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STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DRAFT SCOPING REPORT FOR THE WATER SERVICES STRATEGIC PLAN for: Irish Water Colvill House, 24-26 Talbot Street, Dublin 1. by: AOS Planning 2nd Floor, The Courtyard, 25 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1 July 2014 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Table of Contents Section 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 Introduction and Terms of Reference .................................................................................1 Decision to Undertake SEA ................................................................................................1 Formation of Irish Water ...................................................................................................2 Section 2 2.1 2.2 Preliminary Identification of Environmental Baseline Content ............12 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 12 Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna......................................................................................12 Population and Human Health..........................................................................................13 Soil................................................................................................................................ 13 Water ............................................................................................................................ 13 Air and Climatic Factors...................................................................................................19 Material Assets ...............................................................................................................19 Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................................28 Landscape .....................................................................................................................29 Section 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 The Assessment Process .........................................................................8 Legislative Context for SEA ................................................................................................8 Appropriate Assessment - A Parallel Assessment .................................................................8 Overview of the Process ....................................................................................................8 Outcomes of the SEA (and AA) ........................................................................................10 Consultation with environmental authorities ......................................................................10 What happens next? .......................................................................................................11 Section 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 Content of and Context for the Water Services Strategic Plan...............4 Content of the Water Services Strategic Plan.......................................................................4 Context for the Water Services Strategic Plan......................................................................4 Section 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Introduction and Background .................................................................1 Key Scoping Issues................................................................................30 Legislation and Guidelines ...............................................................................................30 Environmental Sensitivities ..............................................................................................31 Relationship with Legislation and Other Plans and Programmes ..........................................32 Selection of Strategic Environmental Objectives, Indicators and Targets ..............................35 Potential Environmental Effects........................................................................................38 Mitigation.......................................................................................................................39 Monitoring ..................................................................................................................... 40 Alternatives.................................................................................................................... 40 Section 6 Next Steps .............................................................................................43 Appendix I: Additional Information on Content of Water Services Strategic Plan ...44 Appendix II: Additional Information on Relationship with Legislation and Other Plans and Programmes ...............................................................................................48 Appendix III: Summary of EPA RAL and Waste Water Information .........................66 AOS Planning for Irish Water i Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Section 1 Introduction and Background 1.1 Introduction and Terms of Reference Irish Water is currently preparing a Water Services Strategic Plan (referred to as the WSSP below) which will set out Irish Water’s high level strategies for providing water services to their customers over a 25 year horizon and how they will meet their environmental compliance commitments. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) are both being undertaken on the WSSP as it has been determined, taking a precautionary approach, that the WSSP would have the potential, if unmitigated, to result in environmental effects. This Draft SEA Scoping Report has been informed by consultations with environmental authorities and stakeholders. It is intended that an updated version of this Draft Report – to take account of submissions made by the public – will help communicate and define the scope of the environmental issues which are to be dealt with by the SEA together with the level of detail to which it is intended to address these issues, as per the SEA Guidelines1. This report has been prepared independently on behalf of Irish Water by AOS Planning. 1.2 Decision to Undertake SEA Arising from Article 9 of the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004, as amended, there is a requirement to carry out environmental assessment of certain types of plans. This includes plans and programmes for the water management sector which are not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European site but, either individually or in combination with other plans, are likely to have a significant effect on any such site. Irish Water, as the competent authority who is responsible for preparing the Plan and undertaking SEA and AA, and taking a precautionary approach, has determined that the implementation of the Water Services Strategic Plan would have the potential, if unmitigated, to result in environmental effects, including on European sites and has, accordingly commenced the preparation of the SEA and AA. 1 Implementation of SEA Directive (2001/42/EC): Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment Guidelines for Regional Authorities and Planning Authorities (DEHLG, 2004), Page 18 “It is recommended that at the end of the scoping procedure, the plan-making authority should prepare a brief scoping report of its conclusions as to what information is to be included in the environmental report, taking account of any recommendations from the environmental authorities.” AOS Planning for Irish Water 1 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 1.3 Formation of Irish Water Irish Water was incorporated in January 2014 under the Water Services (No. 2) Act of 2013. Irish Water has established itself as a single utility providing water and waste water services nationally and has eight offices in three regions across the country (see Figure 1.1). Irish Water now have the responsibility for the provision of water and waste water services in Ireland from 31 local authorities. This includes the management of approximately 1,000 water treatment plants and approximately 1,000 waste water treatment plants (see Figure 1.2). Figure 1.1 Irish Water Regions and Offices AOS Planning for Irish Water 2 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report WATER TREATMENT PLANT WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT Figure 1.2 Water Treatment Plants (lhs) and Waste Water Treatment Plants (rhs) AOS Planning for Irish Water 3 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Section 2 Content of and Context for the Water Services Strategic Plan 2.1 Content of the Water Services Strategic Plan As per the requirements of Article 33 (4) of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013, the Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP) will state the objectives of Irish Water in relation to the provision by Irish Water of water services and the means by which Irish Water proposes to achieve those objectives. The objectives of the WSSP are set out under the Water Service (No. 2) Act 2013 as follows: a) Drinking water quality; b) The prevention of risks to human health or the environment relating to the provision of water services; c) The existing and projected demand for water services; d) Arrangements for the provision of water services by Irish Water; e) Existing and reasonably foreseeable deficiencies in the provision of water services by Irish Water; f) Water conservation measures; and g) Management of the property of Irish Water. For additional information on the likely content of the WSSP please refer to Appendix I (draft table of contents for the WSSP). This draft table of contents addresses the seven themes included in the legislation (a-g above) and two further additional themes which Irish Water wishes to include: Meeting Customers’ Expectations and Supporting Growth. This appendix provides a draft of the WSSP table of contents and identifies for the various likely sections: • • • • Primary Objective(s); Relevant legislation; Key Challenges; and Themes. References to the various themes of the legislation, (a-g above) are included in the table at Appendix I for ease of reference. 2.2 Context for the Water Services Strategic Plan The WSSP is set in the overall context of water services planning, with related plans, projects and activities and their associated SEA, AA, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and licensing as required under current legislation- see schematic diagram Figure 2.1 of the hierarchy of water services plans below. The WSSP will not generally refer to specific water services projects. The WSSP is at the highest tier (Tier I) of water services planning. The WSSP will set out Irish Water’s high level strategies for providing water services to their customers over a 25 year horizon and how they will meet their environmental compliance commitments. The implementation and operation of the WSSP will be reviewed not later than 5 years after approval and thereafter as required by statute. The implementation of the strategies identified in the WSSP will be detailed in a number of Implementation Plans (Tier II) which will be prepared by Irish Water following the approval of the WSSP by the Minister of the Environment Community and Local Government. These Implementation Plans will include, for example, a National Water Resources Management Plan, a National Sludge Management Plan, Water Conservation Plans, Water Safety Plans (note: this list is not exhaustive and titles of plans may change); will be reviewed on a cyclical basis; and will be subject to environmental assessment as appropriate. Initial draft descriptions of selected future Implementation Plans, are presented in Table 2.1. AOS Planning for Irish Water 4 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report The requirement to carry out an SEA/AA on these individual plans will be considered at the commencement of preparing each plan and subject to the requirements of relevant legislation2. Irish Water has responsibility for providing a clean safe water supply to current and future customers connected to the network. The main activities associated with providing a water supply include the following: • (Raw) Water abstraction (from surface or ground water); • Treatment of raw water to a potable water standard (the level of treatment required will depend on the quality of raw water abstracted); • Storage of raw and treated water; • Distribute treated water to customers through a pipe network; • Construction, operation, maintenance and management of the above; and • Metering, billing and customer services. Irish Water is also responsible for collecting, treating and safely disposing of waste water from current and future customers connected to the public waste water network. The main activities associated with providing effective management of waste water include the following: • Collection of waste water from customers connected to the public waste water sewer network; • Collection and treatment of surface water where surface water drains are currently connected to the public sewer network; • Treatment of waste water to an acceptable standard set by legislation (the level of treatment required will depend on the type of receiving water and its assimilative capacity); • Discharging treated waste water to surface or groundwater under licence/certification by the EPA; • Construction, operation, maintenance and management of the above; and • Metering billing and customer services in relation to the above. The high level strategies to be identified in the WSSP will focus on how Irish Water will plan for the above activities in order to provide water services to customers in a cost effective manner over a 25 year horizon and how Irish Water will meet environmental compliance commitments related to these activities. It is not envisaged that geographical context will be attributed to the strategies identified in the WSSP. The subsequent Implementation Plans referred to above and in Figure 2.1 will detail how these strategies will be carried out at a regional and county level. The lists of activities to be carried out by IW are not 2 Subject to certain exclusions, the SEA Directive [Article 3 (2)], as transposed by the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (SI No. 435 of 2004), as amended, requires that SEA is carried out for all plans and programmes: (a) which are prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use and which set the framework for future development consent of projects listed in Annexes I and II to Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended, or (b) which, in view of the likely effect on sites, have been determined to require an assessment pursuant to Article 6 or 7 of Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) i.e. a Stage 2 AA – see below. The obligation to undertake AA derives from Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC as transposed by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (Part 5). Regulation 42 of Part 5 requires that a screening for AA of a plan or project - for which an application for consent is received, or which a public authority wishes to undertake or adopt (and which is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site as a European Site) - is carried out by the public authority to assess, in view of best scientific knowledge and in view of the conservation objectives of the site, if that plan or project, individually or in combination with other plans or projects is likely to have a significant effect on the European site. Subsequent Articles set out the requirements for Stage 2 AA etc. The meaning of ‘a Plan’ is set out in Regulation 2 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 which relates to AA: “Plan, subject to the exclusion, except where the contrary intention appears, of any plan that is a land use plan within the meaning of the Planning Acts 2000 to 2011, includes: (a) any plan, programme or scheme, statutory or non-statutory, that establishes public policy in relation to land use and infrastructural development in one or more specified locations or regions, including any development of land or on land, the extraction or exploitation of mineral resources or of renewable energy resources and the carrying out of land use activities, that is to be considered for adoption or authorisation or approval or for the grant of a licence, consent, permission, permit, derogation or other authorisation by a public authority, or (b) a proposal to amend or extend a plan or scheme referred to in subparagraph (a)” AOS Planning for Irish Water 5 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report exhaustive but identify the main activities that may have the potential to impact either positively or negatively on the various environmental components identified in Table 4.1. At Tier III of the hierarchy, the projects and activities required to implement the strategies outlined in the WSSP and detailed in the Implementation Plans will be identified and developed and will be subject to all appropriate EIA, planning, licensing and permitting processes. The investment in water services infrastructure that Irish Water considers is necessary for the effective performance by it of its statutory functions is identified in a Capital Investment Plan, prepared in compliance with Section 34 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 and which forms part of the Water Charges Plan. It is submitted to the Commission for Energy Regulation and to the Minister for the Environment Community and Local Government for the purposes of the allocation of funding on a 5 to 6 year cycle (although the initial Capital Investment Plan, which largely take over the implementation of the Water Services Investment Programme previous managed by the DECLG, covers the 3 year period from 2014 – 2016). Figure 2.1 Planning and Environmental Assessment Hierarchy for Water Services AOS Planning for Irish Water 6 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Initial Draft Proposed Title Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy National Resources Management Plan National Sludge Management Plan/Strategy Initial Draft Description of Proposed Content Irish Water’s climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy will seek to address the potential impacts of climate change on Irish Water’s customers. Mitigation measures will be outlined which involve actions to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions of the greenhouse gases that are driving climate change taking cognisance of demands for higher water services provision, treatment standards and compliance. An assessment will be carried out of Irish Water’s vulnerability to climate change and following on from this, the adaptation strategy will outline measures to be implemented in order to reduce Irish Water’s vulnerability to the negative impacts of climate change and ensure climate resilience into the future. Irish Water will produce a Water Resources Management Plan, which will set out how it is planned to maintain the balance between supply and demand of water for its customers over the next 25 years. The strategic plan will a categorise water resources, on a National, Regional and Water Supply Zone level, in terms of source type and risks to supply. The plan will also propose mitigation proposals based on identified risks, and identify levels of service and leakage reduction objectives and goals. The Irish Water Sludge Management Strategy will be prepared to set out the long-term strategy for management of sludge produced at waste water treatment plants and water treatment plants under the control of Irish Water. All aspects of the management of sludge will be considered including sludge production, treatment, transport, disposal, monitoring, reporting and consultation with stakeholders. This strategy will take into account current legislation, guidance documents and Irish Water policies. The strategy will assess current practice in sludge management and assess options for optimisation. A consultation process with stakeholders is proposed to allow input from interested parties. The strategy will set out recommendations in terms of any required capital works, operating procedures, quality control and risk management systems to ensure a sustainable strategy for sludge management. Table 2.1 Initial Draft Proposed Title and Content of Selected Future Implementation Plans AOS Planning for Irish Water 7 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Section 3 The Assessment Process 3.1 Legislative Context for SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the formal, systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme, or variation to a plan or programme, before a decision is made to adopt it. The SEA Directive3 requires, inter alia, that SEA is undertaken for certain plans and programmes which are prepared for a number of sectors, including water management. The SEA Directive was transposed into Irish Law through the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (Statutory Instrument Number (SI No. 435 of 2004) and the Planning and Development (SEA) Regulations 2004 (SI No. 436 of 2004). Both sets of Regulations became operational on 21 July 2004. SI No. 435 of 2004 relates to sectors including water management and was amended by the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (SI No. 200 of 2011). 3.2 Appropriate Assessment - A Parallel Assessment Appropriate Assessment (AA) screening is currently being undertaken on the Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP). AA is an impact assessment process concerning Natura 2000, or European, sites - these sites have been designated or proposed for designation by virtue of their ecological importance. The Habitats Directive4 requires, inter alia, that plans and programmes undergo an AA process to establish the likely or potential effects arising from implementation of the WSSP. If the effects are deemed to be significant, potentially significant or uncertain then the WSSP must undergo Stage 2 AA. The preparation of the WSSP, SEA and AA are taking place concurrently and the findings of the AA will inform both the SEA and the WSSP (see Figure 3.1). A Draft of the AA will accompany the Draft WSSP and the SEA Environmental Report on public display. The SEA will follow elements of Integrated Biodiversity Assessment5. Submissions/parts of submissions on AA made during the SEA Scoping process will be taken into account while undertaking the AA as relevant. 3.3 Overview of the Process The preparation of the WSSP, SEA and AA are taking place concurrently and the findings of the AA will inform both the SEA and the WSSP (see Figure 3.1). A Draft of the AA will accompany the Draft WSSP and the SEA Environmental Report on public display. The process is currently at a stage where the Issues Paper for the WSSP and the Draft SEA Scoping Report have been prepared. The Issues Paper and the Draft SEA Scoping Report are being made available for comment by members of the public and interested stakeholders as part of a non-statutory public consultation. These documents will then be updated to take into account relevant submissions or observations made. Taking into account the content of the updated SEA Scoping Report, all submissions made to date and continuous scoping of the SEA, environmental impacts will be predicted, evaluated and mitigated. The findings of this assessment will be presented in an SEA Environmental Report which will accompany the draft WSSP on public display for a period of 6 weeks as part of the required statutory 3 Directive 2001/42/EC on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora 5 As detailed in the EPA’s 2013 Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment - Streamlining AA, SEA and EIA Processes: Practitioner’s Manual. 4 AOS Planning for Irish Water 8 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report public consultation. An AA document will also be placed on public display as part of the required statutory public consultation. Submissions will be responded to and the WSSP will be revised, with relevant submissions taken into account. When the WSSP is finalised the AA and SEA documents will be finalised and an SEA Statement, which will include information on how environmental considerations were integrated into the WSSP, will be prepared. The WSSP will be implemented and environmental monitoring will be undertaken. Figure 3.1 Overview of WSSP/SEA/AA Process Adapted from: Guidance on the Preparation of Water Services Strategic Plans (Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2008) AOS Planning for Irish Water 9 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 3.4 Outcomes of the SEA (and AA) It is intended that the SEA (and AA) process will contribute towards objectives relating to environmental protection for integration into the WSSP. Other intended outcomes include: • • • • • The adoption of procedures for the integration of planning and environmental considerations into water services planning; The use of strategic environmental constraints mapping and assimilative capacity data; Commitments for ongoing co-operation with other organisations; The identification of criteria to be assessed in the SEAs and AAs of Tier II Plans; and The adoption of project selection criteria for use in lower tier planning and environmental assessment. 3.5 Consultation with environmental authorities As part of the scoping process, environmental authorities specified under the SEA transposing Regulations6 as well as the relevant transboundary authority in Northern Ireland and relevant stakeholders were notified that a submission or observation in relation to the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in the environmental report may be made to Irish Water. Notifications were accompanied by an earlier version of this Draft Scoping Report, the Initial Draft Scoping Report. 9 submissions were made by the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government; Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Inland Fisheries Ireland); Department of the Environment Northern Ireland (Submission I); Department of the Environment Northern Ireland (Submission II); Environmental Protection Agency; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine; Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Geological Survey of Ireland); Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; and Sustainable Water Network. The submissions were responded to in a Report on Submissions and the information and suggestions contained within the submissions were used to update the Initial Draft Scoping Report which was the previous version of this Draft Scoping Report. A scoping workshop was also held with environmental authorities with representatives from the following in attendance: • • • • • • • Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine; Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; Environmental Protection Agency; Irish Water; and AOS Planning. The information and suggestions provided at this meeting also resulted in changes being made to the original Initial Draft Scoping Report. 6 The following authorities were notified: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government; and Environmental Protection Agency. AOS Planning for Irish Water 10 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 3.6 What happens next? This Draft SEA Scoping Report will be placed on public display and updated to take into account any submissions or observations which are made. Taking into account the content of the updated SEA Scoping Report, all submissions made to date and continuous scoping of the SEA, an SEA Environmental Report will be prepared and will accompany the draft WSSP on public display (see Figure 3.1). AOS Planning for Irish Water 11 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Section 4 Preliminary Identification Environmental Baseline Content of 4.1 Introduction This section provides a preliminary identification of the content of the environmental baseline that will be used by the SEA. The environmental baseline, including descriptions and mapping will be updated during scoping and throughout the SEA process. As required by the SEA Directive, the environmental baseline for the following environmental components is considered: biodiversity and flora and fauna, population and human health, soil, water, air and climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors. 4.2 Biodiversity and Flora and Fauna The SEA will consider available information on designated ecological sites and protected species, ecological connectivity and non-designated habitats. Ecological designations include: • • • • • • • • • Special Areas of Conservation7 (SACs) and Special Protection Areas8 (SPAs); UNESCO World Heritage and UNESCO Biosphere sites; Areas Special Scientific Interest9; Ramsar Sites10; Salmonid Waters; Shellfish Waters; Freshwater Pearl Mussel catchments; Flora Protection Order sites; and Wildlife Sites (including Natural Heritage Areas11 and Nature Reserves). Entries to the Water Framework Directive Register of Protected Areas (including SAC and SPA Rivers and Waterbodies, Shellfish Areas and Water Bodies, Salmonid Rivers and Lakes) will be considered by the SEA. The SEA will make use of available data sources including those from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the EPA’s Framework National Ecological Network for Ireland and CORINE land cover mapping. The SEA will be informed by the findings of the AA and will follow elements of Integrated Biodiversity Assessment with reference made to the EPA’s 2013 Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment Streamlining AA, SEA and EIA Processes: Practitioner’s Manual. The following datasets will be considered while compiling data on the baseline environment: • • • • Nature conservation designations; Available information on habitats, rare and protected species and their habitats; Watercourses and associated wetlands; and Other sites of high biodiversity value or ecological importance, e.g. BirdWatch Ireland’s ‘Important Bird Areas’ (Crowe et al., 2009). 7 designated under the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora). designated under the Birds Directive (EC Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds) 9 designated under the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 10 designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 11 designated under the Wildlife Act; 8 AOS Planning for Irish Water 12 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report National and international (to take account of Northern Ireland designations) Ecological Constraints Rating mapping (providing, through GIS, an indication of the areas that are most ecologically sensitive to development) will be used by the assessment and provided in the SEA Environmental Report. 4.3 Population and Human Health Population figures from publications including the 2011 Census will be used to inform the baseline description of population. With regard to human health, impacts relevant to the SEA are those which arise as a result of interactions with environmental vectors (i.e. environmental components such as air, water, food or soil through which contaminants or pollutants, which have the potential to cause harm, can be transported so that they come into contact with human beings). Hazards or nuisances to human health can arise as a result of exposure to these vectors arising from incompatible adjacent land uses, for example. 4.4 Soil To date, there is no legislation which is specific to the protection of soil resources. However, there is currently an EU Thematic Strategy on the protection of soil which includes a proposal for a Soil Framework Directive, including the proposal of common principles for protecting soils across the EU. All soils have the potential to be impacted upon by implementation of the WSSP and will be considered by the assessment. An example of an issue to be considered includes run-off from peat soils which can increase the amount of energy required to treat water for drinking purposes in certain areas. In addition to soils, the SEA will consider published national data on important geological features. The GSI and the DAHG are currently identifying sites of geological interest across the country that will be proposed as Natural Heritage Areas. 4.5 Water The area of the WSSP covers part or all of seven of the eight Water Framework Directive (WFD) River Basin Districts (RBDs) on the island of Ireland; the North Western International RBD, the Neagh-Bann International RBD, the Western RBD, the Shannon International RBD, the Eastern RBD, the South Eastern RBD and the South Western RBD (see Figure 4.1). The WFD requires that all Member States implement the necessary measures to prevent deterioration of the status of all waters - surface, ground, estuarine and coastal - and protect, enhance and restore all waters with the aim of achieving good status by 2015. All public bodies are required to coordinate their policies and operations so as to maintain the good status of water bodies which are currently unpolluted and improve polluted water bodies to good status by 2015. The SEA will be informed by, inter alia, the information contained in available EPA Integrated Water Quality Reports on the status of water bodies including river, lake, estuarine, coastal and ground waters. Trends in Surface Water Status for the period 2009-2011 are mapped on Figure 4.2. Figure 4.3 sets out the ecological status of the various types of water bodies located within the various catchments, as identified in the 2009 River Basin Management Plans12. Status of coastal and estuarine waters on the island of Ireland for 2009-2011 is mapped on Figure 4.4. Additional mapping of surface and ground waters will be used by the SEA. 12 Note that the River Basin Management Plans will be reviewed in the coming years and that the Implementation Plans and any future revisions of the WSSP will take any outputs of this process into account. AOS Planning for Irish Water 13 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report The most recent available data bathing water quality for 2013 is mapped on Figure 4.5. Entries • • • • • • to the WFD Register of Protected Areas (RPAs) will be considered by the SEA. These include: SAC and SPA Rivers and Waterbodies; Shellfish Areas and Water Bodies; Salmonid Rivers and Lakes; Nutrient Sensitive Water Bodies; Bathing Water Areas; and Drinking Water Rivers, Lakes and Groundwater. Figure 4.1 River Basin Districts on the island of Ireland Source: EPA (2008) Ireland’s Environment 2008 AOS Planning for Irish Water 14 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Figure 4.2 Trends in Surface Water Status for the period 2009-2011 Source: reproduced from Regional Indicators Report Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (Regional Authorities of Ireland, 2014); data were sourced and adapted for this Regional Indicators Report from (a) status assessments carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the various River Basin Districts for their respective River Basin Management Plans; and (b) Surface water trends data for the period 2009 - 2011 (EPA, 2013). AOS Planning for Irish Water 15 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Figure 4.3 Ecological Water Status as set out in the 2009 River Basin Management Plans Source: reproduced from Regional Indicators Report Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (Regional Authorities of Ireland, 2014); data were sourced and adapted for this Regional Indicators Report from (a) status assessments carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the various River Basin Districts for their respective River Basin Management Plans; and (b) Surface water trends data for the period 2009 - 2011 (EPA, 2013). AOS Planning for Irish Water 16 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Figure 4.4 Status of Coastal and Estuarine Waters 2009-2011 Source: EPA Data from 2009-2011, downloaded from http://gis.epa.ie/Envision/ AOS Planning for Irish Water 17 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Figure 4.5 Bathing Water Quality 2013 Source: EPA (2014) The Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland - An Overview for the Year 2013 AOS Planning for Irish Water 18 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 4.6 Air and Climatic Factors 4.6.1 Air Quality and Noise Air Quality In order to comply with European Directives relating to air quality, the EPA measures the levels of a number of atmospheric pollutants. For the purposes of monitoring in Ireland, four zones are defined in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 (SI No. 271 of 2002). The main areas defined in each zone are: • • • • Zone A: Dublin Conurbation. Zone B: Cork Conurbation. Zone C: Other cities and large towns comprising Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Clonmel, Kilkenny, Sligo, Drogheda, Wexford, Athlone, Ennis, Bray, Naas, Carlow, Tralee, Dundalk, Navan, Letterkenny, Celbridge, Newbridge, Mullingar, Balbriggan, Greystones, Leixlip and Portlaoise. Zone D: Rural Ireland, i.e. the remainder of the State - small towns and rural areas of the country - excluding Zones A, B and C. Air quality in all of these zones is currently “good” (7 May 2014). The EPA’s (EPA, 2013) Air Quality in Ireland 2012 identifies that air quality in Ireland continues to be good and is among the best in Europe. Noise Noise is unwanted sound. The Environmental Noise Regulations (SI No. 140 of 2006) transpose into Irish law the EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise, which is commonly referred to as the Environmental Noise Directive or END. The END defines a common approach intended to avoid, prevent or reduce on a prioritised basis the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environmental noise. The END does not set any limit value, nor does it prescribe the measures to be used in the action plans, which remain at the discretion of the competent authorities. Limit values are left to each member state. At this point in time, Ireland does not have any statutory noise limit values. 4.6.2 Climatic Factors Various potential interactions between the WSSP and climatic factors will be considered. Interactions between the WSSP and climatic factors will relate to energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions and will including interactions with flooding. The EPA 2013 publication Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Projections 2012-2030, identifies that Ireland is on track to meet its commitment under the Kyoto Protocol, primarily, as a direct result of the recent economic downturn and economic outlook for the future. However, the report also identifies that there continues to be a significant risk that Ireland will not meet its target for 2020 under the EU Effort Sharing Decision, with strong projected growth in emissions from transport and agriculture. 4.7 Material Assets 4.7.1 Overview Resources that are valued and that are intrinsic to specific places are called ‘material assets’. Material Assets that will be considered by the SEA include: • • • Settlements Drinking water infrastructure (see additional detail at Section 4.7.2) Waste water infrastructure (see additional detail at Section 4.7.2) AOS Planning for Irish Water 19 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report • • • 4.7.2 Waste Archaeological and architectural heritage (see Section 4.8) Natural resources of economic value, such as air and water (see Sections 4.5 and 4.6) and non renewable resources. Water Services 4.7.2.1 Drinking Water Compliance The EPA’s Remedial Action List for Drinking Water uses the following to prioritise drinking water supply issues: • • • Drinking water supplies that are on boil water notices or restrictions. Drinking water supplies at risk and listed in the “EPA Remedial Action List” for drinking water supplies. Drinking water management issues identified as “High Risk” through the completion of Drinking Water Safety Plans. A summary of the most recent available (Q3, 2013) EPA Remedial Action List (RAL) is provided at Appendix III. The SEA will provide details on drinking water compliance including that which is identified in the EPA publication “The Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland – A Report for the Year 2012” which outlines the findings, challenges, issues and priorities to be addressed to comply with the Drinking Water Directive. Examples of these issues identified in the report include the following: • • Compliance in public water supplies declined from 89.1% in 2011 to 85.1% in 2012; and There are currently 322 surface water supplies in the country, but only 179 of these have turbidity monitors after each filter which means there are potentially 143 surface water supplies without monitors in place. It is also noted that it may be the case that not be that all of the 179 supplies that have reported monitors in place actually have them in place for all filters, as in one county, for example one monitor was serving up to 3 filters at different times. 4.7.2.2 Waste Water Compliance Figure 4.6 shows Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) compliance for all Regional Planning Guidelines settlements. The majority of settlements have met the standards while 22 have failed to meet the standards. A further 8 have received no treatment or a basic level of treatment prior to discharge and consequently the effluent could not achieve the quality standards specified in the Directive. Figure 4.6 Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive compliance for all Regional Planning Guidelines settlements Source: reproduced from Regional Indicators Report Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (Regional Authorities of Ireland, 2014) AOS Planning for Irish Water 20 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report The EPA report “Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment 2012” outlines a number of criteria for making a difference to water quality. These are outlined as follows: • • • • • • • • • • Serious pollution: Seriously polluted river locations where the source of pollution is attributed to urban waste water discharges. Bathing water failure: Designated bathing waters where urban waste water discharges are the principle or a contributory factor to poor water quality status. Moderate or slight pollution: Moderately or slightly polluted river locations where there is a high probability that the principle cause of pollution can be attributed to urban waste water discharges. Pearl mussel catchment: Waste water works prioritised to protect freshwater pearl mussel catchments. Pressure on shellfish water: Urban waste water works identified in Pollution Reduction Programmes as key pressures on designated shellfish waters. Secondary or tertiary treatment required by the Directive is overdue: Urban areas where secondary treatment or nutrient reduction is required by the Directive but is not yet in operation. No treatment or preliminary treatment only: Urban areas where waste water receives no treatment or just basic preliminary treatment. These areas require appropriate treatment under the Directive. Risk to drinking water abstraction points: Waste water works that have been identified as a high risk to a drinking water abstraction point as part of the preparation of a Drinking Water Safety Plan. Risk to estuarine or coastal waters: Waste water works which, in the opinion of the EPA, are impacting on the Water Framework Directive status of estuarine or coastal waters Environmental pollution risk: Waste water works which, in the opinion of the EPA, should be Page prioritised for other site specific reasons, including any waste water works identified as failing mandatory effluent quality or sampling standards in the Directive, causing environmental pollution or causing a significant risk of eutrophication in sensitive waters. These criteria identify waste water works where infrastructure or operational improvements or best practice in operation will make a difference to water quality, protect sensitive areas, reduce public health risks from effluent discharges and ensure compliance with the infrastructure requirements of the UWWTD. The report highlights 42 urban areas where sewage is discharged without any treatment or just preliminary treatment. These are detailed in Appendix III. The SEA will provide details on waste water compliance including that which is identified in the EPA publication “Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment 2012”. Examples of these issues identified in the report include the following: • • 42 urban areas were identified where sewage is discharged without any treatment or just preliminary treatment. River sites were identified from the national river monitoring programme where serious moderate or slight pollution is attributed, with a high degree of probability, to urban waste water discharges. The “Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland – An Overview for the Year 2013” identifies four bathing water sites as being of poor status due to waste water works. The EPA have identified that the issue has not been resolved at one of these sites; A0529 – Liliput adventure centre. The EPA’s Bathing Water Quality Report also identified vulnerable bathing waters from pressures associated with 6 waste water works. An additional bathing area, Stradbally Cove, Waterford (which is not a designated bathing area) was identified to the EPA by the HSE as having a public health risk to bathers from waste water discharges. 4.7.2.3 Waste Water Capacities Information on water services capacities to accommodate 2016 Regional Planning Guidelines population targets and compliance with the UWWTD Discharge Licences in Regional Planning Guidelines Gateway, Hub and Tier 1 settlements is provided at Figure 4.7, Figure 4.8, Figure 4.9 and Figure 4.10. AOS Planning for Irish Water 21 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report This information is taken from the Regional Indicators Report Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (Regional Authorities of Ireland, 2014) which was informed by local authorities and the 2013 EPA report “Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment 2011”. It is noted that: 1. Water and wastewater information is provided for a specific point in time (October, 2013) and capacities can alter rapidly depending on development requirements. The 2013 EPA UWWTD dataset is not the most up-to-date published report on Urban Wastewater Directive Discharges, referring to 2011 data. This must be considered when reviewing the information in Figure 4.10. It must also be noted that population figures are only one contributory factor to wastewater treatment plant loadings as industry and commercial sources also contribute significantly. In certain settlements there may also be seasonal changes in water and wastewater capacity requirements. 2. While capacity and associated analysis is based on 2016 population targets, based on emerging population information, it is unlikely that these targets will be met. AOS Planning for Irish Water 22 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Figure 4.7 Water and Waste Water Capacities per Gateway, Hub and Tier 1 settlement Part 1 Source: reproduced from Regional Indicators Report Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (Regional Authorities of Ireland, 2014) AOS Planning for Irish Water 23 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Figure 4.8 Water and Waste Water Capacities per Gateway, Hub and Tier 1 settlement Part 2 Source: reproduced from Regional Indicators Report Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (Regional Authorities of Ireland, 2014) AOS Planning for Irish Water 24 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Figure 4.9 Water and Waste Water Capacities per Gateway, Hub and Tier 1 settlement Part 3 Source: reproduced from Regional Indicators Report Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (Regional Authorities of Ireland, 2014) AOS Planning for Irish Water 25 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Figure 4.10 Water and Waste Water Capacities per Gateway, Hub and Tier 1 settlement Part 4 Source: reproduced from Regional Indicators Report Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (Regional Authorities of Ireland, 2014) The (lhs) pie chart at Figure 4.11 (which provides information for water capacity for all RPG settlements in all Regions) shows that the majority of settlements (61.25%) have sufficient infrastructure to accommodate planned growth, i.e. target population growth which is envisaged under the RPGs or by the Local Authority. 27.5% of the settlements require infrastructure to accommodate the planned population target but it is important to note that some development can proceed and be accommodated. However, for 11.25% of settlements it has been identified that planned development may not proceed due to infrastructural deficiencies in water capacity. The (rhs) pie chart at Figure 4.11 (which provides information for waste water capacity for all RPG settlements in all Regions) shows that 61.25% of settlements have sufficient infrastructure to accommodate planned growth while 22.5% of settlements can accommodate some growth but require investment in infrastructure in order to achieve the planned population target. Planned development AOS Planning for Irish Water 26 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report cannot proceed in 16.25% of settlements due to identified infrastructural deficiencies in wastewater treatment capacity. It is noted that: 1. Water and wastewater information is provided for a specific point in time (October, 2013) and capacities can alter rapidly depending on development requirements. The 2013 EPA UWWTD dataset is not the most up-to-date published report on Urban Wastewater Directive Discharges, referring to 2011 data. This must be considered when reviewing the information in Figure 4.10. It must also be noted that population figures are only one contributory factor to wastewater treatment plant loadings as industry and commercial sources also contribute significantly. In certain settlements there may also be seasonal changes in water and wastewater capacity requirements. 2. While capacity and associated analysis is based on 2016 population targets, based on emerging population information, it is unlikely that these targets will be met in many of the regions. WATER CAPACITIES WASTE WATER CAPACITIES Figure 4.11 Water and Waste Water Capacities per Gateway, Hub and Tier 1 settlement in all Regions Source: reproduced from Regional Indicators Report Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional Planning Guidelines (Regional Authorities of Ireland, 2014) AOS Planning for Irish Water 27 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 4.8 Cultural Heritage With regard to cultural heritage, the SEA will consider archaeological and architectural heritage. 4.8.1 Archaeological Heritage Archaeological sites and monuments vary greatly in form and date; examples include earthworks of different types and periods, (e.g. early historic ringforts and prehistoric burial mounds), megalithic tombs from the Prehistoric period, medieval buildings, urban archaeological deposits, and underwater features. Archaeological sites may have no visible surface features; the surface features of an archaeological site may have decayed completely or been deliberately removed but archaeological deposits and features may survive beneath the surface. Archaeological heritage is protected under the National Monuments Acts (1930-2004), Natural Cultural Institutions Act 1997, and the Planning and Development Acts 2000 2010. A primary source of information for known archaeological features is the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) which was established under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004. The RMP is an inventory, put on a statutory basis by amendment to the National Monuments Act 1994, of sites and areas of archaeological significance. It records known upstanding archaeological monuments, the original location of destroyed monuments, and the location of possible sites identified through documentary, cartographic and photographic research. The term ‘monument’ includes all man-made structures of whatever form or date except buildings habitually used for ecclesiastical purposes. The potential significant effects of implementing the WSSP on environmental components including archaeology will be identified and evaluated in compliance with the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive. 4.8.2 Architectural Heritage The term architectural heritage is defined in the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999 as meaning all structures and buildings together with their settings and attendant grounds, fixtures and fittings; groups of structures and buildings; and sites which are of technical, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social, or technical interest. A primary source of information for known architectural heritage is the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) of every local authority which is legislated for under Section 51 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010. Inclusion of structures or parts of structures which form part of the architectural heritage and which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, on these records contributes towards the protection of architectural heritage. Protected structures are defined by Section 2 of the Planning and Development Acts to mean “(a) a structure, or (b) a specified part of a structure, which is included in a record of protected structures, and, where that record so indicates, includes any specified feature which is within the attendant grounds of the structure…” In addition to Protected Structures, the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 provide the legislative basis for the protection of areas known as Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs). An ACA is a place, area or group of structures or townscape which is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or value, or contributes to the appreciation of protected structures, whose character it is an objective to preserve in a Development Plan. AOS Planning for Irish Water 28 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 4.9 Landscape National Landscape Constraints Rating mapping (providing, through GIS, an indication of the areas that are most visually sensitive to development) will be used by the assessment and provided in the SEA Environmental Report. Areas which can be most sensitive to visual impacts include: • • • • • Lands with an elevation of >200m; Forestry areas; Lands with a slope of >30 Degrees; Open landscapes like lakes and estuaries; and, Other natural land cover types. Areas of Special Amenity are designated according to their outstanding natural beauty or special recreational value. These areas will also be described and mapped will be used by the assessment and provided in the SEA Environmental Report. AOS Planning for Irish Water 29 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Section 5 Key Scoping Issues 5.1 Legislation and Guidelines The SEA (and AA) will ensure compliance with the following legislation: • The SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) and the Habitats (92/43/EEC) and Birds Directives (79/409/EEC); • The European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (Statutory Instrument Number (SI No. 435 of 2004); • The European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (SI No. 200 of 2011); • The Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2011; and • The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. In addition to complying with the legislation, the processes will be undertaken taking into account the following guidance and associated documents: • Implementation of SEA Directive (2001/42/EC): Guidelines for Regional Authorities and Planning Authorities. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2004; • Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities. • 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, European Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2009; Commission Environment DG, 2000; • Managing Natura 2000 sites: The Provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC: • Guidance on Integrating Climate Change and Biodiversity into Strategic Environmental Assessment, European Commission, 2013; • Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment – Streamlining AA, SEA and EIA Processes: Practitioner’s Manual, Environment Protection Agency, 201313; • EPA GISEA Manual: Current Practice and Potential on the Application of Geographical Information Systems as a Support Tool in Strategic Environmental Assessment of Irish Land Use Plans, European Commission, 2000; Environment Protection Agency, 200914; • Emerging Guidance on Alternatives, Environment Protection Agency, ongoing15; and • Relevant European Court of Justice Judgements. 13 Prepared on behalf of the EPA by CAAS Ltd. GIS Specialist Ainhoa González & Containing CAAS Ltd. SEA Case Studies (CAAS Ltd. is the parent company of AOS Planning) 14 Prepared on behalf of the EPA by CAAS Ltd. GIS Specialist Ainhoa González & Containing CAAS Ltd. SEA Case Studies 15 Currently being prepared on behalf of the EPA by CAAS Ltd. GIS Specialist Ainhoa González AOS Planning for Irish Water 30 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 5.2 Environmental Sensitivities A preliminary list of sensitivities for each environmental component (biodiversity and flora and fauna, population and human health, soil, water, material assets, air and climatic factors, cultural heritage and landscape) is provided on Table 5.1. Sensitivities are grouped under those which are ‘most relevant’ and those which are ‘less relevant’. Environmental sensitivities which are most relevant are, if unmitigated, most likely to have the greatest positive or potentially negative, interaction with the implementation of the WSSP. Those which are ‘less relevant’ are, if unmitigated, less likely to have the greatest positive or potentially negative, interaction with the implementation of the WSSP. Reference to what type of environmental baseline information will be provided in the SEA Environmental Report for each of these issues is provided in Section 4. The SEA will consider interrelationships between the various environmental components and, in addition to being identified under each environmental topic in the SEA Environmental Report, interrelationships will be given a specific sub-section and an interrelationships matrix will be included. Environmental Component Biodiversity fauna and flora and Most Relevant Sensitivities • • Population and human health • • • Water • Air and climatic factors Material Assets Environmental Component Soil Cultural Heritage Landscape • • • • Designated sites including Natura 2000 Sites, National Parks, Ramsar Sites, Salmonid Waters, Shellfish Waters, Freshwater Pearl Mussel Catchments and Wildlife Sites (including Nature Reserves, Natural Heritage Areas and proposed Natural Heritage Areas), all relevant protected habitats and/or species including those listed on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive, on the Annexes of the Birds Directive, in the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended, on the Flora Protection Order, those defined in the Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) and European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations 2008 and Water Framework Directive entries to the Register of Protected Areas and Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems Ecological connectivity; stepping stones and ecological corridors Non-designated biodiversity Population Interaction between human health and provision of water services through environmental vectors Status and quality of rivers, lakes, transitional, coastal, ground and bathing waters Entries to the Registers of Protected Areas Energy usage Emissions to air Water services (waste water and drinking water) infrastructure Less Relevant Sensitivities • • • • • Hydrogeological and ecological function of the soil resource Cultural heritage designations and contexts Unknown archaeology Visual sensitivities Areas of Special Amenity Table 5.1 Environmental Sensitivities AOS Planning for Irish Water 31 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 5.3 Relationship with Legislation and Other Plans and Programmes The SEA (and AA) will take account of Irish Water’s obligation to comply with all environmental legislation and align with and cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management led by the Water Framework Directive and implemented by the River Basin Management Plans. In considering the relationship with legislation and other plans and programmes it is important to note that the WSSP will be implemented within areas that have existing plans and programmes for a range of sectors [e.g. water management, land use, energy] at a range of levels [e.g. national, river basin district, regional, county and local] that are already subject to more specific higher and lower tier SEA and AA. It is also noted that the WSSP is set in a water services planning context of related plans, projects and activities and their associated SEA, AA and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements – see Section 2.2. It will be important to take account of Article 5 of the SEA Directive (transposed through Articles 11 and 12 of the Regulations) which specifically provides guidance about the stage at which to carry out SEA namely by having regard to ‘the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid duplication of the assessment.’ The specific provisions of the Draft WSSP have not yet been developed. Some issues addressed by these provisions will be similar to those contained in other plans/programmes e.g. the River Basin Management Plans. As per the SEA Directive, the SEA will, with a view to avoiding duplication of the assessment, take into account the fact that assessments will be carried out, in accordance with the Directive, at different levels of the hierarchy. As part of this process, assessments undertaken for other plans/programmes/etc. will be taken into account. The relationship of the WSSP to the following legislation and plans and programmes will be considered by the SEA (further detail is provided in Appendix II). The WSSP is a National Plan which is being prepared under the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 (see Section 2.2 for additional details regarding the water services planning and environmental assessment context for the WSSP). European Directive/Plan/Programme Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) Groundwater Directive (2006/118/EC) Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) Flood Directive (2007/60/EC) Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) AOS Planning for Irish Water Relevant legislation in Ireland European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) (as amended) European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 9/2010) (as amended) European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 106 of 2007) (as amended) European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) Bathing Water Quality (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 79 of 2008) (as amended) European Communities (Marine Strategy Framework) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 249/2011) European Communities (Urban Waste Water Treatment) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 254/2001) European Communities (Assessment and Management of Flood Risks) Regulations (S.I. 122/2010) European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Flood Risk) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 470/2012) European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011) The Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011) European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 101/2009) (as amended) 32 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Environmental Quality Standards Directive (Directive 2008/105/EC) (also known as the Priority Substances Directive) as amended by Directive 2013/39/EU) Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) EIA Directive (85/337/EEC) Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) EU 2020 climate and energy package A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources European Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 272/2009) European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations, 2008 European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 435/ 2004) (as amended) Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 436/2004) (as amended) European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. No. 349/1989) (as amended) European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Flood Risk) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 470/2012) European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) The Framework for Climate Change Bill European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) Actions for Biodiversity 2011-2016 Ireland’s National Biodiversity Plan, 2011 National/Regional Plan/Programme National Spatial Strategy for Ireland 2002-2020 People, Places and Potential Regional Planning Guidelines River Basin Management Plans and associated Programmes of Measures - including International (Northern Ireland) Plans and Programmes Groundwater Protection Schemes Water Quality Management Plans National Renewable Energy Action Plan Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth Grid25 Implementation Programme Harvest 2020 Agri-vision 2015 Action Plan Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) Agri-Environmental Options Scheme(AEOS) Green, Low-Carbon, Agri environment Scheme (GLAS) Raised Bog SAC Management Plan and Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Areas National Climate Change Strategy Relevant legislation in Ireland Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Requirement of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act (2010) Planning and Development (Amendment) Act (2010) Requirement of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations, 2003 (SI No. 722) (as amended) Guidelines for the Establishment of River Basin District Advisory Councils (RBDAC) Requirement of the Water Pollution Act 1977 European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) Requirement of the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) Foreshore Acts 1933 (as amended) European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 432 of 2009) (as amended) European Communities (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) (S.I. No. 369 of 2006) European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) The Framework for Climate Change Bill National Climate Change Adaption Framework – Building Resilience to Climate Change 2012 Office of Public Works Arterial Drainage Maintenance and High Risk Designation Programme 2011-2015 Northern Ireland Water Resources Management Plan 2012 Food Regulations AOS Planning for Irish Water 33 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Sub-Regional Plan/Programme County and Town Development Plans Local Area Plans Strategic Zones(SDZ) Housing Strategies Development Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Requirement of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Biodiversity Action Plans Heritage Plans County Landscape Character Assessments Special Amenity Area Order Shellfish Pollution Programmes Relevant legislation in Ireland Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Requirement of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act (2010) Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Requirement of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act (2010) Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Reduction Freshwater Pearl Mussel Sub-Basin Management Plans County Renewable Strategies Energy Sludge Management Plans Requirement of the Planning and Development) Act, 2000 (as amended) Landscape and Landscape Assessment Guidelines Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Requirement of the Planning and Development Act 1963 (as amended) European Communities (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations 2006 (SI 268/2006) (as amended) Requirement of Shellfish Waters Directive (2006/113/EC) for designated shellfish waters Requirement of Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011) The Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) The Framework for Climate Change Bill Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended) Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 (as amended) Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) European Communities (Urban Waste Water Treatment) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 254/2001) Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Strategy Northern Ireland Water Resources Management Plan 2012 Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary Local Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans Plans / Programmes / Studies currently in preparation Plan/Programme/Study National Landscape Strategy 2014 (draft/in preparation) National Rural Development Programme (draft/in preparation) National Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (draft/in preparation) National Peatlands Strategy (draft/in preparation) New Waste Management Plans (draft/in preparation) National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture (draft/in preparation) National Seafood Operational Programme 2014-2020 (draft/in preparation) Flood Risk Management Plans arising from National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (draft/in preparation) Greater Dublin Drainage Project Water Supply Project for Dublin Region AOS Planning for Irish Water 34 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 5.4 Selection of Strategic Environmental Objectives, Indicators and Targets Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) are methodological measures developed from policies which generally govern environmental protection objectives established at international, Community or Member State level e.g. the environmental protection objectives of various European Directives which have been transposed into Irish law and which are required to be implemented. The SEOs are set out under a range of topics and are used as standards against which the provisions of the Draft WSSP and the alternatives are evaluated in order to help identify which provisions would be likely to result in significant environmental effects and where such effects would be likely to occur, if - in the case of adverse effects - unmitigated. The SEOs are linked to ‘indicators’ which can, where relevant, facilitate monitoring of any environmental effects of the implementing the WSSP. Also linked to the SEOs are ‘targets’ – these are relevant to the environmental legislation from which the SEOs and indicators have been developed though these are not necessarily targets of Irish Water or the WSSP. Draft SEOs, indicators and targets for the SEA are shown on Table 4.2. These have been adapted from the current River Basin Management Plans in Ireland/Northern Ireland. The further development and final selection of SEOs, indicators and targets throughout the SEA process should: • Ensure that indicators and targets are consistent with those used by the SEA and AA for the River Basin Management Plans (taking into account any emerging changes to these on foot of the upcoming reviews of River Basin Management Plans) ; • Ensure that indicators and targets are consistent with emerging European advice on indicators for River Basin Management Plans (Irish Water expect to be in contact with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in order to learn of such emerging advice); • Focus on the Key Scoping Issues detailed on Table 5.1; and • Seek to utilise existing environmental monitoring sources by selecting indicators which are already monitored. AOS Planning for Irish Water 35 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Environm ental Compone nt Draft Strategic Environmental Objectives Draft Targets Draft Indicators Draft Data Source Biodiversit y and flora and fauna Prevent damage to terrestrial, aquatic and soil biodiversity, particularly EU designated sites and protected species Halt spread of Alien Species and their associated impact to the aquatic environment. Interim Indicators: Geographical spread of Alien Species. (NI and Ire) Invasive (NPWS/NIEA) Halt deterioration of habitats or their associated species due to water quality related issues, in line with the Water Framework Directive. Number of Margaritifera Plans put in place. (Ire) NPWS Status of Northern Ireland Priority Species as reported in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (every 3 years). (NI) NIEA Status of Northern Ireland Priority Habitats listed under the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy (every 3 years). (NI) NIEA Long term Indicators: The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland (reports due every 6 years, first report in 2007). (Ire) NPWS Report by the UK under Article 17 on the implementation of the Habitats Directive (reports due every 6 years, second report in 2007). (NI) JNCC Condition of Selection Features in sites designated for conservation (SACs, SPAs, Ramsar and NHAs). (Ire) Not currently compiled Population and human health Protect and reduce risk to human health in undertaking water management activities AOS Planning for Irish Water All drinking water areas (including groundwater), as identified on the register of protected areas, to achieve good status, or maintain high status. nature Condition of Selection Features in sites designated for nature conservation (SACs, SPAs, Ramsar, ASSIs) (reports every six years). (NI) Interim Indicators: Compliance with Drinking Water Standards. (Ire and NI) Species NIEA NIEA / EPA All bathing waters, as identified on the register of protected areas, to achieve good status, or maintain high status. Compliance with Bathing Water Standards. (Ire and NI) NIEA / EPA All economic shellfish waters, as identified on the register of protected areas, to achieve good status, or maintain high status. Compliance with the Shellfish Pollution Reduction Programmes (Ire and NI) NIEA / EPA All water bodies designated for salmonids, as identified on the register of protected areas, to achieve good status, or maintain high status. Condition of salmonids in water bodies designated for these. (NI) NIEA Water quality in designated salmonid waters. (Ire) EPA Long Term Indicator: Parameters to be measured in accordance with the environmental quality standards to determine Good Status. (Ire and NI) NIEA / EPA 36 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Water Air and climatic factors Material Assets Soil Cultural Heritage Prevent deterioration of the status of water bodies with regard to quality and quantity and improve water body status for rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters and groundwaters to at least good status, as appropriate to the WFD. Minimise increases in flood risk Minimise to contribution to climate change and emissions to air (including greenhouse gas emissions) as a result of Irish Water activities. Provide new, and upgrade existing, water and waste water management infrastructure to protect human health and ecological status of water bodies. Protect water as an economic resource. Avoid conflicts with, and contribute towards, where possible, the appropriate management of soils Avoid damage to cultural heritage resources. No deterioration in status of waters currently with high or good status (WFD Objective). Interim Indicators: Interim Water status in 2011 report. (Ire) EPA Restoration to good status of waters currently at moderate, poor or bad status (WFD Objective). Environmental Quality Statistics relating to water quality published in the Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report (to be published annually). (NI) NISRA Progressively reduce chemical pollution in waters (WFD). Long Term Indicator: Water status in 2015 (and subsequent years) report. (NI and Ire) NIEA / EPA Limit pollution inputs to groundwaters and prevent deterioration (WFD Objective). No increase in the amount of infrastructure at risk from flooding as a result of WSSP activities. Minimise total emissions to air associated with waste water collection, treatment and disposal. Percentage of new developments accompanied by Flood Risk Assessments to the appropriate level of detail Amount of emissions to air associated with waste water collection, treatment and disposal. Irish Water Minimise total emissions to air associated with drinking water abstraction, treatment and provision. Amount of emissions to air associated with drinking water abstraction, treatment and provision. Irish Water Compliance with odour criteria to prevent deterioration in amenity beyond the site boundary as set out in license for new or upgraded waste water infrastructure. Interim Target: Increase investment in water management infrastructure. Number of complaints received related to odour. DOENI / EPA as part of the IPPC licence process. Interim Indicator: Water services investment expenditure per annum. Irish Water Long Term Indicator: Number of exceedances of the standards contained in the Urban Waste water Treatment Directive DECLG Change in economic value of water relative to the baseline reports: The Northern Ireland Water Framework Directive Article 5 Economic Analysis of Water Use and Economic Analysis of Water Use in Ireland. Economic studies carried out as a part of the plan making process during the 2nd cycle of RBMP. NPWS Long Term Target: Full compliance with the requirements of the Urban Waste water Treatment Directive and its associated regulations. Achieve sustainable use of water in the context of maintaining its economic benefit. Avoid conflicts with, and contribute towards, where possible, the appropriate management of peatlands as per the National Peatlands Strategy Information from the NPWS on the management of Peatlands No unauthorised physical damage or alteration of the context of cultural heritage features due to Irish Water activities. (NI and Ire) Changes in the condition of monuments on the RMP (Ireland) and SMR (Northern Ireland) due to unauthorised Irish Water activities. Number of listed structures at risk due to WSSP implementation. (NI and Ire) Irish Water Condition & Management Survey of Archaeological Resource NI Archaeological Survey monitoring programme Built Heritage at Risk NI Register. Landscape Avoid damage to designated landscapes. No damage to designated landscapes as a result of WSSP implementation. (NI and Ire) Number of new waste water / drinking water treatment plants sited in landscapes with a high sensitivity to change. Buildings at Risk Register, Heritage Council Ireland. Irish Water/DAHG Table 5.2 Selection of Draft Strategic Environmental Objectives adapted from those used in the SEA of River Basin Management Plans in Ireland AOS Planning for Irish Water 37 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 5.5 Potential Environmental Effects Potential significant environmental effects, if unmitigated, and likely significant environmental effects, if any, will be identified by the SEA and assessed. Such effects will include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects. Construction and operational impacts will be considered. When assessing cumulative effects consideration will be given to any outputs from national studies on cumulative effects in SEA. Potentially significant environmental effects, if unmitigated, of implementing the WSSP, may include those listed on Table 5.3. Potential effects are grouped under those which are ‘most relevant’ and those which are ‘less relevant’. Potential effects which are ‘most relevant’ are likely to occur at a greater frequency and greater extent than those which are ‘less relevant’. The potential effects identified on Table 4.2 include those which may be transboundary. Where the Republic of Ireland has a land border with Northern Ireland, there is the potential for impacts, if unmitigated, in Northern Ireland, particularly where there is a hydrological pathway within a shared International River Basin. The SEA Environmental Report will identify both likely significant positive effects and any likely significant adverse residual effect (taking into account any identified measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment) of implementing the WSSP. This will include effects with respect to Northern Ireland. The potential for cumulative/ in-combination effects will be considered in the context of both the SEA Directive and the Habitats Directive, taking into account other key relevant plans and programmes. AOS Planning for Irish Water 38 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Environmental Component Biodiversity and flora and fauna Population and human health Water Material Assets Air and climatic factors Environmental Component Soil Cultural Heritage Landscape Potentially Significant Effect, if unmitigated (Most Relevant) Loss of/damage to biodiversity with regard to designated sites and species (including Natura 2000 Sites, Wildlife Sites and species listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended) Loss of/damage to biodiversity with regard to ecological connectivity Loss of/damage to non-designated habitats Disturbance to biodiversity and flora and fauna Potential interactions with human health (e.g. water, soil, food including seafood) Adverse impacts upon the status of water bodies and entries to the WFD Register of Protected Areas, arising from changes in quality, flow and/or morphology16 Failure to provide adequate and appropriate waste water treatment Failure to comply with drinking water regulations and serve new development with adequate drinking water that is both wholesome and clean Increases in waste levels Failure to contribute towards emission limits including greenhouse gases Potentially Significant Effect, if unmitigated (Less Relevant) Adverse impacts on the hydrogeological and ecological function of the soil resource Effects on archaeology including entries to the Record of Monuments and Places, Register of Historic Properties, National Monuments, World Heritage Sites and Underwater Heritage Orders and Wrecks Effects on entries to the Records of Protected Structures and other architectural heritage Occurrence of adverse visual impacts Impacts upon Areas of Special Amenity Table 5.3 Environmental Components and Potential Effects 5.6 Mitigation It is intended that the SEA (and AA) process will contribute towards objectives relating to environmental protection for integration into the WSSP. Other intended outcomes include: • • • • • The adoption of procedures for the integration of planning and environmental considerations into water services planning; The use of strategic environmental constraints mapping and assimilative capacity data; Commitments for ongoing co-operation with other organisations; The identification of criteria to be assessed in the SEAs and AAs of Tier II Plans; and The adoption of project selection criteria for use in lower tier planning and environmental assessment. Where significant effects are identified, appropriate mitigation measures will be proposed and relevant commitments will be included in the Strategic Plan alongside responsibilities for implementing these measures. 16 including SAC and SPA Rivers and Waterbodies; Shellfish Areas and Water Bodies; Salmonid Rivers and Lakes; Nutrient Sensitive Water Bodies; Bathing Water Areas; and drinking Water Rivers, Lakes and Groundwater AOS Planning for Irish Water 39 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report 5.7 Monitoring Measures for monitoring the implementation of the WSSP will generally be taken from existing sources. The measures will be consistent with: the River Basin Management Plans and their associated SEAs; data which is monitored to comply with the Water Framework Directive; and EPA drinking water quality monitoring data. The SEA monitoring programme will be linked with any monitoring and reporting on implementation of the WSSP. Where possible, relevant EU and nationally recognised indicators will be linked with environmental objectives and targets identified by the SEA. If available and finalised, performance indicators which are currently under development at EU level will be examined for integration into the SEA Monitoring Programme as appropriate. 5.8 Alternatives The SEA Directive requires that reasonable alternatives (taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme) are identified described and evaluated for their likely significant effects on the environment. These alternative scenarios should be realistic and capable of implementation. Alternatives will consider capital and current costs and environmental implications (mitigation by avoidance, reduction or remedy) and the consideration of alternatives will lead to the selection of preferred alternatives which will inform a decision-making framework for future projects. It is expected that there will be 3 main categories of alternatives for the WSSP (these are expanded further overleaf and will be developed further throughout the SEA process): o o o the type of overall strategy; drinking water; and waste water In addition to these alternatives a ‘do-minimum’ alternative will be considered for the WSSP within the parameters of the legislation. The assessment of environmental effects, if unmitigated, arising from the alternatives will be undertaken using mapping of environmental sensitivities, descriptions of the existing environment and Strategic Environmental Objectives – including those relating to obligations under relevant water and wider environmental legislation. AOS Planning for Irish Water 40 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Category 1: Type of Overall Strategy Alternatives Type of Overall Strategy alternatives comprise an asset centred strategy, which would be engineeringled, and an holistic partnering approach which would be customer centred. The holistic approach would examine, for example, how managing phosphates at the catchment scale could affect waste water and drinking water infrastructural needs and associated construction and operation costs and environmental implications. If organic matter is trapped in the soil in the catchment, drinking water treatment costs and energy usage (and associated emissions) could be reduced. Category 2: Drinking Water Alternatives Strategies of the proportion/blend/balance between the following factors [probably as a tabular analysis]: 1. Water supply Costs and benefits [economic, social and environmental] of the various strategies for supplying demand 2. Demand Management (behaviour management and water conservation) Costs and benefits [economic, social and environmental] of strategies for the management of demand 3. Leakage management Costs and benefits [economic, social and environmental] of strategies to reduce/minimise leakage AOS Planning for Irish Water 41 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Category 3: Waste water Alternatives 1. Waste water management – measures to manage the loadings in collection and treatment: 2. Waste water treatment – single large treatment facility(ies) or a number of smaller treatment facilities 3. System efficiency: identifying appropriate discharge locations and associated concentration requirements (cost benefit analysis) AOS Planning for Irish Water 42 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Section 6 Next Steps Submissions are invited on this document in addition to the Issues Paper on the WSSP until Monday 1st September 2014. This represents the first phase of consultation on the WSSP and is a non-statutory consultation phase. Statutory consultation will take place in late 2014. Please refer to Figure 1.1 which sets out the overall process, including next steps. This document (Draft SEA Scoping Report Non-Technical Summary) in addition the Issues Paper on the WSSP will be made available to the public through the following means: • • • Irish Water website at http://www.water.ie/about-us/project-and-plans/future-plans/ Planning counters in your Local Authority office County libraries Submissions can be made to Irish Water in the following ways: • By Email: [email protected] • By Post: Water Services Strategic Plan, P.O. Box 860, South City Delivery Office, Cork City, Cork • Online: By clicking the following link http://www.water.ie/about-us/project-and-plans/future plans • By Phone: 1890 278 278 All submissions will be reviewed by the Project Team and taken into account when finalising the SEA Scoping Report and throughout the SEA process for the WSSP. Following this, an SEA Environmental Report will be prepared as well as the draft Water Services Strategic Plan. There will be further opportunity to have your say at this stage when a second round of public consultation will take place. The second consultation is the statutory phase of consultation and will take place in late 2014. To sign up for email updates on this project, please visit https://www.water.ie/about-us/project-and-plans/future-plans/form/index.xml. AOS Planning for Irish Water 43 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Appendix I: Additional Information on Content of Water Services Strategic Plan The table below provides a draft of the WSSP table of contents and identifies the following for the various likely sections: • • • • Primary Objective(s); Relevant legislation; Key Challenges; and Themes. WSSP Table Primary of Contents Objectives Introduction Setting Scene Challenges and Strategic Priorities Structuring the document and how the challenges/ priorities and the sections within the document interrelate. AOS Planning for Irish Water Legislation Referenced the WSA: Section 33(4) Compliance WSA: Section 22(7) Viability WSA: Section 34 (4) Investment Plans WSA: WSA: WSA: WSA: Section Section Section Section 33(4) a,b,c,d,e,f,g. 22 (7)(a-c) 33(5) (a) &(b) 32 (2) Key Challenges Themes Transformation to Utility Model Regulatory Context Building a Sustainable Water Service Compliance with Standards Customer focus Our Vision (Irish Water Vision statement) Our Strategic Direction (WSSP sets out our 25 year strategy which is used as our basis for planning including subsequent Implementation Plans) Our Responsibilities (Water, wastewater, environment/ sustainability, Financial and Regulatory) Our Assets (The organisation - geography, assets, people, high level Irish Water Structure) Planning for the Future (WSSP and its relationships with RBMPs, WFD, Implementation Plans, Capital Investment Plan) Planning around you (Customers and Stakeholders centre stage regarding priorities for investment, willingness to pay) Demographic Change Climate Change Service Resilience Compliance (against existing and increasing environmental standards) Drinking Water Quality Customer expectation Funding availability/ affordability Compliance with all appropriate regulations and policies, commitments, including Health and Safety Aspirations Balancing Priorities (Balancing Objectives; Principles underlying Investment Planning & Options Selection; Stakeholder Engagement; Strategic Priorities (including Critical National Infrastructure) Working Together (Customer, CER, EPA, stakeholders, together with Cross Border Agencies) Building Capability (within Irish Water to meet the challenges of the future through adopting best in class approaches) Understanding Investment Needs (including understanding the condition and operational requirements of existing assets, data to support decisions) Performance Monitoring (including provision of information on levels of service indicators to customers and other key stakeholders) 44 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report WSSP Table Primary of Contents Objectives Legislation Referenced Meeting Customer Expectations WSA 33(4)(c) Demographics/ data Relating to 32 (2) Code of practice in relation to the interests of customers 22 (7)(a-c) Maintain balance between functioning in a commercially viable manner and public utility nature of function Ensuring a Provide Safe and secure (continuous) Reliable high quality Water drinking water Supply Protect human health through the provision of high quality water supply AOS Planning for Irish Water and WSA 33(4)(f): Conservation WSA 33(4)(a) and (b): Health WSA 32 (2): Code of practice WSA: Section 22 (7)(a-c) Key Challenges (e): CER expectations in relation to code of practice content. Irish Water compliance with CER requirements (incl customer services standards and in light of the stress on asset investment) (Managing) Customer Expectations & actual requirements Cost/ Funding availability and affordability Risk (to services and the business as a whole due to condition of assets and their resilience to provide customers with acceptable Level of Service) Prioritisation of investment WSA 33 (4) (a) - Drinking water quality WSA 33 (4) ( c ) - Existing and projected demand for water services WSA 33 (4) (d) - Existing and planned arrangements for the provision of water services by IRISH WATER WSA 33 (4) (e) - Existing and reasonably foreseeable deficiencies in the provision of water services by Irish Water WSA 33(4) (f) - Existing and planned water conservation measures WSA 33 (4) (b) - The prevention or abatement of risk to human health relating to the provision of water services WSA 22 (7) (b) Public Utility Resilience of supply Uncertainty of Demand Abstraction (quality and quantity of water available. Protection of sources) Impacts of Climate change (reduced summer flows, extreme high flow events) Leakage and Demand Management Compliance with Standards Aging assets requiring investment Themes Customer Service Standards Customer and stakeholder communication strategy Focus on Outcomes (to the customers rather than prescribing the actual work) Objective Decisions (on investment, based on asset life cycle costs/ Value for Money) Balance needs and funding (listening to you the customer re preferences, whilst also meeting legal/ regulatory obligations/ best choices for Ireland) Keeping you informed (the information that you will receive) Management of existing assets (to maximise performance) System Resilience (to meet customer requirements/ outcomes rather than try to bullet proof everything) Balanced approach to Demand Management (including leakage reduction) Ensuring water availability (for customers including provision of longer term strategic supplies) Drinking Water Quality Standards Helping you to help us (Educating on the water usage and quality (e.g. hardness)and engagement with industries, landowners – Be aware of and influence behavioural changes) Source Protection (Protecting our national asset) 45 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report WSSP Table Primary of Contents Objectives Legislation Referenced Key Challenges Themes WSA 33 (4) ( b) - The prevention or abatement of risk to human health relating to the provision of water services WSA 33 (4) ( c ) - Existing and projected demand for water services WSA 33 (4) (d) - Existing and planned arrangements for the provision of water services by Irish Water WSA 33 (4) (e ) - Existing and reasonably foreseeable deficiencies in the provision of water services by Irish Water WSA 22 (7) (b): Public Utility Receiving waters assimilative capacity Designation of ecologically sensitive sites Aging assets requiring investment Challenge of achieving compliance in context of available funds Population dispersion and growth Incomplete information on existing assets Holistic Solutions (not simply looking at asset replacement but a range of options) Understanding Demand (including the use of new techniques and models) Making best use of existing assets (Freeing up capacity in existing assets, including storm water separation to increase capacity of sewer networks) Alignment of Regulatory Demands (development of mature and open relationship with the Regulators to help balance priorities/ investment) National Strategies (developed for sludge treatment and disposal. Promote the understanding of what goes into the sewer has impact on land and water) WSA 33 (4) (b) - The prevention or abatement risks to the environment relating to the provision of of water services WSA 33 (4) (f) - existing and planned water conservation measures WSA 33 (5) (a) (iii) ensure, as far as Environmental practicable, that the plan is Compliance consistent with— (Surface & (iii) any river basin management Groundwater) plans under regulation 13 of the European Communities (Water Climate Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. Change 722 of 2003) for the Adaptation time being in force Sustainability WSA 33 (5) (b) (v) and (vi) - water quality management plans under section 15 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977, and (vi) waste management plans under section 22 of the Waste Management Act 1996 Flooding of sewers due to severe rainfall events – surface water input/ adaptation to climate change Multiple sources of impacts on water quality (all polluters needs to bear a significant degree of responsibility) Funding availability and affordability Climate Change adaptation, including reducing river flows Compliance with consent standards Operation and maintenance focus (on treatment works to reduce likelihood of pollution to the environment) Work effectively with others (using catchment based solutions. Engage with agricultural and industrial sectors, to improve the water environment) Control inputs to sewerage system (to remove chemicals, metals etc that impact on treatment and ultimate disposal) Sustainable Solutions (including the use of SUDS. Consider carbon impacts in decisions. Low carbon approach to capital investment and operational activities) Efficient use of water (including promotion of rainwater harvesting, controlling leakage and demand management) Providing effective management of waste water Deal effectively and sustainably with Waste Water (meeting appropriate standards of wastewater treatment) Protecting and enhancing the Environment Through responsible stewardship protect (and enhance) our water environment AOS Planning for Irish Water 46 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report WSSP Table Primary of Contents Objectives Legislation Referenced Key Challenges Themes 33(5) (a) &(b) - When preparing a WSSP; be consist with/have regard to specified planning policies and documents WSA 33(4) (c): the existing and projected demand for water services, WSA 33(4) (d): existing and planned arrangements for the provision of water services by Irish Water, WSA 33(4) (e): existing and reasonably foreseeable deficiencies in the provision of water services by Irish Water, WSA 33 (5) (b) - (iv) strategic development zones within the meaning of Part IX of the Act of 2000 Uncertainty in population projections and changing demography Uncertainty in non-domestic demand Investment priorities Funding availability and affordability Clearly communicate the customer benefits of investing into Ireland Inc (jobs, standard of living etc) Understanding Needs and Challenges (of the Irish economy and how Irish Water has a major role in supporting the growth in population and economic development of the State, water demands and sewerage services to achieve sustainable economic growth of the Nation) Actively engage in the debate (taking active role in Planning to develop consistent perspective on investment priorities) Critical National Infrastructure (existing and new major assets to be maintained and enhanced to support Growth) Water Resource Planning (including Demand Planning to ensure water is available where it is needed) Affordability (looking not only at the capital costs but also operational, carbon, benefits assessment, whole life cost etc, to get best whole life cost/ value for money solution). Investing in Manage our WSA 33 (4) (g) - The management our future water services of the property of Irish Water assets to WSA 22 (7)(a-c) - Maintain balance ensure the between functioning in a delivery of commercially viable manner and high quality public utility nature of function Metering Relationship with CER & EPA Funding availability and affordability Efficiency and value for money Clearly communicate the customer benefits Engagement with customers and stakeholders Balanced Approach to Investment (to meet objectives/ outcomes, including environmental compliance) Partnering with Industries (including opportunities in energy from waste/ sludge, holistic catchment based solutions) Asset Management Capability (to be enhanced with systems and tools to support the business and promote/ embrace innovative solutions) Affordability (to ensure that services are provided and that the business remains viable with sufficient funding, using whole life cost/ value for money approaches and value for money techniques) System Resilience (to meet long term needs whilst maintaining services to customers) Supporting Growth Support population and economic growth (in line with national & regional spatial planning policies) water services at an affordable cost Innovative Technical Solutions AOS Planning for Irish Water 47 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Appendix II: Additional Information on Relationship with Legislation and Other Plans and Programmes The draft tables below are not intended to be a full and comprehensive review of EU Directives, the transposing regulations or the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management. The information is not exhaustive and it is recommended to consult the Directive, Regulation, Plan or Programme to become familiar with the full details of each. These tables will be updated as appropriate and will be presented in the SEA Environmental Report later in the process. European Directive/ Plan/Programme Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) Highest Level Aim/ Purpose/ Objective Lower level objectives, actions etc. • • • • • Groundwater Directive (2006/118/EC) • • • AOS Planning for Irish Water Establish a framework for the protection of water bodies to include inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater and their dependent wildlife and habitats Preserve and prevent the deterioration of water status and where necessary improve and maintain “good status” of water bodies Promote sustainable water usage The Water Framework Directive repealed the following Directives: o The Drinking Water Abstraction Directive o Sampling Drinking Water Directive o Exchange of Information on Quality of Surface Freshwater Directive o Shellfish Directive o Freshwater Fish Directive o Groundwater (Dangerous Substances) Directive o Dangerous Substances Directive Protect, control and conserve groundwater Prevent the deterioration of the status of all bodies of groundwater Implements measures to prevent and control groundwater pollution, including criteria for assessing good groundwater chemical status and criteria for the identification of significant and sustained upward trends and for the definition of starting points for trend reversals. • • • • • • • • Protect, enhance and restore all water bodies and meet the environmental objectives outlined in Article 4 of the Directive Achieve "good status" for all waters by December 2015 Manage water bodies based on identifying and establishing river basins districts Involve the public and streamline legislation Prepare and implement a River Basin Management Plan for each river basin districts identified and a Register of Protected Areas Establish a programme of monitoring for surface water status, ground water status and protected areas Recover costs for water services Meet minimum groundwater standards listed in Annex 1 of Directive Meet threshold values adopted by national legislation for the pollutants, groups of pollutants and indicators of pollution which have been identified as contributing to the characterisation of bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater as being at risk, also taking into account Part B of Annex II Relevant legislation in Ireland European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) (as amended) European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 9/2010) (as amended) Relevance to WSSP Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations 48 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) • • Improve and maintain the quality of water intended for human consumption Protect human health from the adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and clean • • • • • • • Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) • Preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment and to protect human health by complementing the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC • • • • • • • Marine Framework (2008/56/EC) Strategy Directive • • AOS Planning for Irish Water Establishes a framework whereby the necessary measures are undertaken to achieve or maintain good environmental status in the marine environment by the year 2020 Marine strategies shall be developed and implemented in order to protect and preserve the marine environment, prevent its deterioration or, where practicable, restore marine ecosystems in areas where they have been adversely affected and • • • • • Set values applicable to water intended for human consumption for the parameters set out in Annex I Set values for additional parameters not included in Annex I, where the protection of human health within national territory or part of it so requires. The values set should, as a minimum, satisfy the requirements of Article 4(1) (a) Implement all measures necessary to ensure that regular monitoring of the quality of water intended for human consumption is carried out, in order to check that the water available to consumers meets the requirements of this Directive and in particular the parametric values set in accordance with Article 5 Ensure that any failure to meet the parametric values set in accordance with Article 5 is immediately investigated in order to identify the cause Ensure that the necessary remedial action is taken as soon as possible to restore its quality and shall give priority to their enforcement action Undertake remedial action to restore the quality of the water where necessary to protect human health Notify consumers when remedial action is being undertaken except where the competent authorities consider the non-compliance with the parametric value to be trivial Identify all bathing waters and define the length of the bathing season Monitor bathing water quality as per Annex 1, Column A at the frequency outlined in Annex IV of the Directive Determine the quality status of the bathing water Achieve at least ‘sufficient’ standard by 2015 with the aim increase the standard to ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ Prepare, review and update a bathing water profile of each in accordance with Annex III Manage bathing water areas in exceptional circumstances to prevent an adverse impact on bathing water quality and on bathers' health Provide information to the public on bathing water quality Develop a marine strategy for marine waters in accordance with the plan of action set out in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 2 Prepare an assessment of the current environmental status of the waters concerned and the environmental impact of human activities Achieve ‘good’ environmental status of the waters concerned by 2012 Establish a series of environmental targets and associated indicators, in accordance with Article 10(1) Establish a monitoring programme for ongoing European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 106 of 2007) (as amended) European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations Bathing Water Quality (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 79 of 2008) (as amended) Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations European Communities (Marine Strategy Framework) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 249/2011) Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations 49 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) • • Flood (2007/60/EC) Directive • • prevent and reduce inputs in the marine environment, with a view to phasing out pollution as defined in Article 3(8), so as to ensure that there are no significant impacts on or risks to marine biodiversity, marine ecosystems, human health or legitimate uses of the sea. This Directive concerns the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water and the treatment and discharge of waste water from certain industrial sectors The objective of the Directive is to protect the environment from the adverse effects of waste water discharges Establishes a framework for the assessment and management of flood risks Reduce adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity associated with floods in the Community • • • • • • • • • Habitats (92/43/EEC) Directive • • • • Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) • • • AOS Planning for Irish Water Promote the preservation, protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, including the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora Contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Maintain or restore to favourable conservation status, natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora of Community interest Promote the maintenance of biodiversity, taking account of economic, social, cultural and regional requirements. Conserve all species of naturally occurring birds in the wild state including their eggs, nests and habitats Protect, manage and control these species and comply with regulations relating to their exploitation The species included in Annex I shall be the • • • • • • assessment and regular updating of targets, in accordance with Article 11(1) Develop a programme of measures designed to achieve or maintain good environmental status, in accordance with Article 13(1), (2) and (3) by 2015 Cooperate with transboundary Member States to implement these measures Urban waste water entering collecting systems shall before discharge, be subject to secondary treatment Annex II requires the designation of areas sensitive to eutrophication which receive water discharges Establishes minimum requirements for urban waste water collection and treatment systems in specified agglomerations to include special requirements for sensitive areas and certain industrial sectors Assess all water courses and coast lines at risk from flooding through Flood Risk Assessment Prepare flood hazard maps and flood risk maps outlining the extent or potential of flooding and assets and humans at risk in these areas at River Basin District level (Article 3(2) (b)) and areas covered by Article 5(1) and Article 13(1) (b) in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 Implement flood risk management plans and take adequate and coordinated measures to reduce flood risk for the areas covered by the Articles listed above Inform the public and allow the public to participate in planning process European Communities (Urban Waste Water Treatment) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 254/2001) European Communities (Assessment and Management of Flood Risks) Regulations (S.I. 122/2010) European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Flood Risk) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 470/2012) Propose and protect sites of importance to habitats, plant and animal species Establish a network of Natura 2000 sites hosting the natural habitat types listed in Annex I and habitats of the species listed in Annex II, to enable the natural habitat types and the species' habitats concerned to be maintained or, where appropriate, restored at a favourable conservation status in their natural range Carry out comprehensive assessment of habitat types and species present Establish a system of strict protection for the animal species and plant species listed in Annex IV European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011) Preserve, maintain or reestablish a sufficient diversity and area of habitats for all the species of birds referred to in Annex 1. Preserve, maintain and establish biotopes and habitats to include the creation of protected areas (Special Protection Areas); ensure the upkeep and management in accordance with the ecological needs of habitats European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011) The Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing 50 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report subject of special conservation measures concerning their habitat in order to ensure their survival and reproduction in their area of distribution Nitrates (91/676/EEC) Directive • Aims to protect and reduce groundwater and surface water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources by encouraging best practices • • • • • • Environmental Quality Standards Directive (Directive 2008/105/EC) (also known as the Priority Substances Directive), as amended by Directive 2013/39/EU. • • Establishes environmental quality standards (EQS) for priority substances and certain other pollutants as provided for in Article 16 of the Water Framework Directive Aims to achieve good surface water chemical status and in accordance with the provisions and objectives of Article 4 of the Water Framework Directive • • • • • Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) • Establish a framework of environmental liability based on the ‘polluter-pays' principle, to prevent and remedy environmental damage • • • AOS Planning for Irish Water inside and outside the protected zones, re-establish destroyed biotopes and creation of biotopes Measures for regularly occurring migratory species not listed in Annex I is required as regards their breeding, moulting and wintering areas and staging posts along their migration routes. The protection of wetlands and particularly wetlands of international importance. Aims to create good farming practices Establishes a voluntary code of good agricultural practices Identify and designate zones at risk of surface water and groundwater pollution from nitrates Implement compulsory action programmes for nitrates vulnerable zones Enforce the implementation of a national Nitrates Action Programmes Monitor water quality to assess nitrogen compound Apply the EQS laid down in Part A of Annex I to this Directive for bodies of surface water Determine the frequency of monitoring in biota and/or sediment of substances Monitoring shall take place at least once every year, unless technical knowledge and expert judgment justify another interval Notify the European Commission if the substances for which EQS have been established if a deviation of the monitoring is planned along with the rationale and approach Establish an inventory, including maps, if available, of emissions, discharges and losses of all priority substances and pollutants listed in Part A of Annex I to this Directive for each river basin district Relates to environmental damage caused by any of the occupational activities listed in Annex III, and to any imminent threat of such damage occurring by reason of any of those activities; damage to protected species and natural habitats caused by any occupational activities other than those listed in Annex III, and to any imminent threat of such damage occurring by reason of any of those activities, whenever the operator has been at fault or negligent Where environmental damage has not yet occurred but there is an imminent threat of such damage occurring, the operator shall, without delay, take the necessary preventive measures Where environmental damage has occurred the operator shall, without delay, inform the competent authority of all relevant aspects of the situation and regulations European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 101/2009) (as amended) European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 272/2009) European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations, 2008 Irish Water will have regard to this Directive and will cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive as amended and transposing regulations Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations 51 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report • • • SEA (2001/42/EC) Directive • • Contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development Provide for a high level of protection of the environment by carrying out an environmental assessment of plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment • • • • • • • EIA (2011/92/EU amended 2014/52/EU ) Directive as by • • AOS Planning for Irish Water Requires the assessment of the environmental effects of public and private projects which are likely to have significant effects on the environment Aims to assess and implement avoidance or mitigation measures to eliminate environmental effects, before consent is given of projects likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue, inter alia, of their nature, size or location are made subject to a requirement for development consent and an assessment with regard to their effects. Those projects are defined in Article 4 • • • take all practicable steps to immediately control, contain, remove or otherwise manage the relevant contaminants and/or any other damage factors in order to limit or to prevent further environmental damage and adverse effects on human health or further impairment of services and the necessary remedial measures, in accordance with Article 7. The operator shall bear the costs for the preventive and remedial actions taken pursuant to this Directive The competent authority shall be entitled to initiate cost recovery proceedings against the operator The operator may be required to provide financial security guarantees to ensure their responsibilities under the directive are met Carry out and environmental assessment for plans or programmes referred to in Articles 2 to 4 of the Directive Prepare an an environmental report which identifies, describes and evaluates the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme and reasonable alternatives that consider the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme Consult with relevant authorities, stakeholders and public allowing sufficient time to make a submission Consult other Member States where the implementation of a plan or programme is likely to have transboundary environmental effects Inform relevant authorities and stakeholders on the decision to implement the plan or programme Issue a statement to include requirements detailed in Article 9 of the Directive Monitor and mitigate significant environmental effects identified by the assessment All projects listed in Annex I are considered as having significant effects on the environment and require an EIA For projects listed in Annex II, a "screening procedure" is required to determine the effects of projects on the basis of thresholds/criteria or a case by case examination. This should take into account Annex III. The environmental impact assessment shall identify, describe and assess in an appropriate manner, in the light of each individual case and in accordance with Articles 4 to 12, the direct and indirect effects of a project on the following factors: human beings, fauna and flora, soil, water, air, climate and the landscape, material assets and the cultural heritage, the interaction between each factor European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 435/ 2004) (as amended) Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 436/2004) (as amended) European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1989 (S.I. No. 349/1989) (as amended) European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Flood Risk) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 470/2012) Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive and transposing regulations Irish Water is obliged to comply with, as relevant and appropriate, the requirements of the Directive as amended and transposing regulations 52 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report • • Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) • Framework for the promotion of energy sources production and from renewable • • • EU 2020 climate and energy package • • • • A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources • AOS Planning for Irish Water Binding legislation which aims to ensure the European Union meets its climate and energy targets for 2020 Aims to achieve a 20% reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels Aims to raise the share of EU energy consumption produced from renewable resources to 20% Achieve a 20% improvement in the EU's energy efficiency To ensure sufficient availability of good quality water for sustainable and equitable water use Consult with relevant authorities, stakeholders and public allowing sufficient time to make a submission before a decision is made The information to be provided by the developer in accordance with paragraph 1 shall include at least: o a description of the project comprising information on the site, design and size of the project; o a description of the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy significant adverse effects; o the data required to identify and assess the main effects which the project is likely to have on the environment; o an outline of the main alternatives studied by the developer and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking into account the environmental effects; o a non-technical summary of the information referred to each of the above. Identify national targets for renewable sources consumed in transport, electricity and heating and cooling by 2020 Meet a target of 20% for renewable energy sources and outline how the national target will be met under the Directive Prepare and implement a national energy action plan Four pieces of complimentary legislation: • Reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to include a cap on emission allowances in addition to existing system of national caps • Member States have agreed national targets for non-EU ETS emissions from countries outside the EU • Meet the national renewable energy targets of 16% for Ireland by 2020 • Preparing a legal framework for technologies in carbon capture and storage • Aims to ensure the availability of a sufficient quantity of good quality water • Aims to improve the implementation of current EU water policy • Promotes the integration of water and other policies • Outlines actions required for the implementation of current water legislation, integration of water policy objectives into other policies, and filling the gaps in particular as regards water quantity and efficiency. European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) The Framework for Climate Change Bill European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) Irish Water will cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies – the achievement of the objectives of this Directive Irish Water will cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies – the achievement of the objectives of these requirements Irish Water will have regard to this Blueprint and will cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and 53 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report European Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 • • • Aims to halt or reverse biodiversity loss and speed up the EU's transition towards a resource efficient and green economy Halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restoring them in so far as feasible • Outlines six targets and twenty actions to aid European in halting the loss to biodiversity and eco-system services The six targets cover: o Full implementation of EU nature legislation to protect biodiversity o Maintaining, enhancing and protecting for ecosystems, and green infrastructure o Ensuring sustainable agriculture, and forestry o Sustainable management of fish stocks o Reducing invasive alien species o Addressing the global need to contribute towards averting global biodiversity loss Actions for Biodiversity 2011-2016 Ireland’s National Biodiversity Plan, 2011 management Irish Water will have regard to this Strategy and will cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management National/Regional Plan/Programme Highest Level Aim/ Purpose/ Objective Lower level relevant objectives , actions etc. National Spatial Strategy for Ireland 2002-2020 People, Places and Potential • • Planning framework for Ireland Aims to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development across Ireland, supported by effective planning • Regional Guidelines Proposes that areas of sufficient scale and critical mass will be built up through a network of gateways, hubs and key town Planning • Gives regional effect to National Spatial Strategy • • Guides development for each county in the region Inform County Development Plans in situ with National Spatial Strategy recommendations River Basin Management Plans and associated Programmes of Measures - including International (Northern Ireland) Plans and Programmes • Establish a framework for the protection of water bodies at River Basin District (RBD) level Preserve, prevent the deterioration of water status and where necessary improve and maintain “good status” of water bodies in that RBD before 2015 Promote sustainable water usage • Aims to protect and enhance all water bodies in the RBD and meet the environmental objectives outlined in Article 4 of the Water Framework Directive Identifies and manages water bodies in the RBD Establishes a programme of measures for monitoring and improving water quality in the RBD Involves the public through consultations • • • • • Relevant legislation in Ireland Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Requirement of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act (2010) Planning and Development (Amendment) Act (2010) Requirement of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations, 2003 (SI No. 722) (as amended) Relevance to WSSP Irish Water is required to, when preparing the WSSP, ensure that the plan is consistent with, as far as is practical, with the National Spatial Strategy. Irish Water is required to, when preparing the WSSP, ensure that the plan is consistent with, as far as is practical, with the Regional Planning Guidelines. Irish Water is required to, when preparing the WSSP, ensure that the plan is consistent with, as far as is practical, with the River Basin Management Plans. Guidelines for the Establishment of River Basin District Advisory Councils (RBDAC) AOS Planning for Irish Water 54 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Water Quality Management Plans • Aims to manage and protect water at catchment based level • • • National Renewable Energy Action Plan • • Offshore Energy Plan Renewable Development • • • Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth • Sets out the national strategic approach and measures to deliver on the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC Aims to achieve target of 16% renewable energy usage by 2020 • Requirement of the Water Pollution Act 1977 Sets national targets to be met by 2020 as follows: o 40% electricity consumption from renewable o sources o 10% electric vehicles by 2020 o 12% renewable heat by 2020 European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) Aims to increase our engagement with the sea. Building on Ireland’s rich maritime heritage, our goal is to strengthen our maritime identity and increase our awareness of the value (market and nonmarket), opportunities and social benefits of engaging with the sea Requirement of the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) Foreshore Acts amended) Aims to harness the market opportunities presented by offshore renewable energy to achieve economic development, growth and jobs Increase awareness of the value, opportunities and societal benefits of developing offshore renewable energy Ensure offshore renewable energy developments do not adversely impact the rich marine environment and its living and non-living resources • • • AOS Planning for Irish Water Ensure quality of water covered by the plan is maintained and protected Manages the status of water at catchment level Aims to prevent and abate pollution of waters Establishes two targets: o Double the value of our ocean wealth to 2.4% of GDP by 2030 o Increase the turnover from Ireland’s ocean economy to exceed €6.4bn by 2020 Focuses on a thriving maritime economy, whereby Ireland harnesses the market opportunities to achieve economic recovery and socially inclusive, sustainable growth. Sets out to achieve healthy ecosystems that provide monetary and non-monetary goods and services 1933 (as Irish Water will have regard to these Plans and will cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to this Plan and will cumulatively contribute towards – in combination with other users and bodies – the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management 55 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Grid25 Implementation Programme • Harvest 2020 • • Framework for the development of the electricity transmission grid in the short, medium and long terms, to support a long-term sustainable and reliable electricity supply Aims to innovate and expand the Irish food industry in response to increased global demand for quality foods Sets out a vision for the potential growth in agricultural output after the removal of milk quotas in 2015 Agri-vision 2015 Action Plan • Outlines the vision for agricultural industry to improve competitiveness and response to market demand while respecting and enhancing the environment Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) • Agri-environmental funding schemes aimed at rural development for the environmental enhancement and protection Agri-Environmental Options Scheme(AEOS) Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) AOS Planning for Irish Water • Irish Water will have regard to the Grid25 Implementation Programme Seeks to implement the provisions of the 2007 Government White Paper on Energy -“Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland” in terms of development of electricity transmission infrastructure European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 432 of 2009) (as amended) European Communities (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) (S.I. No. 369 of 2006) Irish Water will have regard to Harvest 2020 and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to this plan and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to these schemes and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management 56 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report National Development Programme Rural • • Sets out a national programme based on the EU framework for rural development Prioritises improving the competitiveness of agriculture, improving the environment and improving the quality of life in rural areas • • • Raised Bog SAC Management Plan and Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Areas National Climate Change Strategy • • AOS Planning for Irish Water Aims to meet nature conservation obligations while having regard to national and local economic, social and cultural needs Establishes a framework for action to reduce Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions Supports structural change at farm level including training young farmers and encouraging early retirement, support for restructuring, development and innovation Aims to improve the environment, biodiversity and the amenity value of the countryside by support for land management through funds such as Natura 2000 payments etc. Aims to improve quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity through the implementation of local development strategies such as non-agricultural activities • Ensure that the implications of management choices for water levels, quantity and quality are fully explored, understood and factored into policy making and land use planning • Review the current raised bog NHA network in terms of its contribution to the national conservation objective for raised bog habitats and determine the most suitable sites to replace the losses of active raised bog habitat and high bog areas within the SAC network and to enhance the national network of NHAs • Sets out principles and actions for the reduction of C02 emissions in Ireland in the following areas: o energy supply o transport o waste management o industry, commercial and services sector o agriculture o residential o public sector European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) The Framework for Climate Change Bill Irish Water will have regard to this programme and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to this review and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to this strategy and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management 57 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report National Climate Change Adaption Framework – Building Resilience to Climate Change 2012 • Office of Public Works Arterial Drainage Maintenance and High Risk Designation Programme 2011-2015 Part 1 of the Programme comprises Arterial Drainage Maintenance (including Scheme Channel Maintenance Works, Maintenance of Scheme Structures, Scheme Embankment Maintenance and Flood Relief Scheme Maintenance. Aims to provide the policy context for a strategic national adaptation response to climate change, promote dialogue and understanding of adaptation issues identify and promote adaptation solutions and committing to actions to support the adaptation process Part 2 of the Programme comprises High Risk Channel Designation. Northern Ireland Water Resources Management Plan 2012 Irish Water will have regard to this framework and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to this programme and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Northern Ireland Water (NIW) is the organisation responsible under law for the supply of drinking water to the population of Northern Ireland. As part of its statutory duty, NIW has produced and maintains a Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP). The WRMP sets out the following: • • • AOS Planning for Irish Water NIW estimate of the quantities of drinking water required to meet the needs of the population of Northern Ireland over the period for which the plan is effective (the 25 years between 2008/09 and 2034/35); The measures which NI Water intends, or will continue to take, in order to supply the estimated required quantity of drinking water; and The schedule of activities that will be needed to be taken to implement the WRMP. 58 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Food Regulations Food Regulations including: Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 on the hygiene of food of animal origin, governs the total amount of marine biotoxins that may be present in shellfish for the protection of consumers. Three groups of toxins are established by the Regulation and the monitoring of shellfish is necessary to comply with the regulation before they can be placed on the market. Regulation (EC) No. 2074/2005 stipulates which test methods may be used to detect marine biotoxins. Sub-Regional Plan/Programme Highest Level Aim/ Purpose/ Objective Lower level relevant objectives , actions etc. County and Town Development Plans • Outlines planning objectives for County/Town development over six year lifespan Strategic framework for planning and sustainable development including those set out in National Spatial Strategy and Regional Planning Guidelines • Statutory document which provides detailed planning policies to ensure proper planning and sustainable development of area Sets out objectives for future planning and development • • Local Area Plans • • AOS Planning for Irish Water • • • Identifies future infrastructure, development and zoning required Protects and enhances amenities and environment Guides planning authority in assessing proposals Identifies issues of relevance to the area and outlines principles for future development of area Is consistent with relevant County/Town Development Plans, National Spatial Strategy and Regional Planning Guidelines Relevant legislation in Ireland Requirement of the Planning and Development Act (2000), as amended Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Requirement of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act (2010) Relevance to WSSP Irish Water will have regard to these Plans and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to these Plans and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management 59 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Planning Schemes for Strategic Development Zones (SDZ) • • Housing Strategies • • An area of land designated by the Government to contain specified developments of economic or social importance to the State Aims to create sustainable communities under a master plan to facilitate the requirements by which it was acquired by the State • Development includes necessary community facilities and services infrastructural and Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Ensures proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the development plan Provides housing policy for existing and future population of the area • Identifies the existing needs or likely future need for housing Ensures the availability of housing for persons of different levels of income Ensures a mixture of housing types to suit demographics Each Local Authority is required to prepare a housing strategy and review it every two years Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) • • • Biodiversity Action Plans • Aims to protect, conserve, enhance and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services across all spectrums • • • AOS Planning for Irish Water Outlines the status of biodiversity and identifies species of importance Outlines objectives and targets to be met to maintain and improve biodiversity Aims increase awareness Requirement of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Irish Water will have regard to these Schemes and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to these Strategies and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to these Plans and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management 60 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Heritage Plans • Aims to highlight the importance of heritage at a strategic level • • County Landscape Character Assessments • Characterises the geographical dimension of the landscape • • Special Orders Amenity Area • Aims to protect special areas of landscape, environmental or amenity value Manage and promote heritage as well as increase awareness Aim to conserve and protect heritage Identifies the quality, value, sensitivity and capacity of the landscape area Guides strategies and guidelines for the future development of the landscape Requirement of the Planning and Development) Act, 2000 (as amended) Landscape and Landscape Assessment Guidelines Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (as amended) Requirement of the Planning and Development Act 1963 (as amended) AOS Planning for Irish Water Irish Water will have regard to these Plans and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to these assessments and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to these Orders and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management 61 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Shellfish Pollution Reduction Programmes Freshwater Pearl Mussel Sub-Basin Management Plans • • • Aims to improve water quality and ensure the protection or improvement of designated shellfish waters in order to support shellfish life and growth and contribute to the high quality of shellfish products directly edible by man • Identifies the current status of the species and the reason for loss or decline Identifies measure required to improve or restore current status • • • • Identifies key and secondary pressures on water quality in designated shellfish areas Outlines specific measures to address identified key and secondary pressures on water quality Addresses the specific pressures acting on water quality in each area European Communities (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations 2006 (SI 268/2006) (as amended) Identifies pressures on Freshwater Pearl Mussels for each of the designated populations in Ireland Outlines restoration measures required to ensure favourable conservation status Requirement of Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) Requirement of Shellfish Waters Directive (2006/113/EC) for designated shellfish waters European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003) European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011) Irish Water will have regard to these Programmes and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to these Plans and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management The Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 Groundwater Protection Schemes • • • AOS Planning for Irish Water Preserve and prevent deterioration in quality and identify the status of groundwater Protect groundwater quality for drinking water purposes Provides a framework for and informs planning authorities • • • • Assess and identify the vulnerability, aquifer potential and source protection of groundwater Map Groundwater Protections Zones Identify groundwater protection responses for existing and potential environmental risks Integrate Groundwater Protection Schemes into County Development Plans Irish Water will have regard to these Schemes and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management 62 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report County Renewable Energy Strategies • Aims to ensure competitive, secure and sustainable energy • • Progress renewable energy forms at county level Develop sustainable energy forms including renewable electricity, bioenergy, wind energy etc. Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 147/2011) The Framework for Climate Change Bill Sludge Plans Management • Waste Management 1996 (as amended) Outlines how all types of non-hazardous sludge arising from waste water and water treatment, agriculture and industry will be dealt with Act Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 (as amended) Urban Waste Treatment (91/271/EEC) Water Directive European Communities (Urban Waste Water Treatment) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 254/2001) Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Strategy • Identifies policies, strategies and projects for the development of a sustainable drainage system for the Greater Dublin Region Northern Ireland Water Resources Management Plan 2012 • Sets the framework for strategically managing water resources in Northern Ireland and at the Water Resource Zone (WRZ) level within which such decisions should be taken AOS Planning for Irish Water • Identifies a strategy to ensure that there is sufficient water available to meet projected demands taking account of uncertainties in the various elements of the supply demand Final Water Resources Management Plan balance and the level of risk to continuity of supplies Irish Water will have regard to these Strategies and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to these Plans and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to this Plan and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the 63 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary • • Inter-jurisdictional land and marine based framework plan to guide the future development and management of the Shannon Estuary Statutory planning policy to be included in relevant Local Area Plans County/Town Development Plans • Research and develop an integrated approach to facilitating economic growth and promoting environmental management within and adjacent to the Shannon Estuary objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Irish Water will have regard to this Plan and is committed to contributing towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management Economic development plans for rural and urban areas Local Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans Plans / Programmes / Studies currently in preparation and to be taken into account when published Plan/Programme/Study National Landscape Strategy 2014 (draft/in preparation) National Rural Development Programme (draft/in preparation) Summary Having consulted on a Strategic Issues Paper for a National Landscape Strategy, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is preparing a Draft National Landscape Strategy for Ireland. The National Rural Development Programme, prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, sets out a national programme based on the EU framework for rural development and prioritises improving the competitiveness of agriculture, improving the environment and improving the quality of life in rural areas At a more detailed level, the programme also: • • • National Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (draft/in preparation) Supports structural change at farm level including training young farmers and encouraging early retirement, support for restructuring, development and innovation; Aims to improve the environment, biodiversity and the amenity value of the countryside by support for land management through funds such as Natura 2000 payments etc.; and Aims to improve quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity through the implementation of local development strategies such as non-agricultural activities The Draft National Forestry Programme 2014-2020, Forests, Products and People. Ireland’s Forest Policy - A Renewed Vision, is currently being prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and views of stakeholders are now being sought on the composition of the new proposed forestry measures. These proposed measures represent a continuation of the previous Forestry Programme 2007-2013 which has been effective in supporting the growth and development of the forestry sector and rural economies. AOS Planning for Irish Water 64 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report National Peatlands Strategy (draft/in preparation) New Waste Management Plans (draft/in preparation) National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture (draft/in preparation) National Seafood Operational Programme 2014-2020 (draft/in preparation) Flood Risk Management Plans arising from National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (draft/in preparation) The Draft National Peatlands Strategy, prepared by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, will, when finalised, establish principles in relation to Irish peatlands in order to guide Government policy. The Draft Strategy aims to provide a framework for which all of the peatlands within the State can be managed responsibly in order to optimise their social, environmental and economic contribution. In accordance with Section 22 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 and the Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997, notice was given of the intention to commence the preparation of new Regional Waste Management Plans in 2013. There will be three new Plans prepared for the following new waste management planning regions: • Connacht-Ulster (comprising local authorities Cavan, Donegal, Galway City, Galway County, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon and Sligo); • Eastern-Midland (comprising local authorities: Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown, Fingal, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, South Dublin, Wicklow and Westmeath); and • Southern (comprising local authorities: Carlow, Clare, Cork City, Cork County, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford) Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is assisting the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine in preparing a National Strategic Aquaculture Plan. The Plan is being prepared in compliance with Strategic EU Guidelines for the Sustainable Development of EU Aquaculture and will be consistent with the aim of the proposal for the Common Fisheries Policy reform to promote aquaculture through “an open method of co-ordination”. The NSPA will complement the National Seafood Operational Programme and will cover the period 2014-2020 (with mid-term assessment in 2017). The National Seafood Operational Programme 2014-2020 will give effect to European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The national Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) programme commenced in Ireland in 2011 and is being overseen by the Office of Public Works. The CFRAM Programme is intended to deliver on core components of the National Flood Policy, adopted in 2004, and on the requirements of the EU Floods Directive. The Programme is being implemented through CFRAM Studies which are being undertaken for each of the six river basin districts in Ireland. CFRAM Studies are being undertaken for all River Basin Districts. The studies are focusing on areas known to have experienced flooding in the past and areas that may be subject to flooding in the future either due to development pressures or climate change. In 2014, draft Flood Maps will be published. The final output from the studies will be CFRAM Plans, to be published in December 2016. The Plans will define the current and future flood risk in the River Basin Districts and set out how this risk can be managed. Greater Dublin Drainage Project Water Supply Project for Dublin Region Dublin City Sewerage Scheme Study AOS Planning for Irish Water 65 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Appendix III: Summary of EPA RAL and Waste Water Information The SEA is required to include information on relevant environmental problems where they exist. Environmental problems arise where there is a conflict between current environmental conditions and ideal targets. The content of this Appendix addresses this requirement with respect to water services and the quality of certain water bodies. There is an opportunity for the WSSP to contribute towards the improvement of these problems and this will be examined further by the SEA. Remedial Action List (EPA, Q3 2013) categorisation of schemes Category Reason No of Water Supply Zones No of Water Treatment Plants 1A 1B 12 24 6 6 1C Supplies on a Boil Water Notice of a Water Restriction Largest supplies on the RAL all of which require significant treatment improvements linked to providing a "safe" and "secure" supply. Supplies with no Cryptosporidium barrier 21 21 2 Supplies with THM failure. 35 34 3A Supplies where a Cryptosporidium barrier has been installed but the EPA requires verification of the effectiveness. All other RAL supplies. 15 14 33 31 3B The EPA categorised the schemes and works required depending on the reason for action. A full breakdown of each scheme is included below. EPA Remedial Action List (Q3 2013) Local Authority Name of Water Supply RAL Heading Proposed Action Programme Cavan County Council Cork (North) County Council Ballyconnell Kingscourt Doneraile Plant upgrade to provide filter barrier to Cryptosporidium risk Treatment plant to be upgraded. Upgrade of water treatment plant Cork (West) County Council Cahermore Supply identified by the HSE where further investigation or improvement maybe required Supply identified by the HSE where further investigation or improvement maybe required Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Castletownbere New Drimoleague Kealkill AOS Planning for Irish Water Abandon water treatment plant and connect to Castletownbere New Upgrade water treatment plant Abandon treatment plant and connect to Skibberrean WTW Upgrade treatment plant to provide upgraded disinfection system and filters 66 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Cork City Council Donegal County Council Dublin City Council Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Galway County Council Schull Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Upgrade water treatment plant to include an additional filter and the installation of ozone treatment Upgrade treatment plant to provide upgraded disinfection system and filters. UV to be the primary disinfection. Whiddy Island Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. EPA Audit Observation - Treatment and Management Issues Upgrade of treatment plant Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Poor turbidity removal Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Excessive levels of aluminium in the treated water Abandon source and replace the supply with the Ballyshannon WS Upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of water treatment plant Abandon source and replace with supply from the Leitermacaward WS Upgrade of water treatment plant Cork City Water Supply Cashilard Cresslough Fintown Glenties-Ardara GortahorkFalcarragh Greencastle Owenteskna/ Kilcar Letterkenny Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Abandon source and replace with supply from the East Inishowen WS Upgrade of water treatment plant Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Portnoo-Narin Rathmullen Ballyboden Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations EPA Audit Observation - Treatment and Management Issues Ballymore EustaceLeixlip & Vartry/Ballymore Eustace Vartry-Ballymore Eustace Stillorgan EPA Audit Observation - Treatment and Management Issues Upgrade of water treatment plant to include barrier for Cryptosporidium removal Upgrade of water treatment plant Upgrade of water treatment plant Improve operations at the plant and covering of the reservoir at Ballyboden Replacement of Callow Hill Tunnel, use of covered storage reservoir and upgrade of disinfection system. EPA Audit Observation - Treatment and Management Issues Roundwood EPA Audit Observation - Treatment and Management Issues Church Road EPA Audit Observation - Treatment and Management Issues Ballinasloe Rwss Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Ballyconneely P.S. Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Carraroe PWS Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Dunmore/ Glenamaddy P.S. Glenamaddy Inishere P.S. Killimor PWS Kilkerrin/Moylough Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Poor turbidity removal Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Leenane P.S. Mid Galway Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and AOS Planning for Irish Water EPA Audit Observation - Treatment and Management Issues Replacement of Callow Hill Tunnel, use of covered storage reservoir and upgrade of disinfection system. Replacement of Callow Hill Tunnel, use of covered storage reservoir and upgrade of disinfection system. Replacement of Callow Hill Tunnel, use of covered storage reservoir and upgrade of disinfection system. Replacement of Callow Hill Tunnel, use of covered storage reservoir and upgrade of disinfection system. Upgrade disinfection, provide chlorine and turbidity monitors and pH correction pH correction, filter upgrade, UV, Chlorine dioxide, upgrade chlorination and provide contact tank pH correction, ozone, filtration, UV and sodium hypochlorite disinfection and contact tank Ozone filtration and UV disinfection Ozone, filtration and UV treatment Ozone filtration and UV disinfection To be replaced by Portumna PWS Upgrade of treatment plant to include effective barrier against Cryptosporidium Pre-chlorination, filtration and UV treatment Ozone treatment, filtration and UV treatment 67 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Kerry County Council Portumna PS needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Williamstown PS Aughacasla 005D An Clochan 028D Poor turbidity removal Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Baile an Fheirtearaigh 011D Ballinskelligs 008H Ballymacadam 402F Barraduff 014A Caherdaniel 019H Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Cahirciveen 017H Camp 020D Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Caragh Lake 022A Castlecove 023H Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Castlegregory 024D Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Cill Maolcheadair 047D Dingle 030D Dun Chaoin 034D Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Glen 039H Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inch Pws 044D Poor turbidity removal Kenmare 045A Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Kilgarvan 046A Killsarkin 403F Lauragh 051A Lisarboola 404F Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Lisloose Reservoir Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Lough Guitane 400F Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Maulin 066H Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium AOS Planning for Irish Water Upgrade settlement and coagulation and filters. Install turbidity monitors. Ozone treatment, filtration and UV disinfection Upgrade of treatment plant to include slow sand filtration Upgrade of water treatment plant to include installation of treatment barrier and upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of water treatment plant to include installation of treatment barrier and upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of treatment plant to include slow sand filtration Upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of treatment plant to include slow sand filtration Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Installation of turbidity monitors Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Upgrade of treatment plant to include slow sand filtration Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Upgrade of water treatment plant to include installation of treatment barrier and upgrade of disinfection system Improve operations at plant Upgrade of water treatment plant to include installation of treatment barrier and upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Upgrade of water treatment plant to include upgrade of rapid gravity filters Upgrade of water treatment plant to include effective barrier for Cryptosporidium Upgrade of treatment plant to include slow sand filtration Rechlorination station to be provided Upgrade of treatment barrier to provide effective Cryptosporidium barrier (UV) Upgrade of water treatment plant including upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of water treatment plant to include effective barrier for Cryptosporidium Upgrade of water treatment plant to include effective barrier for Cryptosporidium Upgrade of water treatment plant to include installation of treatment barrier and upgrade of disinfection system 68 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Milltown (Poulgorum) Minard No.1 (Puck Island) Mountain Stage 062A Murreigh Ballydavid 063D Kilkenny County Council Laois County Council Leitrim County Council Limerick County Council Longford County Council Louth County Council Meath County Council Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Portmagee 064H Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Shrone 078A Templenoe 073A Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Poor turbidity removal Tieraclea (Tarbert) PWSS 071E Ventry 074D Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Waterville 075H Poor turbidity removal Inistioge WS Kilkenny City (Radestown) WS Mountmellick 1 PWS Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations South Leitrim Regional Oola Pub DWS Newtown Cashel Omeath Staleen Mayo County Council Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inishturk Kilmaine PS Kiltimagh Lough Mask Ballinaclose East Meath AOS Planning for Irish Water Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Poor turbidity removal Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Supply identified by the HSE where further investigation or improvement maybe required Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Upgrade of water treatment plant to include installation of treatment barrier and upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of water treatment plant to include installation of treatment barrier and upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Upgrade of water treatment plant to include installation of treatment barrier and upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of treatment plant to include slow sand filtration Upgrade of treatment barrier to provide effective Cryptosporidium barrier (UV) Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Upgrade of treatment plant to include filtration plus coagulation and/or UV. Abandon source of water supply and replace with new borehole. Development of new wellfield Abandon one of the sources of the supply, augment the supply wth the Portlaoise WS and upgrade the exisiting treatment plant Improve operation of the plant to include improvements to filter management Upgrade of water treatment plant to provide adequate contact time and upgrade of chlorination system Upgrade of treatment plant to include effective barrier against Cryptosporidium Replace source of water supply with the Cooley Regional WS Upgrade of water treatment plant to include changes to the chemical dosing and filtration system Upgrade of disinfection system Abandon water source and replace with the Lough Mask Regional WS Improve operations at WTP Upgrade water treatment plant to increase capacity Upgrade of water treatment plant (see Kingscourt, Co. Cavan) Upgrade of water treatment plant to include changes to the chemical dosing and filtration system (see Staleen, Co. Louth) 69 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Monaghan County Council Roscommon County Council Sligo County Council South Tipperary County Council Kells-Oldcastle Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Navan & MidMeath PWS Trim PWS EPA Audit Observation - Treatment and Management Issues Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Carrickmacross Supply identified by the HSE where further investigation or improvement maybe required Lough Egish RWSS Ballinlough/Loughgly nn Boyle/Ardcarne Boyle Castlerea Urban Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Poor turbidity removal Castlerea Regional Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium North East RWSS Roscommon Central SRRWSS – Killeglan SRRWSS – Lisbrock North Roscommon Regional Water Supply Scheme Killaraght Public Water Supply Lough Gill Regional Water Supply Lough Talt Regional Water Supply South Sligo Regional Water Supply Burncourt Carrick-on-Suir (Crotty's Lake) Carrick-on-Suir [Lingaun River] Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Upgrade of water treatment plant to include treatment barrier capable of removing Cryptosporidium Improve operation of water treatment plant including implementation of recommendations of EPA audit Improve operations of water treatment plant following review of the treatment processes Upgrade of water treament plant to include provision of new sources and reservoir Upgrade of water treatment plant Upgrade water treatment plant as part of new West Roscommon RWSS Upgrade water treatment plant Upgrade water treatment plant Upgrade water treatment plant as part of new West Roscommon RWSS Upgrade water treatment plant as part of new West Roscommon RWSS Upgrade of water treatment plant Upgrade of water treatment plant Upgrade of water treatment plant Upgrade of water treatment plant Upgrade of water treatment plant Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Upgrade of water treatment plant Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Improved operation of treatment plant Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium New water treatment plant to be constructed Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Upgrade of water treatment plant Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Construction of new water treatment plant Monitoring is being carried out to determine whether Crotty's late is a low Cryptosporidium risk Upgrade of water treatment plant to include improvements to chemical dosing arrangements Clonmel Poulavanogue Cloran Regional Dundrum Regional Gortnapisha Graigue Mullenbawn AOS Planning for Irish Water Excessive levels of aluminium in the treated water Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Abandon source and replace with supply from new Clonmel WS Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Excessive levels of aluminium in the treated water Abandon and replace with new water treatment plant Upgrade of water treatment plant to include improvements to chemical dosing i.e. colour analyser for alum dosing, source protection improvements and filters Construction of new water treatment plant Abandon water treatment plant and replace with new Clonmel WS Upgrade of disinfection system and installation of process control equipment (chlorine and turbidity monitors) Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Inadequate treatment for Cryptosporidium Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. 70 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Waterford County Council Ballyhane Elevated levels of Nitrate above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Ballyshunnock Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Excessive levels of aluminium in the treated water Elevated levels of Nitrate above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Failed to meet E.coli/Enterococci standard as reported in the Drinking Water Report and needs investigation and improvement if necessary to ensure that the root cause of the problem has been rectified. Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Colligan Croan Upper* Glenawillin Inchinleamy Rathgormuck Ring/Helvick Smoorebeg Tallow Wexford County Council Wicklow County Council Abandon Spring Source and serve from new GW source in Carrowgarriff. see South Tipperary Source protection. Possible nitrate removal treatment system. Upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of disinfection system Abandon and connect to the Dungarvan Supply. Upgrade of disinfection system Upgrade of water treatment plant to include provision of new rapid gravity filters Upgrade of water treatment plant to include chemical treatment Tramore/ Carrigvantry Sow Regional Excessive levels of aluminium in the treated water Arklow Public Supply Supply identified by the HSE where further investigation or improvement maybe required Aughrim / Annacurra Avoca / Ballinclash Enniskerry Public Supply Supply identified by the HSE where further investigation or improvement maybe required Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Upgrade of water treatment plant to include the provision of automatic aluminium dosing Treatment plant to be upgraded and recommendations of the EPA audit to be implemented. Treatment plant to be upgraded with the provision of ozone treatment. Coagulation plant to be provided Replacement of Callow Hill Tunnel and upgrade of disinfection system. Glenealy Public Supply Wicklow Regional Public Supply Windgates / Templecarrig Bray Direct Bray Reservoir Greystones Kilcoole Kilmacanogue Newtown Newcastle Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Replacement of Callow Hill Tunnel and upgrade of disinfection system. Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations EPA Audit Observation - Treatment and Management Issues Treatment plant to be upgraded to improve chemical dosing system and improved management of distribution network. Replacement of Callow Hill Tunnel and upgrade of disinfection system. EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA Replacement Replacement Replacement Replacement Replacement Replacement AOS Planning for Irish Water Elevated levels of THMs above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations Abandon source of water supply and replace with a new groundwater source Upgrade of disinfection system Audit Audit Audit Audit Audit Audit Observation Observation Observation Observation Observation Observation - Treatment Treatment Treatment Treatment Treatment Treatment and and and and and and Management Management Management Management Management Management Issues Issues Issues Issues Issues Issues of of of of of of Callow Callow Callow Callow Callow Callow Hill Hill Hill Hill Hill Hill Tunnel Tunnel Tunnel Tunnel Tunnel Tunnel and and and and and and upgrade upgrade upgrade upgrade upgrade upgrade of of of of of of disinfection disinfection disinfection disinfection disinfection disinfection system. system. system. system. system. system. 71 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report A number of agglomerations were identified by the EPA report “Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment 2013”. which meet one or more of the criteria for making a difference to water quality17. These are outlined below. As previously stated, The SEA is required to include information on relevant environmental problems where they exist. Environmental problems arise where there is a conflict between current environmental conditions and ideal targets. The content of this Appendix addresses this requirement with respect to water services and the quality of certain water bodies. There is an opportunity for the WSSP to contribute towards the improvement of these problems and this will be examined further by the SEA. List of agglomerations identified by the EPA which meet one or more of the criteria outlined in “Section 3.2.1 Making a difference to water quality” of the EPA report “Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment 2012 Reg. No Urban Area County Reg. No Urban Area County D0020-01 Cavan Cavan D0003-01 Athy Kildare D0082-01 Cootehill Cavan D0242-01 Coill Dubh Kildare D0252-01 Mullagh Cavan (Impact on Meath) D0178-01 Kildare Town Kildare Kildare D0327-01 Ballyvaughan Clare D0002-01 Upper Liffey Valley D0322-01 Clarecastle Clare D0159-01 Callan Kilkenny D0048-01 Ennis North Clare D0018-01 Kilkenny Kilkenny D0078-01 Kilkee Clare D0338-01 Stonyford Kilkenny A0091-01 Kilmihil Clare D0151-01 Thomastown Kilkenny D0075-01 Kilrush Clare D0156-01 Abbeyleix Laois D0430-01 Liscannor Clare D0386-01 Clonaslee Laois D0077-01 Lisdoonvarna Clare D0152-01 Mountmellick Laois D0045-01 Shannon Town Clare D0153-01 Mountrath Laois D0516-01 Ballycotton Cork D0158-01 Portarlington Laois D0303-01 Buttevant Cork D0001-01 Portlaoise Laois D0044-01 Carrigtohill Cork D0288-01 Rathdowney Laois D0297-01 Castletownbere Cork D0144-01 Drumshanbo Leitrim D0468-01 Castletownshend Cork D0316-01 Dromcollagher Limerick D0204-01 Charleville Cork D0106-01 Kilmallock Limerick D0054-01 Cobh Cork D0187-01 Granard Longford D0057-01 Crosshaven-CarrigalineRingaskiddy Cork D0060-01 Longford Longford D0160-01 Dunmanway Cork D0053-01 Dundalk Louth A0349-01 Inchigeelagh Cork A0072-01 Omeath Louth A0360-01 Kilmacsimon Cork D0216-01 Balla Mayo D0052-01 Mallow Cork D0355-01 Ballindine Mayo D0129-01 Passage/ Monkstown Cork D0074-01 Belmullet Mayo D0200-01 Rathcormac Cork D0047-01 Castlebar Mayo D0436-01 Ringaskiddy village Cork D0214-01 Charlestown Mayo D0166-01 Skibbereen Cork D0071-01 Claremorris Mayo D0466-01 Timoleague Cork D0073-01 Crossmolina Mayo D0423-01 Whitegate/ Agada Cork D0367-01 Doogort *Note 2 Mayo D0139-01 Youghal Cork D0357-01 Kilkelly Mayo D0033-01 Cork City Cork City D0067-01 Killala Mayo D0120-01 Ballybofey/ Stranorlar Donegal D0065-01 Knock Mayo 17 Section 3.2.1 of the Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment 2013 AOS Planning for Irish Water 72 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report D0130-01 Bundoran Donegal A0446-01 Burtonport Donegal D0131-01 Enfield Meath D0343-01 Falcarragh Donegal D0059-01 Navan Meath A0445-01 Kerrykeel Donegal D0262-01 Stamullen Meath D0520-01 Kilcar Donegal D0062-01 Carrickmacross Monaghan D0011-01 Killybegs Donegal D0206-01 Clones Monaghan D0513-01 Kilmacrennan Donegal D0061-01 Monaghan Monaghan D0009-01 Letterkenny Donegal D0323-01 Borrisoleigh North Tipperary D0342-01 Milford Donegal D0027-01 Nenagh North Tipperary D0212-01 Moville Donegal D0190-01 Templemore D0341-01 Ramelton Donegal D0025-01 Roscrea North Tipperary North Tipperary (Impact on Offaly) D0209-01 Raphoe Donegal D0042-01 Monksland Roscommon D0538-01 St Johnston Donegal D0116-01 Roscommon Roscommon D0034-01 Greater Dublin Area Donegal D0228-01 Strokestown Roscommon D0038-01 Shanganagh Fingal D0092-01 Tubbercurry Sligo D0023-01 Ballbriggan/ Skerries Fingal D0035-01 Clonmel South Tipperary D0034-01 *Note 1 Howth Fingal D0146-01 Tipperary Town South Tipperary D0122-01 Lusk Fingal D0162-01 Ardmore Waterford D0114-01 Portrane/ Donabate Galway D0170-01 Dunmore East Waterford D0119-01 Rush Galway D0275-01 Kilmacthomas Waterford D0372-01 Ahascragh Galway D0353-01 Stradbally Waterford D0193-01 Athenry Galway D0022-01 Waterford City Waterford City Westmeath D0055-01 Westport Mayo D0388-01 Carraroe Galway A0529-01 Liliput Adventure Centre D0198-01 Clifden Galway D0008-01 Mullingar Westmeath D0370-01 Dunmore Galway A0243-01 Arthurstown Wexford D0050-01 Galway City Galway A0242-01 Ballyhack Wexford D0379-01 Glenamaddy Galway D0046-01 Courtown/ Gorey Wexford D0195-01 Gort Galway D0245-01 Duncannon Wexford D0276-01 Kinvara Galway D0029-01 Enniscorthy Wexford D0219-01 Mountbellew Galway D0232-01 Kilmore Quay Wexford D0191-01 Moycullen Galway D0389-01 Taghmon Wexford A0115-01 Roundstone Galway D0006-01 Arklow Wicklow D0396-01 Spiddal Galway D0005-01 Bray Wicklow D0040-01 Tralee Kerry Note 1: Most waste water from Howth is pumped for treatment to Greater Dublin Area WWTP (D0034-01) however approx 100p.e. still discharges directly to Doldrum Bay, a secondary discharge point in the D0034-01 licence, which is required to cease by 31/12/2011. Note 2: Impact on bathing water resolved. AOS Planning for Irish Water 73 Water Services Strategic Plan: Draft SEA Scoping Report Agglomerations identified as possible pressure on vulnerable receptors (Pearl mussel and Shellfish) Reg. No Urban Area County Reg. No Urban Area County D0248-01 Borris Carlow D0284-01 Fenit Kerry D0243-01 Hacketstown Carlow D0286-01 Glenbeigh Kerry A0229-01 Ticknock Carlow A0022-01 Kilfenora Kerry A0389-01 Ardgroom Cork D0182-01 Killorglin Kerry D0441-01 Ballyclough Cork D0421-01 Knightstown Kerry A0326-01 Ballydesmond Cork D0331-01 Milltown Kerry D0448-01 Banteer Cork A0042-01 Portmagee Kerry D0541-01 Belgooley Cork D0419-01 Rathmore Kerry D0437-01 Boherbue Cork A0088-01 Rossbeigh Kerry A0319-01 Cecilstown Cork D0040-01 Tralee Kerry A0342-01 Cullen Cork D0156-01 Abbeyleix Laois D0302-01 Dromahane Cork D0385-01 Ballyroan Laois D0160-01 Dunmanway Cork D0290-01 Borris-in-Ossory Laois A0394-01 Durrus Cork D0387-01 Castletown Laois A0336-01 Freemount Cork D0153-01 Mountrath Laois D0203-01 Kanturk Cork A0086-01 Annagassan Louth A0346-01 Kiskeam Cork D0188-01 Blackrock Louth A0344-01 Knocknagree Cork D0268-01 Carlingford Louth A0327-01 Lombardstown Cork D0053-01 Dundalk Louth D0052-01 Mallow Cork A0075-01 Greenore Louth A0337-01 Meelin Cork A0072-01 Omeath Louth D0332-01 Millstreet Cork D0511-01 Achill Sound Mayo A0345-01 Nad Cork D0067-01 Killala Mayo A0328-01 Rathcoole Cork D0224-01 Newport Mayo D0433-01 Riverstick Cork D0055-01 Westport Mayo D0125-01 Buncrana Donegal D0393-01 Westport Sligo D0113-01 Carndonagh Donegal A0312-01 Drumcliff Sligo D0523-01 Carrigart Donegal D0249-01 Rosses Point Sligo D0135-01 Donegal Town Donegal D0014-01 Sligo Sligo D0210-01 Glenties Donegal D0107-01 Strandhill Sligo D0513-01 Kilmacrennan Donegal D0358-01 Baile na nGall Waterford D0009-01 Letterkenny Donegal A0375-01 Cheekpoint Waterford D0519-01 Manorcunningham Donegal A0377-01 Clonea Power Waterford D0342-01 Milford Donegal A0378-01 Crooke Waterford D0522-01 Mountcharles Donegal D0017-01 Dungarvan Waterford D0349-01 Newtowncunningham Donegal D0170-01 Dunmore East Waterford D0341-01 Ramelton Donegal A0384-01 Passage East Waterford D0345-01 Ramelton Donegal D0022-01 Waterford City Waterford City D0023-01 Ballbriggan/Skerries Fingal A0243-01 Arthurstown Wexford D0021-01 D0114-01 Malahide Portrane/Donabate Fingal Fingal A0242-01 D0409-01 Ballyhack Campile Wexford Wexford D0024-01 D0198-01 D0276-01 Swords Clifden Kinvara Fingal Galway Galway D0235-01 D0245-01 A0245-01 Castlebridge Duncannon Wellingtonbridge Wexford Wexford Wexford D0399-01 D0192-01 D0181-01 A0013-01 Letterfrack Oughterard Cahirsiveen Castlemaine Galway Galway Kerry Kerry D0030-01 A0004-01 A0047-01 A0005-01 Wexford Kiltegan Knockananna Rathdangan Wexford Wicklow Wicklow Wicklow AOS Planning for Irish Water 74