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Comhairle Contae Mhaigh EoAras an Chontae, Caislean an Bharraigh, Contae Mhaigh Eo.

Teileaf6n: (094) 9024444 Facs: (094) 9023937

Do Thag. / Your Ret 00215-01

3rd June 2010.

AdministrationEnvironmental Licensing ProgrammeOffice of Climate, Licensing & Resource UseEnvironmental Protection AgencyHeadquartersP.O. Box 3000 Johnstown Castle EstateCounty Wexford

Ar dTag. / Our Ret WS 512

RE: WASTE WATER DISCHARGE LICENCE APPLICATION:00215-01 - BANGOR ERRIS

Dear Mr McLoughlin

Further to your letter of 27th July 2009, I enclose the required responses to thequeries raised in the correspondence.

For clarity, the responses have been made point by point with the answers tothe queries raised indicated in blue.

This documentation includes:• 1 no. signed copy & 1 no. copy in hardcopy format of the documentation• 1 no. copies of all files in electronic searchable PDF format on CD-ROM• 1 copies of digital geo-referenced drawlnq files on CD ROM

The content of the electronic files on the accompanying CD-ROM is a true copyof the original documentation.

Thank you,

Yours sincerely

Paddy MahonDirector of Services

.www.mayococo.re

Mayo County CouncilAras an Chontae, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Tel: (094) 9024444 Fax: (094) 9023937

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Bangor Erris Waste Water Discharge Licence Application Regulation 18(3)(b) Request

Contents

Regulation 16 Compliance Requirements ........................................................June 2010

Attachments: ………….. ............................................................Revised June 2010

Attachment A.1 Non-Technical Summary - Revised June 2010

Attachment F.1 Assessment of Impact on the receiving water – Revised June 2010

Appropriate Assessment Screening Document - June 2010

Appendix A Site Synopses for SACs

Appendix B Plates from site survey

Appendix C Consultation

Appendix D Waste Assimilative Capacity Calculations

Appendix E Macroinvertebrate Survey Data

Attachment G.1 Compliance with Council Directives – Revised June 2010

Requested Documentation .......................................................................................CD

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MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL

BANGOR ERRIS

WASTE WATER DISCHARGE LICENCE

APPLICATION

Regulation 16 Compliance Requirements

Regulation 16 Compliance Responses – June 2010

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Bangor Erris Waste Water Discharge Licence Application Regulation 18 Request

REGULATION 16 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS Question No. 1 Complete Table E.1 (ii) for the Storm water overflow. Are there any discharges from the SWO? Answer No. 1 There are no Storm Water Overflow (SWO) discharge points associated with the Bangor Erris Waste Water Treatment Plant. Emergency flows are catered for through storage in a storm water tank provided in case of difficulties such as power cuts at the treatment plant and excessive rainfall. This is then recycled through the system at lower flow periods. There is no storm water overflow pipe discharging to surface water from this storm water tank. The Non-Technical Summary, located in Attachment A1, has been revised to address this question. Question No. 2 Section F: Existing Environment and Impact of the Discharges: Complete this section for the Bangor Erris (not Balla) Waste Discharge Application Answer No. 2 Section F, located in Attachment F.1, has been amended to reflect Bangor Erris Waste Discharge Application and not Balla as in the original application.

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Question No. 3 Section F.1.: Existing Environment and Impact of the Discharges: Assess the likelihood of significant effects of the waste water discharges from the Bangor Erris agglomeration on the relevant European site( s) by referring to Circular L8/08 'Water services Investment and Rural Water Programmes - Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments' issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In particular, the flow diagram in Appendix 1 should be completed and the results of each section recorded. Provide details of the results of this assessment within one month of the date of this notice. If significant effects are likely then an appropriate assessment must be carried out and a report of this assessment forwarded to the Agency within one month of the date of this notice. You are advised to provide the requested information in accordance with the 'Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. 684 of 2007)' which is available at www.epa.ie. Answer No. 3 Attachment F.1 contains a copy of the “Bangor Erris Wastewater Discharge Licence Application (D0215-01), Screening for Appropriate Assessment”. The screening indicates that a full Appropriate Assessment will not be required. Question No. 4 Is the Owenmore (Mayo) river at the point of discharge tidally influenced? If not, complete Section F: Existing Environment & Impact of the Discharge(s) of the application in full, using the Agency Guidance Note for assistance on the required content, including the Assimilative Capacity of the receiving water for the various substances being monitored. Answer No. 4 The Owenmore (Mayo) river is not tidally influenced at the point of discharge as it is located 9.6km inland. The Assimilative Capacity of the receiving water has been calculated. It is included in Appendix D of the Bangor Erris Screening for Appropriate Assessment located in Attachment F.1, of this submission.

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D0215-01 Page 3 of 3

Question No. 5 F.2 - Complete this section regarding Drinking water Abstraction points, if applicable. Answer No. 5 There are no drinking water abstraction points downstream of the Bangor Erris WWTP discharge point. Question No. 6 Complete sections G.2, G.3 and G.4 of the application form. Answer No. 6 Sections G.2, G.3 and G.4 of the application form do not require completion as there is no programme of improvements for Bangor Erris at this time. Question No. 7 Section G.1-Provide evidence that emissions from the agglomeration are in compliance with the Council Directives listed in section G of the application form. Answer No. 7 Enclosed please find a revised copy of Attachment G.1 – Compliance with Council Directives for Bangor Erris Waste Water Treatment Plant and agglomeration.

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MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL

BANGOR ERRIS


APPLICATION


ATTACHMENT A.1

Non – Technical Summary – Revised June 2010

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Bangor Erris Waste Water Discharge Application Attachment A.1

A.1 Non-Technical Summary 1. WASTE WATER DISCHARGE LICENCE (BACKGROUND) Mayo County Council, Aras an Chontae, Castlebar, Co. Mayo is making an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) for a waste water discharge license for the Bangor Erris Waste Water Treatment Plant at Bangor Erris and Agglomeration in compliance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007) Under Schedule 2 of the above regulations, the prescribed date for submissions of Waste Water Discharge License Applications for agglomerations (with discharges with a population equivalent of 1,001 PE to 2,000 PE) is February, 2009. The waste water works at Bangor Erris falls under this category, presently having an agglomeration with a population equivalent of approximately 1,080 PE. The original scheme was built in 1995. 2. DESCRIPTION OF BANGOR ERRIS WASTE WATER WORKS The Bangor Erris Waste Water Treatment Plant with a capacity of 1,080 PE is currently being operated by Mayo County Council. Treated effluent from the Plant is discharged to the Owenmore River (Primary Discharge Point.) The waste water works in Bangor Erris consists of a Wastewater Treatment Plant with a collection network of Foul Sewers. The municipal treatment works is based on the extended aeration process and is designed to treat sewage from a population equivalent of 1080 PE. The Municipal Treatment Process consists of the following:

Inlet works with 8mm automatic screen, standby manual screen, screenings flushed to grinding and compaction.

2 No. Aeration Tanks 1 No. Secondary Settling Tanks 1 No. Storm water tank. Final Effluent Sampling Point Sludge Pumping Sludge Thickening Sludge Dewatering Supernatent return to aeration basin.

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Bangor Erris Waste Water Discharge Application Attachment A.1

D0215-01 A.1 Page 2 of 2

3. SOURCES OF EMISSIONS Emissions from the Treatment works are discharged to the Owenmore River (through an outfall labelled SW1). This is the primary discharge point. There are no secondary discharge points. Emergency flows are catered for through storage in a storm water tank provided in case of difficulties such as power cuts at the treatment plant and excessive rainfall. This is then recycled through the system at lower flow periods. There are no emergency overflow discharge points from the plant. 4. NATURE AND QUANTITY OF FORESEEABLE EMISSIONS The Wastewater Treatment Works is designed to produce a final effluent to the standards required by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations. That is a maximum BOD of 25mg/l and maximum suspended solids of 35mg/l. The average volume currently discharged from the municipal effluent stream of the Treatment Plant is 202.5 cu.m/day (900 PE @ 225l/per PE day). This is equivalent to an average daily discharge of 50.6 kg BoD. It is not anticipated that the municipal effluent will increase appreciably in the meantime. 5. TECHNOLOGY FOR PREVENTION OR REDUCTION OF EMISSIONS Emissions from the Wastewater Treatment Plant are monitored and the treatment process is constantly adjusted to maximise the efficiency of the plant in removing pollutants. 6. SUPERVISION OF WORKS The wastewater treatment works is staff by a plant manager and an assistant. The Plant Manager’s hours are 39 hours for a 7 day week plus any necessary overtime and call outs. Cover for the Plant Manager is provided every 4th weekend and holidays.

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MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL

BANGOR ERRIS


APPLICATION


ATTACHMENT F.1

Assessment of Impact on Receiving Water – Revised June 2010

Screening for Appropriate Assessment – June 2010

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Bangor Erris Waste Water Discharge Licence Application Attachment F.1

F.1 Assessment of Impact on Receiving Water The discharge point is not located within designated salmonid water (S.I. No. 293/1988 — European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations, 1988.) nor is it designated as nutrient sensitive under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations. The Tullaghan Bay and Bog NHA (Site code 001567) is located approximately 7.2km downstream of the primary discharge point, labelled SW1(P), from the Bangor Erris Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). The Blacksod Bay / Broadhaven Bay Special Protection Area (for birds) (Site Code 004037) is located approximately 8km downstream of Bangor Erris WWTP and primary discharge. The Owenduff / Nephin Complex S.A.C. and proposed N.H.A. (Site Code 000534) also designated as an S.P.A. (Site Code 004098) is located approximately 320m south of the WWTP and discharge point although this site is upstream of the Owenmore River which the WWTP discharges to and is thus not impacted upon. There are no other designated Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas within the vicinity of the WWTP.

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BANGOR ERRIS

WASTEWATER DISCHARGE LICENCE APPLICATION

D0215-01

Screening for Appropriate Assessment

2010

In accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007)

And

Article 6(3) and 6 (4) of the

Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC

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Bangor Erris Wastewater Discharge Licence Application – Screening for Appropriate Assessment

1. INTRODUCTION

Mayo County Council, Aras an Chontae, Castlebar, County Mayo made an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a Waste Water Discharge Licence, for the Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant & Agglomeration, in compliance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007), in February 2009.

Under Part II Schedule 5 (5) of the Wastewater Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007, In considering an application, where it appears to the Agency (i.e. Environmental Protection Agency) that the discharge concerned, or the proposed discharge, as the case may be, is likely to have a significant effect on a European site, either alone or in combination with other operations or activities, the Agency shall cause an assessment to be made of the implications for the site in view of that site’s conservation objectives, and the Agency in deciding on the application shall have regard to the conclusions of the assessment.

The Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant currently discharges into the Owenmore River. There are 2 Natura 2000 sites located within 5km of the primary discharge point from Bangor Erris WWTP. The Carrowmore Lake Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA) and proposed NHA (Site Code 000476/4052) is located approximately 2.1km to the north and upstream of the primary discharge point. The Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC, SPA and pNHA (Site Code 000534/4098) is located approximately 380m (but not downstream of) from the primary discharge point.

In addition, there are a further 3 sites of national importance: the Ederglen Bog NHA (Site Code 002446) is located approximately 4.6m to the north of (but not downstream) of the primary discharge point; the Tullaghan Bay & Bog NHA (Site Code 001567) is located approximately 7.1km downstream of the primary discharge point, and the Bangor Erris Bog NHA (Site Code 001473) is located approximately 3.7km to the south (but not downstream of) of the primary discharge point (see Figure 1.1 below).

This report includes as required:

1. Screening of the proposed plan in order to determine whether an Appropriate Assessment is required.

2. An Appropriate Assessment would evaluate the potential impacts of the Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges on Natura 2000 sites and identify proposals so that adverse effects are avoided. No appropriate assessment was deemed necessary for this project, and all details are provided within the Screening assessment below.

Purpose of Appropriate Assessment

Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC require an Appropriate Assessment of plans to prevent significant adverse effects on Natura 2000 sites.

Article 6(3) Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect there on either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or

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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.

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

The purpose of this assessment is to address the potential impacts of discharges from the Bangor Erris sewerage scheme and associated discharges on the conservation objectives of the Natura 2000 Sites - Carrowmore Lake Complex SAC/SPA/pNHA (Site Code 000476/4052) Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC, SPA and pNHA (Site Code 000534/4098).

The screening/appropriate assessment must determine whether the project is likely to have significant adverse effects on this site either along or in conjunction with other plans and projects in the area and whether these effects will adversely affect the integrity of the site in terms of its nature conservation objectives.

Figure 1.1 - Location Map – Bangor Erris WWTP and associated discharges and adjacent Natura 2000 sites.

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2. APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT - THE PROCESS

According to European Commission Methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EC (2001) and MN2000, the assessment requirements of Article 6 establish a stage-by-stage approach as follows:

Stage 1 - Screening for a likely significant effect: An initial assessment of the project or plans effect on a European site(s). If it cannot be concluded that there will be no significant effect upon a European site, an AA is required;

Stage 2 - Appropriate Assessment: The consideration of the impact on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site of the project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects of plans, with respect to the site’s structure and function and its conservation objectives. Additionally, where there are adverse impacts, an assessment of the potential mitigation of those impacts.

Stage 3 – Assessment of alternative solutions: The process which examines alternative ways of achieving the objectives of the project or plan that avoid adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site:

Stage 4 – Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain: An assessment of compensatory measures where, in the light of an assessment of imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI), it is deemed that the project or plan should proceed.

Each stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. If, for example, the conclusions at the end of Stage One are that there will be no significant impacts on the Natura 2000 site, there is no requirement to proceed further.

The following Assessment has been prepared in consultation with the following documents:

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2008) Circular L8/08. Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments.

EPA (2008) Wastewater Discharge Licensing Appropriate Assessment: Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007).

EC (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC.

EC (2001) 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.

Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC.

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3. STAGE 1 - SCREENING

Screening is the process of deciding whether or not an AA is required for the project or plan. Screening only requires sufficient information to determine if there is a likely significant effect on a Natura 2000 site and does not require the detailed information needed for the AA.

The following Stage 1 Screening was undertaken according to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Circular L8/08 and EC Methodological guidance on the provision of Article 6 (3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/443/EEC. This Screening is used below to ascertain if an AA is required.

3.1 – Description of the Project

The Wastewater discharge application is for the licensing of 1 No. discharge from the existing Sewerage Scheme that serves Bangor Erris agglomeration.

The Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was built in 1995 and has a design capacity of 1080 P.E. The WWTP consists of inlet works with screening and disintegration, followed by secondary aeration and final settlement. The WWTP has one discharge point – SW1P (see Figure 3.1 below) that discharges into the Owenmore River.

The WWTP is designed to treat effluent to a standard of 25mg/l BOD, 125mg/l COD and 35mg/l Suspended Solids. The average volume currently discharged from the WWTP is estimated at 202.5m3/day, 1.4kg/d BOD (7mg/l), 0.4kg/d Suspended Solids (<2mg/l) and 0.01kg/d Total Phosphorus (0.065mg/l). There are no storm water or secondary discharges.

Figure 3.1 – Location of Discharges from WWTP (SW1p)

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3.2 – Description of Natura 2000 Site

Name: Carrowmore Lake Complex SAC/SPA/pNHA (Site Code 000476/4052)

(See Appendix A for site synopses)

The Carrowmore Lake Complex SAC comprises an area of approximately 3648.3ha consisting of two main parts – Carrowmore lake, a large, shallow Oligotrophic/mesotrophic lake, and Largan More Bog, and impressive tract of blanket bog. The Site is designated for two Annex 1 habitats and two Annex II species as follows:

- Blanket Bog (Habitat Code 7130) (approx 61% of the site) – Good representivity of this habitat type;

- Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion (Habitat Code 7150) (approx. 1% of the site) – Good Representativity of this habitat type;

- Yellow Marsh Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) (Species Code 1528) (more than 2% of national population);

- Slender green feather-moss (Drepanocladus vernicosus) (Species Code 1393) (more than 2% of national population).

Carrowmore Lake is also a designated Special Protection Area for birds. Carrowmore Lake is of high ornithological importance on account of the nationally important gull colony and, in the past, the nesting terns. The occurrence of Greenland White-fronted Goose is of note as this species is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive (are as the tern species).

This SAC is located approximately 2.1km to the north and upstream of the primary discharge point. While the key habitats and species for which the SAC is designated are water dependent, it is considered that the Owenmore River, to which the Bangor Erris WWTP discharges, flows in a south to south-westerly direction away from the SAC/SPA and would thus not impact on these species/habitats. The topography of the area (as extracted from OSI 50m contour data) and stream orders also indicate that any impacts from the discharge would occur to the south-west of the discharge (see Figure 3.2 below). Thus, this SAC is not assessed further below.

Name: Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC, SPA and pNHA (Site Code 000534/4098)

(See Appendix A for site synopses)

The Owenduff/Nephin Complex is one of the best and largest examples of intact blanket bog in the country. The range and quality of habitats present here is excellent, and a number of rare and protected plant and animal species occur. The Owenduff River system is the largest in the country which remains virtually free of conifer plantations. The site is a striking wilderness of bog and mountain, a unique landscape which is of international ecological importance, comprising an area of approximately 27064.6 hectares. The site is designated for nine Annex I habitats (including one priority habitat), and four Annex II species as follows:

- Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea (Habitat Code 3130) (approx 1% of the site) - Good representivity of this habitat type;

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- Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds (Habitat Code 3160) (approx 1% of the site) – Excellent representivity of this habitat type;

- Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation (Habitat Code 3260) (approx 2% of the site) – Excellent representivity of this habitat type;

- Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix (Habitat Code 4010) (approx 6% of the site) – Good representivity of this habitat type;

- Alpine and Boreal heaths (Habitat Code 4060) (approx 5% of the site) – Good representivity of this habitat type;

- Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands (Habitat Code 5130) (approx 1% of the site) – Good representivity of this habitat type;

- Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) (Habitat Code 3110) (approx 1% of the site) – Good representivity of this habitat type;

- Blanket Bog (Habitat Code 7130) (approx 50% of the site) – Excellent representivity of this habitat type;

- Transition mires and quaking bogs (Habitat Code 7140) (approx 1% of the site) – Good representivity of this habitat type;

- Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (Species Code 1106) – significant population;

- European Otter (Lutra lutra) (Species Code 1355) – significant population;

- Slender green feather-moss (Drepanocladus vernicosus) (Species code 1393) – greater than 2% of the national population;

- Yellow Marsh Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) (Species Code 1528) - – greater than 15% of the national population.

The Owenduff/Nephin Complex is also a Special Protection Area for birds. Of particular importance is that there are four regularly-occurring species that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive (Greenland White-fronted Goose, Merlin, Peregrine and Golden Plover), as well as a good population of Red Grouse. Much of the site is a National Park.

This site is located approximately 380m (but not downstream of) from the primary discharge point. The river Owenmore drains southwest away from this SAC/SPA, as can be seen by the topography and stream orders in Figure 3.2 below. Thus, it is considered that the discharge from Bangor Erris WWTP would not impact on the species/habitats within this SAC/SPA. However, species contained within this SAC/SPA relevant to the Wildlife Act and Salmonid Waters Regulations are discussed further below under section 3.4.2.

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Figure 3.2 – Topography and water features in study area.

3.3 – Other projects and plans to be considered ‘in combination’.

There have been 47 planning applications submitted since 2004 within the Agglomeration serviced by the Bangor Erris sewerage scheme, 37 of which have been granted planning permission. The majority of these planning applications were for small/single housing developments to be accommodated within the existing WWTP. Two large housing developments (for 42 houses and 19 houses respectively) that obtained planning permission in 2006/2007 have not been constructed, nor are there plans to build these houses. None of the remaining planning applications were for significant projects or plans that would impact on sites of nature conservation importance, or that would have an impact ‘in combination’ with the Bangor Erris WWTP. The WWTP is currently operating under capacity and can accommodate the other smaller planning applications granted, should these be constructed.

There are no EPA licensed facilities within the vicinity of Bangor Erris that would be considered ‘in combination’. There is a Mayo County Council licensed facility (Kiltane Mart Ltd, License Number WP(S)25) which discharges to sewer, that does not need to be considered ‘in combination’.

There is no Local Area Plan for Bangor Erris to be considered ‘in combination’.

Conclusion: There are no projects or plans to be considered in ‘combination’ with the current discharge license application.

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3.4 – Assessment Criteria

3.4.1 – Is the development in or on the boundary of the aforementioned nature conservation sites?

No, the discharge from the Bangor Erris WWTP are not located within any of the aforementioned nature conservation sites (see Figure 1.1).

3.4.2 – Will nationally protected species be directly impacted? Wildlife Acts (1976 and 2000), Flora Protection Order (S.I. 94 of 1999)?

Flora Protection Order Species:

On the basis of NPWS Records, 5 different Flora Protection Order Species have been recorded within 5km of Bangor Erris WWTP and associated discharge. These records are of bog plants (Cladonia ciliate var tenuis, Cladonia portentosa, Saxifraga hirculus, Sphagnum angustifolium and Sphagnum fuscum). Records of these species were all from bog surveys undertaken in the 1980’s, with the exception of one Saxifraga hirculus record from 1995. All records were from the SAC upstream of the WWTP and discharge, with the closest record being 3.5km to the north-east of the primary discharge point. It is considered that the WWTP and associated discharge do not impact on these species.

Wildlife Acts Species:

The NPWS have recorded badger, common frog, irish hare and otter within 5km of Bangor Erris primary discharge point. Two of these species – otter and frog are water dependent species.

The common frog records are from the mid-seventies and are for the 10km grid square rather than for the Owenmore river itself.

Otter were recorded in 2005 on the Owenmore river at Bangor bridge, approximately 700m upstream of the primary discharge point. There are otter records further upstream and downstream, and it is considered that the river provides an important corridor and food source for this species. No evidence of otters were found in the vicinity of the primary discharge point, during a site visit undertaken on the 13th April 2010 as part of this screening assessment.

Otter populations in the area, have the potential to be indirectly impacted from water quality impacts from the WWTP should these affect salmonid fish populations which are an important food source for otter. The Owenmore River at Bangor Erris has been classified by the EPA as Q4 (unpolluted) based on 2008 data. Kick-sampling undertaken on the 13th April 2010 as part of this screening report confirmed a Q-rating of 4 for the River Owenmore both upstream and downstream of the primary discharge point (see Appendix B for plates of study area and Appendix E for key taxonomic groups recorded) with an abundance of macro-invertebrate species present, that would provide a food source for otters, although there was a slightly higher proportion of sensitive taxa upstream of the discharge, most notable large specimens of the stonefly Perlidae. Discharges from the Bangor Erris WWTP are well within the waste assimilative capacity (WAC) of the Owenmore River and it considered that they do not present a risk to water quality and subsequently Annex II species (see Appendix D for WAC calculations).

There are no records of Freshwater pearl mussel or white-clawed crayfish within the Owenmore River catchment (see Appendix C on Consultation). White-clawed crayfish distribution is strongly

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determined by bedrock type, and they generally occur in areas with relatively hard, mineral-rich waters on calcareous and rapidly weathering rocks such as limestone and sandstone (Holdich, 2003; Demers et al., 2005). For NPWS/EPA records of white-clawed crayfish in County Mayo, 81% of records were located on calcareous bedrock, 13% on sandstone bedrock types, with only 6% located on other non-calcareous bedrock types. As seen in Figure 3.2 below, the majority of the Owenmore catchment contains bedrock unsuitable for this species, particularly in the lower catchment although there is a pocket of calcareous rock within the vicinity of Bangor Erris itself that maybe is suitable to support this species. No evidence of crayfish was found during a kick-sample survey undertaken within the vicinity of the discharge point on the 13th April 2010 and it was considered that the highly spate nature of the river and lack of sheltered or shaded habitats makes the river along this section sub-optimal for this species.

Freshwater pearl mussel prefer rivers flowing over non-calcareous rock that have little calcium and are generally low in nutrients (Moorkens, 1999; Skinner & Hastie, 2003) although this is not supported by available data in Mayo. For NPWS records of the species in County Mayo, 43% of pearl mussel records were located on sandstone bedrock, 42% were located on calcareous bedrock, with 16% located on other non-calcareous bedrock types. It is considered that the distribution of this species here is more influenced by other factors. From a site survey undertaken as part of this screening on the 13th April 2010, it was considered that water quality was not sufficient in the vicinity of Bangor Erris (both upstream and downstream of the primary discharge point) to support this species. In addition, the river along this section consists of highly unstable gravel and boulder substrata, variable flows with moderate growths of mosses, Fontanalis sp. and light siltation that are not suitable to support this species. The lack of shading and bank-side vegetation along the river likely leads to fluctuating dissolved oxygen levels and increased potential for bank erosion, are also factors not optimal for supporting freshwater pearl mussel.

There will be no direct impact on nationally protected species that come under the Wildlife Acts.

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Figure 3.3 – General bedrock types in Owenmore Catchment.

3.4.3 – Is the development a surface water discharge or abstraction in the surface water catchment or immediately downstream of a nature conservation site with water dependant qualifying habitats/species?

The WWTP discharges to the Owenmore River. The upper catchment of this river (although not the Owenmore River itself) is located within two SACs containing water dependent habitats as detailed under section 3.2 above. However, the discharge point is not immediately downstream of these conservation sites. As detailed under section 3.2 above, it is considered that the Bangor WWTP discharge does not impact on these water dependent qualifying habitats/species.

3.4.4 – Is the development a groundwater discharge or abstraction in the ground water catchment or within 5km of a nature conservation site with water-dependant qualifying habitats/species?

No.

3.4.5 - Is the development in the surface water or groundwater catchment of salmonid waters?

The Owenmore Catchment is not designated salmonid. The catchment does contain salmonid fish (McGinnity et al., 2003) and is considered an important salmon and trout fishery by the North western regional fishery board (http://www.northwestfisheries.ie/fishing/salmon/carrowmore.htm).

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http://www.northwestfisheries.ie/fishing/salmon/carrowmore.htm


The river is considered a ‘spate river’. The fishery status has been considered as not applicable under the Water Framework Directive River Basin Management Plan and the catchment has been assigned its status on the basis of other parameters.

3.4.6 – Is the treatment plant in an active or former floodplain or flood zone of a river, lake etc.?

The WWTP boundary is located 60m from the Owenmore River. However, site suitability tests carried out by Mayo County Council, prior to the selection of a site for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant examines these aspects. A site is not considered suitable where the site is in an active or former floodplain or flood zone of a river.

There is no flood recorded by the OPW in proximity to the treatment plant in recent years (www.floodmaps.ie). In addition, the 6 inch OSI raster mapping which were revised in the early 1900’s does not show the area in proximity to the WWTP as ‘liable to floods’.

3.4.7 – Is the development of a surface discharge or abstraction to or from marine waters and within 3km of a marine nature conservation site?

No, the nearest marine water is located over 9.6km downstream of the primary discharge point.

3.4.8 –Will the project in combination with other projects (existing and proposed) or changes to such projects affect the hydrology or water levels of sites of nature conservation interest or the habitats of protected species?

No, the WWTP discharge represents only 0.6% of the dry weather flow of the Owenmore River at this point, and 0.3% of the 95 percentile flow of the river. In addition there are no sites of nature conservation interest or habitats of protected species within 7km downstream of the discharge point.

3.4.9 - Conclusion:

It is considered that an Appropriate Assessment is not required.

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http://www.floodmaps.ie/


4. FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS REPORT MATRIX

4.1 – Name of project or plan Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge License Application

4.2 - Name and location of Natura 2000 sites Carrowmore Lake Complex SAC/SPA (Site Code 000476/4052) & Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC/SPA (Site Code 000534/4098)

4.3 - Description of the project or plan As 3.1 above.

4.4 - Is the project or plan directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site (provide details)?

No.

4.5 - Are there other projects or plans that together with the project or plan being assessed could affect the site (provide details)?

No

5. – THE ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS

5.1 - Describe how the project or plan (alone or in combination) is likely to affect the Natura 2000 site.

L8/08 states that if the screening process under section 3 above is to “Assess Impacts” then the project must be referred to the DEHLG Development Applications Unit (DAU).

The Bangor Erris WWTP and associated discharges will not impact on any Natura site.

5.2 - Explain why these effects are not considered significant.

There are no Natura 2000 sites downstream of the WWTP and associated discharges that would be impacted by the sewerage scheme.

5.3 - List of Agencies Consulted: Provide contact name and telephone or e-mail address:

1. Naomi Kingston/ Rebecca Jeffrey, National Parks and Wildlife Service, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

2. Dr Evelyn Moorkens, email: [email protected]

3. John Lucey, EPA, email: [email protected]

5.4 - Response to Consultation

Email correspondence from Dr Evelyn Moorkens, freshwater pearl-mussel expert and John Lucey on crayfish records (see Appendix C). GIS Datasets on known species/habitats distribution obtained from NPWS.

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mailto:[email protected]





DATA COLLECTED TO CARRY OUT THE ASSESSMENT SCREENING

Who carried out the Appropriate Assessment Screening?

Louise Collier, GIS Section, Mayo County Council

Sources of data

Water Framework Directive datasets; Any available data was assessed from the following websites, EPA Hydronet data and web-mapping data, WFD Ireland, Western RBD, National Biodiversity Data Centre, Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government, and National Parks and Wildlife.

See References/Sources of report.

Level of Assessment

Desk top study, site walkover survey by marine/freshwater ecologist (Louise Collier).

Where can the full results of the Assessment Screening be accessed and viewed?

No Appropriate Assessment Required. This Screening can be viewed at Water Services Capital Works Section, Mayo County Council.

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REFERENCES

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2008) Circular L8/08. Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments.

Demers, A., Lucey, J., McGarrigle, M.L. & Reynolds, J.D. (2005). The distribution of the white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, in Ireland. Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, Vol. 105B (2): 65-69.

EC (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC.

EC (2001) 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.

EPA (2008) Wastewater Discharge Licensing Appropriate Assessment: Note on Appropriate Assessments for the purposes of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 684 of 2007).

Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the ‘Habitats Directive’ 92/43/EEC.

Holdich, D. (2003). Ecology of the White-clawed crayfish. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 1. English Nature, Peterborough.

Mayo County Council (2008). Mayo County Development Plan 2008 – 2014. Mayo County Council, Castlebar.

McGinnity, P., Gargan, P., Roche, W., Mills, P. & McGarrigle, M. (2003). Quantification of the Freshwater Salmon Habitat Asset in Ireland using data interpreted in a GIS platform. Irish Freshater Fisheries Ecology and Management Series: Number 3, Central Fisheries Board, Dublin.

Moorkens, E.A., Killeen, I.J., Ross, E. (2007). Margaritifera margaritifera (the freshwater pearl mussel) conservation assessment. Backing Document. A report to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

NPWS (unknown). Owenduff/Nephin Complex cSAC & SPA. National Parks and Wildlife Service Conservation Plan for 2006-2011. Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government.

NPWS (2008). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. Conservation Status in Ireland of Habitats and Species listed in the European Council Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna 92/43/EEC.

NPWS (Unknown). Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) (1106) Conservation Status Assessment Report 1. Supporting material for the ‘Main Results of the Surveillance under Article 11’ for the Annex II species, (Salmo salar L.), Atlantic Salmon, in Ireland.

NPWS (Unknown). Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera (L)) (1029) Conservation Status Assessment Report. NPWS, Dublin.

Skinner, A., Young, M. & Hastie, L. (2003). Ecology of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 2. English Nature, Peterborough.

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APPENDIX A – SITE SYNOPSES FOR SACS/SPAS

SITE NAME: CARROWMORE LAKE SPA (SITE CODE: 004052)

SITE SYNOPSIS

Carrowmore Lake is a large, fairly shallow, oligotrophic/mesotrophic lake, which overlies Dalradian schists and quartzite. The lake generally has a stony bottom and shoreline. Stands of emergent, swamp vegetation occur, especially in sheltered areas. The shallow waters support species such as Common Spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris), Shoreweed (Littorella uniflora), Bulbous Rush (Juncus bulbosus) and Perfoliate Pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus). Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) and Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) are frequent along the shore, with stands of Common Club-rush (Scirpus lacustris) and Common Reed (Phragmites australis). The lake has one substantial island, Derreens Island, and several small islands; these are dominated by a grassy sward. Carrowmore Lake is set in a landscape dominated by blanket bogs.

There is a long established breeding colony of gulls and terns on Derreens Island. Black-headed Gull and Common Gull both nest in numbers of national importance (37 and 59 pairs respectively in 2000), with the latter representing over 5% of the national total. Considerably higher numbers of both of these species have nested in the past. Sandwich Tern formerly had a large nesting population (164 pairs in 1984) but has not nested in at least the last 5 years. The colony is thought to have moved to an island in Broadhaven Bay but birds still regularly visit the lake and nesting may occur again in the future. Arctic Tern has also nested in the past. Mink predation is considered a problem for the nesting gulls and terns.

A population of Greenland White-fronted Goose winters on the surrounding bogs and at times uses the lake for roosting and/or feeding. The number of birds using the site is fairly small, with an average peak of 34 for the five winters 1998/99-2002/03. Small numbers of wildfowl, mostly diving duck such as Pochard (72) and Tufted Duck (90), as well as Mallard (38), Scaup (5), Goldeneye (10), Red-breasted Merganser (4) and Cormorant (12) occur in winter.

Research is required to determine the reason for the declining gull and tern numbers at Derreens Island. The island may need to be managed to optimise the potential nesting habitat. The lake is a Wildfowl Sanctuary so shooting is not an issue.

Carrowmore Lake is of high ornithological importance on account of the nationally important gull colony and, in the past, the nesting terns. The occurrence of Greenland White-fronted Goose is of note as this species is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive (as are the tern species).

6.10.2004

SITE NAME: CARROWMORE LAKE COMPLEX SAC (SITE CODE: 000476)

SITE SYNOPSIS

This site is located north and east of Bangor Erris, in County Mayo. There are two main parts to the site: Carrowmore Lake, a large, shallow oligotrophic/mesotrophic lake, and Largan More Bog, an impressive tract of blanket bog. From an altitude of 6 m at the lake, the site grades upwards in a general south-easterly direction, reaching 199m on Largan More Bog.

Three areas of blanket bog are incorporated into the site: Glenturk, Carrowmore (or Glencullin) and Largan More. Glenturk Bog has a relatively uniform vegetation and Carrowmore Bog is more

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diverse, with quaking lawns formed by bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.), hummocks (including some formed by Sphagnum fuscum), bog pools and an interconnecting pool system. Largan More is the most extensive and interesting, with a fine interconnecting pool system and large areas of typical, intact blanket bog vegetation. Bog pools are a feature of the bog surface, and these are colonised by a range of mosses and higher plants including Lesser Bladderwort (Utricularia minor), White Water-lily (Nymphaea alba), Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) and Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum). Species-rich flush communities occur on streamsides and stream-heads. Sedges (including Carex limosa, C. rostrata, C. lepidocarpa) are abundant in flushes, with a rich variety of calcicole herbs and mosses. Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) occurs in some flushes - this species is uncommon outside the centre of Ireland.

Carrowmore Lake is a large (960ha), shallow lake, with a maximum depth of approximately 2.5m and a generally stony bottom. The lake water is almost neutral in terms of acidity (i.e. pH) and generally rather nutrient-poor. The shallow waters support species such as Common Spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris), Shoreweed (Littorella uniflora), Bulbous Rush (Juncus bulbosus), Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) and Perfoliate Pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus). The shoreline is dominated by Soft Rush (Juncus effusus), Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) and stands of Common Club-rush (Scirpus lacustris) or Common Reed (Phragmites australis). This emergent vegetation grades landward into freshwater marsh and acid wet grassland, backed by blanket bog. Along this transition zone, bushes of Mediterranean Heath (Erica erigena) are prominent. This species is frequent in parts of west Mayo, but rare in west Galway and unknown elsewhere in Ireland.

The rare Marsh Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) occurs at the site. This species is protected under The Flora Protection Act (1987) and is listed under Annex II of the European Habitats Directive. It is confined in its distribution to north-west County Mayo.

The site supports a number of bird species which are of international conservation significance and which are listed on Annex I of the European Birds Directive. In winter, Greenland White-fronted Geese arrive to feed around the lake and in some nearby fields. These birds are a sub-flock of the nationally important Bog of Erris flock. In summer, Merlin and Golden Plover breed on the boglands within the site. An Irish Tern Survey (1984) revealed that Sandwich Tern (164 pairs) and Arctic Tern (18 pairs) formerly bred within the site, and although the terns have not bred in recent years, Derreen's Island still supports a large and important colony of Common Gulls (600 individuals, 1993).

A variety of wildfowl also occur, including Tufted Duck, Pochard and Wigeon. Goosander, a very rare species in Ireland, has been recorded.

Blanket bog in the site is used for grazing cattle and sheep and for turf-cutting, which is largely done by machine. Angling and water abstraction are the main land uses at Carrowmore Lake.

This site is of considerable ecological value, primarily for its extensive, intact blanket bog, which has a typical range of good quality habitats, but also as a site for the very rare Marsh Saxifrage. The north-western part of the site supports a number of Greenland White-fronted Geese, while other important bird species which occur are Golden Plover, Merlin, Sandwich Tern and Arctic Tern.

28.1.1997

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SITE NAME: OWENDUFF/NEPHIN COMPLEX SAC (SITE CODE: 000534)

SITE SYNOPSIS

This large area of relatively intact blanket bog and mountains incorporates the catchment of the Owenduff River and much of the Nephin Beg Mountain range. Lough Feeagh, which is located approximately 5 km north-northwest of Newport Town, lies in the southeast corner of the site. From here, the site extends northwards to the Owenmore River and almost to the town of Bangor Erris, and westwards to the townland of Ballycroy. Within the site, the terrain varies enormously from the peaks of the Nephin Beg Mountains, which reach a maximum altitude of 717m, the land slopes westwards to the floodplain of the Owenduff River. Along its southern and easterly limits, the site is bounded by coniferous plantations and/or the high mountain slopes of the Nephin Begs. Along its northern and western margins, the site is fringed by agricultural land reclaimed from bog or from wet floodplain vegetation.

The site is a candidate SAC selected for blanket bog, a priority habitat on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected as a candidate SAC for alpine heath, wet heath, Juniper scrub, lowland oligotrophic lakes, upland oligotrophic lakes, dystrophic lakes, floating river vegetation and transition mires, all habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected for the following species listed on Annex II of the same directive – Shining Sickle-moss, Marsh Saxifrage, Atlantic Salmon and Otter.

The upper slopes of the mountains carry wet heath and cliff vegetation. Patches of upland grassland are frequent, dominated by Mat-grass (Nardus stricta) and Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris). The presence of small corrie lakes and rock basin lakes adds to the habitat diversity of the mountains.

The lower mountain slopes are covered with blanket bog, with a broad representation of good quality bog habitats occurring. There are continuous tracts of vegetation dominated by Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans) and Deergrass (Scirpus cespitosus). In places, the flat surface is differentiated into an undulating microtopography of hummocks and wet hollows, formed by a variety of Sphagnum moss species, including Sphagnum imbricatum and S. fuscum. Extensive pool systems occur, where large peaty ponds are scattered over the bog. Typically, Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and Common Spike-rush (Eleocharis multicaulis) colonise the pools, and frequently also Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna), Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum) and Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar lutea). Large hummocks lie between the pools, colonised by Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Hare's Tail Cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) and occasionally Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum).

Around the many small streams and flushes which cross the bog, the vegetation is quite different. There is frequently a wet quaking mat of Sphagnum moss (including S. recurvum var. tenue), which is colonised by a range of higher plants, including Bog-sedge (Carex limosa), Marsh Cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris), Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) and Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos). These minerotrophic flushes also contain a rich and varied moss and liverwort flora. The rare moss Homalothecium nitens was been recorded in two flushes on this site. Areas of the transition mire, a habitat that is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, occur in several parts of the site.

Riverbank and streamside flora consists of acid wet grassland. Common species here include Bog Pimpernel (Anagallis tenella), Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) and Common Sedge (Carex igra). The Ivy-leaved Bellflower (Wahlenbergia hederacea) occurs along the banks of the Owenduff

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River. This species is scarce in Ireland and mostly found in the south-eastern and south-western counties.

The mountain tops, cliffs and crags support a high-level rocky vegetation. Quartzites prevail and typically support species-poor vegetation communities. Where outcrops of mica schist occur, a more diverse flora is found. The following arctic-alpine plant species have been recorded from the site: Starry Saxifrage (Saxifraga stellaris), Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea), Mountain Sorrel (Oxyria digyna), Brittle Bladder-fern (Cystopteris fragilis), Purple Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia), Alpine Meadow-rue (Thalictrum alpinum), Alpine Saw-wort (Saussurea alpina), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and Dwarf Willow (Salix herbacea).

Marsh Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) has been recorded in two flushes on this site. This species is protected under the Flora Protection Order (1999), and is one of the rarest flowering plants in Ireland. It is listed in Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. Its decline in Ireland is due to the drainage and exploitation of its peatland habitat. The Rare Bog Orchid (Hammarbya paludosa), a species protected in Ireland under the Flora Protection Order (1999), has also been recorded from the site. Another rare plant, Marsh Clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata) has been recorded on this site. This species is listed in the Red Data Book. Shining Sickle-moss (Drepanocladus vernicosus), a rare moss listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, also occurs on the site (last recorded in 1995).

Greenland White-fronted Geese regularly visit this site in winter. Up until 1990/91 numbers of around 50 geese were recorded. Since that time the flock has been partially displaced to an adjacent sub-flock's range (on the Mullet Peninsula), largely due to winter shooting and increased human disturbance, and now numbers of 12-17 birds are recorded, mostly confined to the area of Lough Feeagh and neighboring Altaconey Bog. Golden Plover breed here in summer, and the area is used as feeding grounds by Merlin which nest in the nearby conifer plantations. These three species are listed in the Red Data Book and are included on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive.

The site provides extensive habitats for Otter, a species that is listed on Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive, as it is threatened within the EU.

The Owenduff River system holds an important population of Atlantic Salmon, a species that is listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Spawning occurs on the Owenduff, the Tarsaghaun River to the east, the Glenadeeghan and the Baunduff/Scardaun, mainly in the upper reaches.

The site is heavily stocked with sheep. Cattle graze the riversides, but sheep penetrate into the uninhabited valleys and mountain slopes. Blanket bogs are sensitive to damage from overgrazing. The cover of Sphagnum mosses is depleted and peat erosion occurs. Damage is currently severe on the slopes west of Lough Feeagh, where it has contributed to a recent decline in the numbers of Greenland Whitefronted Geese which feed there. Peat erosion also threatens water quality in the rivers, which may in turn affect the fish population. Currently, fishing (Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon) is a popular activity on the site and together with game-shooting, attracts significant numbers of tourists to the region.

The Owenduff/Nephin Complex is one of the best and largest examples of intact blanket bog in the country. The range and quality of habitats present here is excellent, and a number of rare and protected plant and animal species occur. The Owenduff River system is the largest in the

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country which remains virtually free of conifer plantations. The site is a striking wilderness of bog and mountain, a unique landscape which is of international ecological importance.

13.12.2005

SITE NAME: OWENDUFF/NEPHIN COMPLEX SPA (SITE CODE: 004098)

SITE SYNOPSIS

This large area of relatively intact blanket bog and mountains incorporates the catchment of the Owenduff River and much of the Nephin Beg Mountain range. Lough Feeagh, which is located approximately 5 km north-northwest of Newport, lies at the south-east corner of the site. From here, the site extends northwards to the Owenmore River and almost to the town of Bangor Erris, and westwards to the townland of Ballycroy. Within the site the terrain varies enormously, from the peaks of the Nephin Beg Mountains, which reach a maximum altitude of 717 m, to the low-lying floodplain of the Owenduff River in the western sector. Along its southern and easterly limits, the site is bounded by coniferous plantations and/or the high mountain slopes of the Nephin Begs. Along its northern and western margins, the site is fringed by agricultural land reclaimed from bog or from wet floodplain vegetation.

The upper slopes of the mountains support wet heath, upland grassland and cliff vegetation. The lower mountain slopes are covered with blanket bog, with a broad representation of good quality bog habitats occurring. There are continuous tracts of vegetation dominated by Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans) and Deergrass (Scirpus cespitosus). In places, the flat surface is differentiated into an undulating microtopography of hummocks and wet hollows, formed by a variety of Sphagnum moss species. Extensive pool systems occur, where large peaty ponds are scattered over the bog. Typically, Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and Common Spike-rush (Eleocharis multicaulis) colonise the pools, as well as such species as Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) and Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar lutea). Large hummocks lie between the pools, colonised by Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Hare’s-tail Cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) and occasionally Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum). Around the many small streams and flushes which cross the bog, the vegetation is frequently a wet quaking mat of Sphagnum moss, which is colonised by a range of higher plants, including Bog-sedge (Carex limosa) and Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos). These minerotrophic flushes also contain a rich and varied moss and liverwort flora. Areas of transition mire occur in parts of the site.

The Owenduff/Nephin Complex SPA supports an excellent diversity of bird species characteristic of blanket bog and mountain habitats. In particular, there are four regularly occurring species that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, i.e. Greenland White-fronted Goose, Merlin, Peregrine and Golden Plover.

Greenland White-fronted Geese regularly visit the site in winter though numbers nowadays are relatively low (average peak of 27 in the winters 1998/99-2002/03; range 17-42). The population is a sub-flock of the main Bog of Erris population (4 other sub-flocks). Eighteen bogland feeding areas, scattered over 200 km2, are known as well as some wet grassland and lake sites. The birds utilise the many small lakes and the open bogland for roosting.

Merlin nests within the site (population conservatively estimated at between 4 and 8 pairs). This small falcon has a preference for heather bog areas, particularly marginal zones between blanket bog and heath/upland grassland. The Merlins hunt small birds, especially Meadow Pipits. The site

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provides prime habitat for Peregrine (three known breeding territories). The high cliffs and crags provide good nesting sites for the birds whilst the extensive boglands provide foraging terrain. Golden Plover breed on the bogs (14 pairs recorded from the site in 2004).

Red Grouse occurs on the bogs throughout the site, particularly where there is a good cover of Heather (Calluna vulgaris), which provides the principal food for the bird. A recent study showed that the species occurs at low densities though the overall population for the SPA is estimated at between 149 and 213 pairs. Red Grouse is considered to be a declining species in Ireland and is a Red List species.

Widespread bird species which occur within the site include Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Wheatear, Raven, Hooded Crow and Kestrel.

Otter occurs frequently within the site, while the Owenduff River holds an important population of Atlantic Salmon - both species are listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive. Irish Hare and Common Frog, both Red Data Book species, are widespread within the site.

The site supports a number of rare plants, notably Marsh Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus), Bog Orchid (Hammarbya paludosa) and Marsh Clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata), all of which are listed in the Red Data Book. Shining Sickle-moss (Drepanocladus vernicosus), a rare moss also occurs. Both Marsh Saxifrage and Shining Sickle-moss are listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive. A good diversity of rare or localised arctic-alpine plant species are found in the rocky vegetation of the mountains, including Starry Saxifrage (Saxifraga stellaris), Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea), Alpine Meadow-rue (Thalictrum alpinum), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and Dwarf Willow (Salix herbacea).

The site is heavily stocked with sheep and in places the bog habitats have been damaged from overgrazing. In the most severe cases, peat erosion occurs and threatens water quality in the rivers. The Greenland White-fronted Goose and Red Grouse populations are particularly sensitive to deterioration in habitat quality.

The Owenduff/Nephin Complex SPA provides one of the best examples of blanket bog and upland bird communities in the country. Of particular importance is that there are four regularly-occurring species that are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive (Greenland White-fronted Goose, Merlin, Peregrine and Golden Plover), as well as a good population of Red Grouse. Much of the site is a National Park.

6.10.2004

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APPENDIX B – PLATES FROM SITE SURVEY (13th APRIL 2010)

Plate 1 – Owenmore River directly upstream of primary discharge point (SW1P).

Plate 2 – Owenmore River facing downstream from primary discharge point (SW1P).

Plate 3 – The stonefly, Perlidae present in fair numbers within the riffle upstream of the primary discharge point.

Plate 4 – Owenmore River upstream of primary discharge point.

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APPENDIX C – CONSULTATION

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From : • Evelyn ~kens [effIOC<~ Sent : Fr; 09/0'1/2010 09:20

To: CoIor l ouise Cc: 5cCJjoct : RE: Pe",<rus~ QOefy

Hi louise,

Sorry forthe delay, I've been away.

No re<:ords to date from the Owenmore. Glad to hear the water quality is high all the same!

Best wishes and hope fully good weather from now on!

from: Collie r louise [ m~ i ~o : kollieri!l' M~yoCoCo."'l

Sent: 30 M~rch 2010 3 :15 To: Eve!yn Moorkens SUbject: RE : Pe~rlmu ssel query Importance: High

Hi Evelyn . How are things with you? Well wi nt er s eems to have retum ed herel

I was just wondering ~ you have any records of fres hwater ""an mussel in th e Ow1>nmore River in County Mayo. I am wori<ing on th e sc reen ing doc um ent for th e discharge licens e a~ icat i on to th e EPA for th e exist ing wastewater discharge at Bangor Ems . I haven't come ac ross any record of it. oot th ought it best to check with you. pa rt ic ulany as water quality is high in this river.

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I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wi s hes. Louise

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From : • John l co:ey [J , lco:e~ , iel Sent : Fr; 16/0'1/20 10 11:02

To: CoIef l ouise Cc: M.Yt.., ~Gan,*

5o..CJjoct : RE: Qoe<y on I¥hite-c~ " ,yfish

Att i>Chrnerts: I!l Croyfish costieb.Y C<~ d.ot" x~ ('19 KB)

Hi lou ise

I am sending as attachment the crayfish r""ords. collected by Martin. which were use<:! for our most r""ent distribution paper. These have grid refs "'you should be able totell which are in Mayo.

We will be updating all our rerords soon and these will be available when we produce the latest distribution for the crayfish.

Best wishes

John

, ,

f rom: Collier louise [m~ i ~o : kollieri!l' M~yoCoCo."'l

Sen t : 12 April 2010 14 :22 To: John It>eey Cc: M~rti n McG~rr;g le

SUbject: Query on wh~e-dllWe<j cr~yfish

Importance: High

Hi Joh nlMart in. I hope all is _ 11 with you. I am ass ist ing W ater s.,"'ces with approp<i ate assessments lor a number 01 d i sc h ~ rge license a~ icat i oo s lor W"WTP s in County Mayo.

I was wondering ~ you haw a record 01 th e locat ioo s where wh ite·d awOO crayfish haw been lound during rout ine EPA mac ro~nwrt eb<at e river sam.- ing surveys? I am current ly pa rt iculany interested in any records from th e Owenmore RNer in Mayo. OOt it would be very usefu l to haw a record olwhere th ey haw been recorded throug hout County Mayo. I haw recerved what"""r data th e NPWS hold on protected spec ies locat ioo s. that inc lude cr~ylis h . OOt I don't kn ow ~ yoo upd iite th em with yoor rK()I"ds ? A loog t ime ago. wh en I wor\(ed in Atkins in Cor\(. I recerved a spreadsheet from you (wh ich I no longer haw) 01 c rayfish locat ion s. ~ you st ill haw som eth ing li ke th is th at you could give me. I would be very grateful.

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I look forward to hea ring from you soon. Please do not hes itate to contact me ~ you haw any queri es .

Best wi shes . Louise Colli er

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APPENDIX D – WASTE ASSIMILATIVE CAPACITY (WAC) CALCULATIONS

Dilution Rate:

No. Dilutions = Flow in receiving water (m3/d) / WWTP discharge volume (m3/d) =34560/ 202.5 = 170.7 (Dilution Rate for WWTP)

WAC Calculation:

WAC (kg/d) = (Cmax-Cback) * F95 (m3/s) * 86.4

Where Cmax = max permissible concentration in receiving water (based on achieving ‘good status’ under the EC Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009).

Cback = background (upstream) concentration (mg/l)

F95 = 95% flow in receiving river (m3/s)

WAC for BOD = (2.6-1) * 0.8 * 86.4 = 110.6 kg/day BOD

(Using ‘Good Status’ for Cmax and results of aSW1u sample for Cback)

WAC for Suspended Solids = (25-2) * 0.8 * 86.4 = 1589.8kg/d SS

(Using Salmonid Regulations for Cmax and results for aSW1u sample for Cback)

WAC for Ortho-phosphorus = (0.075-0.01)*0.8 * 86.4 = 4.49kg/d Ortho-phosphorus

(Using ‘Good Status’ 95%ile for Cmax, results for aSW1u sample for Cback and 95%ile flow in receiving water)

WAC for Ammonia = (0.14-0.025) * 0.8 * 86.4 = 7.9 kg/d Ammonia

(Using ‘Good Status’ for Cmax and results for aSW1u sample for Cback)

Loadings from WWTP:

Loading (kg/d) = {discharge concentration (mg/l) x discharge flow (m3/d)} / 1000

Where discharge concentrations are based on maximum concentrations provided in Table D.1 (i) of the discharge license application and flows are based on dry weather flow (dwf) included in section C.1.2 of the discharge license application.

WWTP BOD loading = (7*202.5)/1000 = 1.4kg/day BOD (within WAC)

WWTP SS loading = (2*202.5)/1000 = 0.4kg/day SS (within WAC)

WWTP Orthophosphorus loading = (0.01*202.5)/1000 = 0.002kg/day Ortho-P (within WAC)

WWTP Ammonia loading = (0.04*202.5)/1000 = 0.01 kg/day Ammonia (within WAC)

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APPENDIX E – MACROINVERTEBRATE SURVEY DATA

Taxonomic Group Site 1 – Upstream of SW1P

Site 2 – Downstream of SW1P

Sensitivity to Organic Pollution

Group*

Plecoptera

Leuctra sp. Common Common B

Perlidae Fair Numbers Absent A

Ephemeroptera

Heptageniidae Fair Numbers Fair Numbers A

Baetis rhondani Small Numbers Numerous C

Trichoptera

Cased spp. Common Fair Numbers B

Uncased spp. Fair Numbers Common C

Coleoptera Absent Small Numbers C

Diptera

Chironomidae Small Numbers Small Numbers C

Simuliidae Small Numbers Small Numbers C

Hydracarnia Small Numbers Absent C

Crustacea

Gammarus sp. Absent Small Numbers C

Gastropoda

Potamopgyrus sp. Small Numbers Small Numbers C

Ancylus fluviatilis Small Numbers Fair Numbers C

Additional Key Criteria

Cladophera sp. None None

Macrophytes Normal growth (predominantly

mosses Fontanalis sp.)

Normal growth (predominantly

mosses Fontanalis sp.)

Siltation Light Light

Q-Rating Q4 (unpolluted) Q4 (unpolluted)

* Group A = Sensitive; Group B = Less Sensitive; Group C = Tolerant; Group D = Very Tolerant; Group E = Most Tolerant.

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MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL

BANGOR ERRIS


APPLICATION


ATTACHMENT G.1

Compliance with Council Directives – Revised June 2010

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Bangor Erris Waste Water Discharge Licence Application Attachment G.1

G.1 Compliance with Council Directives Bangor Erris waste water treatment plant and agglomeration were planned and designed in such a way that the emissions from the agglomeration would comply with / not result in the contravention of all relevant Council Directives. All upgrades, expansions and improvements to Bangor Erris wastewater treatment plant (WwTP) and agglomerations in the future will ensure that the emissions from the agglomeration would comply with/not result in the contravention of the;

Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC Groundwater Directive 80/68/EEC & 2006/118/EC Dangerous Substance Directive 2006/11/EC Birds Directive 79/409/EEC Drinking Water Directive 80/778/EEC Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC Shellfish Directive 79/923/EEC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC Environmental Liabilities Directive 2004/35/EC Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC

Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations, 2003-2008 A draft Plan for the Western River Basin District has been adopted by Mayo County Council April 2010. Mayo County Council will pay regard to this Plan in its management of Bangor Erris WWTP. Groundwater Directive 80/68/EEC & 2006/118/EC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the Protection of Groundwater Regulations, 1999 (S.I. No. 41 of 1999) There are no drinking water abstraction points downstream of the Bangor Erris WWTP discharge point.

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Dangerous Substances Directive 2006/11/EC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the Water Quality (Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 12 of 2001) Pesticides and Solvents Substances standards and Metal and other Substances standards, listed in the Standards Schedule of the Regulations apply to substances in a water body. The discharge from Bangor Erris WwTP was monitored for all these substances as part of the wastewater discharge licence application and results in Table 1 below, indicate that levels are below those acceptable in a water body.

Name Bangor Erris Bangor

Erris Location DOWNSTREAM UPSTREAMSampleDate 01/12/2008 01/12/2008 Unit Standard Atrazine ug/l 1 <0.4 <0.04 Dichloromethane ug/l 10 <1 <1 Simazine ug/l 1 <0.04 <0.04 Toluene ug/l 10 <1 <1 Tributyltin (tidal) ug/l 0.001 <0.02 =0.1 Xylenes ug/l 10 <1 <1 CaCO3 mg/l <10* <=100 >100 Arsenic ug/l 25 25 <0.5 <0.5 Chromium ug/l 5 30 <0.5 <0.5 Copper ug/l 5 30 <1 <1 Cyanide ug/l 10 10 <100** <100** Fluoride ug/l 500 500 <100 <100 Lead ug/l 5 10 <0.5 <0.5 Nickel ug/l 8 50 <0.5 <0.5 Zinc ug/l 8 50 100 <5 <5 Total Hardness mg/l 32.2 31.4 * Zinc only ** Limit of quantification too high

Table 1 Dangerous Substances compliance details

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Birds Directive 79/409/EEC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Conservation of Wild Birds) Regulations, 1999-2006 The Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant currently discharges into the Owenmore River. There are 2 Natura 2000 sites located within 5km of the primary discharge point from Bangor Erris WWTP. The Carrowmore Lake Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA) and proposed NHA (Site Code 000476/4052) is located approximately 2.1km to the north and upstream of the primary discharge point. The Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC, SPA and pNHA (Site Code 000534/4098) is located approximately 380m (but not downstream of) from the primary discharge point. An Appropriate Assessment screening was carried out to assess whether or not a full Appropriate Assessment would be required, in order to evaluate the potential impacts of the Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges, on the conservation objectives of the nearby Natura 2000 sites, and identify proposals so that adverse effects are avoided. No appropriate assessment was deemed necessary for this project, and all details are provided within the Screening document, located in Attachment F.1. Drinking Water Directive 80/778/EEC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No.2) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 278 of 2007) There are no downstream drinking water abstraction points of the Bangor Erris wastewater treatment plant and agglomeration. Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the as transposed into Irish Law by Bathing Water Quality Regulations, 2008 (S.I. No. 79 of 2008) There are no designated Bathing Waters in proximity to the Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant and agglomeration.

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Shellfish Directive 79/923/EEC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 268 of 2006) There are no designated shellfish waters in proximity to the Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant and agglomeration. Urban Waste Water Directive91/271/EEC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001) Bangor Erris wastewater treatment plant discharges directly to the Owenmore River. This River is not listed as sensitive in accordance with the Third Schedule of the Regulations. Table 2 below shows the parameters measured in compliance with the parametric limits set in the Regulations.

Bangor Erris WWTP Outflow Results 2008/2009

Date of Sampling

BOD (mg/l)

COD (mg/l)

Suspended Solids (mg/l)

01/12/2008 7 30 <2 26/02/2009 2 74 15 09/03/2009 4 17 2 20/04/2009 2 32 2 23/09/2009 3 30 2 30/10/2009 14 56 2 17/12/2009 2 62 10

Table 2. Urban Wastewater Compliance Results 2008 & 2009 Other provisions of the Regulations in relation to collection systems and treatment are adhered too. Environmental Liabilities Directive 2004/35/EEC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the as transposed into Irish Law by the European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 547 of 2008). All upgrades, expansions and improvements to Bangor Erris Waste Water Treatment Plant and agglomerations in the future, will ensure that the emissions from the agglomeration would not result in the contravention of these Regulations.

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Habitat’s Directive 92/43/EEC This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997-2005 The Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant currently discharges into the Owenmore River. There are 2 Natura 2000 sites located within 5km of the primary discharge point from Bangor Erris WWTP. The Carrowmore Lake Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA) and proposed NHA (Site Code 000476/4052) is located approximately 2.1km to the north and upstream of the primary discharge point. The Owenduff/Nephin Complex SAC, SPA and pNHA (Site Code 000534/4098) is located approximately 380m (but not downstream of) from the primary discharge point. An Appropriate Assessment screening was carried out to assess whether or not a full Appropriate Assessment would be required, in order to evaluate the potential impacts of the Bangor Erris Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges, on the conservation objectives of the nearby Natura 2000 sites, and identify proposals so that adverse effects are avoided. No appropriate assessment was deemed necessary for this project, and all details are provided within the Screening document, located in Attachment F.1.

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