For Inspection Purposes Only. Consent of Copyright Owner Required for Any Other Use

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

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OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL Comhairle Chontae Uibh Fhailí

WWTP DISCHARGE CERTIFICATES OF AUTHORISATION

For inspection purposes only. AA SCREENINGConsent of copyright owner required FLOWCHARTS for any other use.

SEPTEMBER 2010

CONSULTING ENGINEERS Sherwood House, Sherwood Avenue, Taylor’s Hill, Galway Suite D4, The Cubes Offices, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford Dublin 18

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Quality Control

CLIENT Offaly County Council

PROJECT NO 2113

PROJECT TITLE WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation

REPORT TITLE AA Screening Flowcharts

Rev. Status Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By Issue Date

1 Issue GH CC CC For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4

1.1 BACKGROUND...... 4

1.2 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT – LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT...... 4

1.3 DOEHLG CIRCULAR L8/08 ...... 7

1.4 NATURA 2000 SITES ...... 9

2 RESULTS...... 10

APPENDIX I – DISCHARGE FLOWCHARTS ...... 12

CLONBULLOGE ...... 13

WALSH ISLAND...... 15

SHANNONBRIDGE...... 17

SHANNON HARBOUR...... 19

RAHAN ...... 21

MOUNTBOLUS...... 23

MONEYGALL...... 25

LEAMONAGHAN...... 27

KILLEIGH...... 29

For inspection purposes only. GEASHILL ...... Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. 31

COOLDERRY...... 33

CLONEYGOWAN...... 35

BRACKNAGH ...... 37

BELMONT...... 39

BALLYCUMBER ...... 41

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1 Introduction

1.1 Background

This document relates to the screening for potential ecological impacts upon Natura 2000 sites caused by discharges from a suite of wastewater treatment facilities in County Offaly. Specifically, this report deals with treatment facilities with a population equivalent of 500 or less and require Certificates of Authorisation only. They are listed as:

 Clonbullogue  Walsh Island  Shannonbridge  Shannon Harbour  Rahan  Mountbolus  Moneygall  Leamonaghan  Killeigh  Geashill  Coolderry  Cloneygowan  Bracknagh  Belmont  Ballycumber

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

1.2 Appropriate Assessment – Legislative Context

The EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna) contains a list of rare habitats and species (Annex I and II respectively); the conservation of these is considered to be of European and International importance. Similarly, the EU Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EC on the conservation of wild birds) aims to protect specific bird species considered to be at risk. Member states have the responsibility to designate geographic sites according to their conservation value for the aforementioned habitats and species, namely Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas, which together form a network referred to as Natura 2000; see Section 1.4. Paragraph 3 of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive state that:

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6(3) Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public.

Where such an assessment finds that all potential impacts cannot be successfully avoided or mitigated against, then Paragraph 4 of Article 6 is applied:

6(4) If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted.

Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type and/or a priority species, the only considerations which may be raised are those relating to human health or public safety, to beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest.

For inspection purposes only. The statutory agency responsibleConsent forof copyright Natura owner 2000required forsites any other is theuse. National Parks and Wildlife

Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The European Court of Justice has recently (December 13 2007) issued a judgment in a legal case against Ireland that found that Ireland has failed in its statutory duty to confer adequate protection on designated areas. Following on from this the Circular Letter 1/08 & NPWS 1/08 on Appropriate Assessment of Land Use Plans (from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government) states that all plans and projects will be subject to critical assessment to ensure that they comply with all relevant legislation.

AA is a focused and detailed impact assessment of the implications of the plan or project, alone and in combination with other plans and projects, on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site in view of its conservation objectives. The terms of AA have been worked out in judgments of the European Court of Justice. The case law has established that assessments should be undertaken on the basis of the best scientific evidence and methods. Accordingly,

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:28 if the consent authority so requires, data and information on the project and on the site and an analysis of potential effects on the site must be obtained and presented in a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) which must be presented by the applicant.

Ecological specialists are generally engaged by applicants to undertake the surveys, research and analysis, with input from other experts (e.g. hydrologists or engineers) as necessary to prepare the NIS. In general, larger projects will entail a greater amount of scientific scrutiny. It is the responsibility of the applicant to have the NIS prepared for submission to the consent authority. Having satisfied itself that the Statement is complete and objective, the competent authority carries out the AA on the basis of the NIS and any other appropriate sources of information. In the case of Waste Water Discharge Licensing, the Environmental Protection Agency is considered to be the competent authority.

There are 4 stages in an Appropriate Assessment as outlined in the European Commission Guidance document (2001). The following is a brief summary of these steps.

Stage 1 - Screening: This stage examines the likely effects of a project either alone or in combination with other projects upon a Natura 2000 Site and considers whether it can be objectively concluded that these effects will not be significant

Stage 2 - Appropriate Assessment: In this stage, the impact of the project on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site is considered with respect to the conservation objectives of the site and to its structure and function. The For inspection Appropri purposesate only. Assessment is informed by the Natura Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Impact Statement.

Stage 3 - Assessment of Alternative Solutions: Should the Appropriate Assessment determine that adverse impacts are likely upon a Natura 2000 site, this stage examines alternative ways of implementing the project that, where possible, avoid these adverse impacts.

Stage 4 - Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain: Where imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) exist, an assessment to consider whether compensatory measures will or will not effectively offset the damage to the Natura site will be necessary.

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1.3 DoEHLG Circular L8/08

Prior to Stage 1, projects that involve Water Services Investment such as abstractions or discharges are subjected to initial screening according to flowcharts contained within DoEHLG Circular L8/08.

This screening flowchart methodology is designed to assist those planning and designing water services solutions when determining whether AA for Natura 2000/European sites or habitats & species listed in the annexes of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives is necessary or not. It should also be applied to NHAs

Water Services infrastructure projects relate to the provision, operation and management of drinking water and wastewater services. These projects hold a high health and safety value for the public as well as being of benefit for biodiversity - it is therefore essential that such projects are screened at the earliest stage to avoid situations where nature conservation and human health and safety are pitched as competing interests.

This screening methodology will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains consistent with the programmes of measures and River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) currently being developed under the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

The L8/08 flowchart is reproduced in Figure 1 below. This flowchart is followed for each of the respective discharges in Appendix For inspection I. Thepurposes outputs only. and conclusions of this process is Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. summarised in Section 4.

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

Figure 1 – L8/08 Screening Flowchart

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1.4 Natura 2000 sites

There are two designations which from part of the Natura 2000 network of sites that require specific ecological protection in Ireland:

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) These are sites that have been identified to be of conservation importance in a European context, based on the habitats and species; both plant and animal; that they support. The Directive has a number of Annexes. Habitats listed on Annex I are those habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation. Some of these are known as priority habitats for which there is a particular obligation for protection. Animal and plant species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation are listed on Annex II of the Directive.

All SACs are also proposed Natural Heritage Areas. There is a list of Notifiable Actions which apply to each annexed habitat and species. These are activities for which consent must be sought from the Minister of Environment, Heritage and Local Government within SACs. SACs are protected under the Habitats Directive of 1992 (EU Directive 92/43/EEC) and the Natural Habitats Regulations of 1997 (S.I.94/97).

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

These are sites of European importance that have been identified as being of conservation importance on account of the bird species and populations they support. The Directive directs all member states to take measures to protect all wild birds and to preserve a sufficient diversity of habitats for all species naturally occurring within their territories, so as to maintain populations. Species whose status is a cause for concern are specifically identified for special conservation measures in Annex I of the Directive, and SPAs have been designated based on either the presence of these species or the presence of significant numbers of wintering waterfowl.

All SPAs are also proposed Natural Heritage Areas. SPAs are protected under the Birds Directive of 1979 (EU Directive 79/409/EEC) and the Natural Habitats Regulations of 1997 (S.I.94/97).

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2 Results

The findings of applying the L8/08 flowchart to the respective discharges are summarised in Table 1 below. Best practice was also applied in numerous cases, where the discharges occur in locations which are spatially highly removed from the receiving Natura 2000 sites.

Table 1 – Findings of screening flowcharts WWTP Discharge Full Appropriate Rationale Assessment required? Clonbullogue No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Walsh Island No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Shannonbridge Yes Proximity of the discharge to the Natura 2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out Shannon Harbour Yes Proximity of the discharge to the For inspection purposesNatura only. 2000 sites results in a Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out Rahan No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Mountbolus No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Moneygall No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Leamonaghan No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing

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to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Killeigh No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Geashill No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Coolderry No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Cloneygowan No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Bracknagh No Unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility Belmont Yes Proximity of the discharge to the Natura 2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out

Ballycumber No For inspection purposesUnlikely only. to have significant adverse Consent of copyright owner requiredeffects for any otheron use.the Natura 2000 site owing

to the distance from the site and small- scale nature of the treatment facility

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APPENDIX I – DISCHARGE FLOWCHARTS

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

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CLONBULLOGE

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment1, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species2? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters3 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

1 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 2 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 3 Any marine area including estuaries.

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Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

1 Is the development in a nature No Go to Step 2 conservation site? 2a (If the development involves a surface Yes Go to Step 3 water abstraction/discharge) Is the development in the surface water catchment of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site)? 2b (If the development involves a - - groundwater abstraction/discharge) Is the development in the groundwater catchment or within 5km of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site)? 3 Are the qualifying habitats and species Yes Go to Step 5 of the site water dependent? 4 Is the development in the surface or - - groundwater catchment of other water dependent Annex II species, other rare or protected species or salmonid waters? 5 Is there a WFD sub-basin plan for the No ASSESS IMPACTS* site or its protected habitats/species 6 Does this plan cover all potential - - receptors (habitats/species)?

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 site concerned is the River Barrow and River Nore SAC, which the receiving water (River Figile) is a tributary of. The discharge from Clonbulloge occurs 18km upstream of the confluence with the River Barrow. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

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WALSH ISLAND

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment4, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species5? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters6 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

4 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 5 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 6 Any marine area including estuaries.

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Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

* The Natura 2000 site concerned Foris inspectionthe Ri purposesver Barrow only. and River Nore SAC, which the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. receiving water (feeder stream of the Cushina River) is a tributary of. The discharge from Walsh Island occurs 20km upstream of the confluence with the River Barrow. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

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SHANNONBRIDGE

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a Yes Screen nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Project Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Screen abstraction in the surface water catchment7, or Project immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species8? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Screen groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? Project Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters9 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

7 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 8 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 9 Any marine area including estuaries.

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Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

1 Is the development in a nature Yes ASSESS IMPACTS* conservation site? 2a (If the development involves a surface - - water abstraction/discharge) Is the development in the surface water catchment of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site)? 2b (If the development involves a - - groundwater abstraction/discharge) Is the development in the groundwater catchment or within 5km of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site)? 3 Are the qualifying habitats and species - - of the site water dependent? 4 Is the development in the surface or - - groundwater catchment of other water dependent Annex II species, other rare or protected species or salmonid waters? 5 Is there a WFD sub-basin plan for the - - site or its protected habitats/species 6 Does this plan cover all potential - - receptors (habitats/species)?

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. The Shannonbridge WWTP discharges directly to the River Shannon. In this case, the proximity of the discharge to the Natura 2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out, despite the small- scale nature of the treatment facility.

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SHANNON HARBOUR

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a Yes Screen nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Project Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Screen abstraction in the surface water catchment10, or Project immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species11? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Screen groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? Project Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters12 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

10 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 11 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 12 Any marine area including estuaries.

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Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. The Shannon Harbour WWTP discharges directly to the River Brosna, within the SAC/SPA boundary. In this case, the proximity of the discharge to the Natura 2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out, despite the small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

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RAHAN

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment13, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species14? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters15 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation For inspection site? purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Will the project in combination with other projects No - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

13 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 14 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 15 Any marine area including estuaries.

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Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. The Rahan WWTP discharges to the Clodiagh River (a tributary of the Brosna River), approximately 28km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

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MOUNTBOLUS

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or No - abstraction in the surface water catchment16, or immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species17? Is the development a groundwater discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or Flowchart within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or No - groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters18 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation For inspection site? purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. Will the project in combination with other projects No - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

16 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 17 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 18 Any marine area including estuaries.

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Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

1 Is the development in a nature No Go to Step 2 conservation site? 2a (If the development involves a surface No - water abstraction/discharge) Is the development in the surface water catchment of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site)? 2b (If the development involves a Yes Go to step 3 groundwater abstraction/discharge) Is the development in the groundwater catchment or within 5km of a nature conservation site (or part of such a site)? 3 Are the qualifying habitats and species Yes Go to Step 5 of the site water dependent? 4 Is the development in the surface or - - groundwater catchment of other water dependent Annex II species, other rare or protected species or salmonid waters? 5 Is there a WFD sub-basin plan for the No ASSESS IMPACTS* site or its protected habitats/species 6 Does this plan cover all potential - - receptors (habitats/species)?

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 site concerned is the Clonaslee Eskers and Derry Bog SAC, 3km to the south-east of the Mountbolus groundwater discharge. This discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 as groundwater flows in the area will be predominantly to the west, away from the SAC.

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MONEYGALL

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment19, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species20? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters21 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

19 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 20 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 21 Any marine area including estuaries.

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Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. The Rahan WWTP discharges to the Clodiagh River (a tributary of the Brosna River), approximately 28km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

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LEAMONAGHAN

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment22, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species23? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters24 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

22 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 23 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 24 Any marine area including estuaries.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 27

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. The Leamonaghan WWTP discharges to the Brosna River, approximately 22km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 28

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

KILLEIGH

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment25, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species26? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters27 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

25 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 26 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 27 Any marine area including estuaries.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 29

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. The Killeigh WWTP discharges to the Clodiagh River (via an un- named stream), and is located approximately 45km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Charlewille Wood SAC, which the Clodiagh River runs through, contains no water dependent habitats or species which would be associated with the main channel of the Clodiagh. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 30

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

GEASHILL

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment28, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species29? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters30 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

28 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 29 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 30 Any marine area including estuaries.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 31

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. The Geashill WWTP discharges to the Tullamore River (via the Geashill Stream), and is located approximately 50km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Charlewille Wood SAC, which the Tullamore River runs through, contains no water dependent habitats or species which would be associated with the main channel of the aforementioned river. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 32

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

COOLDERRY

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment31, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species32? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters33 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

31 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 32 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 33 Any marine area including estuaries.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 33

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC, Middle Shannon Callows SPA, Sharavogue Bog SAC, Little Brosna Callows SPA and Dovegrove Callows SPA.

The Coolderry WWTP discharges to the Little Brosna River (via the Rock River), approximately 15km upstream of the first Natura 2000 site (Sharavogue Bog SAC) and 30km upstream of the first surface-water dependent site (Little Brosna Callows SPA). Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 sites owing to the distance from the sites and very small-scale nature of the treatment facility (P.E. = 100).

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 34

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

CLONEYGOWAN

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment34, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species35? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters36 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

34 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 35 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 36 Any marine area including estuaries.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 35

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Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

* The Natura 2000 site concerned Foris inspectionthe Ri purposesver Barrow only. and River Nore SAC, which the Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. WWTP receiving water (Cushina River) is a tributary of. The discharge from Cloneygowan occurs approximately 19km upstream of the Cushina River’s confluence with the River Barrow. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 36

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

BRACKNAGH

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment37, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species38? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters39 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

37 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 38 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 39 Any marine area including estuaries.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 37

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 site concerned is the River Barrow and River Nore SAC, which the receiving water (River Figile) is a tributary of. The discharge from Bracknagh occurs approximately 10km upstream of the confluence with the River Barrow. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 38

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

BELMONT

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Screen abstraction in the surface water catchment40, or Project immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species41? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Screen groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? Project Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters42 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

40 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 41 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 42 Any marine area including estuaries.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 39

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. The Belmont WWTP discharges the River Brosna, within 4km of the boundary of the Natura sites. In this case, the proximity of the discharge to the Natura 2000 sites results in a recommendation for a full Appropriate Assessment to be carried out, despite the small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 40

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

BALLYCUMBER

Application of Pre-Screening Questionnaire contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Question Response Output

Is the development in or on the boundary of a No - nature conservation site NHA/SAC/SPA? Will nationally protected species be directly No - impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection order (S.I. 94 of 1999)? Is the development a surface water discharge or Yes Apply abstraction in the surface water catchment43, or flowchart immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/ species44? Is the development a groundwater discharge or No - abstraction in the ground water catchment1 or within 5 km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species2? Is the development in the surface water or Yes Apply groundwater catchment of salmonid waters? flowchart Is the treatment plant in an active or former No - floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake, etc? Is the development a surface discharge or No - abstraction to or from marine waters45 and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site? For inspection purposes only. Will the project in combinationConsent withof copyright other owner projects required for anyNo other use. - (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

43 If there is a WFD sub basin plan for the sites or its protected habitats and the plan covers all potential receptors, i.e. habitats and species, this plan can be used as the basis for screening and impact assessment. 44 Estuaries are considered part of a catchment. 45 Any marine area including estuaries.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 41

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29

Application of Screening Protocol Flowchart contained in DoEHLG Circular L8/08:

Step Question Response Output

For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. * The Natura 2000 sites concerned are the River Shannon Callows SAC and Middle Shannon Callows SPA. The Ballycumber WWTP discharges to the Brosna River, approximately 28km upstream of the Natura 2000 sites. Best practice indicates that this discharge is considered unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the Natura 2000 site owing to the distance from the site and small-scale nature of the treatment facility.

WWTP Discharge Certificates of Authorisation Flowcharts  Page 42

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29 For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.

EPA Export 27-07-2013:23:27:29