SECTION C – INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATION1.2 Waste Water Treatment Plant Location The existing waste water treatment plant is located on the banks of the Galey River to the north of

Athea WWTP

SECTION C – INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATION Attachment C1: Operational Information Requirements Outline Description of the Treatment Processes & Agglomeration Drawing No. 5486-2608 Drawing No. 5486-2609 Drawing No. 5486-2610 Drawing No. 5486-2611

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Attachment C1_Athea

OUTLINE DESCRIPTION OF THE TREATMENT PROCESS FOR ATHEA WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND AGGLOMERATION

1 ATHEA

1.1 Introduction

This application relates to the wastewater works consisting of the Athea Waste Water Treatment Plant located in Athea, County Limerick (Grid Ref: 112478E, 135553N) which provides primary treatment to sewage from the Athea area and its environs. The Primary Discharge Point is located in the townland of Templeathea West, approximately 0.5km downstream of Athea Bridge on the R524 Regional Road at Athea, County Limerick at Grid Ref: 112392E, 135549N and discharges to the Galey River.

The Athea Agglomeration currently serves a population equivalent of 735 PE with a projected loading of 1,191 PE for the year 2029.

1.2 Waste Water Treatment Plant Location

The existing waste water treatment plant is located on the banks of the Galey River to the north of Athea village on the R524 road to Glin. The site area is rectangular measuring approximately 65m x 35m.

1.3 Collection System

The collection system is characterised as a partially combined gravity system. The original system was constructed in the 1953, serving the centre of Athea along Main Street with the sewage being collected by gravity sewers to an ejector station (pumping station) located upstream of the Athea Bridge on the R524 road to Glin.

Sewage is then pumped a further 450m to the treatment works northwards along the Glin Road. The collection system has been extended in 1987 to cater for new developments along the R253 road to Listowel and the R254 road to Abbeyfeale. The original system is constructed of 225-300 mm diameter concrete pipework and manholes. The recent extensions are constructed of 100-150mm diameter PVC pipework and concrete manholes.

There is a 225mm diameter emergency storm overflow pipe on the collection system, which discharges sewage and surface water to the River Galey.

1.4 Process Description

The waste water from Athea is collected at the pumping station described above. The pumping station delivers waste water to the rectangular Imhoff type sedimentation tank by a single 100mm internal diameter rising main. The Imhoff tank is a “two storey” type septic tank. The two-storey type tank prevents the solids once removed from the sewage from again being mixed with it whilst still providing for decomposition of the solids within the unit. The Imhoff tank removes the influent organic and inorganic settleable solids by sedimentation.

The clarified supernatant overflows to an outlet channel and onwards to a 150mm internal diameter discharge pipe to the river. The outlet channel is fitted with a scum board to reduce solids carryover in the effluent.

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Attachment C1_Athea

1.5 Plant Condition

The plant was originally constructed in the 1940’s and comprises a primary sedimentation tank, sludge drying beds and an outfall discharge pipe. The existing primary sedimentation tank is in poor condition and there are some cracks appearing in the sidewalls of the tanks.

The settling chamber and outlet channel operate satisfactorily. It is likely that the apparent poor operation of the primary sedimentation tank is a result of hydraulic overloading of the WWTP resulting in inadequate residence times within the primary sedimentation tank. Settled sludge is drawn off to the sludge drying beds, where the sludge is dried prior to disposal.

1.6 Capacity

The Imhoff tank provides sedimentation and sludge digestion in one unit and can produce a primary effluent with a suspended solids removal of 40 to 60 per cent and a BOD reduction of 25 to 35 per cent. The sedimentation tank has a side length of 4.5m, a surface area of 10.2m2, and a volume of 28.0m3.

Based on a surface area of 10.2m2 and a dry weather flow of 180 litres/person/day, the tank can provide primary settlement for a design population of 263 PE with storm flows being diverted prior to being delivered to the Imhoff tank.

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A1WviIiDn:

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JOIII I CD-...ISSUETOEPA

FIGURED DIMENSIONS ONLY TO BE TAKENFROM THIS DRAWING.ALL LEVELS SHOWN RELATE TO ORDNANCESURVEY DATU" A.T MALIN HEAD

EPA DISCHARGELICENCE APPLICATIONS

EXISTING PLANT PROCESSSITE PLAN

(SECTION! AITACHMENT C.1)

QI'~IMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL

D.-Ing st.tu.:: WWDL APPLICATION

ProjKlDI~ B. DOWNES

EXISTING WWTPSITE BOUNDARY

ATHEA

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THE INFORMATION ON THIS DRAWINGIS TO THE ORDNANCE SURVEY IRELANDIRISH NATIONAL GRID PROJECTION

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!:i.Q.1..5..§.;

1. FIGURED DIMENSIONS ONLY TO BE TAKENFROM THIS DRAWING.

2. ALL LEVELS SHOWN RELATE TO ORDNANCE

TREATED SURVEY DATUM AT MALIN HEAD

EFFLUENTRAW SEWAGE .... \ .... ... ...FROMATHEA ~ I ~ CLARIFIER ~

OUTFLOW TREATED EFFLUENTCHAMBER TO DISCHARGE TO

GALEY RIVER • JULY '09 ISSUE TO EPA JeYB CD

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~Scale@A3: 1:1,000Prepared by: Checked: Date:

JO'B CD JULY '09

Project Director. B. DOWNES

Drawing Status: WWDL APPLICATION

~TOBINPalJick J. Tobin & Co. Ltd.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers,Bedford Place, Howley's Quay,Lower Shannon Street, Co. Limerick, Ireland.tel: +35~(O)61-415757fax:+35~(O)61-409376

e-mail: [email protected]

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:':1;= 5486-2609 A~\...Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence number EN 0016009. © Ordnance Survey Ireland Government of Ireland

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ProjKlDI~ B. DOWNES


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Athea WWTP

SECTION C – INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATION Attachment C2: Outfall Construction & Design Outline Description of Outfall Design and Construction Drawing No. 5486-2612 Drawing No. 5486-2613

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Attachment C2_Athea

OUTLINE DESCRIPTION OF OUTFALL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

1 PRIMARY DISCHARGE POINT

Location: SW1 - Athea WWTP, Athea, County Limerick. 112392E, 135549N

Receiving Water: Discharge to the Galey River

Originates: Final treated effluent from Athea WWTP

Invert Level: no data available

Pipe Size: 150mm diameter gravity pipeline from WWTP

Design Criteria: Continuous flow of treated effluent from WWTP

Construction Detail: Simple open-ended outfall pipe discharging to river

2 SECONDARY DISCHARGE POINTS

There are currently no secondary discharge points on the Athea Sewerage Scheme.

3 STORM WATER OVERFLOW DISCHARGE POINTS

Location: SW2 - Athea WWTP, Athea, County Limerick. 112575E, 135132N

Receiving Water: Discharge to the Galey River

Originates: Storm water overflow upstream of ejector station.

Invert Level: no data available

Pipe Size: 150mm diameter emergency storm overflow pipe on the collection system

Design Criteria: Stormwater and sewage enter the ejector station by gravity and are pumped up to the WWTP. In times of heavy rain and flood periods when the pumps are at capacity, the excess stormwater and sewage are discharged by gravity to the Galey river

Construction Detail: Simple open-ended outfall pipe discharging to stream

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CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN


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Athea WWTP

SECTION D – DISCHARGES TO THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT Attachment D1: Discharges to Surface Waters Table D.1(i)(a): Emissions to Surface/Ground Waters

(Primary Discharge Point) Table D.1(i)(b): Emissions to Surface/Ground Waters –

Characteristics of the Emission (Primary Discharge Point)

Table D.1(i)(c): Emissions to Surface/Ground Waters –

Characteristics of the Emission (Primary Discharge Point)

Table D.1(iii)(a): Emissions to Surface/Ground Waters (Storm Overflow) (NOTE: No Information on Quantity of Waste Water Discharged Available for Storm Water Overflow, as flows are not continuous or consistent) Monitoring Information for the ‘Influent’ to the WWTP Statement on Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) & Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)

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WWD Licence Application - Athea - Page: 2

WWD Licence Application Annex I

Table D.1(i)(a): EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS (Primary Discharge Point)

Discharge Point Code: SW-1

Emission Details:

Local Authority Ref No:Source of Emission: Treated effluent from Athea WWTPLocation: 0.5km downstream of Athea BridgeGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 112392 / 135549 (Verifed using GPS)Name of Receiving waters: Galey RiverWater Body: River Water BodyRiver Basin District Shannon IRBDDesignation of Receiving Waters: SACFlow Rate in Receiving Waters: 0.01 m3.sec-1 Dry Weather Flow

0.03 m3.sec-1 95% Weather FlowAdditional Comments (e.g.commentary on zero flow or otherinformation deemed of value)

Receiving Waters - EPA Station No. 23014 - Galey Riverat Athea.Flow measurement facilities not available.Emission Volumes calculated based on PE.

(i)Volume emittedNormal/day 104 m3 Maximum/day 312 m3

Maximumrate/hour

13 m3 Period of emission(avg)

60 min/hr 24 hr/day 365 day/yr

Dry Weather Flow 0.0012 m3/sec

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Table D.1(i)(b): EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS - Characteristics of The Emission

(Primary Discharge Point)


For Orthophosphate: this monitoring should be undertaken on a sample filtered on 0.45µm filter paper

For Phenols: USEPA Method 604, AWWA Standard Method 6240, or equivalent.

Substance As discharged

Unit ofMeasurement

Sampling Method Max Daily Avg. kg/day

pH pH Grab = 7.2

Temperature °C Grab = 16.2

Electrical Conductivity (@ 25°C) µS/cm Grab = 943

Suspended Solids mg/l Grab = 114 11.86

Ammonia (as N) mg/l Grab = 61.4 6.39

Biochemical Oxygen Demand mg/l Grab = 262 27.25

Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/l Grab = 626 65.1

Total Nitrogen (as N) mg/l Grab = 60.9 6.33

Nitrite (as N) mg/l Grab = 0.134 0.01

Nitrate (as N) mg/l Grab = 0.191 0.02

Total Phosphorous (as P) mg/l Grab = 10.1 1.05

OrthoPhosphate (as P) mg/l Grab = 2.39 0.25

Sulphate (SO4) mg/l Grab = 108 11.23

Phenols (Sum) µg/l Grab < 0.5 0.00005

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Table D.1(i)(c): DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS -

Characteristics of The Emission (Primary Discharge Point)




Substance As discharged

Unit ofMeasurement

Sampling Method Max Daily Avg. kg/day

Atrazine µg/l Grab < 0.01 0.000001

Dichloromethane µg/l Grab < 5 0.0005

Simazine µg/l Grab < 0.01 0.000001

Toluene µg/l Grab = 7.9 0.0008

Tributyltin µg/l Grab < 0.02 0.000002

Xylenes µg/l Grab = 1.2 0.0001

Arsenic µg/l Grab = 0.8 0.00008

Chromium µg/l Grab < 1 0.0001

Copper µg/l Grab = 20.9 0.002

Cyanide µg/l Grab = 16 0.002

Flouride µg/l Grab = 1500 0.16

Lead µg/l Grab = 1.1 0.0001

Nickel µg/l Grab = 1.9 0.0002

Zinc µg/l Grab = 21.2 0.002

Boron µg/l Grab < 0.02 0.002

Cadmium µg/l Grab < 0.1 0.00001

Mercury µg/l Grab < 0.02 0.000002

Selenium µg/l Grab < 0.2 0.00002

Barium µg/l Grab = 7.7 0.001

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Table D.1(iii)(a): EMISSIONS TO SURFACE/GROUND WATERS (Storm Overflow)


Emission Details:

Local Authority Ref No: SW2Source of Emission: Storm Overflow from collection systemLocation: 35m downstream of Athea BridgeGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 112575 / 135132 (Verifed using GPS)Name of Receiving waters: Galey RiverWater Body: River Water BodyRiver Basin District Shannon IRBDDesignation of Receiving Waters: SACFlow Rate in Receiving Waters: 0.01 m3.sec-1 Dry Weather Flow

0.03 m3.sec-1 95% Weather FlowAdditional Comments (e.g.commentary on zero flow or otherinformation deemed of value)

Receiving Waters - EPA Station No. 23014 - Galey Riverat Athea.Occasional discharge only. No data available on emissionvolume or period.

(i)Volume emittedNormal/day m3 Maximum/day m3

Maximumrate/hour

m3 Period of emission(avg)

min/hr hr/day day/yr

Dry Weather Flow m3/sec

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Attachment D_Athea

MONITORING INFORMATION FOR THE ‘INFLUENT’ TO THE WWTP

Monitoring data on the 'Influent' accepted at the Waste Water Treatment Plant for 2007 and

2008 are attached overleaf.

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EPA Export 26-07-2013:15:08:46

Limerick County CouncilEPA Waste Water Discharge Licence Applications

Athea Influent Analysis Results

Sample Lab Code Sample Date

Ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia (NH3-N)

BOD Chemical Oxygen

Mixed Liquor Suspended

Nitrates (N03-N)

Nitrates (NO3) pH Phosphate (PO4-P)

Suspended Solids

Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus

04370597 13/04/2004 235 63504371619 30/08/2004 377 76404372196 09/11/2004 297 581053700908 10/05/2005 20.5 223 578 0.44 2.09053701149 13/06/2005 165 442053701700 16/08/2005 193 455053702316 18/10/2005 61.1063700225 07/02/2006 221 582063700539 04/04/2006 243 564063700885 23/05/2006 207 405063701483 15/08/2006 75.6 211063702130 31/10/2006 107 248073700242 06/02/2007 380 444073700849 23/04/2007 392073700943 08/05/2007 314 767073701838 25/07/2007 13 51 75 0.16 1.5 38 3.19073702526 10/10/2007 121 302 <5.54 5.584 65 7.9073702682 31/10/2007 192 415 <5.32 4.262 210 6.1

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Attachment D_Athea

STATEMENT ON: ANNEX X OF THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (2000/60/EC)

& ANNEX VIII OF THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (2000/60/EC)

Based on Effluent (Primary Discharge Point) Analysis presented on Tables D.1(i)(b) & D.1(i)(c), it is concluded that three substances listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) or any of the Relevant Pollutants listed in Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) are being discharged from the waste water works, at concentrations above the standards set in the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 12 of 2001). The values for Copper (concentration 20.9µg/l, standard 5µg/l), Cyanide (concentration 16.0µg/l standard 10µg/l) and Fluoride (concentration 1500µg/l, standard 500µg/l) exceed the standards set. Based on the analysis of water upstream and downstream of the Primary Discharge Point (Tables F.1(i)(a) & F.1(i)(b)), none of the substances listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) or any of the Relevant Pollutants listed in Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) are seen to be present in the receiving water environment downstream of a discharge from the works, at concentrations above the standards set in the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 12 of 2001).

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Athea WWTP

SECTION D – DISCHARGES TO THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT Attachment D2: Tabular Data on Discharge Points Table D.2: Tabular Data on Discharge Points Drawing No. 5486-2614

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Attachment D Table D2_Athea

PT_CD PT_TYPE LA_NAME RWB_TYPE RWB_NAME DESIGNATION EASTING NORTHING VERIFIEDSW1 Primary Limerick County Council River Galey River SAC 112392 135549 YesSW2 Storm Water Overflow Limerick County Council River Galey River SAC 112575 135132 YesPSW3 Proposed Primary Limerick County Council River Galey River SAC 112210 135716 YesPSW4 Proposed Storm Water Overflow Limerick County Council River Galey River SAC 112575 135132 Yes

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A1WviIiDn:

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STORMWATEROVERFLOW


-...ISSUETOEPA

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(SECTION! ATTACHMENT D.2)

ProjKlDI~ B. DOWNES


PRIMARYDISCHARGE

WWTPSITEBOUNDARY

n,.

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ATHEA


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Q"~IMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL

ALL DISCHARGE POINTS



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EPA Export 26-07-2013:15:08:46

Athea WWTP

SECTION E – MONITORING Attachment E1: Wastewater Discharge Frequency & Quantities –

Existing & Proposed Table E.1(i): Waste Water Frequency and Quantity of Discharge

Primary and Secondary Discharge Points (NOTE: There is no Secondary Discharge Point)

Table E.1(ii): Waste Water Frequency and Quantity of Discharge

Storm Water Overflows (NOTE: No Information on Quantity of Waste Water Discharged Available for Storm Water Overflow, as flows are not continuous or consistent)

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TABLE E.1(i): WASTE WATER FREQUENCY AND QUANTITY OF DISCHARGE – Primary and

Secondary Discharge Points

Identification Code for Discharge point Frequency of discharge (days/annum) Quantity of Waste Water Discharged

(m³/annum)

SW-1 365 37960

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TABLE E.1(ii): WASTE WATER FREQUENCY AND QUANTITY OF DISCHARGE – Storm Water

Overflows

Identification Code for Dischargepoint

Frequency of discharge(days/annum)

Quantity of Waste WaterDischarged (m³/annum)

Complies with Definition of StormWater Overflow

SW-2 No

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Athea WWTP

SECTION E – MONITORING Attachment E2: Monitoring & Sampling Points Programme for Environmental Monitoring Drawing No. 5486-2615

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Attachment E_Athea

PROGRAMME FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

The 'Programme for Environmental Monitoring' will involve monitoring of the Influent to the Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Effluent from the Waste Water Treatment Plant (i.e. Primary Discharge Point) on a bimonthly basis for the following parameters: BOD, COD, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Phosphorus as P, Orthophosphate as P, Nitrates & Ammonia. The Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007) requests water sampling of the aquatic environment into which the Primary and Secondary Discharges occur, in order to monitor the impact of the discharges on the ambient environment. Both the Primary Discharge Point (SW1) and the Storm Water Overflow (SW2) from Athea WWTP discharge to the River Galey. It is proposed to carry out monitoring upstream and downstream of the discharge point at sampling locations aSW1u and aSW1d. As discussed previously in this application, it is proposed to construct a new WWTP in Athea in the near future. The proposed new discharge points PSW3 & PSW4 will also discharge directly to the River Galey, as shown on Drawing No. 5486-2615. The upstream and downstream sampling locations proposed above will remain active, once the new WWTP/Discharge Points come into effect, as they will remain upstream and downstream of the proposed new discharge points. All sampling points proposed above have a safe means of access. .Samples will be tested for DO, Temperature, pH & Electrical Conductivity by the sampler at the time of sampling, using fully calibrated and serviced equipment. The remainder of analysis will be carried out by an independent fully quality-controlled laboratory.

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nle:

Project:

""""

By I Chkd.

JO'B I CD

WWTPSITEBOUNDARY


Dellcrlptlon

ISSUE TO EPA

~


~

ALL MONITORING& SAMPLING POINTS

ATHEA

(SECTION! ATTACHMENT E.2) /

1:20.000


ClientLIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL

A I JULY'09

Rev I Dam


2. ALL LEVELS SHOWN RELATE TO ORDNANCESURVEY DATUM AT MALIN HEAD

Scale@A3:

Prepared by: Checked: Date:

JO'B CD JULY'09


Drawing Status: WWDL APPLICATION




iiE=iliv:.:rTia~=. Revision:• .. ~ .......:&_.....

:':1;= 5486-2615 A~"

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Athea WWTP

SECTION E – MONITORING Attachment E3: Tabular Data on Monitoring and Sampling Points Table E3: Tabular Data on Monitoring & Sampling Points

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Attachment E Table E3_Athea

PT_CD PT_TYPE MON_TYPE EASTING NORTHING VERIFIED

SW1 Primary Monitoring / Sampling 112392 135549 NoaSW1u Primary Sampling 112396 135535 NoaSW1d Primary Sampling 112381 135568 NoPSW3 Proposed Primary Sampling 112210 135716 No

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Athea WWTP

SECTION E – MONITORING Attachment E4: Sampling Data Sampling Data Pertaining to the Existing Waste Water Treatment Plant for Previous 12 Months Details of Compliance with Any Applicable Monitoring Requirements and Treatment Standards

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Attachment E_Athea

SAMPLING DATA PERTAINING TO THE EXISTING WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS

As stated in Attachment E.2 above - 'Programme for Environmental Monitoring', monitoring of the Influent to the Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Effluent from the Waste Water Treatment Plant (i.e. Primary Discharge Point) have been carried out by Limerick County Council for the last number of years. Monitoring results for the 'Influent' to the WWTP were attached in Attachment D.1. Monitoring results for the 'Effluent' from the WWTP are attached overleaf.

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Athea WWTP Limerick County Council Effluent Monitoring Data

Sample Lab Code

Sample Date Ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia (NH3-N)

BOD Chemical Oxygen

Demand

Mixed Liquor

Suspende

Nitrates (N03-N)

Nitrates (NO3)

pH Phosphate (PO4-P)

Suspended Solids

Total Nitrogen

Total Phosphorus

04370598 13/04/2004 109 223 5004371620 30/08/2004 79.5 197 4504372197 09/11/2004 18.5 75.5 162 0.09 1.67 48 2.07053700909 10/05/2005 28.1 250 529 0.49 3.453 5.02053701150 13/06/2005 40.3 207 503 0.44 3.87 100 6.05053701701 16/08/2005 30.8 98 222 12.6 2.843 50 3.53053702317 18/10/2005 22.3 84 0.22 2.43 64 3.32063700226 07/02/2006 38 157 304 2.3 1.6 80 3.04063700540 04/04/2006 30.1 137 311 0.3 4.38 96 5.03063700886 23/05/2006 39.6 155 279 1.22 3.66 110 4.86063701484 15/08/2006 45.4 221 456 5 4.64 92 4.79063701909 10/10/2006 44.53 165 261 1.59 3.14 54 6.5063702131 31/10/2006 61.3 230 0.93 2.46 40 2.89073700243 06/02/2007 42.7 155 335 0.7 4.07 96 5.98073700850 23/04/2007 50.5 376 0.43 4.53 96 5.88073700944 08/05/2007 70 178 50 2.6073701604 05/07/2007 38.9 101 52073701840 25/07/2007 15.7 35 49 0.2 2.3 3 3.63073702527 10/10/2007 221 542 <5.54 5.443 114 9.3073702683 31/10/2007 78 140 <5.32 3.541 45 2.3073702797 13/11/2007 51 116 97.44 5.47 22 6.1083700060 08/01/2008 13.5 101 0.88 1.44 30083700854 26/02/2008 25.5 78.9 190 0.19 2.47 52 3.14083703610 26/08/2008 17.5 122 251 0.19 1.87 68083704050 23/09/2008 38.2 95.1 227 <0.14 4.26 72083704563 10/11/2008 2.9 23.7 71 0.89 0.211 26083704776 02/12/2008 3.3 26.7 194 0.79 0.146 4509371026 24/03/2009 44.2 205 391 <0.14 5.49 80

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Attachment E_Athea

DETAILS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS AND TREATMENT STANDARDS

The effluent standards required by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001)are as follows:

Parameter Required Standard for Treated Effluent)

BOD < 25mg/l Total Suspended Solids < 35mg/l

Total Phosphorus < 1mg/l However in the Preliminary Report on the Athea Sewerage Scheme prepared for Limerick County Council in March 2008 the recommended discharge standards are more stringent based on the assimilative capacity of the Galey River. The Report recommends that a treated effluent standard of 5mg/l BOD concentration, 5mg/l suspended solids concentration, 2mg/l total Ammonia, 0.5mg/l ortho-P and 10mg/l nitrates should be provided prior to discharging to the Galey River.

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Athea WWTP

SECTION F – EXISTING ENVIRONMENT & IMPACT OF THE DISCHARGE(S) Attachment F1: Assessment of Impact on Receiving Surface or

Ground Water Attachment F.1(A): An Assessment of the Impacts of Any Existing or

Proposed Emissions on the Environment Attachment F.1(B): Monitoring of the Receiving Water Primary

Discharge Point Table F.1(a): Surface/Ground Water Monitoring - Downstream Table F.1(b): Surface/Ground Water Monitoring (Dangerous

Substances) - Downstream Table F.1(a): Surface/Ground Water Monitoring - Upstream Table F.1(b): Surface/Ground Water Monitoring (Dangerous

Substances) - Upstream Attachment F.1(C): Monitoring of the Receiving Water Secondary

Discharge Point Attachment F.1(D): Ground Emissions Attachment F.1(E): Water Quality of the Existing Environment Attachment F.1(F): Emissions of Main Polluting Substances (Defined

in Dangerous Substances Regulations, S.I. 12 of 2001)

Attachment F.1(G): Protection of Downstream Water Abstraction

Points Attachment F.1(H): Emissions Effects on European Sites Attachment F.1(I): Measures for Minimising Pollution Over Long Distances or in the Territory of Other States Attachment F.1(J): Modelling of Discharges

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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(A) AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS OF ANY EXISTING OR PROPOSED EMISSIONS

ON THE ENVIRONMENT There are 2 no. existing emission points from the Athea Sewerage Agglomeration, namely:

• SW-1 Primary Discharge Point - Treated Effluent, from the existing Athea Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP);

• SW-2 Storm Water Overflow - Overflow, from the Storm Water Holding Tank at the existing foul sewage pumping station.

• It is proposed to construct a new WWTP to serve Athea on a new site as shown on Drawing No. 5486-2601 included in Attachment B. The new WWTP is proposed to have 2 no. new emission points, namely:

• PSW3 Proposed Primary Discharge Point - Treated Effluent, from the proposed new WWTP;

• PSW4 Storm Water Overflow - Overflow, from the Storm Water Holding Tank at the proposed upgraded pumping station.

The existing emissions from the existing Athea WWTP discharge to the Galey River as shown on Drawing No. 5486-2614 included in Attachment D. The proposed new discharge points PSW3 & PSW4 (from the proposed new WWTP) will also discharge directly to the Galey River. All possible impacts of the existing and proposed emissions on the environment will be assessed below: AIR (NOISE/DUST): There is a certain amount of noise and dust impact on the environment related to the operation of the existing Athea WWTP and expected during the construction and operation of the proposed new WWTP. However, this licence application relates only to the 2 no. existing emissions from the existing WWTP and the proposed 2 no. replacement emissions from the proposed new WWTP. All 4 no. emissions (2 no. existing & 2 no. proposed) are of effluent (treated and untreated) to the Galey River. The discharge points will not pose any noise or dust impact on the surrounding environment. ECOLOGY: As will be discussed in Attachment F.1(E) and F.1(H) below, the 2 no. existing emissions (SW1 & SW2) discharge to the Galey River which is included in the Lower River Shannon SAC. The 2 no. proposed emission points (PSW3 & PSW4), to be commissioned when the proposed new WWTP is complete, will also discharge directly to the Galey River. The existing discharges (SW1 & SW2) are in existence for some time and as will be discussed in sections below, do not appear to be having a negative effect on the water quality in the Galey River. It is therefore not expected that the discharges are having any negative affect on the surrounding ecology (aquatic). The proposed new discharges will originate from the proposed new WWTP which will treat the effluent to an even greater standard, with consequential improvements in the quality of the effluent discharged. GROUNDWATER: There are no emissions to ground/groundwater from the Athea Sewerage Agglomeration, nor are any proposed as part of the upgrade of the agglomeration. Therefore any impact on ground/groundwater is unexpected.

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Attachment F_Athea

SURFACE WATER: The 2 no. existing emission points from the Athea Agglomeration are to the Galey River. The results of water quality analysis presented in Tables F.1(i)(a) & F.1(i)(b) show differences in the following water quality parameters between the sampling location upstream of the emission points (aSW1u) and the sampling location downstream of the emission points (aSW1d). There are increases in the downstream values for the following parameters as can be seen in the tables: Toluene, Arsenic, Barium, Nickel, Lead, Zinc, Ammonia, Orthophosphate, Sulphate, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, BOD, COD and Suspended Solids. The EPA monitor water quality in the Galey River at stations upstream and downstream of the Athea Agglomeration. The EPA Q-Value system describes the relationship between water quality and the macro invertebrate community in numerical terms. Q5 & Q4-5 waters have high water quality (unpolluted), Q4 waters have good water quality (unpolluted), Q3-4 have moderate water quality (slightly polluted), Q3 & Q2-3 have poor water quality (moderately polluted) and Q2, Q1-2 & Q1 have bad water quality (seriously polluted). The closest EPA station upstream of the agglomeration has a most recent Q-Value rating of Q4 (= good water quality, unpolluted) as does the closest EPA station downstream of the agglomeration. This is another indication that the effluent discharges from the Athea Agglomeration are not having a negative impact on the Galey River.

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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(B) MONITORING OF THE RECEIVING WATER

PRIMARY DISCHARGE POINT

• Table F.1(i)(a): Surface/Ground Water Monitoring - Downstream • Table F.1(i)(b): Surface/Ground Water Monitoring (Dangerous Substances) -

Downstream • Table F.1(i)(a): Surface/Ground Water Monitoring - Upstream • Table F.1(i)(b): Surface/Ground Water Monitoring (Dangerous Substances) -

Upstream

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Attachment F_Athea

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TABLE F.1(i)(b): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING (Dangerous Substances)

Primary Discharge Point

Discharge Point Code: SW-1MONITORING POINT CODE: aSW-1dGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 112381 / 135568 (Verifed using GPS)

Parameter Results (µg/l) Samplingmethod

Limit ofQuantitation

Analysismethod /technique

05/06/09

Atrazine < 0.01 Grab 0.01 EO129 SolidPhaseExtraction,GC/MSDetection

Dichloromethane < 5 Grab 5.0 Purge & Trap -GCMS

Simazine < 0.01 Grab 0.01 EO129 SolidPhaseExtraction,GC/MSDetection

Toluene = 4.4 Grab 0.1 Purge & Trap -GCMS

Tributyltin < 0.02 Grab 0.02 GCMS

Xylenes < 0.1 Grab 0.1 Purge & Trap -GCMS

Arsenic = 0.7 Grab 0.2 ICPMS

Chromium < 1 Grab 1.0 ICPMS

Copper < 3 Grab 3.0 ICPMS

Cyanide < 5 Grab 5.0 AutoanalyserSpectrophotometry

Flouride < 100 Grab 100 IonChromatography UV-VisDetection

Lead = 0.4 Grab 0.3 ICPMS

Nickel = 1.4 Grab 0.5 ICPMS

Zinc = 8.4 Grab 1.0 ICPMS

Boron < 0.02 Grab 0.02 ICPMS

Cadmium < 0.1 Grab 0.1 ICPMS

Mercury < 0.02 Grab 0.02 ICPMS

Selenium < 0.2 Grab 0.2 ICPMS

Barium = 8.7 Grab 1.0 ICPMS

Additional Comments:

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TABLE F.1(i)(a): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING


Discharge Point Code: SW-1MONITORING POINT CODE: aSW-1uGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 112396 / 135535 (Verifed using GPS)

Parameter Results (mg/l) Samplingmethod



05/06/09

pH = 7.5 Grab 0.3 EW138 pHTitralabElectrometric

Temperature = 20.8 Grab 0.1 Onsite withTemperatureMeter

Electrical Conductivity (@25°C)

= 133 Grab 5 EW139ConductivityTitralab

Suspended Solids < 1 Grab 5 EW013 byGravimetricAnalysis

Ammonia (as N) = 0.019 Grab 0.007 EW003 -Ammonia byAutoanalyserSpectrophotometry

Biochemical Oxygen Demand < 2 Grab 2 EW001BiochemicalOxygenDemand

Chemical Oxygen Demand = 18 Grab 8 EW094 byClosed RefluxColorimetry

Dissolved Oxygen = 10.7 Grab DissolvedOxygen Probe

Hardness (as CaCO3) = 36 Grab ICP-MS

Total Nitrogen (as N) = 0.8 Grab 1.0 EW022 TotalNitrogen by TNAnalyser

Nitrite (as N) = 0.062 Grab 0.013 EW035 NitritebyAutoanalyserSpectrophotometry

Nitrate (as N) = 0.406 Grab 0.12 EW034 NitratebyAutoanalyserSpectrophotometry

Total Phosphorous (as P) = 0.17 Grab 0.03 EW002 byAcidPersulphateDigestion

OrthoPhosphate (as P) < 0.009 Grab 0.009 EW007 byAutoanalyserSpectrophotometry

Sulphate (SO4) = 2.28 Grab 1.0 EW016AutoanalyserSpectrophotometry

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Phenols (Sum) < 0.5 Grab 0.5 EO129 SolidPhaseExtraction,GC/MSDetection


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TABLE F.1(i)(b): SURFACE/GROUND WATER MONITORING (Dangerous Substances)


Discharge Point Code: SW-1MONITORING POINT CODE: aSW-1uGrid Ref (12 digits, 6E, 6N) 112396 / 135535 (Verifed using GPS)

Parameter Results (µg/l) Samplingmethod



05/06/09

Atrazine < 0.01 Grab 0.01 E0129 SolidPhaseExtraction,GC/MSDetection

Dichloromethane < 5 Grab 5.0 Purge & Trap -GCMS

Simazine < 0.01 Grab 0.01 E0129 SolidPhaseExtraction,GC/MSDetection

Toluene < 0.1 Grab 0.1 Purge & Trap -GCMS

Tributyltin < 0.02 Grab 0.02 GCMS

Xylenes < 0.1 Grab 0.1 Purge & Trap -GCMS

Arsenic = 0.5 Grab 0.2 ICPMS

Chromium < 1 Grab 1.0 ICPMS

Copper = 5.2 Grab 3.0 ICPMS

Cyanide < 5 Grab 5.0 AutoanalyserSpectrophotometry

Flouride < 100 Grab 100 IonChromatography UV-VisDectection

Lead < 0.3 Grab 0.3 ICPMS

Nickel = 1.3 Grab 0.5 ICPMS

Zinc = 2.6 Grab 1.0 ICPMS

Boron < 0.02 Grab 0.02 ICPMS

Cadmium < 0.1 Grab 0.1 ICPMS

Mercury < 0.02 Grab 0.02 ICPMS

Selenium < 0.2 Grab 0.2 ICPMS

Barium = 7.9 Grab 1.0 ICPMS


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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(C) MONITORING OF THE RECEIVING WATER

SECONDARY DISCHARGE POINT The Athea Sewerage Agglomeration does not have any Secondary Discharge Points.

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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(D) GROUND EMISSIONS

There are no emissions to ground/groundwater from the Athea Sewerage Agglomeration, nor are any proposed as part of the upgrade of the agglomeration. Therefore any impact on ground/groundwater is unexpected.

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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(E) WATER QUALITY OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

The Water Quality of the existing environment is discussed in Attachment F.1(A) above. As previously discussed, the 2 no. existing emissions (SW1 & SW2) discharge to the Galey River which is included in the Lower River Shannon SAC. The 2 no. proposed emission points (PSW3 & PSW4), to be commissioned when the proposed new WWTP is complete, will also discharge directly to the Galey River which is designated a SAC at this location. These designations will be discussed in more detail in Attachment F.1(H) below. The Galey River, in the vicinity of Athea, is not classified as nutrient sensitive under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001) or any subsequent amendments thereof. The Catchment Management Plan relevant to this discharge is “The Water Quality Management Plan for the Lower Shannon Catchment – March 1990”. In addition, a Shannon IRBD Draft River Basin Management Plan has been prepared and was published in December 2006, however this plan is currently out for consultation and is in draft format.

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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(F) EMISSIONS OF MAIN POLLUTING SUBSTANCES

(DEFINED IN DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES REGULATIONS, S.I. 12 OF 2001) Based on Effluent (Primary Discharge Point) Analysis presented on Tables D.1(i)(b) & D.1(i)(c), it is concluded that three substances listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) or any of the Relevant Pollutants listed in Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) are being discharged from the waste water works, at concentrations above the standards set in the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 12 of 2001). The values for Copper (concentration 20.9µg/l, standard 5µg/l), Cyanide (concentration 16.0µg/l standard 10µg/l) and Fluoride (concentration 1500µg/l, standard 500µg/l) exceed the standards set. Based on the analysis of water upstream and downstream of the Primary Discharge Point (Tables F.1(i)(a) & F.1(i)(b)), none of the substances listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) or any of the Relevant Pollutants listed in Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) are seen to be present in the receiving water environment downstream of a discharge from the works, at concentrations above the standards set in the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 12 of 2001).

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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(G) PROTECTION OF DOWNSTREAM WATER ABSTRACTION POINTS

As will be presented in Attachment F.2, there are no Limerick County Council Drinking Water Abstraction Points located downstream of the Athea Agglomeration Primary Discharge Point.

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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(H) EMISSIONS EFFECTS ON EUROPEAN SITES

As previously discussed, the 2 no. existing emissions (SW1 & SW2) discharge to the Galey River which is designated a SAC at this location. The 2 no. proposed emission points (PSW3 & PSW4), to be commissioned when the proposed new WWTP is complete, will also discharge directly to the Galey River. Designation Type Site Code Site Name SAC 002165 Lower River Shannon (Site synopsis attached overleaf) The existing discharges (SW1 & SW2) are in existence for some time and do not appear to be having a negative effect on the water quality in the Galey River. It is therefore not expected that the discharges are having any negative affect on the surrounding ecology (aquatic). The proposed new discharges will originate from the proposed new WWTP which will treat the effluent to an even greater standard, with consequential improvements in the quality of the effluent discharged. However, the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) have been contacted, through the Development Applications Unit of the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, as part of this application process to scope whether an Ecological Assessment or an Appropriate Assessment of the impacts of the emissions is required. A copy of the letter that issued to the DAU is attached overleaf.

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SITE SYNOPSIS

SITE NAME : LOWER RIVER SHANNON

SITE CODE : 002165

This very large site stretches along the Shannon valley from Killaloe to Loop Head/ Kerry

Head, a distance of some 120 km. The site thus encompasses the Shannon, Feale, Mulkear

and Fergus Estuaries, the freshwater lower reaches of the River Shannon (between Killaloe

and Limerick), the freshwater stretches of much of the Feale and Mulkear catchments and the

marine area between Loop Head and Kerry Head. The Shannon and Fergus flow through

Carboniferous limestone as far as Foynes, but west of Foynes Namurian shales and flagstones

predominate (except at Kerry Head, which is formed from Old Red Sandstone). The eastern

sections of the Feale catchment flow through Namurian Rocks and the western stretches

through Carboniferous Limestone. The Mulkear flows through Lower Palaeozoic Rocks in

the upper reaches before passing through Namurian Rocks, followed by Lower Carboniferous

Shales and Carboniferous Limestone. The Mulkear River itself, immediately north of Pallas

Green, passes through an area of Rhyolites, Tuffs and Agglomerates. Rivers within the sub-

catchment of the Feale include the Galey, Smearlagh, Oolagh, Allaughaun, Owveg, Clydagh,

Caher, Breanagh and Glenacarney. Rivers within the sub-catchment of the Mulkear include

the Killeenagarriff, Annagh, Newport, the Dead River, the Bilboa, Glashacloonaraveela,

Gortnageragh and Cahernahallia.

The site is a candidate SAC selected for lagoons and alluvial wet woodlands, both

habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected for

floating river vegetation, Molinia meadows, estuaries, tidal mudflats, Atlantic salt

meadows, Mediterranean salt meadows, Salicornia mudflats, sand banks, perennial

vegetation of stony banks, sea cliffs, reefs and large shallow inlets and bays all habitats

listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected for the

following species listed on Annex II of the same directive – Bottle-nosed Dolphin, Sea

Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Atlantic Salmon

and Otter.

The Shannon and Fergus Estuaries form the largest estuarine complex in Ireland.

They form a unit stretching from the upper tidal limits of the Shannon and Fergus

Rivers to the mouth of the Shannon estuary (considered to be a line across the narrow

strait between Kilcredaun Point and Kilconly Point). Within this main unit there are

several tributaries with their own ‘sub-estuaries’ e.g. the Deel River, Mulkear River,

and Maigue River. To the west of Foynes, a number of small estuaries form

indentations in the predominantly hard coastline, namely Poulnasherry Bay,

Ballylongford Bay, Clonderalaw Bay and the Feale or Cashen River Estuary.

Both the Fergus and inner Shannon estuaries feature vast expanses of intertidal

mudflats, often fringed with saltmarsh vegetation. The smaller estuaries also feature

mudflats, but have their own unique characteristics, e.g. Poulnasherry Bay is stony

and unusually rich in species and biotopes. Plant species are typically scarce on the

mudflats, although there are some Eel-grass beds (Zostera spp.) and patches of green

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algae (e.g. Ulva sp. and Enteromorpha sp.). The main macro-invertebrate community,

which has been noted from the inner Shannon and Fergus estuaries, is a Macoma-

Scrobicularia-Nereis community.

In the transition zone between mudflats and saltmarsh, specialised colonisers of mud

predominate: swards of Common Cord-grass (Spartina anglica) frequently occur in

the upper parts of the estuaries. Less common are swards of Glasswort (Salicornia

europaea agg.). In the innermost parts of the estuaries, the tidal channels or creeks are

fringed with species such as Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and Club-rushes

(Scirpus maritimus, S. tabernaemontani and S. triquetrus). In addition to the

nationally rare Triangular Club-rush (Scirpus triquetrus), two scarce species are found

in some of these creeks (e.g. Ballinacurra Creek): Lesser Bulrush (Typha angustifolia)

and Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum).

Saltmarsh vegetation frequently fringes the mudflats. Over twenty areas of estuarine

saltmarsh have been identified within the site, the most important of which are around

the Fergus Estuary and at Ringmoylan Quay. The dominant type of saltmarsh present

is Atlantic salt meadow occurring over mud. Characteristic species occurring include

Common Saltmarsh Grass (Puccinellia maritima), Sea Aster (Aster tripolium), Thrift

(Armeria maritima), Sea-milkwort (Glaux maritima), Sea Plantain (Plantago

maritima), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera),

Saltmarsh Rush (Juncus gerardi), Long-bracted Sedge (Carex extensa), Lesser Sea-

spurrey (Spergularia marina) and Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima). Areas of

Mediterranean salt meadows, characterised by clumps of Sea Rush (Juncus

maritimus) occur occasionally. Two scarce species are found on saltmarshes in the

vicinity of the Fergus Estuary: a type of robust Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia

foucaudii), sometimes placed within the compass of Common Saltmarsh-grass

(Puccinellia maritima) and Hard-grass (Parapholis strigosa).

Saltmarsh vegetation also occurs around a number of lagoons within the site. The two

which have been surveyed as part of a National Inventory of Lagoons are Shannon

Airport Lagoon and Cloonconeen Pool. Cloonconeen Pool (4-5 ha) is a natural

sedimentary lagoon impounded by a low cobble barrier. Seawater enters by

percolation through the barrier and by overwash. This lagoon represents a type which

may be unique to Ireland since the substrate is composed almost entirely of peat. The

adjacent shore features one of the best examples of a drowned forest in Ireland.

Aquatic vegetation in the lagoon includes typical species such as Beaked Tasselweed

(Ruppia maritima) and green algae (Cladophora sp.). The fauna is not diverse, but is

typical of a high salinity lagoon and includes six lagoon specialists (Hydrobia

ventrosa, Cerastoderma glaucum, Lekanesphaera hookeri, Palaemonetes varians,

Sigara stagnalis and Enochrus bicolor). In contrast, Shannon Airport Lagoon (2 ha)

is an artificial saline lake with an artificial barrier and sluiced outlet. However, it

supports two Red Data Book species of Stonewort (Chara canescens and Chara cf.

connivens).

Most of the site west of Kilcredaun Point/Kilconly Point is bounded by high rocky sea

cliffs. The cliffs in the outer part of the site are sparsely vegetated with lichens, Red

Fescue, Sea Beet (Beta vulgaris), Sea Campion (Silene maritima), Thrift and Plantains

(Plantago spp.). A rare endemic Sea Lavender (Limonium recurvum subsp.

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pseudotranswallinum) occurs on cliffs near Loop Head. Cliff-top vegetation usually

consists of either grassland or maritime heath. The boulder clay cliffs further up the

estuary tend to be more densely vegetated, with swards of Red Fescue and species

such as Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) and Bird’s-foot Trefoil ( Lotus

corniculatus).

The site supports an excellent example of a large shallow inlet and bay. Littoral

sediment communities in the mouth of the Shannon Estuary occur in areas that are

exposed to wave action and also in areas extremely sheltered from wave action.

Characteristically, exposed sediment communities are composed of coarse sand and

have a sparse fauna. Species richness increases as conditions become more sheltered.

All shores in the site have a zone of sand hoppers at the top and below this each of the

shores has different characteristic species giving a range of different shore types in the

pcSAC.

The intertidal reefs in the Shannon Estuary are exposed or moderately exposed to

wave action and subject to moderate tidal streams. Known sites are steeply sloping

and show a good zonation down the shore. Well developed lichen zones and littoral

reef communities offering a high species richness in the sublittoral fringe and strong

populations of Paracentrotus lividus are found. The communities found are tolerant

to sand scour and tidal streams. The infralittoral reefs range from sloping platforms

with some vertical steps to ridged bedrock with gullies of sand between the ridges to

ridged bedrock with boulders or a mixture of cobbles, gravel and sand. Kelp is very

common to about 18m. Below this it becomes rare and the community is

characterised by coralline crusts and red foliose algae.

Other coastal habitats that occur within the site include the following:

• stony beaches and bedrock shores - these shores support a typical zonation of

seaweeds (Fucus spp., Ascophyllum nodosum and kelps).

• shingle beaches - the more stable areas of shingle support characteristic species

such as Sea Beet, Sea Mayweed (Matricaria maritima), Sea Campion and Curled

Dock (Rumex crispus).

• Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water at all times – there is a known

occurrence of sand/gravel beds in the area from Kerry Head to Beal Head.

• sand dunes - a small area of sand dunes occurs at Beal Point. The dominant

species is Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria).

Flowing into the estuaries are a number of tidal rivers.

Freshwater rivers have been included in the site, most notably the Feale and Mulkear

catchments, the Shannon from Killaloe to Limerick (along with some of its tributaries,

including a short stretch of the Kilmastulla River), the Fergus up as far as Ennis, and

the Cloon River. These systems are very different in character: the Shannon being

broad, generally slow-flowing and naturally eutrophic; the Fergus being smaller and

alkaline; while the narrow, fast-flowing Cloon is acid in nature. The Feale and

Mulkear catchments exhibit all the aspects of a river from source to mouth. Semi-

natural habitats, such as wet grassland, wet woodland and marsh occur by the rivers,

however, improved grassland is most common. One grassland type of particular

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conservation significance, Molinia meadows, occurs in several parts of the site and the

examples at Worldsend on the River Shannon are especially noteworthy. Here are

found areas of wet meadow dominated by rushes and sedges and supporting a diverse

and species-rich vegetation, including such uncommon species as Blue-eyed Grass

(Sisyrinchium bermudiana) and Pale Sedge (Carex pallescens).

Floating river vegetation characterised by species of Water-crowfoot (Ranunculus

spp.), Pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.) and the moss Fontinalius antipyretica are

present throughout the major river systems within the site. The rivers contain an

interesting bryoflora with Schistidium alpicola var. alpicola recorded from in-stream

boulders on the Bilboa, new to county Limerick.

Alluvial woodland occurs on the banks of the Shannon and on islands in the vicinity

of the University of Limerick. The woodland is up to 50m wide on the banks and

somewhat wider on the largest island. The most prominent woodland type is gallery

woodland where White Willow (Salix alba) dominates the tree layer with occasional

Alder (Alnus glutinosa). The shrub layer consists of various willow species with sally

(Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia) and what appear to be hybrids of S. alba x S. viminalis.

The herbaceous layer consists of tall perennial herbs. A fringe of Bulrush (Typha sp.)

occurs on the riverside of the woodland. On slightly higher ground above the wet

woodland and on the raised embankment remnants of mixed oak-ash-alder woodland

occur. These are poorly developed and contain numerous exotic species but locally

there are signs that it is invading open grassland. Alder is the principal tree species

with occasional Oak (Quercus robur), Elm (Ulmus glabra, U. procera), Hazel

(Corylus avellana), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and the shrubs Guelder-rose

(Viburnum opulus) and willows. The ground flora is species-rich.

Woodland is infrequent within the site, however Cahiracon Wood contains a strip of

old Oak woodland. Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) forms the canopy, with an

understorey of Hazel and Holly (Ilex aquifolium). Great Wood-rush (Luzula

sylvatica) dominates the ground flora. Less common species present include Great

Horsetail (Equisetum telmeteia) and Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula).

In the low hills to the south of the Slievefelim mountains, the Cahernahallia River cuts

a valley through the Upper Silurian rocks. For approximately 2km south of Cappagh

Bridge at Knockanavar, the valley sides are wooded. The woodland consists of Birch

(Betula spp.), Hazel, Oak, Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), some Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

and Willow (Salix spp.). Most of the valley is not grazed by stock, and as a result the

trees are regenerating well. The ground flora feature prominent Greater wood-rush

and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) with a typical range of woodland herbs. Where

there is more light available, Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) features.

The valley sides of the Bilboa and Gortnageragh Rivers, on higher ground north east

of Cappamore, support patches of semi-natural broadleaf woodland dominated by

Ash, Hazel, Oak and Birch. There is a good scrub layer with Hawthorn, Willow,

Holly and Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) common. The herb layer in these woodlands

is often open with a typically rich mixture of woodland herbs and ferns. Moss species

diversity is high. The woodlands are ungrazed. The hazel is actively coppiced in

places.

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There is a small area of actively regenerating cut away raised bog at Ballyrorheen. It

is situated approx. 5km north west of Cappamore Co. Limerick. The bog contains

some wet areas with good moss (Sphagnum) cover. Species of particular interest

include the Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) and the White Sedge (Carex curta)

along with two other regionally rare mosses including S. fimbriatum. The site is being

invaded by Birch (Betula pubescens) scrub woodland. Both commercial forestry and

the spread of rhododendron has greatly reduced the overall value of the site.

A number of plant species that are Irish Red Data Book species occur within the site -

several are protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999:

• Triangular Club-rush (Scirpus triquetrus) - in Ireland this protected species is only

found in the Shannon Estuary, where it borders creeks in the inner estuary.

• Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densa) - this protected pondweed is

found in the Shannon where it passes through Limerick City.

• Meadow Barley (Hordeum secalinum) - this protected species is abundant in

saltmarshes at Ringmoylan and Mantlehill.

• Hairy Violet (Viola hirta) - this protected violet occurs in the Askeaton/Foynes

area.

• Golden Dock (Rumex maritimus) - noted as occurring in the River Fergus Estuary.

• Bearded Stonewort (Chara canescens) - a brackish water specialist found in

Shannon Airport lagoon.

• Convergent Stonewort (Chara connivens) - presence in Shannon Airport Lagoon to

be confirmed.

Overall, the Shannon and Fergus Estuaries support the largest numbers of wintering

waterfowl in Ireland. The highest count in 1995-96 was 51,423 while in 1994-95 it

was 62,701. Species listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive which contributed

to these totals include: Great Northern Diver (3; 1994/95), Whooper Swan (201;

1995/96), Pale-bellied Brent Goose (246; 1995/96), Golden Plover (11,067; 1994/95)

and Bar-tailed Godwit ( 476; 1995/96). In the past, three separate flocks of Greenland

White-fronted Goose were regularly found but none were seen in 1993/94.

Other wintering waders and wildfowl present include Greylag Goose (216; 1995/96),

Shelduck (1,060; 1995/96), Wigeon (5,976; 1995/96); Teal (2,319; 1995-96); Mallard

(528; 1995/96), Pintail (45; 1995/96), Shoveler (84; 1995/96), Tufted Duck (272;

1995/96), Scaup (121; 1995/96), Ringed Plover (240; 1995/96), Grey Plover (750;

1995/96), Lapwing (24,581; 1995/96), Knot (800; 1995/96), Dunlin (20,100;

1995/96), Snipe (719, 1995/96), Black-tailed Godwit (1062; 1995/96), Curlew (1504;

1995/96), Redshank (3228; 1995/96), Greenshank (36; 1995/96) and Turnstone (107;

1995/96). A number of wintering gulls are also present, including Black-headed Gull

(2,216; 1995/96), Common Gull (366; 1995/96) and Lesser Black-backed Gull (100;

1994/95). This is the most important coastal site in Ireland for a number of the waders

including Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe and Redshank. It also provides an important

staging ground for species such as Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank.

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A number of species listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive breed within the

site. These include Peregine Falcon (2-3 pairs), Sandwich Tern (34 pairs on Rat

Island, 1995), Common Tern (15 pairs: 2 on Sturamus Island and 13 on Rat Island,

1995), Chough (14-41 pairs, 1992) and Kingfisher. Other breeding birds of note

include Kittiwake (690 pairs at Loop Head, 1987) and Guillemot (4010 individuals at

Loop Head, 1987)

There is a resident population of Bottle-nosed Dolphin in the Shannon Estuary

consisting of at least 56-68 animals (1996). This is the only known resident

population of this E.U. Habitats Directive Annex II species in Ireland. Otter, a species

also listed on Annex II of this directive, is commonly found on the site.

Five species of fish listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive are found within

the site. These are Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), Brook Lamprey (Lampetra

planeri), River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), Twaite Shad (Allosa fallax fallax) and

Salmon (Salmo salar). The three lampreys and Salmon have all been observed

spawning in the lower Shannon or its tributaries. The Fergus is important in its lower

reaches for spring salmon while the Mulkear catchment excels as a grilse fishery

though spring fish are caught on the actual Mulkear River. The Feale is important for

both types. Twaite Shad is not thought to spawn within the site. There are few other

river systems in Ireland which contain all three species of Lamprey.

Two additional fish of note, listed in the Irish Red Data Book, also occur, namely

Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) and Pollan (Coregonus autumnalis pollan). Only the

former has been observed spawning in the Shannon.

Freshwater Pearl-mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), a species listed on Annex II of

the E.U. Habitats Directive, occurs abundantly in parts of the Cloon River.

There is a wide range of landuses within the site. The most common use of the

terrestrial parts is grazing by cattle and some areas have been damaged through over-

grazing and poaching. Much of the land adjacent to the rivers and estuaries has been

improved or reclaimed and is protected by embankments (especially along the Fergus

Estuary). Further, reclamation continues to pose a threat as do flood relief works (e.g.

dredging of rivers). Gravel extraction poses a major threat on the Feale.

In the past, Cord-grass (Spartina sp.) was planted to assist in land reclamation. This

has spread widely, and may oust less vigorous colonisers of mud and may also reduce

the area of mudflat available to feeding birds.

Domestic and industrial wastes are discharged into the Shannon, but water quality is

generally satisfactory - except in the upper estuary, reflecting the sewage load from

Limerick City. Analyses for trace metals suggest a relatively clean estuary with no

influences by industrial discharges apparent. Further industrial development along

the Shannon and water polluting operations are potential threats.

Fishing is a main tourist attraction on the Shannon and there are a large number of

Angler Associations, some with a number of beats. Fishing stands and styles have

been erected in places. The River Feale is a designated Salmonid Water under the

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E.U. Freshwater Fish Directive. Other uses of the site include commercial angling,

oyster farming, boating (including dolphin-watching trips) and shooting. Some of

these may pose threats to the birds and dolphins through disturbance. Specific threats

to the dolphins include underwater acoustic disturbance, entanglement in fishing gear

and collisions with fast moving craft.

This site is of great ecological interest as it contains a high number of habitats and

species listed on Annexes I and II of the E.U. Habitats Directive, including the priority

habitat lagoon, the only known resident population of Bottle-nosed Dolphin in Ireland

and all three Irish lamprey species. A good number of Red Data Book species are also

present, perhaps most notably the thriving populations of Triangular Club-rush. A

number of species listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive are also present,

either wintering or breeding. Indeed, the Shannon and Fergus Estuaries form the

largest estuarine complex in Ireland and support more wintering wildfowl and waders

than any other site in the country. Most of the estuarine part of the site has been

designated a Special Protection Area (SPA), under the E.U. Birds Directive, primarily

to protect the large numbers of migratory birds present in winter.

17.05.2005

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I

Consulting Engineers

Patrick J. Tobin & Co Ltd.

'.'!VJ\',' tohln Ii;

Bedlord Place, Howleys Quay,lower Shannon Street,Limerick, Ireland.Tel: ·353 (0)61 415757Fax: ,353 /OjG1 409378

Our Ref:

Fail:jlet:n HOU5~

Fdugrccn RoadG'llrlCiv IrelandTel: .353 (Oi91 565211Fax: .35310)91 565398

OD/5486-02-06

Blocl· 10·4.Blal1thcHlstorm Sor~(Jr;llf P~ll

Dublin 15 ltel'lI1d.Tel: +353 (0)1 8030401/6Fax: +353 iOll 8030409/10

HorlhrJOull HOU!'::EIJf':: MaJlo\'! RoadCork. IrelandTel: ,353 (Oi21 4308624Fax: .35310121 4308625

M,lIhet SQllitleC',~lleb"r.

Co Ma::o. liel"ml.Tel: .353(0)949021401Fax: ,353 10194 9021534

2nd Flo"r. Eloee BUlldlnoMJrket SqUd~e. DunrlaH~Co Louth. IrelandTel: ,353 (0142 9335107Fax: ,353 10)42 9331715

)

15th June 2009

Development Applications UnitDepartment of the Environment, Heritage & Local GovernmentDun SceineHarcourt LaneDUBLIN 2

Re: Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007,5.1. 684 of 2007Waste Water Discharge Licence Applications

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing on behalf of our client 'Limerick County Council', In compliance with the abovementioned regulations. Limerick County Council are preparing to submit Waste Water DischargeLicence (WWDL) Applications to the EPA for the following seven wastewater treatment plants,

Drawing Number Wastewater Receiving Waters TownlandTreatment Plant

5486-2616 Athea Galey River Templeathea West

5486-2636 Ballingarry Tributary of RylanesFinshenaQh River

5486-2656 Bruree River Maigue Knockfenora

5486-2676 Foynes River Shannon LeahysEstuary

5486-2696 Glin River Shannon KillacollaEstuary

5486-2716 Oola Tributary of Dead MoanoolaRiver

5486-2736 Pallasgreen Tributary of Dead DromeenboyRiver

The attached drawings as listed above show details of the II General Route of Receiving Water toFinal Discharge Location" for each of the plants.

Directors: D.A. Downes (Chairman) L.E. Waldron (Managing Direclor) M.F. Garrick R.F. Tobin J. Colleran B.J. Downes S. Finlay P.J. Fogarty

D. Grehan J.P. Kelly B.M. Mulligan B. Murray C. O'Keeffe F. Renkema (Dutch) E.J. Harrigan (Company Secretary)

Associates: T. Cannon P. Cloonan D. Conneran M. Conroy T. Curran O. Downes B. Gaffney B. Gallagher B. Heaney

B. Hutchinson D. Kennedy M. McDonnell C. McGovern E. McPartlin G. Stevenson

Co. Reg. No. 42654 - Registered OHice: Fairgreen House, Fairgreen Road, Galway, Ireland.

(I\)) ENGINEERS" IRELAND

~·tiiiii'~~rIi\MARIi.iiiI WINNER 2007

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1

Once submitted, the entire application will be accessible on the EPA website (www.epa.ie).

The guidance notes which accompany the WWDL Application form state in Section F:

Discharges, either from the waste water works or in proximity to the waste water works, likely tohave a significant effect on a European site. If deemed likely to have a significant effect, anappropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of the sites conservation objectivesmust be carried out. The determination of the likely effect on a European site shall be carried out inconsultation with the National Parks & Wildlife Service.

In compliance with the above, we now wish to scope with you the determination as to thelikelihood of discharges from the seven treatment plants having a significant effect on a Europeansite, and as to whether an Appropriate Assessment is required as part of the application process.

We await your determination as to whether an Appropriate Assessment is required for any of theseven plants which form part of this WWDL Application.

) Thank you for your assistance.

Yours sincerely,

Olive DownesAssociate

Template let 004

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Dellcrlptlon

ISSUE TO NPWS

SPECIAL PROTECTIONAREAS

SPECIAL AREAS OFCONSERVATION

LEGEND

RIVER GALEY &CASHEN RIVER

PROPOSED NATURALHERITAGE AREAS

ATHEA

Project:


nle:

GENERAL ROUTE OF RECEIVINGWATERS TO FINAL DISCHARGE

LOCATION{SHANNON ESTUARY}

ClientLIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL

Rev I Dam

JUNE '09

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2. ALL LEVELS SHOWN RELATE TO ORDNANCESURVEY DATUM AT MALIN HEAD

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Scale@A3: 1 :lUUUUU

Prepared by: Checked: Date:

SMA CD JUNE '09


Drawing Status: EDL APPLICATION




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:':i;= 5486-2616 A~\,.

Starting Point End Point Distance (km)

AtheaWWTW Shannon Estuary 45Discharge Point (SAC)

AtheaWWTW Cashen River 35Discharge Point (SAC)At River Galey

(SAC)

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Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence number EN 0016009. © Ordnance Survey Ireland Government of Ireland

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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(I) MEASURES FOR MINIMISING POLLUTION OVER LONG DISTANCES

OR IN THE TERRITORY OF OTHER STATES The impact of the discharge from the Athea wastewater treatment plant has been assessed and considering the standard of treatment proposed for the Athea WWTP and the small scale of the treatment facility, it is not envisaged that the discharge from the Athea WWTP will cause any adverse pollution impact on the receiving waters over long distances or in the territory of other states.

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Attachment F_Athea

ATTACHMENT F.1(J) MODELLING OF DISCHARGES

There has been no modelling of discharges from the Athea Sewerage Agglomeration.

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Athea WWTP

SECTION F – EXISTING ENVIRONMENT & IMPACT OF THE DISCHARGES Attachment F2: Tabular Data on Drinking Water Abstraction

Point(s) Table F.2: Tabular Data on Downstream Drinking Water Abstraction

Points

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Attachment F Table F2_Athea

ABS_CD AGG_SERVED ABS_VOL PT_CD DIS_DS EASTING NORTHING VERIFIED

NO DOWNSTREAM DRINKING WATER ABSTRACTION POINTS

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Athea WWTP

SECTION G – PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS Attachment G1: Compliance with Council Directives Compliance with Council Directives

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Attachment G1_Athea

Attachment G1: Compliance with Council Directives Dangerous Substances Directive 2006/11/EC In the aquatic environment, this Directive sets limits on the concentration of various pesticides, solvents, metals, and some other substances in a water body. These limits themselves result from extensive testing of the toxicity of these compounds to marine life, not just at the adult stage, but at the juvenile or larval stage as well. The regulations outline annual mean concentrations of the following substances, which must not be exceeded: Pesticides and Solvents - Atrazine; Dichloromethane; Simazine; Toluene, Tributyltin and Xylenes. Metals and other substances - Arsenic; Chromium; Copper; Cyanide; Fluoride; Lead; Nickel and Zinc. Based on Effluent (Primary Discharge Point) Analysis presented on Tables D.1(i)(b) & D.1(i)(c), it is concluded that three substances listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) or any of the Relevant Pollutants listed in Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) are being discharged from the waste water works, at concentrations above the standards set in the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 12 of 2001). The values for Copper (concentration 20.9µg/l, standard 5µg/l), Cyanide (concentration 16.0µg/l standard 10µg/l) and Flouride (concentration 1500µg/l, standard 500µg/l) exceed the standards set. Based on the analysis of water upstream and downstream of the Primary Discharge Point (Tables F.1(i)(a) & F.1(i)(b)), none of the substances listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) or any of the Relevant Pollutants listed in Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) are seen to be present in the receiving water environment downstream of a discharge from the works, at concentrations above the standards set in the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 12 of 2001). The Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC This Directive came into force on the 22nd of December 2000. The objective of the Directive is to rationalise and update existing water legislation by setting common EU wide objectives for water. The WFD has a broad scope relating to water quality in rivers, lakes, canals, groundwater, transitional (estuarine) waters and coastal waters out a distance of at least one nautical mile. The fundamental objective of the WFD aims at maintaining "high status" in relation to all waters by 2015. Under this Directive Member States are obliged to ensure that a coordinated approach is adopted for the achievement of the WFD and for the implementation of programmes of measures for this purpose. The main activities for the implementation of the WFD have taken place in the context of River Basin Management (RBD) Projects led by Local Authorities. The Athea Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges to the Galey River which forms part of the Shannon International River Basin District. The EPA monitor water quality in the River Galey at stations upstream and downstream of Athea. The closest EPA station upstream of the discharge has a most recent Q-Value rating of Q4 (= good water quality) as does the closest EPA station downstream of the discharge. This is an indication that the effluent discharges from the Athea area are not having a negative impact on the River Galey. Hence, the Athea WWTP does not constitute a significant risk to the Shannon IRBD WFD targets of maintaining high or achieving good status.

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Attachment G1_Athea

The Birds Directives 79/409/EEC In 1979 the European Community adopted Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds. (The Birds Directive). The Directive provides a framework for the conservation of, and human interactions with, wild birds in Europe. Proposed Special Protection Area's (SPA'S) are selected at national level in accordance with the criteria set out in the various Annexes contained in the Birds Directive. The Birds Directive gives different levels of protection to different species. The species are grouped according to the level of protection they are given, as shown in the Directive Annexes. As the primary discharge point from the waste water treatment plant is not in a SPA, there are no grounds for assuming any adverse environmental impacts from the Athea WWTP at present, within the scope of the Birds Directive. The Groundwater Directives 80/68/EEC & 2006/118/EC [Council Directive 80/68/EEC is to be repealed with effect from 22/12/2013 in accordance with the WFD.] This directive mainly deals with the protection of groundwater, groundwater dependant ecosystems and the use of groundwater in water supply for human consumption. There are no emissions to ground/groundwater from the Athea WWTP, therefore any impact on ground/groundwater is unexpected. The Drinking Water Directives 80/778/EEC The Drinking Water Directives 80/77/EEC concerns water intended for human consumption either in its original state or after treatment. There are no Limerick County Council Drinking Water Abstraction Points located downstream of the Athea WWTP Primary Discharge Point. Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, 91/271/EEC The Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001) give effect to this Directive and Directive No. 2000/60/EC (WFD). These regulations were amended by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Amendment Regulations, 2004 (S.I. No. 440 of 2004). These regulations specify limits on wastewater treatment discharge of BOD5, COD and Total Suspended Solids. The regulations also set discharge limits for Total Phosphorus and Total Nitrogen for discharges to sensitive waters, as listed in the Third Schedule of the regulations. The Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations also set out deadlines for secondary treatment of wastewaters depending on the size of agglomerations. The level of treatment provided by the existing waste water treatment plant is not adequate in terms of capacity or quality to meet the current or projected requirements of Athea. The effluent standards required by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations are as follows:

Parameter Required Standard for Treated Effluent)

BOD < 25mg/l Total Suspended Solids < 35mg/l

Total Phosphorus < 1mg/l However in the Preliminary Report on the Athea Sewerage Scheme prepared for Limerick County Council in March 2008 recommended discharge standards are given based on the assimilative capacity of the Galey River. The Report recommends that a treated effluent standard of 5mg/l BOD concentration, 5mg/l suspended solids concentration, 2mg/l total Ammonia, 0.5mg/l ortho-P and 10mg/l nitrates should be provided prior to discharging to the Galey River. The Athea Sewerage Scheme is listed in the Limerick County Water Services Investment Programme as a scheme due to start in 2009.

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Attachment G1_Athea

The Habitats Directives, 92/43/EEC In 1992 the European Community adopted Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. This directive is the main community instrument, which aims to safeguard biodiversity. Under the Directive, Member States have a responsibility to preserve habitats and species of Community interest and to identify and designate, as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), sites which are important for the protection of the species and habitats covered by the Directive. The Special Areas of Conservation, and the Special Protection Areas (SPA) designated under the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC), make up the European network of protected sites, known as Natura 2000. The existing emission from the Treatment Plant discharges to the Galey River which is included in the Lower River Shannon SAC. The proposed emission point from the proposed WWTP will also discharge directly to the Galey River. The existing discharge is in existence for some time and does not appear to be having a negative effect on the water quality in the Galey River. It is therefore not expected that the discharge is having any negative affect on the surrounding ecology (aquatic). However, the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) have been contacted, through the Development Applications Unit of the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, as part of this application process to scope whether an Ecological Assessment or an Appropriate Assessment of the impacts of the emissions is required. A copy of the letter that issued to the DAU is contained in Section F of this application. The Environmental Liabilities Directive, 76/160/EEC The Directive 2004/35/EC of 21 April 2004 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage provides a framework of environmental liability based on the "polluter pays" principle. The Directive applies to certain occupational activities, including the operation of installations under the IPPC Directive, the Waste Framework Directive, the Landfill Directive and the Waste Incineration Directive. The Directive will also apply to activities under the proposed Extractive Industry Waste Directive. It imposes strict liability on those who cause environmental damage (that is, damage to biodiversity and water resources and land contamination that causes significant risk of harm to human health). It requires such persons to take preventive measure to avoid damage occurring, remedy damage that occurs and bear the remediation costs of damage that is remedied by the competent authority. The proposed new Waste Water Treatment Plant planned for Athea will serve to enhance compliance with the Environmental Liabilities Directive. The Bathing Water Directives, 76/16OIEEC The Directive is not applicable to the discharge. Shellfish Waters Directive, 7919231EEC The Directive is not applicable to the discharge

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Athea WWTP

SECTION G – PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS Attachment G2: Compliance with Water Quality Standards for

Phosphorus Regulations Compliance with Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus Regulations (S.I. NO. 258 OF 1998)

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Attachment G2_Athea

Attachment G2: COMPLIANCE WITH THE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR PHOSPHORUS REGULATIONS (S.I. NO. 258 OF 1998) 1.0 Programme of Improvements A 'Phosphorus Regulations lmplementation Report 2006' was prepared by Limerick County Council in accordance with the requirements of S.I. No. 258 of 1998 - Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 (Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus) Regulations, 1998. Prior to the report, baseline sites were established for the purposes of determining compliance with the phosphorus regulations, with Q values being assigned to each site during the 1995-1997 period. Currently 51.2% of the stations tested are compliant with the Regulations when assessed exclusively on each station’s most recent Q value. The compliance rate shows a slight increase when compared to the 46.6% compliance in the 1995 –1997 baseline survey. The above-mentioned report confirms a long-term trend of a slow improvement in water quality evident since 2002 where the compliance rate was 45.9%. lmprovements to certain municipal waste water treatment plants have featured in the list of principal measures needed to achieve compliance with the regulations. In terms of Athea WWTP, the Limerick County Council Water Services Investment programme Assessment of Needs Report 2003 has identified that immediate improvements are necessary at this facility and the 2006 Assessment of Needs Report lists Athea as a scheme assigned both a construction date and a budget. The proposed new treatment plant in Athea is included in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Investment Programme as being due to commence in 2009. There are two EPA monitoring stations in the vicinity of Athea WWTP on the River Galey (Station 23G010100 - upstream of Athea WWTP and Station 23G010200 - downstream of Athea WWTP). The requirements for these stations under the 1998 Phosphorus Regulations are as follows: Station Ref. River Baseline Q Value Minimum Target Q

Value (as reqd.

under the

Phosphorus Regs.)

Current Q Value

(2005 EPA data)

Station 23G010100 Galey 4 4 4

Station23G010200 Galey 4 4 4 The Preliminary Report on the Athea Sewerage Scheme prepared for Limerick County Council in March 2008 recommends that a treated effluent standard of 5mg/l BOD concentration, 5mg/l suspended solids concentration, 2mg/l total Ammonia, 0.5mg/l ortho-P and 10mg/l nitrates should be provided prior to discharging to the Galey River. The plant operators for the new Athea WWTP will be required to rigorously monitor the ferric dosing rates and total phosphate concentrations in the final effluent on start up to establish an optimum dosing rate, in order to ensure that the total phosphate levels will remain consistently below the required level.

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Attachment G2_Athea

2.0 Catchment Management Plans The Catchment Management Plan relevant to this discharge is “The Water Quality Management Plan for the Lower Shannon Catchment – March 1990”. In addition, a Shannon IRBD Draft River Basin Management Plan has been prepared and was published in December 2006, however this plan is currently out for consultation and is in draft format. The Shannon IRBD Draft River Basin Management Plan states that “Wastewater discharges will be subject to Environmental Protection Agency authorization and will have to comply with the Urban Wastewater Directive. Wastewater facilities will be upgraded on a prioritised basis. Information will be gathered on the water quality impact of urban runoff and overflows and codes of good practice for sewer operation and maintenance will be developed and implemented”. In terms of the proposed Athea WWTP the objectives of the Plan will be met as follows:

1. inclusion of the plant in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Investment Programme for 2009.

2. provision of the recommended treated effluent standard of 5mg/l BOD concentration, 5mg/l suspended solids concentration, 2mg/l total Ammonia, 0.5mg/l ortho-P and 10mg/l nitrates prior to discharging to the Galey River.

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Athea WWTP

SECTION G – PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS Attachment G3: Impact Mitigation Impact Mitigation

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Attachment G3_Athea

IMPACT MITIGATION As outlined in Section D of this application, the results of recent analysis of the effluent from the treatment plant have been assessed. Based on Effluent (Primary Discharge Point) Analysis presented on Tables D.1(i)(b) & D.1(i)(c), it is concluded that three substances listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) or any of the Relevant Pollutants listed in Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) are being discharged from the waste water works, at concentrations above the standards set in the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 12 of 2001). The values for Copper (concentration 20.9µg/l, standard 5µg/l), Cyanide (concentration 16.0µg/l standard 10µg/l) and Fluoride (concentration 1500µg/l, standard 500µg/l) exceed the standards set. Based on the analysis of water upstream and downstream of the Primary Discharge Point (Tables F.1(i)(a) & F.1(i)(b)), none of the substances listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) or any of the Relevant Pollutants listed in Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) are seen to be present in the receiving water environment downstream of a discharge from the works, at concentrations above the standards set in the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. 12 of 2001). The closest EPA station upstream of the agglomeration has a most recent Q-Value rating of Q4 (= unpolluted) as does the closest EPA station downstream of the agglomeration. This is an indication that the effluent discharges from the Athea Agglomeration are not having a major negative impact on the River Galey. It is therefore concluded the risk of a ‘significant environmental pollution’ is very low. Thus the Scheme is considered in compliance with Council Directives. With regard to a programme of improvement, section B10 of this submission refers to the capital investment programme for the Athea agglomeration.

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Athea WWTP

SECTION G – PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS Attachment G4: Stormwater Overflows Stormwater Overflow

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Attachment G4_Athea

STORMWATER OVERFLOW

1.0 PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS As outlined in Section B.10, Limerick County Council has commissioned a Preliminary Report on the Athea WWTP in order to provide adequate waste water collection and treatment infrastructure for Athea The primary objectives of the scheme will be to:

• Make adequate provisions for population growth and development of the Athea agglomeration (up to at least Year 2029), with the construction of a completely new state-of-the-art sewage treatment facility at a new site

• Ensure compliance with the The Water Quality Management Plan for the Lower Shannon Catchment – March 1990 and the 2006 Shannon IRBD Draft River Basin Management Plan once finalised.

• Comply with relevant waste water discharge legislation.

A bundled traditional approach has been applied to the sewer network upgrade works involving the refurbishment, repair, upgrading and expansion of the existing network. The new/upgraded network will cater for foul flows only with surface water sewer networks catering for 100% storm contributions from existing dwellings. Details of the stormwater holding tank being provided at the proposed pumping station from where flows will be pumped across the Galey River are included below. 2.0 NEW STORMWATER FACILITIES An underground tank will be provided at the pumping station which will come into operation in the event of a mechanical breakdown, it is however recommended that a standby generator is fitted to maintain pumping operations during power cuts. The tank will be sized based on 2 hours storage at 3DWF and overflows of storm water will undergo screening prior to discharge to the River Galey. A description of outfall construction and design together with drawings relating to the stormwater overflow are contained in Attachment C2 of this report.

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Documents

SECTION C – INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATION1.2 Waste Water Treatment Plant Location The existing waste water treatment plant is located on the banks of the Galey River to the north of