Newmarket Cooperative Creamery (IPPC Licence Reg: P )

Transcription

1 Newmarket Cooperative Creamery (IPPC Licence Reg: P ) Report on Hydrogeological September 2010 Scotia Technology Ltd. t/a OES Consulting 2 nd Floor, FBD House, Fels Point, Tralee, Co. Kerry T: F: info@oes.ie EPA Export :02:15:45

2 Document Title: Report on Hydrogeological Revision: 01 Document No: 1160_02_09 Issue Date: 28/09/2010 Prepared By: Eamon O Loughlin Approved By OES hold Corporate and Individual Membership of a number of Professional Bodies relevant to the services the company provides. OES is certified to ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System Standard EPA Export :02:15:45

3 Newmarket Cooperative Creamery Report on Hydrogeological September 2010 Contents Executive Summary 1. Introduction Aim of Study Company Details and Description of Processes Description of the Geological and Hydrogeological Environment Bedrock Geology Quaternary Geology Hydrogeology Monitoring Wells Groundwater Flow Direction Conceptual Groundwater Model Conceptual Groundwater Flow Model Historic Contamination Ground Water Quality Sampling Methodology Results of Monitoring Conclusion Recommendations Attachments Attachment A Attachment B Attachment C Attachment D Attachment E Attachment F Figure 1 Site Location Figure 2 Site Layout Figure 3 Regional Bedrock map Figure 4 Regional Subsoil map Figure 5 Regional Aquifer map Figure 6 Regional Groundwater Vulnerability map Figure 7 Conceptual Model of Ground Water Flow Monitoring well - Hydrochemical Results Photolog Topography Results Ionic Balance Equation 1 st Draft Rathmore GWB Description Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

4 Executive Summary A detailed hydrogeological investigation was carried out in August 2010 at Newmarket Co Operative Creameries (NCC), Scarteen Lower, Newmarket, Co. Cork. The purpose of the investigation was to develop a valid hydrogeological conceptual model and to address Condition 6.13 of the company s IPPC Licence (Reg No. P ), which states that comprehensive hydrogeological investigation of the site, was issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the 30 th September The Assessment included a detailed hydrochemical analysis of the groundwater at the site and the development of a conceptual model of the hydrogeological conditions on and around the site. The development of the conceptual model required a detailed geological and hydrogeological investigation. Local and regional geological and hydrogeological information was obtained as a basis for developing the model. Site activities, operations, materials stored and the fate of potential contaminants in the subsurface was also be taken into consideration. The existing abstraction wells at the site were used for groundwater quality monitoring and for the purpose of obtaining groundwater level and therefore groundwater flow direction. Based on the findings of the hydrogeological, NCC are not or have not contributed to groundwater contamination at the site or the surrounding environment. Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

5 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 3 of Introduction OES were commissioned by Newmarket Co-operative Creamery (NCC) to undertake a hydrogeological assessment at their facility at Scarteen Lower, Newmarket Co.Cork. The overall objective of this assessment was to develop a valid hydrogeological conceptual model for the site to the satisfaction of the Agency. Under Condition 6.13 of IPPC Licence P the Agency requires that; The licensee shall arrange for the carrying out, by an appropriately qualified consultant/professional, of a comprehensive hydrogeological investigation of the site, as required by the Agency. The scope, detail and programme, including reporting structure and reporting schedule for this investigation, must be agreed by the agency prior to implementation. Any recommendations arising from a report on this investigation must be implemented within such a period to be agreed by the agency. OES submitted the scope detail and programme of works to the Agency on behalf of NCC in March This proposal was entitled Hydrogeological Proposal This report sets out the findings of the hydrogeological assessment as agreed by the Agency Aim of Study The objective of the assessment was to develop a valid hydrogeological conceptual model to allow greater understanding of the groundwater flow system beneath the site. The establishment of a conceptual model will permit NCC to develop an effective groundwater monitoring programme for the site Company Details and Description of Processes NCC has been in existence at the current location since 1944 and a site location map is appended as Figure 1 Attachment A. The facility has seen many developments and upgrades since first established at Scarteen Lower. A layout of the facility is shown on Figure 2. NCC specialise in the processing of milk to produce cheese, whey, whey concentrate, salt whey and cream by-products. Over the past five years various modernisations has seen milk intake capacity increase to 1300 m 3 per day and an overall throughput capacity rise of 53%. The primary raw material, milk, is collected from farms by local contractors with milk sourced from other processors when necessary. Once delivered to the site the milk is sampled, cooled and pumped into storage silos at the plant. The milk is then filtered and pasteurised before being sent to the cheese vats where ingredients are added to form curd and whey. Once the curd and whey are Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

6 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 4 of 15 separated, the curd is shredded and salted before being sent to the blockformers where 20 kilo blocks of cheese are formed. NCC has state of the art packaging and refrigeration equipment and facilities for preparation and final packaging of product. After the product has been packaged and boxed, cheese is stored at the onsite cheese storage warehouses before being dispatched. 2. Description of the Geological and Hydrogeological Environment A description of the geological and hydrogeological environment of the site and the surrounding area is presented in the following sections Bedrock Geology The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) Sheet 21 "Geology of Kerry-Cork (Scale 1:100,000) indicates that the bedrock underlying the site is Namurian undifferentiated siltstones and sandstones and is shown in Figure 3 of Attachment A Quaternary Geology The description of the soils in the area is described as Deep Poorly Drained Mineral (AminPD) derived mainly from non-calcareous parent material. They are in the great soil groups of Surface water Gleys and groundwater Gleys. Visual indicators observed during the site visit (Iris and poaching) in the lands to the north and north east of the facility confirm the poorly drained nature of the soil. The subsoil in the area is described as made ground and Till derived from Shale and Sandstone (TNSSs) and is shown in Figure 6 of Attachment A Hydrogeology The underlying aquifer has been classified as an Ll (locally Important Aquifer - Bedrock which is Moderately Productive only in Local Zones) and the GSI Classification for this bedrock aquifer unit indicates it is capable of supplying locally important abstractions (e.g. smaller public water supplies, group schemes). Groundwater flow occurs predominantly through fractures, fissures and joints. An interim vulnerability map is appended as Figure 6 of Attachment A. NCC is located within the Rathmore Groundwater body. An abstract from the Rathmore Groundwater Body Report states that. These rocks have no intergranular permeability; groundwater flow occurs in fractures and faults. Permeability is highest in the upper few metres but generally decreases rapidly with depth. In general, groundwater flow is concentrated in the upper 15 m of the aquifer, although deeper inflows from along fault zones or connected fractures can be encountered. Significant yields can be obtained where boreholes are drilled into known fault zones. Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

7 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 5 of 15 However, yields are not necessarily sustainable, as the fracture networks are generally not extensive or well connected but primarily concentrated in the vicinity of the fault zones. Springs occur in some instances on fault zones. Groundwater levels are about m below ground level, and will generally follow the topography. Close to the rivers and streams, water levels will be near ground level. Surface water features are considered to be in hydraulic continuity with the water table. Groundwater flow will be local. Groundwater flow paths are generally short, typically m, with groundwater discharging to small springs, or to the streams and rivers that traverse the aquifer. Flow directions are expected to approximately follow the local surface water catchments. Groundwater is generally unconfined. A full copy of the Rathmore Groundwater body description is appended as attachment E. A GSI well search was undertaken to investigate if there was any domestic or public drinking groundwater sources in the vicinity of the site. The search yielded results on two wells in the area as noted in Table 1. Table 1 Townland Meenatarriff Summary of the well details provided by the GSI Depth to rock (m) Depth (m) Gardeen NGR (E,N) E29420 N07420 E36080 N07340 Location Accuracy 1km 50m Usage Yield m 3 /d Agri & domestic 28 Agri & domestic 28 The nearest groundwater well to the site is approximately 2km directly west of the facility. The only other well which was available from the GSI records is located approximately 4km directly east of the facility. Both wells are located in the same geological unit as the wells at NCC (Namurian Undifferentiated). The depth of overburden in these wells was 8.8m and 13.1m, indicating that there is a deep soil cover in this area. Currently there are eight abstraction wells at Newmarket Creamery, seven of which are currently in use. Well 4 is not in use due to continued siltation of the well. A description of the wells is outlined in Section 4. Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

8 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 6 of Description of Monitoring Wells The eight monitoring wells on site were drilled between 1997 and From discussion with the driller (TJ Cross & Co Ireland Ltd) it was confirmed that there was between 13m to 22m of steel lining required to construct the wells. This indicates that there is between 13 and 22m of overburden above the bedrock in this area. Figure 2 of Attachment A shows the location of the wells. It is understood, from conversation with the drillers, that the well screening was installed from just below the overburden to the bottom of the well. The driller also described the rock encountered as black shale and sandstone and described the drilling as difficult due to the drill rods jumping during drilling. The difficulty encountered when drilling suggests that the wells were installed in an unconsolidated fracture zone (fault breccia) and this explains the higher than normal yields encountered in the wells. This is also in line with the findings of the Rathmore Groundwater Body Description. A description of the wells is outlined in Table 2. Table 2 Monitoring well Well 1 Well 2 Well 3 Well 4 Well 5 NGR (E,N) Well Description E32005 N07406 E32031 N07383 E32031 N07362 E32144 N07496 E32253 N07605 Elevation of water (m) (mod) Depth of well (m) Location in relation to the facility Approximate yield (m 3 /day) Down gradient Down gradient Down gradient Side gradient m Side gradient 272 Well 6 Well 7 Well 8 E32277 N07678 E32229 N07713 E32358 N Upgradient m Upgradient Upgradient 160 Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

9 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 7 of Groundwater Flow Direction In order to obtain the natural groundwater flow direction, all of the wells to be monitored were switched off from Saturday the 14 th of August until the following Monday the 16 th of August 2010 at 11:00am. The wells were then dipped at 11:00am on Monday after which time the water level in the wells had recovered to its natural level. The findings of the field work are outlined in Table 3 and are presented in Figure 2 and Figure 7 of Attachment A. Table 3 Well Characteristics Monitoring well Total Depth of Well (m) Depth water (m) of b.g.l Depth of water (mod) Artesian (Y/N) Well No Well No Well No Well No Well m Yes Well Yes Well m Yes Well No As can be seen from the table above, three of the wells have artesian characteristics suggesting that a layer of shale encountered during construction of the wells may be acting as a confining layer. In Wells 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, the water table when left to recover is within a few centimetres of the ground level and wells 5, 6 and 7 are artesian. The water table at these locations is within a few centimetres of the ground level and confirm the Rathmore groundwater body description that surface water features are considered to be in hydraulic continuity with the water table. The groundwater would contribute to the Ramparts Stream and Millstream. The groundwater flow direction was then triangulated from the water levels within the recovered wells. The natural groundwater flow direction is predominantly to the south east, flowing towards the Rampart Stream and Millstream. This is shown in Figure 2 and Figure 7 of Attachment A. The direction of groundwater flow reaffirms that groundwater contributes to the flow of surface watercourses in the area. Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

10 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 8 of Conceptual Groundwater Model The Conceptual model is designed around three components of risk. The model is generally described as source-pathway-receptor model. The source is the potentially contaminative component that is generated by the percolation of infiltrating precipitation into the aquifer. The pathways are any routes linking the source with the receptors including the unsaturated zone (if present), and the saturated zone in which attenuation processes may (or may not) occur. The receptors are groundwater and surface water bodies that are connected to the source by the pathways Conceptual Groundwater Flow Model Graphical representation of the conceptual groundwater flow model for the site is schematically shown on Figure 7 of Attachment A. The conceptual model assumes that there is one aquifer; however the possibility of a lower confined aquifer is also noted. A description of the model is as follows: Recharge will occur in the catchment up gradient of NCC in the higher areas of the Northwest of the facility. A proportion of this recharge will contribute to groundwater underflow below the site. Groundwater flow occurs across and beneath the site and flows to the south east via fractured bedrock as encountered during drilling. The groundwater system encountered beneath the site appears to be a low permeability system, with higher permeability in fractured zones. The piezometric levels measured are between 9.53m, (Well 2) to +0.6m (Well 5) as shown in Table 2 showing that the aquifer has artesian characteristics. Effective rainfall (actual annual rainfall minus annual evaporation) was estimated based on precipitation and evapotranspiration maps presented in the article Modelling the water budget of Ireland evapotranspiration and soil moisture by Gerald Mills of Department of Geography, National University of Ireland, Dublin (UCD). Annual precipitation for the area was determined to be 1100mm. Annual evaporation would comprise 42% of the annual precipitation. The effective rainfall was therefore estimated to be 640mm. A runoff coefficient was estimated based on the methodology presented in the UK National Coal Board publication issued in The estimation was done using a ground slope of 0.07, soil type of Clay loam and land cover (cultivated short grass tip). The runoff coefficient was estimated to be 62%. Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

11 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 9 of 15 Based on the effective rainfall figure and runoff coefficient, the estimated infiltration rate is 244mm. Based on the groundwater flow direction, 3 representative wells were chosen for groundwater chemical analysis. One well is located downgradient (Well 2), one well is located at a side gradient (Well 5) and one well is located upgradient of the facility (Well 8) Historic Contamination There is no evidence of either historic or current contamination on the site. All fuel containing vessels on site are bunded and are situated in secure locations. Bunds on site are visually assessed on a monthly basis and the results are recorded by the Environmental Manager. Annual hydrostatic tests are also undertaken in accordance with Condition 6.10 of the IPPC licence. All process waters arising on site are conveyed to the WWTP through a network of process drains at the site. It is also noted that as part of expansion works at the site, a dedicated Cleaning in Place (CIP) line was installed to convey CIP waste water to the waste water treatment plant. The CIP line is constructed from polypropylene and conveys a significant volume of corrosive waste waters generated at the site to the WWTP. 5. Ground Water Quality OES undertook groundwater monitoring at NCC on the 16 th of August Water samples were taken from the three groundwater monitoring wells at the site (Well 2, Well 5 and Well 8) at the site as shown in Figure 2 of Attachment A. The parameters analysed as part of the investigation were those outlined in Schedule C6 of the IPPC Licence Reg No P Analysis of hydrocarbons in the 3 representative wells was undertaken to determine if there has been any historic hydrocarbon releases to the subsurface from site activities or processes. The parameters monitored for are outlined in Table 4. Table 4 Groundwater Monitoring Parameters Parameter Water level ph Phosphorous Total Ammonia (as N) Nitrates (as N) Conductivity Major Anions Major Cations Hydrocarbons Analysis method/technique Dip Meter ph electrode/meter Standard Method Standard method Standard method Standard method Standard method Standard Method EPH range >C10 40 by GC-FID Note 1: An Ionic balance shall be presented with explanation of any significant error Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

12 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 10 of Sampling Methodology Sampling of the groundwater monitoring wells at NCC was undertaken by a Hydrogeologist from OES. The proposal submitted to the Agency in March 2010 outlined that samples would be taken from Wells 2, 4 and 8. These wells are located down gradient at a side gradient and upgradient of the facility respectively. On the day of sampling Well 4 was inaccessible. Well 4 is the only well that is not operating on site and the installed submersible pump is not in use. The available space in the well was not enough to insert a portable submersible pump in order to monitor the groundwater effectively. Owing to its close proximity Well 5 was sampled as an alternative to Well 4, and is also at a side gradient to the facility. The wells were switched on for a minimum of an hour prior to sampling in order to obtain a representative groundwater sample. In accordance with OES sampling procedures, the volume of water pumped was measured to be in excess of 3 times well volume prior to sampling. The water samples were preserved and sent to Alcontrol Laboratories for analysis Results of Monitoring The results returned from Alcontrol Laboratories are appended with this report as Attachment B and are also shown in Table 5. A brief description of the results is outlined below. The results are compared to the standards set out in the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2007 Standards (SI 106 of 2007) and the EPA Interim Guideline Values (IGV s). Table 5 Monitoring Results Parameter Field Results Units Well 2 Downgradient Well 5 Sidegradient Well 8 Upgradient Conductivity µs/cm TDS ppm Temperature o C Laboratory Results Alkalinity Bicarbonate as CaCO3 mg/l Alkalinity Carbonate as CaCO3 mg/l <2 <2 <2 Ammonical Nitrogen as NH3 mg/l < degrees C µs/cm Phosphorous µg/l < <6.3 EPH range >C10-C40 (aq) µg/l <46 <46 <46 Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

13 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 11 of 15 Sulphate mg/l Chloride mg/l Nitrate mg/l Calcium mg/l Sodium mg/l Magnesium mg/l Potassium mg/l 3.03 <2.34 <2.34 ph ph units As per the IPPC licence Schedule C6 an ionic balance was calculated for Wells 2, 5 and 8. Ions A wide range of substances are soluble in water. These substances dissociate into positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). The most commonly reported ions are listed below in Table 6. Table 6 Major cations Ionic Balance Parameters Ionic Balance Parameters Major anions Sodium (Na + ) Carbonate (CO3 2- ) Potassium (K + ) Bicarbonate (HCO3 - ) Magnesium (Mg 2+ ) Sulphate (SO4 2- ) Calcium (Ca 2+ ) Chloride (Cl - ) Nitrate (NO3 - ) These ions normally make up >95% of the dissolved minerals in groundwater. Ionic Balance The ionic balance is one of the most common ways to check for analytical errors and to check whether constituents are present that were not analysed in the groundwater. Water is electronically neutral, so the sum of the cations in milliequivalents (meq/l) should equal the sum of the anions in meq/l. Ionic Balance Error % = (( (+)- (-) / ( (+)+( (-)) X 100 The ionic balance should be less than 15% for leachate and less than 5% for groundwater. If the balance is greater than 5% then: 1) The analysis is inaccurate. 2) Other constituents were present that were not used to calculate the balance. The percentage error was 6.6% for Well 2, 9.5% for Well 5 and 6.9% for Well 8. Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

14 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 12 of 15 All calculations are appended as Attachment E of the report. Other naturally occurring ions, within Namurian rocks within the Rathmore Groundwater Body, that may be present in amounts of 0.1mg/l or greater is Iron (Total Fe). The Rathmore Groundwater body report states that a high proportion of wells in the Namurian rocks have high iron concentrations (more than 20mg/l (total Fe) in places). As iron was not analysed it could account for the percentage error. There is also evidence from staining on the well heads and in surface water around the adjacent streams that Iron is present in elevated amounts in the groundwater at this aquifer. As the percentage error is greater than 5% it implies that other constituents are present that have not been used to calculate the balance. Alcontrol laboratories are an accredited laboratory and after discussions with personnel from the laboratory they confirmed that all instrumentation had been calibrated and that there were no unusual problems with the results. 6. Discussion The results from the hydrochemical analysis of the water at the selected monitoring wells have been compared to the EPA Interim Guideline Values (IGV) for groundwater and the EC Drinking Water Standards to determine the current quality of groundwater beneath the site and protection of the natural resource. Extractable petroleum Hydrocarbons (EPH) The results for Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (EPH) for wells 2, 5 and 8 were below the detectable limit. The non detection of any traces of hydrocarbons demonstrates that the groundwater beneath the site is not contaminated with oil. Nitrate (as NO3 - ) The results for Nitrate were 0.78mg/l, 2.11mg/l and 0.38mg/l for Wells 2, 5 and 8 respectively. It is noted that the EPA IGV is 25mg/l. Sulphate The results for sulphate were 20.1mg/l, 9.7mg/l and 8.6mg/l for wells 2, 5 and 8 respectively. The EPA IGV is 200mg/l. Chloride The results for chloride were 27.5mg/l, 19.5mg/l and 18.1mg/l for wells 2, 5 and 8 respectively. The European Communities (Drinking Water) regulation is 250mg/l. Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

15 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 13 of 15 Electrical Conductivity The results for electrical conductivity ranged from 352µs/cm to 277µs/cm and 333µs/cm. The EPA IGV is 1000µs/cm Ammonia The results of Ammonia were <0.2mg/l, 0.441mg/l and 0.299mg/l in wells 2, 5 and 8 respectively. The European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations water standards is 0.3mg/l. Well 5 has shown an exceedance of the drinking water standard. Based on the conceptual model of groundwater flow and chemistry results this exceedance may be as a result of possible leakage from underground livestock slurry pits, or the landspreading of agricultural waste material from the higher grounds to the north of the facility. It is noted that land use the north east of the site, upgradient of the site and in the direction of groundwater flow, is predominantly used for agricultural purposes. The natural groundwater flow direction at this location is towards the facility and suggests that ammonia is due to activities outside of the site. The ammonia result in upgradient Well 8 also has an elevated level of 0.29mg/l further confirming that the ammonia source is from outside the facility. The level of ammonia in downgradient Well 2 is less than the detectable limit. 7. Conclusion Based on the Hydrogeological, OES prepared a Conceptual Groundwater flow model. Utilising the groundwater recharge information, groundwater flow direction and groundwater discharge information, OES developed a detailed Conceptual model of groundwater flow through the site. A number of wells were scheduled for detailed monitoring of groundwater quality based on the conceptual model. The objective was to assess the groundwater quality and to assess if the plant activities are having an impact on the quality of groundwater. This was done by utilising 3 wells which were shown to de hydraulically down gradient (Well 2), side gradient (Well 5) and upgradient (Well 8) of the site. The conceptual model shows that recharge of the aquifer is from the higher ground to the north west of the facility. Groundwater flow under the site is to the south east and discharges into the Rampart Stream and Millstream. The detailed hydrochemistry results obtained from the sampling undertaken at NCC in August 2010 demonstrate that groundwater quality beneath the site is well within the standards set out in the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2007 Standards (SI 106 of 2007) and the EPA IGV with the exception Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

16 Issue Date: Hydrogeological No.: 1160_02_09 Rev.: 1 Page 14 of 15 of Ammonia in Well 5. All other parameters monitored for are in compliance with the relevant standards. There was an exceedance of Ammonia in Well 5. The result of Ammonia from Well 5 was 0.441mg/l in comparison to the limit of 0.3mg/l. It has been shown that the source of ammonia at this location could be due to activities outside of the facility. Future monitoring of the groundwater monitoring wells at NCC undertaken in accordance with the requirements of condition 6.13 will enhance understanding of the fate of ammonia in Well 5 at NCC. There is no evidence to show that historic or current groundwater contamination is occurring within the site. Physical site infrastructure is to a high standard. Results of analysis show no contamination in the groundwater from the site. 8. Recommendations It recommended that all future groundwater monitoring be undertaken in Wells 2, 5 and 8 in accordance with Condition 6.13 and Schedule 6 of the IPPC licence Reg No P It also recommended that Iron (Fe) is monitored in all wells in the next round of monitoring and that the ionic balance is calculated. Z:\03_OES Project Files\1160 Newmarket Creameries\1160_02 Licence Compliance\1160_02_09 Hydrogeological EPA Export :02:15:46

17 Attachment A Maps and Draw wings EPA Export :02:15:46

18 Legend Surface Water Courses Site Boundary Site Location N4 OES Consulting 2nd Floor FBD House Fels Point Tralee Co Kerry Client: Newmarket Cooperative Creamery Project: Hydrogeology Report 2010 Map Title: Figure 1 Site Location Map OES Ref: F1_1160_02_09 NSL4 Revision: 01 Document Control: Drawn By: EO'L Checked By: PO'L Date: 20/09/ ,500 2,250 3,000 Meters Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved. Licence number EN EPA Export :02:15:46

19 Well 8 A' Legend Site Boundary Well 7 Well 6 Groundwater Flow Direction 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. Well 5 Co ns en Well 4 OES Consulting 2nd Floor FBD House Fels Point Tralee Co Kerry Well 1 Well 2 N4 Well 3 A See Figure 7 for Cross Section of A A' Client: Newmarket Cooperative Creamery Project: Hydrogeology Report 2010 Map Title: Figure 2 Site Layout Map OES Ref: F2_1160_02_09 Revision: 01 Document Control: NSL4 Drawn By: EO'L Checked By: PO'L Date: 20/09/ Meters Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved. Licence number EN EPA Export :02:15:46

20 Legend Site Boundary Bed100k Rock Description Greywacke, siltstone & silty shale Limestone Mudstone, cherty at base 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. Shale & sandstone Co ns en Site Location OES Consulting 2nd Floor FBD House Fels Point Tralee Co Kerry N4 Client: Newmarket Cooperative Creamery Project: Hydrogeology Report 2010 Map Title: Figure 3 Bedrock Geology Map OES Ref: F3_1160_02_09 Revision: O1 Document Control: NSL4 Drawn By: EO'L Checked By: PO'L Date: 20/09/ ,500 2,250 3,000 Meters Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved. Licence number EN EPA Export :02:15:46

21 Legend Site Boundary Subsoils Soil Type A BktPt Made Rck 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. TNSSs Co ns en Site Location OES Consulting 2nd Floor FBD House Fels Point Tralee Co Kerry N4 Client: Newmarket Cooperative Creamery Project: Hydrogeology Report 2010 Map Title: Figure 4 Subsoil Map OES Ref: F4_1160_02_09 Revision: 01 Document Control: NSL4 Drawn By: EO'L Checked By: PO'L Date: 20/09/ ,500 2,250 3,000 Meters Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved. Licence number EN EPA Export :02:15:47

22 Legend Site Boundary Aquifer Bed AQUIFER Ll Pu Site Location N4 OES Consulting 2nd Floor FBD House Fels Point Tralee Co Kerry Client: Newmarket Cooperative Creamery Project: Hydrogeology Report 2010 Map Title: OES Ref: Revision: Document Control: Figure 5 Aquifer Map F5_1160_02_09 O1 Drawn By: EO'L Checked By: PO'L Date: 20/09/2010 NSL ,500 2,250 3,000 Meters Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved. Licence number EN EPA Export :02:15:47

23 Legend Site Boundary GSI Groundwater Interim Vulnerability Description E (Rock near Surface or Karst) Extreme High to Low. Only an interim study took place. Site Location N4 OES Consulting 2nd Floor FBD House Fels Point Tralee Co Kerry Client: Newmarket Cooperative Creamery Project: Hydrogeology Report 2010 Map Title: OES Ref: Revision: Document Control: Figure 6 Groundwater Vulnerability Map F6_1160_02_09 NSL4 O1 Drawn By: EO'L Checked By: PO'L Date: 20/09/ ,500 2,250 3,000 Meters Ordnance Survey Ireland. All Rights Reserved. Licence number EN EPA Export :02:15:47

24 Ground level A A Piezometric Head 16/08/2010 NCC location See Figure 2 for plan of A A Groundwater divide m(od) Well 3 Well 2 Well 1 SW Millstream Well 4 Conceptual model Well 5 Well 6 Groundwater flow direction Well 7 Well 8 NE Ordnance Survey of Ireland Licence No. EN Ordnance Survey of Ireland and Government of Ireland. Client: Newmarket Co-op Project Code:1160_02_09 Title: Conceptual model of Groundwater flow Drawing No: 7 Issue Date: 28/09/10 Revision:1 Scale: Not to Scale OES FBD House, Fels Point, Tralee, Co. Kerry Ireland P: W: oes.ie EPA Export :02:15:47

25 Attachment B Monitoring Well- Hydr rochemical Results EPA Export :02:15:47

26 ! " #$ Parameter Units Well 2 Well 5 Well 8 Field Results Conductivity us/cm TDS ppm Temperature o Celcius Laborartory Results Alkalinity Bicarbonate as CaCO3 mg/l Alkalinity Carbonate as CaCO3 mg/l <2 <2 <2 Ammonical Nitrogen as NH3 mg/l < degrees C us/cm Phosphorous ug/l < <6.3 EPH range >C10-C40 (aq) ug/l <46 <46 <46 Sulphate mg/l Chloride mg/l Nitrate mg/l Calcium mg/l Sodium mg/l Magnesium mg/l Potassium mg/l 3.03 <2.34 <2.34 ph ph units Certificates of Analysis from Alcontrol laboratory are appended the following Section %& '(() * EPA Export :02:15:47

27 Attachment C Photolog EPA Export :02:15:47

28 Well 1 Well 2 Well 3 Well 4 EPA Export :02:15:47

29 Well 5 Well 6 Well 7 Well 8 EPA Export :02:15:47

30 Attachment D Topography Survey re esults EPA Export :02:15:47

31 # " $!! "! %&$'( )*+*, -+,,./+ +/ )0+.-* /+-,.0+*. +. )-+/- /+,0.0+./ +/ ) ).+, + )+/ +/, ))+/.* + ).+/) +* * )*+.* +- ),+,) +- - )+**. +/0 )+*0 +,- 0 ).+-/) +*0 ) *22/ 3 " EPA Export :02:15:47

32 Attachment E Ionic Balance Result ts EPA Export :02:15:47

33 Ionic balance Well 2 Major cations mg/l meq/l Major anions mg/l meq/l Sodium Carbonate Potassium Bicarbonate magnesium Sulphate Calcium Chloride Nitrate Ionic balance error % = 6.62 Ionic balance Well 5 Major cations mg/l meq/l Major anions mg/l meq/l Sodium Carbonate Potassium Bicarbonate magnesium Sulphate Calcium Chloride Nitrate Ionic balance error % = 9.49 Ionic balance Well 8 Major cations mg/l meq/l Major anions mg/l meq/l Sodium Carbonate Potassium Bicarbonate magnesium Sulphate Calcium Chloride Nitrate Ionic balance error % = 6.88! " EPA Export :02:15:47

34 Attachment F 1St Draft Rathmore GWB Des scription EPA Export :02:15:47

35 1 st Draft Rathmore GWB Description Rathmore GWB: Summary of Initial Characterisation. Hydrometric Area Local Authority 18 Cork Co. Co. (Northern division) Kerry Co. Co. Limerick Co. Co. Topography Associated surface water features Associated terrestrial ecosystem(s) Area (km 2 ) Rivers: Glashawee, Dalua, Glenlara, Owenkeal, Priory Wood (001072)? 766 Owenanare, Allow, Brogeen, Blackwater, Clyda, Owentaraglin, Awanaskirtaun, Finnow, Owenagloo, Allow, Stream: Ballyclough, Cullavaw, Rampart. Much of this GWB is a dissected upland plateau with general elevations of 160 to 240 metres OD. Highest elevations are in the northwest at over 400 metres. Lowest elevations, in the east, are about 50 metres OD. Geology and Aquifers Overlying Strata Aquifer categories Main aquifer lithologies Key structures Key properties Thickness Lithologies Thickness % area aquifer near surface Vulnerability Ll: Locally important aquifer which is moderately productive only in local zones (95%) Pl: Poor aquifer which is generally unproductive except for local zone (2%) Pu: Poor aquifer which is generally unproductive (3%) There is also a small area of limestone (0.1% - 4km 2 ) for which classification is pending. Namurian Undifferentiated (67%), Namurian Sandstones (23%), Namurian Shales (8%), Westphalian Shales (2%). There are also two very small areas of Dinantian Pure Unbedded Limestones (0.1% - 4 km 2 ) The Namurian rocks are composed of a variety of thin sandstones, siltstones, flagstones, mudstones and shales. Hydrogeological data are poor for all formations except the Upper Namurian Beds. The sandstone beds within the rock groups have a slightly higher permeability than the shales due to their greater ability to fracture. Water levels have been recorded at depths of more than 20 m but in general the water table is close to the surface reflecting the low permeability of the rock. There are a number of artesian supplies where the sandstone beds are confined by the shales and mudstones. Wells are generally low yielding although some have recorded yields of more than 100 m 3 /d. Specific capacities are usually low being less than 5 m 3 /d/m. Subsoil Types identified in Rathmore GWB by Teagasc Parent Material Mapping (Draft): Alluvium (A); Blanket Peat (BktPt), Shales and sandstones sands and gravels (Namurian) (GNSsS); Made Ground (Made); Rock outcrop and rock close to surface (Rck); Till Devonian Sandstone Till (TDSs), Namurian Sandstone & Shale Till (TNSSs). Large areas of peat occur as blanket bogs on the higher ground in the west on the poorly drained Namurian shales and sandstones. Generally speaking, the thickest deposits are tills and till-with-gravel, found in morainic ridges which lie around the edges of the limestone plain, banked up against the upland areas of the Namurian scarp. Deposits in the area south of Newcastlewest reach thicknesses of more than 40 m. Namurian till is classed as having a low permeability as, although in some areas it has a stony matrix, there is still generally a high clay content due to the weathering of shale clasts. Recharge Main recharge mechanisms Est. recharge rates Since there are no karstic areas and no aquifers with regional flow systems which might include losing streams, recharge will be diffuse, from rainfall percolating through the subsoil or areas of outcropping rock. The proportion of the effective rainfall that will recharge the aquifer is determined by the permeability of the soil and subsoil, and by the slope. EPA Export :02:15:47

36 1 st Draft Rathmore GWB Description Large springs and high yielding wells (m 3 /d) Note: The following data needs to be checked and updated by RBD Project Consultants. Data from GSI Well Database: Ballinatona RWSS Springs, Meelin (warm springs) (EPA CON 2): 6362 m 3 /d NB these springs issue from a small limestone aquifer enclosed by the Namurian rocks. (Another warm spring (though with a very small flow) occurs just outside Newmarket town Trinity Well). Additional data from EPA Groundwater Sources List: Discharge Main discharge mechanisms Hydrochemical Signature Groundwater Flow Paths Groundwater & Surface water interactions Due to the generally low permeability of the aquifers within this GWB and the high slopes, a high proportion of the recharge will discharge rapidly to surface watercourses via the upper layers of the aquifer, effectively reducing further the available groundwater resource in the aquifer. Groundwater emanating from the Namurian rocks is generally slightly hard, with an average total hardness of about 110 mg/l. Trilinear diagrams show a variable water type classification, varying from calcium-magnesiumsodium bicarbonate to sodium bicarbonate, reflecting the high ion exchange capacity of the rocks (Deakin, 1994). The magnesium/calcium ratios are high and are a consequence of ion exchange as calcium is removed from solution, leaving higher relative proportions of magnesium. Sodium varies from mg/l and this variability may also be due to the ion exchange or be a consequence of the high rainfall. The main groundwater quality problems due to the natural conditions in the ground and the natural chemistry of groundwater are caused by iron (Fe). A high proportion of wells in the Namurian rocks have high iron concentrations (more than 20 mg/l (total Fe) in places) and to a lesser extent manganese (Mn) (up to 0.53 mg/l). These rocks have no intergranular permeability; groundwater flow occurs in fractures and faults. Permeability is highest in the upper few metres but generally decreases rapidly with depth. In general, groundwater flow is concentrated in the upper 15 m of the aquifer, although deeper inflows from along fault zones or connected fractures can be encountered. Significant yields can be obtained where boreholes are drilled into known fault zones. However, yields are not necessarily sustainable, as the fracture networks are generally not extensive or well connected but primarily concentrated in the vicinity of the fault zones. Springs occur in some instances on fault zones. Groundwater levels are about m below ground level, and will generally follow the topography. Close to the rivers and streams, water levels will be near ground level. Surface water features are considered to be in hydraulic continuity with the water table. Groundwater flow will be local. Groundwater flow paths are generally short, typically m, with groundwater discharging to small springs, or to the streams and rivers that traverse the aquifer. Flow directions are expected to approximately follow the local surface water catchments. Groundwater is generally unconfined. Groundwater will discharge locally to streams and rivers crossing the aquifer and also to small springs and seeps. Owing to the poor productivity of the aquifers in this body it is unlikely that any major groundwater - surface water interactions occur. Baseflow to rivers and streams is likely to be relatively low. Ballinatona RWSS Springs, Meelin, are an exception to this general picture, and represents a different flow system from a karstic limestone aquifer at depth. Conceptual model The groundwater body is bounded to the west and north by the topographic high and surface water divide which forms the boundary with and other GWBs. The topography of this body is mainly upland, with ground level rising from about 50 metres OD to the highest elevations. Of 400 metres OD on the catchment boundary. The groundwater body is comprised of rocks with low transmissivity and storativity, although localised zones of enhanced permeability occur along fault zones. Flow occurs along fractures, joints and major faults. Flows in the aquifer are generally concentrated in a thin zone at the top of the rock, although deeper groundwater flows along faults and major fractures. Diffuse recharge occurs across the GWB through the subsoils and rock outcrops. Due to the generally low permeability of the aquifers within this GWB and the high slopes, a high proportion of effective rainfall will runoff, or discharge rapidly to surface water courses via interflow and shallow flow. Where water levels within the unconfined aquifer are high, potential recharge will also be rejected. The water table can vary between a few metres up to more than 10 m below ground surface, depending upon topography. Groundwater is generally unconfined. Flow path lengths are generally short, ranging m. Local groundwater flow directions are controlled by local topography. Overall, groundwater flows to south and east from the topographic highs. Groundwater discharges to the numerous streams and rivers crossing the aquifer, which are gaining, and to springs. A small volume of groundwater may cross-flow into the adjacent GWBs. EPA Export :02:15:47

37 1 st Draft Rathmore GWB Description Attachments Hydrochemical Signature (Figure 1); Groundwater Hydrograph (Figure 2) Instrumentation Stream gauges: 18009*, 18010*, 18012*, 18014, 18016*, 18017*, 18025, 18034, 18038, 18050, 18051, * Dry Water Flow Data available EPA Water Level Monitoring boreholes: Ballyviniter GWS (CON 9), Roskeen (CON 76), Tawr GWS (CON 78), Newmarket Co-op (CON 113) & (CON 132), (CON 115), Dairygold-Mallow (CON 133), Ballyclough Co-op (CON 142) EPA Representative Monitoring points: Ballinatona RWS (CON 2), Millstreet WS (CON 62), Dairygold Co-op Mallow (CON 133) Information Sources Disclaimer Deakin J, Daly D, Coxon C (1998) County Limerick Groundwater Protection Scheme. Geological Survey of Ireland, 61 pp. Pracht M (1997) Geology of Kerry-Cork: a geological description, to accompany bedrock geology 1:100,000 scale map, Sheet 21, Kerry - Cork. Geological Survey of Ireland. 70pp Wright GR (1979) Groundwater in the South Munster Synclines. In: Hydrogeology in Ireland, Proceedings of a Hydrogeological Meeting and associated Field Trips held in the Republic of Ireland from 22 to 27 May, Published by the Irish National Committee of the International Hydrological Programme. Note that all calculation and interpretations presented in this report represent estimations based on the information sources described above and established hydrogeological formulae List of Rock units in Rathmore GWB Rock unit name and code Description Rock unit group Aquifer Classification Westphalian (undifferentiated) Grey shale, thin siltstone & (WES) sandstone Westphalian Shales Pu Namurian (undifferentiated) (NAM) Black shale & sandstone Namurian Undifferentiated Ll Feale Sandstone Formation (FS) Sandstone, siltstone & shale Namurian Sandstones Ll Glenoween Shale Formation (GN) Grey silty mudstone Namurian Shales Ll Cloone Flagstone Formation (CF) Greywacke, siltstone & silty shale Namurian Sandstones Ll Clare Shale Formation (CS) Mudstone, cherty at base Namurian Shales Pu Annabella Formation (AN) Interbedded siltstone & sandstone Namurian Sandstones Ll Dinantian limestones Pending Undifferentiated limestone Namurian Undifferentiated (undifferentiated) (DIN) Classification EPA Export :02:15:47

38 Rathmore GWB (For reference only) 1 st Draft Rathmore GWB Description EPA Export :02:15:47