Tender: DAFM Area Monitoring System Service
March 2022
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine invites tenders for the provision of an Area Monitoring System.
Within the context of the Common Agricultural Policy, Article 70 of Regulation 2021/2116 requires the establishment of an Area Monitoring System (AMS) by 1st January 2023. Article 65 of 2021/2116 defines an area monitoring system as a procedure of regular and systematic observation, tracking and assessment of agricultural activities and practices on agricultural areas by Copernicus Sentinels satellite data or other data of at least equivalent value.
The AMS will use Copernicus Sentinel Satellite data or other data of at least equivalent value to assess the monitorable eligibility conditions of the relevant area-based schemes.
To allow the reliable observation, tracking and assessment of agricultural activities and practices, the area monitoring system shall, ensure the detection of:
• The presence of ineligible areas, in particular permanent structures;
• The presence of ineligible land use;
• The change in the category of the agricultural area whether it is arable land, permanent crop or permanent grassland.
These observations will be made at the level of agricultural parcel or units of land containing non-agricultural areas and agricultural land considered eligible by the Member State. Where relevant, Member States shall use the information referred to in this paragraph for the purpose of updating the identification system for agricultural parcels.
The scope of the AMS system is to exploit the time series of Sentinel data to continuously monitor all the Feature of Interest (FOI) associated with agricultural parcels within the LPIS and the GSAA that relate to CAP area-based schemes. The system will be required to generate information to confirm or reject area-based eligibility compliance with the declared practices. This information will be communicated to scheme applicants in real time, so that they can be amended by the applicant, if required.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is issuing this tender to enter into a contract with a vendor to supply an Area Monitoring System (AMS) Service for the Integrated Controls Division (ICD) within DAFM which has the capacity to deliver the obligations of Article 70 of Regulation 2021/2116 which requires the establishment of an AMS by 1st January 2023.
Article 65 of 2021/2116 defines an area monitoring system as a procedure of regular and systematic observation, tracking and assessment of agricultural activities and practices on agricultural areas by Copernicus Sentinels satellite data or other data of at least equivalent value.
The Integrated Administration and Control System
Within the context of the Common Agricultural Policy, REGULATION (EU) No 2021/2116 OFTHE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL requires the establishment and maintenance of an Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) for certain payments provided for in Regulation (EU) No 2021/2115.
The integrated system shall comprise the following elements:
- An identification system for agricultural parcels,
- A geo-spatial application system and, where applicable,
- An area monitoring system,
- A system for the identification of beneficiaries of the interventions and measures referred to in Article 65(2); (e) a control and penalty system,
- Where applicable, a system for the identification and registration of payment entitlements, &
- Where applicable, a system for the identification and registration of animals.
The integrated system shall provide information relevant for the reporting on the indicators referred to in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115.
Land Parcel Identification System
Within the context of the Common Agricultural Policy, Article 68 of Regulation 2021/2116 requires the establishment and maintenance of an identification system for agricultural parcels. According to Article 5 of Regulation 2021/2116, an identification system shall operate at reference parcel level. A reference parcel shall contain a unit of land representing agricultural area meaning any area taken up by arable land, permanent grassland, or permanent crops. Reference parcels must meet the following requirements:
- Reference parcels shall be measurable,
- Reference Parcels shall enable unique and unambiguous localisation of each agricultural parcel annually declared,
- Reference parcels shall enable the calculation of a maximum eligible area for the purpose of the support schemes, &
- Locate and determine the size of those ecological focus areas.
The Irish Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) was originally established in 1995 based on 1:2,500 ordnance survey maps with LPIS parcels being aligned to the Irish National Grid. The LPIS contains approximately 1,300,000 parcels which have been subject to continuous update based on revised maps, review against new orthoimagery, and the results of satellite and ground inspections. In 2018 the DAFM commenced a rebuild of the LPIS which involved making a number of improvements including the realignment of LPIS boundaries to Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) Prime 2 to improve positional accuracy, adopting Irish Transverse Mercator as projection standard, and a new parcel numbering system. As of 2023, 19 counties have been delivered to the updated LPIS database with the remaining 7 being maintained on the legacy database. The LPIS rebuild project is scheduled to be completed in 2024 by which time all LPIS parcels will be delivered to the new LPIS database.
In the Irish context the reference parcel commonly referred to as the LPIS Parcel is defined as a continuous area of land, which can comprise of a single field or block of contiguous fields. LPIS parcels are generally declared by a single farmer with the exception of commonage parcels where land is held in common ownership and a single LPIS Parcel can be claimed by multiple farmers. LPIS Parcels are generally claimed with a single crop, i.e., a single agricultural parcel with the exception of temporary subdivision parcels where a farmer may declare multiple crops or agricultural parcels on a single LPIS parcel. LPIS parcel boundaries are generally mapped to real world topographical features, however some LPIS boundaries are based on administrative boundaries or unverified boundaries based on farmer maps. LPIS parcel boundaries do not include permanent non-agricultural features such as public roads, rivers etc.
The LPIS is currently used to administer payments for the following schemes:
- Basic Payment Scheme* (BPS)
- Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme (ANC)
- Green Low Carbon Agri Environment Scheme (GLAS)
- Protein Aid Scheme (PAS)
- Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP)
- Young Farmer Scheme (YFS)
- Forestry Schemes
The LPIS Update Processes
LPIS is subject to continuous update based on revised maps, review against new orthoimagery, and the results of satellite and ground inspections. These updates occur year-round. The following sections give an overview of the different projects which trigger an update of the LPIS.
The below table summarises the number of LPIS parcel updates in a calendar year, in this case data is taken from 2020.
Applicants under the scheme were allocated payment entitlements and are paid on the basis of the number of entitlements held with the requirement to have an eligible hectare of agricultural land per entitlement. Annual applications are made by 15th May and also cover the other land-based aid schemes; for example, ANC, GLAS, Forestry, Protein Aid Scheme and the BDGP. Applicants declare all land parcels available to them and the eligible areas per parcel on their annual application forms. It is of critical importance under the IACS that the LPIS is accurate and fully up to date as regards eligible areas.
If a failure to properly maintain and update the LPIS is determined by a European Commission audit it could lead to a significant financial disallowance.
One of the main means by which the LPIS is kept up to date is by the annual submission of maps by applicants under the Basic Payment Scheme. These maps are updated as appropriate to amend the eligible areas of the land parcels declared.
In accordance with EU Parliament and Council Regulation No. 1306/2013 – Articles 59 and 74 and Commission Regulation (EU) No. 809/2014 – Articles 24-27, 30-33a, 37-41, it is necessary for Member States to carry out on-the-spot eligibility inspections on at least 5% of all beneficiaries submitting a Basic Payment Scheme application and/or other area-based scheme applications. Instead of applying the traditional means of on-the-spot checking, i.e., ground inspection, the Member States can make use of remote sensing as outlined in the articles of these Regulations. In Ireland a programme of both Ground Eligibility and Remote Sensing inspections are carried out.
In 2022, it is currently foreseen that approximately 7,000 applications will be controlled by Remote Sensing for land eligibility controls. It is anticipated that the applications will be located in approx. 48 remote sensing zones, reduced to approx. 20 zones where adjacent zones are merged, and will cover some 12,480 km2. In addition, approximately 1000 full ground eligibility inspections will be carried out in 2022 to verify area-based eligibility conditions for the scheme mentioned above.
The practical implementation of the On-the Spot Checks under these regulations is covered by the European Commission Guidance for On-The-Spot Checks (OTSC) and Area Measurement – DSCG/2014/32 – Final REV 4 – Year 2018 – Valid for campaign 2020, which can be downloaded from:
https://marswiki.jrc.ec.europa.eu/wikicap/index.php/Main_Page
In total over 15,000 applicants submitted maps using the on-line system in 2020.
The current GSAA application facility is also the application facility for other area-based schemes, including:
- Greening Payment
- Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme – approx. 80% of applicants qualify
- Areas of Specific Constraints (Islands) Scheme (ASC)
- Young Farmers Scheme (YFS)
- Protein Aid Scheme (PAS)
- Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM)
- Green Low Carbon Agri Environment Scheme (GLAS)
- Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP)
Clonbullogue Ash Repository
The Clonbullogue Ash Repository is located approximately 8 km South West of the Town of
Edenderry and 2 km North West of Clonbullogue village. It is located on Cloncreen bog, a cut-away peatland area within the Allen Group of Bogs
Drainage ditches evacuated in the surrounding peatlands by Bord na Mona are orientated in an East – West axis and essentially divert any seepage or drainage water from the peatlands. Drainage from the site is along a West – East drainage ditch which discharges ultimately to the Figile River.
Clonbullogue Ash Repository was to dispose of waste products (fly ash and bottom ash), arising from peat combustion within the boiler of the Edenderry Power Station. Bord na Mona was successful in 2006, in a review process of the facility licence to co-fuel peat with biomass and or meat and bonemeal.
Medite Europe
The production of one or more of the following wood-based panels: oriented strand board, particleboard or fibreboard with a production capacity exceeding 600 m3 per day
Biomass powered
Surface water abstraction (used as boiler feed water)
Storm water released to River Anner (Two Step Solids separation with step screen and run-down screen, solids settlement in interceptor settling lagoons and an oil separator)
Landfill monitoring (groundwater pollution monitoring)
https://epawebapp.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/rss/P0027-04.xml
https://goo.gl/maps/GyB4SjT8Z1UfnUhY6
Lisheen Mine, Moyne, Tipperary
The Lisheen Mine is closed, having ceased production in 2015
EPA: https://epawebapp.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/rss/P0088-04.xml
The mine produced lead and zinc concentrates derived from sulphide rich ore hosted in dolomitised limestone.
Acid generating tailings from processing of the ore were deposited using the sub-aqueous technique in a fully composite lined tailings management facility (TMF), which is located on a peat bog.
The TMF is the largest fully lined tailings storage facility in Europe
Surface water run-off that falls on the TMF is converged into an engineered attenuation pond through three spillways. On exiting the pond, the surface water flows along an open channel, through another attenuation pond and out through the Clogheen stream and finally entering the Drish River.
Tailings storage at Lisheen Mine, Ireland
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S089268750300400X
https://ataglance.vedantaresources.com/our-contribution/case-studies/item/25-lisheen-closure
Finisklin Historic Landfill, Sligo
Sligo County Council
Complex historical unregulated landfill site formerly operated by Council
EPA: https://epawebapp.epa.ie/terminalfour/HLF/HLF-view.jsp?regno=H0006-01
The former landfill covers an area of 13 hectares (ha) on the southern shores of the Garavogue River estuary approximately 1.5km North West of Sligo City Centre.
The former landfill was classified as a high risk site.
Tier 1 Risk Screening, Tier 2 Site Investigation and Testing, Tier 3 CSM (Conceptual Site Model) and Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) were completed in accordance with the methodology detailed in the EPA CoP.
Extensive Investigative and monitoring works were completed to provide sufficient information to determine whether linkages existed between the identified source-pathway-receptor linkages including groundwater, surface water, soil, leachate and landfill gas monitoring.
The key risk driver for the former landfill was landfill gas so detailed LFG monitoring and modelling were carried out.
The EPA issued a Certificate of Authorisation to Sligo County Council in 2018. This was the first certificate issued by the EPA for a high risk legacy landfill Site.
SLIGO County Council has published plans for a 4.8 hectare public park on part of the former dump site at Finisklin
Srahmore Peat Deposition Site
Surrender of EPA Licence by Bord na Mona Energy Ltd in August 2021
Closed/inactive peat disposal facility at Srahmore, Bangor-Erris, Co. Mayo
The site received its last tonne of peat in 2013 and has been in decommissioning and rehabilitated phases in accordance with the ELRA & Cramps submitted.
As part of the Corrib On-shore Pipeline Development, a gas terminal site was constructed at Ballanaboy Bridge. During its construction, approximately 448, 000m3 of peat was excavated, then transported and deposited at the Srahmore Peat Deposition Site during 2005 and 2007.
As part of the next stage of the project, the re-routing of the on-shore pipeline required the relocation of up to 75,000m3 of peat to the Srahmore Deposition Site.
In total over 18,000 truck deliveries by road were carried out covering some 470,000 km of road transportation. In total 448,050 tonnes of peat was excavated, loaded for transportation,
received and deposited on the cutaway peatlands at Srahmore. Internally almost 50,000 tractor deposits took place with an approximate 150,000 km travelled on internal haul roads.
The aquatic habitats include the Munhin River, Owenmore River and Tullaghan Bay, which combined form the lower stretch of the Owenmore Catchment. The Owenmore Catchment covers an area of 340km2 and stretches from the tributaries entering the Oweninny River at Knockmoyle (cSAC), the Altnabrocky River that flows north through the Bellacorick Bog complex (cSAC) and those entering Lough Carrowmore (cSAC).
Environmental Impact Assessment Report: Proposed BRDA Raise at Aughinish Aluminium
For a Planning Application by Aughinish Alumina Limited for development at existing alumina facility
Note: this is a large (749 page) EIA report
The proposed development comprises of:
- An expansion of the Bauxite Residue Disposal Area (BRDA) to increase its disposal capacity in order to accommodate additional bauxite residue resulting in a proposed increase in height of c.12m (to c. 44m OD) above the currently permitted levels. No increase to the existing footprint of the BRDA is proposed.
- An extension to the existing Salt Cake Disposal Cell (SCDC) to accommodate further disposal of salt cake resulting in an increase in height of the cell by c.2.25m. The SCDC is located within the BRDA area.
- An extension of the permitted borrow pit2, located to the east of the BRDA, is also proposed. This extension proposes to increase the footprint of the borrow pit from c.4.5ha to c.8.4ha. This extension will provide an additional 380,000m3 of rock fill material which is needed to satisfy the requirements of the construction and operation of the BRDA.
- The continued use of an existing stockpile area at the south east of the subject site to store topsoil in order to satisfy the additional restoration requirements of the extended BRDA.
- Upgrades to the existing water management infrastructure to accommodate the BRDA development to Stage 16 which will also allow for greater Inflow Design Flood (IDF) capacity for the entirety of the BRDA.
Aughinish Alumina planning application to Limerick CoCo / ABP (Summary)
Raise of the Bauxite Residue Disposal Area (BRDA)
The currently permitted BRDA (planning ref. Limerick County Council Reg. Ref. 05/1836; ABP Ref. PL13.217976) has capacity to provide a disposal area for bauxite residue until c.2030, for the current rate of alumina production (1.95 million tonnes per annum).
The proposed increase in disposal capacity to the BRDA will result in a height increase of c.12m above the currently permitted stage 10 level (c. 32m OD) to a final stage 16 level (c. 44m OD).
This additional disposal capacity will extend the lifetime of the currently permitted BRDA from c.2030 to c.2039 – an extension of approximately 9 no. years.
No increase to the existing footprint of the BRDA is proposed.
The existing BRDA can facilitate an increase in height to Stage 16 (currently permitted to Stage 10), which would provide a perimeter elevation of 36mOD and a maximum dome crown elevation of 44m OD.
The proposed development will provide for the deposition of circa 0.9 million m3 / year of bauxite residue and total of circa 8.0 million m3 over the lifetime of the development.
The proposed method of raising the BRDA from Stage 10 to Stage 16 is the upstream method (identified by the European Commission as the ‘Best Available Technique’1), consistent with the construction methodology for the current BRDA and involves the construction of rock fill embankments (Stages), offset internally and founded on the previously deposited and farmed bauxite residue, in 2m high vertical lifts.
The overall stack is raised systematically as the Stages are filled with bauxite residue, farmed, carbonated and compacted, prior to deposition of the next layer.
Raise of Saltcake Disposal Cell (SCDC)
The proposed development comprises the vertical extension of the existing SCDC to a crest height of c. 31.25m OD, which will have a maximum overall height of c. 35.50mOD when capped at cell closure.
The extension of the SCDC will accommodate disposal for an additional c. 22,500 m³ of salt cake in total. No increase to the existing footprint of the saltcake cell is proposed.
The construction of the SCDC extension will be undertaken in one step as opposed to the staged BRDA construction. Approximately 27,000m3 of processed rock fill material will be required to construct the perimeter wall of the SCDC raise. It is proposed that this rock material will be sourced from AAL’s borrow pit (see also Section 3). The composite lining, which will be placed inside the raised SCDC will comprise 4,500m2 of a mixture of geosynthetic materials.
No change in emissions or emission limit values are proposed associated with the raise of the saltcake cell.
In parallel, AAL have developed a process modification to avoid the generation of saltcake as a waste stream.
Extension of Rock Extraction Area
An existing permitted borrow pit was granted planning permission from An Bord Pleanala (ABP Ref. 301011-18) and was the subject of an Industrial Emissions Licence review for which Licence P0035-07 was issued in September 2021. This permitted borrow pit has an extraction area of circa 4.5 hectares to extract 374,000 m3 of rock over a 10 year period. This will provide sufficient rock for the lifetime of the permitted BRDA. This rock is required for construction of embankment walls at the Licenced BRDA facility.
The proposed development will increase the extraction area of the borrow pit, increasing the footprint of the borrow pit from c.4.5ha to c.8.4ha. This extension will provide an additional 385,000m3 of rock fill material, which is needed to satisfy the requirements of the construction and operation of the proposed raised BRDA.
As per the existing permitted borrow pit, the extraction area is sought up to a maximum depth of 8.5m O.D., at which depth there is no interaction with groundwater.
The proposed development seeks to extract rock from within the confines of the AAL landholding (and licence site boundary) to reduce the dependence of the construction of the BRDA on rock sourced from commercial quarries in the local area.
Domestic Waste Water Application: Module in EPAs EDEN System
This Module is the system used by local authority inspectors to log inspected domestic waste water inspections (septic tanks)
This dataset represents the site locations of Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems where inspections have been carried out under the National Inspection Plan.
https://gis.epa.ie/geonetwork/srv/api/records/8a5209fe-554e-4f09-952c-2e596f813292
These locations have been captured by Local Authority Inspectors as part of the process of logging inspection details within the Domestic Waste Water Application
The locations in this dataset are captured using an integrated map part within the Domestic Waste Water Application whereby the Inspector selects the location on the map. Alternatively, the Inspector can enter the coordinates manually at which point the application then displays the location on the map for verification.
There are a number of datasets available as decision support tools to assist with the implementation of the National Inspection Plan 2018 – 2021 here:
https://gis.epa.ie/geonetwork/srv/search?keyword=domestic%20waste%20water