Donegal County Council Central Laboratory, The Kube,

Magheranan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Tel: [07412122287,9122423 Fax: [074] 9161304 ' I '

Date : 17/10/2011 :: .;.:

REF : D0210-01 - blentic

_ I

Re: Notice in accordance with Resulation 18(3) (bl of the Waste Water Discham (Authorisation) Resulations 2007

Question 7 - Assess the likelihood of significant effects of the waste water discharges from the agglomeration on the nearest designated site downstream.

Response to question 7 - See attached Habitats Directive Article 6 Assessment for Waste Water Discharge License blenties.

7

Dona1 Casey(Senior Executive Chemist)

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Habitats Directive Article 6 Assessment for

Waste Water Discharge License

Glenties

Text No Attachment No Description Date I I I Habitats Directive Article 6 I

Assessment I Check By

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Executive Summary

Article 6 assessments are required under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), and are required

where a plan or project may give rise to significant effects upon a Natura 2000 site. Natura

2000 sites are those identified as sites of Community importance designated under the

Habitats Directive (Special Areas of Conservation, here after referred to as SACS) or the

Birds Directive (Special Protection Areas, here after referred to as SPAS). In the case of the

present assessment, Ramsar sites are also included by way of best practice. It is important to

note that the phrase ‘Appropriate Assessment’ is sometimes used more loosely to refer to the

whole process set out under Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive (Dodd et al.,

2008), and therefore note that for the present assessment the term ‘Article 6 assessment’ will

be used, not ‘Appropriate Assessmeni’ (which refers to Stage 2 in the sequence under Article

6 assessment).

Guidance on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) produced by the EPA (EPA, 2008)

provides a useful definition of Article 6 assessments (referred to as appropriate assessment in

that document) (EPA, 2008): “An assessment based on best scientrfic knowledge, of ihe

potential impacts of the plan on the consenniion objectives of any Natura 2000 site

(including Natura 2000 sites noi situated in the area encompassed by the draji plan or

scheme) and the development, where necessaty. of mitigation or avoidance measures to

preclude negative effects ”. Importantly, an Article 6 assessment has a narrow focus i.e. the

maintenance of the integrity of the site and assessing the significance of the effects on

designated interest features and the conservation objectives of the site. It is a protection led

assessment and is carried out using the precautionary principle.

The assessment of the present proposal for licensing the Waste Water Discharge at Glenties

concluded the following:

The process has shown that there are potentially arising from the Glenties agglomeration wastewater discharge in particular in relation to its impact on the conservation status of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. It is unlikely that there will be ‘in combination’ negative effects from any other additional plans or developments in the catchment. The proposed new Glenties WWTP, which is due to go to construction by early 2012, will significantly enhance the quality of waste water being discharged into the Owenea River. This will greatly aid in the restoration of the conservations status of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel and will also improve the protection of the present and future

negative effects on the Natura 2000 sites

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conservation status of the Atlantic Salmon, both of which are qualifying interests of the Natura 2000 site involved.

Introduction

Article 6 is one of the most important articles of the Habitats Directive in determining the

relationship between conservation and site use. Article 6(3) requires that “Any plan or

project not directly connected with or necessary to the consenation of a site but likely to

have a signijicant 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 sire’s conservation objectives.” The purpose of this report is to describe how that Article

6 assessment was camed out, and also to detail the results and conclusions from the

assessment.

Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Reeulations

Local Authorities are required to cany out an Appropriate Assessment as per article 6 of the

Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC (2000)) in relation to waste water authorisations pursuant to

the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.1. No. 684 of 2007). The

specific objectives of the WWDA Regulations are contained within the regulations.

Article 6 assesment

The Council Directive 92143EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna

and Flora better known as “The Habitats Directive” provides the framework for legal

protection for habitats and species of European importance. Articles 3 to 9 provide the

legislative means to protect habitats and species of Community interest through the

establishment and conservation of an €U-wide network. The Habitats Directive and the

Birds Directive and sites designated under them form this network of European protected

sites that are better known as the Natura 2000 network. This consists of; Special Areas of

Conservation (SACS) for flora, fauna and habitats of Community interest under the EU

Habitats Directive; Special Protection Areas (SPAS) for rare, vulnerable or migratory birds

under the EU Birds Directive; Sites that are being considered for designation as one of the

above are referred to as cSAC (candidate) or pSPA (proposed). Ramsar sites are wetlands of

global importance, listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Ramsar sites are contained within Natura 2000 sites and for that reason, and in line with best

practice, Ramsar sites, if present would have been included in this assessment. Article 6 sets

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out provisions which govern the conservation and management of Natura 2000 sites. Article

6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive set out the decision-making tests for plans and projects

likely to affect Natura 2000 sites. Article 6(3) establishes the requirement for Appropriate

Assessment: “Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the

management of the [Natura 20001 site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either

individually or in combination with other plans and projects, shall be subjected to

appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation

objectives. In light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implication 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”. This assessment is underpinned by the precautionary principle, especially in the

assessment of potential impacts and their resolution. If it is not possible to rule out a risk of

harm on the evidence available then it is assumed a risk may exist and it needs to be dealt

with in the appropriate assessment process

Staees of the Article 6 assessment

The stages of an Article 6 assessment are outlined in the European Commission

Methodological Guidance on the provision of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the ‘Habitats’ Directive

92/43/EEC (EC 200 1) and the European Commission Guidance ‘Managing Natura 2000

Sites’. These are set out below in line with EPA guidance on Appropriate Assessment for

Waste Water Discharge Licensing/Certification

Stage 1 - Screening

Step 1: Management of the site. In the case of all waste water discharges the project is not connected with , or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site Step 2: Description of the Project (in this case the Glenties WWTP) and identification of European sites that may be affected (including ‘in combination’ effects) Step 3: Characteristics of the site identifying areas where the project may impact on European sites. Step 4: Assessment of Significance. Assessment of the likelihood of significant effects of the project on European sites, including individual and cumulative impacts. Exclusion of site where it can be objectively concluded that there will be no significant effects and hence no requirement to proceed to further stages.

Stage 2 -Appropriate Assessment (AA) Step 1: Information collation of likely effects of project and impacts on European site.

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Step 2: Description of the Natura 2000 sites, including qualifying interests. Step 3: Identification of the conservation objectives for of these sites and potential significant impacts likely to occur from the proposal Step 4: Identification and assessment of mitigation measures against any likely adverse effects of the Project.

Stage 3 - Assessment of alternative solutions Step 1 : Identification of alternative solutions Step 2: Assessment of alternative solutions

Stage 4 - Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest Confirm that there are a) imperative reasons of overriding public interest b) human health or safety considerations or important environmental benefits. If this is so then compensation measures are required for any remaining adverse effect.

Results of Glenties WWTP Assessment

Stage 1 Screening

Step 1 : Management of the Site.

The project is a WWTP and therefore is not directly connected with or necessary for the management of the European sites involved.

Step 2: Description of Proiect and European Sites Description of the Project

The town of Glenties is located on the west coast of County Donegal about 24km south of Dungloe and 18km north of Donegal Town.

Waste Water from Glenties Catchment is currently treated to Primary stage in an underground Septic Tank prior to discharging to the Stracashel River, which flows into the Owenea River within approx 300 metres. The Owenea river then flows for over 9 Kms prior to its entry into the Atlantic Ocean at Loughros More Bay. The tank was commissioned in 1932 and has not received any major refurbishment since.

The main elements of the WWTP are:

Primary Treatment - is provided in a septic tank. Settlement of some solids, grit and heavier materials is all that can be achieved. It is not possible to access the intake of the septic tank so intake samples are not available.

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Treated effluent ~ There is only one primary discharge point from the WWTP itself. The treated effluent from the WWTP discharges into the Strachasel River. There are no secondary discharge points .

Sludge Treatment and Disposal ~ Access to the septic tank is restricted and therefore the desludging of the tank is infrequent. The tank is desludged on occassion by a mobile dewatering unit prior to disposal to the Sludge Hub at Donegal Town.

There is very little effective treatment of the waste water in the septic tank given the current level of loading. Settlement of some solids, grit and heavier materials is all that can be achieved.

Natura 2000 Sites

West of ArdaraMaas SAC Site Code 000197

The discharged of the proposed new plant will enter the Owenea river. This river is included in the West of ArdaraMaas SAC Site Code 000197. This extensive site occupies the area of coast immediately north of Ardara in south-west County Donegal. From there, it continues northwards around the coast, and then up the Gweebarra River to Doocharry. From the centre of the site an expanse of blanket bog extends south-east almost to Glenties. Lough Beg Bay and Slieve Tooey Mountain are adjacent and to the south-west of the site. Most of the coastal parts of the site are underlain by metamorphic rocks, in particular Loughros Group and Upper Falcarragh Pelites, and Falcarragh limestone. More recent blown sand occurs over much of these coastal rocks, however. The majority of the inland part of the site is underlain by intrusive igneous Granodiorites. The site exhibits a highly diverse range of both coastal and terrestrial habitats, this feature itself being of great scientific value.

These have large expanses of intertidal sandflats which support a typical diversity of macro- invertebrate and algae species. The sandflats are fringed in places by saltmarsh vegetation. Wintering waterfowl frequent the estuaries, though in relatively small numbers and there is a resident population of Common Seal. The estuarine habitat merges with shallow marine waters. Onshore, sand dunes and machair machair in this site are noted for their species richness and for the interesting vegetation transitions which are present. Orchids are especially evident and include Fragrant Orchid (Gymnudeniu conopseu), Frog Orchid (Coeloglossum viride) and Marsh Helleborine (Epipuctis pulusfris).

Stev 3: Potential Imvacts

1 The qualifyiq~~jnterests of the West of Ardara Maas Road SAC have been identified and tabulated below (Table 1 .O) along with an assessment of water dependence (Curtis et a1 2006. North South Shared Aquatic Resource (NS Share) Register of Protected Areas ~ Report on the ecological requirements of water dependent habitats and species designated under the Habitats Directive NS Share T5 (2)-2.1). The water dependent qualifying interests could potentially be impacted by the WWTP discharge are:

.. jl)eleted: 1 ~~~~~ ~~~

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Estuaries (habitat 1130)

Mudflatdsandflats not covered by seawater at low tide (habitat 1 140),

Large shallow inlets and Bays ( habitat 1160),

The Atlantic Salmon, Salrno salar (species 1106),

The common seal Phoca vitulina (species 1365,)

The otter Lutra lutra. (species 1355).

The Freshwater Pearl mussel Margratifera rnargratifera

Step 4.0 Likelv Significance of Impacts

Estuaries

The ‘Status of EU Habitats and Species in Irealnd’ (NPWS 2008) states while this habitat has

been poorly sampled it is regarded that while their overall conservation status is considered

as ‘poor’ most estuaries are seen as having favourable future prospects. Some estuaries face

significant pressures from aquaculture, fishing, coastal development and water pollution. In

this case the wastewater treatment plant discharge from Glenties it is located in excess of 9

Kms upstream on a tributary of the Owenea River from its point of entry into the sea. Hence

given the mitigating effect on the discharge of this length of river it is considered extremely

unlikely to have any significant impact on this habitat.

Deleted: 11 I &fudflats/sandfla$~not covered bv seawater at low. tide: ... The ‘Status~of ~ E U Habitats and

Species in lrealnd’ (NPWS 2008) lists the most serious threats to this habitat type as arising

from ‘aquaculture, fishing, bait digging, removal of fauna, reclamation of land, coastal

protection works and invasive species’. WWTPs are not seen as a serious threat to this

habitat type. Mudflats are also usually located in the most sheltered areas of the coast where

large quantities of silt from rivers are deposited in estuaries. Given the mitigating impact on

the 9 kms of the Owenea river on the Glenties discharge it is extremely unlikely to have a

significant impact on this habitat.

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Large shallow inlets and Bays

Shallow inlets and hays are large indentations of the coast where, in contrast to estuaries, the

influence of freshwater is generally limited. The NPWS commenced a programme of baseline

mapping of shallow inlets and bays in 2005 hut in tier 2008 report stated that it was too early

to provide an overview of structure and function of this habitat. The principle threats are

reared as aquaculture, fishing, dumping of wastes and water pollution. Nationally the overall

status of this habitat is considered ‘poor’. In this case the wastewater treatment plant at

Glenties does not flow into area covered by this designation but into the Owenea River.

Given the mitigating impact on the 9 kms of the Owenea river on the Glenties discharge it

is extremely unlikely to have a significant impact on this habitat.

Common Seal (Phoca vitulina)

Seals are opportunistic feeders and hunt fish, molluscs and crustaceans. They make short

regular dives, usually to less than 100m. As with most pinnipeds, there is conflict with

fishermen. Seals can become entangled and drown in fishing nets, and in some countries, it is

legal to shoot any seals that come near fisheries. In Ireland the Wildlife Act of 1976/2000

halted this practice, although the Minister retains powers to grant licences to shoot seals in

certain circumstances. The issuing of such licences is extremely rare.

Seals were subject to a phocine form of distemper in the 1980s and many died in the UK

coastal waters of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Populations in Ireland however were not

so seriously affected.

The main impact of human activity on seals is on haul out areas where noise etc from nearby

developments may disturb the colony. In the case of the Glenties wastewater works as the

discharge point is in to the Owenea river no impact on haul out sites can he considered

likely. Common seals are apex predators therefore can he subject to PCB accumulation.

Given the location of the Glenties discharge in excess of 9 Kms upstream on the Owenea

river system prior to its enhy to the sea in Loughros Bay together with the absence of sources

of chemical pollutants in the catchment, it is extremely unlikely to have a significant impact

on this species.

The NPWS have conducted surveys of seal populations both using land based counting and

aerial based thermal imaging techniques. The results of these surveys as reported in a 2003

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survey show common seal populations as being sustained

Donegal populations in this context.

nationally and refers to the

The ecology o f otters has been the subject o f a project under the LIFE Nature programme o f

the European Commission, published by L i fe in UK Rivers. The study shows that otters

require huge territories. Quantities o f prey dictate numbers o f otters and any factor that

impacts on fish stock numbers can have significant impact. A little eutrophication favours

the species. The food taken by otters has been the subject o f a number o f studies, and the

main prey o f the otter includes fish, frogs, crayfish and eels. Chemical vulnerability relates to

prey (principally fish) and the possibility o f PCB contamination. The Owenea supports a

thriving Salmon population and equally there are no known sources o f chemical

contamination within the agglomeration hence is not considered likely that there is any

significant impact on the availability or quality o f prey for otters as a result o f the Genties

discharge.

Freshwater Pearl Mussel,

The freshwater Pearl mussel Margaritifera sp., is a bivalve mollusc belonging to the family Unionidae. In Ireland, Margaritifera is a scheduled species under the 1976 Wildlife Act (Statutory Instrument No. 112, 1990) and consequently is statutorily protected. Margaritifera is also listed in the Habitats Directive and, as such, Member States are required to establish the necessary conservation measures corresponding to the ecological requirements of the species and its habitat. Margaritifera margaritifera is listed on the most recent International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red Data List as “Endangered” (IUCN, 1996).Margaritifera durrovensis is listed as “critically endangered”. Margaritifera’s reproductive strategy involves the annual production by individual females of up to 28 million parasitic larvae called glochidia that attach themselves to the soft gill tissues of trout and salmon during late summer. Several months later, and further upstream, the glochidia drop off the host fish and settle into the stream substrate as juvenile mussels. Margaritifera is extremely sensitive to pollution and under the DEHLG funded NS2 project in which Donegal county Council was project promoter specific Sub-Basin management plans are being developed to protect this species and to ensure its sustainability in Irish waters. A copy of the draft Owenea River sub basin plan is attached. Eutrophication and siltation pressures are considered the main threats to the conservation status of the species‘ populations in Irish rivers. The juvenile stages (from 0 to 5 years) are the most sensitive. A survey was carried out by Moorkens (2005) in a 500m long section downstream o f Glenties on behalf o f Donegal County Council. Only 76 live mussels were located ~ all were very large and old. All o f the substrate in the survey section was covered in a layer o f silt, and filamentous algae were Is0 present throughout. A new Waste water treatment plant for Glenties has now reached the tender stage and is expected that this plant will go to construction in late 2012 or early 2013. The positive impact o f this new plant on water quality should be significantly

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beneficial to the habitat for of this species in the Owenea River an hence should greatly improve the survival potential of this endangered species in this river system.

Atlantic Salmon

All salmon spawn naturally in freshwater. Spawning typically occurs in the headwater and

tributary streams of rivers, though it can happen anywhere in a river if the substrate is

suitable. The migration to suitable habitat may commence up to a year before spawning takes

place in autumn-winter, salmon ceasing to feed, directing all their energy instead to

reproduction. Fertilised eggs hatch in spring normally during March-April developing into

free swimming fry within 3-6 weeks. They then quickly develop into parr and feed on aquatic

insects and grow for one to three years in their natal stream. They then pass through a process

known as smoking which includes internal changes in the salt-regulating mechanisms of the

body. The smolts become silvery and change from swimming against the current to moving

with it. These adaptations prepare the smolt for its journey to the oceans and the next phase of

its life cycle. After one to three years at sea feeding on fish the now mature salmon returns

to its natal stream to spawn and thereby complete the life cycle of the species.

During their life cycle salmon are subject to a wide range of pressures. These includes water

quality issues in rivers as a result of point and diffuse source pollution. Disease and parasitic

sea lice can impact on their numbers as well as unsustainable fishing practices and other

anthropogenic activities which impact on water quality and habitat.

The waste water treatment plant at Glenties only removes suspended matter to a limited

extent from the discharge to the Ownea system and there is evidence from monitoring that

water quality is being adversely affected by the discharge compared to upstream of the plant.

However the evidence from IF1 sources (Pers comm.) is that the Owenea is a very successful

fishery and Salmon stocks are plentiful including juveniles. It is considered that although the

Glenties discharge causes local deterioration in water quality it is not a barrier to Salmonoid

migration. A new Waste water treatment plant for Glenties has now reached the tender stage

and is expected that this plant will go to construction in late 2012 or early 2013. The positive

impact of this new plant on water quality should be significantly beneficial to further

improvement and protection to the habitat for of this species in the Owenea River system.

Cumulative. Direct, Indirect, Short& Lone, Term Effects

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Given the scale and location o f the wastewater discharge from the Glenties agglomeration it

is considered very unlikely that there will be any Cumulative, Direct, Indirect, Short& Long

Term Effects from this discharge on the West of ArdaraMaas SAC apart from the section of

the Owenea river system immediately downstream of the discharge point.

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Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment

Step 1 Information

A description of the existing plant has been provided above. It is an old and deficient primary treatment plant that will soon be replaced by a modem treatment plant designed to meet all regulatory requirements. The impact of the discharge on the Owenea river in terms of water quality and sediment build up on the river bed is to impair the habitat required for achieving the favorable conservation status of the Fresh Water Pearl Mussel. There are therefore potentially direct, indirect, short and long term effects of the current discharge in particular in relation to this long living species. Mitigating measures in the form of a new treatment plant have been identified and are being progressed.

Step 2/3 Impact prediction and conservation obiectives

The qualifying interests have been identified and a particular qualifying interest i.e. the Freshwater Pearl Mussel as one which is required to be brought to favorable conservation status. Unless the mitigating measures identified and currently being progressed, this discharge is predicted to continue having a negative impact on the favorable conservation status on the Freshwater Pearl Mussel.

Freshwater Pearl Mussel

This species has been the subject of ongoing studies in Natura 2000 areas where is has been designated as a qualifying interest such as the Owenea River system. A copy of this study is attached and provides the most up to date information available ion this species and its current conservation status,

Step 4 Mitigating Measures

A new WWTP for Glenties is currently being progressed and is expected to go to construction in either late 201 1 or early 2012.

Stage 3 Alternatives

There are no feasible alternatives solutions other than the construction and operation of the new WWTP now being progressed

Stage 4 IROPI

This wastewater treatment plant is an essential piece of infrastructure to provide treatment of municipal sewage from the Glenties agglomeration. This is not only to protect water quality but also to protect Public Health within the agglomeration.

Other Policies, Plans or Proiects

A new Waste water treatment plant is proposed for Glenties and its environs which will be

designed to provide for the immediate and long term improvement and expansion of the

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existing scheme of collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater generated with the

agglomeration. The main objectives of the scheme are to provide for the immediate and long

term improvements and expansion of the existing scheme of collection, treatment and

disposal of waste water generated from the town of Glenties and its environs. It is expected

that this plant will go to construction in late 2012 or early 2013. There are no current

proposals for further developments that would create discharges into the Owenea River

system.

Conclusions

In conclusion the AA has determined that the Glenties WWTP discharge(s) will adversely

impact in any significant manner on the Natura 2000 site particularly in relation to the

Freshwater pearl mussel. The new treatment plant will provide an improvement in water

quality, for the SAC in terms of the qualifying interests and conservation objectives on the

endangered Freshwater Pearl Mussel and indeed on all potentially impacted designated

habitats and species involved.

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TABLE 1 .O. The qualifying interests of the West of Ardarahlaas SAC are listed in the table below along with an assessment o f their water dependence and any potential significant effects of the Glenties WWTP.

140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide

160 ILarge shallow Inlets and Bays

220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks

230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts

Vater Dependenc otential Si nificant Effect

rrface Water Dependent. Aquatic Potential impact of waste water

zosytem - Quality and discharge ydromorphology. . Jrface Water Dependent. Aquatic Potential impact of waste water zosytem - Quality and disc ha rge ydromorphology.

1

Jrface Water DeDendent. Aquatic IPotential impact of waste water :osytem Idischarge

Jrface Water Dependent.

,.o direct water dependency

No impact of waste water discharge

Terrestrial ecosystem of shingle beaches outside the zone of potential impact

No impact of waste water discharge

Terrestrial ecosystem outside the zone of potential impact

Surface Water Dependent coastal habitat on upper part of intertidal zone on muds and sands vegetation tolerant of saline conditions- Quality

330 Atlantic Salt Meadows

and hydromorphology

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ode

410 Mediterranean Salt Meadows

Qualifying Interest

120

130

140

150 Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ullcetea)

Shifting Dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria

Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)

Decalcified fixed dunes witt Empetrum nigrum

170 Dunes with Salix repens ssp.argentea (Salix arenaria

I

1190 IHumid dune slacks

later Dependency Potential Significant Effect

jbitat dominated by rushes discharge krant of saline conditions- Qualitv

i d hydromorphology

urface Water Dependent

NPWS survey report overgrazing and lnfilling /reclamation main threat to this habitat

No impact of waste water discharge

Terrestrial ecosystem outside the zone of potential impact

No impact of waste water disc ha rge

errestrial ecosystem outside the one of potential impact : urface Water Dependent

errestrial ecosystem outside the

urface Water Dependent

errestrial ecosystem outside the

urface Water Dependent

errestrial ecosystem outside the

urface Water Dependent

No impact of waste water

discharge

errestrial ecosystem outside the zone of potential impact

urface Water Dependent

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ode Qualifying Interest

1AO Machairs

110 Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains

(Littorelletalia uniflorae)

010 North Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix

i410 Molinia meadowson Calcareous, peaty or clayey- silt-laden soils

(Molinion coeruleae)

130 Blanket Bog

( * active only)

150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion

230 Alkalinefens

355 Otter (lutro lutro)

Water Dependency Potential Significant Effect

Mainly groundwater but some surface water influences discharge

in wet periods, particularly winter and fluctuations in levels are a feature. potential impact

Surface Water Dependant lake ecosystem discharge

No impact of waste water

Machair is a terrestrial grassland community outside the zone of

No impact of wastewater

terrestrial ecosystem No impact of wastewater discharge

No impact of wastewater discharge

Terrestrial ecosystem

Terrestrial ecosystem No impact of wastewater discharge

Terrestrial ecosystem No impact of wastewater discharge

Freshwater ecosystem No impact of wastewater discharge

Potential impact of waste water Surface Water Dependent: Rivers and Lakes. Mild eutrophication discharge favours otters.

Chemical vulnerability relates to prey (principally fish) and possibility of PCB contamination.

Any factor that impacts on fish stock numbers

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V l i t y i n g Interest p e r Dependency Potential Significant Effect

013 Whorl snail (Vertigo IWater Dependent ge yeri)

SW and GW dependent

No impact of waste water discharge

snail found at and above the reached by the highest tides Iteration to the natural site or

ater pH should be avoided No artificial fertilisation

Surface water dependant requires

vulnerable to eutrophication and siltation

029 Fresh Water Pearl Mussel Potential impact of wastewater (Morgrotifero morgrotifero) high quality freshwater environment discharge

065 Marsh fritillary Terrestrial butterfly species No impact of wastewater (Euphydryos aurinio) freshwater dependant discharge

106 Atlantic Salmon (Solmo Surface water dependant. Potential impact of waste water

365 Common Seal (Phoco vitulino)

Freshwater dependant and marine discharge water dependant during stages of life cycle

Surface water dependant coastal marine waters and sometimes discharge freshwaters. Avoid intrusion into haul out areas Chemical vulnerability relates to prey (principally fish) and possibility of PCB contamination.

Any factor that impacts on fish stock numbers

Potential impact of waste water

395 Petalwort (Petolphyllum rolfsii)

errestrial species of liverwort No impact of wastewater discharge

Naiad ( Najos Freshwater species of aquatic plant No impact of wastewater discharge

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References

Dodd, A.M., Cleary, B.E., Dawkins, J.S., Ferry, C.D., and Williams, G.M. 2008. The

Appropriate Assessment of Plans in Northern Ireland: a guide to why, when and how to do it.

The RSPB, Sandy.

European Communities. 2000. Managing Natura 2000 sites. The provisions of Article 6 of

the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Luxembourg.

European Communities. 2002. Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting

Natura 2000 sites. Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the

Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Luxembourg.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2008. Strategic Environmental Assessment - SEA Pack

08/05/08

National Parks and Wildlife Service. 2008. The status of EU protected habitats and species in

Ireland. DEHLG.

Curtis et a1 2006. North South Shared Aquatic Resource (NS Share) Register of Protected

Areas ~ Report on the ecological requirements of water dependent habitats and species

designated under the Habitats Directive NS Share T5 (2p2.1

www.ramsa

ur*rr. Inds.org

www.birdlife.org

.antaisce.c--

'nfobogbir

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Donegal County Council Central Laboratory, The Kube,

Magheranan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Tel: [074] 9122787,9122423 Fax: [074] 9161304

Date : 17/10/2011

REF : 00210-01 - Glenties

Request for revised Agglomeration boundary as per letter dated 7/10/2011

See attached map.

=Cabey(’,... or Executb - :hemist)

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EPA Export 29-10-2011:03:46:16