River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Report on River Water Quality in County Laois 2013
Contents
1. Overview
2. General Assessment & Trends
3. River Sites for further Investigation
4. 2013 Summary of Laois Rivers
5. Long Term Graphs – o-Phosphate
6. Long Term Graphs - Nitrate
7. Maps
Environmental Protection Agency Page 1 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
1. Overview
This report provides an assessment of river water quality in County Laois in 2013. It should be read in conjunction with the other data and assessments provided under the South East River Basin district report.
The report is presented in the following sections: (i) Section two of the report provides a general assessment of the state of rivers in the county, with graphs showing trends in annual average o-phosphate and nitrate concentrations in the County since 2001. (ii) The third section identifies the river sites which require further investigation and the suspected causes of pollution. They were selected on the basis of having a Q value less than 4 (i.e. moderate or worse status), poor chemistry, or there were other significant pollution issues. (iii) The fourth section provides a summary assessment of water quality for each river, having regard to the relevant Q values and WFD criteria for the 4 key physico-chemical parameters BOD, ammonia, o-phosphate and Nitrate. (iv) Sections five and six include long term graphs for both o-phosphate and nitrate in Kilkenny Rivers. These are based on three year rolling means. (v) Finally there are a set of maps which provide an indication of river water quality based on the 4 key physico-chemical parameters. These maps compare the annual average for each parameter at each river station against the relevant EQS.
2. General Assessment & Trends
Water quality in County Laois remains quite good when compared to the national picture. In terms of ecological status, 64% of river stations in the county are at least good status compared with 65% nationally.
The general physico-chemical data suggests an improvement in water quality in 2013 compared to 2012. As indicated in the table below, there was a general decrease in the percentage of river stations which exceeded the Good status EQS for ammonia, o- phosphate, nitrate and BOD levels. The level of decrease in stations which exceeded the Good status EQS for o-phosphate was most significant with a drop of almost 17% over the 2012 data.
Parameter 2013 (%) 2012 (%) Ammonia 21.9 30.6 o-Phosphate 20.6 37.5 Nitrate 41.1 50.0 BOD 27.4 43.1
Table 1. % of River Stations that exceeded the EQS for Good status for each parameter in 2013 compared to 2012.
Environmental Protection Agency Page 2 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
The drop in the percentage of rivers which exceeded the Good status for ortho- phosphate was coupled with a drop in the annual ortho-phosphate concentration in Laois rivers in 2013. The ortho-phosphate levels have fluctuated over the time period 2001- 2013 but the trend is generally downward since 2004 with the annual average ortho- phosphate concentration in 2013 reaching its lowest level since 2001. Ortho-phosphate remains a problem as the average level is below Good status and the challenge of reducing levels still further remains a considerable one.
0.060
0.050
0.040
0.030 o-Phosphate Phosphate (mg/LP) - 0.020 High/Good Good/Moderate
0.010 Meano
0.000
year
Fig. 1. Annual average ortho-phosphate levels in Laois rivers 2001 – 2013.
Similarly to ortho-phosphate there was a drop in the number of sites which exceeded the Good status for the surrogate EQS for Nitrate. Nitrate levels have fallen steadily since 2006 and while the average nitrate concentration is above the surrogate EQS for Good status the levels are approaching the concentration required to meet the Good status. Nitrates are however still a significant problem in Laois Rivers.
3.50
3.00
2.50
2.00 Mean Nitrate 1.50 High/Good 1.00
MeanNitrate (mg/LN) Good/Moderate 0.50
0.00
Year
Fig. 2. Annual average nitrate levels in Laois rivers 2001 – 2013.
Environmental Protection Agency Page 3 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
With the advent of the Water Framework Directive compliance rules for certain river chemistry determinands were applied to the data collected. Assessment is based on the four most significant contributing parameters to water quality, namely BOD, ammonium, o- phosphate and TON. Sites are identified as passing or failing based on an assessment of the mean and 95%ile of these parameters. Sites fail chemistry where two or more parameters fail the criteria set. While few sites fail two parameters, a significant number of sites fail a single parameter (in the majority of cases this is due to nitrate). Where a site fails one parameter, it is described as being of concern. The data for the Laois rivers since the start of the WFD monitoring (2007) is shown in Table 2. The percentage of sites which fall into each category is trended over 3 year rolling cycles (Figure 3). Chemical monitoring since 2007 indicates an improving trend in all Laois rivers. There was a slight drop in the number of passing stations in 2011-2013 from 2010-2012. This may be due to weather conditions in those years. No sites have failed chemistry in any cycle since 2007 and the number of passing sites has increased from 48 in 2007-2009 to 59 for 2011-2013. While chemical monitoring indicates an improving trend, it is important to also remain focussed on maintaining the status of those sites that are already at good or higher status.
Year No. of Stations Pass Of Concern Fail
2007 - 2009 75 48 27 0 2008 - 2010 74 51 23 0 2009 - 2011 73 53 20 0 2010 - 2012 73 61 12 0 2011 - 2013 72 59 13 0
Table 2. Number of river stations by WFD compliance status
Laois Rivers 100
80
60 Pass
40 Concern Percentage % Fail 20
0 2007-09 2008-10 2009-11 2010-12 2011-13 Years
Fig. 3 . % of river stations by WFD compliance status
Environmental Protection Agency Page 4 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Table 3. River stations with the highest average ammonia concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).
River name River Code / Station number
Ballyroan 15B01-0200 Stradbally 14S02-0300 Ballyroan 15B01-0100 Barrow 14B01-0200 Cappanacloghy 15C06-0600
Table 4. River stations with the highest average o-phosphate concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).
River Name River Code / Station Number Erkina 15E01-0200 Stradbally 14S02-0300 Owenass 14O01-0300 Ballyroan 15B01-0200 Ballyroan 15B01-0100
Table 5. River stations with the highest average nitrate concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order).
River Name River Code / Station Number Rathdowney Steam 15R03-0700 Dunrally 14D05-0400 Goul 15G02-0500 Ballyroan 15B01-0200 Stradbally 14S02-0400
Table 6. River stations with the highest average BOD concentration in 2013 (in decreasing order). River Name River Code / Station Number Ballyroan 15B01-0200 Stradbally 14S02-0300 Ballyroan 15B01-0100 Barrow 14B01-0500 Barrow 14B01-0200
Environmental Protection Agency Page 5 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
3. WFD River Sites for further investigation
There are over 900 river sites of less than good status across the country – that is they have a biological Q value of 3-4 or less. There are twenty river stations in County Laois that have a Q value of 3-4 or less (from those that are also monitored for chemical determinands). These have been identified as sites for further investigation. Table 9 lists all these sites along with the suspected causes and any relevant additional comments. It is hoped that targeting pollution at these sites will lead to continued improvement in river water quality in the county.
Laois is a predominantly rural county with agriculture being one of the main activities in the county. Diffuse pollution from agriculture as well as small point sources such as small urban wastewater treatment plants (UWWT), domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) and farmyards are significant contributory pressures. The predominant pollution sources in the more urbanised areas are discharges from wastewater treatment plants, storm water overflows and industrial discharges. It must be borne in mind that multiple pressures may impact on any given site. Further work is required also in order to better distinguish between the impacts of DWWTS and diffuse agricultural sources. The pathways by which pollutants reach water are similar for those emanating from DWWTS and from agricultural sources, whether farmyard or field.
The EPA is responsible for the licensing or certification of all discharges to the aquatic environment from sewerage systems owned, managed and operated by Irish Water. The licensing and certification authorisation process was introduced on a phased basis commencing on 14th December 2007 in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (SI 684 of 2007). Up to the end of 2013 only three licences had been issued in County Laois with the licence to the plant at Ballinakill issued in December 2013. The three licences issued in County Laois to date are shown in table 7 below.
Agglomeration Licence No. Authority Date Issued Port Laoise D0001-01 Irish Water 29/7/2009 Ballinakill D0384-01 Irish Water 10/12/2013 Clonaslee D0386-01 Irish Water 28/9/2009
Table 7. Wastewater discharge licences issued in Co. Laois up to the end of 2013.
A number of other wastewater treatment plants had licence applications pending in 2013.
Environmental Protection Agency Page 6 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Agglomeration Licence No. Authority Date Issued Mountmellick D0152-01 Irish Water Application Pending Mountrath D0153-01 Irish Water Application Pending Abbeyleix D0156-01 Irish Water Application Pending Portarlington D0158-01 Irish Water Application Pending Rathdowney D0288-01 Irish Water Application Pending Durrow D0289-01 Irish Water Application Pending Borris in Ossory D0290-01 Irish Water Application Pending Ballylynan D0291-01 Irish Water Application Pending Stradbally D0292-01 Irish Water Application Pending Ballyroan D0385-01 Irish Water Application Pending Castletown D0387-01 Irish Water Application Pending
Table 8. Wastewater discharge licences in Co. Laois with applications pending in 2013.
Both diffuse and point source pollution are key pressures in Co. Laois. Many of the point sources are due directly to wastewater discharges and it is hoped that the licencing of these plants will show improvements over the coming years.
The focus on domestic waste water treatment systems (DWWTS) has continued to increase in recent years. In 2013, a National Inspection Plan for DWWTS was published in response to the European Court of Justice finding that Ireland had not met the legal obligation required by the 1975 Waste Framework Directive to regulate the waste water generated in our unsewered areas. Nationwide inspections commenced in Ireland in the second half of 2013, starting with areas at greatest risk of damage to human health or the environment. Inspections were not carried out in Co. Laois in 2013.
The list in Table 9 may be useful in assisting with investigative monitoring, particularly of diffuse sources of pollution. The point source discharges may be dealt with separately through licensing and enforcement measures. If sources of pollution affecting rivers can be reduced or eliminated, this will have a positive knock-on effect on lakes and ground-waters in the region.
Environmental Protection Agency Page 7 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Table 9. River Sites in Co. Laois which may require further investigation
River Code Location Q Value Year Key Pressure Comments
Mountmellick WWTP discharges into BARROW 14B01-0500 3-4 2011 Urban Owenass which enters Barrow just u/s Borness Br Diffuse agricultural pressure Pasture & tillage u/s
BARROW 14B010900 Ford S of Trascan 3-4 2011 Urban Portarlington WWTP located u/s Agriculture 3-4 BALLYROAN 15B01-0100 Sallagh Bridge 2013 Agriculture and mixed rural influences
Urban Abbeyleix town located u/s BALLYROAN 15B01-0200 Gloreen Br 3 2013 Industrial IPC licenced facility CROOKED 14C02-0600 Timogue Br 3-4* 2011 Agriculture Heavy siltation in river (STRADBALLY) DONAGHMORE 15D03-0700 3-4 2013 Donaghmore Br Agriculture and mixed rural influences Small discharge from pub STREAM Rathdowney WWTP ERKINA 15E01-0200 Coneyburrow Br Urban 3 2013 IPC licenced facility Industrial Drop in Q value since 2010 ERKINA Urban 15E01-0550 Durrow Br 3-4 2013 Drop in Q value since 2010 Agriculture and mixed rural influences
14F03-0250 Rossmore Br 3-4* 2011 Agriculture Siltation FUSHOGE
Improvement in ecological quality since GLORY 15G01-0040 Br N of Kilmaganny 3-4 2013 Urban 2010 Diffuse agricultural pressures
GOUL 15G02-0500 Br near Newtown Mills 3-4 2013 Drop in Q value since 2010 Agriculture and mixed rural influences
Environmental Protection Agency Page 8 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Code Location Q Value Year Key Pressure Comments
GULLY 15G03-0100 Gortnaclea Br 3-4 2013 Agriculture and mixed rural influences Drop in Q value from Q4 since 2010
Mountmellick WWTP located u/s and 3-4 2011 Urban OWENASS 14O01-0300 1.7 km d/s Mountmellick increased population density in town Diffuse agricultural pressures Heavy Siltation in river
2013 Owveg 15O01-0160 Br NW of Boleybawn 3-4* Agriculture and mixed rural influences Excessive siltation in river
RATHDOWNEY 2013 15R03-0700 Br W of Glasha Crossroads 3 Agriculture STREAM Mining RATHDOWNEY 2013 15R03-1100 Br in Rathdowney 3 Urban Rathdowney village STREAM Agriculture TONET 15T01-0400 Rossnaclonagh Br 3 2013 Agriculture TONET 15T01-0600 Anatrim Br 3-4 2013 Equestrian Centre Br on TRIOGUE 14T01-0100 3-4 2011 Urban One off housing (DWWTS) R426 Agriculture Equestrian centre
Urban (sewage) TRIOGUE 14T01-0300 Eyne Br 3 2011 d/s Portlaoise Agriculture
Urban TRIOGUE 14T01-0400 Triogue Br (on R422) 3-4 2011 Agriculture and mixed rural influences Diffuse urban pollution from Mountmellick.
Environmental Protection Agency Page 9 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
4. 2013 Summary of River Water Quality in Co. Laois
These assessments are based on physico-chemical measurements made during 2013, and the most recent Q values and assessments of the river biologists.
The Nore sub-catchment upstream of Ballyragget is listed as a protected habitat under the Freshwater Pearl Mussel Regulations (SI 296 of 2009). The protected habitats include the main channel of the Nore upstream of Ballyragget, and all of the following tributaries: Ballyroan, Cappanacloghy, Delour, Donaghmore, Erkina, Errill, Goul, Gully, Killeen (Slieve Blooms), Mountrath, Owveg, Rathdowney Stream and Tonet.
River Remarks Change from 2012
Barrow The Barrow rises in the Slieve Bloom 14B01-0060 mountains and flows through counties Laois, 14B01-0100 Q4-5(2011) K ildare, Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford. It No significant change from 2012. 14B01-0200 Q4 (2011) converges with the Nore and Suir rivers before 14B01-0300 Q4 (2011) discharging to Waterford Harbour. Stations 14B01-0500 Q3-4 (2011) 1000, 1500 & 1600 are in Kildare, but are 14B01-0550 included in this assessment for continuity. 14B01-0700 Q4 (2011) 14B01-0780 Q4 (2011) Colour is high at times in the river. High 14B01-0900 Q3-4 (2011) ammonia was observed from station 0200 (0.99mg/LN) in January through to stn 0900. 14B01-1000 Q4 (2011) Elevated ammonia was again seen in stns 14B01-1300 Q4 (2011) 14B01-1500 Q3-4 (2011) 0900 through to 2450 in October. These was 14B01-1600 a general fall in o-phosphate in the period of the WFD monitoring however the levels 14B01-1900 Q4 (2011) 14B01-2000 increased at stns 0900 and 1900 over the 14B01-2200 Q3-4 (2011) 2011 -2013 cycle. Biological monitoring of the river indicates good ecological conditions in 14B01-2450 most of this stretch, however quality remains moderate at station 0500 (d/s confluence with Owenass river and Mountmellick), and at stations 0900, 1500 and 2200.
Blackwater (Laois) This river is located between Portlaoise and No significant change from 2012. 14B03-1000 Q4 (2011) Mountmellick in an agricultural area. River is coloured (naturally), otherwise satisfactory quality. Ammonia was slightly elevated in March, otherwise Physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory. o-phosphate levels continue to decrease and re approaching Good status. Biological assessment in 2011 also indicated satisfactory quality.
Environmental Protection Agency Page 10 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Remarks Change from 2012
Crooked (Stradbally) This river flows through agricultural land in Co. Improvement in chemistry over 14C02-0600 Q3-4*(2011) Laois and is a tributary of the Stradbally. 2011-2013 period. Physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory, with the o-Phosphate aveages approaching ‘High’ status. The biological assessment in 2011 recorded abundant algal growth and heavy siltation and a deterioration from good to moderate quality since 2009.
Douglas This river flows through agricultural land in Improvement in chemistry over 14D03-0100 Q4-5 (2011) east Co. Laois. Physico-chemical monitoring 2011-2013 period. 14D03-0300 shows an improvement in o-phosphate and nitrate over the last 3 year cycle of the WFD monitoring period. Biological monitoring indicates good ecological conditions at station 0100 (Gale’s Bridge).
Dunrally Stream Nitrates are elevated, otherwise chemical No significant change from 2012. 14D05-0400 Q4 (2011) monitoring is satisfactory. o-Phosphate levels are at ‘High’ status. Biological monitoring indicates good conditions.
Fushoge This river flows through agricultural land and No significant change from 2012. 14F03-0250 Q3-4* (2011) is a tributary of the Barrow. Physico-chemical monitoring shows an improvement in nitrate levels over the WFD monitoring period with levels approaching ‘High’ status. The levels of o-phosphate increased, however this trend was reversed in the last 3 year cycle 2011- 2013. Chemical Biological monitoring indicates moderate quality, and excessive siltation was also recorded.
Kileen (Crumpaun) Physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory No change from 2012. 14K04-0200 however both o-phosphate and nitrate levels remain at ‘Moderate’ status.
Environmental Protection Agency Page 11 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Remarks Change from 2012
Owenass This river rises in the Slieve Bloom mountains, No change from 2012. 14O01-0050 Q4 (2009) and flows through agricultural land and 14O01-0220 Q4-5 (2011) through Mountmellick in Co. Laois. At stn 300 14O01-0300 Q3-4*(2011) the o - phosphate and nitrate levels remained at the reduced 2012 levels in 2013 and while the biological monitoring indicates only moderate quality, there is an improved diversity of sensitive macro-invertebrates at this location.
Stradbally (Bauteaogue) High DO recorded through river at times No significant change from 2012. 14S02-0100 Q4 (2011) particularly at stn 0400. BOD was slightly 14S02-0300 elevated throughout 2013 at stn 0300 and in 14S02-0400 Q4 (2011) July ammonia , BOD and ortho-phosphate were all high with the water having a milky apperance. Mean o-Phosphate levels have increased over the period of the WFD monitoring. Biological monitoring indicates good ecological conditions.
Triogue The Triogue is a small river that flows through No significant change from 2012. 14T01-0100 Q3-4 (2011) Portlaoise. The final effluent from Portlaoise 14T01-0170 WWTP discharges to it u/s of station 0170. 14T01-0300 Q3 (2011) A slight increase in ammonia levels d/s of 14T01-0400 Q3-4 (2011) Portlaoise WWTP was recorded in 2012, however BOD levels decreased at the same location. Biological assessments indicate that quality remains only moderate.
Ballyroan (Gloreen) High BOD, ammonia, ortho-phosphate and No change from 2012. 15B01-0100 Q3-4 (2013) nitrate recorded at times during 2012 at 15B01-0200 Q3 (2013) station 0200 (d/s Abbeyleix) and biological assessments indicate only poor quality at this station.
Cappanacloughy This river is downstream of Coolnamona bog No change from 2012. 15C06-0600 which causes high colour and siltation in the 15C06-0900 Q4 (2013) river. Elevated ammonia was observed at (Q3 at station 0400 in station 0600 (Cloncourse Br) throughout 2013. 2013)
Environmental Protection Agency Page 12 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Remarks Change from 2012
Delour The Delour rises in the Slieve Bloom No change from 2012. 15D01-0060 Q4-5 (2013) Mountains and is a tributary of the Nore. 15D01-0400 Q4-5 (2013) Water can be coloured at times, but ecological quality is high.
Donaghmore This river is a tributary of the Erkina in Co. No change from 2012. 15D03-0700 Q3-4 (2013) Laois. Ecological quality is moderate.
Erkina The Erkina is a tributary of the Nore and flows Decrease in ecological quality at 15E01-0100 through Rathdowney and Durrow. Elevated stns 0200 and 0550 since 2010. 15E01-0200 Q3 (2013) levels of ammonia in May and October and 15E01-0550 Q3-4 (2013) elevated o - phosphate and nitrate levels in August and October noted at station 0200 (d/s Rathdowney). Average o-phosphate levels have increased at stn 0200 over the period of the WFD monitoring. Biological monitoring indicates a reduction in ecological quality at stns 0200 to Poor quality and stn 0500 to moderate quality.
Errill Colour is naturally high. Physico-chemical No change from 2012. 15E03-0400 monitoring is satisfactory. o-Phosphate and (Q3-4 at station 0500 in nitrate levels are approaching ‘High’ status. 2013)
Goul The Goul is a tributary of the Erkina and flows The improvement in recent years 15G02-0500 Q4 (2010) past Johnstown and Urlingford in Co. Kilkenny, continues. before flowing into Co. Laois. It receives effluent from the lead and zinc mine at Galmoy which ceased mining in November 2012. Ammonia, BOD and o-phosphate levels have decreased at this station in recent years. There was one elevated ammonia noted in May 2013.
Gully No significant change in chemical monitoring. Decrease in ecological quality at 15G03-0100 Q3 (2013) Average o - phosphate and nitrate levels have Stn 0100 since 2010. 15G03-0300 Q4 (2013) d ecreased at both Stns in the 3 year cycles over the period of the WFD monitoring.
Ecological conditions have decreased from good to poor quality at Stn 0100 since 2010.
Environmental Protection Agency Page 13 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Remarks Change from 2012
Holly Park Stream This river flows through agricultural land in 15H01-0200 south Co. Laois. Chemistry generally No change from 2012. 15H01-0300 satisfactory.
Killeen (S. Blooms) Natural colour can be high at times, but 15K01-0200 Q4-5 (2013) ecological quality is high. No change from 2012.
Mountrath River can be coloured at times, otherwise the 15M01-0080 physico-chemical results are satisfactory, and 15M01-0100 Q4 (2013) this is reflected in good ecological quality No change from 2012. 15M01-0300 Q4 (2013) throughout the river.
Nore This river is 141 km in length and has a No significant change from 2012. 15N01-0300 Q4 (2013) catchment area of 2530 km2. It flows through 15N01-0400 counties Tipperary, Laois and Kilkenny, before 15N01-0500 Q4 (2013) joining the River Barrow at New Ross. These 15N01-0600 rivers then join the Suir and flow into 15N01-0700 Q4 (2013) Waterford Harbour. The Nore is a Designated 15N01-0800 Salmonid River under the Freshwater Fish 15N01-0900 Q4 (2013) Directive (78/659/EEC). It flows through 15N01-1000 mainly agricultural land, but also some 15N01-1100 Q4 (2013) peatland. It also passes through, or close to 15N01-1200 Borris-in Ossory, Mountrath, Abbeyleix, 15N01-1300 Durrow, Ballyragget, Kilkenny, Bennettsbridge and Thomastown. Biological monitoring indicates good ecological conditions on the Nore, however ammonia remains high at station 0300 (d/s Monaincha Bog) and at station 0400 (New Br NNW of Borris-in- Ossory). Elevated ammonia and BOD were observed at stn.1000 in March and April 2013.
Owveg (or Owenbeg) This river rises in Co. Laois and forms part of Decrease in ecological quality at 15O01-0050 Q4 (2013) the Kilkenny/Laois border. Physico-chemical stn. 0160 since 2010. 15O01-0160 Q3-4*(2013) monitoring is satisfactory. Ecological 15O01-0400 Q4 (2013) conditions are good at stations 0050 and 0400 but the quality has decreased at station 0160(Br. WNW of Boleybawn).
Environmental Protection Agency Page 14 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Remarks Change from 2012
Rathdowney Stream This is a small stream that rises in Galmoy Decrease in ecological quality 15R03-0700 Q3 (2013) (near the lead and zinc mine). It joins the since 2010. 15R03-1100 Q3 (2013) Erkina near Rathdowney. Nitrates are elevated in the river. Ecological quality has dropped from moderate to poor, with siltation at both stations.
Tonet The Tonet rises in the Slieve Bloom mountains Decrease in ecological quality 15T01-0400 Q3 (2013) and flows in to the Delour. Colour can be high since 2010. 15T01-0600 Q3-4 (2013) at times. Elevated BOD at both stations in May. Ecological quality has decreased from good quality to moderate at stn. 0600 and poor quality at station 0400 since 2010..
Clodiagh (Tullamore) The Clodiagh rises in the Slieve Bloom No change from 2012. 25C06-0090 Q4 (2008) mountains and flows through Clonaslee into 25C06-0220 Q4* (2011) Co. Offaly. There is a SW abstraction point above the first station, which supplies water for Clonaslee and Tullamore. Physico- chemical monitoring is satisfactory. The biological assessment in 2011 indicated good to high quality all along the river.
Gorragh This river is a tributary of the Clodiagh No change from 2012. 25G09-0300 Q4 (2011) (Tullamore). Physico-chemical monitoring was satisfactory in 2013 and ecological conditions are good.
Environmental Protection Agency Page 15 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
5. Long Term Trend Graphs – o-Phosphate
River Blackwater
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 phosphatemg/LP
- 14B03-1000 0.030 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Crooked (Stradbally)
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 Phosphatemg/LP
- 14C02-0600 0.030 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Barrow
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 14B01-0060 0.050 14B01-0200
0.040 Phosphatemg/LP
- 14B01-0500 0.030 0.020 14B01-0700
Meano 0.010 14B01-0900 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 16 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Douglas
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 14D03-0100 Phosphatemg/LP - 0.030 14D03-0300 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Fushoge
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 phosphatemg/LP
- 14F03-0250 0.030 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Owenass
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 14O01-0050
0.040 Phosphatemg/LP
- 14O01-0220 0.030 0.020 14O01-0300
meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 17 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Stradbally River
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 14S02-0100
0.040 Phosphatemg/LP
- 14S02-0300 0.030 0.020 14S02-0400
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Triogue
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 14T01-0100 0.050
0.040 14T01-0170 Phosphatemg/LP - 0.030 14T01-0300 0.020 14T01-0400
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Ballyroan (Gloreen)
0.090 0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 15B01-0100 Phosphatemg/LP - 0.030 15B01-0200 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 18 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Delour
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 15D01-0060 Phosphatemg/LP - 0.030 15D01-0400 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Donaghmore Stream
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 Phosphatemg/LP
- 15D03-0700 0.030 0.020
meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Erkina
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 15E01-0100
0.040 Phosphate mg/LP
- 15E01-0200 0.030 0.020 15E01-0550
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 19 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Errill
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 Phosphatemg/LP
- 15E03-0400 0.030 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Goul
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 Phosphatemg/LP
- 15G02-0500 0.030 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Gully
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 Phosphate mg/LP
- 15G03-0300 0.030 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 20 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Holly Park Stream
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 15H01-0200 Phosphatemg/LP - 0.030 15H01-0300 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Mountrath
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 15M01-0080
0.040 Phosphatemg/LP
- 15M01-0100 0.030 0.020 15M01-0300
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Nore
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 15N01-0400 0.050 15N01-0600
0.040 Phosphate mg/LP
- 15N01-0800 0.030 0.020 15N01-1000
Meano 0.010 15N01-1200 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 21 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Owveg (Owenbeg)
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050 15O01-0050
0.040 Phosphatemg/LP
- 15O01-0160 0.030 0.020 15O01-0400
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Rathdowney Stream
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 15R03-0700 Phosphatemg/LP - 0.030 15R03-1100 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Tonet
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 15T01-0400 Phosphate mg/LP - 0.030 15T01-0600 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 22 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Clodiagh
0.090
0.080 0.070 0.060 0.050
0.040 25C06-0090 Phosphatemg/LP - 0.030 25C06-0220 0.020
Meano 0.010 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 23 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
6. Long Term Trend Graphs – Nitrate
River Barrow 6.000
5.000
4.000 14B01-0060 3.000 14B01-0200
2.000 14B01-0550 14B01-0700 MeanNitrate mg/LN 1.000 14B01-0900 0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Barrow 6.000
5.000
4.000 14B01-1300 3.000 14B01-1900 2.000 14B01-2200
MeanNitrate mg/LN 1.000 14B01-2450
0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 year
River Blackwater 6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000
2.000 14B03-1000
MeanNitrate mg/LN 1.000
0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 24 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Crooked (Stradbally) 6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000
2.000 14C02-0600
MeanNitrate mg/LN 1.000
0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Douglas 6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000 14D03-0100 2.000 14D03-0300
MeanNitrate mg/LN 1.000
0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Fushoge 6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000
2.000 14F03-0250
MeanNitrate mg/LN 1.000
0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 25 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
River Owenass 6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000 14O01-0050
2.000 14O01-0220 14O01-0300 MeanNitrate mg/LN 1.000
0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Stradbally 6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000 14S02-0100
2.000 14S02-0300 14S02-0400 MeanNitrate mg/LN 1.000
0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
River Triogue 6.000
5.000
4.000 14T01-0100 3.000 14T01-0170 2.000 14T01-0300
MeanNitrate mg/LN 1.000 14T01-0400
0.000 2006-2008 2007-2009 2008-2010 2009-2011 2010-2012 2011-2013 Year
Environmental Protection Agency Page 26 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
7. River Water Quality Maps
Map 1. River Water Quality: Laois BOD Assessment 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 27 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Map 2. River Water Quality: Laois Ammonia Assessment 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 28 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Map 3. River Water Quality: Laois Ortho-Phosphate Assessment 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 29 River Water Quality Report Laois - 2013
Map 4. River Water Quality: Laois Total Oxidised Nitrogen (TON) Assessment 2013
Environmental Protection Agency Page 30