AIE Ref 30/24
79 LAWPRO referrals, may include duplicates
Borders LAWPRO Area
Referral: Ballaghdoo_010, misconnections
Referral: Bridgetown (Donegal) 010 RFL02 Forestry Restore
Referral point Irish National Grid: E199851, N371068
Forestry (Owner) Coillte and Privately owned
An approx. 3km afforested stretch of river channel to Lough Sallagh, and it’s inflowing tributaries and forestry drains, have been included in the referral area
Mitigation is required to significantly reduce the loss of peaty sediment to the river from afforested peat soils, whether from run-off via forest drains and forest roads/tracks, or from afforested riverbanks lacking appropriate set back boundaries
Referral: Northern Ireland Environment Agency
This referral is for the Castletown_10 waterbody and refers to the water quality entering Co Louth from Co Armagh as it flows from the North to South.
Referral: Donegal CoCo, C&D waste
Re: Large Quantity of Soil and stone infilled next to River at Minehill Bridge, Carrowmore, Carndonagh.
River Water body : Donagh_010
Referral Leitrim Co. Co, Waste storage and water pollution at Roscunnish Lough
LA_Drumshanbo Stream_010_RFL001
Area for Action: Lough Allen
Referral: HYMO Erne, Hydromorphological pressures
Note: Small Stream Impact Score (SSIS) previously known as the SSRS (Small Stream Risk Score) was developed as a rapid, infield risk assessment for watercourses
Referral: Glaskeelan, Hydromorphological pressures from Forestry
Referral Significant Issue (s) Description : Existing forestry between Glenveagh National Park and Br W of Roshin is likely to be a pressure based on observations seen during the 2021 surveys. Existing hydromorphological pressures from forestry were observed such as the planting of conifers right up to the bank edge. In several cases, the riverbank was slumping, and sods of earth material were falling into the channel, introducing a source of sediment to the river. Overdeepening of the channel was common, especially in the forested area. Excessive growth of broad leaved macrophytes (Potamogeton sp and Nuphar lutea) were noted where overdeepening has led to a change in flow dynamics from a fast upland river to a sluggish channel. Old forestry drainage channels have direct connectivity to the watercourse, providing a preferential flow pathway for nutrients and sediment. Trash lines were noted in the forestry, and forestry debris such as pine needles will be introduced into the river as floodwater recedes. Measures to reduce the impact of forestry are required for the Glaskeelan. Such measures must be done sensitively (given the importance of the catchment for the protected freshwater pearl mussel and salmonids) and in collaboration with stakeholders. Possible mitigation measures are to be determined by the Forestry Service but could include sensitive removal and or thinning of the conifer plantation, rewetting of the Blanket Peat habitat in which the coniferous forestry stands and allowing natural regeneration of native trees on mineral soils.
A Catchment Based Approach to River Restoration to restore the functionality of the watercourse due to historical morphological alterations (overdeepening) is recommended.
‘Anthropogenic – Unknown’ has been suggested as another Significant Pressure affecting the Glaskeelan_010. On 28th July 2021, EPA reported a Red Dot notification for the monitoring point ‘Bridge W of Roshin’ (Lough Gartan). The macroinvertebrate Q dropped three classifications from High to Poor. From 18th to 26th July 2021 – two days before the EPA kick sample, there was a heatwave and western spate rivers such as the Glaskeelan were subjected to nine days of average air temperatures of over 22°C. Several nearby waterbodies (e.g Glentornan, Gweebarra_010, Gweedore_010) surveyed in or just after the heatwave also saw a decline in Q score.
Hydromorphological issues can make temperature stress more intense and pressures such as overdeepening were observed within the forested area of Glaskeelan.
It is suspected that the high temperatures along with the hydromorphological issues on the Glaskeelan led to a severe drop in macro-invertebrates leading to the Red Dot notification.
Referral: Carrick WWTP Pollution
Glen (Carrick)_030, Pollution Incident and Referral Report
Carrick WWTP (A0367-01)
Carrick Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is in the Donegal South West and Murlins Priority Area for Action (PAA) in County Donegal.
Licence details taken from the Licence and Enforcement Access Portal (LEAP) states that the WWTP is set up to provide primary treatment for a Population Equivalent (PE) of 280 (plant design), with an Urban Area agglomeration PE stated to be <500. The treatment plant is significantly overloaded.
Wherever LAWPRO observe evidence of pollution from a treatment plant such as sewage fungus or excessive Gastropoda, Oligochaeta and Diptera (G.OL.D.) taxa in a kick sample then a referral is made to Úisce Éireann. Observation of sewage and sewage fungus in the Glen (Carrick)_030 waterbody has been noted during LAWPROs LCA and therefore, a referral is being made
Conclusion
The Glen (Carrick)_030 is currently at Poor Ecological status.
Observations taken during LCA show organic pollution from the Carrick WWTP and associated infrastructure poses an environmental and public health risk.
The discharge from SW3 has the potential to impact on the monitoring point ‘500m d/s Carrick Bridge’. The discharge at the Inverted Siphon and SW1 are downstream of the WFD monitoring points and so will not be impacting them but have the potential to impact Teelin Bay estuary.
Slieve League Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is mapped downstream of here and the Carrick River is an important Salmon and Sea Trout River.
Discharges were noted during dry conditions when the river was under environmental stress due to high ambient temperatures and low flows.
Midlands East LAWPRO Area
Referral: Boora_010, Bord na Mona waste water discharge pipe
Wastewater, Significant issue BOD & Ammonia
Onsite wastewater treatment system
A discharge pipe was noted to the rear of the BnM works. The pipe is connected to the on-site wastewater treatment facility. The pipe was discharging on 3 occasions, samples were collected and sampled for BOD, Ammonia, Ortho P and Nitrate. This waterbody is one of 2 waterbodies within the Boora PAA.
Correspondence between LAWPRO and BnM
Referral: Camlin, Longford WWTP, EPA referral
This report details the findings from the local catchment assessment (LCA) carried out in the CAMLIN_060 waterbody, which is part of the Camlin Priority Area for Action.
Urban wastewater and urban run-off were identified as two significant pressures in the CAMLIN_60 in the initial characterisation and this report outlines the findings by LAWPRO of these two pressures.
Two referrals were made to ASSAP regarding agricultural pressures within the waterbody which was also listed as significant. One referral was sent to Longford County Council for a discharge from a developer led infrastructure.
Referral Derry-Coolboy Rosnastraw PAA: Coolattin estate and SSIS at Lattin bridge, Wicklow CoCo
Referral: Santry
River Santry PAA Catchment Assessment
SANTRY 010 & SANTRY 020
PRIORITY AREA FOR ACTION
Misconnections (both domestic and trade) are likely to be significant pressures in the urbanised areas of the catchment considering the increasing trend in P concentrations between the subcatchments, identified at deskstudy stage.
Referral: Yellow (Castlepollard)_010 Collinstown, referral to EPA
Collinstown WWTP
This report details the findings from the local catchment assessment (LCA) carried out in YELLOW
(CASTLEPOLLARD)_010 (waterbody Code IE_SH_26Y020100) which is part of the Derravargah Priority
Area for Action. Local catchment assessment is the culmination of LAWPRO’s desk study and fieldwork
findings.
The Environmental Protection Agency identified Urban Wastewater, Subcategory Agglomeration PE of
500 to 1,000-Collinstown WWT (D0485-01) as the significant pressure during initial characterisation.
For each of the urban wastewater significant pressures, LAWPRO has tried to identify what element
has been determined to be causing issues i.e., the WWTP, Storm Water Overflows (SWOs), Emergency
Overflows (EO) or a combination of these.
The LCA outcomes in relation to the specific pressure of the
primary discharge (SW001) of Urban Wastewater Collinstown (D0485-01) are contained in this report.
Agriculture (pasture) and hydromorphology (channelisation) have been identified as other significant pressures.
Agriculture was ruled out as a significant pressure by ASSAP.
Southeast LAWPRO Area
Referral: Errill_20
(Erkina Priority Area for Action)
LCA and Referral Report
During initial characterisation, the Environmental Protection Agency identified Agriculture (pasture)
as the significant pressure for the Errill_020. During the LCA stage LAWPRO identified Urban Waste
Water (Errill – A0144-01) as a potential pressure. The LCA outcomes in relation to this specific pressure
are contained in this report.
Agriculture has also been identified as a significant pressure in Errill_020 and a referral has been issued
to ASSAP to address phosphorus losses from agricultural sources.
Ballycanew and Environs WWTP (D0402-01)
(Owenavorragh Priority Area for Action)
Referral Report
The Environmental Protection Agency identified Urban Wastewater, Subcategory Agglomeration PE of
500 to 1,000 (Ballycanew and Environs, D0402-01), as a significant pressure during initial characterisation. This plant currently provides primary treatment only and has a designed PE capacity of 100.
The EPA have identified Urban Wastewater (Ballycanew WWTP) as a significant pressure for
the waterbody.
Agriculture has also been identified as a significant pressure.
Killmurrin Cove Stream_010
(Dunhill Priority Area for Action)
LCA and Referral Report
The Environmental Protection Agency identified Urban Waste Water (Kill – A0380-01) as the significant pressure during initial characterisation. During the Desk Study stage LAWPRO identified Agriculture, diffuse urban run-off, misconnections in Kill and DWWTS as potential pressures. The LCA outcomes in relation to the specific pressure of Urban Waste Water (Kill – A0380-01) are contained in this report
Although, there is another potential source of ammonia upstream of the WWTP, LCA has shown that Kill WWTP is contributing to the elevated concentrations of phosphate and ammonia at the monitoring point
Referral to Wexford County Council – Ballyedmond_010 Referral_01
Date: 09.01.2024
Waterbody code: IE_SE_11B010300
Referral to Wexford County Council – Banoge_020 Referral_01
Date: 07.06.2024
Referral to Wexford County Council – Owenavorragh_020_RFL01 Date: 17.07.2024
Southwest LAWPRO Area
Referral: Adrigole
One potential significant pressure in the catchment noted in the desk study was clear felling of forestry in close proximity to the EPA monitoring which may alter habitat due to morphological changes.
Forestry in this area was planted on peat soils and has quite a dense drainage network.
Referral Issue (s) Description:
During the local catchment assessment it was obvious that legacy forestry was planted on peat soils and has quite a dense drainage network. During a heavy rainfall event on the 1st of July 2022 several drains were observed to contain quite acidic water (~4.7) with many more discharging large volumes. Drained peat is likely to discharge low pH water potentially with high nutrient (particularly ammonium) loads as well as a variety of metals which can be leeched and mobilised in low pH conditions. Some windblow was also observed at the site which may potentially contribute sediment.
The site is due for thinning in the near future and therefore there is a risk of mobilisation of further sediment in addition to the aforementioned risks. Both LAWPRO and the EPA have sampled the river above and below the forestry (both of which currently show excellent invertebrate quality) so baseline data are available prior to forestry operations being carried out.
LAWPRO should be notified when thinning is to commence so that repeat sampling can be undertaken up and downstream of the forestry.
Furthermore all possible precautions should be taken during forestry operations to protect water quality and restructuring/deforestation considered in future for this site.
Referral: Annageeragh_010
The EPA initial characterisation identified forestry as the significant pressure on the waterbody.
Altered habitat due to morphological changes is the significant pressure. Sediment is the signifuicant issue.
Findings of the LAWPro 2021 local catchment assessments indicated that forestry is the sole significant pressure here but SSIS results showed no significant impact at the EPA monitoring point. In 2021, the EPA Q value at the monitoring point improved to Q4 from Q3-4 in 2018. Annageeragh 10 has recovered to Good Status.
This protect referral is being issued to highlight additional mitigation measures that may be needed in advance of future felling to minimise risk of sediment loss to the river.
Description of Referral Area Main channel and unmapped pathways (forestry drains) above the WFD monitoring point ‘Br u/s Doo Lough ‘
Significant issue (s) Sediment
Pathway (s) Overland Flow & Direct drains from forestry
Main Crop type(s) where known Sitka spruce
Referral: Annageeragh_020, Discharge from the West Clare Supply Water Treatment Plant at Doo Lough, Co.Clare
Referral: Awbeg, EPA referral on Uisce Éireann Liscarroll WWTP
- There appears to be differences between LAWPRO’s and Uisce Éireann understanding of the location of the primary discharge point from Liscarroll CoA. The location named as the primary discharge point in the Certificate of Authorisation Part II condition 1, 1.3 (EPA Leap website) is the location of the wastewater treatment plant. Uisce Éireann state, in their response to the LAWPRO’s initial referral, that the primary discharge point is located to the west of the plant. On the 11/09/2023, LAWPRO conducted a field visit. A pipe that is linked to the wastewater treatment plant was observed north of the plant. See photo and map, below. This is the discharge pipe which was subject of the referral.
- The Uisce Éireann response mentions that there is a holding tank on site for storm water which discharges on the basis of displacement. The location of this discharge point was not provided and was not observed during field visits. It is stated that there is no re-circulation from this tank back to the plant for treatment. If the displaced overflow from the storm water holding tank discharges directly to a watercourse, it’s possible that the discharge point identified by LAWPRO is a SWO, and not the primary discharge.
- The discharge pipe subject of the referral (to be confirmed by Uisce Éireann as to being either primary discharge or SWO) indicates it exceeds and utilises >50% of the assimilative capacity of the watercourse, i.e., River Awbeg that it discharges to, for ortho-phosphate and ammonia. Therefore, the Liscarroll CoA is considered a significant pressure in the Awbeg PAA and is the subject of the referral.
From: David Hegarty <dhegarty@lawaters.ie>
Sent: Wednesday 27 September 2023 16:39
To: Emma Quinlan <E.Quinlan@epa.ie>; Jim Johnson <J.Johnson@epa.ie>
Cc: Niamh Rogan <nrogan@lawaters.ie>
Subject: Uisce Éireann referral from LAWPRO
Hi Emma/Jim,
Please find enclosed a copy of a Liscarroll COA Referral which was sent to Uisce Éireann, summary information is outlined in the table below:
| LAWPRO Region | South West Region |
| PAA | Awbeg (Buttevant) (West) PAA |
| Water body name | Awbeg (Buttevant) (West)_010 |
| Water body code | IE_SW_18A090300 |
| Uisce Éireann Asset | Liscarroll A0323-01 |
| Asset type (Wastewater treatment plant, Drinking water treatment plant, CSO) | WWTP |
| Significant Pressure (Initial Characterisation Cycle 2 or 3) | No (Cycle 2) |
| Urban wastewater – Sub category | Agglomeration PE < 500 |
| Urban wastewater new significant pressure | Yes |
A referral was issued to Uisce Éireann (UÉ) from LAWPRO on the 18/08/2023 regarding Liscarroll CoA. There appears to be differences between LAWPRO’s and Uisce Éireann’s understanding of the location of the primary discharge point from the Liscarroll CoA. The location named as the primary discharge point as written in the Certificate of Authorisation Part II Condition 1, 1.3 (EPA, Leap website) appears to be the location of the actual wastewater treatment plant itself. However, UÉ has stated in correspondence with LAWPRO, subsequent to the issuing of the referral, that it is located to the west of the plant. LAWPRO’s understanding is that the primary discharge was relocated from a tributary close to the plant to the north of the plant. This is the discharge pipe which was subject of the referral. If this is not the primary discharge point, UÉ is being requested to provide information as to what this pipe is, as it is coming from Liscarroll CoA wastewater treatment plant? (as validated by LAWPRO on 11/09/2023, whereby the pipe is indeed linked to the wastewater treatment plant at Liscarroll). I have included the response from UÉ to LAWPRO in the Appendix.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
David
| David Hegarty | Catchment Scientist M 085 804 7657 |
Referral: Emly (Glen Court)
Drumcomoge Priority Area for Action
Referral to Tipperary County Council – Pipe Discharging to Surface Waters in Emly
Referral: Foherish
Catchment Significant Pressures Description: Forestry and anthropogenic pressures (windfarm development) were identified as the significant pressures in the initial characterisation in Foherish_020 driving the 2011-2014 deterioration here.
The desk study indicated that nutrients are not currently an issue although results may have been elevated in the past, possibly associated with elevated sediment. The significant issue identified from the desk study was likely to be sediment, but associated nutrients might have been an issue. Sediment is likely be the significant issue which drove the 2011 deterioration in this waterbody, from biologists’ observations at the time. There are two WFD monitoring stations on the waterbody: Foherish Bridge which is located approximately 250m upstream of the confluence with Keel_010 and Foherish-W of Caherbirrane, located close to the waterbody outlet. Water quality at the upstream station (Foherish Bridge) has been consistently high biological status but the downstream station (Foherish-W of Caherbirrane) deteriorated from Q4/5 (high) in 2008 to Q4 (good) biological status in 2011. Sediment loss to the waterbody may have arisen due to forestry activities in Keel_010 or Foherish_020. Windfarm construction may also have contributed to sediment loss to Foherish_020.
It returned back to high status (Q4/5) at the monitoring station (Br. W of Caherbirrane, RS19F020300) in 2017 so it was meeting its high status objective in terms of biology. Hydromorphology was driving the overall Good ecological status at both monitoring in Foherish_20 in 2017. The 2017 RHAT assessment for both monitoring points highlighted either poor/moderate for bank vegetation and riparian land cover.
The hydromorphological issues appeared to be related to agricultural land use. However, these features improved in the 2020 survey and the overall hydromorphology status was High. Protect referrals will be issued to the ASSAP adviser.
Referral: Keel, forestry and windfarm development
Catchment Significant Pressures Description: Forestry and anthropogenic pressures (windfarm development) were identified as the significant pressures in the initial characterisation in Keel_010 driving the 2011-2014 deterioration here.
The desk study indicated that nutrients are not currently an issue although results may have been elevated in the past, possibly associated with elevated sediment. The significant issue identified from the desk study was likely to be sediment, but associated nutrients might have been an issue. Sediment was likely be the significant issue which drove the 2011 deterioration in this waterbody, from biologists’ observations at the time. Water quality in Keel_010 deteriorated from good (Q4) in 2008 to poor (Q3) status in 2011-2014.
Sediment loss from forestry (clearfelling) and/or the road construction activities associated with the windfarm may have been responsible for the 2011 deterioration in this waterbody.
Referral: Liscarroll
The Awbeg river was selected as a PAA because of its value as a trout river and because it is failing to meet protected area objectives for crayfish; the lower section of Awbeg (Buttevant)(West)_020) falls within the Munster Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC
The COA (WWTP) plant in Liscarroll has been identified as a significant pressure in Awbeg
LCA fieldwork upstream of the primary discharge point from Liscaroll CoA found that nutrients are a significant issue coming from agricultural diffuse and point sources. Referrals to ASSAP have been made in respect of the agricultural pressure.
The Liscarroll CoA is having a direct impact on water quality in Awbeg (Buttevant)(West)_010. Although, there are significant nutrient issues associated with agriculture upstream of the CoA, the LCA has shown that Liscarroll CoA is contributing to the elevated concentrations of phosphate and ammonia at the monitoring point Br SE of Sunfort in low flow and potentially impacting the biological quality driving status for Awbeg (Buttevant)(West)_010.
Referral: Ogeen_010
Catchment Significant Pressures Description: Forestry (clearfelling) was identified as the sole significant pressure in the initial characterisation in Ogeen_010. The desk study indicated that nutrients are not currently an issue although levels may have been elevated in the past, possibly associated with elevated sediment. The significant issue identified from the desk study was likely to be sediment, but associated nutrients might have been an issue.
Elevated sediment loss to the waterbody were likely to have arisen from multiple pressures but all involving forestry. Forestry (clearfelling), forestry damage resulting from Storm Darwin in February 2014 and/or to felling associated with windfarm construction may have contributed to the deterioration here. There is potential for sediment and nutrient loss during future forestry operations. A protect referral was necessary to the Forest Service in the DAFM with the aim of minimising water quality impacts from future forestry activity in the catchment.
There was evidence of forestry activity coinciding with the deterioration which could be found from the aerial imagery. Water quality in Ogeen_010 deteriorated from high (Q4/5) in 2012 to moderate (Q3/4) status in the 2015. It improved to good status (Q4) in 2018 and 2019. The most recent Q-Value indicates the waterbody remains Q4 (good status) in 2020. Elevated sediment loss to the waterbody were likely to have arisen from multiple pressures but all involving forestry. Storm Darwin caused extensive damage to forestry in counties Limerick, Clare, Cork and Kerry in February 2014 with a total of 8000ha (+/-560ha) affected. A map of the affected areas was done by Coillte and indicates that the damage included the Ogeen catchment.
Referral: Ogeen_020
Catchment Significant Pressures Description: Forestry (clearfelling) was identified as the sole significant pressure in the initial characterisation in Ogeen_020.
The desk study indicated that nutrients are not currently an issue although levels may have been elevated in the past, possibly associated with elevated sediment. The significant issue identified from the desk study was likely to be sediment, but associated nutrients might have been an issue. Elevated sediment loss to the waterbody were likely to have arisen from multiple pressures but all involving forestry.
Forestry (clearfelling), forestry damage resulting from Storm Darwin in February 2014 and/or to felling associated with windfarm construction may have contributed to the deterioration here. There is potential for sediment and nutrient loss during future forestry operations.
A protect referral was necessary to the Forest Service in the DAFM with the aim of minimising water quality impacts from future forestry activity in the catchment. There was evidence of forestry activity coinciding with the deterioration which could be found from the aerial imagery. Water quality in Ogeen_020 deteriorated from high (Q4/5) in 2012 to moderate (Q3/4) in 2015 but had improved to Q4 (good) in 2018. 2019 and 2020 Q data indicates it has returned to high (Q4/5) status. Elevated sediment loss to the waterbody were likely to have arisen from multiple pressures but all involving forestry. Storm Darwin caused extensive damage to forestry in counties Limerick, Clare, Cork and Kerry in February 2014 with a total of 8000ha (+/-560ha) affected. A map of the affected areas was done by Coillte and indicates that the damage included the Ogeen catchment.
Significant issue (s) Sediment
Pathway (s) Overland Flow & Direct drains from forestry
Main Crop type(s) where known Sitka spruce
West LAWPRO Area
Referral: Roscommon Town, SWOs
| Jiggy (Hind)_010 RFL01_ Roscommon Town Urban Run-off Referral Report |
Hi Bernie,
We had a referral recently re Roscommon town network. Below is an update re an upgrade for your information. I’m not sure who did the assessment so sending to you. Who is the new tech lead in your region?
“…a new upgrade of the sewer network was completed last year, this was to remove and or upgrade as appropriate SWOs on the network. Data post completion is being collated on a monthly basis and a model will be rrun with 12 months of data to confirm the network and the overflows are operating within compliance and as designed – this modelling is due to be completed in late Q4 2024- we have committed to updating the EPA on this in Jan 2025 – this is also an ECJ case.”
Best regards,
Katie Smart
Asset Strategy Technical Lead (River Basin Management Plan team)Uisce Éireann
The LCAs have confirmed that Urban Waste Water and Hydromorphology are also significant pressures on the Jiggy (Hind)_010.
Urban Waste Water (Combined Sewer Overflows): have been identified as a significant pressure with nutrients in particular ammonia, as a significant issue due to discharges from Combined Sewer Overflows. A referral was issued to Uisce Éireann.
Hydromorphology (Channelisation) has been identified as a significant pressure with sediment, altered habitat due to hydrological changes and altered habitat due to morphological changes as significant issues at the EPA Monitoring station and throughout the waterbody upstream. A hydromorphology referral is being drafted by LAWPRO.
The sampling and analysis of nutrients, in particular ammonia, by LAWPRO indicates that the elevated concentrations of ammonia recorded from the Br S.W. of Old Workhouse to upstream of Site 1.1.1 is due, in part, to urban run-off, suspected misconnections along the 2.2km stretch of the Jiggy (Hind)_010 that is the focus of this referral
Catchment Significant Pressures Description: Agriculture has been confirmed as a significant pressure on the Clooneigh_020 waterbody with sediment and nutrients (ammonium and ortho-phosphate) as the significant issues. Sediment is as a result of land drainage maintenance on peaty and poorly drained soils, river channel maintenance by landowners, animal access and natural sediment accumulation in the river channel.
However, forestry operation could pose a threat to water quality particularly through increased sediment. Consideration of the Forest Protect Referral Guidance agreed between the Forest Service and LAWPRO indicates that a protect referral is appropriate here. This protect referral is based on evidence of enhanced risk posed by forestry operations due to narrow buffers and drains which appear to pass through the buffer (see photo). This Protect Referral is issued to highlight additional mitigation measures may be needed in advance of future anticipated felling to minimise risk of sediment loss to the river.
Description of Referral Area The referral area relates to a stretch of the waterbody upstream of the EPA Operational Monitoring Station where private forestry adjacent to the waterbody has recently been approved for felling (please see Map 1). This protect referral is based on evidence of enhanced risk from connectivity from forest drains through riparian margins leading to the Clooneigh_020 river.
Referral Significant Issue (s) Description
There is potential for sediment mobilisation from future forestry operations given the location of the EPA Monitoring Station and the peat and poorly drained soils in the area which are prone to water logging in inclement weather.
The presence of drains may also act as a direct pathway to the Clooneigh_020 river without passing through a buffer zone (see photo 1c). Additional mitigation measures need to be put in place in advance of future felling to minimise the risk of sediment loss to the river.
The Clooneigh PAA is part of a Teagasc Proof of Concept Programme which will showcase the collaboration work between LAWPRO and ASSAP and measure the effectiveness of the approach and whether it is achieving its outcomes. The results of this programme is being reported to both the Department of Agriculture and Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, therefore it is a very visual PAA.
Lough Mask & Lough Carra (Mayo)
Priority Area for Action
Claureen (Mayo)_010
Significant Pressure Referral to Mayo County Council – Section 4 licence
Emissions from Ringarraun Quarry
The quarry located to the southwest and upstream of Buncam Lough (Figure 2) is considered a likely source of sedimentation to the tributary of the Claureen River.
Quarry operations at the Ringarraun site are carried out by Corcoran Concrete, whom are based in Westport, Co. Mayo.
Section 4 discharge licence (Ref: QS-01380)
Carricknabraher Priority Area for Action
Owennaforeesha_010
Domestic Waste Water, Discharge/Misconnection Referral
The LCA findings, particularly those recorded in February 2023, indicate that the EPA operational
monitoring station for the Owennaforeesha_010 is being significantly impacted by an untreated
domestic waste water discharge due to a misconnection in the village of Bellanagare, Co. Roscommon.
Untreated waste water is being directly discharged to the Owennaforeesha River via a pipe at the
bridge immediately upstream of the monitoring station. This discharge, in combination with the
agricultural pressures further upstream that have previously been referred to ASSAP are both
contributing factors to the current failure of the Owennaforeesha_010 to achieve its WFD objective
of Good Ecological Status.
St Cleran’s
Priority Area for Action
Kilcolgan_030
Section 4 Discharge Referral
Hydromorphology was characterised as a significant pressure due to this waterbody being part of the Dunkellin Drainage District. The significant deterioration of the monitoring station in Craughwell to Q1 (Bad) in 2018 can also be attributed to the Dunkellin River and Aggard Stream Flood Relief Scheme which was under construction at the time.
Other deteriorations in water quality at both monitoring stations in 2015 and at Strongfort Lodge in
2018 can be largely attributed to the Loughrea waste water treatment plant (WWTP).
There are four housing estates in Craughwell that were granted Section 4 discharge licences
The effluent forms a pond in the field at the back of the Dún Ard housing estate, approximately 70m from the river
Erosion of Aille riverbank at Glenmask, Tourmakeady and risk to adjacent local
tertiary road (L_56319
LAWPRO would like to further discuss the hydromorphological pressures on the Aille_010 with Mayo
County Council and explore opportunities to collaborate on actions to address these pressures to help
protect road infrastructure and restore ecological status in the river waterbody
