

Plans currently being considered to construct a marina in Greystones include extension of the pier and slipway. The harbour basin would be dredged to give adequate deptii for boats. It is also recommended by the developers thai reclaimed land on the wesfem boundary would be used to provide space for car parking and for boat and dinghy storage. A system of floating pontoons and finger berths is proposed for the new harbour which could safely berth over 200 boars. A site for a boat hoist dock is also being considered.

(f) Coastal Walks

For inspection purposes only. At Greystones two scenicConsent walk sof meetcopyright; th ownere Clif requiredf Wal fork anyto otherthe nortuse. h links Greystones to Bray, skirting

the sides of Bray Head and providing fme views of the coast and sea. There is a problem with the visual amenity of the Cliff Walk, specifically near Greystones' North Beach in that the outfall is clearly visible as is the upwelling of the wastefield along with seagulls which feed off of the discharged material. Such a view detracts from the amenity value of the walk.

South of Greystones to Six Mile Point, the coast consists of a low shingle and gravel beach, along the top of which the railway line runs. A popular coastal walk extends southward by the railway line. With views inland toward the Wicklow Mountains across a series of lagoons and wetlands of ornithological interest. Around 2km north of Six Mile Point there is an opening through the gravel barrier, allowing the tide to flow under the railway line into and out of the lagoon. The coastal walk to the south continues to Kilcoole, Newcastle and Wicklow.

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3.8.9 Fishing

The Greystones coastal area is used for both commercial and recreational fishing:-

(a) Cgmmjercial Fishing Activities

Only a few families carry out commercial fishing operations from Greystones' harbour, while a large number of nearshore trawlers and half deckers from other ports frequently fish these waters. Primarily these trawlers catch cod and plaice.

Locally occurring shell fish species include crabs, scallops, whelks and mussels, but none of these are available in commercial quantities, nor are they fished commercially on any significant scale. The stony and boulder-strewn nature of the seabed suggest its suitability for crabs and lobsters, several species of crabs were noted during the marine survey, but no lobsters were seen.

In the past few years, local fisherman have noticed a decrease in the size and number of fish caught; this has generally been attributed to increases in commercial fishing. Local fisherman have also noticed that their nets and ropes are often coated with a slime layer, which may have been derived from plankton usually associated with nutrient enriched waters. This type of plankton is of natural occurrence, and is often found in association with converging water masses in which fish are plentiful.

(b) Recreational Fishing Activities

Greystones is particularly popular with sport fishermen. The stretch of coast from Greystones to Newcastle is considered by the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers to be one of the best sea fishing area, on the eastern shore of Ireland. Part of the reason for this is due to the Moulditch Bank (also called the Moulditch Rock Ridge) which is a favourite feeding ground for a range of local and migratory fish species, especially plaice, but also codling, coal fish, pouting, pollack, haddock, dogfish, flounder, whiting, dab, conger, shark and ray. Bass which are usually not found in these waters are

starting to reappear in smal l numbers For inspection. purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Small boat fishing in the area is considered to be excellent. Reasonable quantities of whiting can be caught within a 100 metres of shore. The small boat season runs from April to December, while fisning from the shore occurs throughout the year.

The community has nearly a dozen fishing clubs such as the Silver Hook, the Ridge Angling Club and Inchicore Angling Club. Other clubs from Dalkey, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin and Wicklow also frequent these waters. Anglers from Britain, specifically from North Wales and Merseyside regions, have also been attracted to Greystones. Local anglers have noted that the number of clubs in Greystones and the frequency with which other clubs visit seems to be increasing.

Greystones is also a preferred location for fishing competitions. There are two to three open fishing competitions held monthly, of which a couple are major annual events organized by the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers and by the Irish Angling and Surfcasting Association. In addition to these major fishing competitions there are also numerous individual club competitions. On any normal Sunday there may be 100 anglers fishing from the shore, and during competition up to 400 may participate.

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The area between Bray Head and North Beach used to be a popular fishing spot, but for a variety of reasons, such as the erosion of the beach front, odours and lines being tangled with floating objects etc., it is now avoided by recreational fishermen.

3-9 Archaeology

3.9.1 Preliminary Assessment

The preliminary archaeological assessment is based on:-

• A review of all published and publicly available information.

• Liaison with the local historical and archaeological society (The Friends of Old Rathdown).

• Field examination of the area.

The review of published and publicly available information consisted of examination of !he records of the Office of Public Works, Sites and Monuments Record and the source material used in the compilation of this record, including the files of the National Museum of Ireland.

Based on these sources there appear to be archaeological implications for the development of the site.

3.9.2 Artifacts and Enclosures

The area £o be developed lies in a townland (Delgany/Killmcarrig) which has yielded artifacts dating to the Bronze Age and early medieval periods (NMI files).

The early medieval artifacts, a bronze ringed-pin and a silver finger ring, both dating to the 12-13th century, were discovered during metal-detecting in the field in which the sewerage treatment works is to be constructed (Friends of Ol d Rathdown) For inspection. purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

The precise location was not recalled but an approximate position was indicated and is marked on Drg^ No. 217/727.

The site lies close to two levelled enclosures (Wicklow, 6" Sh.13, SMR9and 10; see Drg. No. 217/727) which were discovered by Dr. J.K.S. St. Joseph during aerial reconnaissance of the area (Photo ref. BGE 85). However both sites have been completely destroyed, only very recently, during extensive earth- moving in the development of the area as a golf course.

3.9.3 Further Investigation

An archaeological investigation was undertaken at the site, under licence from die National Monuments section of the Office of Public Works. This is discussed further in Section 4 below.

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3.10 Roads and Traffic

3.10.1 Immediate Access

Access to the site is from Mill Road via an existing road serving Burnaby housing development, the hotel and the driving range. Leaving Mill Road, the first 190 metres of access has a 5.5 metre wide surfaced carriageway with a footpath along its western side. This road is tree lined and well maintained. The next 110 metres of access, leading towards the hotel, has a 4.3 metre wide surfaced carriageway with no footpath. The access then forks with the left hand leg going towards the existing driving range. This is a 4.5 metre wide unsurfaced hardcored access which terminates at the driving range buildings._ From the driving range to the proposed site is along a field boundary.

Access to the proposed treatment works will be improved by providing a minimum of 6.0 metre wide carriageway all the way from Mill Road to the site, with a footpath along one side. This will be done without removing any of the existing trees along the route.

3.10.2 Arga_Access

Access to the area is via Mill Road which runs west on L164 through Killincarrig and Delgany to link with National Primary Route Nl 1 at Glen of the Downs. In the other direction Mill Road runs east and north through the centre of Greystones and on to Bray via regional road R761. Mill Road has been realigned and widened west of the site entrance as far as Killincarrig. From the latter village, through Delgany and on to Nil the road has not been realigned and there are some substandard bends and junctions along this section. East and north of the site entrance, Mill Road has been realigned and widened as far as Church Road. Generally, there is a good road system through Greystones.

3.10.3 Traffic

The proximity of National Primary Route Nl 1 to the west of Greystones means that most heavy traffic travelling in a north south directio n For alon inspectiong the purposeseaster nonly. corridor avoids Greystones. Furthermore, the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. centre of the town is on a loop !o the east off regional road R761 which is the coast road from Bray to Wicklow. Even local through traffic can therefore avoid the town centre. The centre of Greystones is therefore not subject to any great volume of through traffic.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:51 SECTION NO. 4 - IMPACT ASSESSMENT

4.1 Sewage Treatment Process

4.3.1 General

It is proposed to construct a new 40,000 population equivalent capacity sewage treatment and effluent disposal facility at Greystones, to cater for all sewage flows from Greystones and Delgany.

The Treatment Works will be designed to achieve a final effluent quality of 20 mg/1 BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and 30mg/lS.S. (Suspended Solids). This represents over 90% removal of both BOD and SS.

This effluent quality standard complies with the requirements of the EC Directive on Urban Waster Water Treatment and will ensure that there is no significant impact on the receiving water. It is considered that Tertiary Treatment is not required.

The treatment process will also achieve a 90-95 % reduction in bacterial concentrations. The final effluent will be discharged via a 750km long sea outfall where the dilutions "available at the discharge point will ensure that residual coliform concentrations are within die EC directive on Earning Water Quality.

4.1.2

The design population equivalent for the treatment works is 40,000 persons, giving estimated hydraulic and organic headings of 9000m3 and 2400Kg BOD/per day at an average concentration of 267mg/I BOD.

4.1.3 Treatment Process For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. In order to achieve the effluent quality required, the treatment process selected is the Activated Sludge process, which is an aerobic biological system. Tertiary treatment is not required. This is discussed further below.

The process provides firstly for preliminary treatment and settlement to remove gross solids from the waster water flows. The remaining organic material, which is in the form of dissolved and colloidal solids, is then mixed with an 'activated sludge' of microbiological organisms which oxidises or breaks down the organic matter.

This reaction or breaking down process takes place over several hours in an aeration tank to which air is added as a supply of oxygen to the aerobic micro-organisms in the activated sludge. The mixed liquor of waste water and activated sludge biomass is then carried forward to a settlement tank where the biomass quickly settles out of suspension leaving a treated and clarified effluent which is practically free from suspended solids and with BOD levels reduced by 93% to less than 20 mg/1.

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4.1.4 Sludge Handling

In the breakdown of organic matter in the waste water by the activated sludge micro-organisms there is a continuous synthesis or growth in the sludge biomass and this excess siudge has to be removed from the system. This excess activated sludge together with the sludge removed in the primary settlement tanks requires further treatment before disposal.

The purpose of the sludge treatment system is to stabilise the sludge (i.e. remove the odour producing potential and to reduce its volume) so that it can be safely and economically disposed either to a landfill site or to agricultural land.

The sludge stabilisation process selected is Anaerobic Digestion in which the organic matter in the sludge is broken down by anaerobic, organisms (i.e. can only survive in the absence of oxygen). The digested sludge will be mechanically dewatered to reduce the volume to be disposed of.

The estimated tola! of solids produced at full design loading is 2904Kg/per day dry weight. However, before treatment and dewatering, the Primary sludge would be at circa 95 % water (5 % solids) whereas the excess activated sludge could be expected to be at about 1% solids. The overall volume of sludge is estimated at 166m3/day.

The dewatering process will increase the solids level to 20-25 % thereby reducing the volumes to be disposed to I1.6/14.5m3/day.

4.1.5 Treatment Works

The main treatment units are described below and the layout of the works is shown on Drg. Nos. 217/713 Rev. A and 217/725 Rev. A.

(i) Iniet Works/Preliminary Units

All sewage flows enterin g th e treatmen For inspectiont work purposess ar only.e collected in an inlet sump and are then pumped Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. using archimedean screw pumps lo a high level in order to provide gravity flow through the treatment works.

Preliminary treatment in the inlet works comprises:-

(a) Mechanically raked screens to remove debris and large solids and

(b) Grit traps to remove grit particles arising from surface water drainage.

Screenings removed from the sewage flow will be washed and dewatered and removed with the grit to landfill. Organic matter and wash water from the screenings is returned to the main flow.

The total flows into the treatment works are then measured. During periods of heavy rainfall, excess flows above the hydraulic limit of the treatment works (3 times the average dry weather flow) are diverted to a storm holding tank, where they are stored until the incoming flow falls below the maximum hydraulic limit. At this time the stored sewage re-enters the treatment process.

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The preliminary units are located in long narrow open channel and the preliminary treatment area will be fully enclosed to eliminate any possible nuisance from noise or odour.

Potential sources of odour at the inlet works are from the inlet sump, screening and grit removal. Also the odour potential will be increased by the rotating archimedean screw pumps creating some minor aerosol effect.

Low noise levels will result from electric motors driving the screw pumps, screening mechanism and grit equipment.

(ii) Primary Settlement

Following preliminary treatment and flow measurement, sewage flows discharge to 4 No. 17.5 metre diameter primary settlement tanks which remove gross and settleable solids from the waste water. These are radial flow tanks with solids settling to the floor of the tank and the waste water discharging over a peripheral weir. The tanks have sloping floors and are largely below ground. The surface hydraulic loading on these tanks is restricted to a maximum of 1.2m3/m2 per hour at which approximately 60% of the total suspended solids is settled out. There is a corresponding reduction in BOD of 30 %.

The solids settle as a sludge at the bottom of the tanks from where it is discharged to the sludge thickening and treatment system.

These are open tanks with a sidewall depth of 3 metres and sloping floors. They are largely below ground.

Odour levels from the primary tanks are very low. The sludge settling in the bottom of these tanks could give rise to odour problems but this sludge is pumped in a closed system to the sludge treatment system and is not exposed to the atmosphere.

A rotating bridge scrape r o n thes Fore inspectiontanks is purposes drive nonly. by a small horsepower electrical motor with very low noise levels (acousticallConsenty damped) of copyright. owner required for any other use.

The waste water flow now passes to the Activated Sludge tanks.

(iii) Activated Sludge Tanks

There are 2 No. activated sludge tanks each 50 metres !ong by 5 metres wide with a liquid depth of 4.5 metres. These are open tanks largely below ground. Diffused air and separate mixing systems are provided in these tanks to maintain the required dissolved oxygen (D.O.) level for the activated sludge and to ensure that the waste water and activated sludge are completely mixed.

The air blowers for the diffused air system will be housed in a separate fully enclosed building.

A computer control system is provided to monitor the D.O. level in the activated sludge tanks and to control the operation of the aeration system.

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The potential for odour from these tanks by aerosol effect is minimised by the provision of a diffused air submerged aeration system as opposed to a surface aeration system.

Compressors and blowers for the air supply are housed indoors in a suitably insulated building. Noise levels from low speed submerged paddle mixers are minimal (also acoustically damped).

The activated sludge tanks have a retention time of 6.8 hours following which the mixed liquor of waste water and activated sludge discharges to the secondary settlement tanks.

(iv) Secondary Settlement Tanks

The secondary settlement tanks or clarifiers are also of circular (radial flow) design. Four 20 metre diameter tanks are provided.

The surface hydraulic loading is restricted to a maximum of 0.9m3/m: per hour and this allows the activated sludge to quickly settle from the treated waste water which then discharges over peripheral weirs.

Settled sludge in the clarifiers is continuously withdrawn and returned to the activated sludge tanks.

The tanks have a side wall depth of 2 metres with a sloping floor. They are open tanks largely below ground.

The secondary settling tanks are essentially odour free. As with the primary settling tanks, there are rotating bridge scrapers provided on these tanks driven by small horsepower acoustically damped electric motors.

The final effluent from the clarifiers is then pumped to the Surge Tower from where it discharges to the sea.

For inspection purposes only. 4 1 6 Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. - - jPtschargejtfTreated Effluent

(i) Final Effluent Quality

The final effluent quality from the treatment works is as foliows:-

BOD5 : 20mg/l S.S. : 30mg/l Coliforms : 5xl06 co I i form/100ml

The following works are provided to discharge the treated effluent to the Irish Sea.

(ii) Surge Tower

The surge tower is an 10m high fully enclosed structure. The height of the tower is selected to provide sufficient head to compensate for varying tide levels and friction losses in the outfall pipeline and diffuser.

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(iii) Marine Outfall

A 400mm nominal diameter outfall pipe is laid from the surge tower under the sea bed for a distance of 750 metres off the coast line. At this point a number of diffusers rise up through the sea bed and disperse the treated effluent. The diffuser is designed so that an initial dilution of al least 50 to 1 is achieved and that no two plumes interact with each other. Cover to the outfall pipe will be 1.5m minimum.

The discharge point is selected following a very extensive hydrographic survey of the sea bed and tidal and current movements and predictive mathematical modelling. The surveys and mathematical modelling were undertaken at an overall cost of £96,000.00.

The construction and calibration of the mathematical model, and subsequent predictive modelling has been independently assessed by Dr. Graham Copeland of the University of Strathclyde. he concludes;

"that the conclusions and recommendations made by Irish Hydrodala Ltd, are reasonable, and form a valid basis for the engineering design of the Greystones Marine Outfall."

(iv) hnpactj)f Effluent Discharge

Outside the immediate mixing zone at the discharge location there will be virtually no increase in BOD levels, thus ensuring no reduction in dissolved oxygen levels. The dilutions afforded to the effluent will also ensure that bacteria levels are significantly reduced and that all bathing waters will comply with the EC Directive on Bathing Waters (76/160/EECJ and with the Irish N.L.V.'s. Sterilisation (Disinfection) of the treated effluent is not required.

4.1.7 Sludge Treatment Plant

(i) Sources For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

There are two sources of sludge arising from the main treatment process:

• Primary sludge from the primary settlement tanks • Excess activated sludge

These sludges require further treatment before disposal and this comprises:

• Thickening to reduce volumes and increase the solids content of the sludge. • Digestion to stabilise the sludge • Mechanical dewatering to reduce the final volume of sludge cake which must be disposed off site.

The plant is described in the following sub-sections.

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(ii) Sludge Thickeners

Three 10 metre diameter sludge thickeners are provided. In order !o contain any odour these tanks are fully enclosed. Excess air from the tanks is brought to the central power building for scrubbing to remove odour.

The thickened sludge is transferred to the digesters, whilst supernatant liquid removed is returned to the main treatment works.

(iii) Digesters

Two digesters are provided. For process reasons, the structural form of these units approximates to the "egg-shape" and will be most likely be constructed from concrete; although other materials will be investigated. The digesters, partially buried, will be 11 metres high and 10 metres diameter and will be the most obvious feature at the treatment works. Great care has been taken in the location of these structures within the site and they will be clad with a dark non-reflective cladding to reduce their impact.

Sludge entering the digester is heated to between 30" to 35°C (mesophyllic range) where bacteria attack the sludge breaking down the volatile components and releasing methane and carbon dioxide gas and traces of hydrogen sulphide. The sludge is retained for a minimum 14 days within the digester. The gas is withdrawn from the digester and burnt in a Combined Heat and Power Unit (CHP). A portion of the gas is used to heal the sludge in the digester with the remaining being burnt to produce electricity. The CHP unit is housed in the Power Building (see below). Following digestion the sludge is transferred to storage tanks for batch feeding to the sludge dewatering plant. The sludge storage tanks are enclosed in a separate building.

(iv) Sludge Dewatering

The digested, stabilised sludge is transferred to the Sludge Dewatering Building where it is For inspection purposes only. mechanically dewatered Consentby filte of copyrightr bel ownert presse requireds oforr anycentrifuges other use. . Other methods of mechanical

dewatering may also be examined. The dewatering is carried out on a batch process and thickens the sludge to a "spadeable" cake condition containing 20 - 25% dry solids. Ail air from the dewatering area of the building is taken to the "Power Building" for odour scrubbing.

(v) Sludee Disposal

As previously stated, the sludge is reduced in volume to between 11 and 15 mVper day with solids concentrations between 20 and 25 %. The sludge will be discharged to appropriately designed waste skips or lorries and transported off site on a 5 day week basis to landfill.

This will involve some 1/2 loads per day at maximum loading depending on the size of vehicle selected.

The feasibility of disposing the sludge to agricultural land will also be investigated. Disposal to land must be carried out in accordance with the EC Directive 86/278/EEC governing the spreading of sewage sludges on agricultural land.

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(vi) Power Building

The Power Building is a separate building near the Sludge Dewatering Building in the eastern portion of the site. The primary function of this building is in housing the CHP unit. It will also be used as the main power distribution centre for the treatment works and for locating all of the E.S.B. 's transformers and metering equipment.

Air extracted from all buildings or enclosed tanks on ihe site:

• Inlet Works/Preliminary Units • Siudge Thickeners • Sludge Storage • Sludge Dewatering • Storm Tanks

is transferred to the Power Building where it is utilised in the CHP unit, with the excess scrubbed using a Scrubbing Stack or modified Activated Carbon filters to remove all odorous gases.

The burnt gases from the CHP unit will be discharged to the atmosphere via an exhaust stack. The gases discharged are carbon dioxide and water; trace concentrations of sulphur dioxide will also be present. The emissions will be required to comply with the T.-A. Luft.

4.1.8 Storm Holding Tank

The storm tank will be a large rectangular tank, 55m x 20m in plan, in the eastern portion of the site. The tank will be used to store sewage flows in excess of the designed hydraulic loading of the treatment, works. This will occur during periods of heavy rainfall in Greystones, causing the flow to the treatment works to exceed the hydraulic capacity of the works.

The excess flow is directed to the storm tank for storage after preliminary treatment. Under normal

conditions this stored sewag e wil l b e For returne inspectiond purposesto the only.treatment process once the storm peak has passed. In extreme cases, the intensitConsenty and ofduratio copyrightn owner of requiredthe stor form any wil otherl use.fill the storm tank. If this high flow

continues then the storm tank will overflow into a storm outfall pipe and flow ou! to sea. It is anticipated that this will only occur five to ten times per year. The storm outfall pipe will be laid under the sea bed and discharge via a diffuser at a distance off the coastline. Any discharge through the storm outfall will be significantly diluted compared to normal sewage due to the large quantities of rainwater and with all gross solids removed. The storm outfall will be designed to comply with the E.G. Directive on the Quality of Bathing water (76/160/EEC).

The storage of raw sewage for a long period in the storm tank could lead to odour problems. The tank is therefore enclosed and all air is extracted and transferred to the Power Building for scrubbing.

4.1.9 Plant Operatignj Control and Maintenance

In a separate section of the sludge dewatering building there is a main office, control room, laboratory, storage rooms, workshop and general personnel areas including canteen, toilets, and showers.

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The treatment works will feature a comprehensive computer hased Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA). The entire plant will be continually monitored. The control of each individual item of equipment will be responsive to the sewage inflow concentrations and specified parameters to optimise its efficiency and guarantee a high quality effluent. The plant will have a sophisticated gas monitoring system which will analyse concentrations of methane, hydrogen sulphide, petrol vapour and oxygen deficiency as well as other dangerous and odorous gases sometimes encountered in sewage treatment works. All of these gases will be removed and passed through a scrubbing stack or modified activated carbon filter to neutralise gasses and remove all odour.

Although the treatment works wili be fuily automated-, an operator will be in attendance on a normal five day week. If a problem occurs when the plant is unattended, a call-out system will automatically call out the operator or other designated personnel for assistance. Inherent failsafe operation is a prime consideration throughout the treatment works design.

4.1.10 Tertiary Treatment

Possible forms of Tertiary Treatment include the following;

- Final Polishing - Nutrient Reduction - Disinfection

Assessing these in relation to the Greystones proposal;

Final Polishing: This further treatment would further reduce BOD, SS and bacteria concentrations. It has no application at Greystones, where large dilutions are available in the receiving waters, due to the strong current regime. It would not remove the need for a "long" sea outfall, and is therefore not cost effective.

Nutrient Reduction: This woul d reduc For inspectione Nitroge purposesn an only.d Phosphorus levels in the final effluent. It is Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. required for disposal to "sensitive waters", where enrichment could, or is, leading to problems with algal blooms etc. The receiving waters at Greystones show no evidence of nutrient enrichment and have not been designated as "sensitive". Jt is considered unlikely that they will be, in the foreseeable future. The treatment process therefore does not require the addition of Tertiary Treatmenl to result in compliance with the EC Urban Waste Water Directive, or with other relevant legislation. The addition of nutrient reduction would not remove the need for a "long" sea outfall.

Disinfection: This would kill virtually all E. Coliform, thereby eliminating the need for the "long" sea outfall, with a short outfall only being necessary to comply with the Irish N.L.V.'s and the EC Bathing Water Directive. The forms of disinfection in common usage at present are both expensive to install and to operate. In view of the very high operational costs associated with disinfection, it would only be an option where the installation of a long outfall was environmentally acceptable, or where construction constraints rendered it prohibitively expensive. This is not the case at Greystones, where the chosen route is ideal for the laying of an outfall.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:51 However, the costs of the various types of Tertiary Treatment have been assessed.

Costs Type Capital Operational Final Polishing £445,000 £63,000 per annum

Nutrient Reduction £115,000 £35 ,000 per annum (Nitrogen only) Disinfection £495,000 £99,000 per annum

The final layout of the Treatment Works is such that Tertiary Treatment in the form of Nitrogen Reduction could be added during the life of the plant. The layout will allow the addition of the additional aeration tank capacity (retention line of circa 10 hrs. required). Additional compressor capacity will also be required.

4.2 Main Visually Impacting Features

4.2.1 The principal impacting features (in a visual sense) of the proposal are as follows:-

(i) Inlet Works and Preliminary Treatment - This is a fully enclosed structure consisting of the screw pumps, bar screens, grit traps and the measurement flume. Roof height will be 7.0m above existing ground.

(ii) Primary Settlement Tanks - These open tanks are sited on an area of reduced level (1.0 to 2.5m). The top of the tanks will stand some 500mm above finished ground level.

(iii) Aeration Tanks - These are open tanks some 1.3m above existing ground levels. However, the

surrounding ground wil l b e raise Ford inspection by 500m purposesm to only. leave 800mm of tank above finished ground level. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

(iv) Secondary Sedimentation Tanks - Open tanks some 600mm above existing ground level and 500mm above finished ground levels (Ground filled by 100mm).

(v) Surge Tower - A roofed structure some 10m above existing ground levels. Surrounds raised slightly.

(vi) Sludge Thickening Tanks - Enclosed within a structure some 5.4m above existing ground levels.

(vii) Storm Tanks - Covered tanks some 3 .Om above existing ground levels. Surround to be filled within 600rom of top of wall.

(viii) Sludge Press Building and Office - Enclosed building some 7m above existing ground levels. Surround filled by 0.5m.

(ix) Power Room and E.S.B. Sub-station - Roofed building some 3.5m over existing ground levels. E.S.B. sub-station probably 0.5m lower.

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(x) Digesters - Two large circular tanks partially buried. Top of tank domed with a valve at the top. The total height will be 11.5m above existing and Finished ground levels. The height to edge of tank (without dome and valve) will be 7m above existing ground level.

(xi) Gas Storage Tank - A small, cylindrical tank less than 4.0m high.

(xii) Sludge Holdine Tanks - These are large square tanks predominantly at ground level.

(xiii) Security, joundary Fence - Metal palisade fence some 2.5 - 3.0m high encloses complete site.

(xiv) Site Lighting - The site requires low level lighting, which will only be in operation when an operator is in attendance.

4.3 Visual

4.3.1 Introduction

Visual impacts will arise from a number of factors mcluding;-

a) Loss of one hedgerow, some trees and other vegetation.

b) Temporary construction activity.

c) The intrusion of the proposal elements screening topography and vegetation.

•. d) The low level lighting of the site elements in times of emergency.

The development will affect views from:-

a) Public road and railway. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

b) Residential properties, and

c) Recreational facilities.

The most significant visual impacts exist within 1.5km of the proposed site and assessment has been concentrated within this area. Any location outside this area, on which an impact may arise, will be of little to low significance.

4.3.2 Impact of Proposal on Site Features (see Prg. No. 217/725)

The procedure by which the design process evolved side by side with the preliminary responses from the consultants assessing the environmental impacts allowed for a flexibility in the layout so as to reduce any impacts fo a design minimum. This procedure has proposed a layout which divides the site elements between the four open-field areas retaining almost all of the on site vegetation.

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Area 1 is the siting for the Sludge Press Building and Office, Storm Tank, Power Room and E.S.B. Substation, Sludge Holding Tanks and the Sludge Thickening Tanks. The entrance to the site is from the east off the proposed access to Charlesland Golf Club. The proposal will not affect any of the area features described above.

Area 2 is the siting for the two Sludge Digesters and the Gas Storage Tank. The siting in open grassland does not interfere with Hedgerow A or B. The creation of a circulation road the Area 1 to Area 3 and 4 through Area 2 will result in the loss of approx. 6 - 7.0m of Hedgerow A and B. Two Larch trees of fair condition and one dead tree in Hedgerow B will also have to he removed.

Area 3 is the siting of the Secondary Sedimentation Tanks, Aeration Tanks and two of the four Primary Settlement Tanks. The proposal does not affect the area features as described above.

Area 4 is the siting for the remaining two Primary Settlement Tanks. This higher elevation field is excavated by 1.0 to 2.0m to give a finished level similar to that of Area 3. In doing so the exteni of Hedgerow D within the site is removed and the "Right of Way" is re-routed north of the site boundary, to reconnect with the existing path as it .enters Area 1.

The hedgerows and trees remaining in the vicinity of construction or at risk due to other site activity will be protected by secure fencing and the subject of remedial tree maintenance.

4.3.3 Views from Roads

a) Mill Road to Grey stones - travelling east into Greystones a view of ihe proposed development arises at Impact Point No. 7, Drg. No. 217/731.

Existing views - Present views are over tilled fields to the woodland and screen planting associated with Killincarrig House which extends across the site by means of Hedgerows A, B and D. Further south the views are to the Charlesland Golf Club and beyond to the sea. See Photo View No. 5.

Impact - A minor impac t wil l arisFor inspectione from purposesthe los sonly. of hedgerow D Drg. No. 217/723 and a moderate Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. impact from the erection of the two sludge digesters and the surge tower. Other elements will not be visible due to the intervening topography and retention of trees on site.

b) Mill Road to Greystones - travelling out from Greystones on the Mill Road a glimpse view of the proposal will arise at Impact Point No. 4, Drawing No. 217/731.

Existing views - Views are soudierly over the Pitch and Putt course to the Driving Range and Charlesland Golf Club in the distance. The view is restricted to the east by the railway embankment and to the west by the woodland planting around Killincarrig House. Views of the site are confined to the south-eastern corner of Area 1. (See Drawing No. 217/724 and Photo View No. 3).

Imgact - A low impact situation arises from the erection of the storm tank and the surge tower, the top of which will break the skyline. The creation of a screening berm on the east of the site will also impact in the short term.

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c) On the Bray to Kilcoole/Wicklow Road west of Greysiones - glimpse views of the proposal will arise where breaks in the eastern hedgerow and intervening topography permits. Impact Point No. 11, {Drawing No. 217/731).

Existing views - Present views are over the coastal plain to the Killincarrig House tree plantings, Hedgerows B and C (on site) and the Charlesland Golf Club further south. See Photo View No. 7.

Impacts - Any view is over 1km distant and impacts likely to be little/low, caused mainly by the sludge digesters, surge tower and sludge press-building.

4.3.4 Views from the Railway

The main Dublin to Wexford rail line runs almost directly north south some 180-200m east of the development, Impact Point No. 13; (Drawing No. 217/731).

Existing Views - Views are inland over the driving range to Area 1 (Drawing No. 217/724) with hedgerow A behind and the Killincanig house woodland planting to the north. See Photo View No. 2.

Impact • A moderate to high impact will arise during both construction of the plant and screening mounds. The main elements giving rise to permanent impact will be the sludge dewatering building and surge tower, the storm tank, power and control room, sludge thickening tanks and the sludge digesters.

4.3.5 Views from Residential ProgertijS

The residential properties affected generally occur in one of six locations:-

a) Built-up areas around Manor Avenue and Kinlen Road north of Mill Road. (Impact Point No. 5, Drawing No. 217/731). For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. b) Built-up area around Inglefield and Reheen, west of Greystones Golf Club. (Impact Point No. 6, Drawing No. 217/731).

c) Residences of the recent development known as Mill Grove east of the Bray to Kilcoole/WickJow Road. (Impact Point No. 10, Drawing No. 217/731).

d) Three no. private residences south of the Three Trouts Bridge on the eastern side of the Bray to Kilcoole/Wicklow Road. (Impact Point No. 31, Drawing No. 217/731).

e) Residences of the development known as Glenbrook Park, west of the Bray to Kilcoole/Wicklow Road. (Impact Point No. 12, Drawing No. 217/731).

f) Killincarrig House and residential development - io north of same. Impact Point No. 1, Drawing No. 217/731).

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a) and b) Impact Points Nos. 5 and 6.

Existing/yiews and Impacts - This is a built up area where the proximity of houses to each other, combined with mature plantings in established gardens effectively cut out any views of the proposal. Therefore existing views are generally into ones own garden, that of a neighbour or on to the access road. Any impacts which arise in glimpse views will be distant and of low status.

c), d) and e) Impact Points Nos. 10, 11 and 12.

Existing Views - Views are over the agricultural lands of the coastal plain to the Killincarrig House woodlands hedgerow B, C and D (on site of proposal) and over Charlesland Golf Club further south. Beyond these, views are out to sea. See Photo View No. 7.

Impacts - The residences in all these areas are afforded views of the coastal plain and shoreline. The proposed development forms only a small pan of the overall panorama. The primary impacts will arise from the digesters, the sludge dewatering building and associated surge tower.

f) Impact Point No. 1

Existing Views - Little or no view extends into the proposal site at present due to the planting around Killincarrig House.

Impact - Little or no visual impact will occur in views from these areas, the main impact being from construction traffic utilizing the access road to the east of the residences.

4.3.6 yiewsufrpm Recreation Facilities

The primary recreational facilities involve:-

a) The public Burnaby driving range and pitch and putt course. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. b) The beach area and associated coastal water areas.

c) The private Charlesland Golf and Country Club, currently under development.

d) The existing 'right of way' across the site.

e) Greystones Golf Club.

f) Rugby and GAA Club.

a) Burnaby Driving Range and Associated pitch and putt course. Impact Point No. 3, (Drawing No. 217/731).

Existing Views - Present views in the direction of the site are into Area 1 (Drawing No. 217/724) and to Charlesland Golf club beyond. The Killincarrig House woodland forms the western limits of view with the railway embankment on the eastern boundary.

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Impact - High impact will occur in views from the driving range, especially during the construction and early operation stages. The impact will arise from the construction of screen mounds and the completed sludge dewatering huilding, surge tower and the two digesters. Views of the entrance will also he possible. Construction of the sea outfall pipeline will also cross the views from the driving range but at such a distance as not to require temporary closure of the facility.

Views from the pilch and putt course will have a low to moderate impact due to partial screening by the covered driving range building. b) The beach area and associated shallow coastal waters. Impact Point No. 14, (Drawing No. 217/731)

Existing Views - Views are inland over the railway embankment (1.0-1.5m high) and driving range to Area 1 with Hedgerow A behind and the Killincarrig House woodland planting to the north. Charlesland Golf and Country Club lies to the south. See Photo View No. 2.

Impacts - A moderate impact will arise especially during the construction phase from these areas and giimpse views of the upper parts of the surge tower and digesters will occur as one moves out to sea. A short term visual intrusion will occur during the excavation of the beach to lay the sea outfall pipe. c) The Charlesland Golf and Country Club is a private development to the south east of the site. Impact Point 2, (Drawing No. 217/731).

Existing Views - Views are over the Three Trouts stream to the driving range with Area 1 (Drawing No. 217/724) and the Killincamg House woodlands to the west. See Photo View No. 8.

Impacts - High visual impacts will arise in views from the two greens located directly south-east across the Three Trouts stream. These elevated locations will have views down into the site, with elements in areas 1 and 2 particularly visible. The surge tower and digesters will also be visible from other areas of the golf course. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

d) The existing right of way across the site. See Photo View No. 1.

Existing Views - Views are of me site with Charlesland Golf Club to the South and the woodland of Killincarrig House to the north.

Impacts - The proposed development will necessitate a 190m. section of the existing right of way being re-routed along the northern boundary of the proposal (see Landscape Proposals, Drawing No. 217/733). High visual impacts will arise from the proposed development both during the construction and operational phases. Impacts arise from excavations and hedge removal in Area 4 (Hedge D), and the erection of the security fence, construction of screen mounds and the principal elements - especially the aeration tanks, sedimentation tanks, digesters and sludge dewatering and surge tower building.

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e) Greystones Golf Club located some 1.0 - 1.5km north west of site. Impact Point No. 6, (Drawing No. 217/731).

Existing:Views - Views are over the residential areas to the southwest with agricultural lands beyond Mill Road. Killincarrig House and woodlands, hedgerow B and D (Drawing No. 217/724) and Charlesland Golf Club with the sea beyond are the extent of views.

Imp-acts - Glimpse views of the proposal may occur from a small area of the course near the club house giving low impact from the removal of Hedgerow D and the construction of the two digesters located in Area 2.

f) Rugby and GAA Club some 700-750m west of site. Impact Points Nos. 8 and 9, (Drawing No. 217/731).

Existing Views - Views are over sports field and agricultural lands to the woodland around Killincarrig House, Hedgerows B, C and D with Charlesland Golf Club further south. See Photo. View No. 5.

Impacts - Primary impacts will arise from construction of site elements and screen mounds on the west. Moderate impact from digesters and surge tower.

4.3.7 Visual Impact from Lighting

Due to the requirement to have the plant operate on a twenty-four hour basis the site will be illuminated in emergency situations only with a low intensity automatic lighting network. This wi!J involve low level road lighting and external lighting to the main elements.

Similar levels of lighting intensity are at present confined to a new residential development north of the proposed site on grounds between Killincarrig House and Mill Road. The driving range is also

illuminated during the winte r season For. inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

There is currently no lighting present on any area of the proposed site or on lands immediately south of this. However, as the lighting of the proposed development will only occur in emergency situations, and for as short time period as possible. The impact will be low and not of a continuous or regular nature. Primary impacts will be on the residents of Mill Grove, the three houses south of the Three trouts stream and Glenbrook Park. Other locations will have a low to little impact.

4.4 Flora

4.4.1 Field Boundaries

The proposed development will involve the removal of one field boundary (numbered 5 on Drg. No. 217/729) the retention of all other field boundaries and most existing trees and a substantial amount of new planting of trees and shrubs. Of all the existing field boundaries on the site, number 5 has the lowest ecological value (See Table 3.1). This is due to the absence of mature trees and the incomplete ground cover. As a habitat for breeding birds, this hedge is of moderate value with an estimated 6 pairs present,

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mostly at the south-western end where the hedge is wider and has more ground cover. A small group of Tree Sparrows was recorded in this hedgerow on the fringe of the site. The new planting of field boundaries and groups of trees on the site will more than compensate for the loss of this one hedge. It is likely that the breeding bird population on the site will increase significantly as a result of the new planting.

4.5 Fauna

4.5.1 Vulnerable Species

The only species recorded on the site which is of special ecological interest is the Tree Sparrow. This occurs (probably as a small colony) on die inland fringe of the site at the western end of field boundary No. 5. The removal of the section of this hedge within the site will not significantly impact on the species and the proposed new planting should be of benefit by increasing the potential feeding and nesting areas.

4-6 Three Trouts Stream

4.6.1 Impact of Closure of Delganv Treatment Plant

The closure of the treatment plant at Delgany on completion of the proposed development will have significant benefits for water quality in the Three Trouts Stream., At present the discharges from the Delgany works are causing reduced water quality and biological diversity, especially in the section between Delgany and Three Trouts Bridge. The elimination of these discharges should allow the water quality here to improve significantly. However, the run-off from agricultural land in the section from Three Trouts Bridge to the sea may limit the improvement in water quality in this section.

4.6.2 Impact of Proposed Treatment Works For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. The new treatment plant will not discharge any effluent to the Three Trouts Stream and will thus have no direct impact on water quality or biological diversity in the stream.

4.6.3 Impact on Bankside Habitat

The proposed landscape strategy for the sewerage treatment plant includes a significant amount of planting with trees and shrubs on the northern bank of the Three Trouts Stream. This will provide an additional area of cover for wildlife reestablishing the waterway as a corridor.

4.7 Beach

4.7.1 The section of the beach through which the outfall pipes will be installed is not of special ecological interest. Construction will involve the excavation of a temporary trench across the beach. This will be backfilled with excavated material. The natural vegetation at the top of the beach will quickly recolonise

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the disturbed area. This section of the beach does not hold any breeding birds due to recreational disturbance in the summer months and it is of limited value for feeding birds outside the breeding season. Therefore the laying of the outfall pipe will not cause any significant impact on birdlife in the area.

4.8 Marine

4.8.1 Prediction of Sewage Field Movement and Dilution

The provision of an outfall of 750 metres length will allow for dilution of die effluent by transporting the waste to where the currents are strongest. Evidence of the strength of these currents beyond 500 metres from shore is provided both in the seabed survey and in the modelling study carried out by Irish Hydrodata.

The results obtained by Irish Hydrodata show that water depths and current speeds at the proposed discharge point are such that adequate initial dilution could be achieved by means of a simple diffuser arrangement. Furthermore, current speeds are sufficiently strong and persistent (greater than 0.25 metres/sec for 50 percent of the time) to ensure dial any suspended solids in the treated effluent (30 mg/1) will often be lower than the concentration of naturally occurring paniculates in the receiving water.

4.8.2 Prediction of Changes in Coliform Counts

Positioning the outfall to the south of Greystones takes advantage of the dominant currents heading south, further reducing the risk of human exposure to discharges. For the proposed outfall length, the expected coIiform concentration would be between 20 and 50 coliforms/100 ml sample. Irish Hydrodata predicts a maximum of 600 coliforms/100 ml sample, which would occur only during periods when there was an onshore (easterly) wind with a speed of 10 metres/sec (Force 5). Long term meteoroiogical statistics suggest that mis particular wind condition occurs on an average between one and five days during the June to August bathing Season, i.e. two to three percent of the time. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

4.8.3 Predicted Changes in Water j^uaiity

The substantial redaction in BOD and suspended solids load achievable by the proposed treatment works would alone improve water quality in the vicinity of Greystones. Three additional factors will further improve the present situation: -

i) The dispersion of the treated effluent by discharging it 750 metres from the coast in an area of strong tidal currents.

ii) Decommissioning of the existing North Beach Treatment Works and its associated "short" sea outfall, which currently discharges unscreened and partially treated effluent.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 iii) Decommissioning of the existing Killincarrig Treatment Works and its associated "short" sea outfall, which is presently discharging unscreened and partially treated effluent.

The proposal shouid result in the following improvements in water quality:-

i) reduction of coliform counts on the beaches to below Irish National Limit Values and EC Mandatory standards for hathing waters;

ii) significant reduction in the amount of sewage-derived solids visible on the beaches (the treatment works will not discharge any visible solids, and the only other possible sources are the storm water outfalls and other, more distant, discharges);

iii) considerable improvement for the water.quality of the harbour.

iv) better underwater visibility at most times in the vicinity of the existing outfalls.

4.8.4 Impact cm Marine Flora and Fauna

As observed in the marine survey, present discharge practices appear to be having little or no effect on marine flora and fauna. Any adverse impact on marine life directly linked with discharges from the outfall is unlikely. The amount of organic matter and nutrients to be discharged are relatively small, and effective dilution will further reduce any potential impact on flora and fauna.

Investigating the possible, but unexplained reduction in aquatic vegetation is beyond the scope of this impact study, but it is feit that monitoring of the storm water run-off and investigation to ensure that foul sewers are not inadvertently connected to the storm system should be undertaken.

Toxic compounds of interest include, pesticides from lawn and garden chemicals; elemental sulphur and sulphuric acid from dry and wet deposition of fossil fuels; elemental nitrogen and nitric acids, from auto exhaust and fossil fuels as well as heavy metals such as chromium, copper, lead and zinc deposited from automobile wear and exhaust. Other heavy metals such as iron and manganese may be contributed from For inspection purposes only. soil erosion as is phosphorusConsent, suspende of copyrightd solid owners anrequiredd organi for anyc othermatter use. . Local traffic may also be a major

contributor to run-off concentrations of petroleum substances.

4.8.5 Impactsjm Beneficial Use of Coast

The greatest improvement in water quality associated with the construction of the proposed waste water treatment plant will be the reduction in risk of human exposure to sewage. This reduction in risk will mean.greater protection for those who have contact with coastal waters, in particular, swimmers, divers, sailors and windsurfers.

Improvements in visual appearance of the North Beach, through the elimination of the existing waste plume, will enhance the amenity value of the beach and coast for walking and other activities.

The level of treatment at the proposed Treatment Works will ensure that the discharged effluent will not cause a surface slick, or lead to any sea-bird attraction. The length of the outfall, the diffuser design and the strong tidal currents will ensure that the discharge point is not visible from the coast, thus enhancing the visual amenity.

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As noted in above, recreational fishing on the North Beach has been adversely affected by odours and floating objects. Decommissioning of the North Beach outfall will provide an opportunity for an improvement in and expansion of shore angling in this area.

These predicted improvements are based on the assumption that no untreated waste is being discharged from storm sewers. If untreated sources exist and are not eliminated, then the benefits associated with the construction of the new wastewater treatment facility will not be fully realized despite the amount of resources being invested in this project. Therefore it is important that such possibilities by thoroughly investigated by means of tracer studies. It is proposed that the required studies be undertaken, and any remedial action suggested by the studies be put in hand.

4.9 Archaeological

4.9.1 An archaeological investigation has been carried out on the eastern part of the site, under licence from the National Monuments section of the Office of Public Works, and under the supervision of Ms. Margaret Gowen, MA., M1APA. The investigation commenced on December 9th, 1991, and was completed during that week.

4.9.2 The archaeological investigation consisted of:-

(a) 1m wide trenching to the sub-soil in areas where archaeological remains could be expected. (b) Trial holing in other areas.

4.9.3 This archaeological investigation showed that:-

(a) There are some archaeological remains in the easterly section of the site - Area 1 on Drawing No. 217/724.

(b) There are no remains i n th e centra For inspectionl area purposes- Area only. 2. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

4.9.4 The archaeological remains are confined to the northerly part of Area 1, adjacent to the hedge. The remains include a cooking pit and other signs of habitation, dating from the Bronze Age and early medieval periods. The remains include some bronze-age artifacts.

4.9.5 The fact that part of the site is of some archaeological interest has no long-term significance in that the site can be used for construction of the facility. However, immediately on commencement of construction of the works, and before the site clearance in the affected area is undertaken, a thorough archaeological investigation of the site will be undertaken. The area in question will be fenced off (see Drawing No; 217/727) and handed over to the archaeologists for the duration of their investigation, which can be expected to take a minimum of four weeks. The investigation would be done under licence from the National Monuments section of the Office of Public Works, and under the supervision of a qualified Archaeologist.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 4.9.6 The further mvestigation will extend to locating and logging all archaeological remains, and cataloguing all artifacts. Drawings of the finding, and a complete descriptive log would then be lodged with the Office of Public Works, and all catalogued finds handed over.

4.9.7 On completion of the investigation, construction can proceed in the area unhindered.

4.10 Roads and Traffic Aspects

4.10.1 Introduction

Impact from the proposal will occur during;

(a) The construction phase

(b) During the operational life of the plant

4.10.2 Construction impact - Sewers and Risjng Mains

The only significant impact of the scheme from a roads and traffic viewpoint will be that on the roads where new sewers are to be laid. Roads directly affected include Killincarrig Road, Mill Road, New Road and Church Road. Traffic will be disrupted and delayed on these roads during sewer laying and restoration. The disruption will be minimised by careful scheduling of the work, and by the use of temporary traffic lights and other control techniques. It is expected that these adverse effects will last 12 - 18 months, but are totally unavoidable.

4.10.3 Construction Impact - Treatmen t ForWork inspections purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Construction impact to and from the treatment works site will consist of;

Personal transport for supervisory and construction personnel.

Transport of equipment and materials.

The resultant traffic movement from the construction workers cars is insignificant in the context of present road widths and traffic flows.

Traffic movements for material delivery wouid be variable, depending on activity on the site. Truck movements on/off the site can be expected to vary from 4 to 18 per day. This traffic would use me N11, and enter the site via Delgany and Mil! Road. Those roads have spare capacity, and the small traffic volume being added would have very little effect.

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4.10.4 Operational Impact - Personnel - Deliveries

The traffic generated by the treatment work during operation would be quite insignificant. As the plant is largeiy automated, generally one operator will be adequate to operate the works, with two on some occasions. Maintenance fitters and electricians will visit the site regular intervals.

Chemical deliveries will take place once or possibly less per week.

I! is considered that the traffic generated by the above is insignificant, and will have negligible effect on roads which have spare capacity.

4.10.5 Operation..Intpad^jSludge, Screenings and Grit

Sludge removal from the plant will involve 1/2 loads per day (at maximum). Removal will take place in closed trucks, or in closed removal skips.

It is expected that disposal will be to landfill, to the County Council landfill site at Fassaroe. The route • used will be via Mill Road, Killincarrig Road via Delgany to the Nil and hence to Fassaroe.

Washed and dewatered screenings and grit will also be disposed of to the Fassaroe landfill site, also in closed removal skips. Collections are expected to amount to 1/2 per week.

It is considered that these low traffic volumes will have negligible effect on the roads in question.

4.11 Noise

4.11.1 Introduction

The impact of noise has bee n assesse Ford inspectionby:- purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

(a) Carry out a baseline study at the site.

(b) Measuring the impact of a similar plant at Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

4.11.2 Surrounding Area

Permanent residences in closest proximity to the site are those at Bumaby Woods, approximately 350m north from the edge of the site. The Woodlands Hotel is approximately 150m north of the edge of the site, but is shielded by a well developed woodland between the works and the Hotel. To the west is Greystones Rugby Club and Greystones GAA Club, respectively 0.5km and 0.6km from the edge of the site. No housing exists south of the proposed site, as the Charlesland Golf and Country Club is currently under development there. The proposed clubhouse for this development will be 0.4km south of the site.

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The local noise environment will be affecled by traffic on Mill Road, and by rail traffic noise from the mainline railway which runs north/south 200m from the eastern boundary of the site.

4.11.3 Noise Baseline

Baseline noise was measured using a calibrated Larson Davis environmental noise monitor, over a two week period. The analysis shows equivalent continuous noise levels (Leg) of circa 40 dBA by day, and less than that at eight, with noise generated by wind in the trees being significant. Those noise levels are typically rural in character.

4.11.4 Enniscorthv Sewage Treatment Works

This plant is chosen because of its similarity to the type of plant proposed for Greystones. The Enniscorthy plant includes Aeration Tanks (Diffused air with submerged mixing paddles) and Secondary Sedimentation Tanks.

4.11.5 Predictive Modelling

Predictive modelling has been carried out based on the measured noise baseline, using data from the Enniscorthy plant to predict noise levels from equipment proposed for the Greystones Treatment Works.

In order to reduce the environmental impact (particularly from noise and odour) of the proposed treatment works, the majority of the mechanical/electrical equipment is located in enclosed buildings, or in fully enclosed tanks. This particularly applies to:-

- Inlet Pumping Equipment - Screening Removal and Handling Equipment - Grit Removal and Handling Equipment - Sludge Thickening and Handling Equipment For inspection purposes only. - Sludge DewateringConsent Equipmen of copyrightt owner required for any other use.

- Sludge Pumping Equipment - Combined Heal and Power Plant - Air Handling Equipment - Odour Scrubbing or Adsorption Equipment

All of the buildings in which the above equipment will be installed will be constructed with reinforced concrete walls (suitably clad externally) and roofs, and acoustically damped internally.

Equipment which will be located in the open includes the followmg:-

- Scraper Drive Assembly (Primary Settlement Tanks) (4 No.) - Mixing Paddle Drive Assembly (Activated Sludge Tanks) (4 No.) - Scraper Drive Assembly (Secondary Settlement Tanks) (2 No.)

The motors in all cases are low kWan motors (less than 5 kW), and will be acoustically damped.

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4.11.6 Impact of Proposal

The noise emissions from similar equipment installed at Enniscorthy Sewage Treatment Works have been recorded and analysed. The computer program "Noiscalc" was used to predict the propagation of noise externally, using the analysed data for the various noise sources, with 3D dimensioned co-ordinates of their locations. The predictive analysis shows that noise levels from the plant will not exceed 30 dBA, which is significantly below existing ambient noise at the site. This, therefore, will be completely audible at the nearest buildings, and thus will have no effect on the environment.

4.11.7 The reduction of noise levels is discussed in further_detail in Appendix 6 of this statement.

4.12 Air Emissions

4.12.1 Introduction

The Treatment Process is described fully in the repon entitled "Treatment Works and Effluent Disposal", which is included in Appendix No. 3 of this Statement.

Briefly, the process includes:- - Inlet and Preliminary Treatment - Primary Sedimentation - Extended Aeration - Final Sedimentation - Sludge Handling and Dewatering - Foul and Storm Outfalls

Various parts of the process are gas producing. In addition, the design includes a combined Heat and Power Plant (C.H.P.), which will give rise to atmospheric emissions.

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

The plant layout is shown on Drg. No. 217/725 Rev. A.

The description below is confined to the gas and/or odour producing potential of the various elements of the plant.

(i) Inlet Unit and Preliminary Treatment

Fresh, raw sewage is not offensive in an odour sense, although where sewage is allowed to

stagnate, it becomes septic, releasing Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), which is offensive. The Greystones sewer system, in common with all piped sewer systems, will contain sections of sewer with iow flow. There is a possibility that these could lead to the generation of some Hydrogen Sulphide, particularly if suitable atmospheric and low-flow conditions exist.

In addition, methane {CHJ could occur in die sewer system, either naturally or accidentally through release from domestic or industrial sources. Accidental spillages of petrol can also occur, resulting in petrol vapour in the sewer system.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 PARTNERS

Other atmospheric pollutants which could be presenl in the Inlet Works/Preliminary Treatment Unit include Acetic Acid, Mercaptans and Ammonia (NH^.

For the above reasons, the Inlet Works and Preliminary Treatment Unit will be located within a Mly enclosed building. This will be equipped with a comprehensive ventilation system, designed to remove and scrub all air from the operation areas of the building (i.e. excluding the control and personnel areas). In addition, all operational areas will be equipped with gas monitoring system, designed to detect and report all gas or petrol vapour build-ups, in addition to oxygen deficiency. This is now standard practice at all sewage treatment and pumping plants.

(ii) Primary Sedimentation. Aeration Tanks_and Secondary Sedimentation

These units, properly operated, do not give rise to odorous and other gas production. The plant will be equipped with a comprehensive Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which will automatically control and operate the plant, and monitor its performance.

(iii) Sludge Thickening

The sludge removed from the primary and secondary sedimentation tanks is thickened in these tanks. As the process can lead to the production of Methane and various odorous gases, the tanks will be fully covered. The sludge is thickened in the tanks for a number of days before being pumped to the Sludge Digesters. Again, the building will be fully equipped with gas monitors.

(iv) Sludge Digestion

The heated digesters use an anaerobic process to stabilise the sludge, producing methane, carbon dioxide and water vapour in the process. The digesters must be fully enclosed for the process to operate, as oxygen would inhibit the anaerobic bacteria. Consequently, no emissions to the

atmosphere take place . Th e gase For sinspection generate purposesd in only.the process are utilised hi the C.H.P. plant, to heat the digesters, with the surpluConsent sof beincopyrightg use ownerd t requiredo generat for anye electricityother use. .

(v) Sludge Holding

The sludge exiting the digester will be fully stabilised. Storage tanks are needed to balance the sludge volumes being removed from the digesters before dewatering. Although no odorous or other gases are expected to be generated from these tanks, it is proposed that the tanks be enclosed in a building. Again, the building will be fully equipped with gas monitors, and all ventilated air will be scrubbed.

(vi) Sludge Dewatering

The final stage in the Sludge Treatment process is dewatering the sludge to a dry solids concentration suitable for the disposal method selected. This will be done with Filter Belt Presses, Centrifuges or suitable alternative. This process will take place within a fully enclosed building, again equipped with gas monitoring and a ventilation/scrubbing system.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 & PARTNERS

(vii) Sludge Disposal

The dewatered sludge will be stored in a closed Sludge Silo or in large capacity closed disposal skips. Disposal will take place periodically, probably to landfill, by covered Truck or in closed disposal skips.

(viii) Screenings and Grit Removal

These will be stored internally in large skips, and disposed of periodically to landfill. Transport will be via covered trucks or in closed disposal skips.

(ix) Storm Tanks

These tanks store storm water during periods of high inflow to the works, to control hydraulic shock loading. As the possibility exists that Methane and Odorous gases could be generated, it is proposed to roof the tanks, and extract and scrub air as required. Again, the tanks will be equipped with gas monitoring.

(x) Combined Heat and Power Plant (C.H.P.)

The process includes a C.H.P. plant, to utilise the methane .and carbon dioxide generated in the sludge digestion process. The energy thus generated will be used for:-

- Heating the Digesters - Building Heating - Electricity Generation

•- The electricity generated will be utilised at the treatment works, to reduce the peak-loading of the plant power requirements.

The C.H.P. plant will release combustion gases to the atmosphere, through an exhaust stack. The exhaust gases will consist of:- For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. - Carbon Dioxide - Water Vapour - Sulphur Dioxide

The Sulphur Dioxide will be at very low concentrations (a trace) and not continuously. The emissions from the plant will be required to comply with the T.A. Luft.

4.12.3 Overall Evaluation

The design of the works is such that any odorous or other gases resulting from the treatment and handling of sewage and sewage sludge, will be:-

(a) scrubbed in a Scrubbing Stack or adsorbed on modified Activated Carbon prior to release to the atmosphere.

(b) Utilised in the C.H.P. Plant.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 JSARRYfi PARTNERS

The possibility of using the air hi the Diffused Air Aeration system will be examined also. The intention is to achieve an environmentally acceptable result, at an economic cost.

The C.H.P. plant will emit carbon dioxide, water vapour and a low concentration of sulphur dioxide to the atmosphere.

4.13 Overall Summary

4.13.1 The main impacts of the proposal may be summarised as follows:-

1. The main impact is visual. The design and layout of the Treatment Works has, however, been integrated into the existing landscape in such a way that the maximum use is made of existing features (trees, hedgerows, woodlands, etc.).

2. Project proposals include a comprehensive landscaping plan, which provides for extensive planting and the use to screening mound to ameliorate the impact.

3. The plant design provides for enclosing those elements of the Treatment Plant which could be expected to give rise to noise and/or odour. As a result, the predicted impact from noise and odour is expected to be negligible.

4. The impact on the Three Trouts Stream and on the Coastal (receiving) waters will be positive, due to the following factors:-

- The effluent which will be discharged into the marine environment will be subjected to a high standard of treatment. The release of effluent will be controlled, through a multi- port d iffuser.

- The existing overloaded plants at North Beach, Killincarrig and Delgany will be decommissioned.

For inspection purposes only. 5. The proposal has a lowConsent or negligibl of copyrighte ownerimpac requiredt on forFlora any other, Faun use. a and on Greystones Beach. There

will be some impact from traffic during the construction phase, and negligible impact thereafter.

6. A detailed Archaeological investigation is required before construction can commence. This involves logging and recording details of the remains. Following the investigation, construction can proceed.

4.13.2 A photo-montage, showing the Treatment Works imposed n the existing landscape (view taken from east of the site) is included overleaf.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 PARTNERS

SECTION NO. 5 - MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 The main impact of the Treatment Works is visual, and comprehensive measures are proposed to reduce this to an acceptable level. In other aspects, particularly in terms the elimination of sewage pollution, the scheme is of benefit to the environment.

5.1.2 Section 4 detailed the possible significant effects on the Environment. This section details measures which will be used to prevent or reduce these effects.

5.2 Visual Impact

5.2.1 Introduction

The layout of the Treatment Works has been strongly influenced by the existing landscape. The exterior cladding of the buildings and tanks enclosed will be chosen to compliment the existing landscape and to reduce their impact.

5.2.2 Siting

The design process evolved with the early stages of the E1S and in doing so positioned on-site elements^ so as to retain the existing vegetation and maximise its screening value. The sludge press building and surge tower have been sited in Area 1 close to the Killincarrig woodland which will act as a major foil for the building both in background and foreground depending on direction of viewing. The sludge digesters have been located in Area 2 where Hedgerow A screens from the east and Hedgerow B screens from the west. The remaining lower elements have been distributed within Areas 1, 3 and 4. The For inspection purposes only. elements in Areas 3/4 (visually Consentthe mos of copyrightt open )owner are requiredset predominantl for any other use.y at or near ground level, with Area 4 itself at a reduced level of 1.0-2.0m.

5.2.3 Building Treatment Colour

The apparent size and scale of the larger elements will be lessened by the adoption of simple shapes to avoid a 'fussy' detail which would unnecessarily reveal their scale when viewed from a distance. Selection of cladding material will give consideration to low reflection and refractive qualities of the material.

The roof and wall cladding treatment and colours of the buildings will generally be uniform. The final selection will be made on a basis of:-

a) Elements viewed primarily against nearby landform or planted background to be a darker tone colour (grey, brown) in order that they recede visually in the landscape. These will include the Digesters, Sludge Dewatering Building and Surge Tower.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 BARFS1' .& .' w :/vf ''is

b) Lower silos will he E dark brown colour to be sympathetic to the natural cole ;irs of tli.e landi^ape.

c) Lower tanks will have earth moulded up around their sides and grass-seeded

- • 2.4 Planting Screen Mounds

Screen mounds varying from. 1.0 to 3.On in height will be constructed aionj; the east, scuth an:l western boundaries where the sii.e i;; partially visible. The onJv break in tliis mound will be on ihe e;.ist wane rut stone retaining walk: define the .main entrance into site. These mounds will be va-iably CMito'iired, seeded and plautsd with native and indigenous tree? arid shru'ns. They will effectively screen must of l':ie development in-lud-ng the sscurity fence from all lower level views within die i rnmsdure v.ici;:iity of i lie site. Within Area 4 of I he :xc£.\ated slopes will be planted to reduce impact and pn vice- screen plnting on the north west of the sin;, The landscape ireartnert of the screen mound;; w.:;i involve 'i ,5fi()s(.|.m of grass seeding, 3,(K)Osq.mof shnib plaining.and ll.OOOsq.moftiees and tramplttits. (Refer to Ihe lirady Ship:nan Mitrtin Repon in Appendix No. S of this Sutemem for details of the landscaping pri:jpot.;ils}.

5.2.5 Qj .Jif r_Scra!Ti ...Fliint ing;

Other screen planting ir.clurles ihe augmeniatii >n of the existing Hedgerows A and E acd the p anthig ;)f ths: available ?;p;i.ce betvveer ihera. This wili amount to some 500sq.m of shrub planting and 4,l)00sq :n of trees and transplants. In addiiion it if. proposed toplar: aboundar;; hedge, to the i aside ol'tin.: sei;jr:iy fence, thereby reducing the impact of the fence and preventing 'through' views of ifoe site especially ".o pc'.ipie using ;:he 'right of v/a.y'. This will involve the planting i;f some 750 metres witli trims plains.

5.2.6 Pl;mi:ing Spei:ification

Tin: yiroposed planting will be generally established witi foresuy planiing tecimiqaes, i.e. viarc root trans]1)!ants', 'whips' and 'leathered trees' wh ch adapt readily 'o disturbed ground condition:!. Thei'e pk,tit..ngs will be: supsleineri:ex l b y a Forproportior inspection purposesi of 'standard only. ' size trees to provide.iiruniidiate elietn Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Shrub jibnting - 400 to 6CC)mm aigh plants, planted at avcra^.e QOOrran ceniep.. (Approx 4,200 No.).

Hedge planting - 400 to 600mm high plants, plated at average SOOrim cenreii. {Apprcix 1,500 Nt>.).

Trees - 750mm to 2.8m. liigl: planted at average 2.0m centres. (Appros 4.000 Nci.).

5.;:.7 Anjdij>raijgii of Jntriacf_Ptjilife;^ ^Vie^y frfim_^.gj!ids

a) Mill Road 10 Greystonss: - travelling e;ist i ito Gre;'stones 2 view of the propdsed development tuiscr; at Impact Foini No. 7, (Drg. No. .217/731).

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 AirielKira.lj.gn - In the short tenr the re.oition of ihe existing trees on sit;' ai:d the conninfilio]: of a non teflective cladding, painted a dark colour will reduce the impact of the structures }; really. In the longer term the Establishment of the proposed iicreen planting on the nortt anc west IXHIII lanes will reduce the iinpEc; to a low status.

b*< Mill Road to Grey stone.'. - travel] ing out from Greystones on the Mill I Rend ;> glimpse new rf ;he proposal will ari;;e at In:pact Point No. 4, (Drj,. No. 217/731).

Arrieliorauon - Tiie proposal is largely screened by the block of dense scrub wooc land tu the south of KUHncarrig House:, arid establishment of pKipo.sed planting on the screen imound:; will cuickly reduce the impac". r:inishhi{; the surge tower in a dark material will ameliorate _ts impact,

ci On the Bray to Kilcoole/Wicklow Roa<-west of GTeys.UMies - glimpse vi:;ws of ihe prcpossl v.1::!! aris:e where breat.s i: the eastern hedgerow and ir'lsrvening topoj;raphy pinr.its.

Arrieliorajjim - /^ny view is over Ikn distai'.t t.nd sel(;ction or suitable colours fine cliiding materials as described above will reduce the impact umil proposed screen planting on tie wi.:st.:ra boundary establishes anc. reduce;; the impact to a minimum.

•2-8 A:n(Jioratitm_fl;f Impact I'oinls - Views from_ti:ie_J'aUHay

The main Dublin to Vi''ex:brd rail line nins almost directly north soi;Ji smii: 1 KtXlOOm e,iist of Lie development. Impact Point No. 13; (Dig. No 217/7;!!)

A!;ne"!iorajion - Tie retention of the two on site Hedgerows A and B., (Drg. No, 21 ;V723) togilher with the dense scnib woodland tin the nortliern boundaiy will act as a background foil fo' the above eiments and will ease the impaci of straight buiMirig lines. Seleciion of dark colours anc no si rc:?]ec':ivi:: cbidding material will r&:iuce the focusing of attemion. In the lc!:,gei term the establishment of planting 01 'lie pr;»p:)sed screen mound tc 'the eas; of the development will reduce the irapa:! t-i low or rnockrati:. En;c:ion of thie security ferce to the west of this mound will also be screened by the proposed plai til IE;. Pl.-inling of fte i^;is£ emlianlunen t o: " For th inspectione acces purposess road only.intc Charlesland Golf and Conntiy Club will also Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. ameliorate tin; negative nature of its impact w thin 2-3 yuars.

5,2.9 Anielioratign of Impact Pmnlii - ^'iews fron Ri^identiiil I'rojierties.

The residential properties affected generally occur in one of six locations:-

a) Built-up areas aiwmd Manor Avenue and Kinleu Road :ioith of Mill Road. ('. mpact Point N'l. ::i, Drg. No. 2.I7/731).

b) Built-up area around ::nglefield and Rehe^n, West of Gruyjtones Golf CM: (Impact Poiit No. <,, Drg, No. 217/73]).

c) Residence; of the recent dcveloprneni known as Mil! Grove easi of thi^ Brav tri' Kilcool&'Widdow Road. (Inipac; Point No. 10, Drg. No. Z17/731).

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:52 d) Three [irivate residences somh of the 'Three Trouts Bridge on ibe eastern ;idc of the Biay to Kilcook/Wicklow Road. (Impact Point No, 11 , Drs. No, 217/731).

e) Residences of the. development known a; Glenbrook Park, west o:" the Brny M Kilcoo!e,"Wii:di'w Road, (Iripac:: Point No. 12, Drg. No. 217/73 !).

f) Killinairrig Housi.^ anil residential developmiint - to north of same. (Iinpaci Po nt No. I, Dig. No. 217/731).

a) and b) Impact Points Mo. 5 and No. (i:-

Aingljoraijori - Jn time, screen planting will obscure almost ali views and using liark colour 01 ti'.e digesters will redact: thi ir irap;ict to litlie or no impact.

c). d) and e) Impact Pdinls Nos. 10, II smd 12:--

Aniglioratign - The retentkm of the two Hedgerows A and B (I)rg. No, 217/723) v/ill act as a partial screen and foil for Ihese elements and will mainsairi thi: existing skyline. Us;ag dart: non-i'efk'Ctive materials on the digesters ;uid surge tower will avoid focusing atteciticm to th'im .:inc in line; surec.a plimting will reduce the impact to one of a low sums.

f) Impact Point No. 15>

Tlie jiite is adiMjuatelv screened by existing plaiting to the south of Killincarrig Home.

5 2.11) Anigjioradgri_ oi; toijaci:^.P<>i.nts - View-; from Recreation Fadlilies

The primary recreationa.1 facilitie s iiLVoh'e: For inspection- purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

a) The public Burnaby dnvmg range and pilch and put! course.

b) The bea:;h areii aril associated ccasta!" w;;ter areas.

c) The privati: CharlirslaiKl Golf ;ind Country Club, currently under construction.

d) The existing 'right of way' across the site.

e) Greystoues; Golf Club.

f) Rugby aad GAA Clut,

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:53 3^JJWa

a) Burnaliy Driving. Range and associated pitch an:I putt course. Impact Point No. 3, (Fig. 3).

Anie JQiaiign - "(tie retention of the two on site Hedgerows A and B, (Drg. Mo. 21772:'} tti.ge.her ivii.h the cense scrub woodland on Ihe northern boundary will partially .screen the development. Fi.:ithi.::r amelioration would be aided by the selection cif a dark colour for the digesters and :• urj:e towe111. Ii, t it; longer term Lie proposed screen planting on ihe eastern, boundary will reduce :tie overall impaci to a low/moderate situation. Providing a cut si one reiainiag wall on either side of the e:)tr;uce wjll n-'lu:.:e the overall break in the scrcsn ::nound to the n-inimurr. The proposed planting t:i the eist of tin: a:ce

b) The beach area and associated shallow coastal waters;. Impact Point No. 14, (IlTg. N<,', 217/731).

- The views will be grsally reduced by estau'Lishmenl of scieer.; plantini, and by ui:ing lack co ours on non reflective materi;i3s on the surj;e towei and digesiers.

c) The Charlesland Golf and Countrj' Club ii> a]:iri\aite developnnent to the southeast of Ihe sita, Impact Point 2, (Drj;. Nm. 217/731).

1-Q the slion terra tha irrpacts i;annot l)e ::niliuted to any appreciiiblf degree d'te u tl'ie elevaiior :jf tne greens. Selection of dark recessive colours for ihe cladding materia^ will reduce %• SU.;L! ati;;m.ion slightly. Ii: the longer tenn (b« screen planting on the proposed mounds to the south anc: ea.;": will raature and effect snme screening of tlie \'iew. (The greatest scope "or :radu :tjo n of imriacts would arise from pliinling ;he are-i between the Thrue Trouis .iiiream and the affectec. gnisen. Tbis land i:;.,- however in the Golf Club's ownership and planting would b; dependanl up:m .ne consert o!' tits Charlesland Club).

d) The existing riighl of wa y acros Fors inspection the si:e purposes. Set only.: Ptioto View No. L. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

Ar id igratjion - l.jong term amelioration of impacts will be achieved by the e,itab!!isbme:t 01" tie street: planting and iiourtdaiy hedj;e wltich will cut out mo« 'through1 views of the site. Excavated slopii'S adjoisiing lie re-aligned riglu of way will also he planted. Visual impac. will be sigiiificaniiy redii'«ii, bui the character of views from the total 300ni length of lliis riglir of way will b° siitoantiaily altoeci. e) GreystoDfts Gulf Club located some 1.0-]. 5km north west of site Impact Foil it NIP. 6,, (Drg, Nn. 217,731).

- 1^: provif ion of screen planting on :he north \.-est boundaries will reduce th; i from hedge removal and sci-een views of any significant •Cements. ~L>K^ colouring ->n a no::wsfle:t!vi: cla;lding mateiial wil' mitigiite trie impact from the dig Lister . Retention of Hirfgerows A and B will ilso aci as a foil for the digester; and negate impac :s.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:53 f) Rugby amd GAA Club some 7(IO-750iti west of site. Impact Points No. 8 and No. 9 I'Dr^, No. 217/7311).

Amelioration - Treatment of digesters and surze lower with dark colours on non-reflective macerini vill reduce tht: impact which w.ll in time be further lowered ' n a low impaa as screen vegetation establishes on tt.e western mound.

f ,2.11 Amelioration ol" Impact Points.- Visual Imracl from Lighting

Due tothi: requirement to have the plant operate on a twenty-Jour hour basis, tht: sit'.; will bi; illuminated in emergency situations only with a low in tensity automatic lighting network. This will involve: low level rend lighting and exiemal li.ght.ing to the main elements.

A me I i oral ion - The lighting is ;.o be of a low level intensity and restricted to use only in e men or ::y siTua.ions, Inerull tistablishmerit of screen phiitingcn tfie bouniiaries will signi-icaiitly reduce jm\ gl,..re an;i minimise impact shoulrl illumination be required.

-•"•3

5,3.1 Tc ensure that odour problems are no! associated with the plant, the design m;;or[:or£iies all nec<; measures to collect ;.jid control malodoraus enissionjs to the atmosphere.

5.3.2 All locations where malodorous gases ma> be emitted ar:: enclosed in btiildings vi?.:»

- liilel V/orks a;id I'relinunary Units •- Sludge Thick&:iin;, Tsitiks •• Sludge Holding T;mk3 For inspection purposes only. - Sludge Dewatfrintj, ConsentBuildin ofg copyright owner required for any other use. Storm Tanks

5.3.3 Air fiMom these buildings wi. I be extracted ai:id tranisfeiTsd to thi; Power Building\vherc it will be scrubbed or passed to the CHP unit :?or Jncmeration wilb tlie gjisef extraaed from the Sludge: Digesi:::r.

5.3.4 Al residual gas conceni:raticms will be in compliance witri the liiTdt valur:s in the T. \. Luft..

5.3.5 Air emissions arid control neasures are dis:cus;ed in farflier detai? in Appendix 4 of thi; statement

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:53 5.4 .Noise

,5,4..; IQ i;nsure that noiss level; arising at the plain hiive minimal impact, the niajor/y of tie nieclianical und e ectrical equipment is ho-ised in buildings or fully enclosed tanks.

'•A.'.'. The relevant equipment is as follows:-

Inlet Pumps Screening Removal ;md Handling Equipment" Grit Removal ami Handling Equipmem Air compressors and blowers SJudgn Thickening znd Handling equipment Sludge Dewaiermg Equipment Sludge Pumping Equipment Combined Heat ;ind Power Unit Air Handling Equipment Odour scrubbing or Adsorption Equipmem

,4.;? E;|u. pment which is located in ihe open is driven by small Kwatt motors, al: of v.'hicii willbs damped. These: includa:-

Scrapei1 Drive Assembly (Primiuy Settluaiem Tan!;) Mixing Paddle Drive (Activated Sludge Tanksj Scraper Drive Assembly (Secondary Sellemeru Tanks)

'; .4.^ The predicted noise levels at the site 'xmnd^jy is in ft.? regien of 30dBA wJijct. will nut creaic ;iny adverse impact, ;is it is well below existing ambient srioise.

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. .1.4.5 The reduction of noise levels is discusssd in 1'urtfier (retail in Ajipendix 6 of this stiiitement.

5,5.] The (--onstmaior.! of ihe imrosec effluent treat irieril phnt find outfall will inlhemuelv :^s reduce liie inp?ict of existing unsaiisfactory discharges; lo .nearshore coas.tal waters nortizi and .scmir of Gri-ysume1;.

5.5.2 In iii; shon term, negative impacts on the marine etiviromnem which maj require mi igEition or redu:tioti wculd be sonfuiiiai to:

(i) disturbance of the seized during :;onstru::ikin:

(ii) disturbance of the So-.-th Beach during li'yins of the outfall; and

(iiij any problems csp: TIE 'iced during :ornm;ssic:'nrai£: or malfujiction 0" the tre E.IIIT :mt

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:53 Disturbance of the seaiied and beach can be reduced or sJiminMsd by ensuring thai.;

(i) After irenchisig ;aid laying the outfall, ihe seabed i? restored to its previous ievt;!;

(ii) the restored seabed is inspected by divers; and

(iti) any temporary disturbance of the walk akmg the South Beach should be scheduled to taki: piuce during a period i»f tie year wher. the walk is loss frequently u'ieci, and (iT necessary! a temporary walkway provided virile trenching iind piipe-layinj: are in progress.

.5.3 Problems experienced during commissioning or mal funcuon o:" the treatment :ilart can be reduced or el iminaied by:

(i) operationally straight-forward pliat des gn;

(ii) an automated control .system designed to reduce operator error;

(iii) careful management of the Dissolved Oxygen, MI.SS ;ind other critical cpenitins pai-ariete-rs;

(i^) rcEula: sampling and laboratory ;ina.lysi> o'' inSuei:! and effluent iitrejuTis.

T.ie design of the proposed treatment plant incorporates the above features ;md facilities, ant: theaefore thi; occurrence of any prolilems during conarissionirig or subse^uen1: plant malluncsioiis, v^ovld \>: low risk events.

.6 £!oi2

,6J The layout of tlie works has, a;; discussed previously, beer: designed to minimise the removal of ex sting trees and hedgerows. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

3.6.2 The proposed planting will provide additional habitat for wik;lif».

!::i.7

-.7.1 The ueatnent works wiil noihave any detrimeital im]:act on fauna. The proposed pi landing wi.l increased habita:,

-'•8 Tbij3e_Tr o i tts j tret arri

5.8.1 The decornmissianirjE; of the D::lgany Treatment Wori; will improve wa:er quality in the Three 7 -on Is Strain.

5,15.2 Th:: proposed treatment works will not impact on the Three Trams Stream.

EPA Export 26-07-2013:00:03:53 & .•4/1?M..l?S

5-9 Jht?_ Beadi

::i.9. [ T:ie proposa. wjll impart on the beacll during ie construction period. Recover,1 car bf expecied within a short period cf time.

5-10 Roads amLIraf fji::;

:::.10.1 Impact after construction i; expected to be negligible.

5-11 Oviarall Summary

:;i. 11.1 Tiie reductive or mitigation measures csin 1 e summarised as follows:-

(ii The pi-oposal hi;is » visual impact. Ameliorative measures incluide cai eftil sitinn;,, screen mounriinji, use of subdued, landscape compBtible colotir-s, end a comprehensive liaTidsc::;ipi»:ig plan.

(i:) Noise nind odour arc reduced or eliminated by siting, all the noise and odour prodi ciug elements of tiie Treatment Works in buildings or enclosed limits.

(iii) Tin: remaining imports are either pos tivi: or negligible and require no mitigation.

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

frS

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