rle ga'zman

Coniha 1 RLe Choncae b c h ga'zman

Wexford County Council County Hall Wexford

TelO53 9176500 Fax 053 9143406 ernail [email protected]

Administration, Environmental Licensing Programme. Office of Climate, Licensing & Resource Use, Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford.

Date 241h November 201 0

protection AaencY

RE: Regulation 25(c) Compliance for Ballyhine Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation.

Dear Ms Stafford,

I am to refer to your letter of the 2Sth of October 2010 regarding the above.

1. Please see attached Screening and Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment in accordance with circular L8/08, for the Ballyhine Agglomeration.

2. As per the non-technical summary of the application for Certificate of Authorisation for the Agglomeration. The Ballyhine agglomeration consists of two housing estates and 12 individual houses, as follows: a) Pike view housing estate consists of IO houses served by a package treatment plant with a capacity of 60 Pe which discharges to percolation via GWI (GWI previously referred to in the application as SWI). b) Ballyhine Lane housing estate consists of 10 houses served by a Septic tank which also discharge to percolation via GWI. c) Ballyhine Lane houses consists of 12 individual houses all served by individual septic tanks, and discharging to percolation via GWI also.

All of the above parts of the agglomeration discharge to the same percolation area via GWI, in addition to this there is an emergency overflow from the percolation area SW2 which discharges to a stream adjacent to Ballyhine Lane which in turn discharges to the Keeloges stream a tributary of the River Slaney.

100 Years of Community Service C6ad bliuin ag tabhairt seirbhise doli yhobal

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Conilia 1 nk C honcae loch ganman

Wexford County Council County Hall Wexford

Tel053 9176500 Fax 053 9143406 email postmaster@ wexfordcoco.ie

3.

4.

5.

The estimate dry weather discharge from the development is 96Pe x 165 I/h/day = to 15.84 cubic meters per day or an average of 110.88 cubic meters per week. No consideration is given for holiday seasons or local festivals as there is no holiday homes in the agglomeration and no facilities for festivals to take place.

a) As outlined in section C1 of the application, Pike View housing estate of 10 houses is served by secondary treatment by means of an activated sludge process with a capacity to treatment effluent from 60Pe before discharging to percolation area via GWI.

b) Ballyhine Lane estate of 10 houses is served by a communal septic tank with a capacity for 60Pe and provides only primary treatment before discharging to percolation area via GW 1.

c) Ballyhine Lane has a further 12 individual houses served by there own individual domestic septic tanks. All of which discharge to percolation area via GW 1.

National grid reference for discharges GWI and SW2, GWI, Easting 297974 : Northing 122064 SW2, Easting 297985 : Northing 122062.

Primary Discharge GWI (referred to in application as S W l ) discharges to ground via percolation. And Secondary Discharge SW2, is an emergency overflow from the percolation area which discharge to surface water.

A PDF hardcopy copy of attachments and electronic copy of this letter and attachment on CD are enclosed with this letter.

Please contact the undersigned if anything further is required.

Yours faithfully,

Leonard Poole Executive Engineer Sewage Operations Office

100 Years of Cornniuniry Service Ckad bliain ag tabhairt seirbhise don phobal

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appiopriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-1 Ballyhine and Environs

Table of contents

Management of Site ............................................................................................... 2

Assessment of Significance ................................................................................. 6

Qualifying Interests ........ ............................ ............................ 7

Fauna ........................................................................................................................ 10 Wildfowl .................................................................................................................. 11 Site Conservation Objectives ............................................................................ 12 Background data .................................................................................................... 13 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 17

Impact prediction ..................................................................................................... 18 Protected habitats ............................................................................................... 18 frotecfedfauna .................................................................................................... 19

Wildfowl .................................................................................................................. 22 Shellfish Designated waters: ............................................................................ 22

Cumulative Impacts .................................................................................................. 23 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................ 26

Effect of mitigation measures ..... Protected habitats ............................................................................................... 30

Wildfowl ................................. ........................................................................ 33

Description of the Project ................................................................................... 2

Stage 2 Assessment .................................................................................................. 7

Habitats ..................................................................... ....................................... 8

............................... 30

Protected Fauna ................... ........................................................................ 31

Appendix .................................... ............................................... 34 N P W S Site Synopsis ............................................................................................ 34

Extract draft Wexford Harbour Inner Pollution Reduction Programme- .................................... 39 Characterisation Report No 34 .............

WFD Slaney Estuary Water Management Unit Action Plan ....................... 43

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Rewsed Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Uallyhine and Environs

Management of S i te

The Ballyhine and Environs agglomeration and its discharge are neither

directly connected nor necessary to the management of the Slaney River

Valley S A C Nature conservation site.

Description of the Project

A description of the waste water works and the activities carried out

therein:

The Ballyhine Agglomeration consists of 2 LA housing Estates, Pike View,

consisting of 10 houses, which has its own waste water treatment plant, and

Ballyhine Lane estate, which has 10 houses serviced by Communal septic

tank, discharging to a common percolation area. There are also 12 houses on

individual septic tanks which discharge to common percolation areas on

Ballyhine Lane, which is within the agglomeration boundary area.

The waste water generated within the Ballyhine Agglomeration is solely

domestic in nature.

The plant treats the waste water generated within the Ballyhine

Agglomeration (consisting of two Local Authority housing estates).

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Rallyhine and Environs

There are plans, subject to funding, to collect all waste water from these 2

estates and forward it to Wexford WWTP (forms part o f proposed

Wexford network extension to Taghmon).

The sources of emissions from the waste water works:

There are 2 discharges from the Ballyhine Agglomeration. Firstly, the

Primary Discharge point (GWl), which discharges from the percolation area

to ground and, secondly, the Secondary Discharge point (SW2), which is an

overflow discharge from the percolation area to the receiving water - the

header of the Keeloges stream, a tributary o f the Slaney.

The nature and quantities of foreseeable emissions from the waste

water works into the receiving aqueous environment as well as

identification of significant effects of the emissions on the environment:

The Ballyhine Discharge points, GW1 and SW2 , discharge a combination o f

primary and secondary treated effluent to ground and to surface waters. AS

no measure is in place, the estimated dry weather discharge volume is 13.36

cubic meters per day (based on the agglomeration loading of 80 P.E. at

1671/h/d). The plant is designed to cater for a population equivalent o f

80P.E.

The proposed technology and other techniques for preventing or, where

this is not possible, reducing emissions from the waste water works:

I t is proposed, subject to funding, to collect and forward the current waste

water load for treatment to the Wexford waste water treatment plant as

outlined above.

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment tor AO260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

Further measures planned to comply with the general principle of the basic

obligations of the operator, i.e., that no significant pollution is caused:

Relocate treatment to Wexford WWTP.

Measures planned to monitor emissions into the environment:

Wexford County Council monitors the final effluent, in accordance with our

monitoring regime, namely 4 times per year. This work is undertaken on

behalf of Wexford County Council by an independent I L A B accredited

laboratory. The contract for this testing is renewed every three years by

open procurement. The current contract is with Environmental Services

Limited, Acorn Business Campus, Mahon Industrial Park, Blackrock, Co. Cork.

The current contract has just been renewed for a period of 3 years and thus

the contract will have to be re-tendered under open procurement regulations

in January of 2012.

Process Description

Plant Process and Design Capacity

The Ballyhine Agglomeration has 3 separate treatment "zones": Pike View

Estate has its own secondary treatment plant serving 10 houses, Ballyhine lane

has 12 houses on individual septic tanks and percolation areas, and Ballyhine

Lane Estate has a further 10 houses with separate septic tanks but a common

percolation area into which the Pike View Plant also discharges treated

effluent.

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Re\ isrd Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

?&e View Plant

The raw sewage enters the site at manhole No 1, from manhole 1, the flow

enters the inlet of the primary settlement zone of the treatment unit where

gross solids are allowed to settle (settled sludge is removed and disposed by a

tanker, approximately every 13 weeks). This settlement process removes

approximately 40% of the Total Suspended Solids and 30% of the Biological

Oxygen Demand (BOD) loading.

From the primary settlement tank, liquor flows by displacement into the

secondary treatment zone - activated sludge process. The principle of

operation is the standard extended aeration process with an inbuilt secondary

settlement zone, with pumped sludge being returned to the aeration zone.

Aeration is by means of an air blower combined with diffuser pipes.

Following the settlement zone, secondary treated effluent flows by gravity to

the common percolation area in Ballyhine Lane.

Summary of Plant Effluent results

AS outlined above, given that the discharge is to ground via percolation and

due to the small size of the agglomeration, no routine monitoring is

conducted at this site.

Additional Comments

This application is being made under the Waste Water Discharge

(Authorisation) Regulations 2007 and is solely for the pre-existing

Discharge Point (SWI), which discharges primary treated effluent to

ground.

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for 120260-01 I3allyhine and Environs

This application does not propose nor seek approval for any additional civil

works (excavation, construction, intrusion works etc) nor modification of the

treatment process or site activities, nor expansion of the discharge beyond

its current capacity and committed loading.

Therefore, the only potential source of any possible impact on Slaney River

Valley Nature Conservation Site is solely from the discharge to the aquatic

environment.

Additionally, the discharge, as outlined above, is pre-existing, therefore, it

would be fair to infer that, as the discharge preceded the site designation

the requirements for knowledge of the existence of the development by, and

consultation with, all interested parties have been met.

Assessment of Significance

Primary Discharge Point GW1 (refereed in original applications as SWI) and

SW2 (emergency overflow from percolation area ) area assessed for the

purposes of this report as one..

Assessment under Circular Letter L8/08 Appendix 1

1. Is the development in a nature conservation site? No.

2a. Is the development in the surface catchment of a nature conservation

site? No.

2b. Is the development in the groundwater catchment or within 5Km of a

nature conservation site? Yes. Discharge to ground is only about 2.5

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wextord County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for AOZh0-01 Ballyhine dnd Environs

Km from the Slaney Valley SAC and Wexford and Harbour Slobs

which is designated both N H A and SPA.

3. Are the qualifying habitats and species of the site water dependant?

Yes.

4. N o

5. Is

Applicable

there a WFD sub-basin plan for the site or its protected

habitatdspecies? Yes.

6. Dose this plan cover all potential receptors (habitats and species) Yes

Therefore in Line with L8/08 screening above future assessment is required

based on WFD plan

Stage 2 Assessment

Qualifying Interests

The N P W S Slaney Valley S A C Site Synopsis states

" This site supports populations of several species listed in Annex 11 o f the

E U. Habitats Directive, and habitats listed in Annex I of this Directive, as

well as important numbers of wintering wildfowl including species listed in

Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. The presence of wet and broad-leaved

woodlands increases the overall habitat diversity and the occurrence of Red

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and tnvirons

Data Book plant and animal species adds further importance to the Slaney

River Site. ”

Habitats

The following Habitats occur within the Site, all o f which are listed in Annex

1 of the EU Habitats Directive:

Floatinq River Veqetation

This habitat is to be found along large sections of the fresh water zones of

the site. Species of flora present include Common Club Rush (Scirpus

lacustris), Canadian Pondweed (Elodea Canadensis), Water-crowfoot

(Ranaculus), Pond Water-crowfoot (Ranaculus peltatus), Broad-leaved

Pondweed (Potamogeston natans), Water-starwort (Callitriche spp.), Yellow

Water-lily ((Nuphar lutea) and Water Milfoil (Myriosphyllum spp.).

Additionally, Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Groenlandia densea), which is a

protected species under the Flora Protection Act 1999, has been recorded

within the site and also present is the small aquatic herb Short-leaved

Water-Starwort (Callitriche truncate), which has not been recorded any

where else in Ireland.

Old Oak Wood lands

Patches of old Oak woodlands are dispersed through out the site, with a

prime example to be found at Tomnafinnoge Wood, which is dominated by

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexfoid County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for AOXO-O I Ballyhinc dnd Environs

mature widely spaced Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea), with examples dating

from the 1700s.

Alluvial wet woodlands

Alluvial wetlands within the site are primarily associated with Macmine

marsh located south of Enniscorthy, along the banks of the Slaney River and

its tributaries and within reed swamps.

The predominant ground flora of the wet lands include Horse-tail

(Equisetrum spp.), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and Angelica (Angelica

Sylvestris) Yellow Iris., with a top canopy of Grey Willow (Salix cinerea)

scrub and pockets of wet woodland dominated by Alder (Alnus glutinosa).

These woodland areas can be divided into two areas; firstly, one which is

quite eutrophic, which is tidal influenced and dominated by Willow.

Secondly, areas which are dominated by Alder and Ash, fed by springs and

are subject to water logging, but not to flooding.

Tidal Mudf lats

Expanses of tidal mudflats are to be found south of Macmine, in addition to

interspersed sand flats and shingle shore, which are often fringed with salt

marsh and brackish vegetation.

Upslope vegetation includes Saltmarsh Rush (Jancus geradi), Cord-grass

(Spartina townsendii), Sea Aster (Aster tripolium) and Common Salt marsh

grass (Puccinellia martitma).

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for AO260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

Additionally, in Wexford Harbour and lower reaches of S o w River, at low

tide, extensive expanses of mudflats and sandflats are exposed due to the

shallow nature of the estuary.

The species Water mint (Mentha aqautica), Soft Rush (Jancus effuses),

Yellow Iris (Iris pseudaria) and Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicarda) are

found in species rich, extensive marshes located west of Castlebridge, in

tidal areas of the Sow River, the predominant species are sedge varieties.

Fauna

There are a number o f species listed under Annex 11 of the Habitats

Directive found within the site, namely

Lamprey species

The site contains 3 species of Lamprey:

Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planer;);

Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus);

River Lamprey (Lampetra salar).

Twaite Shad (Alosa fellas fallax)

Twaite Shad are to be found in the tidal stretches o f the site.

Otter (Lutra lutra)

These are to be found throughout the site, where favourable habitats are

located.

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appropridte Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Envirum

0 Salmon (Salmo salar)

NPWS site Synopsis - Slaney Valley - Site Code 000781 - states

" The Slaney River is primarik a Spring salmon fishery and is regarded as one

of the top rivers in Ireland for eark spring fishing. The upper Slaney and

tributary headwaters are very important for spawning"

0 Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Marqaritifera marqaritifera)

While The Slaney Valley is designated for the Freshwater Pearl mussel it's

distribution is limited to an area of the Dereen River (tributary of River

Slaney), stretching north east of Tullow, Co. Carlow to south east of

Balltinglass, Co. Wicklow.

0 Red Data Book Species

I n addition to the list Annex 11 species above, a number of Irish Red Data

Book species, namely Pine Martin, Irish Hare, Badger, Daubenton's Bat and

Common Frog (Rana temporaria).

Wildfowl

The area of the Slaney Valley SAC from the tidal zone south of Enniscorthy

to the outer Wexford Harbour, encompassing the north and south slobs are

additionally classified as a Special Protected Area (SPA).

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-0 I Ballyhine and Environs

The NPWS Site Synopsis Wexford Harbour and Slobs - site code 004076

states

" This site is a Special Protected Area (SPA) under the E U. Birds Directive,

of special conservation interest for the following speciec Little Grebe,

Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Bewick's Swan, Whopper Swan, Greenland

White fronted Goose, L@h t Bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, W@eon, Teal,

Mallard, Pin tail, Scaup, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Megamer, Hen Harrier,

Coot, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling,

Dunlin, Blacktailed Godwit, Bar Tailed Godwit, d e w , Redshank, Black-header

Gull and little Tern. This site is also of special conservation interest for

holding an assemblage o f over 20,000 wintering water birds. The EU Bird

Directive pays particular attention to wetlands, and as these form part of

this SPA, the site and its associated water birds are of special conservation

for wet lands and water birds."

I n addition to the Birds Directive Annex 1 species listed above, the site also

hosts in excess of 20 species, whose numbers are of national importance.

Site Conservation Objectives

Unfortunately the NPWS, as yet, have not completed and issued a

Conservation Management Plan for the Slaney River Valley.

However, this report envisages that the possible conservation objectives of

this site can be summarised as follows:

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Re\ ired Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

1. Maintain the range of habitats within the site;

2. Prevent loss of surface area of habitats within the site;

3. Prevent any reduction in floral and faunal species arising from human

activity;

4. Ensure no reduction in area or distribution o f habitats;

5. Ensure that individual operations or activities, combined with other

operations or activities, do not cause a change in typical species

composition in more than 25% of the area occupied by each of the

principle community types;

6. Ensure that the water quality in the site is of sufficient quality to

maintain the integrity of the principle aquatic community type and

ensure sufficiently large habitat of suitable quality is available to

support the long term survival of species associated with the habitat.

The only potential conflict with the above assumed conservation objectives

is the possible effects of the discharge on the aquatic environment and its

dependant qualifying habitats and their supported Floral and Faunal species.

Background data

The primary discharge GW1 is ground via a raised percolation area, point of

discharge is some 2Km from boundary of designated areas.

Receiving Waters Quality

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexfixd County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for AO2hO-Ol Ballyhine and Environs

Overall 30 RWB - 6 Good, 21 Moderate, 3 Poor Status. There are no lakes.

status

Status Q score dictates status in all but 2 monitored WBs, Phys Chemical

elementsdictates status for 1 good WB and Hydromorph and Phys Chemical

reduce a good WB to moderate (Assaly River at Finoge Bridge). Phys

Chemical status high or good elsewhere where monitored.

Status was extrapolated for 24 sites. Chemical status is not

monitored.

Possible Sow -(SE-12-2504 - Status 09 -Moderate based on Q Score);

The WFD Water Management unit plan for the Slaney Estuary assesses

water quality as follows

TATUS/IMP ACTS

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Bailyhine and Environs

Impacts Generally satisfactory ecological condition in 2007 apart from in the

- EPAupper reaches. Clear signs of nutrient enrichment with abundant

Water macrophyte growth.

Quality Tinnokilla Stream (SE-12-2565 -Status 09 - Moderate); The

2004 Tinnokilla stream was in an unsatisfactory ecological condition in

2007. Excavation works in the area suspected.

PRESSURES/RISKS

Nutrient

sources comes from WWTP.

78% of TP is Diffuse, 65% of which is from Agriculture.. 22% of TP

While same plan assess pressure / risks to water body as follows

Point

pressures

14 WWTPs - Ballagh - Village; Ballaghkeen - Hse Est; Ballyhogue

Ballymurn; Bree; Castlebridge WWTP; Ballyhine; Galbally, Wexford

Glenbrien; Murrintown - JP Park;

Piercetown WWTP; Tagoat Wexford, Ballyhine

40 Section 4s - 19 Private Companies, 3 Construction Companies

Lodge, 7 Property Development Companies(1). Golf & Leisurc

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford Couniy Council Rerised Appropriate Assessinent for AO260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

/astewater

reatment

lants

NWTP)

ndustrial

'ischarges

Resort,2 Hotels, Car Sales, Architects, 2 Financial Consultancy

Community Centre, Building Contractor, School.

4 IPPC- Metal Manufacturing Company, Engineering Company, Pi!

Farm, Manufacturers.

2 WTP's - Wexford Treatment Works and Kilmallock Treatmeni

Works.

2 €PA Licensed Waste Facilities

At Risk WWTPs (refer to Action Table):

Castlebridge WWTP

Piercetown WWTP

andMurrintown - JP Park

Ballyhine

Wexford

Ballymurn

Rosslare Strand WWTP

Galbal ly, Wexford

Ballaghkeen - Hse Est

auarries,

dines

.andfills

and nutrients

IPPC - not at risk

There are 9 quarries, no mines and 1 landfill but no waterbodies a

&risk.

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:38

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessinent for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

Agriculture The majority of the area o f the WMU is at risk from Agriculture

On-site There are 6579 septic tanks in this WMU, 2324 are at risk.

systems

Forestry N o waterbodies at risk from forestry

Dangerous

substances

Morphology

Abstractions

N o waterbodies at risk from Dangerous Substances.

1 waterbody at risk due to Channelisation - SE_12_851(River S o w

Drainage District, pre 1945 channelisation)

12 abstractions - 3 waterbodies at risk - SE-12-2334, SE-12-2504

land SE-12-3

Conclusion

Given the following

While the WDF plan assess that there is potential for direct risk of impact

on water quality resulting from Ballyhine discharge, given the following

points

o Discharge GWl is to percolation and some 2Km from designated

waters

o The submitted agglomeration only covers area served by public

collection system and not private properties in the general

Ballyhine area which are served by private on site treatment

with associated discharges

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Envirunr

Therefore based on above points it is assessed that the discharge GW1

from Ballyhine WWTP is not having direct impact on water quality of the

designated area

Thus the development does not in any way directly impede nor conflict with

the conservation object of the Nature Conservations sites

Impact prediction

Direct Impacts

Protected habitats

Old Oak woodlands

A s these are terrestrial habitats and as such are not impacted by the

aquatic environment, there is no potential for impact by the discharge from

the Ballyhine Agglomeration to this habitat o r its supported species.


This is a fresh water Habitat and as the Ballyhine Agglomeration ,discharge

GW1 and S W 2 are in the Estuarine region of site, and assessed as not

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexiord County Council Revised Appropriate Assessrnenr lor A0260-01 Bdllyhlne and Environs

directly impacting on site water quality.

potential for impact on this habitat from the development

I t is deemed that there is no


While those sections of this habitat type, which are subject to tidal

influence could possibly be impacted on due to a very substantial increase in

nutrient levels, t o such as degree as impact on growth rates and substrate

condition.

However, as it assesses that there is no potential for direct impact on water

quality from Ballyhine discharges GW1 and SW2 on designated waters

I t is predicted that there is no potential for impact on this habitat or its

supported species.

Tidal Mudflats

These are aquatic habitats and as such could be potentially impacted on by

the water quality of the aquatic environment. However, as the Ballyhine

Discharges (GW1 and SW2) are assessed as not directly impacting on water

quality based on points above

I t would be fair t o state that there is no potential fo r direct impact on this

habitat or its supported species.

Pro iecied Fauna

Lamprey species (Brook, Sea and River),

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for AO260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

This species could be impacted on as a result of increased nutrient levels

and reduced water quality,

Given that above assessment determines that there is no impact on water

quality resulting from Ballyhine WWTP discharge. I t is fair to state that

there is no potential for impact on these species.

Salmon (Salmo salar)

The discharge could impact either on spawning grounds or fish migration if

there was substantial increase in nutrients levels

.Given that is it assesses that there is no risk of direct impact on water

quality from Ballyhine WWTP discharge on water quality of the designated

area, it is predicted that there is no potential for impact on this species.


Twaite Shad enter the estuary in late May and early June to migrate to

spawning grounds located in the upper tidal region of the site.

As it is assessed that there is no risk for direct impact on water quality

from Ballyhine WWTP on the designated waters, as such it is predicted that

there is no potential for impact on this species.

Fresh Pearl mussel (Marqaritisfera marqaritisfera)

As this species is a fresh water species, and its distribution is currently

limited to a section of the Derren River, in excess of 50Km upstream o f the

Bal lyh ine Discharges,

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

. Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

That discharges GW1 and SW" from Ballyhine is to Estuarine waters and

assessed as not posing a risk of impact to water quality.

I t is assessed that there is no potential for direct impact on this species or

the objective o f restore for this species.

Otter (Lutra lutra)

The potential impact on the Otter species from the Ballyhine agglomeration is

a possible major reduction in food supply, i.e. if prey species were to be greatly

reduced as a result of a substantial reduction in general water quality,

Given that it is assessed that there is no risk o f direct impact on water

quality from Ballyhine WWTP discharge on designated waters, it is predicted

that there is no potential for impact on this species.

8 Irish Red Book species

Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hihernkus), Badger (Meles meles) and Daubenton 4

Bat (Myofis meles)

As these species are terrestrial, there is no potential f o r impact from the

Ballyhine WWTP agglomeration discharges.

Additionally, the species Frog (Rena temporaria) is a fresh water species

and, while a measured reduction in water quality may impact on this species,

As it is assessed that there is no risk of impact on water quality from

Bal ly h ine W WTPs discharges on designated waters.

I t is predicted that there is no potential for direct impact on these species.

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

Wi/dfow/

The only potential for impact from the Ballyhine discharge on the site

wildfowl species is a substantial reduction in water quality to such a degree

as to reduce/impair supporting habitats (wet woodlands) and/or food stocks.

AS it is assessed that here is no risk of direct impact on water quality from

Ballyhine WWTP discharges, it is fair to state that there is no potential for

impact on these species nor supporting habitats.

Shellfish Designated waters:

The Shellfish Designated waters of first instance is Wexford Harbour inner,

while a reduction in water quality would impact on designated Shellfish waters,

Given that it is predicted that there is no direct impact on water quality,

based on above assessment,.

The draft Wexford Harbour inner Pollution Reduction Programme -

Characterisation report N o 34, (p58-p60) has not as yet assessed Ballyhine as

to whether, it does / does not pose a point of potential impact on shellfish

designated waters.

I t is predicted that there is no potential for direct impact on the designated

shellfish waters of Wexford Harbour Inner from Ballyhine discharge.

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Counol Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

DRESSURES/RISKS

Nutrient

sources comes from WWTP.

78% of TP is Diffuse, 65% of which is from Agriculture.. 22% of TP

Cumulative Impacts

The NPWS Site synopsis states

"Waste water outflows, runoff from intensive agricultural enterprises, a

meat factory at Clohamon and a landfill site adjacent to the river and

further industrial developments upstream in Enniscorthy and other towns

could all have potential for adverse impacts on water quality unless they are

carefully managed The spreading of exotic species is reducing the quality of

the woodlands. ''

Overall ecological status

The WFD Slaney Estuary Water Management Unit Action assessment o f

overall Pressure points /Risk is outlined below

14 WWTPs - Ballagh - Village; Ballaghkeen - Hse Est; Ballyhogue; roint I Page 23 of 47

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhme and Envlrons

ressures

Yastewater

-reatment

'lants

WWTP)

rndustrial

)ischarges

Ballymurn; Bree; Castlebridge WWTP; Ballyhine; Galbally, Wexford

Glenbrien; Murrintown - JP Park;

Piercetown WWTP; Tagoat Wexford, Ballyhine

40 Section 4s - 19 Private Companies, 3 Construction Companies

Lodge, 7 Property Development Companies(l), Golf & Leisure

Resort,2 Hotels, Car Sales, Architects, 2 Financial Consultancy

Community Centre, Building Contractor, School.

4 IPPC- Metal Manufacturing Company, Engineering Company, Pis

Farm, Manufacturers.

2 WTP ' s - Wexford Treatment Works and Kilmallock Treatmen-

Works.

2 EPA Licensed Waste Facilities

At Risk WWTPs (refer to Action Table):

Castlebridge WWTP

Piercetown WWTP

andMurrintown - JP Park

Ballyhine

Wexford

Ballymurn

Rosslare Strand WWTP

Galbal ly, Wexford

Ballaghkeen - Hse Est

Tagoat

2 Section 4s are at risk due to lack of assimilative capacity for BO[

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Bdllyhine and Enviions

Quarries,

Landfills

Agriculture

On-site

systems

For est ry

Dangerous

substances

Abstractionr L

nd nutrients

'PPC - not at risk

-here are 9 quarries, no mines and 1 landfill but no waterbodies a'

isk.

-he majority of the area of the WMU is at risk from Agriculture

-here are 6579 septic tanks in this WMU, 2324 are at risk.

do waterbodies at risk from forestry

do waterbodies at risk from Dangerous Substances.

waterbody at risk due to Channelisation - S€-12_851(River Sor

)rainage District, pre 1945 channelisation)

2 abstractions - 3 waterbodies at risk - SE-12-2334, SE-12-2501

;nd SE-12-3

Conclusion

The assessment of direct impact resulting from Ballyhine WWTP from WFD

plan is addressed above based on the additional outlined details,

With regard to cumulative impact ( pressure point) outlined in WFD plan,

assessment for Ballyhine and taking following points

o Distance from discharges to area of designation

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for AOZh0-01 Uallyhine and Environs

o That submitted agglomeration only covers area that is serviced by

public collection network and not one off nor cluster developments in

region of Ballyhine, which are served by private on site treatment

with associated discharges

o The intensive nature of agricultural activity in region.

I t is assessed that the region of Ballyhine is posing a potential f o r

cumulative impacts on areas of designation.

While the discharges GW1 and S W 2 are deemed not to be the prime source

of cumulative impacts, the discharge can not be ruled out with regard to

cumulative impact potential for water quality of designated areas.

Mitba tion Measures

While there is no assessed direct impact resulting for development, there is

a potential for cumulative impacts on the nature conservation site, arising

from development

The first direct mitigation measure as outlined above limited to public

collection system to current loading to prevent any reduction in current

position.

The Second direct mitigation measure in place is the ultimate removal of

both discharge GW1 and S W 2 and transfer of wastewater loading to

Wexford WWTP f o r treatment and ultimate discharge

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revi5ed Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

The removal and transfer of waste water load from submitted Ballyhine

agglomeration, forms part of the proposal to extend Wexford collection

system to Taghmon.

This scheme is included in the W S I 2010-2012 programme, the scheme is

currently at advanced contract document stage, and subject to the receipt

of timely approvals and funding from DOEHLG, it is currently believe that

construction of scheme will commence in Q4 of 2012 and be completed by

Q4 2013..

Additional mitigation measures with regards to cumulative effects have been

are outlined below, based on WFD Slaney WMU Action Plan

The implementation of the WFD Slaney Estuary WMU action plan will not

only insure that there is no increase in direct impacts, but will additional

insure that cumulative impacts are reduced, including those potential impacts

arising from Ballyhine Agglomeration

I n addition the introduction and implementation of the Wexford Pollution

reduction programme, will aid and insure that designated shellfish waters

will be improved and restored to compliant status

SELECTEO ACTION PROGRAMME

NB All relevant basic measures, general supplementary measures and SEA mitigotion measures

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexfbrd County Council Revised Appropriate Assessinen1 for A0260-01 Ballvhine and Envlrons

oint

'ources

iiffuse

POINT SOURCE:

WWTP - Refer t o table below

INDUSTRY - Examine the terms of discharge authorisations to determine whethe

they require review for the purpose of compliance with water body objectives includin!

protected area objectives and environmental quality standards.

AGRICULTURE - Good Agricultural Practice Regulations and Enforcement.

ourcesON-SITE SYSTEMS - Inspection of on-site systems in at-risk areas to ensure tha

treatment systems are adequate and maintained to prevent pollution o f water2

Consider connection t o municipal sewerage systems based on inspections and economi,

tests.

Ither

Page 28 of47

MORPHOLOGY - SE-12-851 will require Channelisation Investigation to

determine impact o f drainage works.

OTHER: Protection of drinking water, abstraction control and future licensing.

Measures included in Shellfish Pollution Reduction Programmes under the

Shellfish Directive.

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

! I L I

a

3 5

a

3 5 C

c 2 a a, 2 a .- -

a

3 5 C

c 2 a,

a, 2 a ._ -

Ti

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

N'rxford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

Effect of mitigation measures

Protected habitats

Old Oak woodlands

A s it is assessed that there is no potential for direct impact by the

discharge from the Ballyhine Agglomeration on this habitat, the proposed

mitigation measures will insure that future direct impact will not occur and

that cumulative impact will be reduced.


As it is assessed that there is no potential for direct / cumulative impact

predicted on this habitat or its supported species..

The proposed mitigation measures will insure that future direct impact will

not occur and that cumulative impact shall be reduced.


A s it is predicted that there is no potential for direct impact on neither this

habitat nor its dependant species as a result of the Ballyhine Agglomeration

discharge.



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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford Count) Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for AO?hO-0 I Ballyhine dnd Environs

Tidal Mudflats

A s it is predicted that there is no predicted potential direct impact on this

habitat or its dependant species as a result of the Ballyhine Agglomeration

discharges.



Protected Fauna

Lamprey species (Brook, Sea and River),

A s it is predicted that there is no potential for direct impact on this species

resulting from the Ballyhine discharge.



Salmon (Salmo salar)

A s it is predicted that there is no potential for direct

species resulting from the Ballyhine discharge.



impact on this


A s it is predicted that there is no potential for direct impact on this species


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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Acsessinent for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs



Fresh Pearl mussel (Marqaritisfera marqaritisfera)

As it is predicted that there is no potential for direct impact on this species




Otter (Lutra lutra)

As it is predicted that there is no potential for direct impact on this species




Irish Red Book species

Irish Hare (1 epus timidus hihernicus), Badger (Me fes me fes) and Dauben ton S

Bat (Myo tis me fes)

As these species are terrestrial, therefore there is no potential for impact

from the Ballyhine agglomeration discharge.



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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39


Additionally, the species Frog (Rena temporaria) is a fresh water species

and, while a measured reduction in water quality may impact on this species,

as discharge GW1 is to ground and as there is no predicted impacts



Wifdfo wl

While there is no direct / cumulative impact predicted on wildfowl species of

designated area from Ballyhine discharge GW1.



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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revmd Appropriate Assessment fur A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

Appendix

NPWS Site Synopsis

Page 34 of 47

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39


This site coittprisizs the fitshwater stretches of the Slaney as far i1s tlx Wicklmv Mo~~ntains: a nunilw of tributaries the larger of which include the Bsnn. Boro, Glashn. Cldy, Deny. Brreen. Dou;las and Cariigower Rivers: tla estuar); at Ferrycarrig and Wexford HarZ,our. Tlle site flows through the counties of Wicklow. Wexford and Carlow. Towns along ttw site hut not in it :ire Baltinglass, Hacketstown, Tinahely. Tullo\v, Buncldy. Camolitl, Enniscorthy and Wexford. The river is up to 100 111 wide in places and is tidal at the southern end front Edermine Bridge helaw bmiscoffhy. In tla upper and central regions almost as far ns t11e conlltence with the Derq River t la geoloa consists of granite. Ahove Kilcarry Bridge. the Slaiay has cut a gorge into the granite plain. The Derv and Bann Rivers ar\: hounded by a narrow line of uplands which coresponds to schist outcrops. Where these tributaries cut through this belt of h:ud rocks t l a y have caved deep gorges. mom than two miles long at Tinahely and Sllillelagh. South of Kildavin the Slnney flow through an wen of Ordovician slates and grits.

The site is ii candidate SAC selected for alluvial wet woodlands, a priolity hcihitnt 011

Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected as a candidate SAC for floating river vegetation. estuaries. tidal mudflats and old oak woodlands. a l l hahitats listed on Annex 1 ofthe E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is further selected for the following species listed 011 Annex II of the same directive - Sea Lcimpq. River Lamprey, Brook hniprey, Frzsliwater Pearl Mussel. Twaite Shod. Atlantic Salnton and Otter.

Floating river vegetation is found along mi~ch of the fizshwater st~etcltes within the site. Species present here include Pond Water-crowfoot t Rnnrtr~cithrs prltotrrs). Water-crowfoot ( R m i t r t c i t l i r b spp. ). C‘mdian Pondweed (Elodea ccrrrcrderi.sis ), Broad-leaved Pondweed (Potmiogeti)ri rinr~1r1.~ j, Water Milfoil (Myriopliyllirni spp. b. Coninion Cluh-rush (Scirprts lircrtstris). Water-stanvort (Cdlitriclie spp.!. Hemlock Waterdropwort. Fine-leaved Water- dropwon (Orricrrirhr ccqimrico). Common Duckweed (LPnrnrr mimir~, Yellow Water-lily (Nt tp l tco . I i t t ~ o ) . Unhranclwd Burweed (Spnrgnriiiiin mirr.siini) and the Ilwss ForltirifJ/i.5 mitipyrrtico. Two rare aquatic plant spcies liave lwen recorded in this site: Short-leaved Water-stxwort (Cci//irric/w rrroimt(i 1. :I very rare. sinall aquatic herb found nowhere else in Ireland and Opposite-leaved Pondweed (Grorrrlrrridio c f m s c r ~ . a species that is legally protected under the Flora Protection Order, 1999.

Good ex~mples of wet \r-oodland are found associated with Macniine ni:irslws. a l o ~ ~ g hanks of the S h e y sild its tributaries and within reed swamps. Grey Willow (,’%JI~.X cirierrrr) scnih and pockets of wet \ v d l a n d dominated hy Alder tAlfitis ,~htbioso) have heconie estahlished in places. Ash 1 Fnt.virws e ~ c d s i ~ i r t and Birch (Bprtikr pti/i~.s~-rn~) are contnwn in the latter and tla ground flora is typical of wet w x d l a n d with h4e;idowsweet ~Fi/Iprmi~r/o irhm~ricc). Angelicil (.4ri,y~lita r y / ~ . ~ s t r i s ) . Yellmv Iris. Horsetail (Eqititcrrirrr spp.! and occasionril tt~ssocks of Greater Tussul-k-sedge (C-<r,cv /‘trr~icrtlcrnr I. nwsr wocdlarids have h e n descrilwl as two types: OIY is quite eutrophic. is dominated hy Willow and is strhject to a tidal influence. The

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EPA Export 27-07-2013:00:27:39

Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessmcnl Ihr All?60-01 Bdllyhine and Environs

otlwr is flushed or spring-fed s1ibjei-t to \\f;iterlog~ing hut not to tloodinp ; ad is dominated by Alder aiid Ash.

Old oak woodlands are lvs t represented at Tonunnfinnoge though patches ;ire premit throu~hout tlw site. At Tomnafinnoge the wcxxl i a dnrninated by !natltte, widely spaced Sessile Oak 1 Q i w r w s pe~rrc7tu I , u-hich were planted around 1700. with some fuither planting i n 1810. There is no\v a \;arkcl age structure with m:erinature. mature and young trees: tlw open canopy permits light to reach the forest fkwr and encourages natural regeneration of Oak. As well :IS Oak. the wooil includes the orrcaGmal Beech (Frrps sy/iriticci 1. Birch (Btstrr/di sp. 1, Rowan (Sorhfts crrrcrrpnrio I and Scots Pine (Piirrrs sy/wstris).

The shrub layer is \r~elldeseloprd with H i d f Coryhs n r . t ~ l l ~ r r u 7 ~ and Holly (Ilex ccyrtjfb/irrrti) occurring. The grotnnd layer consists of Great Wood-rush (Lrr:rc/n sylwrticcr) and B i l l u q (Vcrccinirrm niynilfris:). with SOIW Bracken t P r c v i d i r r n i q i r i l i i t r r r n j aiid Brainbles iRrrbrrs .frrrric.u.iw a g . ). Herbaceous species in the ground layer include Primrose (friiiurkr i.tr/gciris). W~ml-sorrel ( 0 . ~ 7 c r l i r ocrtos~l/ir). Cointnoii Cowwheat ( , k f ~ / m i i p ~ r r r t t i / ~ r ~ r r e i i . ~ f ) and Bluebell iH~~rc. i ,rr /zoick.r riotl-srripfci). Many of the frees c'my an epiphytic flora of ~liosses. klypocly Fern i ~ o f y p d f ' f f r r f iw/,q7r~).

atid lichens SUCh as L'srrro c'oriioso, Eririiici prrftrrlJfri. &7ontcr/iftcr Spp. alld Poririe/icr spp.

Tomaaftnnoge Wood is a reiiiniint ofthe ancient Shillelagh Oak woods, and i t appears that woodland has always k e n present 011 the site. In the past. the wood WRS inanaged as a Hazel coppice with Oak standards, n coin111on forin of woodland niaiiagement in England hut not widely practised in Ireland. The ilnportance of tlw woodland lies in the size of the trees. their capacity to regenerate. their genetic continuity with ancient woodland and their historic internst. The nearest comparable stands are at Abheyleix. Co. Laois aid Portlaw. Co. Wareiford.

Below Enniscorthy there are several areas ofn.uodl;tnd with a mixed canopy of Oak Beech. Sycainore (Aeer p s ~ u ~ ~ p / a t o i ~ r r s ) . Ash and pnerally a good diverse growid flora. Near tlw mouth of the river at Ferrycarrig is a steep south facing slope covered with Oak woodland. Holly and H,wel are the mnin species in the shrub layer and a species-rich ground flora Qpical of this type of Oak \vooilland has :ihundant ferns - D r ~ e J ~ P r i s p l i . ~ - n I r r s . Po/ystic/iirm srtfirrrnr. Phy//ir is st.o/~pninrirriii - and Inosses - Thridiiiiri teiirurrisc~ii ffm. h f t r ;if itr /i~~rir~r~iz, Errryiichirirrz pr~w/irn.yirnr.

North of Bunclody. the riser valley still has a number of drq' woudlands though these have mostly k e n inanased hy the estates with the introduction of Beech and occasional conifers. The steeper sides are cowivd in a thick scrirb from \\.hich taller trees proti-ude. At the southern end of the site. tlw Red Data Book species Yellow Arclmngel (Loiriinstrrritz gcrkewbcfoulun) occurs. Three inore Red Data Book species have a h been iecorded from tlw site: Basil Thyme (.8tl~~lllJS crnwtsis Blue Fleah:ine tEriyrori rrccri and Small Cudweed (Fi/o,qo ririrtirim). A nationally rare species Summer Snowtlake (Lcw-ojrni oartirrrnr) is also found withill the site.

h,lised woodlnnds 0zc11r nt Carrickduff and Coolnphuca i n Bunclody. Oak trees. which nuke up tlw genter part ofthe canopy. were originally pl;lnted and at the present time are not

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. 8 . Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

regenerating actively. In titw. if permitted. tlw ~voodlruid will prohahly go to Beech. A fair iiumtvr of Yew tT~i.vic hc i cc - c i fo~ trees hu\:e irlso reached :I large size and these. topther with Holly give to the site the aspect o f a south-western Oak wmd.

The site is considered tu contain ;I very g o d exaritple of the extreme uppr reaches of an estunry. Tidal reedbeds with wet wclcldland are presetit i n plsces. The fringing t ~ e d communities support Sea Club-rush (Scirpis mzrifimri.~), Grey Clnkrush (S. tcJ~~erfre7e~tKl~:fcJtri I ;Uld : ~h~~~d: i t i t ~@lllllloli Reed (fhrcr,qmifc3s c7rrstro/is 1. Other spxies occurring are Bulrush (Typlicr Lrti fol ic i ) . Reed Canary grass (Phikrri.r crrrri:diirric,rci) and Branched Bur-reed (Spe~r~y~n~irrni erpc-fum). The reed-swamp is exte n s i w around Macmine. wlwte the river widens and there are islands with swatnp and tnarsh vegetation.

Further south o f hkcinine are exponses of intertidal riiudflats and snndflnts and shingly shore often fringed with a itatrow hand of salt marsh and hrackish vegetation. Narrow shingle beaches up to IO m wide occur i u places along the river banks and ale exposed at low tide. Upslope the shingle is sometiines colonised by Snltrnarsh Rush (Jiititw ,gzrcrrdi). Townsend's Cord-grass ( S p 7 d n n towtsencfii). Common Saltmarsh-grass (Pirccirrdlicr t twrifho). Sea Aster (Aster tripo/ircrri ). Hemlock Water-dropwoit (Ornciirfhz c.rtn'cifci and Himalayan Balsani (Iity~e7tietis ,y/ondii/(fi.r(r).

Wexford Hruhonr is an extensive. shallow estuary which dries out considerably at low tide exposing large expanses of niudflats and sandllats. The hahow is largely sheltered hy the Raven Point to the north and Rosslare Point in the south.

Other habitats present within tlw site include spxies-rich marsh in which sedges such as Cnre..r disfichn, Ci7re.v ripnrhz and Ccirrs imicoricr are cot>inmti. Atnolig the other species found i n this habitat are Yellow Iris (Iris psrridnc~ortr.r). Water Mint (A4enthn nqrroficci). Purple Loosestrife (L??lirrtrti S d I C ~ J f ' i t i ) arid Soft Rush (Jfrricrts @iisrrs). Extensive lnarshes occur to the west of Caskbridge associated with the tidal areas of the River Sow.

The site supports populatiotis of several species listed on Annex II of tlw ELI Habitats Directive including the three Lampreys - Sea Lamprey (fztromyzotr t~cnritirts), River Lamprey (~iinpefmflrti~icrti/i.s) and Brook hmptey (.!.m?rpfrct p/citw-i). Otter (Liitrcr /rrfrrr t. Sahnull (Sn/mo m/tr). small numbers of Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Mnrprir$pro nurr,ycmrit+vn) and in the tidal stretches. Twaite Shad ( A / ~ ~ r r ~ i l / r ~ ~ , ~ ~ / / u . ~ ) . A survey ofthe Derreen River i n 1995 estiiiiated the population of Freshwater Pearl Mussel at about ?.OOO individuals. This is 3 significmt population, especially i n the context of eastern Ireland. l l w Slaney is primarily a spring mlmon fishery aiid is regxded as one of the top rivers i n Ireland for exly spring fishing. The upper Slaney and tributary headwntea are very important for spawning.

The site supports important tiumhers o f hirds i n winter. Little Egret are found annually slang the river. This bird is only IIOW beginning to gain a foothold in Ireland and the south-east appnrs to he its stronghold. Nationally itnportant tiurnhers of Black-tailed Gnd\vit, Teal. Tufted Duck. Mute Swan. Little Grebe and Black-headed Gull are found along the estuarine stretch o f the river. The m a n of the maximum counts over four winters (199498 I along the stretch between Enniscotthy aiid Ferrycarri$ is: Little Egret (6). Golden Plover (61. Wipon ( 1 3 9 ~ T e a l ( J 2 9 ) . Mallard(26S~.Tufted Duck(I71). L?prvin~i603). Shelduck(l6). Black- tailed Godwit (93). Curlew (81 1. Red-breasted Merganser (1 1 ), Black-headed Gull (7030). Goldeneye (15). Oystercatcher ( 191, Redshank (65). Lrsser Black-hxked Gull (7'7). Herring

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Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment for A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environs

, '* .

Gull f 179,. Common Gull 4671. Grey Heron 139). Mute S~van (259) and Little G r e k (17) Wexford Hurhour prwiikks extensitze feeding grounds for wding hirds arid Little Terns, which are listed on Annex I oftlw E.U. Birds Directive have hred here in tk past.

The Reed Warbler. which is :I scarce breedirig species i n Irelnntl. is ttgularly found i n Macmine Marshes but it is not known whetlwr or not it breeds in the site. The Dipper also occurs 01% the river. This is a declining species nationally.

The site suppotts tmny of the tnanimnl species occurtiog i n Ireland. Those which are listed in the Irish Red Data Book include Pine Marten. Badger. Itish Hare arid Deuhenton's Bat. Common Frog iRmn tcwrp~roria). mothrr Red Data B w k species. also occurs within the site.

Agriculture is the main fatidu . Arable crops are impott;uil. Itnpro~wl grassland and siIage account for much of tlw rem der. The spreading of slurry arid fertiliser poses a threat to the water quali? of this salmonid river and to the populations of Annex I1 animal species within it. Run-off is undoubtedly occurling. ;IS some of tlw fields slope steeply directly to the river kink. LI addition, cattle have access to the site in places. Fishing is ;I main tourist attraction along stretches of tlw Slaney and its tributaries and there are a tittmlwr of Angler Assuciations. suine with a nuniber ofka ts . Fishing stands and styles have lwetietwted i n places. Both commercial and leisure tishing takes place. There are some gravel pits along the river klow Bi~ticlody atid many oftlwse are active. There is a large landfill site adjacent to the river close to Hacketstown and at Killurin. Boating, bait-digging and fishing occur in parts of Wexford Harhoor.

Waste water outflows. runoff from intensive agricultural enterprises. a meat factory at Clohatnori and a landfill site adjacent to the river and further industrial developnwnt upstream in Entiiscarthy and in other towns could all have potential adverse impacts on the water quality unless tlwy ,Ire c~wful ly managed. The spread ofexotic species is reducing the quality of the woodlands.

The site supports populations of several spc i e s listed on Annex I1 of tlw EU Habitats Directive. and habitats listed on Aiitwx I of this directive. :IS well as iniportant numbers of wintering \%Mfo\vl including some species listed on Annex I of the €U Birds Directive. The presence of \vet aod broad-leaved ~vnodlaiids increases ~ I K overall hahitnt diversity and the occurrence of a nrtmber of Red Data Book pl,mt and animal species adds firnlwr importance to tlw SIaney R i w r site.

07.1 2.2005

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. 1' . Wexford County Council Revised Appropridte Assessment fur A0260-01 Ballyhine and Environ,

Extract draft Wexford Harbour Inner Pollution Reduction Programme-

Characterisation Report N o 34

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Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessment far A0260-01 Ballyhine and Envlrons

1-rborr Ifirstrivnrrr Sj-stertts

Table S lists the nrbati naste \later treatment plants m the catchment up to a distance o f 20 kilometre, fioin the shellfish area Map 18 illustrates these pressures and imp references ltnk the imp and table The mforination m the table mas compiled by the UTD Municipal a i d Iildustnal Regulation Study in ZOO8 and mcludes

the distance of the plants froni the shellfish area the \iFD stanis o f the water body within which the plants are located tlie level o f treatment aiailable at the plants whether the plants are included in the current a'atw Senices Investment Programme 07-09 the design capacit? (m terms o f population equn alents (PX.)) o f the plants tlie percentage at \\hi& the platits are operaung above or beloxv thetr design capacity currmtlv the percentage at xluch the plants N atmg above or belo\% their design capacih; ui 2015 based on pop the AFD risk designahons associate a d the reasons behmd the risk designations

The \I'FD risk assessiiient IU relation to urban waste updated in 2005 to feed mto the draft RBMP imdenvay (due for conipletion by November 2009

treatment plants was ther update currently were designated as at

risk for a vmiety o f re cltlcLng

A Insufficient P capacity - emstmg load B Insufficient P capacity - fuhue load

for BOD - existiiig load for BOD - fiiture load

pauty for nutrieiits - emsting load capacity for nutneiits - future load n downstream Q value where the Q station is wirhin 3

e is less than 3 where the Q station is withm 3 kilometres

istrerun Q value were the distance beh\eerl Q stations is less thm 3 kiloiiietres J Exceedauce o f bathing water quality witlun 1 ktlometre o f the outfall I; Exceedauce o f shellfish water qualir)- within 1 ktlornetre of the outfall L Expert opmoii

IVaste nsrer dscharges from waste nater treatment plants can contain a wide range o f potentdy pollnting components onginaring from househo~ds mdustry and urban areas These discharges can affect the l n e l s o f faecal coliforms. nutrients d~ssoked oxygen. suspended sediment organic wastes and hartnful cheiiiicals u1 receix-mg n aters

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Wexford County Council Revised Appropriate Assessmen1 for AOZhO-01 Ballyhine and Environs

The 2008 risk assesuiient identified 21 uxbm naste \later treatment plaits within the catchment with 8 o f them at nrk for a range of reasons includtng msufficieiit plant capacity insufficient assiiiulam e capacitc mi receiL mg ateri and detenoratioxl III

donnsueam \bater quality Tlie \\TD risk assessinetit \\as re-iie\\ed by experts m October 2009 \sith regard to the LVater Services Iuxestnieiit P r o g a m e and waste water liceilsmg achons The most sqpficant plats nere identified on the basis o f proxiiiuty plait perforillatice popnlation equivalent aud le\ el o f treatnietit In this rexien the plants at Wexford town and Cantlebridge were identified as signficant ~fl

terms of the nsk to shellfish iiater qualih in thls shellfizh area

The plant at W’exford t0s.n has a capacity of 45 000 P E and mcorporates 5ecoiidaTJj treatment uith iiurrient renioTa1 a d UV disdecuon The plat at Castlebridge has a capacity of 2 000 P E and mcorporates secondary treatment There is insufficient capaciw for projected fiihire load5 at this plait but i t 1s included in the current Water Senices Inx-estment Programme uider the Castlebndge and Piercetown Sewerage Scheme

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