County Buildingr,Athy Road. Carlow. CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Tel: 059 9170300 Fax: 059 9 14 1503 COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHEATHARLOCHA Email: [email protected] Web: www.carlow.ie
Our Ref: JCMC
13'~November 2009
Ms Ewa Babiarczyk, Inspector, Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use, Environmental Protection Agency, Headquarters, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Countv Wexford
RE: Wastewater Discharge Licence Application for the Agglomeration of Rathoe
Dear Ms Babiarczyk
I refer to the above and to your correspondence dated 29Ih July, 2009 seeking further information in relation to the application for a discharge licence for the Rathoe Wastewater Works. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Enclosed are the responses to the issues raised,
Should you have any quely regarding the above please do not hesitate to contact me on 059 9136263.
Water Services Depart-F' ent
PIVR~C1 ~I\E%
EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 1. Section B.1
(i) Provide details on any other sewage works discharging to the Rathoe WWTP.
The new WWTP at Rathoe will be located on the site of the older, now decommissioned WWTP.
The older primary discharge at location E 281,038, N 171,503 will be decommissioned by the first quarter 2010 and the new Primary Discharge Point will be at location E 281067 and N 171536 into the River Burrin, downstream of Rathoe Bridge.
Rathoe Primary Discharge Point SWl E281067 N171536
This point has changed since the original application as the new discharge pipe for the new WWTP is now installed. We attach revised Table B.3
B.3 Location ofPrimant Discharge Point
Give the location of the primary discharge point, as defined in the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulation, associated with the waste water works.
Type of Discharge 200mm PVC Pipe with Non Return Valve and Outfall Wall Unique Point Code RaSWl Location Downstream of Rathoe Bridge in Rathoe, Co Carlow. Grid ref (6E,6N) Easting; 281,067, Northing ;171,536
There was no storm overflow on the older Rathoe WWTP. However the new WWTP is now almost constructed and there is a new storm overflow pipe adjacent to the Primary For inspection purposes only. Discharge Point into the ConsentRiver of Burren.copyright owner required for any other use.
B.5 Location ofstorm Water Overflow Pointfs)
Give the location of all storm water overflow point(s) associated with the waste water works.
Type of Discharge 250mm PVC Pipe Unique Point Code RaSW2 Location Rathoe Waste Water Treatment Plant, Downstream of Rathoe Bridge E2XlOh9 N171539
(ii) Provide site plan of the Rathoe WWTP including a discharge pipe from the plant to the primary discharge point.
We include Site Plan for the Rathoe WWTP.
Rathoe Waste Water Works (Ref: D0240-01) Further Information 2
EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 The new works consist of the following ;
Inlet Works including Screen and Grit Trap Forward Feed Pumps Sludge Holding Tank Two Sequence Batch Reactors Balance Tank Storm Tank Tertiary TreatmentISand Filters Outfall Sump Flowmeter Chamber Fenic Dosing Unit Control Building Storm Overflow Pipe Primary Discharge Pipe
(iii) Population Equivalent
The current loading to the WWTP is calculated at 400pe. This is calculated carrying out a property and catchment survey. Rathoe is not subject to seasonal fluctuations in loadings such as festivals or holiday homes.
The new WWTP is designed to cater for a Population Equivalent of 2,000.
The Rathoe Agglomeration will not achieve this level of loading until 2030.
The breakdown between domestic and non domestic is 95% domestic and 5% non domestic. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
(iv) Start and Completion Works
The construction of the new 2,000pe Waste Water Treatment Plant will be completed in Q1 2010.
(v) Storm Water Overflows
The Storm Overflow within the Rathoe Agglomeration is designed in accordance with guidelines laid down in the DEHLG "Procedures and Criteria in Relation to Storm Water Overflows"
The forward feed pumps will pump on 3DWF for hll treatment. The Stormwater holding tank is designed to hold a futher 3DWF for 2 hours and then the effluent overflows to the receiving waters.
Rathoe Waste Water Works (Ref: D0240-01) Further Information 3
EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 The water in the storm tank will have received screening and degritting prior to entering storm tank and will receive a degree of primary settlement prior to overflow.
When the storm flows abates the storm water is pumped back to the forward feed pumps and then receives hll treatment.
There are no pumping stations within the agglomeration.
We enclose Site Layout Drawing which indicates location of Storm Water Holding Tank and Storm Overflow pipe.
(vi) Monitoring Points
a) River Monitoring Programme EPA
The Treatment plant discharges into the River Burrin. The EPA Kilkenny Regional Laboratory carries out the chemical monitoring at 6 locations on the River Bumn in County Carlow. The downstream monitoring station is No. 0400 at Ballycrogue Bridge. Biological monitoring (Q value) is also camed out and is shown for 2006. The chemical parameters sampled are for:
Temperature Orthophosphate D.O. Ammonia BOD Un-ionised ammonia * Colour Nitrite * PH Nitrate
Conductivity For inspection purposes only. Chloride Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Salinity Coliforms at some stations.
We attach a copy of the EPA Report for 2008.
b) Urban Wastewater Regulations Monitoring
In 2008 monitoring runs were carried out at Rathoe Wastewater Treatment Works as follows:
Inlet (6), outlet (6), upstream (4), downstream (4). BOD, COD, Suspended Solids, Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, Orthophosphate, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus. The data in relation to upstream and downstream monitoring is shown in Tables F. l (i)
Rathoe Waste Water Works (Ref: D0240-01) Further Information 4
EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 c) Dangerous Substances Monitoring
For the purposes of the application dangerous substances monitoring was camed out at the following locations:
Outlet, upstream, downstream. Four sampling runs in the preceding 12 months prior to the application. Parameters as per Table F. 1 requirements. The data in relation to the plant outlet is shown in Attachment E.4. The data in relation to upstream and downstream monitoring is shown in Tables F. 1(i)
d) Drinking Water Abstraction Monitoring.
The drinking water abstraction point for the Sion Cross Water Treatment Plant is directly downstream of Ballycrogue Bridge on the River Burrin. The EPA Kilkenny Regional Laboratory cames out the chemical monitoring at 5 locations on the River Bumn in County Carlow. One of these monitoring stations is Station No. 0400 at Ballycrogue Bridge. This location was sampled 5 times in the preceding 12 months prior to the application. The parameters sampled are for:
Temperature Nitrite D.O. Nitrate BOD Chloride Colow Calcium pH Magnesium Conductivity Sodium Suspended solids Potassium Alkalinity For inspection purposes only. Metals Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Orthophosphate Total colifoms Ammonia E coli Un-ionised ammonia
e) Freshwater Fish Monitoring
The River Bunin is not a designated Salmonid river and therefore there are no designated locations to be monitored.
f) Bathing Water Monitoring
No monitoring of bathing water designated locations was camed out in the 12 months preceding the application date. There are no designated locations.
Rathoe Waste Water Works (Ref: D0240-01) Further Information 5
EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 (vii) Tabular Data
Pt Code Pt Type Mon Type Easting Northing Verified RaSWl Primary S 281067 171536 Y Upstream Primary S 280,766 171,342 Y Downstream Primary S 281,074 171,634 Y
(viii) Sampling Data
The outlet quality requirement at Rathoe WWTW as set out in the urban wastewater treatment regulations is as follows:
BOD = 25 mg/l with 79%-90% reduction COD = 125 mg/l with 75% reduction SS = 35 mdl with 90% reduction
Monitoring for BOD, COD and SS for the 12 months preceding the application shows the following:
BOD: 0 results within the limit (6) COD: 0 results within the limit (6) SS: 1 result within the limit (6)
Oualitv Control Procedures
The EPA Kilkenny Regional laboratory cames out sampling and testing of river waters, freshwater fish programme and the drinking water abstraction programme.
Sampling required by the Urban Wastewater Regulations is camed out by Carlow County For inspection purposes only. Council and analysis is carriedConsent outof copyright by T.E. owner Laboratoriesrequired for any other Ltd., use. NAB number 106T.
Sampling required by Dangerous Substances sections in the application is camed out by Carlow County Council and analysis is carried out by Environmental Laboratory Services, NAB number 11 IT.
We attach the Appropriate Assessment for the Rathoe Agglomeration.
Rathoe Waste Water Works (Ref: D0.240-01) Further Information 6
EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 -,...,...... a. rrareclon Agency, Keeiolkai Ukrer LaboratalY, Kiikenny - River Watet..Quaiity hloniloring Data
r3ver lPRBg Code 141305 Tribulog, of: Borrow tion No. 0020 aurren Rr (3km S of Myshall) -.Ah. (or CarlPr C?ntiai R.9 WS (atesf ejnjogical Qualjrj Rating ( 2006 ) = ~4.5 ~~r g g.? $6, -. 2zte -n Ten; 9 Z 30 9 0 3 $aleel IH Cond So #ii;ly 3-P-or "7n.onie Un.ron.arn~ Nil*:$ hitrate :hloide i-Cali E.c~, i,or T %set ~yb32 ld02 ~aze'. uSl:* 3100 :3sfl? Tsfl N ;.gl. N!O 551, z i-.@ V ?I&,!C. 1?00m -1'33-? a3hec ?'12m :137 9.2 '2: : 6 7 it ec 762 13'LEO c^li:3 8 C 129 'i 3 0.4 73 5 4 $5 cUC1 1 300ii4 4C.l: 1 t. '0 2,142 ',a m,a. 15120@@i125 12.: 39 'C 7 3 6 1: 8 0 2: cOOl COG UWrO: 0.051 1 i 3 1812W8 :2:3: '? E 37 -2 1 1.5 53 7 5 77 3.0: Mi 3,0002 cO.001 3 7 9 ~$31 :$7 !'l!27C? 99:4E 7 4 9: ?C9 ' 5 ?? 7E 73 !! 0, 3.03 OG033 0.009 3.6 1: 0 2 03 ai sls6o.1 89 pi,C~hl itiori No. 0100 Ullard ar :s?esfYiolcgi! a! Ouafii,, i?;llir!g ( 2006 ) = 05.4 :.;c ?e+ s 323 62; - - Sa!e limb Tern D 0 Ou B G D Coloui oil Cand Sallnily n Fhor Ammanla union-amn Niirlle Ntwala Chlotioe T-CO~I E-C~I, plow 'c %.Sat niyll 02 mgn 02 i(azan vSI'-m oloo men P -ngh X mgnNH3 nsn N mqfl N mMCl ilooml iroonl m3lsec 3112008 1235 5.1 58 11 2 0.9 20 7.7 465 0.08 0.0006 C.02P 5.6 19 No. Bailintrane rlion 0200 Rr Latest Biological Quality Reling ( 2006 ) = Q4 -Gnaaef: 5 798617 Date lime remo v n DO a o o coiaur PH can0 ~aniiya.Phar hmonia im.ion-amm~i~n:e ~~tra~schlotide T-call E-COI~ FIOK % %sat rngi102 m~ii02 ~aren uslrm 0100 man P ma0 N mgfl NH3 mqn N man N mu1 CI llmm! iloorn! n3isec 3112008 1225 7.7 86 10.3 0.6 40 75 466 0.02 0.0001 0.018 5.9 19 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. tion No. 0300 Ralhtoa Br Latesf Biological Qua!l!y Rating ( 2006 J = Q3-4 Grid He! S 809 712 Dale rime ?em9 D 0 DO a 0 0 Co:our pH Cond Sslinily o.Phor Amrnoniz Un-ion-amn Htlrns Unrsle Chloride T-Coi: E-cot, Flow 'C %Sat m91102 mgfl02 Kazen uslcm 0100 nqll P ~QAN mgn NH3 mqil N mcil N mM ci 1100ml l?Oomi m3lres Ill200~1250 8.6 94 11 0 0.7 50 7.9 515 002 0.0003 0.016 6.4 20 ion No. 0400 Br near Bailycrogue .Abslraclian for Garlvw water supply Latest Bioiogicai Qualily Rating ( 2006 ) = Ci3-4 Grd Rs! S 754 745 Temp D 0 DO 8 o D coiour pri cond salinity o~Phas Ammonia Union.amm *;,!,i!e ~i,ra!s chiande TColi E~COI Flow ' 'C "6aI mgn 02 man 02 Hazen ysicm oioo mgh P man N mg0 NH9 mqn N mui N men CI iioom1 iioomi m3irec 12008 1400 8.2 32 :0 8 !.3 30 7.8 612 0 03 0.0003 (i n1s 7 a 73 77d8 XQR Q3-4 a! station 485 (2006) In No. 0500 Burren Br in earlow, ufr Barrow 6, Lafesl Biological Qoaiity Rating ( J = ~od~ef. s ?ZCIW -- 'Is me Temp Q o DO a o D coiour p? cond sallniiy =Pm &mania Un-lon.amm Nliiile Nitiale cnlonde T.COI, E.Call iiow 'C ~a-imgnoz rnq1102 hazsn usfin a100 mdP m~ ngh NH.3 mnfl N man N mu1 CI ~ioom: 1100rnl m3isec 14:30 8.1 96 11.3 D? 20 7.9 618 0.02 0.0003 0 020 7.8 23 2008 12:l0 84 107 '2 5 'n.3 '0 8 1 840 0 01 COO 0.000i ~016 e.5 25 EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 Er.~i.ranaicntaiProtection Agency, Regional Watev Laboratoq, Kilkenny . River \%'atelQuality Molljtoring Data Rw k8mm Code 14BO5 Triburury of: Eon on i Note: ?,'ionitcrirsgws? disconiintn.8 ai sample station No 150 oi: the R Burren in 2W7 - ib)!owing !he imp)e~n~ntariofiof the monitcri~l:, piogJ,asnrze Car the Wafer Framework Directive. ? . - No -- Date pgll U - i!. . ~ ~ 20: 24-Jan-02,...... 1 ...201 .L ...30-Jun-041 - ...... 3001 20-~?~-02i ~ 32.4; ...... --- ...... 350:. 20-Nov-02;. .~ ..~ ...... 32.4 I 400: . 24-_...... an-02: .... 'I Assessment .... 6T.5 The 13ilrren flows through a tillage area in north County Carlow. Nitrate ;--- 406-- 2.0-NOV-021...... 31.7j. 404 30-Jun-04 ...24.4' ...... I levels a1.e high and have increased significantly since monitoring began in ! - - -- - . -. - i 4001 09-Mar-05...... 40.3'.... I the late 1970's - however nitrate levels appear to have stabilised since the I i 4001 10-.lui-06.... 10.8. late 1990's (see graph below). Intermittent agricultural pollutio~lis also .-~.- ...... , 1 400: 1 evideiit at the thee iowermost stations...... -22-Jan-08i ...... 43,$. [ ! 5001 20-Nov-02: 30.6; In 2002 it was discovered that uranium levels are elevated in the river Burren (see table below) - th~sis a 1 nat~ua!chaiactelistic I For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Change from 2007 No slgnlficant change &served. EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COHRUIIB CHOHIAB CHIATHARLOTHA Appropriate Assessment of Biological Impacts of Rathoe Waste Water Works on Special Area of Conservation 002162 October 2009 Prepared by: Pascal Sweeney M.Sc., MIEEM, Consultant Ecologist, For inspection purposesSweeney only. Consultancy, Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Rahan, Mallow Co. Cork TeL 022/26780 RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological Illlpacts EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 3. SECTION 2 METHODOLOGY SECTION 3 RESULTS SECTION 4 CONCLUSIONS SECTION 5 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY APPENDIX 1 EPA Q-values APPENDIX 2 CHEMICAL DATA APPENDIX 3 REFERENCES APPENDIX 4 MITIGATION MEASURES For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological Impacts-.- EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 1. INTRODUCTION The present report by Pascal Sweeney, Consultant Ecologist, was commissioned by Carlow County Council. The discharge from Rathoe Waste Water Treatment Works enters the Burren River upstream of Special Area of Conservation 002162 (River Barrow and River Nore SAC). Under Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive, there is a requirement for an Appropriate Assessment of the implications for the designated site of a discharge such as this, in view of the site's conservation objectives. The objective of this report is to establish the implications of the existing discharge on the Qualifying Interests (the protected habitats and species listed in Annex I and Annex I1 of the EU Habitats Directive) for which SAC 002162 is designated. Because the discharge point from Rathoe Waste Water Treatment Works is c. 13km upstream of the SAC site and the latest available EPA results show no difference in Q-value between the sites upstream and downstream of the outfall (43-4 at both), further field investigations were deemed unnecessary. This Appropriate Assessment report is a desktop study. The scope of this assessment is : Review of EPA Q-values. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Review of Carlow Co. Co. chemical data. Review of EPA chemical data. Likely occurrence of protected aquatic species at and downstream of the proposed discharge point, based on habitat suitability and available records. Likely impacts of the discharge on protected aquatic species and habitats. Cumulative effects on the qualifying interests of the Natura 2000 site. Measures to mitigate negative impacts on the protected species and habitats. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessme~ltof Biological Impacts EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:05 2. METHODOLOGY Because a WWTP at Rathoe is already in existence, the current impact on the biota of the receiving environment can be directly assessed. Water quality assessment is based on EPA Q-values and chemical data from Carlow County Council and EPA. It must be borne in mind, however, that these data relate to the existing WWTP and that a new plant is due to be commissioned in early 201 0. The new WWTP will be a substantial improvement on the older WWTP with a much greater capacity and tighter specification. The new WWTP will also include Nutrient Removal and Tertiary Treatment. Available records of species listed in Annex I1 of the EU Habitats Directive were checked. 3. RESULTS 3.1 EPA Q-values The Rathoe WWTP outfall is on the Burren River, immediately downstream of EPA Site 0300 (Rathtoe Br.). The next downstream EPA site is Site 0400 (Staplestown Br.). The Burren River enters the River Barrow in Carlow Town between EPA Sites 2200 and 2455. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. EPA Q-values for the Burren River and the River Barrow are presented in Appendix 1. The 2006 results show unpolluted conditions (44-5) at the top site (0020). The condition of the river deteriorated to moderately polluted (43) at Site 0060, improved to slightly polluted (43-4) at Site 0100 and improved further to unpolluted conditions (44) at Site 0200. At Site 0300, immediately upstream of the Rathoe WWTP outfall, slightly polluted conditions (43-4) were recorded. There was no change in condition recorded at either of the two remaining sites assessed on the Burren River. On the main channel of the River Barrow, Q3-4 was recorded at Site 2200, upstream of the Burren River confluence and 44 was recorded at Site 2455, downstream of the confluence. Although a Q-value of 43-4 is unsatisfactory, the most recent available EPA Q-value results do not show the discharge from Rathoe WWTP to be having any impact on biological water quality of the Burren River. However, in previous EPA sampling events (1997 and 2003) a drop by half a Q- value was recorded from Site 0300 to Site 0400. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological In~pacts - / EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 3.1 Chemical Data Carlow County Council and EPA chemical data are presented in Appendix 2. The Carlow County Council downstream sampling site is closer to the outfall than the EPA downstream site. The Carlow County Council chemical data show a general slight increase in BOD and Ammonium downstream of the outfall. The EPA chemical data also show a general slight increase in these parameters at their site, farther downstream, as well as general slight increases in Non-Ionised Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, Orthophosphate and Conductivity. The recorded increases in chemical parameters do not appear to be of sufficient magnitude to have a significant negative impact on biological water quality, as the most recent available EPA Q-values show. 3.3 Protected Habitats and Species. In this section, the impact of Rathoe WWTP discharge on each of the habitats and species for which the SAC is designated, is estimated. While the zone of potentially highest impact is taken to be from the discharge point to lkm downstream, the entire downstream freshwater section of the river was considered when assessing the presence of protected habitats and species and the potential effects of the discharge on these. The Site Synopsis for the River Barrow and River Nore SAC states: "The site is a candidate SAC selected for alluvial wet woodlands and petrzfiing springs, priority For inspection purposes only. habitats on Annex I of the E. U. HabitatsConsent of copyrightDirective. owner required The for site any otheris also use. selected as a candidate SAC for old oak woodlands, Jloating river vegetation, estuaty, tidal mudJats, Salicornia mudflats, Atlantic salt meadows, Mediterranean salt meadows, dry heath and eutrophic tall herbs, all habitats listed on Annex I of the E. U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected for the following species listed on Annex ZI of the same directive - Sea Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Nore Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Cruxfish, Twaite Shad, Atlantic Salmon, Otter, Vertigo moulinsiana and the plant Killarney Fern. " Several of the species and habitats listed above are terrestrial and could not be affected by the Rathoe WWTP discharge. Some are estuarine, in which cases the distance from the outfall to the saline waters must be taken into account when assessing the likelihood of any impacts. 3.2a Protected Habitats. Floating River Vegetation. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological Impacts C EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 Of the Annex I habitats listed above, only floating river vegetation would occur within 1 km downstream of the discharge and is therefore considered to be the only Annex I habitat that could potentially be affected to any significant degree. A slight increase in plant nutrients would result in increased growth of floating river vegetation. A more substantial increase in plant nuhients could cause an increase in the competitive interactions between plant species, resulting in a loss of species. The EPA chemical results show slight increases in plant nutrients downstream of Rathoe, which could have a positive impact on floating river vegetation within the zone of highest potential impact. However, within the SAC, as unpolluted conditions (44) were recorded at the first site on the River Barrow downstream of the Burren River confluence, no impact on this Annex I habitat within the SAC appears likely, particularly once the new WWTP is commissioned. Old Oak Woodlands, Dry Heath and Eutrophic Tall Herbs. Terrestrial habitats, unaffected by discharges to rivers. Estuary, Tidal Mudflats, Salicornia Mudflats, Atlantic Salt Meadows, Mediterranean Salt Meadows. Saline habitats which potentially could be affected by substantially increased nutrient concentrations in the freshwater sections of rivers. However, given the distance from the outfall to saline waters, no impacts are considered likely. 3.2b Protected Species. For inspection purposes only. Of the Annex I1 species listed inConsent the of Site copyright Synopsis, owner required the for anyfirst other five use. considered below could not be significantly affected by discharge from the Rathoe WWTP. Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera). The freshwater pearl mussel is apparently now extinct in the main channel of the River Barrow (Lucey, 1998). A live specimen of freshwater pearl mussel was last found in the River Barrow in 1991, c. 5km upstream of Graiguenamanagh (Grid Ref. S734 477). This location is downstream of the confluence of the Mountain River, which supports a freshwater pearl mussel population and from which this specimen was probably washed into the River Barrow (E. Moorkens, pers. comm.). Nore Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritijkra margaritifera durrovensis). Within SAC 002162, the Nore freshwater pearl mussel is a sub-species which occurs only in a IOkm stretch of the main channel of the River Nore and is not in any part of the River Barrow. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological Impacts - f EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 Twaite Shad (Alosafallax). Twaite shad is an anadromous fish which enters large estuaries in late April or May to spawn in gravels near the end of the freshwater reaches (Whelan, 1989). Doherty et al. (2004) state that in Ireland the only known spawning population of twaite shad occurs in the upper tidal limit of the River Barrow, below the weir at Saint Mullin's, with considerable variation in spawning activity depending upon water temperature, tidal strength and river flow. Threats to Irish shad populations include deterioration of water quality and habitat degradation. As no decline in biological water quality was recorded by EPA downstream of the outfall in 2006, and given the distance from Rathoe WWTP to the upstream end of the known distribution range of this species, no impacts are considered likely. Moulins' Whorl Snail (Vertigo moulinsiana) Vertigo moulinsiana is found in calcareous wetlands, usually adjacent to lowland rivers and lakes (Kemey, 1999). However, as it is not an aquatic species, it is not susceptible to changes in quality of river water. Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum) Killarney fern is a terrestrial species, found on very sheltered, damp rock faces (Stace, 1991) and could not be affected by the river water quality. Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). For inspection purposes only. King (2006)recorded sea lampreysConsent at low of copyright densities owner required in only for any four other use. tributaries of the River Barrow, but none upstream of Carlow Town. As no decline in biological water quality was recorded by EPA downstream of the outfall in 2006, and given the distance from Rathoe WWTP to the upstream end of the known distribution range of this species, no impacts are considered likely, particularly once the new plant is in operation. Brook Lamprey (Lampretaplaneri) and River Lamprey (LampretaJuviatilis). King (2006) found lamprey ammocoetes at two sites in the River Burren. Due to the very limited amount of suitable lamprey spawning habitat in the main channel of the River Barrow, it would appear that a good lamprey population in the lower section of this river, within the SAC, would only be possible if spawning takes place in the tributaries and the emerging ammocoetes drop downstream to the main channel. A significant drop in water quality could negatively affect any lamprey present. However, as no decline in biological water quality was recorded by EPA RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological Impacts 7 EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 downstream of the outfall in 2006, no impacts are considered likely, particularly once the new plant is in operation. White-Clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobiuspallipes). Crayfish are known to occur in the River Burren. Although most sites on the River Burren were found by the EPA to be slightly polluted (43-4) in 2006, this would not necessarily negatively affect the crayfish population, as Demers et al. (2005) reported that over one third of the sites where crayfish were found were 43-4 or less. A significant drop in water quality could negatively affect crayfish. However, as no decline in biological water quality was recorded by EPA downstream of the outfall in 2006, no impacts are considered likely, particularly once the new plant is in operation. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). O'Reilly (2002) states that the River Barrow is a fair to good salmon river, but only mentions the Burren River as a trout water. The River Barrow is a Salmonid Water designated under the European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations of 1988 (S.I. No. 293 of 1988). The EPA chemical data for the Burren River presented in Appendix 2B are within the standards specified for compliance with these regulations in Salmonid Waters, both upstream and downstream of the outfall for the following parameters for which data are available: Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, BODs. pH, Non-ionised Ammonia, Total Ammonium, Copper, Zinc. Carlow Co. Co. results (Appendix 2A) show the BODs standard that is specified in the Salmonid Waters Regulations (ISmgil) to have been exceeded on one occasion both upstream and downstream of the For inspection purposes only. outfall. The egg and juvenile stagesConsent of ofthe copyright salmon owner required life cycle for any other are use. very vulnerable to deteriorations in water quality (Hendry and Cragg-Hine, 2003). A significant drop in water quality would also negatively affect adult salmon. However, as no decline in biological water quality was recorded by EPA downstream of the outfall in 2006, no impacts are considered likely, particularly once the new plant is in operation. Otter (Lutra lutra). Within the South Eastern River Basin District, which includes the Burren River, Baily and Rochford (2006) recorded positive results at nearly 73% of the sites surveyed, indicating a widespread distribution of the species. If water quality dropped to the extent that the abundance of prey species were significantly affected, otters could be negatively impacted. However, as the discharge would not appear to be negatively impacting on prey species, it is considered that the discharge is currently having no impacts on otters. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological Impacts -8- EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 4. CONCLUSIONS 4.1 Conservation Objectives. Summarising the main threats to the designated site, the Site Synopsis for The River Barrow and River Nore SAC states: "The main threats to the site and current damaging activities include high inputs of nutrients into the river system fvom agricultural run-off and several sewage plants, overgrazing within the woodland areas, and invasion by non-native species, for example Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum). The water quality of the site remains vulnerable. Good quality water is necessary to maintain the populations of the Annex II animal species listed above. Good quality is dependent on controlling fertilisation of the grasslands, particularly along the Nore. It also requires that sewage be properly treated bgfore discharge. Drainage activities in the catchment can lead to flash floods which can damage the many Annex II species present. Capital and maintenance dredging within the lower reaches of the system pose a threat to migrating,fish species such as lamprey and shad. Land reclamation also poses a threat to the salt meadows and the populations of legally protected species therein." The relevant conservation objective pertaining to the discharge to Rathoe WWTP must therefore be the proper treatment of the effluent before discharge to the river. 4.2 Cumulative Impacts. Point sources, diffuse ~noffand inputs from tributaries of unsatisfactory water quality are affecting the biological water quality of the Burren River and the River Barrow along the courses of these For inspection purposes only. rivers. This can be seen in the 2006Consent ofEPA copyright Q-ratings owner required (Appendix for any other use. 1). In that sampling season, the water quality of the Burren River quickly dropped from 44-5 at the top site to 43 at the next site downstream. The only other site with an unpolluted rating (44) was at Ballintrane Br. The River Barrow was seen to mostly fluctuate between 43-4 and 44 along most of the course of the river. At the six sites from downstream of Carlow Town (Site 2455) to Ferniscourt Lock (Site 3000), 44 was recorded. The water quality then dropped to 43-4 at Goresbridge (Site 3100). The water quality improved to 44 at Site 3300 and dropped again to 43-4 at Site 3500 (Graiguenamanagh). The following facility in the catchment of the lower section of the River Barrow has a waste licence: Powerstown Landfill Site, Licence Code W0025-02. The licence specifies that there are to be no direct emissions to groundwater and that no raw leachate, treated leachate or contaminated surface water shall be discharged to the Powerstown Stream. All leachate is transported to Mortarstown Waste Water Treatment Plant for disposal. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assesslnent of Biological 1111pacts - 0 EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 Also in the catchment of this section of river, the following have IPPC licences: Braun Oral B, Code P0287-01. The licence specifies emission limits to the Carlow UDC sewer and also specifies measures for the protection of groundwater and surface water. Peerless Rues Europe Ltd.. Code P0261-01. The licence specifies conditions and limits for emission to sewer. The licence also specifies the monitoring requirements for surface water discharges of non-process water and actions to be taken if contamination is detected. Clomennane Lime Ltd., Code P0400-02. This facility has no emissions to water of environmental significance. Richard Keenan & Co. Ltd., Code P0555-01. The licence specifies measures for the protection of groundwater and surface water. Green Biofuels Ireland Ltd., Code P0829-01. The licence specifies emission limits to sewer and also specifies that there are to be no emissions to water of environmental significance. Provided that the facilities listed above comply with the terms of their licences, they will have no cumulative impact on the biological water quality of the River Barrow, and on the conservation For inspection purposes only. objectives of Special Area of ConservationConsent of copyright 002162. owner required for any other use. As the most recent EPA Q-value results do not show the Rathoe WWTP discharge to be having an effect on biological water quality at the next site downstream of the outfall, it is considered that it would not significantly add to the cumulative impact on the Natura 2000 site and its conservation objectives. 4.3 Mitigation Measures. While the EPA Q-value results did not detect biological impacts on the river at the next site downstream of the outfall, chemical results suggest a localised effect. Details of mitigation measures within the new WWTP which is soon to be commissioned at Rathoe, provided by Carlow County Council, are presented in Appendix 4. In any future changes made to Rathoe WWTP in tenns of capacity or design that could impact on the effluent quality, it must be ensured that RATHQE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological Impacts - 1P EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 mitigation measures are adequate to avoid inputs to the river that would negatively impact on the conservation objectives of the SAC. 5. NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY A desktop assessment was canied out in order to assess the current effect, if any, of the discharge from Rathoe Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) on the Burren River and the implications of any such effects for protected habitats and species within the River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation, which is c. 13km downstream. The most recent available EPA biological water quality assessment results indicates slightly polluted conditions both immediately upstream of the Rathoe WWTP outfall and at the next site downstream, indicating that that the effluent from Rathoe WWTP is currently not having a significant impact on the biological water quality of the Burren River. Six species and one habitat which are listed for protection under the EU Habitats Directive were identified as being present, or likely to be present within the zone of highest potential impact downstream of the Rathoe WWTP outfall. The fact that the discharge is not causing a decline in the biological water quality, indicates For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. that there is no significant negative effects of the effluent on the protected habitats and species either within the SAC. The mitigation measures to be put in place in the new Rathoe WWTP, which is to be commissioned in early 2010, are outlined. These are adequate to avoid inputs of nutrients to the river that could negatively impact on the conservation objectives of the SAC. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessmellt of Biological Impacts - 1' EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 APPENDIX 1 Burren River (14B01) EPA Q-values 1997 - 2006 Station No. Station Name 1997 2003 2006 0020 Burren Br Coolasnaghta 4-5 4-5 4-5 0060 Milltown Br 2-3 3 3 0100 Ullard Br 4 4 3-4 0200 Ballintrane Br 3-4 3-4 4 0300 Rathtoe Br 3-4 4 3-4 0400 Staplestown Br 3 3-4 3-4 0485 Ring Rd Br Carlow (dls side) 3-4 3-4 0490 Shopping Centre Br Carlow 3 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Appropriate Assess~ne~~tof Biological Impacts EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 APPENDIX 2 CHEMICAL DATA APPENDIX 2A. Carlow Co. Co. ROUTINE MONITORING 200812009 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological Impacts EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. mmmmm 00000 00000 -mmmoee2ee Namrcmeeeqz NOOON an60~3Alleg -18 ao~uletl leau OOEO 'ON OObO 'ON uo!ws SI~ uo!ws sla EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 APPENDIX 3 I REFERENCES i ! Bailey, M. and Rochford J. (2006) Otter Survey of Ireland 200412005. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 23. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland. Doherty, D., O'Maoileidigh, N., and McCarthy, T.K. (2004). The biology, ecology and future conservation of the Twaite shad (Alosa ,fallax Lace 'PE' DE), Allis shad (Alosa alosa L.) and Killarney shad (Alosa fallax killamierzsis Tate Regan) in Ireland. Biology and Environment: proceeding of the Royal Irish Academy: 104B: 93-102. Hendry, D. and Cragg-Hine, K. (2003) Ecology of the Atlantic Salmon. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No. 7, English Nature, Peterborough. King, J. J. and Linnane, S. M. (2004). The status and distribution of lamprey and shad in the Slaney and Munster Blackwater SACS. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 14. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Kwz, I. and Costello, M.J. (1999). An outline of the biology, distribution and conservation of lampreys in Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 5, Dlichas, The Heritage Service. Moorkens, E.A. (2000). Conservation Management of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. Part 2: Water Quality Requirements. Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 9, Dhchas, The Heritage Service. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assessment of Biological Impacts EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 APPENDIX 4 Rathoe WWTP - Mitigation Measures For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS Appropriate Assesstnet~tof Biological Itnpacts EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:06 CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL TOHHUUP CHONTAE C=ATHARLU.OCH* CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL RATHOE WASTE WATER WORKS WASTEWATER DISCHARGE LICENCE APPLICATION For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Appendix 4 Mitigation Measures for Appropriate Assessment for Rathoe Agglomeration Rathoe Waste Water Works Mitigation Measures for Appropriate Assessment 1 EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:07 Rathoe and the Catchment Area Rathoe Agglomeration is located 13 krns southeast of Carlow Town. The catchment area consists of the agglomeration of Rathoe. No areas outside of Rathoe are pumped or transferred to the Rathoe WWTP. The present loading from the catchment to the WWTP is estimated to be 400pe. The new WWTP will have a capacity to treat a population of 2,000pe. Rathoe Waste water Treatment Plant The original WWTP in Rathoe had been built in the early 1970s for a capacity of 150pe. The original WWTP consisted of an activated sludge return system and consisted of an aeration tank and clarifier. The original Rathoe Waste Water Treatment Plant is a point source of BOD, S.S. N and P loading into the River Bumn but this source of P and N loading will now be removed as the new WWTP will be commissioned in Q1 2010. An application for funding was made to the DOEHLG under the Serviced Land Initiative on 25~ June 2007. The application involved the construction of a new WWTP on the site of the existing works with a new improved capacity of 2,000pe. This application received DOEHLG Approval in 1lth July 2007. The Contract for the construction of the Rathoe Waste Water Treatment Plant was awarded to EPS Limited. The contract included the design and construction of a waste water treatment plant with a For inspection purposes only. capacity of 2,000pe. The contractConsent was of copyright signed owner on required the Q1for any 2009 other use. and works commenced on site in April 2009. The plant will be commissioned and commence operation in Q1 2010. The works consisted of the following: Inlet screen with by-pass-manual stainless screen, wash water and automatic sampler Grit Classifier and blower 2No Sequence Batch Reactors Balancing Tank 2No Air Blowers, Duty and Standby Forward feed pumping station RASIWAS pumps Tertiary Chamber involving sand filtration Femc dosing system with drench shower and bund Sludge holding tanks Control building with electric form 4 panel Strom water holding tank with capacity for 3DWF for 2 hours Rathoe Waste Water Works Mitigation Measures for Appropriate Assessment 2 EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:07 The new WWTP also will have facilities for the management of Storm Water. The new WWTP will treat 3DWF and pump the remainder forward to a Storm Water Holding Tanks. The Storm Holding Tank will hold 3DWF for 2 hours. Water that then overflows will have received primary settlement treatment and screening. Obviously at this stage flows in the receiving waters will be very high which will assist dilution. The Rathoe Waste Water Plant is operated by the following staff: 1 No Caretaker Carlow County Council will provide the Caretaker with all necessary training to ensure a high standard of plant operation and maintenance. The new WWTP is fully automated to further assist the caretaker. The plant is manned between the hours of 08.00 and 12.00 Monday to Friday with the plant being also manned between the hours of 08.00 and 12.00 on Saturday and between the hours of 10.00 and 12.00 on Sunday. Call out systems are in place whereby staff are notified of malfunctions in the plant operation and are in a position to get to the plant and address the problems immediately. A contract is in place with a service provider to carry out maintenance to the plant on a regular basis. Carlow County Council are presently setting in place the PMS (Performance Management For inspection purposes only. System). Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. This will involve each caretaker compiling a monthly report on the Plant Operations. The caretakers report will be approved by his line manager and by a Senior Engineer in Water Services. Carlow County Council are committed to operating and maintaining the WWTPs within the County to level necessary to produce an effluent to the required standards and to achieve this consistently. Receiving Waters The treated effluent from the Rathoe Wastewater Works will discharges via a 180mm diameter rising main into the River Burrin just downstream of Ullard Bridge. Rathoe Waste Water Works Mitigation Measures for Appropriate Assessment 3 EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:07 Dangerous Substances : The final effluent has been tested for dangerous substances as per the Dangerous Substances Directive and results are compliant with the Directive. To comply with Phosphorus Regulations (SI No 258 of 1998) there is iron coagulant dosing provided to reduce the phosphorus level to lmgll total P. Water Directive : The objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) are to protect all high status waters, prevent further deterioration of all waters and to restore degraded surface and ground waters to good status by 201 5. A major programme is under way to achieve this target. The provision by Carlow County Council of a new 1,500pe WWTW at Rathoe with secondary and tertiary treatment and a tight specification will meet help achieve these objectives. The SERBD draft management plan developed under the WFD is on display at present and will be complied with by Carlow County Council. The SERBD Management will be adopted by the end of 2009. The new Rathoe WWTP will help the River Bumn achieve "good" status in line with the objectives of the Water Framework Directive. The new WWTP when constructed will greatly help in reducing the pollutants entering the River Bumn from the Rathoe Agglomeration and will reduce considerably the Rathoe Agglomeration as a source of P and N loadings into the River Bumn. The new Rathoe WWTP will also minimize the impact of the Rathoe Agglomeration on the SAC known as the River Barrow and River Nore, Site Code 002162. Conclusion Carlow County Council have constructed a new WWTP for the Rathoe Agglomeration and this For inspection purposes only. will greatly reduce the impact ofConsent the Agglomeration of copyright owner required on for the any Riverother use. Bumn and on the Conservation Area 002 162. Femc dosing will be provided at the plant and so will tertiary treatment. Stormwater Management is included in the new works and the new stom water overtlow at the Rathoe WWTP is in line with the "Procedures and Criteria for Stonn Water Overflows" as per DEHLG Guidelines. At a capacity of 1500 pe the plant will be adequately sized to cater for the wastewater loadings from the Rathoe Agglomeration up to a least 2020. This WWTP will allow Carlow County Council to do its part in removing pollution from the Bumn River and from the River Barrow and the River Nore SAC and contributing to improvements in the water quality in the River Burrin and also the River Barrow and the SAC 002162. Rathoe Waste Water Works Mitigation Measures for Appropriate Assessment 4 EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:07 The new WWTP will eliminate a substantial source of phosphate and nitrate loading into the Bunin River. The new WWTP will allow Carlow County Council to achieve the objectives and programmes set out under the SERBD Management Plan and in the Dangerous Substances Directive. Carlow County Council have put the necessary mitigation measures in place to deal with potential impacts outlined in the Rathoe Agglomeration Appropriate Assessment. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Rathoe Waste Water Works Mitigation Measures for Appropriate Assessment 5 EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:07 281067E, 171536 N For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. CARLOW to..-. to..-. <*V*Cl. ,-am-.- CARLOWCOUNTY COUNCIL WATERSERVICES DEPARTMENR DlrectorOf SeMces:John Carley Cwnty Ha.Amy Road. Carlow Phone:(059)917W00 Far (059)9138206 Emai: sscreta@mdwymm ie RATHTOEWASTE WATER EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:07 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. CARLOW to..-. to..-. <*V*Cl. ,-am-.- CARLOWCOUNTY COUNCIL WATERSERVICES DEPARTMENR DlrectorOf SeMces:John Carley Cwnty Ha.Amy Road. Carlow Phone:(059)917W00 Far (059)9138206 Emai: sscreta@mdwymm ie RATHTOEWASTE WATER EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:07 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. EPA Export 26-07-2013:16:43:07