7. Update the Natura Impact Statement (NIS) to address emissions from the Bioatlantis operation [Regulation 9(2)(k)].4.

Transcription

1 NCCCL Licence Application P Request for Further Information Feb 2017 AWN Consulting Limited 7. Update the Natura Impact Statement (NIS) to address emissions from the Bioatlantis operation [Regulation 9(2)(k)].4. The updated NIS is attached as Appendix 7. Page 7

2 NCCCL Licence Application P Request for Further Information Feb 2017 AWN Consulting Limited Appendix 7. Updated Natura Impact Statement

3 Natura Impact Statement Appropriate Assessment of the North Cork Co-op IED Licence Application Prepared by: Moore Group Environmental Services 29 th May 2017 On behalf of North Cork Co-operative Creameries Ltd. & the EPA Moore Group Environmental Services

4 Client Project Title North Cork Co-operative Creameries Ltd. North Cork Co-op IED Licence Application Natura Impact Statement Appropriate Assessment of the North Cork Co-op IED Licence Application Project Number Document Reference North Cork Co-Op IED NIS Rev2.doc Revision Description Author Date Rev0 Issued for Client Review G. O Donohoe 10 th May 2017 Rev1 Updated Water Quality data from 2017 G. O Donohoe 24 th May 2017 Rev2 Corrections to text by Bioatlantis G. O Donohoe 29 th May 2017 Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Limited Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie)

5 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1. INTRODUCTION GENERAL INTRODUCTION LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND - THE HABITATS AND BIRDS DIRECTIVES METHODOLOGY GUIDANCE DATA SOURCES STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 7 2. STAGE 1 SCREENING FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT STAGE 2 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION OF NATURA SITES POTENTIALLY AFFECTED CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES OF NATURA 2000 SITES BLACKWATER RIVER (CORK/WATERFORD) SAC (002170) CONSIDERATION OF IMPACTS ON EUROPEAN SITES ANNEX I HABITATS ANNEX II SPECIES ECOLOGICAL NETWORK SUPPORTING NATURA 2000 SITES POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON EUROPEAN SITES DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT WATER QUALITY IN THE RIVER ALLOW IMPACTS ON THE QUALIFYING INTERESTS OF EUROPEAN SITES DIRECT IMPACTS INDIRECT IMPACTS ASSESSMENT OF IN-COMBINATION EFFECTS CUMULATIVE IMPACTS CONSIDERATION OF PROJECTS CONCLUSION OF IN-COMBINATION EFFECTS IMPACTS ON THE CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES OF EUROPEAN SITES MITIGATION MEASURES NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT & CONCLUSION REFERENCES 30 Appendix 1 Conservation Objectives Document Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Appendix 2 WWTS Technical Assessment May 2017 Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie)

6 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Introduction 1.1. General Introduction This Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared by Moore Group Environmental Services on behalf of North Cork Co-operative Creameries Ltd. and the EPA. This NIS report contains information to assist the competent authority, in this case the EPA to carry out an Appropriate Assessment (AA) on the effects of the proposed operation of the North Cork Co-op site at Kanturk, Co. Cork under an IED Licence on Natura 2000 sites, to ascertain whether or not the project would adversely affect site integrity. This NIS informs the Appropriate Assessment process in the determination of the significance of potential impacts on the conservation objectives of European si tes. It is necessary that the Project has regard to Article 6 of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (as amended) (referred to as the Habitats Directive). This is transposed into Irish Law by Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011 (S.I. 477) (referred to as the Habitats Regulations). The focus of the assessment is on objectively assessing by reference to the evidence as to whether the project will adversely affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites in light of their conservation objectives Legislative Background - The Habitats and Birds Directives The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) is the main legislative instrument for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in the EU. Under the Directive Member States are obliged to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) which contain habitats or species considered important for protection and conservation in a European Union context. The Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC as codified by Directive 2009/147/EC), is concerned with the long-term protection and management of all wild bird species and their habitats in the EU. Among other things, the Directive requires that Special Protection Areas (SPAs) be established to protect migratory species and species which are rare, vulnerable, in danger of extinction, or otherwise require special attention. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas, designated under the Birds Directive, form a pan-european network of protected sites known as Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 4

7 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Natura The Habitats Directive sets out a unified system for the protection and management of SACs and SPAs. Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive set out the requirement for an assessment of proposed plans and projects likely to affect Natura 2000 sites. Article 6(3) establishes the requirement to screen all plans and projects and to carry out a further assessment if required (Appropriate Assessment (AA)): Article 6(3): Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subjected to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site s conservation objectives. In light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public. Article 6(4): If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, Member States shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted. Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type and/or a priority species the only considerations which may be raised are those relating to human health or public safety, to the beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest Methodology The Commission s methodological guidance (EC, 2002) promotes a four -stage process to complete the AA, and outlines the issues and tests at each stage. An important aspect of the process is that the outcome at each successive stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 5

8 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Stages 1-2 deal with the main requirements for assessment under Article 6(3). Stage 3 may be part of Article 6(3) or may be a necessary precursor to Stage 4. Stage 4 is the main derogation step of Article 6(4). Stage 1 Screening: The first step in the screening process is to determine if the project is directly connected to or necessary for the management of a Natura 2000 site. The process then identifies whether a plan or project, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, is likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site in view of its conservation objectives. Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment: In this stage, the impact of the project is considered on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site with respect to the conservation objectives of the site and to its structure and function. This report provides information with respect to the AA process. This Natura Impact Statement is to inform the Appropriate Assessment that will be carried out by the Competent Authority. Stage 3 Assessment of Alternative Solutions: This stage examines alternative ways of implementing the project that, where possible, avoid any adverse impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site. Stage 4 Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain: Where imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI) exist, an assessment to consider whether compensatory measures will or will not effectively offset the damage to the sites will be necessary Guidance The NIS has been compiled in accordance with guidance contained in the following documents: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities. (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 2010 rev.). Appropriate Assessment under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive: Guidance for Planning Authorities. Circular NPWS 1/10 & PSSP 2/10. 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 Commission Environment Directorate-General, 2001); hereafter referred to as the EC Article Guidance Document. Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The Provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC (EC Environment Directorate-General, 2000); hereafter referred to as MN2000. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 6

9 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Data Sources Sources of information that were used to collect data on the Natura 2000 network of sites are listed below: Ordnance Survey of Ireland mapping and aerial photography available from and Google Earth and Bing ( ); Online data available on Natura 2000 sites as held by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) from including; the Natura 2000 network Data Form; Site Synopsis; Generic Conservation Objective data; National Biodiversity Data Centre records Online database of rare, threatened and protected species ; Publicly accessible biodiversity datasets; Information on water quality in the area available from Previous Water Quality Surveys; Information on geology and hydrogeology in the area available from Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. (National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2013); Relevant Development Plans and Local Area Plans in neighbouring areas Statement of Authority This report was compiled by Ger O Donohoe (B.Sc. Applied Aquatic Sciences (GMIT, 1993) & M.Sc. Environmental Sciences (TCD, 1999)) who has over 20 years experience in environmental impact assessment and has completed numerous reports for Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statements in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Engineering and technical data was supplied by Arup, Consultant Engineers for the project and by Eirgrid and ESB technical staff. Desktop assessment and information on water quality, potential impacts and mitigation measures was provided by Mescal & Associates Consulting Engineers and AWN Consulting, the project managers and compilers of the project EIS Description of the Project The site is the existing North Cork Co-operative Creameries Ltd. (NCCCL) facility at Bluepool Lower, Kanturk (Figure 1). It is located at the southern edge of Kanturk town, and is situated on the right Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 7

10 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment (western) bank of the River Allow. The site is bounded to the north by existing residential and commercial development, to the east by the River Allow, to the south by open space, and to the west by existing residential/commercial development and Bluepool Lower road. Existing ground levels at the site range from approximately 80.7 mod Malin to 81.7 mod Malin. The creamery site comprises an area of built structures at the northern end of the site and pasture land (greenfield) at the southern end. The site for which this NIS is being prepared is owned by NCCCL. A small area of the site is leased to another company called BioAtlantis. The main process being undertaken by BioAtlantis on the NCCCL site includes the receipt, washing, chopping and drying of seaweed, followed by the extraction of seaweed nutrients. The resulting material undergoes evaporation and spray drying. Figure 1. Site Location at Kanturk, Co. Cork. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 8

11 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Moore Group Environmental Services 9

12 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Stage 1 Screening for Appropriate Assessment Screening determines whether appropriate assessment is necessary by examining: 1) Whether a plan or project can be excluded from AA requirements because it is directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site, and; 2) The potential effects of a project or plan, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans, on a Natura 2000 site in view of its conservation objectives, and considering whether these effects will be significant. If the effects are deemed to be significant, potentially significant, or uncertain, or i f the screening process in certain circumstances, becomes overly complicated, then the process must proceed to Stage 2 (AA). Appropriate Assessment Screening was undertaken in 2011 to examine the potential level of impact on European sites (as defined in Article 2(1) of the European Communities (Bird and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and section 177R(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended) with biological or hydrological connectivity with the project and to assess if the project, either individually or in combination with other projects, is likely to have significant effects on European sites. The Screening Assessment identified the designated Natura 2000 sites within a 15km radius of the proposed development within the North Cork Co-op Creamery site. Only two sites were identified, the River Blackwater SAC (Site code ) and the Stacks to Mullaghareirk, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA (Site code ). The River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC designation includes the aquatic habitats and riparian corridor of the River Blackwater and its major tributaries including the River Allow which flows directly adjacent to the North Cork Co-op Creamery. The designation boundary on the River Allow includes the aquatic habitats and the riparian corridor within the study area, where elements of the existing North Cork Co-op Creamery site are located within the site designation. The Stacks to Mullaghareirk, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA is located approximately 15 kilometres north west of the proposed development site at Kanturk. The SPA extends across the county borders of south Limerick, north east Kerry and northwest Cork. This designation is principally for the conservation of the Annex I listed Hen Harrier. There are no pathways, either geographical or Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 10

13 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment hydrological by which the proposed development may adversely affect this designated Natura 2000 site; it is therefore not considered further in the current assessment. The Screening Assessment determined that the proposal must progress to Stage 2 with regard to the potential for impacts affecting the River Allow within the River Blackwater csac; i.e. a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment for the proposed Milk Evaporator Plant and Spray Drying Plant at the Kanturk Creamery site was required. A Natura Impact Statement was prepared and the conclusion of the statement was that potential impacts to water quality would need to be effectively avoided with the implementation of mitigation measures to avoid any significant impacts affecting the conservation objectives of the River Blackwater SAC. This needed to be demonstrated with certainty to ensure that the integrity of the River Blackwater SAC would not adversely affected. This scientific certainty would require the completion of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), the Operation Environmental Management Plan (OEMP), and Invasive Species Management Plan (ISMP) in advance of construction, and also the completion of the review the existing discharge licence. With these mitigation measures it can be expected that i mpacts on the River Blackwater SAC as a result of the operation of the proposed Milk Evaporator unit will not be significant. With regard to the current project, the EPA has determined that given the additional loading on to the wastewater treatment plant from the associated on-site processing of seaweed, Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment of the IED Licence is required on the effects of the combined operation on the River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC (Site code ). Therefore, adopting the precautionary approach, in line with current guidance and in consideration of incombination impacts, a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment of the project has been prepared as follows. 3. Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment This stage considers whether the project, alone or in combination with other projects or plans, will have adverse effects on the integrity of a European site, and includes any mitigation measures necessary to avoid, reduce or offset negative effects. The Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment comprises a scientific examination of the plan / project and the relevant European site; to identify and characterise any possible Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 11

14 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment implications for the site in view of the site s conservation objectives, structure and function; taking account of in combination effects. During the Stage 2 assessment additional data and information on the existing effluent treatment plant, the proposed process, and other ongoing improvements in the plant, was provided for use in the assessment by North Cork Co-op through its project engineers and specialists in water quality and trade effluent assessment Description of Natura Sites Potentially Affected Potential impacts on the following European site have been identified: The River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC (Site Code ) located adjacent to and the receiving water body of the site. The River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC designation includes the aquatic habitats and riparian corridor of the River Blackwater and its major tributaries including the River Allow which flows direc tly adjacent to the North Cork Co-op Creamery. The designation boundary on the River Allow includes the aquatic habitats and the riparian corridor within the study area, where elements of the existing North Cork Co -op Creamery site are located within the site designation. The location of the current development in relation to the European site is presented in Figure 2. The Qualifying Interests for the SACs are listed in Table 1 and the most up to date Site Synopses are available on the NPWS metadata site. Spatial boundary data on the Natura 2000 network were extracted from the NPWS website on 8 th May The site consists of the freshwater stretches of the River Blackwater as far upstream as Ballydesmond, the tidal stretches as far as Youghal Harbour and many tributaries, the larger of which includes the Licky, Bride, Flesk, Chimneyfield, Finisk, Araglin, Awbeg (Buttevant), Clyda, Glen, Allow, Dalua, Brogeen, Rathcool, Finnow, Owentaraglin and Awnaskirtaun. The extent of the Blackwater and its tr ibutaries in this site, flows through the counties of Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. The site is an SAC selected for alluvial wet woodlands and Yew wood, both priority habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected as an SAC for floating river vegetation, estuaries, tidal mudflats, Salicornia mudflats, Atlantic salt meadows, Mediterranean salt meadows, perennial vegetation of stony banks and old Oak woodlands, all habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 12

15 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Habitats Directive. The site is also selected for the following species listed on Annex II of the same directive - Sea Lamprey, River Lamprey, Brook Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Crayfish (in the Awbeg catchment), Twaite Shad, Atlantic Sal mon, Otter and the Killarney Fern. Land use at the site is mainly centred on agricultural activities. The banks of much of the site and the callows, which extend almost from Fermoy to Cappoquin, are dominated by improved grasslands which are drained and heavily fertilised. These areas are grazed and used for silage production. Slurry is spread over much of this area. Arable crops are grown. The spreading of slurry and fertiliser poses a threat to the water quality of this salmonid river and to the populations of Habitats Directive Annex II animal species within it. Areas of importance for habitats and flora within the SAC in the vicinity of the proposed development site are detailed below. Site Location Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 13

16 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Figure 5. Showing the project site in relation to the River Blackwater SAC. Table 1. Qualifying Interests of the European site considered (*denotes a priority habitat). Site Code Site Name Qualifying Habitats Qualifying Species Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC 1130 Estuaries 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand 1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco Puccinellietalia maritimae) 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) 3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation 91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles 91E0 *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) 91J0 *Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles 1029 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera 1092 White clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes 1095 Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus 1096 Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeri 1099 River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis 1103 Twaite Shad Alosa fallax 1106 Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar (only in fresh water) 1355 Otter Lutra lutra 1421 Killarney Fern Trichomanes speciosum 3.2. Conservation Objectives of Natura 2000 Sites Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC (002170) The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservati on and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network. The related term European site, which is used under Irish law, is defined as co mprising Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 14

17 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment (a) a candidate site of Community importance, (b) a site of Community importance, (c) a candidate special area of conservation, (d) a special area of conservation, (e) a candidate special protection area, (f) a special protection area. A site specific conservation objective aims to define favourable conservation condition for a particular habitat or species at that site. The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level. Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when: population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a longterm basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor i s likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. The following Conservation Objectives, available from the NPWS (Version 1.0, 31 st July 2012), are set out for the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC (002170). Objective: To maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected (Table 1). A full list of targets for attributes for the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC is presented in Appendix 1. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 15

18 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Consideration of Impacts on European Sites Annex I Habitats According to the site synopsis for the River Blackwater SAC good examples of wet woodland are found along the banks of the Blackwater main channel and a number of the main tributaries. The River Allow is not mentioned in the site synopsis with regard to any Annex I habitat designations. The intertidal mudflat and estuarine habitats are limited to the lower reaches of the Blackwater main channel and do not occur within the vicinity of the Kanturk development site. The riparian margins of the River Allow adjacent to the Kanturk Creamery site are dominated by nonnative invasive species with a narrow treeline occurring on the river bank between the existing development site boundary and the river. The conservation value of these habitats is considered to be low. The SAC boundary designation along the ripari an corridor of the River Allow at this location is therefore considered to be with regard to the water dependant Annex I habitat Floating river vegetation which occurs within the study area and with particular reference to the Annex II species whic h occur within this watercourse Annex II Species White-clawed crayfish This species has been recorded from the Blackwater catchment, specifically from the Awbeg River sub - catchment which meets the River Blackwater downstream of the River Allow confluence. Records for white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) are shown on the Biodiversity Ireland database ( and are part of the EPA biological water quality monitoring data records. The white-clawed crayfish has not been recorded from the River Allow and is not expected to occur in this watercourse due to unfavourable water chemistry for this species. Freshwater Pearl Mussel The Pearl Mussel is listed under Annex II and V of the Habitats Directive (92:43:EEC). It is legally protected in Ireland under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act (1976 (Protection of Wild Animals) and the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations (2011). This species is listed as one of the conservation interests of the River Blackwater SAC. This species occurs in the Allow River sub-basin, with populations Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 16

19 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment occurring upstream of Kanturk. There are no records of populations from the river downstream of Kanturk and no mussels were seen during the aquatic survey of The River Blackwater contains significant freshwater pearl mussel populations, particularly downstream of the Allow River confluence and in the vicinity of Mallow. Significantly, there is a population of this species located directly downstream of the confluence between the River Allow and the River Blackwater. This gives rise for potential impacts affecting this species downstream of the current site. Brook, River, and Sea Lamprey The brook lamprey is the smallest of the three lamprey species native to Ireland and it is the only one of the three species that is non-parasitic and spends all its life in freshwater. The River lamprey is larger in size than the brook lamprey and exhibits an anadromous life cycle (i.e. where anadromous fish spend most of their adult lives in salt water, and migrate to freshwater rivers and lakes to reproduce). The sea lamprey is the largest of the Irish lampreys. Brook lamprey and Sea lamprey are listed in Appendix II, while River lamprey is listed in both Appendices II and IV of the Habitats Directive (92:43:EEC). An extensive sampling programme for lamprey and shad was undertaken in the Riv er Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC, by Inland Fisheries Ireland staff (King and Linnane, 2004). The project was undertaken between April 2003 and March Juvenile River/brook lamprey were found to be widespread in the Allow catchment within the River Blackwater SAC. Juvenile sea lamprey were also recorded in the River Blackwater catchment, including the Allow sub-catchment (King & Linnane, 2004). Lamprey spawning habitat was recorded from within the study area; however, suitable silt deposits for juvenile lamprey are limited along the margins of the River Allow corridor within the study area. Atlantic salmon The Atlantic salmon is listed under Annexes II and V of the EU Habitats Directive and Appendix III of the Berne Convention. Salmon are listed as one of the key conservation objectives of the River Blackwater SAC. Salmon spawning and nursery areas are present throughout the River Allow within the study area. Shad Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax) and Allis Shad (Alosa alosa) are among the rarest species of fish breeding in Irish freshwaters and are listed under Annexes II and V of the EU Habitats Directive. Both species are also listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention. Shad have an anadromous life cycle and both species have been recorded from the Lower Blackwater, with a record of Twaite shad from Fermoy (King and Linnane, 2004). Neither of these species occur within the study area, being generally restricted to the estuarine Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 17

20 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment and lower freshwater reaches of the Blackwater. The status of both shad species is considered to be very vulnerable in the Blackwater River SAC. Eurasian Otter The otter Lutra lutra is listed under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive and under Annex II of the Berne Convention; it is also a legally protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976 (and Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000). Otters are found throughout Ireland and tend to occupy linear territories along watercourses and are rarely found far away from water. This species is listed as one of the qualifying interests of the River Blackwater SAC designation. Otters utilise the entire study area within the River Allow corridor; however, no otter holts were identified within the study area during the walkover survey in Ecological Network Supporting Natura 2000 Sites An analysis of the proposed Natural Heritage Areas and designated Natural Heritage Areas in terms of their role in supporting the species using Natura 2000 sites was undertaken. These supporting roles mainly relate to mobile fauna such as mammals and birds which may use pnhas and NHAs as stepping stones between Natura 2000 sites. Article 10 of the Habitats Directive and the Habitats Regulations 2011 place a high degree of importance on such non-natura 2000 areas as features that connect the Natura 2000 network. Features such as ponds, woodlands and important hedgerows were taken into account during the AA process. The Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC overlaps with Blackwater Estuary SPA (004028) and Blackwater Callows SPA (004094). As such they are considered with the SAC in terms of water quality and downstream impacts Potential Impacts on European Sites The project is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the European site considered in the assessment and therefore potential downstream impacts must be identified and considered. There will be no direct impacts on the SAC areas as a result of the current site activities. Direct impact refers to physical impacts defined in the Departmental Guidance as Loss of habitat area and/or Habi tat Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 18

21 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Fragmentation. Having established this, the assessment emphasis is placed on potential indirect and cumulative impacts. The potential for impact is considered whereby the project would result in a significant detrimental change in water quality either alone or in combination with other projects or plans as a result of indirect pollution of surface water. The effect would have to be considered in terms of changes in water quality or changes in hydrology which would affect the habitats or species for which the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC is designated. This is assessed by firstly establishing the pathways by which impacts could occur and then reviewing the design measures included which will avoid these impacts and then by also looking at the potential in-combination effects which will be assessed in Section 3.6 later in this report Description of the Existing Environment Water quality in the River Allow The River Allow (EPA code 18A02), rises on the eastern flanks of the Mullaghareirk Mountains, flowing in an easterly direction for twelve kilometres before turning south at Freemount, and continuing for a further 12 kilometres to Kanturk town, the main centre of population in the Allow River catchment. The Allow catchment area is km 2 and is located in the South Western IRBD. Five kilometres downstream of Kanturk the Allow flows into the Blackwater River (EPA code 18B02). The River Allow is included in the Blackwater River SAC, and has been designated partly on the basis of the presence of freshwater pearl mussel populations within this watercourse and also within the River Blackwater main channel. The Annex I habitat floating river vegetation and Annex II listed Atlantic salmon, otter and lamprey species also occur within the River Allow catchment adding to its conservation importance. The IED Licence Application includes the following information on the River Allow. There are six discharge points to the River Allow from the facility. The main discharge point (SW-1) is the outfall from the on-site wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The five remaining surface water emission points comprise stormwater surface discharge to the River Allow from individual areas of both r oofs and hardstanding on the site. The site is situated on the western bank of the River Allow which rises approximately 20km northwest of Kanturk, close to the border with County Limerick. A tributary of the River Allow, the River Dalua, flows Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 19

22 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment into the River Allow in Kanturk town, a short distance (approximately 60m) upstream of the site. NCCCL is located immediately downstream of Kanturk town centre. The current overall status of the River Allow is Poor, and the river has been identified as at ri sk of not achieving Good status by 2015 as shown on the EPA ENVision mapping tool (December 2016). This classification of the river water status is as per the classification system outlined in the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Wa ters) Regulations 2009 as amended. As there is no constant monitoring point upstream of the NCCCL site dedicated to monitoring specifically for NCCCL, there is no recent data available to characterise the river water quality immediately upstream. Consequently, it is not possible to accurately calculate the available assimilative capacity of the river directly at the site discharge. However, the NCCCL site is located a short distance upstream of the Kanturk municipal WWTP where the assimilative capacity has been assessed by monitoring. Irish Water have prepared Annual Environmental Reports which include up gradient and downgradient data for the Kanturk WWTP. A short summary of the downgradient water quality data which confirms assimilative capacity is as follows: BOD In 2015, the 95%ile EQS for BOD (<2.6mg/L) was exceeded just once, in May (2.8mg/L). This exceedance resulted in the mean 95%ile EQS of 2.66mg/L slightly exceeding the 95%ile EQS. In 2016 to date, the 95%ile BOD (2.175mg/L) did not exceed the 95%ile EQS (<2.6mg/L). Orthophosphate In 2015 and 2016, orthophosphate did not exceed the 95%ile EQS of <0.075mg/L. Ammonia In 2015, the 95%ile EQS for Ammonia (<0.140mg/L) was exceeded just once, in July (0.165mg/L). This resulted in the mean 95%ile of 0.15mg/L exceeding the 95%ile EQS. In 2016 to date, the 95%ile EQS for Ammonia (<0.140mg/L) was exceeded in May (0.467mg/L). This resulted in the mean 95%ile of 0.305mg/L exceeding the 95%ile EQS. It is noted that the discharge from NCCCL is low in terms of ammonia concentration i.e. is not a significant contributor to the exceedances noted downgradient of the WWTP. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 20

23 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment This data indicates the River Allow has the ass imilative capacity to satisfactorily handle the orthophosphate and BOD loading from NCCCL s WWTP, the stormwater discharge from the five surface water discharge points on site, along with that of the Kanturk WWTP. A technical assessment of NCCCL s WWTP was conducted in The assessment outlines river flowrates, chemical analyses of the river water, chemical analyses of the discharge from the WWTP and the projected impact of the licence limits of the WWTP discharge on the river Allow water quality. It was shown at that time, that BOD grab samples upstream of NCCCL exceeded the EQS. It was also shown that the additional input of the licensed limit of ammonia (0.5mg/L) to the River Allow from NCCCL s WWTP did not change the status of the river with regard to its classification under the EQS for ammonia. Based on this short period of monitoring, the water quality was shown to comply with High Status upstream of the NCCCL discharge and remained at High Status after accounting for the additional 0.5mg/L ammonia to the river permitted under the discharge licence conditions. In addition, monthly sampling of NCCCL s discharge from the WWTP showed that ammonia levels were <0.2mg/L in July 2015 (as they were for all months in 2015) and < 0.5mg/L in May 2016 (as they were for all months in 2016 except for April). The licence limit for ammonia in NCCCL s WWTP discharge to the River Allow is 0.5mg/L, so it would appear that ammonia concentrations from NCCCL s site were not a contributing factor to the raised ammonia levels downstream of the Kanturk WWTP. The exceedance of the EQS for ammonia in the downstream monitoring of the Kanturk municipal WWTP is therefore likely to have been due to some contamination source unrelated to the NCCCL site. From the technical assessment report issued in 2012 (Appendix 2 Impact of the effluent discharge from NCCCL on River Allow), the impact on the River Allow concentrations of NCCCL s licensed discharge, after mixing in the River Allow, during 95%ile river flow and during Dry Weather Flow (DWF) were calculated. In this assessment, the 95% percentile flow was noted as 0.771m 3 /s and dry weather flow (DWF) was 0.35m 3 /s. Although data used in the report reflects the situation in 2010/2011, it is worth n oting that the impact of the WWTP effluent discharge during 95% percentile flow was clearly much less than the impacts of the upstream discharges. The data from the 2017 assessment presented in Appendix 2 shows that Orthophosphate results were less than good on one of the three sampling dates in 2017 (4 th April 2017) while the other two dates the results were good and high in terms of water quality (Surface water Regulations, 2009). Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 21

24 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment This suggests that while water quality is on average good and sus pended solid content may be considered ambient, the need for on-going monitoring is required and improvements/revision of the WWTP capacity will be reviewed and improvements made as further mitigation for the release of treated wastewater to the River Allow and the Blackwater River SAC Impacts on the Qualifying Interests of European Sites Direct Impacts There will be no direct impacts on the SAC areas as a result of the operation of the creamery and seaweed processing plant. Direct impact refers to physical impacts defined in the Departmental Guidance as Loss of habitat area and/or Habitat Fragmentation. There are no direct impacts identified which may affect the Annex I terrestrial habitats and Annex II terrestrial species of the SAC adjacent to the development site. Having established this, the assessment emphasis is placed on potential indirect and cumulative impacts. The primary consideration in terms of source-vector-pathways for indirect impacts relates to surface water and potential indirect impacts on hydrologically linked habitats and aquatic species Indirect Impacts The potential for impact is considered whereby the project would result in a significant detrimental change in water quality either alone or in combination with other projects or plans as a result of indirect pollution of surface water. The effect would have to be considered in terms of changes in water quality which would affect the habitats or species for which the River Blackwater SAC is designated. Consideration of impacts on Surface Water Data from Irish Water for the Kanturk WWTP indicates the River Allow has the assimilative capacity to satisfactorily handle the orthophosphate and BOD loading from NCCCL s WWTP, the stormwater discharge from the five surface water discharge points on site, along with that of the Kanturk WWTP Assessment of In-Combination Effects The Commission services interpretation document Managing Natura 2000 sites referred to as MN2000, makes clear that the phrase in combination with other plans or projects in Article 3(3) refers to cumulative effects caused by the projects or plans that are currently under consideration together with Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 22

25 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment the effects of any existing or proposed projects or plans. When impacts are assessed in combination in this way, it can be established whether or not there may be, overall, an impact whi ch may have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site or which may adversely affect the integrity of a site. As part of the Appropriate Assessment, in addition to the proposed works, other relevant projects and plans in the region must also be considered at this stage. This step aims to identify at this early stage any possible significant in-combination or cumulative effects / impacts of the proposed development with other such plans and projects on the Natura 2000 site Cumulative Impacts With regard to the current project, the EPA has determined that given the additional loading on to the wastewater treatment plant from the associated on-site processing of seaweed, Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment of the IED Licence is required on the effects of the combined operation on the River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC (Site code ). As per current procedure, the predicted impact of the harvesting of seaweed which is supplied to BioAtlantis at the NCCCL site at Kanturk is now considered in terms of in-combination effects. In July 2008 BioAtlantis submitted an application to the then Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (DAFF) for a Foreshore Permit to facilitate the mechanical harvesting of seaweeds, including Laminaria digitate and Lamiaria hyperborea, using a purposely designed vessel, in Kenmare Bay. A permit was not granted on the basis that Kenmare Bay is an SAC (Site Code ) and that the impacts of the proposed activity on the Conservation Objectives of the site had not been considered. In its report on this application the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC) recommended that any future application should focus on an area outside of an SAC and include a commitment to conduct a detailed programme of monitoring. Subsequently, in June 2009, BioAtlantis submitted another application to DAFF for a Foreshore Permit to facilitate the mechanical harvesting of the seaweed Lamiaria from 5 locations in Bantry Bay, which is not a designated Natura 2000 site. The proposal involves the harvesting of the seaweed by applying moderate suction which will draw the plants into a cutter where it will be cut and pumped into the harvesting vessel. The seaweed will be cut a minimum of 25cm from its holdfast. This will be controlled by using sonar and sounder automation to operate the winch so that the cutter is maintained at this set distance above the seabed. The cut seaweed will be stored in bags on board the vessel for subsequent transport Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 23

26 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment to the BioAtlantis factory in Tralee. It is proposed to harvest from only one location in any one year, thereby allowing regeneration of the seaweed. Public Consultation A public notice concerning this application was published in the Southern Star newspaper on the 12th December The relevant documents were on display at Bantry Garda Station for a period of 21 days from the 12th December No submissions were received during the public consultation period. MLVC Considerations The MLVC discussed this application at its meeting on 28 th October 2009 and 2 nd February, The following documents were considered: Foreshore Licence Application and accompanying documentation submitted by BioAtlantis Written submissions from DEHLG (NPWS, Underwater Archaeology Unit), the Marine Survey Office, SFPA, ERFB, CFB and Marine Institute. Conclusions and Recommendations of an October 2004 report entitled Review of the potential mechanisation of Kelp harvesting in Ireland jointly commissioned by the Marine Institute and Taighde Mara Teo., prepared by A. Werner and S. Krann of the Irish Seaweed Centre in NUIG and published by the Marine Institute (Marine Environment a nd Health Series, No. 17, 2004). The MLVC is of the view that kelp represents a significant natural resource that, if sustainably exploited, could lead to the development of novel products which would, in turn, stimulate economic development. As a key stage in this process the MLVC is of the view that harvesting trials should be carried out and that, as an essential part of the trials, the environmental impact of mechanical harvesting should be monitored. The results of such monitoring would assist in the development of national policy in this area and in the future development of a sustainable seaweed harvesting industry in Ireland. MLVC Conclusions The MLVC concluded that, subject to compliance with the specific conditions set out [in the proposed licence conditions], the proposed harvesting of the seaweed is not likely to have a significant negative impact on the marine environment, would not adversely impact on marine Natura 2000 sites and therefore recommended that a permit be issued. Proposed Licence Conditions 1. The Licensee shall use that part of the Foreshore the subject matter of this licence for the purposes as outlined in the application and for no other purposes whatsoever. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 24

27 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment The Licensee shall notify the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at least 14 days in advance of the commencement of the harvesting. 3. The Licensee shall liaise as appropriate with the Harbour Masters in Castletownbere and Bantry during the harvesting activities. 4. The Licensee shall furnish the names/registered number of all vessels involved in the operation to the Marine Survey Office in Dublin to ensure compliance with respect to Irish Load line and other relevant vessel certification. 5. The Licensee shall submit a detailed monitoring plan for approval by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government prior to the commencement of any harvesting activity. The parameters to be monitored and the monitoring methods shall be based on those set out in the MLVC determination Appendix. 6. The Licensee shall submit an annual report of harvesting activities to include the area and quantities harvested and measured regeneration rates of the seaweed. 7. In the event that unacceptable impact on the environment is observed, the Minister reserves the right to modify/restrict harvest practices and schedule as necessary. In view of the determination of the MLVC that subject to compliance with the specific conditions set out in the proposed licence conditions, the proposed harvesting of the seaweed is not likely to have a significant negative impact on the marine environment and would not adversely impact on marine Natura 2000 sites and having regard to the determination that the WWTP has the capacity to discharge treated wastewater with no predicted impacts on the conservation objectives of the River Blackwater SAC, it can be concluded that there will be no cumulative impacts in terms of the combined treatment of wastewater from the NCCCL and BioAtlantis operations Consideration of Projects A review of the Cork County Council Planning web portal revealed that there have been a number of applications for the entry Kanturk in the last three years to date. The Cork County Development Plan, in complying with the requirements of the Habitats Directive, requires that all Projects and Plans that could affect the Natura 2000 sites in the same zone of influence of the project site would be initially screened for Appropria te Assessment and if requiring Stage 2 AA, that appropriate employable mitigation measures would be put in place to avoid, reduce or ameliorate negative impacts. In this way, any in-combination impacts with Plans or Projects for the study area, would be avoided. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 25

28 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Any new applications for the project area will be assessed on a case by case basis by Cork County Council which will determine the requirement for AA Screening as per the requirements of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive Conclusion of In-combination Effects Having regard to the determination that the WWTP has the capacity to discharge treated wastewater with no predicted impacts on the conservation objectives of the River Blackwater SAC, it can be concluded that there will be no significant cumulative impacts in terms of the combined treatment of wastewater from the NCCCL and BioAtlantis operations or from another other plan or project in the Kanturk area Impacts on the Conservation Objectives of European Sites The conservation objectives for the River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC are taken to include maintaining or restoring the favourable conservation status of habitats and species for which this site have been selected, including the habitats of the annexed species. European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain at favourable conservation status areas designated as candidate Special Areas of Conservation or Special Conservation Areas. The Government and its agencies (i.e. the NPWS, local authorities and other statutory bodies) are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites. According to the EU Habitats Directive (1992), favourable co nservation status of a habitat is achieved when:...its natural range, and area it covers within that range, is stable or increasing, and the ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. The conservation objectives of the River Blackwater SAC therefore relate directly to the restoration or maintenance of habitats and species within the site at favourable conservation condition; this will Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 26

29 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of these habitats and species at a national level: 1029 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera To restore the favourable conservation condition of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC White clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes To maintain the favourable conservation condition of White clawed Crayfish in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus To restore the favourable conservation condition of Sea Lamprey in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeri To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Brook Lamprey in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis To maintain the favourable conservation condition of River Lamprey in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Twaite Shad Alosa fallax To restore the favourable conservation condition of Twaite Shad in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar (only in fresh water) To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic Salmon in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Otter Lutra lutra To restore the favourable conservation condition of Otter in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Killarney Fern Trichomanes speciosum Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 27

30 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Killarney Fern in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Estuaries To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Estuaries in the Blackwater River(Cork/Waterford) SAC Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mudfla ts and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Perennial vegetation of stony banks To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Perennial vegetation of stony banks in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Salicornia a nd other annuals colonizing mud and sand in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco Puccinellietalia maritimae) To restore the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco Puccinellietalia maritimae) in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC. Impacts arising from the Kanturk Creamery site have been identified as limited to water quality impacts potentially affecting the water-dependant Annex II qualifying interests of the River Blackwater SAC, i.e. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 28

31 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussel, otter, and brook lamprey; as well as the Annex I habitat floating river vegetation. The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EC (2000) defines integrity as the coherence of the site s ecological structure and function, across its whole area, or the habitats, complex of habitats and/or population of species for which the site is or will be classified. According to data supplied by North Cork Co-op the existing treatment plant on the site is operating within an existing license, where the cumulative effects of the combined treatment of wastewater from the operations on site are not having a significant impact on the receiving waters of the River Allow and therefore will not have an adverse effect on the River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC water-dependant Annex II qualifying interests, i.e. Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussel, otter, and brook lamprey; as well as the Annex I habitat floating river vegetation Mitigation Measures As further mitigation, a continued monitoring programme of water quality will be implemented to monitor the quality of treated wastewater to the River Allow. 4. Natura Impact Statement & Conclusion This NIS has reviewed the predicted impacts arising from the Project and found that with the implementation of appropriate design measures specifically with regard to wastewater treatment and discharge to the River Allow, significant effects on the integrity of River Blackwater SAC can be ruled out. Ex situ impacts were considered with regard to the harvesting of seaweed for supply to the BioAtlantis facility at the site and a finding of no significant cumulative or in-combination effects was determined. It is the conclusion of this NIS that the implementation of the operation of the project under the conditions of an IED Licence will not result in significant adverse effects to the conservation objectives or integrity of River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC or any other European Site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 29

32 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment References Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (2010) Guidance on Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland (as amended February 2010). EC (2000) Managing Natura 2000 sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. EC (2001) 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 92/43EEC. European Commission, Brussels. EC (2007) Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the 'Habitats Directive '92/43/EEC: Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interests, compensatory measures, overall coherence and opinion of the Commission. European Commission, Brussels. King J. J. and Linnane S. M. (2004) The status and distribution of lamprey and shad in the Slaney and Munster Blackwater SACs. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 14. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin. NPWS (2012) Conservation Objectives: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Version 1.0. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. NPWS (2013) The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin. NPWS (2016) Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] Site Synopsis Version date: _002170_Rev16.Docx. Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 30

33 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Appendix 1 Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] Conservation Objectives Document Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 31

34 North Cork Creameries C-op IED Licence Appropriate Assessment Appendix 2 WWTS Technical Assessment May 2017 Moore Group Environmental Services (info@mooregroup.ie) 32

35 ISSN National Parks and Wildlife Service Conservation Objectives Series Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 1 of 43

36 National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. Web: E mail: nature.conservation@ahg.gov.ie Citation: NPWS (2012) Conservation Objectives: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC Version 1.0. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Series Editors: Rebecca Jeffrey & Naomi Kingston ISSN July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 2 of 43

37 Introduction The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network. European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens to maintain habitats and species in the Natura 2000 network at favourable conservation condition. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites. A site specific conservation objective aims to define favourable conservation condition for a particular habitat or species at that site. The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level. Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when: its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and the conservation status of its typical species is favourable. The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when: population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a longterm basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long term basis. Notes/Guidelines: 1. The targets given in these conservation objectives are based on best available information at the time of writing. As more information becomes available, targets for attributes may change. These will be updated periodically, as necessary. 2. An appropriate assessment based on these conservation objectives will remain valid even if the targets are subsequently updated, providing they were the most recent objectives available when the assessment was carried out. It is essential that the date and version are included when objectives are cited. 3. Assessments cannot consider an attribute in isolation from the others listed for that habitat or species, or for other habitats and species listed for that site. A plan or project with an apparently small impact on one attribute may have a significant impact on another. 4. Please note that the maps included in this document do not necessarily show the entire extent of the habitats and species for which the site is listed. This should be borne in mind when appropriate assessments are being carried out. 5. When using these objectives, it is essential that the relevant backing/supporting documents are consulted, particularly where instructed in the targets or notes for a particular attribute. 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 3 of 43

38 Qualifying Interests * indicates a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC 1029 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera 1092 White clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes 1095 Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus 1096 Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeri 1099 River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis 1103 Twaite Shad Alosa fallax 1106 Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar (only in fresh water) 1130 Estuaries 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand 1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco Puccinellietalia maritimae) 1355 Otter Lutra lutra 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) 1421 Killarney Fern Trichomanes speciosum 3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation 91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles 91E0 *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) 91J0 *Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles Please note that this SAC overlaps with Blackwater Estuary SPA (004028), Blackwater Callows SPA (004094) and Stack's to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA (004161). It is also adjacent to Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC (000365). See map 2. The conservation objectives for this site should be used in conjunction with those for the overlapping and adjacent sites as appropriate. 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 4 of 43

39 Supporting documents, relevant reports & publications (listed by date) Supporting documents, NPWS reports and publications are available for download from: Title: Year: Author: Series: Aspects of brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri Bloch) spawning in Irish waters in press Rooney, S.M.; O Gorman, N.M.; Green, F.; King, J.J. Biology and Environment Title: River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC ( ). Conservation objectives supporting document coastal habitats [Version 1] Year: 2012 Author: NPWS Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC ( ). Conservation objectives supporting document marine habitats [Version 1] Year: 2012 Author: NPWS Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC ( ). Conservation objectives supporting document woodland habitats [Version 1] Year: 2012 Author: NPWS Series: Title: Unpublished Report to NPWS Comparison of field and GIS based assessments of barriers to Atlantic salmon migration: a case study in the Nore Catchment, Republic of Ireland Year: 2011 Author: Gargan, P. G.; Roche, W. K.; Keane, S.; King, J.J.; Cullagh, A.; Mills, P.; O Keeffe, J. Series: J. Appl. Ichthyol. 27 (Suppl. 3), Title: Second Draft Licky Freshwater Pearl Mussel Sub basin Management Plan ( ) Year: Author: 2010c DEHLG Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS Title: Second Draft Allow Freshwater Pearl Mussel Sub basin Management Plan ( ) Year: Author: Series: Title: Year: Author: Series: 2010b DEHLG Unpublished Report to NPWS Second Draft Munster Blackwater Freshwater Pearl Mussel Sub basin Management Plan ( ) 2010a DEHLG Unpublished Report to NPWS 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 5 of 43

40 Title: Subtidal benthic investigations in Blackwater River csac (Site Code:IE002170) and Blackwater Estuary SPA (IE004028), Co. Cork/Waterford Year: 2010 Author: Aquafact Series: Title: Unpublished Report to NPWS & MI A survey of mudflats and sandflats in Ireland. An intertidal soft sediment survey of the lower Blackwater Estuary Year: 2010 Author: ASU Series: Title: Unpublished Report to NPWS & MI Otter tracking study of Roaringwater Bay Year: 2010 Author: De Jongh, A.; O'Neill, L. Series: Title: Unpublished Draft Report to NPWS A provisional inventory of ancient and long established woodland in Ireland Year: 2010 Author: Perrin, P.M.; Daly, O.H. Series: Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 46 Title: A technical manual for monitoring white clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in Irish lakes Year: 2010 Author: Reynolds, J.D.; O Connor, W.; O Keeffe, C.; Lynn, D. Series: Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 45 Title: Report of the standing scientific committee to the DCENR. The status of Irish salmon stocks in 2010 and precautionary catch advice for 2011 Year: 2010 Author: SSC Series: Unpublished Report to DCENR Title: The European Communities Environmental Objectives (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations [S.I. 296 of 2009] Year: Author: Series: Title: Year: Author: Series: 2009b Government of Ireland Irish Statute Book The European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations [S.I. 272 of 2009] 2009a Government of Ireland Irish Statute Book Title: Saltmarsh Monitoring Report Year: 2009 Author: McCorry, M.; Ryle, T. Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 6 of 43

41 Title: Wildflowers of Cork City and County Year: 2009 Author: O'Mahony, T. Series: Title: The Collins Press, Cork Mitigation of arterial drainage maintenance works on the Awbeg River, Co Cork in relation to conservation of white clawed crayfsh, Austropotamobius pallipes, within the River Blackwater SAC Year: 2009 Author: Williams, L. Series: Title: Year: 2008 Author: Green, P. Series: Title: Unpublished Report to NPWS Flora of County Waterford The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Dublin Aspects of anadromous Allis shad (Alosa alosa Linnaeus) and Twaite shad (Alosa fallax Lacépède) biology in four Irish Special Areas of Conservation (SACs): status, spawning indications and implications for cons Year: 2008 Author: King, J.J.; Roche, W.K. Series: Hydrobiologia 602, Title: Poor water quality constrains the distribution and movements of Twaite shad Alosa fallax fallax (Lacepede, 1803) in the watershed of river Scheldt Year: 2008 Author: Maas, J.; Stevens, M. ; Breine, J. Series: Hydrobiologia 602, Title: All Ireland Species Action Plan Killarney fern Year: 2008 Author: NPWS ; EHS NI Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS & EHS NI Title: National Survey of Native Woodlands Year: 2008 Author: Perrin, P.; Martin, J.; Barron, S.; O Neill, F.; McNutt, K.; Delaney, A. Series: Title: Unpublished Report to NPWS Evolutionary history of lamprey paired species Lampetra fluviatilis (L.) and Lampetra planeri (Bloch) as inferred from mitochondrial DNA variation Year: 2007 Author: Espanhol, R.; Almeida, P.R.; Alves, M.J. Series: Molecular Ecology 16, Title: Interpretation manual of European Union habitats EUR 27 Year: 2007 Author: European Commission Series: DG Environment, Brussels 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 7 of 43

42 Title: Year: 2007 Author: NPWS Series: Title: Supporting documentation for the Habitats Directive Conservation Status Assessment backing documents, Article 17 forms and supporting maps Unpublished Report to NPWS A Survey of Juvenile Lamprey Populations in the Corrib and Suir Catchments Year: 2007 Author: O'Connor, W. Series: Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 26 Title: Otter Survey of Ireland 2004/2005 Year: 2006 Author: Bailey, M.; Rochford, J. Series: Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 23 Title: The status of host fish populations and fish species richness in European freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) streams Year: 2006 Author: Geist, J.; Porkka, M.; Kuehn, R. Series: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 16, Title: Year: 2006 Author: King, J.J. The distribution of Lamprey in the River Barrow SAC Series: Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 21 Title: Year: 2006 Author: Kruuk, H. Series: Title: Year: 2006 Author: NPWS Series: Title: Otters ecology, behaviour and conservation Oxford University Press Conservation Plan for River Blackwater (Cork/Waterford) SAC. Draft 0 descriptive section Unpublished Draft Report to NPWS The ecology and conservation of the gametophyte generation of the Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum Willd.) in Ireland Year: 2005 Author: Kingston, N. ; Hayes, C. Series: Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 105B(2): Title: Initiation of a monitoring program for the freshwater pearl mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera (L.) in the Licky River Year: 2005 Author: Ross, E.D. Series: Unpublished Report to NPWS 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 8 of 43

43 Title: The status and distribution of lamprey and shad in the Slaney and Munster Blackwater SACs Year: 2004 Author: King, J.J.; Linnane, S.M. Series: Irish Wildlife Manuals No. 14 Title: Identifying lamprey. A field key for sea, river and brook lamprey Year: 2003 Author: Gardiner, R. Series: Title: Conserving Natura 2000 rivers, Conservation techniques No. 4. English Nature, Peterborough Monitoring the river, sea and brook lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis, L. planeri and Petromyzon marinus Year: 2003 Author: Harvey, J.; Cowx, I. Series: Title: Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Monitoring Series No. 5. English Nature, Peterborough Ecology of Watercourses Characterised by Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion Vegetation Year: 2003 Author: Hatton Ellis, T.W.; Grieve, N. Series: Title: Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 11. English Nature, Peterborough Ecology of the Allis and Twaite shad Year: 2003 Author: Maitland, P.S.; Hatton Ellis, T.W. Series: Title: Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 3. English Nature, Peterborough Pondweeds of Great Britain and Ireland Year: 2003 Author: Preston, C.D. Series: Title: BSBI Handbook, No. 8, London A survey of the white clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet) and of water quality in two catchments of Eastern Ireland Year: 2002 Author: Demers, A.; Reynolds, J. D. Series: Bulletin Français de la Pêche et de la Pisciculture, 367: Title: Reversing the habitat fragmentation of British woodlands Year: 2002 Author: Peterken, G. Series: Title: WWF UK, London Aquatic Plants in Britain and Ireland Year: 2001 Author: Preston, C.D. Series: Harley Books, Colchester 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 9 of 43

44 Title: National Shingle Beach Survey of Ireland 1999 Year: 1999 Author: Moore, D.; Wilson, F. Series: Title: Unpublished Report to NPWS The saltmarshes of Ireland: an inventory and account of their geographical variation Year: 1998 Author: Curtis, T.G.F.; Sheehy Skeffington, M.J. Series: Biology and Environment, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 98B: Title: The spatial organization of otters (Lutra lutra) in Shetland Year: 1991 Author: Kruuk, H.; Moorhouse, A. Series: J. Zool, 224: Title: Otter survey of Ireland Year: 1982 Author: Chapman, P.J.; Chapman, L.L. Series: Unpublished Report to Vincent Wildlife Trust 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 10 of 43

45 Spatial data sources Year: 2010 Title: EPA WFD transitional waterbody data GIS operations: Used for: 1130 (map 3) Clipped to SAC boundary. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising Year: Interpolated 2012 Title: Mudflat and sandflat survey 2010; subtidal survey 2010 GIS operations: Polygon feature classes from marine community types base data sub divided based on interpolation of marine survey data. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising Used for: Marine community types, 1140 (maps 4 and 5) Year: 2005 Title: OSi Discovery series vector data GIS operations: High water mark (HWM) and low water mark (LWM) polyline feature classes converted into polygon feature classes and combined; EU Annex I Saltmarsh and Coastal data erased out if present Used for: Marine community types base data (map 5) Year: Revision 2010 Title: Saltmarsh Monitoring Project Version 1 GIS operations: QIs selected; clipped to SAC boundary; overlapping regions with Coastal CO data investigated and resolved with expert opinion used Used for: 1310, 1330, 1410 (map 6) Year: Revision 2010 Title: National Survey of Native Woodlands Version 1 GIS operations: QIs selected; clipped to SAC boundary. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising Used for: 91A0, 91E0 (map 7) Year: 2012 Title: Coillte hardcopy map GIS operations: Used for: 91J0 (map 7) Polygon digitised; clipped to SAC boundary Year: Revision 2012 Title: NPWS conservation plan spatial data 2006 GIS operations: WN, WD1 and WD2 polygons merged; clipped to SAC boundary Used for: semi natural woodland (map 7) Year: Revision 2012 Title: Margaritifera Sensitive Areas data GIS operations: Used for: 1029 (map 8) Relevant catchment boundaries identified. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 11 of 43

46 Year: 2011 Title: NPWS rare and threatened species database GIS operations: Dataset created from spatial references in database records. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising Used for: 1029, 1092, 1095, 1096, 1099, 1421 (maps 8, 9 and 10) Year: 2005 Title: OSi Discovery series vector data GIS operations: Used for: Creation of an 80m buffer on the marine side of the high water mark (HWM); creation of a 10m buffer on the terrestrial side of the HWM; combination of 80m and 10m HWM buffer datasets; creation of a 10m buffer on the terrestrial side of the river banks data; creation of 20m buffer applied to canal centreline data. These datasets are combined with the derived EPA WFD Waterbodies data for the 1355 CO. Overlapping regions investigated and resolved; resulting dataset clipped to SAC boundary. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising 1355 (no map) Year: 2010 Title: EPA WFD Waterbodies data GIS operations: Used for: Creation of a 20m buffer applied to river and stream centreline data; creation of 80m buffer on the aquatic side of lake data; creation of 10m buffer on the terrestrial side of lake data. These datasets are combined with the derived OSi data and Coastal Lagoon data for the 1355 CO. Overlapping regions investigated and resloved; resulting dataset clipped to SAC boundary. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising 1355 (no map) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 12 of 43

47 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1029 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera To restore the favourable conservation condition of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution Kilometres Maintain at 161km. See map 8 The freshwater pearl mussel is known from the main Blackwater River, two tributaries (Owentaraglin and Allow) and the Licky River, which discharges to the Upper Blackwater Estuary. 168km encompasses the length of channel from the most upstream records of the freshwater pearl mussel to the most downstream records of live mussels, and contained within the freshwater pearl mussel catchment boundaries displayed on map 8 Population size Number of adult mussels Restore to 35,000 adult mussels The SAC has three populations listed on the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations of 2009 (Government of Ireland, 2009b): Munster Blackwater, Allow (Munster Blackwater) and Licky. The separation of the main channel Blackwater and Allow into two populations is artificial and no longer considered appropriate. The Licky, however, is a distinct population, being separated from the Blackwater by brackish water and a hydrological distance of approx. 30km, making genetic exchange very unlikely. Information on the size of the population in the Blackwater and its tributaries is poor, but estimated at less than 10,000 for the Blackwater main channel (target set at 10,000); and between 10,000 and 20,000 for the Allow tributary (target set at 15,000) (DEHLG, 2010a, 2010b). The Licky population was estimated as just greater than 10,000 in 2005, but was estimated to have declined to approx. 4,700 by 2009 (target set at 10,000) (Ross, 2005; DEHLG, 2010c) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 13 of 43

48 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1029 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera To restore the favourable conservation condition of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Population structure: recruitment Population structure: adult mortality Percentage per size class Percentage Restore to least 20% of population no more than 65mm in length; and at least 5% of population no more than 30mm in length No more than 5% decline from previous number of live adults counted; dead shells less than 1% of the adult population and scattered in distribution Mussels of no more than 65mm are considered 'young mussels' and may be found buried in the substratum and/or beneath adult mussels. Mussels of no more than 30mm are 'juvenile mussels' and are always buried in the substratum. The Blackwater population is believed to be composed entirely of aged adults, with no evidence of recruitment for at least 20 years (DEHLG, 2010a). No juvenile mussels were found in the Allow and 8.3% of the population was no more than 65mm in length in 2009 (DEHLG, 2010b). No young or juvenile mussels were recorded in the Licky during monitoring in 2005 or 2009 and there was no evidence that recruitment had occurred in at least 12 years, with the smallest mussel in 2009 measuring 85.3mm (Ross, 2005; DEHLG 2010c) 5% is considered the cut off between the combined errors associated with natural fluctuations and sampling methods and evidence of true population decline. 1% of dead shells is considered to be indicative of natural losses. The Allow passed the target for live adults, but failed that for dead shells in 2009 (DEHLG, 2010b). The Blackwater and Licky failed both targets in 2009 (DEHLG, 2010a, 2010c) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 14 of 43

49 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1029 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera To restore the favourable conservation condition of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat extent Kilometres Restore suitable habitat in more than 35km (see map 8) and any additional stretches necessary for salmonid spawning Water quality: macroinvertebrate and phytobenthos (diatoms) ecological quality ratio (EQR) Restore water qualitymacroinvertebrates: EQR greater than 0.90; phytobenthos: EQR greater than 0.93 Notes The species' habitat covers stretches of very large, high energy, lowland rivers (Blackwater) and a short coastal river (Licky); and is a combination of 1) the area of habitat adult and juvenile mussels can occupy and 2) the area of spawning and nursery habitats the host fish can occupy. Fish nursery habitat typically overlaps with mussel habitat. Fish spawning habitat is generally adjacent to mussel habitat, but may lie upstream of the generalised mussel distribution. Only those salmonid spawning areas that could regularly contribute juvenile fish to the areas occupied by adult mussels should be considered. The availability of mussel habitat and fish spawning and nursery habitats are determined by flow and substratum conditions. The habitat for the species is currently unsuitable for the survival of adult mussels or the recruitment of juveniles. The target is based on the stretches of river identified, from a combination of dedicated survey and incidental records, as having suitable habitat for the species. As there has been no full baseline survey, the quality of the data from the Blackwater and its tributaries is poor These EQRs correspond to high ecological status for these two Water Framework Directive biological quality elements. They represent high water quality with very low nutrient concentrations (oligotrophic conditions). The habitat in the Blackwater and Licky failed both standards during 2009 sampling for the Sub basin Management Plans, while the Allow failed the macorinvertebrate target (DEHLG, 2010a, 2010b, 2010c). See also The European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Water Objectives) Regulations 2009 (Government of Ireland, 2009a) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 15 of 43

50 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1029 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera To restore the favourable conservation condition of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Substratum quality: filamentous algae (macroalgae), macrophytes (rooted higher plants) Percentage Restore substratum qualityfilamentous algae: absent or trace (<5%); macrophytes: absent or trace (<5%) Significant growth of macrophytes was found at some sites in all three populations sampled during 2009 for the Sub basin Management Plans (DEHLG, 2010a, 2010b, 2010c). Filamentous algae were below the target at all sites sampled in the Allow, however significant growths were detected at some sampling sites in the Blackwater and Licky (DEHLG, 2010a, 2010b, 2010c). Recruitment of juvenile mussels is being prevented by the poor quality of the river substrate Substratum quality: sediment Substratum quality: oxygen availability Occurrence Restore substratum qualitystable cobble and gravel substrate with very little fine material; no artificially elevated levels of fine sediment Redox potential Restore to no more than 20% decline from water column to 5cm depth in substrate The habitat for the species is currently unsuitable for the recruitment of juveniles owing to sedimentation of the substratum. In some locations, it is also unsuitable for the survival of adult mussels, notably stretches of the Licky (DEHLG, 2010c). Significant sedimentation has been recorded during all recent mussel monitoring surveys, particularly in the Licky and Allow (DEHLG, 2010a, 2010b, 2010c). Recruitment of juvenile mussels is being prevented by the poor quality of the river substrate Differences in redox potential between the water column and the substrate correlate with differences in oxygen levels. Juvenile mussels require full oxygenation while buried in gravel. In suitable habitat, there should be very little loss of redox potential between the water column and underlying gravels. Redox potential data are currently only available from the Allow, where loss in 2009 was % at 5cm depth (DEHLG, 2010b) Hydrological regime: flow variability Metres per second Restore appropriate hydrological regimes The availability of suitable freshwater pearl mussel habitat is largely determined by flow (catchment geology being the other important factor). In order to restore the habitat for the species, flow variability over the annual cycle must be such that: 1) high flows can wash fine sediments from the substratum, 2) low flows do not exacerbate the deposition of fines and 3) low flows do not cause stress to mussels in terms of exposure, water temperatures, food availability or aspects of the reproductive cycle 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 16 of 43

51 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1029 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera To restore the favourable conservation condition of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Host fish Number Maintain sufficient juvenile salmonids to host glochidial larvae Notes Salmonid fish are host to the larval form of the freshwater pearl mussel and, thus, they are essential to the completion of the life cycle. 0+ and 1+ fish are typically used, both because of the habitat overlaps and the development of immunity with age in the fish. Fish presence is considered sufficient, as higher densities and biomass of fish are indicative of enriched conditions in mussel rivers. Geist et al. (2006) found that higher densities of host fish coincided with eutrophication, poor substrate quality for pearl mussels and a lack of pearl mussel recruitment, while significantly lower densities and biomass of host fish were associated with high numbers of juvenile mussels. Fish movement patterns must be such that 0+ fish in the vicinity of the mussel habitat remain in the mussel habitat until their 1+ summer. No fish stocking should occur within the mussel habitat, nor any works that may change the salmonid balance or residency time. The Allow and Licky freshwater pearl mussel populations appear to favour native brown trout (Salmo trutta), therefore, it is particularly important that these are not outcompeted by stocked fish (DEHLG, 2010b, 2010c). No data on fish preferences are available for the Blackwater 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 17 of 43

52 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1092 White clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes To maintain the favourable conservation condition of White clawed Crayfish in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Distribution Occurrence No reduction from baseline. See map 9 Population structure: recruitment Negative indicator species Percentage occurrence of juveniles and females with eggs Juveniles and/or females with eggs in at least 50% of positive samples Notes Within the Blackwater River system, white clawed crayfish is present only on the Awbeg River. The Awbeg flows through limestone geology. There are other tributaries of the Blackwater with limestone geology but are not known to contain the species. The main Blackwater is considered chemically unsuitable for the crayfish. However, there have been two recent records from other parts of the river system. One was downstream of the confluence of the Awbeg and Blackwater and may simply represent a specimen moving out of the Awbeg. The second was upstream of Mallow and this may represent a new population or an introduction. More information is needed on these. On the Awbeg, the crayfish is found along the whole length of the designated part of the river. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) river quality monitoring on the Awbeg did not detect any crayfish in However, large numbers were found during river maintenance work in 2009 upstream of Buttevant and these were translocated to undisturbed habitat (Williams, 2009) See Reynolds et al. (2010) for further details Occurrence No alien crayfish species Alien crayfish species are identified as major direct threat to this species and as disease vector. See Reynolds (1998) for further details Disease Occurrence No instances of disease Disease is identified as major threat and has occurred in Ireland even in the absence of alien vectors. See Reynolds et al. (2010) for further details Water quality EPA Q value At least Q3 4 at all sites sampled by EPA Target taken from Demers and Reynolds (2002). Q values based on triennial water quality surveys carried out by the EPA 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 18 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

53 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1092 White clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes To maintain the favourable conservation condition of White clawed Crayfish in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat quality: heterogeneity Occurrence of positive habitat features No decline in heterogeneity or habitat quality Crayfish need high habitat heterogeneity. Larger crayfish must have stones to hide under, or an earthen bank in which to burrow. Hatchlings shelter in vegetation, gravel and among fine tree roots. Smaller crayfish are typically found among weed and debris in shallow water. Larger juveniles in particular may also be found among cobbles and detritus such as leaf litter. These conditions must be available on the whole length of occupied habitat 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 19 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

54 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1095 Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus To restore the favourable conservation condition of Sea Lamprey in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution: extent of anadromy % of river accessible Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers accessible from estuary. See map 10 for recorded distribution Artificial barriers can block or cause difficulties to lampreys upstream migration, thereby limiting species to lower stretches and restricting access to spawning areas. See Gargan et al. (2011) Population structure of juveniles Number of age/size groups At least three age/size groups present Attribute and target based on data from Harvey and Cowx (2003) and O'Connor (2007) Juvenile density in fine sediment Extent and distribution of spawning habitat Availability of juvenile habitat Juveniles/m² Juvenile density at least 1/m² Juveniles burrow in areas of fine sediment in still water. Attribute and target based on data from Harvey and Cowx (2003) m² and occurrence No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds. See map 10 for recorded locations Number of positive sites in 3rd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas More than 50% of sample sites positive. See map 10 for recorded locations Attribute and target based on spawning bed mapping by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Lampreys spawn in clean gravels. Survey in 2010 indicated accumulations of redds downstream of major weirs. (See also Gargan et al., 2011) Despite observed spawning activity, sampling for ammocoetes consistently fails to find these in many sampling stations and never in any great numbers. See King and Linnane (2004) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 20 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

55 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1096 Brook Lamprey Lampetra planeri To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Brook Lamprey in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution % of river accessible Access to all water courses down to first order streams Artificial barriers can block or cause difficulties to brook lampreys migration, both up and downstream, thereby possibly limiting species to specific stretches and creating genetically isolated populations (Espanhol et al., 2007) Population structure of juveniles Number of age/size groups At least three age/size groups of brook/river lamprey present Attribute and target based on data from Harvey & Cowx (2003). It is impossible to distinguish between brook and river lamprey juveniles in the field (Gardiner 2003), hence they are considered together in this target Juvenile density in fine sediment Extent and distribution of spawning habitat Availability of juvenile habitat Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of brook/river lamprey at least 2/m² m² and occurrence No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds Number of positive sites in 2nd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas More than 50% of sample sites positive. See map 10 for recorded locations Juveniles burrow in areas of fine sediment in still water. Attribute and target based on data from Harvey & Cowx (2003) who state 10/m² in optimal conditions and more than 2/m² on a catchment basis Spawning site and redd attributes established by IFI (Rooney et al., in press) Many sites with suitable larval attributes i.e. fine sediment in low velocity habitat, are found not to contain larval lamprey. This may be a function of chance or probability, or may be a consequence of insufficient recruitment to fill all spatial niches. Occupancy in excess of 50% of sites would be 'reasonable' for the Irish catchments examined to date (King and Linnane, 2004; King et al., unpublished data) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 21 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

56 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1099 River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis To maintain the favourable conservation condition of River Lamprey in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution % of river accessible Access to all water courses down to first order streams Artificial barriers can block or cause difficulties to river lampreys' migration, both up and downstream, thereby possibly limiting species to specific stretches and creating genetically isolated populations (Espanhol et al., 2007) Population structure of juveniles Number of age/size groups At least three age/size groups of river/brook lamprey present Attribute and target based on data from Harvey & Cowx (2003). It is impossible to distinguish between river and brook lamprey juveniles in the field (Gardiner 2003), hence they are considered together in this target Juvenile density in fine sediment Extent and distribution of spawning habitat Availability of juvenile habitat Juveniles/m² Mean catchment juvenile density of brook/river lamprey at least 2/m² m² and occurrence No decline in extent and distribution of spawning beds Number of positive sites in 2nd order channels (and greater), downstream of spawning areas More than 50% of sample sites positive. See map 10 for recorded locations of brook/river lamprey juveniles Juveniles burrow in areas of fine sediment in still water. Attribute and target based on data from Harvey & Cowx (2003) who state 10/m² in optimal conditions and more than 2/m² on a catchment basis Spawning site and redd attributes established by IFI (Rooney et al., in press) Many sites with suitable larval attributes i.e. fine sediment in low velocity habitat, are found not to contain larval lamprey. This may be a function of chance or probability, or may be a consequence of insufficient recruitment to fill all spatial niches. Occupancy in excess of 50% of sites would be reasonable for the Irish catchments examined to date (King and Linnane, 2004; King et al., unpublished data) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 22 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

57 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1103 Twaite Shad Alosa fallax To restore the favourable conservation condition of Twaite Shad in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution: extent of anadromy Population structure: age classes Extent and distribution of spawning habitat % of river accessible Greater than 75% of main stem length of rivers accessible from estuary Number of age classes More than one age class present m² and occurrence No decline in extent and distribution of spawning habitats In some catchments, artificial barriers block twaite shads upstream migration, thereby limiting species to lower stretches and restricting access to spawning areas. Major weirs on the Blackwater prevent potential exploitation of adult spawning grounds Regular breeding has been confirmed in the River Blackwater in recent years (King and Linnane, 2004; King and Roche, 2008) Water quality: oxygen levels Spawning habitat quality: Filamentous algae; macrophytes; sediment Milligrammes per litre No lower than 5mg/l Occurrence Maintain stable gravel substrate with very little fine material, free of filamentous algal (macroalgae) growth and macrophyte (rooted higher plant) growth Attribute and target based on Maas, Stevens and Briene (2008) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 23 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

58 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1106 Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar (only in fresh water) To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic Salmon in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution: extent of anadromy % of river accessible 100% of river channels down to second order accessible from estuary Artificial barriers block salmons upstream migration, thereby limiting species to lower stretches and restricting access to spawning areas. Large weirs on the Blackwater may delay salmon upstream migration in certain water conditions but do not generally prevent access to spawning areas Adult spawning fish Number Salmon fry abundance Conservation Limit (CL) for each system consistently exceeded Number of fry/5 Maintain or exceed 0+ fry minutes electrofishing mean catchment wide abundance threshold value. Currently set at 17 salmon fry/5 min sampling A conservation limit is defined by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) as the spawning stock level that produces long term average maximum sustainable yield as derived from the adult to adult stock and recruitment relationship. The target is based on the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission's annual model output of CL attainment levels. See SSC (2010). Stock estimates are either derived from direct counts of adults (rod catch, fish counter) or indirectly by fry abundance counts. The Blackwater is currently exceeding its CL for one sea winter salmon and its multi sea winter CL for 2012 Target is threshold value for rivers currently exceeding their conservation limit (CL). As stock estimates are estimated by direct counts for the Blackwater, this attribute is not currently being measured at this site Out migrating smolt abundance Number No significant decline Smolt abundance can be negatively affected by a number of impacts such as estuarine pollution, predation and sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) Number and distribution of redds Number and occurrence No decline in number and distribution of spawning redds due to anthropogenic causes Salmon spawn in clean gravels Water quality EPA Q value At least Q4 at all sites sampled by EPA Q values based on triennial water quality surveys carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 24 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

59 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1130 Estuaries To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Estuaries in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares The permanent habitat area is stable or increasing, subject to natural processes. See map 3 Community extent Hectares Maintain the extent of the Mytilus edulis dominated community, subject to natural processes. See map 5 Notes Habitat area was estimated as 1208ha using OSi data and the Transitional Water Body area as defined under the Water Framework Directive. See marine supporting document for further details Estimated during 2009 subtidal and intertidal surveys (Aquafact, 2010; ASU, 2010). See marine supporting document for further details Community structure: Mytilus edulis density Individuals/m² Conserve the high quality of the Mytilus edulis dominated community, subject to natural processes Observed during 2009 subtidal and intertidal surveys (Aquafact, 2010; ASU, 2010). See marine supporting document for further details Community distribution Hectares Conserve the following community types in a natural condition: Intertidal estuarine sandy mud community complex; Subtidal estuarine fine sand with Bathyporeia spp. community complex; Sand and mixed sediment with polychaetes and crustaceans community complex; Coarse sediment community complex. See map 5 Habitat structure was elucidated from 2009 subtidal and intertidal surveys (Aquafact, 2010; ASU, 2010). See marine supporting document for further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 25 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

60 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Habitat area Hectares The permanent habitat area is stable or increasing, subject to natural processes. See map 4 Notes Habitat area was estimated using OSi data as 284ha. See marine supporting document for further details Community extent Hectares Maintain the extent of the Zostera and Mytilus edulisdominated communities, subject to natural processes. See map 5 Estimated during 2009 intertidal survey (ASU, 2010). See marine supporting document for further details Community structure: Zostera shoot density Shoots/m² Conserve the high quality of the Zostera dominated community, subject to natural processes Described as part of 2009 intertidal survey (ASU, 2010). See marine supporting document for further details Community structure: Mytilus edulis density Community distribution Individuals/m² Hectares Conserve the high quality of the Mytilus edulis dominated community, subject to natural processes The following community types should be conserved in a natural condition: Intertidal estuarine sandy mud community complex and Sand and mixed sediment with polychaetes and crustaceans community complex. See map 5 Described as part of 2009 intertidal survey (ASU, 2010). See marine supporting document for further details Habitat structure was elucidated from 2009 intertidal survey (ASU, 2010). See marine supporting document for further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 26 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

61 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Perennial vegetation of stony banks in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession Current area unknown. It was recorded from Ferrypoint during the National Shingle Beach Survey (Moore and Wilson, 1999). Extent was not mapped, but it was noted as one of the larger systems in County Waterford. NB further unsurveyed areas maybe present within the site Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes Current distribution unknown Physical structure: functionality and sediment supply Vegetation structure: zonation Vegetation composition: typical species and sub communities Vegetation composition: negative indicator species Presence/ absence of physical barriers Occurrence Percentage cover at a representative sample of monitoring stops Percentage cover Maintain the natural circulation of sediment and organic matter, without any physical obstructions Maintain the range of coastal habitats including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession Maintain the typical vegetated shingle flora including the range of subcommunities within the different zones Negative indicator species (including non natives) to represent less than 5% cover Based on data from Moore and Wilson (1999). Shingle features are relatively stable in the long term. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Based on data from Moore and Wilson (1999). At Ferrypoint, the shingle is associated with shingle based grassland and a lagoon. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Based on data from Moore and Wilson (1999). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Based on data from Moore and Wilson (1999). Negative indicators include nonnative species, species indicative of changes in nutrient status and species not considered characteristic of the habitat. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 27 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

62 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession Habitat not recorded by McCorry and Ryle (2009) at Kinsalebeg but is known to occur at Foxhole, Black Bog and Tourig (Curtis and Sheehy Skeffington, 1998). However, extent is un mapped. NB further unsurveyed areas maybe present within the site. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Habitat distribution Occurrence Physical structure: sediment supply Physical structure: creeks and pans Physical structure: flooding regime Presence/ absence of physical barriers Occurrence Hectares flooded; frequency No decline, or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes Maintain natural circulation of sediments and organic matter, without any physical obstructions Maintain creek and pan structure, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession Maintain natural tidal regime Habitat not recorded by McCorry and Ryle (2009) at Kinsalebeg but is known to occur at Foxhole, Black Bog and Tourig (Curtis and Sheehy Skeffington, 1998). Salicornia is an annual species, so its distribution can vary significantly from year to year. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Sediment supply is particularly important for this pioneer saltmarsh community, as the distribution of this habitat depends on accretion rates. See coastal habitats backing document for further details Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). Creeks deliver sediment throughout saltmarsh system. Creeks and pan structures well developed in the larger sections of the marsh at Kinsalebeg. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details This pioneer saltmarsh community requires regular tidal inundation. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: zonation Occurrence Maintain the range of coastal habitats including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: vegetation height Centimeters Maintain structural variation within sward Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: vegetation cover Percentage cover at a representative sample of monitoring stops Maintain more than 90% of area outside creeks vegetated Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation composition: typical species and sub communities Percentage cover Maintain the presence of species poor communities with typical species listed in saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, 2009) See coastal habitats supporting document for further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 28 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

63 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Vegetation structure: negative indicator species: Spartina anglica Hectares No significant expansion of common cordgrass (Spartina anglica), with an annual spread of less than 1% Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). Spartina was recorded at Ferrypoint, but it was not noted to form swards on the mudflats. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 29 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

64 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco Puccinellietalia maritimae) To restore the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco Puccinellietalia maritimae) in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession. For sub site mapped: Kinsalebeg 2.77ha. See map 6 Based on data from the Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, 2009). One sub site that supported Atlantic salt meadow was mapped (2.77ha) and additional areas of potential saltmarsh (28.13ha) were identified from an examination of aerial photographs, giving a total estimated area of 30.90ha. Saltmarsh habitat also occurs at Tourig Hall and Ballintray House (Curtis and Sheehy Skeffington, 1998). NB further unsurveyed areas maybe present within the site. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Habitat distribution Occurrence Physical structure: sediment supply Physical structure: creeks and pans Physical structure: flooding regime Presence/ absence of physical barriers Occurrence Hectares flooded; frequency No decline or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. See map 6 for known distribution Maintain natural circulation of sediments and organic matter, without any physical obstructions Maintain creek and pan structure, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession Maintain natural tidal regime Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Creeks and pan structures well developed at the larger sections of marsh in the Kinsalebeg sub site. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: zonation Occurrence Maintain the range of coastal habitats including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession Atlantic salt meadow occurs in mosaic with Mediterranean salt meadow at the Kinsalebeg saltmarsh. Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: vegetation height Centimeters Maintain structural variation within sward Most of the Atlantic salt meadows habitat at Kinsalebeg is grazed to a high intensity and sward height is quite low. Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: vegetation cover Percentage cover at a representative sample of monitoring stops Maintain more than 90% of the saltmarsh area vegetated Bare substrate occurs as a result of overgrazing in places at Kinsalebeg. Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 30 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

65 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco Puccinellietalia maritimae) To restore the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco Puccinellietalia maritimae) in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Vegetation composition: typical species and sub communities Percentage cover at a representative sample of monitoring stops Maintain range of subcommunities with typical species listed in Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, 2009) Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: negative indicator species Spartina anglica Hectares No significant expansion of common cordgrass (Spartina anglica), with an annual spread of less than 1% Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). Spartina occurs at Kinsalebeg subsite, but does not occupy a significant part of the saltmarsh vegetation. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 31 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

66 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1355 Otter Lutra lutra To restore the favourable conservation condition of Otter in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution Percentage positive survey sites No significant decline Measure based on standard otter survey technique. FCS target, based on 1980/81 survey findings, is 88% in SACs. Current range in south west estimated at 74.5% (Bailey & Rochford 2006) Extent of terrestrial habitat Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped and calculated as 103ha above high water mark (HWM); ha along river banks/ around ponds No field survey. Areas mapped to include 10m terrestrial buffer along shoreline (above HWM and along river banks) identified as critical for otters (NPWS, 2007) Extent of marine habitat Hectares No significant decline. Area mapped and calculated as 647.2ha No field survey. Area mapped based on evidence that otters tend to forage within 80m of the shoreline (HWM) (NPWS, 2007; Kruuk, 2006) Extent of freshwater (river) habitat Extent of freshwater (lake) habitat Couching sites and holts Fish biomass available Barriers to connectivity Kilometres Hectares No significant decline. Length mapped and calculated as km No significant decline. Area mapped and calculated as 25.06ha No field survey. River length calculated on the basis that otters will utilise freshwater habitats from estuary to headwaters (Chapman & Chapman, 1982) No field survey. Area mapped based on evidence that otters tend to forage within 80m of the shoreline (NPWS, 2007) Number No significant decline Otters need lying up areas throughout their territory where they are secure from disturbance (Kruuk, 2006; Kruuk & Moorhouse, 1991) Kilograms No significant decline Broad diet that varies locally and seasonally, but dominated by fish, in particular salmonids, eels and sticklebacks in freshwater (Bailey & Rochford 2006) and wrasse and rockling in coastal waters (Kingston et al. 1999) Number No significant increase Otters will regularly commute across stretches of open water up to 500m e.g. between the mainland and an island; between two islands; across an estuary (De Jongh & O'Neill, 2010). It is important that such commuting routes are not obstructed 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 32 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

67 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession. For sub site mapped: Kinsalebeg: 1.36ha. See map 6 Based on data from the Saltmarsh Monitoring Project ( McCorry and Ryle, 2009). One sub site that supports Mediterranean salt meadows was mapped (1.36ha) and additional areas of potential saltmarsh (8.67ha) were identified from an examination of aerial photographs, giving a total estimated area of 10.03ha. NB further unsurveyed areas maybe present within the site. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Habitat distribution Occurrence Physical structure: sediment supply Physical structure: creeks and pans Physical structure: flooding regime Presence/ absence of physical barriers Occurrence Hectares flooded; frequency No decline, or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. See map 6 for known distribution Maintain natural circulation of sediments and organic matter, without any physical obstructions Maintain creek and pan structure, subject to natural processes, including erosion and succession Maintain natural tidal regime Based on data from the Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle 2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Based on data from the Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, 2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Based on data from the Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, 2009). The MSM at Kinsalebeg has a well developed saltmarsh structure in places. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Mediterranean salt meadow is found high up in the saltmarsh but requires occasional tidal inundation. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: zonation Occurrence Maintain the range of coastal habitats including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: vegetation height Centimetres Maintain structural variation within sward Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: vegetation cover Percentage cover at a representative sample of monitoring stops Maintain more than 90% of area outside creeks vegetated Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). Grazing intensity is not as high as in the Atlantic salt meadows. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 33 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

68 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Vegetation composition: typical species Percentage cover Maintain range of subcommunities with typical species listed in Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (McCorry and Ryle, 2009) Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). See coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation structure: negative indicator species Spartina anglica Hectares No significant expansion of common cordgrass (Spartina anglica), with an annual spread of less than 1% Based on data from McCorry and Ryle (2009). Spartina occurs at Kinsalebeg subsite, but does not occupy a significant part of the saltmarsh vegetation. See coastal habitats supporting document for further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 34 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

69 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 1421 Killarney Fern Trichomanes speciosum To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Killarney Fern in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Distribution Location No decline. Two locations known within the SAC. See map 10 Data from NPWS rare and threatened species database Population size Number Maintain size and extent of existing colonies, including sporophyte frond counts and number of gametophyte patches Habitat extent m² No loss of suitable habitat, such as shaded rock crevices, caves or gullies in, or near to, known colonies. No loss of woodland canopy at or near to known locations Based on Kingston & Hayes (2005) and Ni Dhuill (pers comm) Hydrological conditions: visible water Hydrological conditions: humidity Light levels: shading Occurrence Number of dessicated fronds Percentage Maintain hydrological conditions at the locations so that all colonies are in dripping or damp seeping habitats, and water is visible at all locations No increase. Presence of dessicated sporophyte fronds or gametophyte mats indicates conditions are unsuitable No changes due to anthropogenic impacts Based on Kingston & Hayes (2005) and Ni Dhuill (pers comm) Based on Kingston & Hayes (2005) and Ni Dhuill (pers comm) Based on Kingston & Hayes (2005) and Ni Dhuill (pers comm) Invasive species Occurrence Absent or under control EHS & NPWS (2008) provides further details 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 35 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

70 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes The full distribution of this habitat and its sub types in this site are currently unknown. The basis of the selection of the SAC for the habitat was the presence of plant species listed in the Interpretation Manual (European Commission, 2007), recorded during the Natural Heritage Area (NHA) survey of the river (internal NPWS files). Further records of these and other aquatic plant species in the Blackwater can be found in Green (2008) and O'Mahony (2009). The dominant floatingleaved species appears to be the common and widespread stream water crowfoot (Ranunculus penicillatus subsp. penicillatus) (Green, 2008, O'Mahony, 2009). No high conservation value subtypes are known to occur in the SAC and further survey is required to determine whether any such are present. Only one rare/threatened vascular plant species is known to occur in the SAC, the protected opposite leaved pondweed (Groenlandia densa), which is abundant in the tidal stretches around Cappoquin (Green, 2008). Note: rooted macrophytes should be absent or trace (< 5% cover) in freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) habitat. The freshwater pearl mussel (1029) conservation objective takes precedence over this objective for habitat 3260 in this SAC, because the mussel requires environmental conditions closer to natural background levels Habitat area Kilometres Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes The full extent of this habitat in this site is currently unknown. See above 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 36 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

71 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Hydrological regime: river flow Hydrological regime: tidal influence Metres per second Daily water level fluctuations metres Maintain appropriate hydrological regimes Maintain natural tidal regime Due to regular disturbance (through variations in flow), river macrophytes rarely reach a climax condition but frequently occur as transient communities. A natural (relatively unmodified) flow regime is required for both plant communities and channel geomorphology to be in favourable condition, exhibiting typical dynamics for the river type (Hatton Ellis and Grieve, 2003). For most of the sub types of this habitat, high flows are required to maintain the substratum (see below) necessary for the characteristic species. Flow variation is particularly important, with high and flood flows being critical to the hydromorphology. Other aspects of hydrological regime, such as groundwater discharge are important for certain subtypes of the habitat, which may be present within the SAC Tidal regime appears to be an important influence on the distribution of oppositeleaved pondweed (Groenlandia densa) in Ireland. The species is also typical of the tidal reaches of other large Irish rivers, e.g. the Slaney, the Suir and the Shannon (see Preston, 2003; Preston and Croft, 2001). Both the disturbance and substratum associated with the tidal regime may be important drivers Substratum composition: particle size range Millimetres The substratum should be dominated by the particle size ranges, appropriate to the habitat sub type (typically sands, gravels and cobbles) The size and distribution of substratum particles is largely determined by the river flow. Different habitat sub types and species have different substratum requirements. Opposite leaved pondweed (Groenlandia densa) is typically found on silts (mud), and sometimes sands 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 37 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

72 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho Batrachion vegetation in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Water quality: nutrients Vegetation composition: typical species Floodplain connectivity: area Milligrammes per litre The concentration of nutrients in the water column should be sufficiently low to prevent changes in species composition or habitat condition Occurrence Hectares Typical species of the relevant habitat sub type should be present and in good condition The area of active floodplain at and upstream of the habitat should be maintained Phosphorus (MRP) is typically the limiting nutrient, however increased nitrogen (NO3 ) negatively impacts upon some aquatic plant communities. Nutrient enrichment typically leads to increased filamentous green algal biomass, and consequent changes in other algae, bryophyte and macrophyte species composition and abundance. Water quality should reach a minimum of Water Framework Directive good status, in terms of nutrient and oxygenation standards and EQRs (ecological quality ratios) for macroinvertebrates and phytobenthos. For certain sub types, other aspects of water quality, such as suspended sediment and minerals, should be considered The sub types of this habitat are poorly understood and their typical species have not yet been defined. Typical species and appropriate targets may emerge to be site specific. The typical species may include higher plants, bryophytes, macroalgae and microalgae River connectivity with the floodplain is essential for the functioning of this habitat. Floodplain connectivity is particularly important in terms of sediment sorting and nutrient deposition. The Blackwater valley has extensive floodplains. The functioning of these floodplains, in relation to sediment and nutrient dynamics, is currently being impaired by arable agriculture 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 38 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

73 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles To restore the favourable conservation condition of Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, at least 263.7ha for sub sites surveyed. See map 7 Minimum area, based on 15 sites surveyed by Perrin et al. (2008) site codes 1326, 1340, 1354, 1355, 1359, 1459, 1488, 1490, 1492, 1543, 1626, 1819, 1842, 1844, NB further unsurveyed areas are almost certainly present within the site. Map 7 shows semi natural woodland extent within the SAC. See woodland habitats supporting document for further details Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline. Surveyed locations shown on map 7 Distribution based on Perrin et al. (2008). NB further unsurveyed areas maybe present within the site. Map 7 shows semi natural woodland distribution within the SAC. See woodland habitats supporting document for further details Woodland size Hectares Area stable or increasing. Where topographically possible, "large" woods at least 25ha in size and small woods at least 3ha in size Woodland structure: cover and height Percentage and metres Diverse structure with a relatively closed canopy containing mature trees; subcanopy layer with semimature trees and shrubs; and well developed herb layer The sizes of at least some of the existing woodlands need to be increased in order to reduce habitat fragmentation and benefit those species requiring deep woodland conditions (Peterken, 2002). Topographical constraints may restrict expansion. See woodland habitats supporting document for further details Described in Perrin et al. (2008). See woodland habitats supporting document for further details Woodland structure: community diversity and extent Hectares Maintain diversity and extent of community types Described in Perrin et al. (2008). See woodland habitats supporting document for further details Woodland structure: natural regeneration Seedling: sapling: pole ratio Seedlings, saplings and pole age classes occur in adequate proportions to ensure survival of woodland canopy Oak regenerates poorly. In suitable sites ash can regenerate in large numbers although few seedlings reach pole size Woodland structure: dead wood m³ per hectare; number per hectare At least 30m³/ha of fallen timber greater than 10cm diameter; 30 snags/ha; both categories should include stems greater than 40cm diameter Dead wood is a valuable resource and an integral part of a healthy, functioning woodland ecosystem 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 39 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

74 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles To restore the favourable conservation condition of Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Woodland structure: veteran trees Woodland structure: indicators of local disctinctiveness Number per hectare No decline Mature and veteran trees are important habitats for bryophytes, lichens, saproxylic organisms and some bird species. Their retention is important to ensure continuity of habitats/niches and propagule sources Occurrence No decline Includes ancient or long established woodlands, archaeological and geological features as well as red data and other rare or localised species. Perrin and Daly (2010) list the 15 sites listed above as containing potential ancient/long established woodlands Vegetation composition: native tree cover Vegetation composition: typical species Vegetation composition: negative indicator species Percentage Occurrence Occurrence No decline. Native tree cover not less than 95% Species reported in Perrin et al. (2008) A variety of typical native Species reported in Perrin et al. (2008) species present, depending on woodland type, including sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and birch (Betula pubescens) Negative indicator species, particularly non native invasive species, absent or under control The following are the most common invasive species in this woodland type: beech (Fagus sylvatica), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 40 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

75 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 91E0 *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) To restore the favourable conservation condition of Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes, at least 19.2ha for sites surveyed. See map 7 Minimum area, based on 6 sites surveyed by Perrin et al. (2008) site codes 1343, 1459, 1464, 1488, 1824, NB further unsurveyed areas are almost certainly present within the SAC. Map 7 shows semi natural woodland extent within the SAC. See woodland habitats supporting document for further details Habitat distribution Occurrence No decline. Surveyed locations shown on map 7 Woodland size Hectares Area stable or increasing. Where topographically possible, "large" woods at least 25ha in size and small woods at least 3ha in size Woodland structure: cover and height Woodland structure: community diversity and extent Percentage and metres Hectares Diverse structure with a relatively closed canopy containing mature trees; subcanopy layer with semimature trees and shrubs; and well developed herb layer Maintain diversity and extent of community types Distribution based on Perrin et al. (2008). NB further unsurveyed areas may be present within the SAC. Map 7 shows semi natural woodland distribution within the SAC. See woodland habitats supporting document for further details The sizes of at least some of the existing woodlands need to be increased in order to reduce habitat fragmentation and benefit those species requiring deep woodland conditions (Peterken, 2002). Topographical and land ownership constraints may restrict expansion Described in Perrin et al. (2008). See woodland habitats supporting document for further details Described in Perrin et al. (2008). See woodland habitats supporting document for further details Woodland structure: natural regeneration Seedling: sapling: pole ratio Seedlings, saplings and pole age classes occur in adequate proportions to ensure survival of woodland canopy Alder and oak regenerate poorly. Ash often regenerates in large numbers although few seedlings reach pole size Hydrological regime: flooding depth/height of water table Metres Appropriate hydrological regime necessary for maintenance of alluvial vegetation Periodic flooding is essential to maintain alluvial woodlands along river floodplains Woodland structure: dead wood m³ per hectare; number per hectare At least 30m³/ha of fallen timber greater than 10cm diameter; 30 snags/ha; both categories should include stems greater than 40cm diameter (greater than 20cm diameter in the case of alder) Dead wood is a valuable resource and an integral part of a healthy, functioning woodland ecosystem 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 41 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

76 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 91E0 *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) To restore the favourable conservation condition of Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) in the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets: Attribute Measure Target Notes Woodland structure: veteran trees Woodland structure: indicators of local disctinctiveness Number per hectare No decline Mature and veteran trees are important habitats for bryophytes, lichens, saproxylic organisms and some bird species. Their retention is important to ensure continuity of habitats/niches and propagule sources Occurrence No decline Includes ancient or long established woodlands, archaeological and geological features as well as red data and other rare or localised species. Perrin & Daly (2010) list three sites as containing potential ancient/long established woodlands in the SAC Vegetation composition: native tree cover Vegetation composition: typical species Vegetation composition: negative indicator species Percentage Occurrence Occurrence No decline. Native tree cover not less than 95% Species reported in Perrin et al. (2008) A variety of typical native Species reported in Perrin et al. (2008) species present, depending on woodland type, including alder (Alnus glutinosa), willows (Salix spp) and, locally, oak (Quercus robur) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) Negative indicator species, particularly non native invasive species, absent or under control The following are the most common invasive species in this woodland type: beech (Fagus sylvatica), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 42 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

77 Conservation objectives for: Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC [002170] 91J0 *Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles The status of Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles as a qualifying Annex I habitat for the Blackwater River (Cork/Waterford) SAC is currently under review. The outcome of this review will determine whether a site specific conservation objective is set for this habitat. 31 July 2012 Version 1.0 Page 43 of 43 EPA Export :03:28:57

78 . se ru he ot to f c Fo op r i yr ns ig pe ht ct ow ion ne pu r r rp eq os ui es re o d nl fo y. ra ny ns en Co Killarney CO. WATERFORD Mallow CO. KERRY Cork CO. CORK Youghal SAC Legend SAC MAP 1: BLACKWATER RIVER SAC CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES SAC DESIGNATION Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. SITE CODE: SAC CO. CORK; version 1.15, CO. KERRY; version 1.04, CO. TIPPERARY; version 1, CO. WATERFORD; version km The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission of the Government (Permit number EN ). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar comharthaithe. Macasamhail d ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN ) ± Map Version 1 Date: March 2012 EPA Export :03:28:57

79 SPA to f c Fo op r i yr ns ig pe ht ct ow ion ne pu r r rp eq os ui es re o d nl fo y. ra ny ot he ru se. SPA Co ns en SAC SAC SPA Legend SAC SAC SPA SPA SPA OSi Discovery Series County Boundary MAP 2: BLACKWATER RIVER SAC CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES ADJOINING/OVERLAPPING DESIGNATIONS Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. SITE CODE: SAC CO. CORK; version 1.15, CO. KERRY; version 1.04, CO. TIPPERARY; version 1, CO. WATERFORD; version 1.06 SAC CO. CORK; version 1, CO KERRY; version 1.19 SPA CO.CORK; version 1.04, CO.WATERFORD; version 1.06 SPA CO.CORK; version 1.01, CO. WATERFORD; version 1.02 SPA CO.CORK; version 2.12, CO. LIMERICK; version 2.14, CO. KERRY; version km The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission of the Government (Permit number EN ). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar comharthaithe. Macasamhail d ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN ) ± Map Version 1 Date: March 2012 EPA Export :03:28:57

80 Legend SAC Estuaries OSi Discovery Series County Boundary MAP 3: BLACKWATER RIVER SAC CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES ESTUARIES Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. SITE CODE: SAC ± CO. CORK; version 1.15, CO. KERRY; version 1.04, CO. TIPPERARY; version 1, CO. WATERFORD; version km The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission of the Government (Permit number EN ). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar comharthaithe. Macasamhail d ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN ) Map Version 1 Date: March 2012 EPA Export :03:28:57

81 Area of Interest Legend SAC Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide OSi Discovery Series County Boundary MAP 4: BLACKWATER RIVER SAC CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES TIDAL MUDFLATS & SANDFLATS Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. SITE CODE: SAC ± The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission of the Government (Permit number EN ). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar km comharthaithe. Macasamhail d ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN ) Map Version 1 Date: March 2012 CO. CORK; version 1.15, CO. KERRY; version 1.04, CO. TIPPERARY; version 1, CO. WATERFORD; version 1.06 EPA Export :03:28:57

82 Legend SAC OSi Discovery Series County Boundary Marine Communty Type Coarse sediment community complex Intertidal estuarine sandy mud community complex Mytilus edulis-dominated community River Sand and mixed sediment with polychaetes and crustaceans community complex Subtidal estuarine fine sand with Bathyporeia spp. community complex Zostera-dominated community MAP 5: BLACKWATER RIVER SAC CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES MARINE COMMUNITY TYPES Map to be read in conjunction with the NPWS Conservation Objectives Document. SITE CODE: SAC ± CO. CORK; version 1.15, CO. KERRY; version 1.04, CO. TIPPERARY; version 1, CO. WATERFORD; version km The mapped boundaries are of an indicative and general nature only. Boundaries of designated areas are subject to revision. Reproduced from Ordnance Survey material by permission of the Government (Permit number EN ). Níl sna teorainneacha ar na léarscáileanna ach nod garshuiomhach ginearálta. Féadfar athbhreithnithe a déanamh ar theorainneacha na gceantar comharthaithe. Macasamhail d ábhar na Suirbhéarachta Ordonáis le chead ón Rialtas (Ceadunas Uimh. EN ) Map Version 1 Date: March 2012 EPA Export :03:28:57