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Administration,

Environmental Licensing Programme,

Office of Climate, Licensing·{!. Resource Use, Environmental Protection Agency,

Headquarters, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford

3rdMarch, 2011

Reg No A0314-01

Sligo Co Council (Aclare& Environs) Reg 25(c)(ii) Reply 1

Rec'd 04/03/2011 Original

I 04 MAR 2011

Re: Further Information for Certificates of Authorisation for Waste Water Discharges with a P.E. of less than 500-Register Numbers; A0314-01, A0318-01, A0311-01, A0350·01, A0317·01, A0316.01, A0313-01, A0312-01, A0347·01, A031 0-01, A0353-01

Dear Inspector,

In accordance with Regulations 24 and 25 of the Wastewater Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 please find enolosed the additional information requested in your correspondence of 14thDecember 2010 for the following agglomerations;

Agglomeration Register No.

Aclare & Environs A0314-01 Ballinaoarrow& Environs A0318-01 Ballinafad&Environs A0311-01 Cloonaoool& Environs A0350-01 Culfadda& Environs A0317-01 Curry & Environs A0316-01 DromoreWest&Environs A0313-01 Geevagh& EnVirons A0312-61 Monasteraden& Environs ,4,034704 Rockfield& Environs ,A.O~10 01 Drumcliff& Environs A036d O~

f\o~4-1--0\

A,63\O"'O\

~O'()~6-0\

AO;:S12-0}

.sligo.ie

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One original and one copy is provided for each agglomeration as Well as one copy in electro[1ic.se<::l,tchablePDF format on CD-ROM:

Revised Non- Technical summaries are not necessary.

Please contact the undersigned if you require any further information or documentation

Yours sincerely,

frf2:. jI.i!oct!£ax

Noel Haran,

A/Senior Executive Engineer, Sligo County Council

sligo.ie

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Comhairle Chontae Shligigh

Sligo County Council

March 2011

Wastewater Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (SI No. 684 of 2007) Regulation 24 Compliance Requirements

Aclare & Environs (A0314-01)

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DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

Client Sligo County Council

Project Title Aclare and Environs Wastewater Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007 - Licence Application

Document Title Habitats Directive Article 6 - Appropriate Assessment Screening Report Document No. MGW0144RP0002

DCS TOC Text List of Tables List of Figures No. of Appendices This Document

Comprises

1 1 17 1 1 6

Rev. Status Author(s) Reviewed By Approved By Office of Origin Issue Date F01 Final M. Walsh/ J.

Hamilton P. Kearney PJ Griffin Galway 03/03/11

Aclare and Environs

Wastewater Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007

Licence Application

Habitats Directive Article 6 - Appropriate Assessment Screening Report

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ... 1

2 METHODOLOGY ... 3

3 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING ... 4

3.1 STEP 1:MANAGEMENT OF THE SITE... 4

3.2 STEP 2:DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT OR PLAN... 4

3.3 STEP 3:CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE... 8

3.4 STEP 4:ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE... 11

3.4.1 Screening protocol in line with DEHLG Circular letter L8/08 ... 11

4 CONCLUSION ... 17

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Location of Aclare WWTP relative to the River Moy cSAC... 1

Figure 2.1 Four Stages of Appropriate Assessment ... 3

Figure 3.1 Flow Diagram for Screening Water Services Infrastructure Projects ... 11

APPENDICES

Appendix A Potential In-Combination Effects of Other Plans and Projects Appendix B WWTP Site Layout Drawing and Locations of Sampling Points

Appendix C Waste Assimilative Capacity (WAC) Calculations for the Eighnagh River

Appendix D Environmental Monitoring Results

Appendix E Natura 2000 Site Synopsis – National Parks and Wildlife Service

Appendix F Map from the Moy Water Management Unit Action Plan Showing Status of River Water Bodies and Locations of Discharge Points along its length

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1 INTRODUCTION

Sligo County Council submitted the Aclare and Environs Wastewater Discharge Licence Application to the EPA on the 21st December 2009 (ref. No. A0314-01) in accordance with the requirements of the Wastewater Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 (SI 684, 2007).

The Aclare Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is located in the townland of Carn on the periphery of Aclare village. Treated effluent is currently discharged to the Eignagh River which is a tributary of the Moy River and an integral part of River Moy candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC Site Code 002298). Refer to Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1 Location of Aclare WWTP relative to the River Moy cSAC For inspection purposes only.

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On the 14th December 2010 the EPA issued Sligo County Council with a Regulation 25 (c) (ii) to supply additional information in relation to this application as follows:

RPS has been commissioned by Sligo County Council to prepare an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report in response to the above. The assessment was conducted in line with the following:

• The Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Article 6(3),

• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities (DOEHLG 2009, rev 2010),

• Waste Water Discharge Licensing- Appropriate Assessment , EPA , 2009,

• Circular Letter L8/08: Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes – Protection of Natural Heritage and National Monuments, Water Services, September 2008, and

• 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, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg (EC, 2002).

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2 METHODOLOGY

The Appropriate Assessment process potentially consists of four stages which are shown in Figure 2.1. Stages 1-2 deal with the main requirements for assessment under Article 6(3). Stage 3 may be part of the Article 6(3) Assessment or may be a necessary precursor to Stage 4. Stage 4 is the main derogation step of Article 6(4).

Figure 2.1 Four Stages of Appropriate Assessment

Screening is the process that addresses and records the reasoning and conclusions in relation to the first two tests of Article 6(3):

(i) whether a plan or project is directly connected to or necessary for the management of the site, and

(ii) whether a plan or project, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, is likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site in view of its conservation objectives.

If the effects are deemed to be significant, potentially significant, or uncertain, or if the screening process becomes overly complicated, then the process must proceed to Stage 2 (AA). Screening should be undertaken without the inclusion of mitigation, unless potential impacts clearly can be avoided through the modification or redesign of the plan or project, in which case the screening process is repeated on the altered plan. The greatest level of evidence and justification will be needed in circumstances when the process ends at screening stage on grounds of no impact. This report fulfils the information necessary to enable the appropriate authority to screen the proposed development for the requirement to prepare an Appropriate Assessment.

The structure of this assessment follows the methodology as recommended in the EPA guidance note:

Waste Water Discharge Licensing – Appropriate Assessment (2009) using the following format:

Stage 1 – Screening

- Step 1: Management of the Site

- Step 2: Description of the Project or Plan - Step 3: Characteristics of the Site - Step 4: Assessment of Significance

The following section addresses each of these stages of the Screening process individually.

Note: Consideration for the in-combination effects of other Plans and Projects must also be considered as part of the Appropriate Assessment Screening process. A list of those Plans and Projects relevant to this screening report are set out in Appendix A. These plans and projects are referred to and discussed within the text.

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3 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT SCREENING

3.1 STEP 1: MANAGEMENT OF THE SITE

The Aclare wastewater discharge licence is not considered necessary to the successful management of the River Moy cSAC.

3.2 STEP 2: DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT OR PLAN

The characteristics of the Aclare and Enivrons Wastewater Treatment Plant discharge are outlined in the table below.

STEP 2 – DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT OR PLAN

Location The Aclare WWTP is located in the townland of Carn on the periphery of the Aclare village, approximately 50m due east of the Eignagh River.

Description of the key components of the project

The Aclare WWTP involves Primary, Secondary and Tertiary (removal of Phosphorus and Nitrogen) Treatment. The WWTP consists of the following:

• An inlet basket strainer; for the removal of larger impurities.

• An inlet pump sump.

• Fine automatic screening.

• An inlet coarse bar screen for screen bypass.

• Inlet sump overflow for excessive storm water volumes.

• Inlet flow monitoring.

• A flow splitter chamber to allow distribution of incoming flows to the WWTP.

• De-nitrification / anoxic tank with mechanical mixing.

• An aeration tank with fine bubble mixing and sludge re-circulation to anoxic tank.

• Clarification and excess activated sludge pumping to sludge holding tank.

• Sludge thickening / holding tank with supernatant return pumping.

• Ferrous Sulphate dosing to aeration tank and sludge holding tank for phosphorous removal.

• A final effluent sampling chamber for effluent sampling.

• Outlet flow measurement and sampling prior to discharge of the final effluent to the Eignagh River via a 225mm pipe.

Appendix B shows the layout of the WWTP.

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The plant was constructed to cater for a design loading from a population equivalent of 750 in 2006, and is currently treating the effluent from a population equivalent of approximately 244. The current wastewater load is comprised of domestic, industrial and commercial loadings. The plant was designed for a maximum BOD loading of 45kg/day. This was based on a typical BOD loading of 0.06kg/PE/day.

Treated effluent is discharged from the works via a 225mm outlet pipe to the Eignagh River on the south-west of the WWTP. At present the quantity of treated effluent that is discharged from the Aclare WWTP is 54.90m3/day (0.00064m3/sec). Calculations of the Waste Assimilative Capacity of the River are included as Appendix C to this report.

The Aclare Collection System / WWTP contains one stormwater overflow which discharges at the same point as the final effluent. The stormwater overflow operates when the inlet pumps are not capable of pumping all of the inflowing wastewater; the water level rises to 1.5m from the bottom of the pump sump when flows in excess of 3DWF enter the inlet sump and overflows directly to the outfall. It shares a common outfall with final effluent from the treatment plant.

Currently the WWTP is operated by EPS under an O&M contract and is visited approximately 3 times a week to ensure that it is operating satisfactorily.

The Aclare WWTP was constructed as a DB Contract and was designed to achieve a BOD and TSS concentration of 10mg/l and 10mg/l respectively. However prior to tender of Operation and Maintenance phase the discharge standards were reviewed by Sligo County Council and it was deemed from assimilative capacity calculations that a discharge standard of 25mg/l for BOD and 35mg/l for TSS was sufficient. Therefore the Operation and Maintenance phase of the contract was awarded based on these standards.

The final effluent standards for the Aclare WWTP under the UWWT Regs are given in the table below:

Parameter Unit Aclare WWTP Design Standards

Aclare O&M Standards

Standard*** Reference

BOD mg/l 10 25 25 UWWT Regs, 2001

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

mg/l 10 25 35 UWWT Regs, 2001

Nitrogen/Ammonia mg/l 5* 5 15** UWWT Regs, 2001

Total Phosphorus mg/l 0.9 2* 2 UWWT Regs, 2001

COD mg/l - - 125 UWWT Regs, 2001

*This is the Free Ammonia (as N) as stated in the Contract Documents

**This the Total Nitrogen standard as per the Urban wastewater treatment Regulations, 2001

***UWWT Regulations require “appropriate treatment” for a PE<2000. The above standards are used for comparative purposes.

An environmental monitoring programme is in place at the Aclare WWTP. Sampling of the treated effluent is carried out prior to discharge to the receiving water, within the WWTP site. Sampling has also been carried out upstream and

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downstream of the discharge point. The locations of these sampling points are shown on the Site Layout Map in Appendix B.

Environmental Monitoring Results – Effluent

Effluent monitoring results are provided in full in Appendix D. The average value recorded for BOD exceeded the standard limit (BOD had an average value of 55.00mg/l exceeding the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations standard limit of 25mg/l). Similarly the average value recorded for TSS exceeded the standard limit (TSS had an average value of 98.23mg/l exceeding the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations standard limit of 35mg/l). It was determined that the exceedances in BOD and TSS were as a result of the sampling point being downstream of the point where the Storm overflow joins the treated effluent. This sampling point has recently been changed to a point further upstream which has resulted in significantly better results for TSS and BOD. 2010 results for the effluent were in compliance.

On the one occasion it was sampled for, the level of Total Nitrogen exceeded the standard limit (Total Nitrogen had an average value of 33mg/l exceeding the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations standard limit of 15mg/l).

On the one occasion that sampling was carried out for dangerous substances in the WWTP discharge a level of <1ug/l Cadmium was recorded in effluent from the WWTP which may be outside the required Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) limit of 0.45ug/l as stated in the Surface Waters Regulations, 2009 for “inland surface waters”. Similarly a level of

<0.2ug/l Mercury was recorded in the effluent from the WWTP which may be outside the required MAC limit of 0.07ug/l as stated in the Surface Waters Regulations, 2009 for “inland surface waters”. However due to the limits of quantitation it is unclear if the levels of Cadmium and Mercury exceed the maximum levels.

Comparison of Effluent Standards with the Assimilative Capacity of the Eignagh River:

It has been determined that the Waste Assimilative Capacity (WAC) of the Eignagh River (detailed in Appendix C) is sufficient to absorb the discharge at the current operating standards. The Allowable Concentration of BOD was calculated as 136.34 mg/l. The levels of BOD measured in the discharge were found to be well within this limit. The Allowable Concentration of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) was calculated as 68.17mg/l. Within the last four sampling occasions (carried out between 30/10/08 and 09/11/09), this limit was exceeded only once.

Environmental Monitoring Results – Receiving Waters (the Eignagh River)

Results of water quality monitoring carried out by BHP on behalf of Sligo County Council are provided in Appendix D. The receiving water is not a designated Salmonid River, and so standards are instead taken from the Surface Water Regulations, 2009; however some guidance is taken from the Salmonid Waters Regulations for Suspended Solids concentrations in the river. These results are from samples taken 170 meters upstream and 111 meters downstream of the primary discharge point from the Wastewater Treatment Plant. These results were compared with the Surface Waters Regulations, 2009, and are discussed below.

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• The level for BOD was equal at both the upstream and downstream discharge points, at 3.0mg/l. This exceeds the Surface Waters Regulations standard of 2.2mg/l. However, as there is no change in the concentration of this parameter from upstream of the WWTP discharge point to downstream, it is apparent that the discharge is not having a significant impact in this respect.

• The level for Orthophosphate exceeded the relevant standard of 0.025mg/l both upstream and downstream of the discharge, with a level of 0.07 recorded at the upstream location and 1.15mg/l recorded at the downstream sampling point. Despite this increase from upstream to downstream, it is not assumed that the discharge is affecting this level, as levels for parameter are well within the standard limits in the treated effluent being discharged to the water.

• The level of Total Suspended Solids exceeded the relevant standard of 25mg/l upstream, but not downstream of the discharge point, indicating that the discharge from the WWTP is not having an impact in this regard, despite the exceedances of TSS recorded in the treated effluent being discharged to the water body.

• The level for Total Ammonia was compliant with the relevant standard of 0.09 both upstream and downstream of the discharge point, with a significantly lower level recorded downstream of the discharge than upstream (<0.01mg/

recorded downstream compared to 0.05mg/l upstream), indicating that the discharge is not having an impact in this respect, despite the exceedance in Total Nitrogen recorded in the treated effluent. This indicates that the WWTP discharge is not having an impact in this respect.

• A level of 6ug/l Copper was recorded downstream of the discharge point. This exceeds the relevant standard of 5ug/l (the Average Annual limit set out in the Surface Waters Regulations, 2009). However, a level of <1 ug/l Copper was recorded in the treated effluent, indicating that the discharge is not affecting this level.

• The limit of quantitation for Cadmium and Mercury is 1ug/l and 0.2ug/l respectively therefore it is unclear if the levels of Cadmium and Mercury exceed the maximum levels.

• 2010 results

These results are discussed further in Step 4: Assessment of Significance.

Distance from designated site The Aclare WWTP is located immediately adjacent to the River Moy cSAC and discharges to the Eignagh River which forms part of the River Moy cSAC.

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3.3 STEP 3: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE

STEP 3 – CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE

Site Name River Moy candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC)

Site Code 002298

Site Description The River Moy cSAC is a Natura 2000 site1 and is designated under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. It is a very important freshwater system and the site comprises almost the entire freshwater element of the River Moy and associated tributaries including Lough Conn and Cullin. The system drains a catchment area of 805 km2.

The NPWS site synopsis for the River Moy SAC is included in full as Appendix E to this report.

Qualifying Features The Qualifying Features of a designated site include the Habitats listed in Annex I and the Species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive for which an cSAC must be designated by member states. The qualifying features of the River Moy cSAC are listed below.

Qualifying Habitats of the River Moy cSAC (Site Code 002298)

Habitat Type (Annex I of the Habitats Directive) Habitat Code

Active Raised Bog 7110

Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration 7120 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion 7150 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles 91A0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion

incanae, Salicion albae)

91E0

Qualifying Species of the River Moy cSAC (Site Code 002298)

Species Type Species Code

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) 1106 Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) 1095 Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri) 1096

Otter (Lutra lutra) 1355 White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) 1092

1 The Natura 2000 Network is a network of important ecological sites across the European Union. It is comprised of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservations (SACs).

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Threats and Impacts Threats and impacts on Annex I Habitats of the River Moy cSAC Habitat Type (Annex I of the Habitats

Directive)

Main Threats and Impacts Active Raised Bog Peat Cutting, Grazing, Burning.

Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration

Peat cutting; drainage and burning; afforestation; invasive species;

grazing; dumping; fertilisation; restructuring agricultural land;

communication routes; cultivation; mowing/cutting; modification of inland water structures; sand and gravel extraction.

Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion

Maintaining the extent, species richness and biodiversity of the entire site.

Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in British Isles

Internal effects include inappropriate grazing levels and invasive species, whereas external threats include clearance for agriculture or felling for timber

Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)

Internal effects include inappropriate grazing levels and invasive species, whereas external threats include clearance for agriculture or felling for timber

Threats and impacts on Annex II Species of the River Moy cSAC

Species Type Main Threats and Impacts

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Fish passages, water pollution (including discharges), commercial fishing, invasive species, forestry and farming.

Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Fish passages, water pollution (including discharges), commercial fishing, invasive species, forestry and farming.

Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri) Fish passages, water pollution (including discharges), commercial fishing, invasive species, forestry and farming.

Otter (Lutra lutra) Use of pesticides, fertilization, hunting, trapping, poisoning, water pollution, infilling of ditches, dykes, ponds, pools, marshes or pits, management of aquatic and bank vegetation for drainage purposes, removal of sediments, canalization or modifying structures of inland water course.

White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes)

Water pollution, invasive species, forestry and farming.

Conservation Objectives In the absence of a NPWS management plan for the site to date, the following general conservation objectives are set out for the River Moy SAC:

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Objective 1: To maintain and where possible enhance the Annex I habitats for which the cSAC has been designated under the Habitats Directive, namely: Alluvial forests, Active Raised Bog, Degraded raised bogs, Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion and Old sessile oak woods.

Objective 2: To maintain the Annex II species for which the cSAC has been designated under the Habitats Directive, namely: the Atlantic Salmon, the Sea Lamprey, the Brook Lamprey, the Otter and the White-clawed Crayfish.

Objective 3: To initiate and maintain effective liaison between NPWS, relevant authorities, landowners and any other interested parties regarding conservation of the site.

Strategies to Achieve Objectives

• Maintain and monitor a favourable water quality status,

• Regulate and monitor where possible the activities relating to the main threats and impacts as set out in the tables above.

• Initiate and maintain communication and consultation between all relevant stakeholders of the River Moy SAC.

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3.4 STEP 4: ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

This Step follows the following guidelines on Appropriate Assessment:

• 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, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg (EC, 2002), and

• Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland Guidance for Planning Authorities (DOEHLG 2009, rev 2010).

3.4.1 Screening protocol in line with DEHLG Circular letter L8/08

Below is a flow diagram for screening water services infrastructure projects. This diagram is taken from Appendix I of the Water Services Schemes, Natural Heritage Checklist (Circular L8/08, DEHLG).

Figure 3.1 Flow Diagram for Screening Water Services Infrastructure Projects For inspection purposes only.

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The answers to the questions in the flow chart are as follows;

Question 1 - Answer = Yes: The Aclare WWTP discharges directly to the River Moy cSAC.

Overall Conclusion: Assess Impacts

The conclusion of the screening protocol is to “ASSESS IMPACTS”. The following Screening Matrix in line with EU Commission Guidance assesses in detail, the potential impacts of the proposed development.

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ASSESSMENT CRITERIA – SCREENING MATRIX

Describe the individual elements of the project (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) likely to give rise to impacts on theRiver Moy cSAC.

Aclare Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge:

The Aclare WWTP discharges to the Eignagh River which forms part of the River Moy cSAC. Potential impacts of this discharge are:

• Eutrophication due to discharge of Phosphorus and Nitrogen. The primary effect of eutrophication is to stimulate algal growth. Excess algal growth can create problems by de-oxygenating the water and killing fish and invertebrates. Nitrogen is mainly limiting only in marine environments but it can have some effect in freshwater.

• Contamination of the entire aquatic food chain with a variety of pollutants in particular heavy metals. Heavy metals can bio-accumulate in plants and invertebrates and can be toxic to fish.

These potential impacts could lead to a general impoverishment of aquatic flora and fauna and the depletion of Salmonid fish from some or all of the River Moy downstream of the WWTP.

Other Discharges to the River Moy cSAC in the vicinity of the Aclare WWTP:

The Moy Water Management Unit Action Plan provides information on point source discharges within the River Moy Catchment. A map showing the locations of point source discharges along the River Moy is given in Appendix F. Other local authority WWTPs discharging to the River Moy catchment in the vicinity of Aclare WWTPs include Cloonacool WWTP, Curry and Environs WWTP and Tobercurry WWTP.

The Moy Water Management Unit Action Plan lists 14,144 on-site wastewater treatment systems (OSWTSs) also discharging to the River Moy catchment. Of these, 555 constitute a risk to freshwater systems, because of where they are sited.

The combined effect of these discharges may be having an impact on the River Moy cSAC.

However, the Moy Water Management Unit Action Plan states that the Eignagh River is of High Status and that sufficient capacity exists at the Aclare WWTP, indicating that the discharge is not having a significant negative effect, in combination with these other discharges.

Describe any likely direct, indirect or secondary impacts of the project on the River Moy cSAC by virtue of:

Size and Scale - The plant was constructed to cater for a design loading from a population equivalent of 750 in 2006, and is currently treating the effluent from a population equivalent of approximately 244. This is therefore a relatively small WWTP. However, the discharge may still be affecting the River Moy cSAC. This potential impact is discussed in relation Emissions below.

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Land-Take

No construction works are to take place, and so there will be no impacts in this regard.

Distance from Natura 2000 site or key features of the site

The WWTP is located adjacent to the River Moy cSAC, and discharges directly to the Eignagh River, which forms part of the River Moy cSAC, and so there may be potential impacts in this regard, i.e. contamination of the aquatic environment as a result of the WWTP discharge (see details below – Emissions).

The Eignagh River is not known to be a salmonid river, and so it is unlikely that Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), one of the qualifying interests of the cSAC, is present within this waterbody.

Resource Requirements

No impacts are expected in this regard, as no construction works are to take place, and there will be no increase in water abstraction.

Emissions

The WWTP discharges directly to the Eignagh River which forms part of the River Moy cSAC. However, it is not expected that the discharge is having an impact on the receiving waters, as:

• The waste assimilative capacity (WAC) of the Eignagh River was found to be sufficient to absorb the effluent. Levels of BOD and Total Suspended Solids in the effluent were found to be generally lower than the Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MACs) calculated for these parameters.

• Water quality monitoring carried out upstream and downstream of the discharge point indicates that the discharge is not negatively impacting the water quality in the Eignagh River. Though standard levels of certain parameters were exceeded in the water body, none of the parameters exceeded in the effluent from the WWTP were higher upstream of the WWTP discharge than downstream, indicating that the WWTP is not contributing to the problem.

Excavation Requirements – No impacts are expected in this regard, as no construction works are to take place.

Transportation Requirements – No impacts are expected in this regard.

Duration of construction, operation, decommissioning – The WWTP is expected to remain in operation for the foreseeable future. If the plant continues to be monitored and maintained on a regular basis, it is not expected that the discharge will have a significant long-term effect on the qualifying interests of the River Moy cSAC.

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Describe any likely changes to the site arising as a result of the following:

Reduction of Habitat – No impacts are expected in this regard.

Disturbance to Key Species – No impacts are expected in this regard.

Habitat or Species Fragmentation – No impacts are expected in this regard.

Reduction in species density – No impacts are expected in this regard.

Changes in key indicators of conservation value – No impacts are expected in this regard.

Climate change – It is likely that future climate change may affect the hydrological balance of the Natura 2000 sites.

Describe any likely impacts on the River Moy cSAC site as a whole in terms of:

- Interference with key relationships that define the structure and function of the site

The key relationship that defines the structure and function of the site is that between water quality and the distribution/density of the qualifying species, which are all water-dependent.

The Eighnagh River is of High Status, according to the Moy Water Management Unit Action Plan. Monitoring of the Eighnagh River (discussed above) shows that water quality in the receiving water is generally higher downstream of the discharge point than upstream.

It is therefore not assumed that the discharge is affecting the qualifying interests of the site.

Provide Indicators of significance as a result of the identification of effects set out above in terms of:

Loss – No loss is expected.

Fragmentation – No fragmentation is expected.

Disruption – No disruption is expected.

Disturbance – No disturbance is expected.

Change to key elements of the site - An indicator of significance in this regard is Water Quality in the Eignagh River. However, it is not expected that there will be any changes to key elements of the site as a result of the WWTP discharge.

Describe from the above those elements of the project or plan, or combination of elements, where the

Results of monitoring carried out on the receiving waters, upstream and downstream of the discharge point;

indicate that the discharge is not having a significant negative effect on the aquatic environment of the River Moy cSAC. Though the recorded levels of several parameters exceeded the standard limits, it is assumed that

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above impacts are likely to be significant or where the scale or magnitude of impacts is not known.

other sources of pollution are contributing to these exceedances, as in three cases the levels were the same or higher upstream of the discharge point than downstream.

The Moy Water Management Unit Action Plan (part of the Western River Basin District Management Plan) outlines that 80% of Total Phosphorus generated in the catchment is diffuse in nature with over 70% of this coming from agricultural sources. Wastewater treatment systems such as the one in question are therefore not contributing as significantly to the problem of Phosphorus levels in the catchment.

It is therefore it is concluded that the discharge is not significantly affecting the qualifying interests of the site. If the plant continues to be monitored and maintained on a regular basis, it is not expected that the discharge will have a significant long-term effect on the qualifying interests of the River Moy cSAC.

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4 CONCLUSION

The Aclare WWTP is discharging directly to the Eignagh River, which forms part of the River Moy cSAC.

Results of monitoring carried out on the receiving waters, upstream and downstream of the discharge point, indicate that the discharge is not having a significant negative effect on the aquatic environment of the River Moy cSAC. Though the recorded levels of several parameters exceeded the standard limits, it is assumed that other sources of pollution are contributing to these exceedances, as in three cases the levels were the same or higher upstream of the discharge point than downstream.

It is therefore concluded that the discharge is not significantly affecting the qualifying interests of the site. If the plant continues to be monitored and maintained on a regular basis, it is not expected that the discharge will have a significant long-term effect on the qualifying interests of the River Moy cSAC.

The in-combination effects of both point and diffuse source discharges within the River Moy catchment with the Aclare WWTP discharge have been considered. It is not thought that the Aclare WWTP discharge is contributing to the low water quality standards in the River Moy catchment. Water quality in the Eignagh River itself was found to be of ‘Good’ Status.

The impact of the discharge, in combination with other discharges to the River Moy cSAC, is not considered to be significant; therefore a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive is not required in this case.

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APPENDIX A

Other Plans and Projects Affecting the River Moy cSAC

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Table A1: Potential In-Combination Effects of Other Plans and Projects

Name of Project or Plan Key Policies/Issues/Objectives Directly Related to the River Moy cSAC Impact on the qualifying features of the cSAC Land Use Plans

Draft Sligo County Development

Plan 2011-2017 • Strategic water, wastewater and storm water drainage objectives

• Wastewater Policies

• Wastewater Objectives

• Water quality policies

• Water quality objectives

• Objectives for development in coastal areas

Positive Impact

Aclare Mini-Plan Objective 14.1 Natural heritage and open space

A. Encourage the protection and enhancement of the conservation value of the River Talt (part of the River Moy cSAC – site code 002298) and establish a wildlife corridor/river buffer zone along its course.

B. Given the sensitive nature and high amenity value of the River Talt, encourage the retention of woodland, trees and vegetation along the riverbank and adjoining areas.

C. Support the improvement of access to the River Talt by providing riverside walkways (as indicated on the Objectives Map) and by requiring the provision of walkways in conjunction with the development of any adjoining lands.

D. Retain the existing open space area south of Aclare Bridge and support its enhancement and extension in conjunction with the improvement of riverside amenities.

Objective 14.7 Wastewater treatment

A. Allow for development connecting to the wastewater treatment plant up to a limit of 750 PE (population equivalent). However, notwithstanding this available capacity, residential development in the village shall be permitted only at a rate that is consistent with the Core Strategy and the Settlement Structure (See Chapter 3 of this Plan).

B. A buffer zone shall apply in the vicinity of the existing wastewater treatment plant site. Development within this zone may be restricted or prohibited in the interests of public health and/or the protection of residential amenities. The extent of development restrictions in each case will be assessed at planning application stage.

Positive Impact

Positive Impact

Positive Impact

Positive Impact

Positive Impact

Positive Impact

Water and Nature Conservation Management Plans

NPWS Conservation Management Plans

An NPWS Conservation Management Plan has not yet been prepared for the River Moy cSAC. No Impact

Western RBD Management Plan The Western RBD Draft Management Plan issued in December 2008 sets out a number of objectives and measures for all water bodies in the western catchment. The following applies to the River Moy cSAC.

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Objectives: Ensure that the status of waters supporting protected areas is protected and (where necessary) improved by 2015.

The Moy Water Management Unit Action Plan, which was prepared as part of the Western River Basin District Management Plan, contains a map of all river water bodies, their status and point source discharges within the Moy Catchment. This map is given as Appendix F to this report.

This plan also states that the Eighnagh River is of High Status.

Licenced Activities

IPPC and Waste Licence Activities

There are no IPPC or Waste Licence holders discharging to the River Moy cSAC. No Impact

Local Authority Discharge Two other local authorities are discharging directly to the River Moy cSAC: Cloonacool and Environs (currently treating effluent from approximately 169PE) and Curry (designed for a PE of 400).

In addition, the Tobercurry WWTP, located approximately 10km east of the Aclare WWTP, discharges to the Tobercurry River, which flows in to the River Moy cSAC approximately 5km downstream of the discharge. The Tobercurry WWTP currently serves a PE of approximately 5,000. Upgrading works are proposed at the Tobercurry WWTP, which will result in much higher discharge standards.

Negative Impact

Negative Impact

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board- Strategic Plan 2007-2011 (in the absence of Inland Fisheries Ireland Strategy)

Water Quality Strategies

- Work with all relevant agencies and interest groups to identify sources of nutrients impacting on the main lakes,

- Use the catchment management process to maximum effect to redress eutrophication and other water quality problems,

- Disseminate information to the public in regard to impacts on water quality, - Seek to influence public opinion on the issue of water quality,

- Monitor all proposals for development which may impinge on water quality,

- Use the powers that are available to the Board to prosecute offenders where necessary, - Endeavour to influence Government and EU policies in regard to protection of water quality and

activities which impact on it, and

- Monitor water quality trends on an on-going basis on selected rivers and streams.

Positive Impact

Local Development

Local Planning Applications A search of the planning applications on Sligo County Councils planning website was completed. The area considered included sites in close proximity to WWTP and along the Bunnanadden Stream. The planning applications that have been successful in the last two years and those that are currently under consideration were analysed.

The following applications have been granted Conditional Permission in Aclare:

- 10273 – Construction of dwelling house, garage, septic tank system and percolation area complete with all associated site works and services in Drummartin, Aclare, Co. Sligo (Conditional Permission).

- 09283 – Construction of a single storey 436sqm primary school building, 14sqm single storey

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shelter structure, staff car-park, site entrance and traffic lay-by, proprietary wastewater treatment plant and soil polishing filter and all associated site works and services in Drummartin, Aclare, Co.

Sligo(Conditional Permission)

- 10124 – Construction of extensions totalling 57.85sqm to North-East, North-West, South-West &

South-East sides of existing house together with all other necessary site works in Glenawoo, Aclare, Co. Sligo (Conditional Permission)

- 10119 – Construction of a dwelling house and effluent treatment system together with all ancillary site works and services in Glenawoo, Aclare, Co. Sligo (Conditional Permission).

Due to the nature and small scale of these proposed plans, it is not considered likely that they will have a significant cumulative impact on the Natura 2000 site.

Potentially Negative Impact

Potentially Negative Impact

Potentially Negative Impact

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APPENDIX B

WWTP Site Layout Drawing with Environmental Monitoring Points

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Discharge Sample Point SW1(P)

Downstream Monitoring Point aSW1d Upstream Monitoring

Point aSW1u

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APPENDIX C

Waste Assimilative Capacity (WAC) Calculations for the Eignagh River

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Orthophosphate Assimilative Capacity Calculation

Design Criteria:

The assimilative capacity calculation for Orthophosphate is analysed for compliance with the requirements of the 2009 Surface Waters Regulations. The requirement downstream of the WWTP site is to achieve a Q4-5 status, meaning a maximum Molybdate-Reactive Phosphate Median Concentration of 0.025mg/l. The upstream background levels in the November 2009 sampling showed an Orthophosphate level of 0.07 mg/l which is in excess of the regulations.

It is therefore proposed that an increase of 0.005 mg/l Orthophosphate be allowed when calculating the WAC for the river.

Cmax – Cback = 0.005 mg/l

50% Flow in Stream = 0.07m3/sec Assimilative Capacity Calculation

WACCurrent = 0.273 kg/day

Allowable Orthophosphate discharge concentration = 4.97 mg/l Comment

The WWTP is currently operating to a discharge standard of 2mg/l Total Phosphorous which means the actual Orthophosphate increase in the river will be significantly less than 0.005.

BOD Assimilative Capacity Calculation Design Criteria:

BOD level in stream should not exceed 2.2mg/l and should not rise by >1mg/l. The upstream background levels in the November 2009 sampling showed an BOD level of 3.0 mg/l which is in excess of the regulations. It is therefore proposed that an increase of 1.0 mg/l BOD be allowed when calculating the WAC.

Cmax – Cback = 1.0 mg/l

95% Flow in Stream = 0.086m3/sec Assimilative Capacity Calculation WACCurrent= 7.485 kg/day

Allowable BOD discharge concentration = 136.34 mg/l

Comment

The WWTP is currently operating to a discharge standard of 25mg/l; which is approximately equal to an increase of 0.19mg/l BOD in the River.

Ammonia Assimilative Capacity Calculation Design Criteria:

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Ammonia level should not exceed 0.09mg/l in the river. The upstream background levels in the November 2009 sampling showed an Ammonia level of 0.05mg/l therefore it is proposed that an increase of 0.04 mg/l Ammonia be allowed when calculating the WAC.

Cmax – Cback = 0.04 mg/l

95% Flow in Stream = 0.086m3/sec Assimilative Capacity Calculation WACCurrent = 0.374 kg/day

Allowable Ammonia concentration = 6.82 mg/l Comment

The WWTP has been designed to achieve an Ammonia discharge standard of 5 mg/l.

Suspended Solids Assimilative Capacity Calculation Design Criteria:

The Background concentration in the River is 27.2 mg/l. It is proposed that an increase of 0.5 mg/l Suspended Solids be allowed when calculating the WAC.

Cmax – Cback = 0.5mg/l

95% Flow in Stream = 0.086m3/sec

Assimilative Capacity Calculation WACCurrent = 3.74 kg/day

Allowable Suspended Solid concentration = 68.17mg/l

Comment

The WWTP is currently operating to a discharge standard of 35mg/l Suspended Solids.

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APPENDIX D

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING RESULTS

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Effluent Monitoring Results

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Upstream Monitoring Results

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Downstream Monitoring Results

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APPENDIX E

NPWS Site Synopses

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SITE NAME: RIVER MOY SITE CODE: 002298

This site comprises almost the entire freshwater element of the Moy and its tributaries including both Loughs Conn and Cullin. The system drains a catchment area of 805 sq. km. Most of the site is in Co.

Mayo though parts are in west Sligo and north Roscommon. Apart from the Moy itself, other rivers included within the site are the Deel, Bar Deela, Castlehill, Addergoole, Clydagh and Manulla on the west side and the Glenree, Yellow, Strade, Gweestion, Trimogue, Sonnagh, Mullaghanoe, Owengarve, Eighnagh and Owenaher on the east side. The underlying geology is Carboniferous Limestone for the most part though Carboniferous Sandstone is presentat the extreme west of the site with Dalradian Quartzites and schists at the south west. Some of the tributaries at the east, the south of Lough Conn and all Lough Cullin are underlain by granite. There are many towns adjacent to but not within the site. These include Ballina, Crossmolina, Foxford, Swinford, Kiltimagh and Charlestown.

The site is a candidate SAC selected for alluvial wet woodlands and raised bog, both priority habitats on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also a candidate SAC selected for old oak woodlands, degraded raised bog and Rhynchosporion, 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 – Atlantic Salmon, Otter, Sea and Brook Lamprey and White-clawed Crayfish.

On the slopes and rising ground around the southern shores of Loughs Conn and Cullin, Oak woodlands are seen. Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) is the dominant tree with an understorey of Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Birch (Betula pubescens) with some Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Additional species are associated with the lakeshore such as the whitebeam (Sorbus rupicola), Aspen (Populus tremula), Silver Birch (B. pendula) and the shrubs Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) and Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus). The ground flora is usually composed of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Wood Rush (Luzula sylvatica), Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), Buckler Ferns (Dryopteris aemula and D. dilatata), Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant), Cow-wheat (Melampyrum spp.) and Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). The rare Narrow-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia), protected under the Flora Protection Order, 1999, occurs in association with the woodlands. Also found in these woodlands is the snail (Acanthinula lamellata), associated with old natural woodlands.

On higher ground adjacent to the woodlands is blanket bog with scattered shrubs and trees on the drier areas. The rocky knolls often bear Juniper (Juniperus communis) or Gorse (Ulex europaeus), with some unusual rare herb species such as Intermediate Wintergreen (Pyrola media) and Lesser Twayblade (Listera cordata).

Within the site are a number of raised bogs including those at Kilgarriff, Gowlaun, Derrynabrock, Tawnaghbeg and Cloongoonagh. These are examples of raised bogs at the north-western edge of the spectrum and possess many of the species typical of such in Ireland, including an abundance of Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum), Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea) and the moss Campylopus atrovirens. Some of the bogs include significant areas of active raised bog habitat. Well developed pool and hummock systems with quaking mats of bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.), Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) and White Beaked-sedge (Rhynchospora alba) are present. Many of the pools contain a diversity of plant species, including Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), the bog moss Sphagnum cuspidatum, Campylopus atrovirens, Common Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Great Sundew (Drosera anglica) and occasional Lesser Bladderwort (Utricularia minor). Several of the hummock-forming mosses (Sphagnum fuscum and S. imbricatum) which occur here are quite rare in this region and add to the scientific interest of the bogs within the overall site.

Depressions on the bogs, pool edges and erosion channels, where the vegetation is dominated by White Beaked-sedge (Rhynchospora alba) comprise the habitat Rhynchosporion. Associated species in this habitat at the site include Bog Asphodel, Sundews, Deergrass (Scirpus cespitosus) and Carnation Sedge.

Degraded raised bog is present where the hydrology of the uncut bogs, has been affected by peat cutting and other land use activities in the surrounding area such as afforestation and associated drainage and also by the Moy arterial drainage. Species typical of the active raised bog habitat are still

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present but the relative abundance of them is different. A typical example of the degraded habitat, where drying has occurred at the edge of the high bog, contains an abundance and more uniform cover of Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Carnation Sedge, Deergrass and sometimes Bogmyrtle (Myrica gale). Occurring in association with the uncut high bog are areas of wet regenerating cutover bog with species such as Common Cottongrass, bog mosses and Sundew, while on the drier areas, the vegetation is mostly dominated by Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea). Natural regeneration with peat-forming capability will be possible over time with some restorative measures.

The open water of Loughs Conn and Cullin is moderately hard with relatively low colour and good transparency. The phytpoplankton of the lake is dominated by diatoms and blue-green algae and there is evidence that the latter group is more common now than in former years. This indicates that nutrient inflow is occurring. Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) appear to have disappeared from the lake over the same period of time. The changes in Lough Conn appear to represent an early phase in the eutrification process. Stoneworts still present include Chara aspera, C. delicatula and Nitella cf. opaca.

Other plants found in the shallower portions are the pondweeds. Where there is a peat influence Intermediate Bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia) is characteristic while Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) often grows in sand. Narrow reedbeds and patches of Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar lutea) occur in some of the bays.

Drainage of the Moy in the 60s lowered the level of the lakes, exposing wide areas of stony shoreline and wet grassland, which are liable to flooding in winter. This increased the habitat diversity of the shoreline and created a number of marginal wetlands, including fens and marshes. Plant species of note in the lake-margin include Heath Cudweed (Omalotheca sylvatica), Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) and Irish Lady’s-tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana). These three species are listed on the Irish Red Data list and are protected under the Flora Protection Order 1999.

Other habitats present within the site include wet grassland dominated by Rushes (Juncus spp.) grading into species-rich marsh in which sedges are common. Among the other species found in this habitat are Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Soft Rush (Juncus effusus).

Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) scrub and pockets of wet woodland dominated by Alder (Alnus glutinosa) have become established in places throughout the site. Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Birch (Betula pubescens) are common in the latter and the ground flora is typical of wet woodland with Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Yellow Iris, Horsetail (Equisetum spp.) and occasional tussocks of Greater Tussock-sedge (Carex paniculata).

Small pockets of conifer plantation, close to the lakes and along the strip both sides of the rivers, are included in the site.

The Moy system is one of Ireland’s premier salmon waters and it also encompasses two of Ireland’s best lake trout fisheries in Loughs Conn and Cullin. Although the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is still fished commercially in Ireland, it is considered to be endangered or locally threatened elsewhere in Europe and is listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive. The Moy is a most productive catchment in salmon terms and this can be attributed to its being a fingered system with a multiplicity of 1st to 5th order tributaries which are large enough to support salmonids < 2 years of age while at the same time being too small to support significant adult trout numbers and are therefore highly productive in salmonid nursery terms.

Salmon run the Moy every month of the year. Both multi-sea-winter fish and grilse are present. The salmon fishing season is 1st February to 30th September. The peak of the spring fishing is in April and the grilse begin running in early May. The average weight of the spring fish is 9 lb and the grilse range from about 3-7 lb. In general spring fish are found more frequently in the rivers at the western extent of the Moy system.

The Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), an interesting relict species from the last ice age, which is listed as threatened in the Irish Red Data Book has been recorded from Lough Conn and in only a few other lakes in Ireland. The latest reports suggest that it may now have disappeared from the site.

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The site is also important for the presence of three other species listed on Annex II of the E.U.

Habitats Directive, namely Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), Otter (Lutra lutra) and White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes). The Sea Lamprey is regularly encountered in the lower stretches of the river around Ballina, while the otter and crayfish are widespread throughout the system. In addition, the site also supports many more of the mammal species occurring in Ireland.

Those which are listed in the Irish Red Data Book include Pine Marten, Badger, Irish Hare and Daubenton’s Bat. Common Frog, another Red Data Book species, also occurs within the site.

Loughs Conn and Cullin support important concentrations of wintering waterfowl and both are designated Special Protection Areas. A nationally important population of the Annex I species Greenland White-fronted Geese (average 113 over 6 winters 1994/95 to 1999/00) is centred on Lough Conn. Whooper Swans also occur (numbers range between 25 to 50), along with nationally important populations of Tufted Duck 635, Goldeneye 189 and Coot 464. A range of other species occur on the lakes in regionally important concentrations, notably Wigeon 303, teal 154, Mallard 225, Pochard 182, Lapwing (>1,000) and Curlew 464. Golden Plover also frequent the lakes, with numbers ranging between 700 and 1,000.

Loughs Conn and Cullin are one of the few breeding sites for Common Scoter in Ireland. Breeding has occurred on Lough Conn since about the 1940s when about 20-30 pairs were known. A census in 1983 recorded 29 pairs. Breeding was first proved on Lough Cullin in 1983 when 24 pairs were recorded. In 1995, 24-26 pairs were recorded at Lough Conn and 5 pairs at Lough Cullin. The latest survey in 1999 gives a total of 30 birds for both lakes, comprising only 5 pairs, 18 unpaired males and 2 unpaired females. The reason for the decline is not known but may be due to predation by mink, possible changes in food supply and/or redistribution to other sites. The Common Scoter is a Red listed species.

Agriculture, with particular emphasis on grazing, is the main landuse along the Moy. Much of the grassland is unimproved but improved grassland and silage are also present. The spreading of slurry and fertiliser poses a threat to the water quality of this salmonid river and to the large lakes. Fishing is a main tourist attraction on the Moy and there are a large number of Angler Associations, some with a number of beats. Fishing stands and styles have been erected in places. The North Western Regional Fishery Board have erected fencing along selected stretches of the river as part of their salmonid enhancement programme. Other aspects of tourism are concentrated around Loughs Conn and Cullin.

Afforestation has occurred in the past around the shores of Loughs Conn and Cullin. The coniferous trees are due for harvesting shortly. It is proposed to replant with native tree species in this area.

Forestry is also present along many of the tributaries and in particular along the headwaters of the Deel. Forestry poses a threat in that sedimentation and acidification occurs. Sedimentation can cover the gravel beds resulting in a loss of suitable spawning grounds. The Moy has been arterially dredged in the 60s. Water levels have been reduced since that time. This is particularly evident along the shores of Loughs Conn and Cullin and in the canal-like appearance of some river stretches. Ongoing maintenance dredging is carried out along stretches of the river system where the gradient is low. This is extremely destructive to salmonid habitat in the area.

The site supports populations of several species listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, and habitats listed on Annex I of this directive, as well as examples of other important habitats. The presence of a fine example of broad-leaved woodland in this part of the country increases the overall habitat diversity and adds to the ecological value of the site as does the presence of the range of nationally rare and Red Data Book plant and animal species.

16.05.2005

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APPENDIX F

Map from the Moy Water Management Unit Action Plan Showing Status of River Water Bodies and Locations of

Discharge Points along its length

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