5.0 SOILS GEOLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY 5.1 INTRODUCTION · SOILS GEOLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY AWN Consulting...

SOILS GEOLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY AWN Consulting Ltd _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ABP Clones WWTP Alterations EIS Chapter 5

5.0 SOILS GEOLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY 5.1 INTRODUCTION

The following chapter presents an assessment of the likely significant environmental impacts on the geological environment associated with the proposed amendments to the management of wastewater at Anglo Beef Processors Ireland (ABP). The existing development comprises of a slaughterhouse/meat processing facility and lairage facilities which have been extended and modified recently.

A detailed project description is set out in Chapter 2 Description of the Proposed Development. The impact on surface water (hydrology) is addressed in Chapter 6 (Water and Hydrology).

Treated effluent is currently discharged from the facility into a tributary of the River Finn following on site treatment in an existing waste water treatment plant. The wastewater currently discharging from the facility is high in chloride with some levels in excess of current licensed limits. The proposed development will involve amendments to the existing treatment plant to and relocation of the point of discharge from the local tributary to the River Finn allowing for a greater extent of dilution.

5.2 METHODOLOGY 5.2.1 Guidelines

The Assessment has been carried out generally in accordance with the following guidelines:

Guidelines on Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2002);

Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2003);

Guidelines for the preparation of Soils Geology and Hydrogeology Chapters of Environmental Impact Statements (IGI, 2013);

Geology in Environmental Impact Statements, A Guide (IGI, 2002);

Guidelines on Procedures for the Assessment and Treatment of Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology for National Road Schemes. (NRA 2009).

Environmental good practice on site; Construction Industry Research and Information Association publication C692 (CIRIA, 2011).

Environmental good practice on site – pocket book; Construction Industry Research and Information Association publication C715 (CIRIA 2012).

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5.2.2 Approach

Criteria for rating of impacts The methodology for rating impacts for the EIS is completed in accordance with the EPA ‘Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’ (EPA, 2002). The EPA document entitled ‘Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements’ (EPA, 2003) is also followed in this geological assessment and classification of environmental impacts. Due consideration is also given to the guidelines provided by the Institute of Geologists of Ireland (IGI) in the document entitled Guidelines for the Preparation of Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology Chapters of Environmental Impact Statements’ (IGI 2013). In addition, the document entitled ‘Guidelines on Procedures for Assessment and Treatment of Geology, Hydrology and Hydrogeology for National Road Schemes’ by the National Roads Authority (NRA, 2009) is referenced where the methodology for assessment of impact is appropriate.

The rating of potential environmental impacts on the soils and geology environment is based on the matrix presented in Table 5.1 below which takes account of the quality, significance, duration and type of impact characteristic identified.

Impact

Characteristic Term Description

Quality

Positive A change which improves the quality of the environment

Neutral A change which does not affect the quality of the environment

Negative A change which reduces the quality of the environment

Significance

Imperceptible An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable

consequences

Slight An impact which causes noticeable changes in the character of the

environment without affecting its sensitivities

Moderate An impact that alters the character of the environment in a manner

consistent with existing and emerging trends

Significant An impact, which by its character, magnitude, duration or intensity

alters a sensitive aspect of the environment

Profound An impact which obliterates sensitive characteristics

Duration

Short-term Impact lasting one to seven years

Medium-term Impact lasting seven to fifteen years

Long-term Impact lasting fifteen to sixty years

Permanent Impact lasting over sixty years

Temporary Impact lasting for one year or less

Type

Cumulative The addition of many small impacts to create one larger, more

significant impact

‘Do Nothing’ The environment as it would be in the future should no

development of any kind be carried out

Indeterminable When the full consequences of a change in the environment

cannot be described

Irreversible When the character, distinctiveness, diversity, or reproductive

capacity of an environment is not permanently lost

Residual Degree of environmental change that will occur after the proposed

mitigation measures have taken effect

Synergistic Where the resultant impact is of greater significance than the sum

of its constituents

‘Worst Case’ The impacts arising from a development in the case where the

mitigation measures may substantially fail

Table 5.1 Glossary of impacts following EPA Guidance Documents

In the EIS assessment, consideration is given to both the importance of an attribute and the magnitude of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed activities

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on that cited attribute. These impact ratings presented in Table 5.1 are in accordance with impact assessment criteria provided in the EPA (2002) publication.

The duration of each impact is considered to be either temporary, short-term, medium term, long-term, or a permanent impact. Temporary impacts are considered to be those which are construction related and last less than one year. Short term impacts were seen as impacts lasting one to seven years; medium-term impacts lasting seven to fifteen years; long-term impacts lasting fifteen to sixty years; and permanent impacts lasting over sixty years.

The NRA criteria for rating the magnitude and significance of impacts at EIA stage on the geological related attributes are also relevant in determining impact assessment and area presented in Table 5.2 below.

Magnitude of

Impact Criteria Typical Examples

Large

Adverse

Results in loss of

attribute

Loss of high proportion of future quarry or pit reserves

Irreversible loss of high proportion of local high fertility

soils

Removal of entirety of geological heritage feature

Requirement to excavate / remediate entire waste site

Requirement to excavate and replace high proportion of

peat, organic soils and/or soft mineral soils beneath

alignment

Moderate

Adverse

Results in impact on

integrity of attribute

or loss of part of

attribute

Loss of moderate proportion of future quarry or pit

reserves

Removal of part of geological heritage feature

Irreversible loss of moderate proportion of local high

fertility soils

Requirement to excavate / remediate significant

proportion of waste site

Requirement to excavate and replace moderate

proportion of peat, organic soils and/or soft mineral soils

beneath alignment

Small

Adverse

Results in minor

impact on integrity

of attribute of loss of

small part of

attribute

Loss of small proportion of future quarry or pit reserves

Removal of small part of geological heritage feature

Irreversible loss of small proportion of local high fertility

soils and/or high proportion of local low fertility soils

Requirement to excavate / remediate small proportion of

waste site

Requirement to excavate and replace small proportion of

peat, organic soils and/or soft mineral soils beneath

alignment

Negligible

Results in an impact

on attribute but not

of sufficient

magnitude to affect

either use or

integrity

No measurable changes in attributes

Minor

Beneficial

Results in minor

improvement of

attribute quality

Minor enhancement of geological heritage feature

Moderate

Beneficial

Results in moderate

improvement of

attribute quality

Moderate enhancement of geological heritage feature

Major

Beneficial

Results in major

improvement of

attribute quality

Major enhancement of geological heritage feature

Table 5.2 Criteria for rating impact magnitude at EIS stage - Estimation of magnitude of

impact on soil/geology attribute (NRA, 2009) 4

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The NRA criteria for estimation of the importance of hydrogeological attributes at the site during the EIA stage are summarised in Table 5.3.

Importance Criteria Typical Examples

Extremely High

Attribute has a high quality or value on an international scale

Groundwater supports river, wetland or surface water body ecosystem protected by EU legislation e.g. SAC or SPA status

Very High Attribute has a high quality or value on a regional or national scale

Regionally Important Aquifer with multiple wellfields

Groundwater supports river, wetland or surface water body ecosystem protected by national legislation – NHA status

Regionally important potable water source supplying >2500 homes

Inner source protection area for regionally important water source

High Attribute has a high quality or value on a local scale

Regionally Important Aquifer

Groundwater provides large proportion of base flow to local rivers

Locally important potable water source supplying >1000 homes

Outer source protection area for regionally important water source

Inner source protection area for locally important water source

Medium Attribute has a medium quality or value on a local scale

Locally Important Aquifer

Potable water source supplying >50 homes

Outer source protection area for locally important water source

Low Attribute has a low quality or value on a local scale

Poor Bedrock Aquifer

Potable water source supplying <50 homes

Table 5.3 Estimation of importance of Hydrogeology attributes (NRA, 2009) 4

Additional guidance and EIA definitions are contained in NRA Guidelines (NRA, 2009). These guidelines provide useful matrices outlining how additional assessment criteria based on the Importance of a feature to be protected and the Magnitude of the potential impact. This approach has been adopted where appropriate.

Where the Initial Impact Determination concluded that the level of potential impact is capable of measurable and noticeable consequences it is carried into the next assessment phase.

5.2.2.1 Phase 1 An initial assessment was carried out to define the project in terms of location; type and scale; establish the baseline conditions; establish the type of soil/geological environment; establish the activities associated with the project and initial assessment and impact determination. These objectives were achieved by way of a geological desk study and baseline data collection.

Additional information has been compiled through consultation and feedback from stakeholders and the project/EIS Team.

The information sources were utilised to establish the baseline conditions for the site and all available information was compiled into a preliminary Conceptual Site Model

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(CSM). The CSM is based on the accepted Source-Pathway-Receptor model for assessing environmental impacts. The CSM went through iterative reviews and was updated with site specific data obtained through site investigations and studies.

5.2.2.2 Phase 2: Detailed Assessment and Impact Determination A Detailed Assessment and Impact Determination was carried out (based on previous studies) towards preparing a CSM and a full assessment of any potential impacts.

The approach adopted is as per the IGI Guidelines (IGI, 2013) and each potential impact of the ABP Development have been described in terms of Quality, Significance and Duration. The classification of impacts in this chapter follows the definitions provided in the Glossary of Impacts contained in the EPA Guidelines (EPA, 2002) and Advice Note (EPA, 2003).

5.2.2.3 Phase 3: Mitigation, Residual and Final Impact Assessment Phase 3 builds on the outcome of the initial assessment and detailed assessment, by identifying mitigation measures to address the identified impacts. Mitigation measures which have been built into the project design have also been considered in this process.

The development including all identified mitigation measures (assumed implemented) is then subject to impact assessment, to identify any residual impacts.

The Final Impact Assessment presented in this Chapter incorporates the outputs from the Detailed Assessment and Impact Determination, Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact Assessment.

PA 5.2.2.4 Phase 4: Completion of the EIS Section

The final phase of work was the completion of this EIS Section. 5.2.3 Assumptions and Limitations

The description of existing conditions is based on the available desk study information as outlined below. Geological conditions have been inferred in areas where information was not available and the geology is considered typical and uniform across the development site.

5.3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT 5.3.1 Introduction

The receiving environment is discussed in terms of; geomorphology; superficial and solid geology; site history including potential for contamination. This section can be considered as the geo-environmental CSM of the project site.

The site is c.11 hectares in extent and is located along the R212 road south of Clones town in North Monaghan.

The site is located in on the periphery of the town in a predominantly agricultural area. The facility is located 300m south of the edge of Clones Town. Other than the local authority waste water treatment plant there is limited industrial activity in the immediate environs of the site. The northern boundary of the site is adjacent to the Ulster Canal which passes and runs perpendicular to the R212 Road.

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5.3.2 Topography & Setting

The majority of the facility is located on a hill however the topography of the site is varied. The topography of the site falls away steeply on the northern and eastern sides. The general topography of the wider area is characterised by rolling hills and lakes.

There are a number of watercourses in the locality including the Teehill and Lackey (Monaghan) rivers located 440m south and 623m south west of the site respectively (refer Figure 5.1). The site is classified within the Erne River catchment, hydrometric area 36. The nearest local water course is a tributary of the River Finn located 150m from the northern site boundary. This tributary flows eastwards where it connects with main channel of the River Finn. Please refer to Chapter 6 for further detail on the hydrology of the site.

5.3.3 Land Uses

According to the EPA website, there are no other EPA licensed facilities in the immediate area. There are also no licensed waste sites in the vicinity of the site.

5.3.4. Regional Bedrock Geology

Information obtained for the GSI indicates a sequence of different lithological groups within the surrounding area. The main lithological group that underlies the site is the Ballysteen formation comprising Dinantian impure limestones (Figure 5.4). North of the site is the Drumgesh Shale Formation which comprises dark, fine-grained limestone. South East of the site is the Cooldaragh Formation and Ulster Canal formation. These comprise pale brown-grey flaggy, silty mudstone and metasediments respectively. All geological sequences run parallel to each other. No bedrock outcrop was identified on the site. In terms of the structural geology of the area, the GSI database (refer also to Figure 5.4) does not show any faults on the site or within the immediate vicinity of the site. A left lateral strike slip fault trending NW-SE is located approximately 2km away from the facility This displaces a series of unbedded Dinantian sandstones, shales and limestones of the Ballysteen formation from lower impure limestone of the Drumgesh shale formation. Approximately 3km south east of the site a series of alternating left lateral and right lateral strike slip and presumably dip slip faults displace the Ballysteen, Drumgesh and Cooldaragh formations against Coronea Formation. These series of faults trend NW-SE.

5.3.5 Soil & Subsoil

The regional overburden deposits are comprised of Quaternary deposits. Figure 5.2 demonstrates that predominantly made ground covers the site area. Towards the north eastern boundary of the site a small portion of TLs – Till type subsoil comprising Limestone till (Carboniferous) of variable texture is present before transitioning into Cutaway peat bog. This is consistent with the subsoil map (Figure 5.3) which demonstrating TLs as the most prominent superficial sequence throughout the site.

5.3.6 Geological Heritage

The GSI online mapping system (Geological Heritage Sites & Sites of Special

Scientific Interest) was reviewed to identify sites of geological heritage for the site

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and surrounding area. The nearest record is for Scotshouse-Redhills for Cross-

Cutting Ribbed Moraines at a >2km distance.

Information provided for the Monaghan county development plan (2013-2019)

indicates that there are no geological heritage sites within the immediate vicinity of

the site.

5.3.7 Economic Geology

The EPA Extractive Industry Register and the GSI mineral database were consulted to determine whether there were/are any mineral sites close to the subject site. There are no historical mines at or adjacent to the subject property. The closest active quarry and mineral site is located 7km away at Aghnaskew, Scotshouse within County Monaghan. According to the GSI mineral database this is considered both a metallic and non-metallic quarry.

5.3.8 Geo-Hazards

According to the GSI online Geo-Hazard Database, the only recorded geo-hazard within a radius of 10Km of the site is a peat flow landslide c.3.3 km form the site located within county Fermanagh. An assessment of the radioactivity risk was undertaken by consulting the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) (merged with EPA 2014) radon mapping system (https://www.epa.ie/radiation/radonmap/). The mapping system

shows the results of the National Radon Survey carried out in domestic dwellings between 1992 and 1999 and gives a prediction of the number of homes in a given grid square that exceed the national Reference Level. At the subject site, RPII data indicates that ‘<1% of the homes in this 10km grid are estimated to be above the reference level of 200 Bqm3’.

5.3.9 Rating of Importance of Geological Attribute

Based on the NRA methodology (2009) the importance of the bedrock and soil

attributes at this site are considered Low Importance based on the assessment that

the attribute has a low quality significance or value on a local scale. There are no

extractable mineral localities or areas of geological heritage, and the soils are

suitable for agricultural use but are typical of surrounding agricultural land.

5.3.10 Groundwater – Aquifer Classification & Vulnerability

Groundwater can be defined as water that is stored in, or moves through, pores and cracks in sub-soils and bedrock. The potential of rock to store and transport water is governed by permeability of which there are two types, inter-granular and fissure permeability. Inter-granular permeability is found in sediments, sands, gravels and clays, and fissure permeability which is found in bedrock, where water moves through (and is stored in) cracks, fissures, fracture planes and solution openings for example.

Aquifers are generally classified as rocks or other matrices that contain sufficient void spaces and which are permeable enough to allow water to flow through them in significant quantities.

Aquifer Classification The Geological Survey of Ireland has devised a system for classifying the bedrock aquifers in Ireland. The aquifer classification for bedrock depends on a number of

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parameters including, the areal extent (km2), well yield (m3/d), specific capacity (m3/d/m) and groundwater throughput (mm3/d). There are three main classifications: regionally important, locally important and poor aquifers. Where an aquifer has been classified as regionally important, it is further subdivided according to the main groundwater flow regime within it. This sub-division includes regionally important fissured aquifers (Rf) and regionally important karstified aquifers (Rk). Locally important aquifers are sub-divided into those that are generally moderately productive (Lm) and those that are generally moderately productive only in local zones (Ll). Similarly, poor aquifers are classed as either generally unproductive except for local zones (Pl) or generally unproductive (Pu). The GSI currently classifies the underlying limestone bedrock aquifer as an “Rf” “Regionally Important Aquifer, fissured bedrock”. Figure 5.5 presents the current bedrock aquifer map for the area surrounding the site. Aquifer Vulnerability Aquifer vulnerability is a term used to represent the intrinsic geological and hydrological characteristics that determine the ease with which groundwater may be contaminated generally by human activities. Due to the nature of the flow of groundwater through bedrock in Ireland, which is almost completely through fissures, the main feature that protects groundwater from contamination, and therefore the most important feature in protection of groundwater, is the subsoil (which can consist solely/ or of mixtures of peat, sand, gravel, glacial till, clays or silts).

The GSI presently classifies the aquifer in the region of the subject site as Moderate which indicates an overburden depth of ≥10m of moderate permeability subsoil is present as seen in Figure 5.6. The depth of the subsoil is unable to be confirmed due to lack of investigative data.

5.3.11 Groundwater Quality

The European Communities Directive 2000/60/EC established a framework for community action in the field of water policy (commonly known as the Water Framework Directive[WFD]). The WFD required ‘Good Water Status’ for all European water by 2015, to be achieved through a system of river basin management planning and extensive monitoring. ‘Good status’ means both ‘Good Ecological Status’ and ‘Good Chemical Status’. The Groundwater Body (GWB) underlying the site has been classified as having a good status. Additionally, the associated risk for this particular groundwater boundary has been classified as low and is expected to reach good status. Please refer to Appendix 5.1 for summary results from recent groundwater

monitoring completed in August 2016 at the ABP site. Well no. 1 and no. 4 were

sampled. Wells no. 2, 3 and 5 are no longer in use (AER, 2016).

Groundwater quality was assessed by AWN by comparing the analytical results to

the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations,

2010 (Statutory Instrument No. 9 of 2010), or 2016 (Statutory Instrument No. 366 of

2016) where added or replaced, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Draft

Interim Guidelines Values (IGVs) for the Protection of Groundwater, 2003.

Exceedances are noted in bold and underlined. The 2016 AER states that there has

not been an upward trend over the last 5 years of monitoring.

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5.3.12 Hydrogeological Features

According to the GSI Karst database (2013) there is no evidence of karstification in this area.

5.3.13 Areas of Conservation

The GSI database presently lists no areas of conservation in the immediate vicinity or the site. The nearest natural heritage area is Eshbrack Bog c.2km away from the site. Kilsrooky Lough which is considered a special area of conservation is located 2.5km away. (Please refer to Chapter 7 Flora and Fauna).

5.3.14 Water Supplies

The GSI Well Card Index is a record of wells drilled in Ireland, water supply and site investigation boreholes. It is noted that this record is not comprehensive as licensing of wells is not currently a requirement in the Republic of Ireland. This current index, however, shows a number of groundwater monitoring and abstraction wells within a 3 km radius of the site; the abstraction wells generally supply a mix of uses ranging from domestic to public to industrial use. These wells are generally located in the Calp Limestone with recorded yields ranging between ca. 24.7m3/d to 215m3/d. Figure 5.7 presents the GSI well search for the area surrounding the site, while Table 5.4 below summarises the details of some of the wells present within this search area.

GSI Name Depth (m)

Depth to Bedrock(m)

Townland County Use Yield Class

Yield m

3/d

2331NEW03 36.9 2.1 Clones Monaghan - Good 109

2331NEW03 53.3 24 Clones Monaghan - Good 377

2331NEW15 33.5 15.2 Clones Monaghan - Moderate 43.6

2331NEW15 30.5 15.8 Teehill Monaghan Industrial use Good 164

2331NEW15 61 24.4 Teehill Monaghan Industrial use Good 215

2331NEW18 31.7 - Legarhill Monaghan Agri & domestic waste

Moderate 54.5

2331NEW18 47.2 - Altarte Elebe Monaghan Agric & domestic waste

Poor 24.7

Table 5.4 GSI Well Index table from well search (source: www.gsi.ie)

The area in the immediate vicinity of the site is generally serviced by public mains; however, potable water is supplied to the ABP site through groundwater extraction from the onsite boreholes. There are no groundwater Source Protection Zones in the vicinity of the site.

5.3.15 Overall evaluation of Hydrogeological Features

Based on the NRA methodology, the criteria for rating site importance of

hydrogeological features, the importance of the hydrogeological features at this site

is rated as High Importance. This is based on the assessment that the aquifer is a

regionally important bedrock aquifer and is used for potable use.

5.3.16 Conceptual Site Model

5.3.16.1 Cross Sections

Figure 5.8 presents a schematic cross section for the site regional setting following

the path of the proposed pipeline. Figures 5.9 and 5.10 show the local cross sections

for the facility and the proposed pipe outfall respectively.

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Due to the limited investigative data available for the site the cross sections are

based on regional data from the GSI databases as described above.

The geological sections indicate the following:

The facility is located on locally elevated lands to the south of Clones Town with a

ground elevation of c. 49 – 61mAOD (malin head datum). The surrounding

topography including the length of the R212 Road varies.

Depth to bedrock is moderately deep typically of the order of 5-10m below ground

level although there are small areas where depth may be 3-5m (based on the GSI’s

published aquifer vulnerability data).

The aquifer is a regionally important aquifer and water is abstracted by ABP Clones

for both potable and process use.

As the onsite wells have an average depth of 30m it is anticipated that groundwater

abstraction onsite is from the bedrock aquifer.

Inferred regional water level has followed the depth to weathered bedrock as based

on the GSI’s published aquifer vulnerability data.

Review of the geology and hydrogeology in the surrounding region indicates that

there are no sensitive receptors such as groundwater fed-wetlands, significant public

water supplies/group water schemes or geological heritage sites within the

immediate vicinity of the site which could be impacted by the proposed development.

There is a direct pathway to the River Finn from the site via the small tributary to the

rear of the facility (currently receives waste water from the facility). Following the

development of the proposed pipeline there will be a direct discharge into the River

Finn.

The Lisabuck Lough (a proposed NHA) is located c. 280m to the south of the

proposed new discharge point. The CSM shows that due to opposing inferred

regional groundwater flow directions there would be no linkage between the

proposed pipeline outfall and this waterbody.

5.3.16.2 Pollutant Linkages

The potential pollutant linkage based on the primary sources of possible

contaminants on site are summarised in Table 5.5. Note this CSM is presented on

the basis that contamination following a leak/spill is not mitigated by the mitigation

measures described below. Table 5.6 presents the mitigated CSM.

Sources Potential Pathways Receptors

Leak from on-site drainage

network

Potential lateral migration

via groundwater within

Regionally Important

Aquifer

Fuel leak discharging to

ground (via joints in paving

etc)

Infiltration to fill/shallow

weathered rock

Regionally Important

Aquifer

Contaminated wastewater

(inadequate treatment)

Discharge to surface water

from WWTP

River Finn

Table 5.5 Conceptual Site Model (Pre-Mitigation)

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5.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DEVELOPMENT

5.4.1 General

Please refer to Chapter 2 Description of Development for a detailed description of the activities completed on site and the proposed amendments.

The characteristics of the proposed ABP development with regard to the soil, geological and hydrogeological environment are outlined below in terms of both construction and operational activities.

5.4.2 Construction Activities

The key works which impact on the soil, geological and hydrogeological environment during construction are summarized below and discussed in Section 5.5 below.

Installation of the proposed wastewater pipeline will entail local excavation (via horizontal drilling or trenching). As the depth to bedrock is moderately deep it is anticipated that rock breaking will not be required.

Infilling will be undertaken post installation of the pipeline. Spoil generated during pipeline installation works will be reused in infilling, landscaping, and levelling of the site.

Connections to the existing wastewater infrastructure will require additional excavations. These will be modest scale excavations which will be completed without delay (in order to minimise impact and disruption to on site activities).

General construction activities will require temporary storage of cement, concrete, oils, fuels etc. Small localised releases of these substances have the potential to occur.

Surface water run off during construction may contain moderate amounts of silt 5.4.3 Operational Activities

The key works which will have a potential impact on the soil, geology and hydrogeological environment during operation are summarised below:

Waste water effluent will be discharged to the River Finn at Cumber Bridge and not the existing discharge point.

Loss of integrity of pipeline could result in potential localised impacts on soils and groundwater

5.5 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT

An analysis of the potential impacts of the proposed development on the soils, geology and hydrogeological environment during the construction and operation is outlined below. Due to the inter-relationship between soils, geology, hydrogeology and surface water (hydrology) the following impacts are considered applicable to both chapter 5 and 6 of the EIS. Waste Management is also considered an interaction (See Chapter 14 Interactions).

5.5.1 Construction Phase

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5.5.1.1 Pipeline Installation Installation of the discharge pipe (to be completed by either directional drilling or trenching) will involve temporary stripping of soil to enable installation and some limited soil removal (100mm pipe). This will not change the overall vulnerability of the site or pipeline route which is currently moderate to high.

5.5.1.2 Accidental Spills and Leaks During construction of the development, there is a risk of accidental pollution incidences from the following sources: Spillage or leakage of oils and fuels stored on site or in construction areas. Spillage or leakage of oils and fuels from construction machinery or site

vehicles. Spillage of oil or fuel from refuelling machinery on site or in construction areas.

Accidental spillages may result in contamination of soils and groundwater underlying the site and pipeline route, should contaminants migrate through subsoil and impact underlying groundwater. Any soil stripping will also further reduce the thickness of the subsoil and the natural protection that they provide to the underlying aquifer. If any concrete were to be used to secure the foundations of the discharge pipe then this has the potential to migrate through the underlying superficial deposits into the underlying aquifer affecting groundwater quality. Concrete (specifically, the cement component) is highly alkaline and any spillage which migrates though subsoils would be detrimental to groundwater quality. 5.5.1.3 Surface Water Runoff Surface water runoff during the construction phase may contain increased silt levels or become polluted from construction activities. Runoff containing large amounts of silt can cause damage to groundwater underlying the site particularly if it is contaminated. Silt water can arise from exposed ground and soil stockpiles (prior to reinstatement).

5.5.1.4 Assessment of Impact Based on the points stated above in relation to the construction phase the potential impact on the soils, geology and hydrogeology during construction (EPA 2002) is considered to have a short term slight impact. This is because the excavations are required over a significant area

5.5.2 Operational Phase

The potential impacts in relation to the soil, geology and hydrogeological environment which have been assessed are as follows;

There is no likely impact on geological heritage, sensitive groundwater receptors or groundwater supplies in the vicinity of the proposed development as none are present in the immediate vicinity of the site

There will be no loss of land due to the development as the pipeline once completed will be within the existing road and below ground

There will be no direct discharges of contaminated water to groundwater or soil during normal operations. Regular inspection, integrity testing and preventative maintenance of the pipeline will ensure leaks and spillages are minimised during the lifetime of the plant.

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The current operation discharges effluent high in chloride concentrations to a tributary of the River Finn. The potential for leaks and spillages during operation and of the development is considered low. Any accidental emissions of chemicals or oil, petrol or diesel leaks could cause contamination if mitigation measures are not put in place. In summary, the potential impact on soils, geology and hydrogeology during operation (following EPA, 2002) is considered to have a short term, imperceptible impact.

5.6 REMEDIAL & MITIGATION MEASURES

5.6.1 General

The design has taken account of the potential impacts of the development on the soils, geology and hydrogeology environment at the site and along the route of the pipeline. Measures have been incorporated in the design to mitigate the potential effects on the surrounding soils, geology and hydrogeology. These are described below.

Due to the inter-relationship between soils, geology, hydrogeology and hydrology, the following mitigation measures discussed will be considered applicable to all. Waste Management is also considered an interaction in some sections.

5.6.2 Construction phase

5.6.2.1 Construction Environmental Management Plan It is recommended that a project-specific Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) be established and maintained by the contractors during the construction and operational phases. The CEMP (to be prepared in accordance with the relevant CIRIA guidance including C532, C650 and C697) will cover all potentially polluting activities and include emergency response procedures. All personnel working on the site will be trained in the implementation of the procedure. 5.6.2.2 Soil removal and compaction Pipeline installation works will require local removal of soil cover (including temporary surface stripping). The bedrock vulnerability is already moderate to high so this work will marginally increase the vulnerability of the underlying bedrock. However, given the scale of soil removal (for the proposed 100mm diameter pipeline) it is expected the increase in vulnerability will be minimal. It is envisaged that where feasible much of the soil excavated will be retained on site and reused as fill material or landscaping.

Temporary storage of soil will be carefully managed in such a way as to prevent any potential negative impact on the receiving environment and the material will be stored away from any open surface water drains. Movement of material will be minimised in order to reduce degradation of soil structure and generation of dust though there will be no storage of soil along the pipeline route.

Based on a precautionary approach all excavated materials will be visually assessed for signs of possible contamination such as staining or strong odours. Should any unusual staining or odour be noticed, samples of this soil will be analysed for the presence of possible contaminants in order to ensure that historical pollution of the soil has not occurred. Should it be determined that any of the soil excavated is contaminated, this will be disposed of by a licensed waste disposal contractor.

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5.6.2.3 Fuel and chemical handling To minimise any impact on the underlying subsurface strata from material spillages, all fuels, oils etc. used during construction will be stored within temporary bunded areas. Oil and fuel storage tanks shall be stored in designated areas, and these areas shall be bunded to a volume of 110% of the capacity of the largest tank/container within the bunded area(s) (plus an allowance of 30 mm for rainwater ingress). Drainage from the bunded area(s) shall be diverted for collection and safe disposal.

Refueling of any construction vehicles and the addition of hydraulic oils or lubricants to vehicles or equipment will take place in a designated area (or where possible off-site) away from surface water gullies or drains. In the event of a machine requiring refueling outside of this area, fuel will be transported in a mobile double skinned tank. An adequate supply of spill kits and hydrocarbon adsorbent packs will be stored in this area. All relevant personnel will be fully trained in the use of this equipment. Guidelines such as “Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites, Guidance for Consultants and Contractors” (CIRIA 532, 2001) will be complied with.

All ready-mixed concrete will be brought to site by truck. A suitable risk assessment for wet concreting will be completed prior to works being carried out which will include measures to prevent discharge of alkaline wastewaters or contaminated storm water to the underlying subsoil. Wash down and washout of concrete transporting vehicles will take place at an appropriate facility offsite.

In the case of drummed fuel or other chemical which may be used during construction, containers should be stored in a dedicated internally bunded chemical storage cabinet and labelled clearly to allow appropriate remedial action in the event of a spillage.

5.6.2.4 Surface water runoff

Management of surface water runoff will be enabled through the implementation appropriate measures as outlined in Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites, Guidance for Consultants and Contractors – C532 CIRIA Report (Masters-Williams et al, 2001). See Chapter 6 (Water and Hydrology) for more detailed information.

5.6.3 Operational phase 5.6.3.1 Fuel and chemical handling

In order to minimise any impact on the underlying subsurface strata from material spillages, fuel storage tanks will be stored above ground in designated areas with an impervious base. These areas will be bunded to a volume of 110% of the capacity of the largest tank/container within the bunded area(s) (plus an allowance of 30 mm for rainwater ingress). Drainage from the bunded area(s) will be diverted for collection and safe disposal. Fuel storage tanks will be located above ground, are double walled and equipped with monitored leak detection. No other bulk storage of fuels or chemicals will be located onsite.

Any chemicals, oils, herbicides required for site maintenance will be stored in suitable contained areas. As the site will be paved any accidental emissions from fuel spills or contaminated runoff will be directed through the surface water drainage system through oil interceptors prior to discharge to the proposed attenuation tank onsite rather than infiltrate directly to ground.

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5.6.3.2 Environmental Management Plan An environmental management plan will be prepared and followed during the operational phase incorporating mitigation measures and emergency response measures.

Sources Potential

Pathways

Receptors Mitigation

Measure

Residual

Impact

Leak from on-site

drainage network

Potential lateral

migration via

groundwater within

Regionally

Important

Aquifer

Regular

inspection and

maintenance

of all pipelines

and tanks in

accordance

with best

practice

Negligible

Fuel leak

discharging to

ground (via joints in

paving etc.)

Infiltration to

fill/shallow

weathered rock

Regionally

Important

Aquifer

Oil and Fuel

Storage above

ground in

impervious,

bunded fuel

storage areas.

Negligible

Contaminated

wastewater

(inadequate

treatment)

Discharge to

surface water from

WWTP

River Finn Shut off valve

– closed off in

the event of

malfunction.

Negligible

Table 5.6 Conceptual Site Model (Post-Mitigation)

5.7 RESIDUAL IMPACT

The residual impacts are those that would occur after the mitigation measures have taken effect. In the case of the proposed development the residual impact to soils and geology is considered to be neutral in terms of quality and of an imperceptible significance (short term and long term).

There are no likely significant impacts on the geological or hydrogeological environment associated with the proposed development. It is not anticipated that any impacts will arise following the implementation of the mitigation measures discussed above

5.7.1 Monitoring

Regular integrity testing of the pipeline will be required as per existing conditions of the facility EPA license.

5.7.2 Reinstatement

Topsoil and subsoil removed during construction works will be reinstated where possible following pipeline installation works to protect the subsoil and geology underlying the site.

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APPENDIX 5.1- Groundwater Quality Results August 2016

Sample Description: Well 1 Well 4 Groundwater Regs SI No 9 of 2010 / SI No 366 of

2016

EPA Interim

Ground-water

Values 2003

Sample Date: 09/08/2016 09/08/2016

Unit

Ammonia Nitrogen (as N)

mg/l 0.52 0.35 - -

Conductivity (@ 25°C)

uS/cm 2180 2650 800 - 1875 1000

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

mg/l 6 6 - -

pH n/a 7.0 7.0 6.5 - 9.5

Sulphate by IC mg/l 1103 1503 187.5 200

Ammonium (NH4) mg/l 0.67 0.45 0.065 - 0.175 0.15

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Teehill

LEGARHILL

Lackey (Monaghan)

Ellinure

Teehill

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping,Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

±Sources: Esri, HERE,DeLorme, USGS, Intermap,increment P Corp., NRCAN,

Note: Drawing is for illustrative purposes only; Do not scale

Copyright AWN CONSULTING LIMITEDAll rights reserved. No part of this workmay be modified or reproduced or copiedin any form or by means - graphic, electronicor mechanical, including photcopying,recording, taping or information retrieval system, or used for any purpose other thanits designated purpose, without the written permission of AWN Consulting Limited

AWN Consulting LtdThe Tecpro Building,Clonshaugh Business & Technology ParkDublin 17,Tel: + 353 1 847 4220Fax: + 353 1 847 4257

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SoilAlluvMINAminDWBminDWBminPDCutMadeWater

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Bedrock geologyBallysteen FormationCooldaragh FormationDrumgesh Shale FormationUlster Canal Formation

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Aquifer classificationLm, Locally Important Aquifer - Bedrock which is Generally Moderately ProductiveRf, Regionally Important Aquifer - Fissured bedrock

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Aquifer VulnerabilityL, LowM, ModerateH, HighE, ExtremeX, Rock at or near Surface or Karst

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ABP Clones WWTP Alterations EIS Chapter 5 - Figures

Figure 5.8 Regional Cross Section (Pipeline), ABP Clones

A A'

North South

mAOD mAOD

60 60

50 50

40 40

Approx. 2km(Horizontal Scale Exaggerated)

Existing ABP Clones Facility

Key

Inferred regional groundwater level

Watercourse

R212 Road

Peat

Limestone till (grey brown podzols

and poorly drained gleys)

Alluvium

Calcareous SANDSTONE and SILTSTONE Pale brown-grey silty, flaggy MUDSTONEDark Muddy LIMESTONE / SHALE

20

16

Go

ogl

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rth

A

A'

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Figure 5.9 Local Cross Section (Facility), ABP Clones

B B'

West East

mAOD mAOD

70 70

60 60

50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

Approx. 500m

Dark Muddy LIMESTONE / SHALE

BH1 BH2(not in use)

Key

Inferred regional groundwater level

Onsite Borehole

Inferred regional groundwater flowdirection

Peat

Made Ground

Limestone till (grey brown podzols and poorly drained gleys)

Watercourse

Road

Abattoir

BH3 (not in use)

BH4BH5(not in use)

B B'

20

16

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ogl

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rth

ABP Clones Site

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Figure 5.10 Local Cross Section (Proposed Discharge Location), ABP Clones

C C'

North-West South East

mAOD mAOD

70 70

60 60

50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

Approx. 500m

KeyInferred regional groundwater level

Watercourse/Waterbody

Inferred regional groundwater flow direction

Peat

Limestone till (grey brown podzols and poorly drained gleys)

Road

C

C'

20

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Pale brown-grey silty, flaggy MUDSTONE

Greywacke SANDSTONE& red SHALEPale Conglomerate & Red SANDSTONE

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5.0 SOILS GEOLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY 5.1 INTRODUCTION · SOILS GEOLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY AWN Consulting...

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