Agglomeration: Cork City Annual Environmental Report 2011

Transcription

1 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Comhairle Cathrach Chorcaí CORK CITY COUNCIL Agglomeration: Cork City Annual Environmental Report 2011 Licence Register Number: D Licensees: Cork City Council and Cork County Council 12/30/ P a g e

2 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Contents 1 Introduction Site Information Wastewater Treatment Plant Wastewater Treatment Solids Treatment Waste Water Treatment Plant Management Monitoring Reports Summary Summary Report on Monthly Influent and Effluent Flow Infiltration Summary of Monthly Influent Monitoring Results Sampling Interpretation of Results Compliance with Design Mass loading measurement Discharges from the Agglomeration COD, SS, & cbod List of Non-Compliances : Treated Effluent Effluent Monitoring Summary Table: COD, SS & cbod Storm Discharges, Treated Discharges & Combined Discharge Summary COD, SS & cbod, for Storm, Treated Discharges & Resultant Combined Discharge Total N and Total P - List of Influent & Effluent Quality Values for Total N, Total P: Summary of Test Results and List of Non-Compliances, Total N & Total P Discharge Licence Compliance UWWTD Compliance Flow -Loading Calculation for Percentage reductions - Total N & Total P Ambient Monitoring Summary Harbour Monitoring Summary River Monitoring Summary Data Collection and reporting requirements under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive: P a g e

3 Cork City Agglomeration Pollutant Release and transfer register (PRTR) Report for Operational Reports Summary Complaints Summary Waste Water Treatment Plant Sewer Network Reported Incidents Summary Waste Water Treatment Plant Infrastructural Assessments and Programme of Improvements Treatment Capacity Hydraulic Load Organic Load Storm water overflow identification and inspection report Programme of Infrastructural Improvements Report on progress made and proposals being developed to meet the improvement programme requirements Environmental Liability and Financial Provisions Annual Statement on prevention of environmental damage Environmental Liabilities Risk Assessment Licence Specific Reports Toxicity of Final Waste Water Effluent Screening of Organic Compounds and Metals Chemical, Ecological and Trophic status of the receiving waters Shellfish Impact Assessment Approval Appendix 1: ELRA Appendix 2 : Toxicity of Effluent-4 species Appendix 3 : Storm water overflows Appendix 4 : Programme of Infrastructural Improvements P a g e

4 Cork City Agglomeration Introduction 1.1 Site Information Agglomeration: Cork City Licence No: D Licensee: Cork City Council and Cork County Council The Agglomeration comprises of Cork City and adjacent areas in Cork County, including Tramore Valley, Douglas, and Rochestown, and also includes Glanmire, Glounthaune and Little Island adjacent to the Waste Water Treatment Plant. The Waste Water Treatment Plant is located at Carrigrennan on Little Island and was commissioned in 2004 with a capacity for an organic load of 413,000 Pop. Equiv. The design capacity of the plant was based on 53% of total load coming from industrial sources. The main discharge from the WWTP is located in Lough Mahon. The current organic plant loading for 2010 is calculated to be 269,000 Pop. Equiv. A total pipe network of over 560 Kms is in place in the City network comprising approximately 40% Combined Sewers, and 30% each, separated, Foul and Surface Water Sewers. In addition there are approximately 28 km of Rising Mains. There are 34 Pumping Stations in total on the wastewater works, (27 in the City Council Network), a number of which have pumped overflows in the event of storm events, and the majority of which have gravity overflows in the event of emergencies associated with the operation of the pumps. In addition there are approximately fifty other stormwater overflow locations, largely associated with 62 Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO s) and including an untreated Secondary discharge into the River Lee North Channel adjacent to St. Patrick s Bridge in the City Centre. A central collection chamber, incorporating screening and grit removal, gathers the flows from the City and adjacent areas, including Tramore Valley, Douglas, and Rochestown. Twin 1200mm diameter siphons are laid from this, the Ballinure Header Chamber, under Lough Mahon to the Treatment plant at Carrigrennan, a distance of over 4.5km. Local flows from Glanmire, Glounthaune and Little Island run directly to the plant at Carrigrennan. The following Annual Environmental Report (2011 AER) has been prepared as per condition 6.11 of the Cork City and County Councils Discharge licence D This licence was granted on 17 th December This is the Second AER report for D Wastewater Treatment Plant The works consists of essentially two treatment activities, namely Wastewater Treatment and Solids Treatment 4 P a g e

5 Cork City Agglomeration Wastewater Treatment The various treatment stages include the following: Screening (5mm) and De-gritting: Local flows only, flow from Ballinure previously screened and de-gritted. InFlow Measurement & Sampling Storm Water Treatment: 4 Tanks (storage/settlement/return/overflow) Pre-Aeration, with odour control treatment of removed gases Primary Clarification: 2 Settlement Tanks, (covered) sedimentation/ removal of settable solids Secondary Treatment: Sequencing Batch Reactor, 8 Rectangular basins OutFlow Measurement & Sampling Effluent Discharge Solids Treatment Stages include the following: Sludge Treatment Thickening Digestion Dewatering and Drying The sludge is anaerobically digested during which Biogas is produced. This Biogas is used on site to mix the sludge in the digestors, heat the sludge as it is re-circulated, and pasteurise and dry the sludge to 90% dry solids. The Sludge contains 5% Nitrogen, 5% Phosphorous and it has no significant heavy metals making it ideal for agricultural use. Currently all sludge, in dry pellet form, is used for agriculture Waste Water Treatment Plant Management The Cork City Waste Water Treatment plant at Carrigrennan is owned by Cork City Council and is operated by Northumbrian Water Projects Ltd on behalf of Consort Joint Venture on a twenty year contract. 5 P a g e

6 Cork City Agglomeration Monitoring Reports Summary 2.1 Summary Report on Monthly Influent and Effluent Flow Influent and effluent flow is measured on a continuous daily basis at the plant. Summary flow statistics on the influent to and effluent from the plant during 2011 based on the 365 (daily) flow measurements are tabulated below. Total influent data represents influent water from the agglomeration arriving at the Carrigrennan Waste Water Treatment Plant. It does not include wastewater lost in combined sewer overflows in the upstream waste water works of the agglomeration. Month Total Inflow incl Flow to Storm Tanks Dischage to Effluent Outfall Storm Tank Overflow to Storm Outfall January ,472,288 3,585,615 19,400 February ,550,936 3,691,470 86,200 March ,849,753 2,965,020 - April ,551,046 2,644,630 - May ,283,943 3,365, ,060 June ,659,705 2,773,990 10,180 July ,493,904 2,612,340 - August ,498,390 2,641,070 - September ,721,876 2,893,420 17,950 October ,986,175 3,216,520 23,970 November ,785,294 3,846, ,340 December ,547,478 3,809,380 24,200 Annual flow Year ,400,786 38,045, ,300 Average Daily flow , ,234 1,302 Max Daily flow , ,840 76,010 Min Daily flow ,478 22,480 - Max. Daily Flow Min Daily Flow 2011 Comments: The discrepancy between inflow measured compared to discharge is a reflection of the method of flow measurement employed at the respective measurement locations. Discharges from the site are measured via Flume readings. The readings from two Mag. Flow meters in sequence are averaged and combined with a flume meter to the Storm overflow Tanks to calculate the inflow. Outflows as measured by Flume from Storm Tank overflow FIT 300 (475,300 Total for 2011) are not directly comparable to the Inflows measured by Flume to Storm Tanks FIT 104 (466,300 m3 6 P a g e

7 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 for 2011) which is included as part of Total Inflow in Summary Table above. As part of the treatment process, overflows after Primary Treatment, i.e. over and above 1.83m3/sec, also flow to the Storm Tanks adding to the quantities that make up the outflows and similarly as flows vary/decrease over a time period, additional storm water will be added back into the effluent going for secondary treatment. The Original Design Data for the Carrigrennan WWTP, based on 2020 figures is as follows: Crude Sewage Flow (Excluding the returns) M3/day M3/Hr M3/sec Crude Sewage Dry Weather Flow (DWF) 59,359 2, Crude Sewage Maximum Flow (WWF) 359,592 14, Design Factor, WWF/ DWF Flow to Primary Treatment M3/day M3/Hr M3/sec DWF 59,359 Multiplier 3 Maximum Flow 178,077 7, Excess flows are diverted to Storm Tanks Flow to Secondary Treatment M3/day M3/Hr M3/sec DWF 59,359 Multiplier 2.5 Infiltration 9,741 Maximum Flow (2.5*DWF+ I) 158,139 6, Excess flows are diverted to Storm Tanks Annual Average Peak Flow M3/day M3/Hr M3/sec DWF 59,359 2, The Average Daily Flow (ADF) is assumed to be 1.2 *DWF 71,231 2, Average Daily Flow Peak (ADFP) is assumed to be 1.6* ADF 113,969 4, The Original design figures for the plant were increased by 20% under the Consort Joint Venture Contract entered into by Cork City/Cork County Councils for the construction and operation of the WWTP. 7 P a g e

8 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 The table below illustrates the effect this made to the DWF and compares it with the calculated DWF based on the 10 th Percentile of Flow to the WWTP each year. This calculated DWF method is recognised as valid given the limitations on making a DWF assessment, i.e the ability to achieve the specified period of dry weather over the catchment to enable an actual measurement to be carried out. The calculated 10%ile DWF correlates well to the Contracted increased level for 2020, i.e. 71,232M3/day. Calculated DWF Contracted Design DWF Original Design 10% ile 1.2 DWF DWF Period M3/day M3/day M3/day ,231 59, ,082 65,027 54, ,942 64,337 53, ,523 63,648 53, ,397 62,959 52, ,698 62,269 51, ,704 61,580 51, ,244 60,890 50, ,148 The Flows received at the WWTP have not varied appreciably since it was first commissioned as illustrated by the Summary Table of Flows over Infiltration The maximum hydraulic flow to the Carrigrennan plant during 2011 was a factor of 3.45 times higher than the minimum flow. This quantifies the range of influent flows experienced in the plant, variations being caused mainly by inflow, surface water ingress after rainfall via the combined sewer systems in the agglomeration, and infiltration into the waste water network through various means, from groundwater and sea water ingress experienced at higher tides. The groundwater and tidal influence is evident by the infiltration experienced in periods of dry weather. Comparing the variation in average annual daily inflow from 2005 to 2011, where the median value was 96,886m3/day, the maximum variation, + 12,081m3/day, was experienced in 2009, a year when the annual rainfall was 30% greater than the normal for the area. The median, i.e. zero variation, was represented by 2006 which had the standard rainfall. This shows the flow variations increased rainfall alone can make where there is a combined sewerage system in a large proportion of the waste water network. 8 P a g e

9 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Summary Table of Flow Values. Influent, "Average Value FIT102/3", plus FIT 104 Treated Effluent Fit 1200 Storm Overflow Fit Cork Airport Year Total Annual inflow Annual Average Daily inflow Annual Maximum Daily inflow Annual Minimum Daily inflow Total Annual Treated Effluent Annual Average Daily Treated Effluent Annual Max. Daily Treated Effluent Annual Min. Daily Treated Effluent Total Annual Storm Overflow Annual Average Daily Storm overflow Annual Max. Daily Storm overflow Annual Min. Daily Storm overflow Rainfall M3/Yr M3/day M3/day M3/day M3/Yr M3/day M3/day M3/day M3/Yr M3/day M3/day M3/day mm / year ,400,786 99, ,637 64,478 38,045, , ,840 22, ,300 1,302 76,010-1, ,337,991 96, ,172 54,487 36,439,570 99, ,840 45, ,460 2,212 87, ,773, , ,556 57,938 40,381, , ,330 63,230 1,872,230 5, ,700-1, ,963, , ,152 32,442 38,802, , ,120 34, ,830 1,484 67,860-1, ,090,510 93, ,191 60,809 34,735,070 95, ,000 63, ,410 2,302 88,700-1, ,363,499 96, ,681 57,670 35,877,800 98, ,310 58,770 1,061,790 2,909 79,600-1, ,423,368 91, ,380 34,107 34,149,730 93, ,310 43, ,960 1,592 52,720-1, yr mean Summary Table of Inflows, Chloride levels Parameter Type Jan Feb March April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Annual Values ,207 No. Samples Total Inflow Mean 112, ,819 91,928 85, ,934 88,657 80,449 80,593 90,729 96, , ,435 99, m3/d Max 169, , , , , , , , , , , , ,637 Min 84,653 92,797 74,711 66,872 72,863 74,694 65,398 64,478 69,767 72,388 94,246 94,905 64,478 Chlorides Mean ,438 1,678 1,122 1,832 2,232 2,741 2,481 1, , mg/l Max 2,800 1,600 3,100 3,300 2,700 2,800 4,000 5,300 4,500 3,060 1,300 1,600 5,300 Min ,166 1,300 1, P a g e

10 When compared with the original 2020 Design DWF of 59,359 m3/day & the contracted 2020 Design DWF of 71,231m3/day the Average Daily Flows received at the WWTP suggest a high background level of inflow and/or infiltration from the start of operation, which has not varied appreciably. A value of 9,741 m3/day (2020) was allowed in the original design of the plant for infiltration. This does not account for the level of the infiltration being experienced. The flows received at the WWTP are most likely reflecting the location of the City which is at the head of the Estuary. A good proportion of the city centre, is either land reclaimed from the original marsh at the mouth of the River Lee, is within the tidal range, or is surrounded or adjacent to water. The heart of the city, an area of approx 100 Ha, is an island surrounded by the two channels of the River Lee, 80 Ha of this is below a level of 3.5m AOD. The North Channel is Tidal as far as the City Waterworks, a distance of 3.3 km from the lower end of the Central Island and the start of the Channel split. The South Channel is Tidal to a point 2.2 Km from the lower end of Central Island. The predicted High Tide range for 2010 varied from 0.62m to 2.22m AOD. Given that sewers are, nominally, at least 1.5m below the street level, it can be seen that infiltration from tidal, river waters and groundwater could be contributing greatly to background flows in the sewers. The majority of sewers were in the centre city were relaid /separated during the Cork Main Drainage projects but questions arise as to the integrity of the older drain connections to these new sewers. Infiltration by tidal waters is reinforced by the varying levels of Chloride that have been measured in the inflows to the WWTP. These Chloride levels increase incrementally at times of higher tides, i.e. normally on a fortnightly basis, and are particularly noticeable at Spring and Neap tides. Excavations in the city centre have traditionally been tide-dependent, and in fact this was a feature of work programmes for Cork Main Drainage. 10 P a g e

11 Cork City Agglomeration Summary of Monthly Influent Monitoring Results. Parameter Type Jan Feb March April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Annual Values 2011 No. Samples COD Mean mg/l Max , ,100 Min BOD Mean mg/l Max Min TSS Mean mg/l Max Min Total N Mean mg/l Max Min Total P Mean mg/l Max Min Total Inflow Mean 112, ,819 91,928 85, ,934 88,657 80,449 80,593 90,729 96, , ,435 99, m3/d Max 169, , , , , , , , , , , , ,637 Min 84,653 92,797 74,711 66,872 72,863 74,694 65,398 64,478 69,767 72,388 94,246 94,905 64,478 Total Inflow Mean 264, , , , , , , , , , , , ,842 PE/day Max 384, , , , , , , , , , , , ,418 Min 168, , , , , , , , , , , , , P a g e

12 2.1.3 Sampling Influent samples are monitored on 5 out of each 7 days for each of the parameters COD, cbod and TSS using a 24-hr composite sampler. Samples are collected from the composite sampler at 9.00 am each day, Monday to Friday. Results are as tested by Accredited Laboratory on site This information is presented above in a monthly summary for A total of 260 samples of influent were analysed during 2011 for COD, cbod and TSS. Values given are the Average (Mean), Maximum and Minimum of the Daily values for the relevant month. A total of 31 samples each were monitored for Total N and Total P during The results of this monitoring is also included in the monthly summary table above for 2011 Hydraulic inflows are measured daily, i.e. 365 flow readings for 2011, and again the results are tabulated above Interpretation of Results Influent strength depends on discharges of wastewaters from the upstream agglomeration within any 24 hour sampling period. The 24 hour composite influent sewage quality is strongly influenced by rainfall, high tides and other infiltration prior to and during the sample collection period. The levels of Chloride measured give an indication of the level of influence of tidal inflows into the system. These chloride levels can be seen to fluctuate with the tides, having the largest values at times of the higher tides in particular. The average daily values for COD, cbod and TSS in the table above are representative of a medium to weak strength urban wastewater. Despite the proportion of industrial effluent included in the total composition which should increase the strength of the influent considerably, the average values monitored support the argument for large volumes of infiltration into the system, thereby weakening the resultant strength. Spikes in wastewater strength should occur generally in the dryer summer months. In 2011, April, July, and August, experienced rainfall much lower than average and exhibited these high parameter values whereas May had 50% more rainfall than normal and strengths were at their lowest in most parameters that month Compliance with Design cbod, COD and TSS are within the Daily Design Loads for the WWTP. Hydraulic Inflows exceed the Daily Design Load but are within the Design Capacity of the plant. 12 P a g e

13 Cork City Agglomeration Mass loading measurement The 2011 Plant Loading is tabulated as follows Full Flow Weighted Crude Sewage Loads to Site (inc storm) Year 2011 Total Inflow Flow Weighted COD Flow Weighted BOD Flow Weighted TSS m3 Kg Kg Kg 2011 Annual Totals 36,400,786 15,698,153 6,632,230 7,116, Average Daily Value 99,728 43,009 18,170 19,497 Daily Design Loads Carrigrennan 71,231 49,938 24,792 23,320 Design P.E. Carrigrennan 413, Calculated P.E (based on 1 P.E. to 60g BOD/day) 302, Average Daily Value, As % of Daily Design Load 140% 86% 73% 84% 13 P a g e

14 2.2 Discharges from the Agglomeration COD, SS, & cbod List of Non-Compliances : Treated Effluent D Licence Compliance UWWTD Compliance 2011 COD Suspended Solids BOD COD Suspended Solids BOD COD SS BOD Date (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) % Reductions ELV OR % Reduction ELV ELV (Cond. 2) <125 or 75% <35 or 90% <25 or 70% 06/01/ % 82% 88% 1 20/01/ % 79% 79% 0 21/01/ % 77% 83% 1 25/01/ % 79% 86% 1 26/01/ % 84% 87% 1 27/01/ % 72% 79% /01/ % 80% 83% 31/01/ % 81% 85% 1 03/02/ % 82% 86% 04/02/ % 75% 85% /02/ % 80% 85% 08/02/ % 76% 92% 1 09/02/ % 76% 82% 1 16/03/ % 84% 88% 1 17/03/ % 88% 90% 18/03/ % 82% 87% 1 25/03/ % 91% 88% 28/03/ % 87% 88% 30/03/ % 84% 86% 1 31/03/ % 90% 91% 08/04/ % 92% 89% 11/04/ % 84% 85% 12/04/ % 89% 90% 13/04/ % 86% 90% 1 14/04/ % 83% 85% 15/04/ % 84% 86% 18/04/ % 80% 83% /04/ % 87% 84% 1 21/04/ % 84% 87% 1 22/04/ % 89% 93% 31/08/ % 82% 89% 1 01/09/ % 87% 87% 1 26/10/ % 71% 84% 1 04/11/ % 52% 68% Total No.samples above ELV P a g e

15 Cork City Agglomeration Effluent Monitoring Summary Table: COD, SS & cbod Summary of ELV Exceedances 2011 COD D Licence Compliance Suspended Solids BOD COD (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) UWWTD Compliance Suspended Solids BOD COD % Reductions Suspended Solids BOD ELV OR % Reduction ELV ELV (Cond. 2) No. samples required by licence <125 or 75% <35 or 90% <25 or 70% No. Samples Taken No. samples which may exceed ELV Total No.samples above ELV Nett No.Samples above ELV No Samples above ELV (cond.2 interpretation incl.) Total UWWTD Non- Compliances Nett UWWTD Non- Compliances Overall Compliance Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Mean % 89% 91% 15 P a g e

16 2.2.3 Storm Discharges, Treated Discharges & Combined Discharge In the following table, the values of stormwater samples which exceed the ELVs are highlighted for the days in which Stormwater was discharged to outfall. While there were 41 instances of parameters exceeding the ELV, only 4 of these parameters exceeded condition 2 ELV. There was no ELV exceedance for the calculated combined flow discharge and resultant parameter value Storm Discharge to Outfall Treated Discharge to Outfall Combined Discharge to Outfall Storm Tank Overflow FIT300 Storm COD Storm SS Storm cbod Flume to Outfall FIT1200 Date (Collection Period) m3 mg/l mg/l mg/l m3 mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l ELV ELV (Cond. 2) Jan-11 16, , , Jan-11 2, , , Feb-11 5, , , Feb-11 6, , , Feb-11 10, , , Feb-11 8, , , Feb-11 24, , , Feb-11 8, , , Feb-11 2, , , Feb-11 4, , , Feb-11 16, , , May-11 50, , , May-11 33, , , May-11 7, , , May-11 4, , , May-11 8, , , Jun-11 10, , , Sep-11 17, , , Oct-11 9, , , Oct-11 14, , , Nov-11 31, , , Nov , , Nov-11 38, , , Nov-11 76, , , Nov-11 5, , , Nov-11 7, , , Nov-11 1, , , Nov , , Nov-11 16, , , Nov-11 10, , , Dec-11 7, , , Dec-11 6, , , Dec-11 5, , , Dec-11 3, , , Dec-11 1, , , Sample Related flow 317,110 3,645,270 3,962,380 Total Flows 475,300 5,137,180 5,612,480 Treated Outfall COD Treated Outfall SS Treated Outfall cbod Combined Storm & Treated Outfall Flow Combined Storm & Treated COD Combined Storm & Treated SS Combined Storm & Treated cbod 16 P a g e

17 Cork City Agglomeration Summary COD, SS & cbod, for Storm, Treated Discharges & Resultant Combined Discharge. When Treated effluent and Storm Discharge flows and loads are combined and equivalent effluent quality compared, there is no additional discharge above the ELV limits in Storm Discharge to Outfall Treated Discharge to Outfall Combined Discharge to Outfall Date Storm Tank Overflow FIT300 Storm COD Storm SS Storm cbod Flume to Outfall FIT1200 Treated Outfall COD Treated Outfall SS Treated Outfall cbod Combined Storm & Treated Outfall Flow Combined Storm & Treated COD Combined Storm & Treated SS Combined Storm & Treated cbod m3 mg/l mg/l mg/l m3 mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l ELV ELV (Cond. 2) Sample Related Flow 317,110 3,645,270 3,962,380 Total Flows 475,300 5,137,180 5,612,480 No.Samples Taken No.Samples Above ELV No.Samples Above ELV Cond Overall Compliance Pass Pass Pass 17 P a g e

18 2.2.5 Total N and Total P - List of Influent & Effluent Quality Values for Total N, Total P: Cork City (Carrigrennan) Waste Water Treatment Plant was not designed for Nutrient Removal Treatment. The discharge point from Carrigrennan Waste Water Treatment Plant, i.e. The Lee Estuary/Lough Mahon, was designated a sensitive area in July 2004 under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Amendment) Regulations, The exceedances as tabulated for Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus reflect these conditions. Date (Flow collection period) Mixed Crude Sewage Total Nitrogen (mg/l) Final Effluent Total Nitrogen (mg/l) Final Vs Crude % Reduction Total Nitrogen Mixed Crude Sewage Total Phosphorus (mg/l) Final Effluent Total Phosphorus (mg/l) Final Vs Crude % Reduction Total Phosphorus 04/01/ % % 10/01/ % % 17/01/ % % 24/01/ % % 31/01/ % % 07/02/ % % 14/02/ % % 21/02/ % % 28/02/ % % 07/03/ % % 21/03/ % % 04/04/ % % 19/04/ % % 02/05/ % % 16/05/ % % 30/05/ % % 13/06/ % % 27/06/ % % 11/07/ % % 25/07/ % % 08/08/ % % 22/08/ % % 05/09/ % % 20/09/ % % 03/10/ % % 17/10/ % 18/10/ % 31/10/ % % 14/11/ % % 28/11/ % % 12/12/ % % 26/12/ % % Annual Mean No. of samples Note: Above Licence ELV Above 120% Licence ELV. 18 P a g e

19 2.2.6 Summary of Test Results and List of Non-Compliances, Total N & Total P Licence Requirements Criteria Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus No of Samples required by Licence ELV, Concentration Individual Result limit Results not > ELV No of Samples Taken No of Samples which may exceed ELV Final Effluent Concentration Final Effluent Individual Results Final effluent Results not > ELV Fortnightly Annual Mean 10 mg/l 2.5 mg/l 120% ELV 12 mg/l 3.0mg/l 8 out of 10 Samples 10 mg/l 2.5 mg/l Compliant Annual Mean 24.5 mg/l 2.2 mg/l 120% ELV No compliant sample 24 compliant samples 8 out of 10 consecutive Samples All Non-compliant 7 samples non compliant Overall Compliance Fail Fail Summary of Compliance with UWWT Discharge to Sensitive Areas Compliance with UWWT No of Samples required Concentration (annual mean) Daily Average Minimum Percentage of Reduction (related to load of the influent) Criteria Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus >50,000 P.E >100,000 P.E. 10 mg/l 1 mg/l (Temp. >or = 12' C) 20 mg/l N/A 70%-80% No of Samples Taken Concentration (annual mean) 24.5 mg/l 2.2 mg/l Daily Average (Temp. >or = 12' C) Non compliant (7 of 31 samples compliant) N/A Minimum Percentage of Reduction 21.20% 45.7% (related to load of the influent) Overall compliance Fail Fail Discharge Licence Compliance While the Annual mean for Total Phosphorous is within the Emission Limit Value for the Discharge Licence, more than the four samples allowed, i.e. 7 samples, from the 31 samples taken exceeded the ELV. 29 of the 31 samples were within the 120% ELV limit of 3.0mg/l for individual samples. On a rolling basis while compliance was not achieved on 8 out of 10 consecutive samples of the 31 taken for the full year, it would be possible to achieve that standard should 5 samples be eliminated from the analysis, i.e. use only licence amount required, 26, of the 31 samples taken. Total Nitrogen is Non-compliant in all counts. 80% UWWTD Compliance There was no sample, from 31 taken, under the limit of 1.0 mg/l for Total Phosphorous under The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive Limits. The percentage reductions achieved averaged 45.7%, with the maximum value of 71% reduction for Total Phosphorous for an individual sample, i.e. non-compliant. 7 samples for Total Nitrogen of the 31 taken were within the Daily Average Emission Limit Value of 20mg/l. No sample was equal to or under 10mg/l. The average reduction in Total 19 P a g e

20 Nitrogen was 21.2% for 2011, with the maximum reduction achieved being 39% for an individual sample, i.e. non compliant Flow -Loading Calculation for Percentage reductions - Total N & Total P 2011 Mixed Crude Sewage Total Nitrogen flow weighted KG Total Phosphorous flow weighted KG Total Nitrogen flow weighted KG Final Effluent Total Phosphorous flow weighted KG Sample Quantity in KG 95,993 12,576 78,208 7,058 Related flow in M3 3,171,924 3,179,928 3,280,976 3,286,416 Total Flow M3 36,400,786 36,400,786 36,400,786 36,400,786 Total Quantity KG 1,101, , ,680 78, ,680 78,177 Reduction in Load 233,929 65,778 % Reduction of Load 21.2% 45.7% 20 P a g e

21 2.3 Ambient Monitoring Summary 21 P a g e

22 Cork City Agglomeration Harbour Monitoring Summary Monitoring is conditioned to be carried out at a frequency of 10 samples per year at locations designated C5 to C9 within the Harbour. C5, Haulbowline, is located in the outermost point monitored, in the Coastal zone of Cork Harbour, C6, End Lough Mahon and C8, Mid Lough Mahon are in Transitional Waters, with C6 nearest the coastal zone. C8 is quite close to the location of the discharge outfall for the WWTP at Carrigrennan. C7, Blackrock Castle and C9, Tivoli are in the Lower Lee Estuary, Transitional Waters, with C9 being the most upstream monitoring point. Monitoring was carried out at monthly intervals (12 times) at each location, and for C6, C7 & C8 a sample was taken at High and Low Tide, at Bottom, Middle and Top levels in the water. For C5 & C9 a sample was taken at High and Low Tide, at Bottom and Top levels in the water. In all, 72 samples were taken at C6, C7,& C8 and 48 were taken at C5 & C9 rather than 10 as indicated in the licence. Note: Tests for Conductivity /Salinity at Cork Harbour (Haulbowline) and End Lough Mahon in particular, points C5 and C6 respectively, showed a good number of values which exceeded 35 psu. Salinity. A maximum of 39.6 ppt. Salinity was recorded for C5 winter in 2011, with an associated median of 31.0 ppt. at the same point. Summer maximum value for C5 was 38.2 ppt. with associated median of 34.7 ppt. This order of salinity results in very low thresholds for Winter & Summer DIN. Test Results were queried, and a change in conversion methods for Conductivity to Salinity would reduce Salinity results by the order of 3%, e.g. from 34.7 ppt. to 33.7 ppt. While this appears to be quite a small amount, the one unit difference can make a significant difference in selecting the Threshold values for DIN. The knock on effect of this order of reduction for calculation of Dissolved Oxygen Saturation percentage was quite small, less than 1% of result. The 2011 Summary Tables of Harbour Monitoring Results are submitted here as compiled originally and not corrected for salinity variation found. The implication of the salinity variation is discussed where relevant. Summary Tables are submitted also for 2010 and 2009 for analysis and comparison of results Trophic Status Assessment Scheme The Status of individual estuarine and coastal water bodies is assessed using the EPA s Trophic Status assessment Scheme (TSAS). The scheme compares the compliance of individual parameters against a set of criteria indicative of trophic state. These criteria fall into three different categories which broadly capture the cause effect relationship of the euthrophic process, namely Category A, Nutrient Enrichment (DIN & MRP), Category B, Accelerated plant growth (Chlorophyll & Macroalgae) and Category C, Disturbance to the level of dissolved oxygen normally present (DO % Saturation). Eutrophic water bodies are those in which each of the criteria are breached, i.e. where elevated nutrient concentrations, accelerated growth of plants and undesirable water quality disturbance occur simultaneously; 22 P a g e

23 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Potentially Eutrophic water bodies are those in which two of the criteria are breached and the third falls within 15 per cent of the relevant threshold value; Intermediate Status water bodies are those which do not fall into the Eutrophic or Potentially Eutrophic classes but in which breaches one or two of the criteria occur; Unpolluted waterbodies are those which do not breach any of the criteria Assessment The Status of each individual test location as monitored is assessed using the Trophic Status Assessment Scheme (TSAS) with the exception that tests were not carried out for Microalgae. Thresholds are broadly in line with the limits set out in Table 8 (Biological Quality Elements) & Table 9 (Physico-Chemical conditions supporting the Biological elements) of S.I. 272 of S.I.272 of 2009 DIN is only assessed for Coastal Water bodies and not Transitional Water bodies. TSAS Thresholds are consistent with Good Status for Coastal waters in Table 9. Molydate Reactive Phosphorous (MRP) is used to assess Transitional Water Bodies and not Coastal. TSAS Thresholds are consistent with Transitional water limits in Table 9 Chlorophyll limits for the Good to Moderate Boundary conditions in Table 8 are lower than those used as TSAS thresholds, i.e. 5 to 10 microg/l (Median) and 10 to 20 microg/l (90%ile) versus TSAS values of 10 to 15 median and 20 to 30 (95%ile). DO % Sat, 95%iles, Upper and Lower limits. TSAS Thresholds are consistent with Transitional water limits in Table 9. In addition, TSAS Thresholds, dictated by salinity values, result in consistency with Coastal water limits in Table 9. In addition BOD (95%ile) value < or =4 mg/l applies to Transitional water bodies only in Table 9 23 P a g e

24 Cork City Agglomeration P a g e

25 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Harbour Monitoring Test Results Summary Cork City Council DATA Years 2011, 2010 & 2009 A summary of each location over the years is included Charts are attached which summarise the results for the parameters tested.

26 Cork Harbour C5 Haulbowline Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median PASS 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Lough Mahon C6 End Lough Mahon Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Lough Mahon C8 Mid Mahon Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S , Summer DIN - Median FAIL? 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile PASS 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W P a g e

27 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Lower Estuary C Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Total mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S , Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile FAIL Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile PASS 5%ile W BOD 95%ile FAIL 95%ile W No Of Samples W Lower Estuary C Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Total mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S , Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile FAIL Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile PASS 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Note: 90%ile 27 P a g e

28 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Cork Harbour C5 Haulbowline Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median PASS 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Note: 90%ile Lough Mahon C6 End Lough Mahon Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median PASS 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile FAIL Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Note: 90%ile Lough Mahon C8 Mid Mahon Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median PASS 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median FAIL? No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile FAIL Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W P a g e

29 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Lower Estuary C Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Total mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median FAIL No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile FAIL 95%ile W No Of Samples W Lower Estuary C Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median FAIL? No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile FAIL? Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile FAIL Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Note: 90%ile 29 P a g e

30 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Cork Harbour C5 Haulbowline Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Note: 90%ile Lough Mahon C6 End Lough Mahon Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Note: 90%ile Lough Mahon C8 Mid Mahon Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphat mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W P a g e

31 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Lower Estuary C Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphate mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile FAIL Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile PASS 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Lower Estuary C Season W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S W S Salinity Total Parameter Conductivity Salinity Temp ph DO Sat% DO BOD TON Ammonium DIN Phosphate mrp-phosphate Chloro E. Coliforms 0 PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU G/M G/M Winter Summer Unit 25 C ppt C ph unit % mg/l O2 mg/l mg/l µg/l NH4 mg/l µg/l P µg/l P µg/l MPN/100mls TSAS Criteria Threshold Threshold Threshold Value Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S ,643 Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median FAIL 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile FAIL Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile PASS 5%ile W BOD 95%ile PASS 95%ile W No Of Samples W Note: 90%ile 31 P a g e

32 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Summary of Trophic Status Assessment Scheme Results for 2011, 2010 and 2009 Cork Harbour Lough Mahon Lough Mahon Lower Estuary Lower Estuary C5 Haulbowline C6 End Lough Mahon C8 Mid Mahon C7 Blackrock Castle C9 Tivoli Salinity PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU Category TSAS Criteria G/M Threshold G/M Threshold Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value A Winter DIN - Median FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL Winter MRP - Median PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Summer DIN - Median PASS FAIL FAIL? FAIL FAIL Summer MRP - Median PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS B Chloro-Median PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Chloro-90 Percentile PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Opportunistic Algae C DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS PASS PASS FAIL FAIL DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL FAIL PASS PASS PASS BOD 95%ile PASS PASS PASS FAIL PASS Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Salinity PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU Category TSAS Criteria G/M Threshold G/M Threshold Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value A Winter DIN - Median FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL Winter MRP - Median PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Summer DIN - Median PASS PASS PASS FAIL FAIL Summer MRP - Median PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS B Chloro-Median PASS PASS FAIL? FAIL FAIL? Chloro-90 Percentile PASS PASS FAIL PASS FAIL? Opportunistic Algae C DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS FAIL PASS PASS FAIL DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL BOD 95%ile PASS PASS PASS FAIL PASS Intermediate Intermediate Potentially Eutrophic Potentially Eutrophic Potentially Eutrophic / Intermediate Salinity PSU 35 PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU PSU Category TSAS Criteria G/M Threshold G/M Threshold Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value A Winter DIN - Median FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL Winter MRP - Median PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Summer DIN - Median FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL Summer MRP - Median PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS B Chloro-Median PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Chloro-90 Percentile PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Opportunistic Algae C DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS PASS PASS FAIL FAIL DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL FAIL FAIL PASS PASS BOD 95%ile PASS PASS PASS PASS PASS Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate 32 P a g e

33 Trophic Status Parameter Charts Years 2009 to Trends, Up-Harbour from C5, Haulbowline, to C9, Tivoli. Winter DIN -Median Summer DIN - Median C5 C6 C8 C7 C Threshold C5 C6 C8 C7 C Threshold Winter MRP -Median Summer MRP -Median C5 C6 C8 C7 C9 - C5 C6 C8 C7 C Threshold Threshold P a g e

34 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Trophic Status Parameter Charts Years 2009 to Trends, Up-Harbour from C5, Haulbowline, to C9, Tivoli Chloro -Median Chloro -90 Percentile C5 C6 C8 C7 C Threshold C5 C6 C8 C7 C Threshold DO% Sat-5 Percentile DO% Sat -95 Percentile C5 C6 C8 C7 C Lower Threshold C5 C6 C8 C7 C Upper Threshold P a g e

35 Compliance with Standards Trophic Status Assessment Category A: Nutrient Enrichment DIN: In all instances Winter DIN test results exceed the threshold by an amount in the order of 100% for each location and in each year, 2011, 2010 and Summer DIN results for 2009 start in excess of the threshold by 60% with decreasing quality as one travels up the Estuary and with a very poor result for C9, approximately 300% in excess of the threshold. There is a marked improvement in 2010 with the Cork Harbour and Lough Mahon, 3 locations, all passing, and with exceedances of just 17% and 30% for C7 and C9 in the Lower Lee Estuary, respectively. The measured values for 2010 and 2011 are remarkably similar for each location. Higher values for salinity in 2011 in comparison to 2010 resulted in lower thresholds for In 2011, C6, at the End of Lough Mahon, fails by 26%, C8 in Mid Lough Mahon fails also but only by 4%, while C7 & C9 fail by 66% and 71% respectively, a marked apparent deterioration on DIN Thresholds are very sensitive to Salinity. Correcting the salinity by a variation of 3% as indicated previously, for conversion method differences, would alter the 2011 salinity value for C6 by one unit, from to 33.27psu. The resultant raising of DIN threshold to a value of 0.362, gives a Pass result. Similarly, salinity at C8 reducing from to psu., raises the DIN threshold to from 0.317, also a Pass value. Differences would not be as significant at C7 and C9 but the exceedance percentages would be reduced to 40% and 51% from the higher values. Overall it is concluded that Summer DIN values for Cork Harbour, and 2 points in Lough Mahon are close enough to threshold values that the Salinity measurement can be critical. For the Lower Lee Estuary the level of difference only is decreased and it would not amount to a Pass rather than a Fail in those 2 locations. MRP: Both Summer and Winter MRP values for all years 2009, 2010 and 2011 are under the threshold limits. Winter MRP values for 2010 and 2011 were similar and not as good as The closest median value to the winter threshold was calculated for C8, Mid Lough Mahon, in In contrast values for 2011 Summer MRP were lower than those of 2010 and close or below those of P a g e

36 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Category B: Accelerated Growth Chlorophyll concentrations (median and 90%ile) were at their lowest for the 3 years in 2009, at values significantly below the thresholds. This was also similar to previously recorded results for 2008 in the same locations. There was a marked change in 2010 with both Median and 90%ile value at C8, Mid Lough Mahon, rising over the threshold. C7, (Blackrock Castle) Lower Lee Estuary, failed for median Chlorophyll only. C9, (Tivoli) Lower lee Estuary failed in both Median and 90%ile in The values for C9 were only marginally over the threshold, and a case could be made to deem them to pass on the basis of a salinity calculation correction. The situation improved in 2011, all passed, but did not revert to the same low level as before. The 90%ile Value at C7, Blackrock Castle, was the value nearest at risk at 91% of the threshold. Category C: Undesirable Disturbance 2011 and 2009 values showed similar trends for DO% Saturation, 5%ile and 95%ile. Both years had pass values above the lower 5%ile threshold at C5, C6, and C8 and fail values below it at C7 and C9 the points nearest the city. Both years also had fail values above the upper 95%ile threshold at C5 and C6, and pass values below it at C7 and C9. In 2011 the value at C8 passed but 2010 failed by a small margin of 1%. There would be no correction for salinity. DO Sat 5%ile for 2010 was more erratic with pass values at C5, C8 and C7 and fail values at C6 and C9. Values for all locations failed, i.e. were above the upper DO Sat 95%ile threshold limit, in Trends The trend in general is for a decrease in water quality as one travels upstream from the larger water body towards the smaller water body and from the more diffuse population towards the more dense settlement. Over the three years analysed 2010 showed wider variation in values with 2011 appearing to recover and revert closer to those for Overall Trophic Status The locations tested by Cork City Council, C5 to C9, qualify as Intermediate status in 2011 and In 2010 however the values for C8, Mid Lough Mahon and C7, Blackrock Castle, Lower lee estuary result in a Potentially Eutrophic status, due to the exceedances of the Category B, Chlorophyll parameters, unlike other years tested. C9 was on the balance point in 2010 between Intermediate and Potentially Eutrophic, when salinity is taken into consideration as explained previously. The Category B, Chlorophyll, parameters did not exceed the thresholds by more than 15%. 36 P a g e

37 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Comparison with EPA /WFD monitoring An assessment of the Trophic Status of estuaries and bays in Ireland, was completed by the EPA in March 2001, before the WWTP was constructed at Carrigrennan for the Cork city agglomeration. In the Lee Estuary/Lough Mahon the criteria for DIN, MRP and Chlorophyll were exceeded and there was deoxygenation which breached the lower limit (5%ile) for dissolved oxygen. With all three elements of the criteria breached the area was assessed as Eutrophic at that time. Water Quality in Ireland published by the EPA, indicates that the quality of the estuarine and coastal waters for Cork Harbour, Lough Mahon and the Lower Lee Estuary were Intermediate status for that period time using the Trophic Status Assessment Scheme as required for the UWWT Directive and Nitrates Directive. This was an improvement from pre-cork City WWTP era. Of the 9 locations tested by the EPA in Cork Harbour, only North Channel Great Island was designated as Potentially Eutrophic in the Water Quality in Ireland report. EPA Monitoring Data: No data was available from the EPA for EPA Sample data for 2010 (see following tables) when analysed, collaborates the City Council data for that period, indicating the status for Cork Harbour as Intermediate with End Lough Mahon also intermediate and Mid Lough Mahon experiencing high Chlorophyll values resulting in a status of Potentially Eutrophic at that time. DO% Sat did not exceed 15% of the threshold in Mid Lough Mahon. Blackrock Castle experienced very high chlorophyll levels in EPA 2010 data but, probably because there was no winter DIN data, the status qualified as Intermediate at this location as well as upstream at Ballintemple /Tivoli, due to breaches in only 2 of the 3 criteria. Conclusion Trophic Status While conditions are not yet ideal, major improvement has been made to the Trophic Status of the Lee Estuary and Cork Harbour. This improvement should be attributed in the main to the construction of the Carrigrennan WWTP, as well as other treatment plant improvements in the area. Due to the complexity of the Harbour it is difficult to assign responsibility for parameter improvements or indeed exceedances to any particular input, being a product of the diffuse inputs into the water body. Ecological Status Under the South Western River Basin Management Plan ( ) for the South Western River Basin District prepared in accordance with the Water Framework Directive, the overall status of Lough Mahon Estuary, the Upper and Lower Lee Estuaries and North Channel Great Island are designated as Transitional Water Body Moderate- Status, with the overall objective being to restore them to Good status by They are all designated at Risk Level 1a-At Risk. Ref Water Matters SWRBD July P a g e

38 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 The most recent Water Framework Directive information available on the EPA Envision website designate Lough Mahon as Transitional Water Body Good- Status and all adjacent Transitional and Coastal waterbodies as -Moderate Status. Ref : Lough Mahon Status Taken , originator SOB-GMD-RW EPA. EPA DATA FOR P a g e

39 2010 EPA Monitoring Data Cork Harbour and Estuary C5 /LE380 ID Secchi Depth_sa mple Depth_Be d Salinity Temperat ure DO_mgL DO_Satur ation ph NH3 TON DIN PO4 BOD Chl_a TSAS Criteria Salinity 0 PSU 35 PSU G/M Threshold G/M Threshold Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median PASS 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD G/M %ile W BOD H/G 3 3 PASS No Of Samples W Intermediate C6 /LE340 ID Secchi Depth_sa mple Depth_Be d Salinity Temperat ure DO_mgL DO_Satur ation ph NH3 TON DIN PO4 BOD Chl_a TSAS Criteria Salinity 0 PSU 35 PSU G/M Threshold G/M Threshold Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median PASS 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median FAIL No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile FAIL Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile PASS 5%ile W BOD G/M 4-95%ile W BOD H/G 3 3 PASS No Of Samples W Intermediate C8 /LE330 ID Secchi Depth_sa mple Depth_Be d Salinity Temperat ure DO_mgL DO_Satur ation ph NH3 TON DIN PO4 BOD Chl_a TSAS Criteria Salinity 0 PSU 35 PSU G/M Threshold G/M Threshold Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median PASS 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median FAIL No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile FAIL Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD G/M %ile W BOD H/G 3 3 PASS No Of Samples W Potentially Eutrophic 39 P a g e

40 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Blackrock Castle C7 /LE180 ID Secchi Depth_sa mple Depth_Be d Salinity Temperat ure DO_mgL DO_Satur ation ph NH3 TON DIN PO4 BOD Chl_a TSAS Criteria G/M Threshold G/M Threshold Salinity Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median Median S Winter MRP - Median Maximum S Summer DIN - Median PASS 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median FAIL No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile FAIL Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD G/M %ile W BOD H/G 3 3 PASS No Of Samples W Intermediate Balintemple C9 /LE170 ID Secchi Depth_sa mple Depth_Be d Salinity Temperat ure DO_mgL DO_Satur ation ph NH3 TON DIN PO4 BOD Chl_a TSAS Criteria G/M Threshold G/M Threshold Salinity Winter Threshold Value Summer Threshold Value Minimum S Winter DIN - Median FAIL Median S Winter MRP - Median PASS Maximum S Summer DIN - Median PASS 5%ile S Summer MRP - Median PASS 95%ile S Chloro-Median PASS No Of Samples S Chloro-90 Percentile PASS Minimum W Opportunistic Algae Median W DO %Sat - 5 Percentile PASS Maximum W DO %Sat - 95 Percentile FAIL 5%ile W BOD G/M %ile W BOD H/G 3 3 PASS No Of Samples W Intermediate 40 P a g e

41 Shellfish The Shellfish Directive (2006/113/EC) is enacted in Ireland under S.I. 268 EC (Quality of Shellfish Waters) regulations 2006 and as amended by S.I. 55 0f 2009 and S.I 464 0f Shellfish Waters Mandatory and Guide values for parameters are listed in schedules 2 and 4 respectively of SI 268 of There are 4 designated Shellfish areas in Cork Harbour. The nearest shellfish area to the WWTP discharge location is Cork Great Island North Channel. The shortest pathway to this from the Primary Discharge outfall, via the Belvelly Channel, a narrow tidal passage, measures a distance of 4.7 km to the Shellfish Great Island North Channel designated site. The alternative pathway to this Shellfish water is via Marloag Point and the main Ballynacorra River Channel, a distance of 16.8 km. There are also three designated shellfish areas in the adjacent tidal waters at Rostellan, namely Rostellan North, Rostellan South, and Rostellan West, These are 13.3 km, km and 12.2 km, respectively, distant from the Cork City Primary discharge. Shellfish Quality Cork Harbour is currently Classified B for Oysters in the Shellfish classification based on E.Coli Monitoring,( <4,600 E.coli MPN 100g -1 shellfish flesh), i.e. Must be depurated, heat treated or relayed to meet class A requirements. The Guide value under S.I.268 of 2006 for Faecal Coliforms is 300 MPN 100g-1 Shellfish flesh. There is no mandatory value given for Faecal Coliforms. A Prohibition was issued on the Harvesting of Oysters in the North Channel of Cork Harbour effective from 15 Oct 2002, by the Dept of Communications, Marine, and Natural Resources before the commissioning of the WWTP at Carrigrennan. This is due to viral contamination of the oysters. Effectively this prohibition has not been withdrawn to date. Ref :Details of prohibition below: A review of E.Coli monitoring data carried out by the Marine Institute on behalf of SFPA from 2003 to December 2011 on shellfish in Great Island North Channel and at Rostellan, shows, while maintaining within the B classification levels, apart from one outlying sample in Feb 2007, there is also a trend showing a moderate improvement for Great Island North Channel overall from 2009 onwards. Rostellan in contrast, while initially near the Class A limit of 230 E.Coli MPN in the earlier years, showed a marked decrease in quality for 2008 to 2010 inclusive, before reverting to near former high quality levels in P a g e

42 20000 Shellfish Quality Cork Harbour Reg MPN E.Coli/100gms Shellfish flesh & Intervalvular fluid NORTH CHANNEL EAST B2 NORTH CHANNEL WEST B1 ROSTELLAN B4 upper Limit Class A Upper Limit class B Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan P a g e

43 5000 Shellfish Quality Cork Harbour 4500 MPN E.Coli. /100gms shellfish flesh & intervalvular fluid NORTH CHANNEL EAST B2 NORTH CHANNEL WEST B1 ROSTELLAN B4 Upper Limit Class A Upper Limit class B Guideline Value G 43 P a g e

44 NOROVIRUS Norovirus /Winter vomiting bug can be found in the Marine Environment downstream from any waste water treatment plant. Shellfish as filter feeders have the potential to accumulate viruses and bacteria that are present in the growing waters. A review of monitoring data of Norovirus carried out by the Marine Institute on behalf of SFPA at Great Island Channel from start of 2009 to early 2012, shows that periods exist where the virus is not detected or low, notably the summer months. It further shows that there are increases in values peaking in winter. Notable peak values were evident in data for Dec 2011 and Jan 2012, i.e. GII detectable virus genome copies/g of 11,856 and 17,643. Note: An EPA STRIVE funded project being carried out by the Marine Institute on Norovirus, is currently nearing completion. The findings and conclusions of this study are not yet available. EPA STRIVE Project Assessing the Impact of Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent on Norovirus contamination in shellfisheries Funding Programme: EPA STRIVE Environment and Human Health Start date: 1st October 2008 Duration: 3 years 44 P a g e

45 Cork City Agglomeration Ambient River Monitoring Summary River Monitoring Summary Monitoring Locations Monitoring is conditioned to be carried out at a frequency of 10 samples per year at locations designated M1 to M15 along the 5 water bodies under surveillance. The Glasheen Stream (points M04 to M08) is a tributary of the Curraheen River (M01 to M03). The Glasheen Stream joins the Curraheen River downstream of point M03. The Kiln River, (M15), is made up of the confluence of the both the Bride (M09 to M12) and the Glen (M13 & M14) Rivers. These rivers join at Blackpool, downstream of M12 on the Bride and M14 on the Glen. M15, on the Kiln, is the only point monitored that incorporates both flows. M01 on the Curraheen, M04 on the Glasheen, and M09 on the Bride are situated close to the boundary of the city. At these locations they represent rivers that have experienced an increasingly urban pressure as they approach the city proper. The first monitoring point on the Glen, M13, is a good distance into the city Compliance with Standards The 5 river water bodies have not been individually monitored and assessed for status under the WFD. Under WFD they have been assigned overall ecological status by extrapolation, the Curraheen and both the Bride and the Glen are deemed Moderate and the Twopot which is upstream of the Curraheen is classified as Poor. No rating has been assigned to the Kiln or the Glasheen. These rivers do not have any designation attached to them, Pearl Mussel, Bathing water etc River Monitoring Summary Refer to Table, attached, labelled Ambient River Monitoring 2011 and Graphs depicting trends for various parameters as highlighted, together with threshold conditions under S.I.272 of In order to better show trends, the colour codes for the WISE SOE classification, as per Water Framework Directive, are included in the Table where applicable. Samples Monitoring was carried out at approximately two monthly intervals, 7 times total, at each location. This omission was identified in late 2011 and the requirement for 10 samples will be complied with for ph In all instances ph was between the range of 6.0 to 9.0 in accordance with conditions for Hard Water under S.I.272 of 2009, i.e. compliant. Dissolved Oxygen S.I. 272 of Condition is 80% < 95%ile<120% saturation. Graphs attached No location on any water body complied with being above the lower limit of 80% saturation for 95%ile Dissolved Oxygen. The boundary condition for each river into the city was over 45 P a g e

46 Cork City Agglomeration %, but in the case of the Curraheen and the Glasheen this value declined downstream, the Glasheen quite sharply. The Bride and the Glen in contrast both showed an improvement after entering the city, but showing a sharp decline after their confluence. All locations were under 120% upper Limit for 95%ile Dissolved Oxygen, but the lower reaches of the Glasheen did not comply with an upper limit greater than 80%. M09 on the Bride was also marginally below 80% at the point of entry to the city. BOD S.I. 272 of Conditions for Good Status are Annual Mean <1.5 and 95%ile < 2.6 mg O2/l. Graphs attached. M02 Curraheen, and M04 &M05 Glasheen complied with conditions for Good Status under S.I f These were the only locations that complied with S.I. 272 of 2009 conditions. Overall the Curraheen exhibited a near Good status with respect to BOD under Wise SOE Classification, being slightly over value on entry and at the 3 rd location for annual mean. The Glasheen similarly was of good status for M04 & M05 but decreased to a moderate status for the remaining 3 points M06 to M08. The Bride and the Glen, while Good to Moderate under Wise SOE Classification, decreased to Bad after confluence, i.e. at M15, the Kiln. The annual mean at M15 was 10.8 mg/l and the 95%ile 29.4 mg/l were out of scale in comparison with the upstream values. Temperature The condition in S.I. 272 of 2009 for Temperature relates to rise in ambient temperature outside mixing zones, i.e. not relevant to the overall monitoring of the river. Maximum temperatures were however well below the value of 21.5 degrees C which is a standard upper limit for Summer Time. Orthophosphate (as P) Testing was carried out for Total Phosphorus as alternate for MRP (as P). S.I. 272 of Conditions for Good Status for MRP are Annual Mean <0.035 and 95%ile < mg /l. Conditions for Good Status for Total P were estimated at Annual Mean <0.070 and 95%ile < 0.15 mg /l. for comparison of test results purposes. WISE SoE parameter classification levels for MRP were similarly doubled for Total P Graphs attached Under this scenario almost all points monitored would be deemed to be Moderate with M06 on the Glasheen and M14 on the Glen being designated Poor and M15, the Kiln again being Bad. M02 on the Curraheen and M04 the entry point on the Glasheen were the only points which would achieve a better Good status. 46 P a g e

47 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 TON (as N) Graphs attached Testing was carried out for Nitrate N but not for Nitrite N which did not allow for calculation of TON-N. However when the values were compared to Wise SOE Classification it is obvious that for this parameter values improve as the rivers and streams flow through the city. Values were Bad, but improving, for the whole of the Curraheen, the Glasheen went from Bad to Moderate, the Bride was Bad throughout, the Glen Bad /Moderate and the Kiln Moderate. Total Nitrogen No testing was carried out for Total Nitrogen Ammonia- N S.I f Conditions are Annual Mean <0.065 and 95%ile < 0.14 mg /l. Graphs attached. A number of locations in the upper reaches of the water bodies complied with S.I.272 or came very close to it. These were M01 and M02 on the Curraheen, M05 on the Glasheen and M09 to M11 on the Bride. Overall the trend is for a gradual decline in quality as one travels down each river with both the Curraheen and the Glasheen declining to Bad and the Kiln reaching a Poor status under Wise SOE Classification Interpretation of results: Impact of Discharges Curraheen River: The upper section of the river between monitoring points M01 and M02 showed an improvement in water quality but between M02 and M03 there was a distinct disimprovement, apparent in Ammonia and Dissolved Oxygen Saturation. There are three small package pump stations with overflows to river on this stretch of river, but these have telemetry fitted, and have not been the cause of any concern. There are no combined sewer overflows on this stretch but intermittent discharges to a storm outfall from an adjacent industrial estate has proved problematic in the past and may be the source of the pollution being experienced. Glasheen Stream The bed gradient of this stream is irregular with intermittent peaks, and over long stretches it has zero gradient. While required to cater for flash floods, the background and dry weather flows in the stream are quite low. This is an Ungauged River and estimates of Flow Duration Curve for the Catchment by the EPA using a Hydrometric Data Tool demonstrate a 95%ile flow of 0.021m3/sec, with a 5%ile flow of 0.239m3/sec. This type of low flow, combined with the flat gradient, leads to large build ups of silt along the bed of the stream and acts as a barrier to the dispersing of discharges. Apart from Nitrate, all parameters show a decline in quality from the upper to the lower end on the stream. Review of individual datasets would indicate that downstream of M04, all 47 P a g e

48 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 points, M05 to M08, are subject to pressures at varying times and to different extents. Overall, M06 and M07 are those most impacted by inflows. The largest impact is in shown again in Ammonia and Dissolved oxygen parameters. While still of Bad status some recovery is evident by M08, Glasheen Bridge. There are multiple discharge sources into the Glasheen Stream. The two pump stations in the locality have been upgraded and are linked with telemetry. These are not considered problematic. The 3 Combined Sewer Overflows are consistently monitored and cleaned, and may be a pollution source during times of heavy rainfall. This however is when there is most flow in the river and so least risk of build up of pollutants. Of most concern are the storm outfalls to the stream from separated sewer systems, together with the storm culverts crossing under the N25 from the County Council administered area. Bride/Glen/Kiln The monitoring points on the Bride River are fairly consistent from the Boundary point, M09 to M12. Quality is stable, Lower limit Dissolved Oxygen Saturation improves to a near Good level for SI 272 of 2009 at M12, while there is compliance with the upper limit Dissolved Oxygen Saturation from M10 downstream to M12, i.e. at Good. Ammonia shows a slight decline but is still within the Good limit of SI 272 of Total P levels would indicate a consistent Moderate rating while Nitrate is a consistent Bad rating from entry to the city at M09 to M12 under the Wise SOE Classification. There are multiple stormwater sewers discharging into the river Bride and one Combined Sewer Overflow. None of these are considered problematic. While quality is not as good as the Bride River, the Glen River is similarly consistent. Lower limit dissolved Oxygen Saturation improves slightly from 65% to 68.6% from M13 to M14 while there is compliance with the upper limit Dissolved Oxygen Saturation at both points i.e. at Good. Ammonia improves from M13 to M14, becoming close to compliance with Good for SI 272 of Total P levels decline slightly indicating a Moderate to Bad rating while Nitrate improves slightly to a poor rating under is a consistent Bad rating from M13 to M14 under the Wise SOE Classification. There are multiple stormwater sewers discharging into the Glen River and one Combined Sewer Overflow. The Stormwater discharges from the large housing areas were problematic in the past due to foul cross connections. Housing refurbishment and regeneration projects addressed these issues in the Glen housing area and there appears to have been an improvement overall. A similar problem at Mayfield housing area upstream of M13 was addressed by temporarily diverting flows to the foul sewer. The Kiln River as represented by point M15 at Leitrim Street shows the most deterioration in water quality for the city. Almost all parameters are either rated Bad or Poor under the Wise SOE Classification. This river is culverted for the majority of the rivers s length and detection of pollution sources can be difficult as a result. Values for all parameters in late August 2011 exhibit the 48 P a g e

49 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 worst quality. Rainfall in July and August 2011 was at circa 50 % of normal rainfall for the time of year. Total Phosphorus showed a similar peak in early April which also corresponded with a period of very low rainfall. There are 9 Combined Sewer overflows discharging to the Kiln River upstream of M15 in combination with stormwater discharges. However, a number of properties have been found to be discharging directly into the Kiln culvert upstream of M15 and these are considered the main culprit for pollution in the river. This is consistent with the peaks in values occurring at times of low river flows and no rainfall events. 49 P a g e

50 Ambient River Monitoring 2011 SI 272 of 2009 WFD Curragheen Road Bridge Curraheen River Glasheen Stream Bride River Glen River Carrigrohane Bridge County Hall Bandon Road Woodhaven Estate Sandbrook Estate Clashduv Road Glasheen Bridge Blackstone Bridge Kilnap Fitz's Boreen Blackpool Rec Park Kiln River Spring Lane Leitrim Street Licence Parameter Threshold High Good Moderate Poor Bad M01 M02 M03 M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 M09 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 10 /yr Samples Taken ph ph - Max ph - Min DO DO % Sat. - 5%ile Lower DO % Sat - 95%ile Upper BOD BOD - Annual Mean 1.5 (Good) < > BOD - 95%ile 2.6 (Good) Temp. Temp. - Max Not > 1.5C rise Temp. - Min mixing zone Orthophosphate (as P) MRP -P - Annual Mean < MRP-P - 95%ile Not tested, Total P, alternate test Not tested, Total P, alternate test Not tested, Total P, alternate test Note: Taken as double MRP TON (as N) Total Nitrogen (as N) Ammonia Total P - Annual Mean (0.07) < Total P - 95%ile (0.15) Nitrate - N Annual Mean < Nitrate-N - 95%ile Ammonia - N Annual Mean Not tested, Nitrate, alternate test Not tested, Nitrate, alternate test Not Tested Not Tested Not tested, Nitrate, alternate test (Good) < > Ammonia-N - 95%ile 0.14 (Good) Not Tested S.Solids - Annual Mean S.Solids - 95%ile Note: Red type- Non Compliant, Black type- Compliant 50 P a g e

51 Percentage Curraheen River DO % Sat M01 M02 M03 Monitoring location DO % Sat. 5%ile DO % Sat 95%ile DO % Sat. 5%ile Threshold DO % Sat 95%ile Threshold Percentage M04 Upstream Glasheen River DO % Sat M05 M06 M07 M08 downstream Monitoring location DO % Sat. 5%ile DO % Sat 95%ile DO % Sat. 5%ile Threshold DO % Sat 95%ile Threshold mg/l Curraheen River- BOD M01 M02 M03 BOD Annual Mean BOD Annual 95%ile BOD Mean Threshold "Good" BOD 95%ile Threshold "Good" mg/l Glasheen River- BOD M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 Monitoring Location BOD River Annual Mean BOD River Annual 95%ile BOD Mean Threshold "Good" BOD 95%ile Threshold "Good" Monitoring Location mg/l Curraheen River- Total Phosphorus M01 M02 M03 Monitoring Location Annual Mean 95%ile MRP Mean Threshold MRP 95%ile Threshold mg/l M04 Upstream Glasheen River- Total Phosphorus M05 M06 M07 M08 downstream Monitoring Location Total P Annual Mean Total P Annual 95%ile MRP Mean Threshold MRP 95%ile Threshold mg/l mg/l Curraheen River- Total Nitrate-N M01 M02 M03 Monitoring Location Curraheen River- Total Ammonia- N M01 M02 M03 Monitoring Location Total Nitrate -N Annual Mean Total Nitrate-N Annual 95%ile Total Ammonia -N Annual Mean Total Ammonia-N Annual 95%ile Total Ammonia-N Mean Threshold "Good" Total ammonia-n 95%ile Threshold "Good" mg/l mg/l Glasheen River- Total Nitrate-N M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 Monitoring Location Glasheen River- Total Ammonia-N M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 Monitoring Location Total Nitrate -N Annual Mean Total Nitrate-N Annual 95%ile Total Ammonia -N Annual Mean Total Ammonia-N Annual 95%ile Total Ammonia-N Mean Threshold "Good" Total ammonia-n 95%ile Threshold "Good" 51 P a g e

52 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Bride Glen Kiln-DO % Sat Percentage M09 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 Monitoring location DO % Sat. 5%ile DO % Sat 95%ile DO % Sat. 5%ile Threshold DO % Sat 95%ile Threshold mg/l Bride Glen Kiln-BOD M09 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 Monitoring Location BOD Annual Mean BOD -95%ile BOD Mean Threshold "Good" BOD 95%ile Threshold "Good" BOD mg/l Bride Glen Kiln River- BOD Bride Blackstone Br M09 Bride Kilnap M10 Bride Fitz's Boreen M11 Bride Blackpool M12 Glen Rec Park M13 Glen Spring Lane M14 Kiln Leitrim Street M15 mg/l Bride Glen Kiln- Total Phosphorus M09 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 Monitoring Location Total P Annual Mean Total P 95%ile MRP Mean Threshold MRP 95%ile Threshold Total P mg/l Bride Glen Kiln-Total Phosphorus M09 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 Bride Glen Kiln-Total Nitrate-N 8.00 mg/l Total Nitrate -N Annual Mean Total Nitrate-N Annual 95%ile - M09 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 Monitoring Location mg/l Bride Glen Kiln- Total Ammonia-N M09 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 Monitoring Location Total Ammonia - N Annual Mean Total Ammonia- N -95%ile Total Ammonia- N Mean Threshold "Good" Total ammonia- N 95%ile Threshold "Good" Total Ammonia-N mg/l Bride Glen Kiln-Total Ammonia-N Bride Blackstone Br M09 Bride Kilnap M10 Bride Fitz's Boreen M11 Bride Blackpool M12 Glen Rec Park M13 Glen Spring Lane M14 Kiln Leitrim Street M15 52 P a g e

53 Cork City Agglomeration Data Collection and reporting requirements under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive: The Electronic submission of the UWWT Data returns in XML format was uploaded to the EPA EDEN system on 14 th February The Data returned included both Influent and Effluent Quality Results. Influent was tested for BOD, COD, Suspended Solids, Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus. Effluent was tested for BOD, COD, Suspended Solids, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Ammonia, (Total as N), Orthophosphate (as P), and Total Oxidized Nitrogen, (as N). UWWT Data returns information for sludge was uploaded to the EDEN website on 16 th May Pollutant Release and transfer register (PRTR) Report for 2011 The PRTR Report for 2011 was submitted to the EPA on 20 th February 2012 A Copy of the 2011 PRTR report is included in the Section following. 53 P a g e

54 Sheet : Facility ID Activities AER Returns Workbook 20/2/ :52 PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : 2011 REFERENCE YEAR 2011 Guidance to completing the PRTR workbook 1. FACILITY IDENTIFICATION Parent Company Name Cork City Council Facility Name Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant PRTR Identification Number D0033 Licence Number D Waste or IPPC Classes of Activity No. class_name 30.4 General AER Returns Workbook Version Address 1 Carrigrenan Address 2 Little Island Address 3 Co. Cork Address 4 Cork Country Ireland Coordinates of Location River Basin District IESW NACE Code 3700 Main Economic Activity Sewerage AER Returns Contact Name ANNE HENNESSY AER Returns Contact Address anne_hennessy@corkcity.ie AER Returns Contact Position Senior Executive Engineer AER Returns Contact Telephone Number AER Returns Contact Mobile Phone Number AER Returns Contact Fax Number Production Volume 0.0 Production Volume Units Number of Installations 0 Number of Operating Hours in Year 0 Number of Employees 0 User Feedback/Comments Web Address 2. PRTR CLASS ACTIVITIES Activity Number 5(f) Activity Name Urban waste-water treatment plants 3. SOLVENTS REGULATIONS (S.I. No. 543 of 2002) Is it applicable? Have you been granted an exemption? If applicable which activity class applies (as per Schedule 2 of the regulations)? Is the reduction scheme compliance route being used? PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : 2011 Page 1 of 1

55 Sheet : Releases to Air AER Returns Workbook 20/2/ : RELEASES TO AIR Link to previous years emissions data PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : /02/ : SECTION A : SECTOR SPECIFIC PRTR POLLUTANTS RELEASES TO AIR Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs POLLUTANT METHOD QUANTITY Method Used No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year F (Fugitive) KG/Year 01 Methane (CH4) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Carbon monoxide (CO) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Carbon dioxide (CO2) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Nitrous oxide (N2O) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Nitrogen oxides (NOx/NO2) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Sulphur oxides (SOx/SO2) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button SECTION B : REMAINING PRTR POLLUTANTS RELEASES TO AIR Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs POLLUTANT METHOD QUANTITY Method Used No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year F (Fugitive) KG/Year * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button SECTION C : REMAINING POLLUTANT EMISSIONS (As required in your Licence) RELEASES TO AIR Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs POLLUTANT METHOD QUANTITY Method Used Pollutant No. Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year F (Fugitive) KG/Year * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button Additional Data Requested from Landfill operators For the purposes of the National Inventory on Greenhouse Gases, landfill operators are requested to provide summary data on landfill gas (Methane) flared or utilised on their facilities to accompany the figures for total methane generated. Operators should only report their Net methane (CH4) emission to the environment under T(total) KG/yr for Section A: Sector specific PRTR pollutants above. Please complete the table below: Landfill: Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Please enter summary data on the quantities of methane flared and / or utilised Method Used Designation or Description Facility Total Capacity m3 per hour additional_pollutant_no T (Total) kg/year M/C/E Method Code Total estimated methane generation (as per site model) 0.0 N/A Methane flared (Total Flaring Capacity) Methane utilised in engine/s (Total Utilising Capacity) Net methane emission (as reported in Section A above) 0.0 N/A PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : 2011 Page 1 of 1

56 Sheet : Releases to Waters AER Returns Workbook 20/2/ : RELEASES TO WATERS Link to previous years emissions data PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : /02/ : SECTION A : SECTOR SPECIFIC PRTR POLLUTANTS Data on ambient monitoring of storm/surface water or groundwater, conducted as part of your licence requirements, should NOT be submitted under AER / PRTR Reporting as this RELEASES TO WATERS Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs POLLUTANT QUANTITY Method Used No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year F (Fugitive) KG/Year 44 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane(HCH) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v ,2-dichloroethane (EDC) M OTH GEO Alachlor M OTH GEO Anthracene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Arsenic and compounds (as As) M OTH WAS Atrazine M OTH GEO Benzo(g,h,i)perylene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Cadmium and compounds (as Cd) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Chlordane E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Chlorfenvinphos M OTH GEO Chlorides (as Cl) M OTH SCA Method Chloro-alkanes, C10-C13 E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Chromium and compounds (as Cr) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Copper and compounds (as Cu) M OTH WAS Cyanides (as total CN) M OTH WAS DDT M OTH GEO Di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) M OTH SUBCON Dieldrin M OTH GEO Diuron M OTH GEO Endosulphan M OTH GEO Ethyl benzene M OTH GEO56 & GEO Fluoranthene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Fluorides (as total F) M OTH WAS Halogenated organic compounds (as AOX) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) M OTH GEO Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) M OTH GEO Isodrin M OTH GEO Lead and compounds (as Pb) M OTH WAS Lindane E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Mercury and compounds (as Hg) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Naphthalene M OTH GEO Nickel and compounds (as Ni) M OTH WAS Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NP/NPEs) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Organotin compounds (as total Sn) M OTH GEO Pentachlorobenzene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Phenols (as total C) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) M OTH GEO Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) M OTH GEO Tetrachloroethylene (PER) M OTH GEO Toluene M OTH GEO Total nitrogen M OTH SCA Method Total organic carbon (TOC) (as total C or COD/3) M OTH WAS Total phosphorus M OTH SCA Method Trichloroethylene M OTH GEO Trifluralin M OTH GEO Triphenyltin and compounds M OTH GEO Vinyl chloride M OTH GEO Xylenes M OTH GEO Zinc and compounds (as Zn) M OTH WAS Benzene M OTH GEO Chlorpyrifos M OTH GEO Aldrin M OTH GEO Endrin M OTH GEO Dichloromethane (DCM) M OTH GEO Isoproturon M OTH GEO PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : 2011 Page 1 of 2

57 Sheet : Releases to Waters AER Returns Workbook 20/2/ :27 51 Simazine M OTH GEO Trichlorobenzenes (TCBs)(all isomers) M OTH GEO Trichloromethane M OTH GEO Chlordecone M OTH SUBCON Mirex M OTH SUBCON * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button SECTION B : REMAINING PRTR POLLUTANTS RELEASES TO WATERS Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs POLLUTANT QUANTITY Method Used No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year F (Fugitive) KG/Year * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button SECTION C : REMAINING POLLUTANT EMISSIONS (as required in your Licence) RELEASES TO WATERS POLLUTANT Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs QUANTITY Method Used Pollutant No. Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year F (Fugitive) KG/Year 238 Ammonia (as N) M OTH SCA Method BOD M OTH SCA Method COD M OTH SCA Method Ortho-phosphate (as PO4) M OTH SCA Method Suspended Solids M OTH SCA Method Total Oxidised Nitrogen (TON) M OTH SCA Method * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : 2011 Page 2 of 2

58 Sheet : Releases to Wastewater or Sewer AER Returns Workbook 20/2/ : RELEASES TO WASTEWATER OR SEWER Link to previous years emissions data PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_ /02/ : SECTION A : PRTR POLLUTANTS OFFSITE TRANSFER OF POLLUTANTS DESTINED FOR WASTE-WATER TREATMENT OR SEWER Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs POLLUTANT METHOD QUANTITY Method Used No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year F (Fugitive) KG/Year * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button SECTION B : REMAINING POLLUTANT EMISSIONS (as required in your Licence) OFFSITE TRANSFER OF POLLUTANTS DESTINED FOR WASTE-WATER TREATMENT OR SEWER Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs POLLUTANT METHOD QUANTITY Method Used Pollutant No. Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year F (Fugitive) KG/Year * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button Link to previous years emissions data Page 1 of 1

59 Sheet : Releases to Land AER Returns Workbook 20/2/ : RELEASES TO LAND Link to previous years emissions data PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : /02/ : SECTION A : PRTR POLLUTANTS RELEASES TO LAND Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs POLLUTANT METHOD QUANTITY Method Used No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button SECTION B : REMAINING POLLUTANT EMISSIONS (as required in your Licence) RELEASES TO LAND Please enter all quantities in this section in KGs POLLUTANT METHOD QUANTITY Method Used Pollutant No. Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year A (Accidental) KG/Year * Select a row by double-clicking on the Pollutant Name (Column B) then click the delete button PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : 2011 Page 1 of 1

60 T/Year Description and Licence / Permit No. of Recoverer / Disposer / Broker Address of Recoverer / Disposer / Broker Name and Address of Final Destination i.e. Final Recovery / Disposal Site (HAZARDOUS WASTE ONLY) Licence / Permit No. of Final Destination i.e. Final Recovery / Disposal Site (HAZARDOUS WASTE ONLY) Sheet : Treatment Transfers of Waste AER Returns Workbook 20/2/ :35 5. ONSITE TREATMENT & OFFSITE TRANSFERS OF WASTE PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : /02/ : Please enter all quantities on this sheet in Tonnes 5 European Waste Code Hazardous Quantity Quantity (Tonnes per Year) Method Used Waste Treatment Operation M/C/E Method Used Location of Treatment Name Haz Waste : Name and Licence/Permit No of Next Destination Facility Non Haz Waste: Name and Licence/Permit No of Recover/Disposer Haz Waste : Address of Next Destination Facility Non Haz Waste: Address of Recover/Disposer Transfer Destination of Waste Sarsfield Court Industrial Estate,Glanmire,.,County Within the Country No 1.06 screenings D1 M Weighed Offsite in Ireland Greenstar Munster,W Cork,Ireland Sarsfield Court Industrial Estate,Glanmire,.,County Within the Country No 0.6 waste from desanding D1 M Weighed Offsite in Ireland Greenstar Munster,W Cork,Ireland Within the Country No paper and cardboard R3 M Weighed Offsite in Ireland Greenstar Munster,W Sarsfield Court Industrial Estate,Glanmire,.,County Cork,Ireland Name and License / Permit No. and Address of Final Recoverer / Disposer (HAZARDOUS WASTE ONLY) Actual Address of Final Destination i.e. Final Recovery / Disposal Site (HAZARDOUS WASTE ONLY) Within the Country No mixed municipal waste D1 M Weighed Offsite in Ireland Sarsfield Court Industrial Estate,Glanmire,.,County Greenstar Munster,W Cork,Ireland Unit 9 Raffeen Industrial Enva Ireland Ltd,W ,Unit 9 Raffeen Industrial Unit 9 Raffeen Industrial Estate,Raffeen,Monkstown,C estate,raffeen,monkstown,c estate,raffeen,monkstown,c Within the Country Yes 3.75 synthetic hydraulic oils R9 M Volume Calculation Offsite in Ireland Enva Ireland Ltd,W ounty Cork,Ireland ounty Cork,Ireland ounty Cork,ireland sludges from treatment of urban waste Killowen,Portlaw,.,County Within the Country No water R10 M Weighed Offsite in Ireland Ormonde Organics,W Waterford,Ireland Within the Country No sludges from treatment of urban waste water R10 M Weighed Onsite of generatioquinns of Baltinglass,. * Select a row by double-clicking the Description of Waste then click the delete button Main Street,.,Baltinglass,County Wicklow,Ireland PRTR# : D0033 Facility Name : Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Filename : D0033_2011.xls Return Year : 2011 Page 1 of 1

61 copy 3 0 AER PRTR UWWTP Emission Calculation Toolset V xls Air Emissions Data Input Table; 1 of 1; 20/02/ :24 Environmental Protection Agency VERSION January 2011 CALCULATION OF EMISSIONS FROM URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS FOR AER AND PRTR REPORTING Note: Data Entry in the yellow cells only RELEASES TO AIR Air: Emissions from WWTP Works Data Entry Table: Characteristics of the WWTP Facility Name: Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Address Carrigrennan, Little Island, Co. Cork Reporting year: 2011 (Note: completing these details here will also fill in the other worksheets) For use where no data from on-site monitoring of air emissions from the plant are available. Nitrous Oxide (N2O) calculated directly for actual p.e. data 1 Loadings and Works A Facility Loadings Data for Reporting Year Total p.e. served Design p.e. Value TOW kg BOD / annum 302,842 Enter Actual Population Equivalent of catchment 6,636, ,000 Enter Design Population Equivalent of facility 9,050,895 For information only: Calculated Values (see worksheet: Calculations) TOW = "Total Organically biodegradable material in domestic (=municipal) Wastewater" Total p.e. served TOW equivalent Design p.e. TOW equivalent Total influent BOD kg/annum (measured) Total Sludge removed offsite kg Dry Matter / annum Total Sludge digested on-site kg Dry Matter / annum B Characteristics of the Works B1 Aerobic plant Does the aerobic section of the plant contain dissolved oxygen? All tanks covered and extracted to on-site flare? % of Headspace biogas utilised on site (0-100) % of Headspace biogas flared (0-100) Total % biogas utilised or flared onsite B2 Onsite Anaerobic Digestion for sludge treatment Anaerobic digestion on site? % of Digester biogas utilised on site (0-100) % of Digester biogas flared (0-100) Total % biogas utilised or flared onsite 6,632,230 Enter total annual quantity; NB note units: kg/annum 302,634 Quality check: p.e. of influent BOD kg/annum Enter total annual quantity; NB note units: kg/annum 0 BOD content of sludge removed kg/annum 2,617,930 Enter total annual quantity; NB note units: kg/annum 0 6,632,230 BOD content of sludge digested kg/annum Residual BOD net of sludge removed/digested kg/annum Status Y / N (default is "Y") Methane Conversion factor for the aerobic plant will be determined by this answer Y / N (default is "N") Releases will be reported as "Fugitive" Only required if Headspace extraction on site; Calculate by % operation of engine. Default assumption is Zero utilisation Only required if Headspace extraction on site; Calculate by % operation of flare. Default assumption is Zero flaring y Y / N (default is "N") Releases will be reported as "Emission Point 1" 95 Only required if Anaerobic digestion on site; Calculate by % operation of engine. Default assumption is Zero utilisation 5 Only required if Anaerobic digestion on site; Calculate by % operation of flare. Default assumption is Zero flaring 2 Fuel use on the WWTP Total Diesel Use on site in the year 35.6 Tonne / annum Releases will be reported as "Fugitive" The table here is for illustration only. The output data are presented in the next worksheet "UWWTP Releases to Air", in the precise format for entry directly into the "Releases to Air" Worksheet of your Reporting Workbook ESTIMATED QUANTITIES A (Accidental) PRTR No. Annex II Name Emission Point 1 T (Total) KG/Year KG/Year F (Fugitive) KG/Year 1 Methane (CH4) Carbon Monoxide Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 0 8,404,675 8,404,675 5 Nitrous oxide (N2O) Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) 8 Nitrogen oxides (NOx/NO2) 0 1,167 1, Sulphur oxides (SOx/SO2)

62 correct copy 3 0 AER PRTR UWWTP Emission Calculation Toolset V xls Releases to Air Output Table; 1 of 1; 20/02/ :01 Environmental Protection Agency VERSION January 2011 CALCULATION OF EMISSIONS FROM URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS FOR AER AND PRTR REPORTING RELEASES TO AIR Facility Name: Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant Address Carrigrennan, Little Island, Co. Cork Reporting year: 2011 Data Output Table Releases to Air from UWWTP facilities The following table combines the estimates from both onsite infrastructure and fuel combustion, and provides the output data in the appropriate format for reporting via the "Releases to Air" Worksheet of the EPA Electronic AER Reporting Workbook The information must be entered manually; do NOT attempt to use the Cut or Copy methods for this task. RELEASES TO AIR For info only: POLLUTANT METHOD QUANTITY PRTR Method Used (insert name) REPORTING PRTR No. Emission T (Total) A (Accidental) F (Fugitive) THRESHOLD kg/a Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code Designation or Description Point 1 KG/Year KG/Year KG/Year 1 Methane (CH4) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v ,000 No 2 Carbon monoxide (CO) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v ,000 No 3 Carbon dioxide (CO2) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v4.0-8,404, ,404, ,000,000 No 5 Nitrous oxide (N2O) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v ,000 No 7 Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v ,000 No 8 Nitrogen oxides (NOx/NO2) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v4.0-1, , ,000 No 11 Sulphur oxides (SOx/SO2) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v ,000 No Reportable to European PRTR Website?

63 Environmental Protection Agency copy 3 0 AER PRTR UWWTP Emission Calculation Toolset V xls Releases to Water; 1 of 5; 20/02/ :22 VERSION January 2011 CALCULATION OF EMISSIONS FROM URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS FOR AER AND PRTR REPORTING Note: Data Entry in the yellow cells only Facility Name: Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant RELEASES TO WATER Address Carrigrennan, Little Island, Co. Cork Reporting year: 2011 This tool provides a simple model for the estimation of the annual loads of PRTR Substances released to the receiving waterbody from your facility FOR THOSE SUBSTANCES INCLUDED IN YOUR FACILITY'S REGULAR MONITORING PROGRAMME: Please report the annual loads of those substances based on your flow and concentration data. Data Entry Table: FLOW DATA Please enter Total Annual Flow (m³/annum): Enter data Treated: Final effluent volume released via main emission point 38,045,275 Untreated / Fugitive: Estimated volume released in storm bypasses 475,300 Data Output Table: Releases to water The following table provides the output data in the appropriate format for reporting via the "Releases to Water" Worksheet of the EPA Electronic AER Reporting Workbook. These figures should be used for all parameters where no actual monitoring data are available. The information from this table must be entered into the "Releases to water" worksheet manually; do NOT attempt to use the Cut or Copy methods for this task. If the value returned by the toolset is zero (to 3 decimal places), the pre-entered value is valid and does not have to be retyped PLEASE NOTE: FOR TECHNICAL REASONS, THE REPORTING WORKSHEET REQUIRES THAT YOU ENTER DATA INTO AT LEAST ONE "QUANTITY" CELL FOR EACH OF THE SUBSTANCES LISTED BELOW. IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO REPORT THE MODELLED FIGURE, PLEASE ENTER THE DUMMY VALUE: " " IN THE "ACCIDENTAL" COLUMN

64 copy 3 0 AER PRTR UWWTP Emission Calculation Toolset V xls Releases to Water; 2 of 5; 20/02/ :22 Data Output Table: Releases to water POLLUTANT No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code RELEASES TO WATERS Method Used Designation or Description (Note: replace with sitespecific data if applicable) SW 1 Emission Point 1 T (Total) kg/year QUANTITY A (Accidental) kg/year (Enter site specific data) F (Fugitive) kg/year PRTR reporting threshold kg/a For info only: Is this figure Reportable to the EU Commission under the PRTR? SECTION A : SECTOR SPECIFIC PRTR POLLUTANTS 44 1,2,3,4,5, 6-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 34 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 25 Alachlor E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 61 Anthracene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 17 Arsenic and compounds (as As) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 27 Atrazine E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 91 Benzo(g,h,i)perylene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 18 Cadmium and compounds (as Cd) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 28 Chlordane E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 30 Chlorfenvinphos E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 79 Chlorides (as total Cl) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v4.0 9,466, ,585, , ,000,000 Yes 31 Chloro-alkanes, C10-C13 E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 19 Chromium and compounds (as Cr) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 20 Copper and compounds (as Cu) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 82 Cyanides (as total CN) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 33 DDT E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 70 Di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 36 Dieldrin E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 37 Diuron E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 38 Endosulfan E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 65 Ethyl benzene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 88 Fluoranthene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 83 Fluorides (as total F) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v4.0 13, , ,000 Yes 40 Halogenated organic compounds (as AOX) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v ,000 No 42 Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 43 Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 89 Isodrin E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 23 Lead and compounds (as Pb) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 45 Lindane E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No

65 copy 3 0 AER PRTR UWWTP Emission Calculation Toolset V xls Releases to Water; 3 of 5; 20/02/ :22 Data Output Table: Releases to water POLLUTANT No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code RELEASES TO WATERS Method Used Designation or Description (Note: replace with sitespecific data if applicable) SW 1 Emission Point 1 T (Total) kg/year QUANTITY A (Accidental) kg/year (Enter site specific data) F (Fugitive) kg/year PRTR reporting threshold kg/a For info only: Is this figure Reportable to the EU Commission under the PRTR? 21 Mercury and compounds(as Hg) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes

66 copy 3 0 AER PRTR UWWTP Emission Calculation Toolset V xls Releases to Water; 4 of 5; 20/02/ :22 Data Output Table: Releases to water POLLUTANT No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code RELEASES TO WATERS Method Used Designation or Description (Note: replace with sitespecific data if applicable) SW 1 Emission Point 1 T (Total) kg/year QUANTITY A (Accidental) kg/year (Enter site specific data) F (Fugitive) kg/year PRTR reporting threshold kg/a For info only: Is this figure Reportable to the EU Commission under the PRTR? 68 Naphthalene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 22 Nickel and compounds (as Ni) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 64 Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NP/NPEs) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 69 Organotin compounds (as total Sn) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 48 Pentachlorobenzene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 71 Phenols (as total C) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 50 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 72 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 52 Tetrachloroethylene (PER) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v Yes 73 Toluene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 12 Total nitrogen E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v , , , ,000 Yes 76 Total organic carbon (TOC) (as total C or COD/3) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v4.0 1,310, ,326, , ,000 Yes 13 Total phosphorus E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v4.0 89, , , ,000 Yes 57 Trichloroethylene E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 77 Trifluralin E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 75 Triphenyltin and compounds E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 60 Vinyl chloride E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 78 Xylenes E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v No 24 Zinc and compounds (as Zn) E ESTIMATE EPA UWWTP Tool v4.0 1, , Yes The following estimated Fugitive Loads (stormwater bypass) for non PRTR substances are provided for use where own influent monitoring data are not available. Use Facility's influent data in preference to these estimated figures if available. SECTION C : REMAINING POLLUTANT EMISSIONS (As required in your Licence) (SECTION B NOT APPLICABLE TO UWWTPS) 238 Ammonia (as N) M OTH (enter method) 11, , BOD M OTH (enter method) 111, , COD M OTH (enter method) 240, , Kjeldahl Nitrogen M OTH (enter method) 19, , Nitrate (as N) M OTH (enter method) 19, , Nitrite (as N) M OTH (enter method) Ortho-phosphate (as PO4) M OTH (enter method) 1, ,637.64

67 copy 3 0 AER PRTR UWWTP Emission Calculation Toolset V xls Releases to Water; 5 of 5; 20/02/ :22 Data Output Table: Releases to water POLLUTANT No. Annex II Name M/C/E Method Code RELEASES TO WATERS Method Used Designation or Description (Note: replace with sitespecific data if applicable) SW 1 Emission Point 1 T (Total) kg/year QUANTITY A (Accidental) kg/year (Enter site specific data) F (Fugitive) kg/year PRTR reporting threshold kg/a For info only: Is this figure Reportable to the EU Commission under the PRTR? 240 Suspended Solids M OTH (enter method) 123, ,686.67

68 Cork City Agglomeration Operational Reports Summary 3.1 Complaints Summary Waste Water Treatment Plant There were no complaints received at the Plant in 2011 related to discharges. In all, 5 individual odour related complaints were received. This is a significant reduction from 59 odour related complaints in Number Date & Time Nature of Complaint Cause Of Complaint /07/ /08/ /08/ /08/ /08/2011 Oct-11 Bad smell from Treatment Plant Very High H2S levels in influent coming to the Plant Actions Taken to resolve issue Monitored levels showed Levels high from 5pm on 11th to 9.00 am 12th, No further Action Bad smell from Treatment Plant No Obvious Reason Checked all available data Very High H2S levels in Bad smell from influent coming to the Reviewed dosing with Nutriox at Treatment Plant Plant Header Chamber Bad smell from Treatment Plant Bad smell from Treatment Plant Very High H2S levels in influent coming to the Plant No breaches in H2S levels in influent coming to the Plant Reviewed dosing with Nutriox at Header Chamber Monitored H2S levels, No further Action Additional odour masking dispersion fan was fitted to the inlet building. A similar unit was fitted to the top of the MV/LV Building in 2010 Closed (Y/N) Y Y Y Y Y Sewer Network The Drainage Section of Cork City Council maintains a Complaints Database which logs queries and complaints for the Drainage Network and Rivers within the city. The City Council Environment Pollution Control Section also maintains a Complaints Register, and in addition Cork County Council was referenced in compiling the following tables of Summary of Complaints of an environmental nature related to discharges to waters within the Agglomeration. Items which are duplicated are highlighted in Red, i.e. these items are either logged on multiple databases or consist of multiple calls about the same event. 68 P a g e

69 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Summary of Complaints Table File Source: CCC Drainage Section Number Date Time Location Nature of Complaint/ Complaint Details Cause of complaint Actions Taken to resolve issue Closed (Y/N) /03/ :28:57 Glasheen Stream letter received re concerns of resident of Sandymount None obvious, Transient Discharge Investigated: Couldn't see anything Avenue, Glasheen. She suspects that there is raw around river. sewage being discharged into the stream. Also Y received complaint no in relation to this /06/ :25:54 Rivertowers Water pouring down rock face seems to be coming from estate above /08/ :39:43 Glasheen Stream Report of leaking pipe described as sewerage flowing into the river, between Deanrock Estate and Summerstown /09/ :30:PM Curraheen river Call taken by Co-Ordinator (out of hours call)from the Inland Fisheries, with regard to fish kill at Curraheen River /10/ :53:49 Monahan Rd Stream Caller claims there is some sort of pollution in a stream along Monahan Road. There is no more fish in the stream. Refused to give name or any contact details /10/ :39:02 Curraheen river River has a greyish milky colour similiar to the time of last fish kill /10/ :34:43 Monahan Rd (repeat as before) Caller said that when he was walking on the pathway off the link road between Centre Park Road and Monahan's Road there is a stream at the side of the track which feeds into the Atlantic Pond. Last night the stream was blueish in colour /11/ :43:36 Kiln River received regarding smell from river for past few months. Overflowing Sewer /Blocked Explanation is that of dirty water from storm sewer when it rained. Contractor mistook storm for foul drain when cleaning. Private Drain Discharge Private Drain discharge from premises Transient discharge Private Drain discharge from premises Multiple Private drains, Secondary discharges direct to culvert. Made contact with persons acting for developer to deal with Investigated by foreman. The Drainage Dept were out there before. No sign of a discharge - CSO was not overflowing. Full investigation, source found, see also Environment pollution record It passed without detrimental effects, Drain discharge from premises disconnected Checked CSO, PumpStations, All ok See Previous,It passed without detrimental effects, Drain discharge from premises disconnected On Work list for connection to sewer Y Y Y Y Y Y N 69 P a g e

70 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Summary of Complaints Table File Source : CCC Environment Pollution Section Number Date Time Location Nature of Complaint/ Complaint Details Cause of complaint Actions Taken to resolve issue Closed (Y/N) PC11/478 10/01/2011 Curraheen River Complaint from fisheries board 3 possible sources of 2 were of little or no significance. 3rd Fisheries to follow up (Glasheen Stream) pollution- traced to ESB Sarsfield Rd, private Drain Y PC11/486 11/02/2011 City Limits Water seeping into premises. Dispute between CCC and Owner as legal proceedings taken against CCC to source N PC11/492 28/02/2011 Lois Rua, BallyvolaneRaw sewage flowing into the Glen River Cross connection Diverted to foul sewer Y PC11/519 01/06/2011 Blarney Street Faeces were dumped in the road gullies. Offenders were caught, warned and the dumping stopped Y PC /06/2011 Rivertowers Overflow of foul discharge on a steep bank adjacent Overflowing Sewer /Blocked Receiver appointed to site, repairs to River Towers, Lee Road. carried out Y PC11/532 06/07/2011 Kyrl's Quay Odour from the river at Kyrl's Quay. (Kiln river) Multiple Private drains, Secondary On Work list for connection to sewer discharges direct to culvert. N PC11/534 08/07/2011 Sarsfield Terrace, RiBlocked shared private drain under 23 Sarsfield Owner did not carry out repairs legal proceedings taken by CCC Terrace. requested by CCC Y PC11/535 12/07/2011 The Lough Discoluration of The Lough caused by high nutrients and warm, caused by high nutrients and warm, dry dry weather weather Y PC11/538 15/07/2011 Gaol Cross Alleged oil spill near Gaol Cross, Western Road. Oil washed away Y PC11/544 25/07/2011 Lancaster Quay EPA alleged that oil was on the River Lee at Lancaster Not obvious It was investigated and no oil was found Quay. Y PC11/554 22/08/2011 Tramore River Grey water in the Tramore River at Kinsale Road None obvious, Transient Discharge It passed without detrimental effects Landfill site. Y PC11/563 19/09/2011 Curraheen River Fish kill on the Curraheen River. Contractor mistook storm for foul The Fisheries Board investigated also drain when cleaning. Y PC11/569 30/09/2011 Merchants Quay Alleged fuel spillage at Merchants Quay. Not obvious It was investigated and no pollution was found. Y PC11/574 07/10/2011 Blackrock Harbour Clay-like substance washed up in Blackrock Harbour. Not obvious Material was analysed and found not to be causing pollution Y PC11/578 24/10/2011 Hegarty Square Foul water containing sewage may have overflowed blockage cleared Survey carried out by owner onto public road. Y 70 P a g e

71 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Summary of Complaints Table File Source : CCC Environment Pollution Section Number Date Time Location Nature of Complaint/ Complaint Details Cause of complaint Actions Taken to resolve issue Closed (Y/N) PC11/579 28/10/2011 Monahan Road Possible pollution in the stream near Monahan Road. Private Drain discharge from It passed without detrimental effects, Possible Sewage premises Drain discharge from premises disconnected Y PC11/580 02/11/2011 Glasheen Stream Alleged dumping of oil in Glasheen Stream Not obvious It passed without detrimental effects Y PC11/581 02/11/2011 Curraheen River Curraheen River was greyish/milky colur in None obvious, Transient Discharge It passed without detrimental effects appearance Y PC11/593 09/12/2011 River Lee Soap bubbles in River Lee None obvious, Transient Discharge It passed without detrimental effects Y Summary of Complaints Table File Source: Cork CoCo Environment Pollution Section Number Date Time Location Nature of Complaint/ Complaint Details Cause of complaint Actions Taken to resolve issue Closed (Y/N) /01/ :24:23 Glasheen River Complaint from Inland Fisheries board - Effluent Illegal Discharge - Water Referred to City Co. as above, see discharge at Sarsfield Roundabout PC11/478 Y Note: items in Red are duplicates of previous complaints 71 P a g e

72 Cork City Agglomeration Explanation: City Council Drainage Section Complaints Database There were 873 issues logged on the Drainage Complaints Database in Only a very small number of calls received are complaints of an environmental nature related to the discharge to waters from the Wastewater Works. 12 calls were categorised as type Rivers/Streams/Culvert. Of these 4 were complaints about debris or a build up of weeds and grass in the stream or river, i.e. not pollution related. The other 8 were detailed in full in the previous Summary of Complaints Tables. CORK CITY DRAINAGE DATABASE SUMMARY CATEGORY OF ITEM TYPE No. Sub Totals OPERATIONS COMPLAINT CALLS PRIVATE DRAINS 31 SEWERS 476 MANHOLE 56 ROAD GULLY 11 FLOODING 19 SMELL 66 RAT INFESTATION 18 N/A TO DRAINAGE 6 RIVER /STREAM/CULVERT PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SEWER FLUSHING BY STAFF TOTAL NO. OF ITEMS LOGGED 873 TYPE DESCRIPTION No. Sub Totals RIVER /STREAM/CULVERT GROWTH & DEBRIS 4 SMELL 3 POLLUTION 4 FISH KILL items logged related to routine preventative maintenance sewer flushing works carried out by Drainage staff, i.e. actions to prevent sewer blockages or smells building up. These actions are carried out on known stretches of the network where low flows or shallow gradients in pipes could cause problems. 695 items logged consisted of complaint calls, 560 of these were received during normal working hours, and 135 were received, and responded to, out of normal working hours. CATEGORY OF ITEM CATEGORY OF RESPONSE No. Sub Totals OPERATIONS COMPLAINT CALLS NORMAL WORK HOURS 560 CALL-OUT RESPONSE Drainage ground staff responds as quickly as possible to issues /complaints received to ensure all problems are addressed as quickly as possible. Typically calls from the public relate to blocked private drains, sewers, or road gullies, displaced manhole covers, or localised stormwater flooding. These are operational and maintenance issues related to the sewer network. 72 P a g e

73 Cork City Agglomeration Reported Incidents Summary Waste Water Treatment Plant Incident Type Incident Description Non- Compliance, Breach of Licence, ELVs Total Phosphorus & Total Nitrogen Cause No.Of Incidents Corrective Action Authorities Contacted The receiving water (Cork Harbour) is designated a nutrient sensitive water. The WWTP does not have a nutrient treatment facility in place leading to ongoing/intermittent Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorous exceedances. Total Phosphorous, 31 test samples, 7 samples exceeded the ELV, 2 exceeded the 120% ELV limit, Compliance not achieved on 8 out of 10 consecutive samples for the full year. Total Nitrogen is Non-compliant in all counts. Provision of Nutrient Removal Treatment being addressed under WSIP N/A Reported to EPA (Yes/No) Yes Closed (Y/N) N This ongoing incident is being reported by Cork City Council on a quarterly basis via the EPA Eden system. See Section Summary of Test Results and List of Non-Compliances, Total N & Total P & Section Discharge Licence Compliance 73 P a g e

74 Cork City Agglomeration Infrastructural Assessments and Programme of Improvements 4.1 Treatment Capacity Hydraulic Load Refer to Sections 2.1. Summary report on Monthly Influent and Effluent Flow and Section Infiltration The Inflows to the WWTP, i.e. Average Daily Flow for 2011 equal to 99,728 m3/day, are in excess of designed inflows for the population served and Population Equivalent calculated. It is proposed that these excessive inflows are as a result of an excess/ background inflow and /or infiltration, exacerbated due to the location of the catchment at the head of an Estuary. This is supported by measured chloride levels in the influent, together with the time range of the inflows, and is also borne out by the low organic loads received at the plant compared to the inflows received. The amount of infiltration as calculated previously for 2010 AER is in the order of 46% of the Average Daily Flow received at the WWTP compared to an original estimate of 16.5% at design stage. This is an estimate only and is considered to be at the outer limit of infiltration being experienced. WWTP Original Design Flows Crude Sewage Dry Weather Flow of DWF = 59,359 m3/day, Equating to Average Daily Flow (DWF*1.2) = 71,231 m3/day Crude Sewage Maximum flow (WWF) = 359,592 m3/day (design factor 6.06) As clarified in Section 2.1, the Original Design figures for the plant were increased by 20% under the Consort Joint Venture Contract entered into by Cork City/Cork County Councils for the construction and operation of the WWTP. The maximum daily flow experienced at the WWTP since commissioning is 251,556 m3/day (during floods in 2009). This value represented 70% of the original design Maximum flow possible for the WWTP. The maximum daily flow experienced in 2011 was less than that, i.e. at 222,637 m3/day, it was 62% of Crude Sewage Maximum flow. The Annual Maximum Treated Effluent for 2011 was 163,840 m3/day, which is consistent with the design of the plant. Original design figure for Secondary Treatment was 1.83m3/sec, which would equate to 158,139m3/day. Approximately half of the outflows from the storm holding tanks have undergone full Primary Treatment before overflowing to storm holding tanks (flow >1.83m3/sec), the remainder has undergone a form of Primary Treatment, i.e. partial settlement, within the storm holding tanks prior to discharge. All outflows from the storm holding tanks have undergone screening and grit removal. The Primary /Partially Treated outflows from the Storm Holding tanks in 2011, 475,300 m3 in total, consisted of less than 1.25% of the total flows from the WWTP. 74 P a g e

75 Cork City Agglomeration 2011 Hydraulic Inflows exceed the Daily Design Load but are within the Design Capacity of the plant. While excessive infiltration is being experienced the plant has the hydraulic capacity to handle the loading being experienced at present and into the foreseeable future Organic Load See Section Mass loading Measurement See Section Storm Discharges, Treated Discharges & Combined Discharge See Section Summary COD, SS & cbod for Storm, Treated Discharges & Resultant Combined Discharge The tables and results show that the calculated Population Equivalent using inflow cbod loading for 2011 is 302,842 which is 73%, i.e. considerably less than, the 2020 design figure PE for the WWTP of 413,200. Monitoring results Sections and for Storm Water Discharges, combined with Treated Effluent Discharges, and Resultant Flow Related loading, illustrate that the resultant effluent in all cases was within the ELV limits. The organic loading capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant will not be exceeded in the next 3 years. 4.2 Storm water overflow identification and inspection report This information is submitted under separate cover as Appendix Programme of Infrastructural Improvements This information is included as part of this second AER Report as Appendix 4 75 P a g e

76 Cork City Agglomeration Report on progress made and proposals being developed to meet the improvement programme requirements Summary Report Specified Improvement Programmes (under Schedule A and C of WWDL) Discharge to be discontinued Licence Schedule (A or C) Licence Completion Date Date Expired? (N/NA/Y) 1 SD02, St Patrick's Bridge A.3 22-Dec-15 N Improvement Programme for Primary Discharge Infiltration and Inflow Programme Improvement in operation of and a reduction in frequency of discharge via, CSO71 (S48N and S48S) Improvement Programme for Secondary discharge Cessation of Discharge from SD02 Improvement Programme for Storm Water Overflows Meet requirements of DoEHLG "Procedures and criterai in relation to storm water overflows" 1995 Non Specified Improvements C.1 22-Dec-15 N C.1 To be Agreed N/A Status of Works Planning Stage, Culvert Survey to be carried out In-house review underway, & Programme being drawn up Planning Stage Comments as per 4 below Part of Brief for WWTP upgrade, see 6 below C.2 As per 1 above C.3 22-Dec-15 In-house review underway, & Programme being drawn up Licensee Timeframe for Completing the work 22-Dec Dec Dec Dec-15 6 Upgrade of Treatment Plant to comply with Nutrient Removal Licence & UWWT Directive 01-Jan-11 Y Funding for Planning stage approved, Procurement for consultant in train 22-Dec-15 7 Assesment of impact on shellfish & implementation of recommendations from same Jun-11 Y Planning Stage Part of Brief for WWTP upgrade, see 6 above 22-Dec-15 8 Cessation of Discharges to Kiln River Culvert To be Agreed N/A 9 Docklands Sewerage Scheme N/A 10 Tramore River Valley Study N/A 11 Glanmire/Riverstown/Little Island, Stormwater sepweration Study N/A Planning Stage, Culvert Survey undertaken Delayed due to WSIP or Funding Delayed due to WSIP or Funding Delayed due to WSIP or Funding Submission to be made to EPA Relevant to C.1 & C.3, prioritised Important Relevant to C.1 & C.3, prioritised Important 22-Dec P a g e

77 Cork City Agglomeration Environmental Liability and Financial Provisions 5.1 Annual Statement on prevention of environmental damage The Cork City Waste Water Treatment plant at Carrigrennan is operated by Northumbrian Water Projects Ltd on behalf of Consort Joint Venture on a twenty year contract. Full Performance Management Systems, independently certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, are in place, with appropriate controls and monitoring for the operation, and maintenance of the plant and equipment. Carrigrennan WWTP is operated to the highest standards for secondary treatment of effluent and all environmental monitoring required by the licence is undertaken. Process monitoring is also undertaken and alarm and call-out systems are in place to address any accidents/incidents should they arise. Atlantic Pond Pump Station and the Ballinure Header Chamber are the key items of infrastructure on the system apart from the Treatment Plant. They are operated and maintained under separate contract, and are under constant surveillance. The City Council P&M department carry out maintenance of the older pump stations (pre Cork Main Drainage). The department operates a callout system for fitters and electricians. This call out system has been further enhanced with the upgrade of all the control panels which now includes a text alert system which is activated by alarm set points. The alarm texts are now directly issued to the P&M foreman. The remaining pump stations, constructed more recently within the Cork Main Drainage projects are inspected regularly, up to twice weekly, depending on risk level attached to the installation, by City Council technicians. A maintenance programme is in place and service and repairs are carried out as required by contractors. Pump replacement and refurbishment is an ongoing feature of the preventive maintenance carried out under both systems. This results in any pump station failures being mitigated. Cork City Council operates and maintains the Drainage Network within the City. Regular inspection, repair and maintenance are carried out by the Drainage maintenance staff, who responds to all complaints that are received concerning the network operation. A specialist crew inspects and cleans all Combined Sewer Overflows on a fortnightly basis. Cork City Council also operates a call-out /emergency response system for out- of- hour s problems that arise. Cork County Council via their Area Network Maintenance Divisions, operate and maintain the County Council Drainage Network which discharges to Carrigrennan WWTP. 77 P a g e

78 Cork City Agglomeration Environmental Liabilities Risk Assessment An Environmental Liability Risk Assessment & Statement of Measures for Cork City Agglomeration has been prepared and is included as part of this second AER Report as Appendix 1 6 Licence Specific Reports 6.1 Toxicity of Final Waste Water Effluent A report has been prepared on the WWD Toxicity Testing of the Cork City Final Effluent in December 2011 by Aquatic Services Unit, Environmental Research Institute. Toxicity of the effluent to four relevant aquatic species from different trophic levels was determined. The results from the bioassays performed on the Cork City Agglomeration Final Effluent sampled on December 13 th 2011 indicate that the sample has little or low toxicity. The full toxicity report is included as part of this second AER Report as Appendix Screening of Organic Compounds and Metals Screening of the WWTP primary discharge effluent for organic compounds and metals (Priority Substances) is conditioned to be carried out within twelve months of the date of grant of licence, i.e. by 17 th Dec The Environmental Protection Agency is undertaking an Effluent Characterisation with consultants Mott MacDonald Ireland Ltd, and 88 pollutants, (including all the priority substances) are being monitored on a quarterly basis at 11 WWTPs around Ireland, including Cork City WWTP. This study s objective is to determine which pollutants are likely to be found in Irish WWTPs and also to refine the UWW Calculation Tool for PRTR reporting purposes. It has been agreed with the EPA that Cork City does not have to carry out further sample testing for the Priority Substances, i.e. Organic Compounds and Metals, as this testing is included in the Effluent Characterisation monitoring for Cork City WWTP. Two rounds of this analysis data from the samples taken at Cork City WWTP were made available to Cork City Council for review and assessment as part of this report. 6.3 Chemical, Ecological and Trophic status of the receiving waters A full discussion has been included in Section 2.3 Ambient Monitoring on the Chemical Trophic and Ecological status of the receiving waters 78 P a g e

79 Cork City Agglomeration Shellfish Impact Assessment Ref. ELRA Report, Appendix 1, Section as follows: Cork City Council has submitted an application to the Department of Environment, Communications and Local Government under the Water Services Infrastructure Programme for approval to engage a consultant for the design of Nutrient Removal /Tertiary Treatment for Cork City (Carrigrennan) WWTP. This is to enable discharges to comply with UWWT standards for Sensitive waters. Implementation of conditions 5.6 and 5.7 of the WWD licence, D , are included as part of the brief to the consultant with a view to including any additional treatment necessary under this licence condition as part of the WWTP upgrade. The same Licence conditions, 5.6 & 5.7 have been applied to Cork County Council for adjacent WWT plants around Cork Harbour. The same measures that apply to Cork City Council under the PRPs for the Shellfish areas in Cork Harbour, also apply to Cork County Council for the relevant WWTPs in their control. To this end a joint approach, where applicable, to the reviews and assessments required is envisaged. 79 P a g e

80 Cork City Agglomeration Approval As per condition 6.12 of Discharge Licence D , I certify the above report is true and accurate. Prepared by: Anne Hennessy Senior Exec. Engineer Water Services(Drainage) Reviewed by: Eamonn Walsh Senior Engineer Water Services(Drainage) Approved by: James O Donovan Director of Service Environment 80 P a g e

81 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Cork City Council Environmental Liability Risk Assessment & Statement of Measures for Cork City 2011 Urban Waste Water Discharge Licence No. D Revision History Version Status Author Reviewed By Description Date (Grade) 1.0 Draft A Hennessy, S.E.Engineer E.W. S.Engineer. Initial Draft 21-Feb Draft A Hennessy, S.E.Engineer E.W. S.Engineer. 16-Mar Final A Hennessy, S.E.Engineer E.W. S.Engineer Final 12-April-2012 Page 1

82 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY AND RISK ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY EPA ENFORCEMENT CATEGORY SENSITIVITY OF RECEIVING WATERS Primary Discharge Secondary Discharges GROUNDWATER PROTECTION Primary Discharge /WWTP Secondary Discharges / Agglomeration PROTECTED ECOLOGICAL SITES AND SPECIES (SHORTEST DISTANCE FROM ANY DISCHARGE) Great Island Channel SAC Cork Harbour SPA Primary Discharge Secondary Discharges Other Sites/Issues of Environmental Interest HUMAN HEALTH Shellfish Other Human Health Issues RISK PREVENTION/ MITIGATION WWTP SEWER NETWORK STATEMENT OF MEASURES FINANCIAL PROVISIONS ESTIMATION OF REMEDIATION COSTS DETAILS OF FINANCIAL PROVISION/INSURANCE Page 2

83 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment 1 Introduction This Environmental Liability Risk Assessment relates to the agglomeration of Cork City. This report has been prepared in compliance with condition 7.2 of Licence No. D which requires the submission of: An annual statement as to the measures taken or adopted in relation to the prevention of environmental damage, The financial provisions in place in relation to the underwriting of costs for remedial actions following anticipated events (including closure) or accident incidents, as may be associated with discharges or overflows from the waste water works. A comprehensive and fully costed Environmental Liabilities Risk Assessment (ELRA) to address the liabilities from present or planned discharges. The report on this assessment is being submitted to the Agency for agreement as part of the second (2011) AER. 1.1 Background The Agglomeration comprises of Cork City and adjacent areas in Cork County, including Tramore Valley, Douglas, and Rochestown on the south, Whitechurch on the north, and also includes Glanmire, Glounthaune and Little Island on the east, adjacent to the Waste Water Treatment Plant ( the local flows ). The Waste Water Treatment Plant is located at Carrigrennan on Little Island and was commissioned in 2004 with a capacity for an organic load of 413,000 Pop. Equiv. The design capacity of the plant was based on 53% of total load coming from industrial sources. The current organic plant loading for 2011 is calculated to be 302,842 Pop. Equiv. Local flows account for less than 10% of the total volume of flow received at the plant but account for an annual average of over 25% of the Total COD loading due to their industrial nature. These flows have been known to vary up to 60% of the total COD Loading. All inflows to the WWTP are conveyed via the sewer networks. Leachate from Cork City /Kinsale Road Landfill site is conveyed to the WWTP via the Tramore Valley sewer network. No leachate, sludges or other discharges are accepted directly into the WWTP in Carrigrennan. The main discharge from the WWTP is located in Lough Mahon Estuary. The WWTP was constructed just prior to the designation of the Estuary as a Sensitive Area and does not have Nutrient Removal as part of the Treatment carried out. This is being addressed as part of the WSIP programme. In the interim the WWTP is in contravention of the UWWT Regulations and is also exceeding the ELV limits in the WWD Licence, D , for Nitrogen, and also, at intervals only, for Phosphorus. The discharge is listed as Compliant under the most recent EPA Dream risk assessment (ref ) Page 3

84 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment There are 34 Pumping Stations in total on the wastewater works, (27 in the City Council Network), a number of which have pumped overflows in the event of storm events, and the majority of which have gravity overflows in the event of emergencies associated with the operation of the pumps. In addition there are 47 other stormwater overflow locations, largely associated with 62 Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO s) and including an untreated Secondary discharge into the River Lee North Channel adjacent to St. Patrick s Bridge in the City Centre. These Pump Station and Stormwater Overflows discharge to various waterbodies throughout the agglomeration, in addition to the North and South Channels of the Lee below the waterworks (The Upper Lee Estuary), the Lower Lee Estuary or directly to the Lough Mahon Estuary. There are potential discharges to Glen/ Bride/ Kiln River (Bride, Tributary of Lee, Waterbody code IE_SW_19_1825, & 1451), The Twopot & Curraheen Rivers (including the Glasheen Stream) (Tributories of the Lee, Waterbody codes IE_SW_19_ 1304 & 1744 respectively) and the Tramore River (Coastal)-Waterbody code IE_SW_19_1717. Page 4

85 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment 2 Environmental Sensitivity and Risk Assessment 2.1 Environmental Sensitivity The main considerations in relation to the receiving waters for the Primary discharge have been identified, given a designated score and are set out in Table 1. The Environmental Sensitivity Score resulting from this analysis is 10. Page 5

86 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Table 1 Environmental Attribute Sensitivity of Receiving Water Class A (Q5, Q4-5, Q4) 3 Class B (Q3-Q4) 2 Class C (Q3, Q2-3) 1 Class D (Q2, Q1-2, Q1) 0 Designated Costal & Estuarine Waters 2 Attribute Score Designated Score Comment Potentially Eutrophic Coastal & Estuarine 1 2 Groundwater Protection Regionally Important Aquifer 2 Locally Important Aquifer 1 Poor Aquifer 0 2 Vulnerability Rating - Extreme 3 Vulnerability Rating - High 2 Vulnerability Rating - Moderate 1 Vulnerability Rating - Low 0 3 Protected Ecological Sites and Species (Shortest distance from any discharge) Discharge within or directly bordering a designated site 2 <1km 1 >1km 0 2 Transitional Waters, Sensitive designation Rkd-Regionally Important Acquifer Karstified (Diffuse) Rkd X(Rock near surface or Karst) to E-Extreme and to H- High SAC: Great Island Channel- Site code: SPA: Cork Harbour- Site Code: Human Health Discharge within or directly bordering a designated shellfish area 0-5 km 1 Cork Great Island North Channel. >5 km 0 1 Designated Bathing Water The appropriate Officer should sign the Programme of Measures No WITHIN 0-5 km 1 >5 km 0 0 Drinking Water Source No Within 0-10 km 1 >10km 0 0 Environmental Sensitivity Score Environmental Sensitivity Assessment 10 Page 6

87 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment 2.2 EPA Enforcement Category The Environmental Protection Agency s (EPA), Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) has developed a Dynamic Risk Enforcement Assessment Methodology (DREAM) to allow it to prioritise its regulation of Waste Water Discharge Licences (WWDLs). DREAM allocates an enforcement category to waste water agglomerations on the basis of five environment based attributes: 1. Complexity; 2. Emissions; 3. Location; 4. Impact; 5. Enforcement Record. Each agglomeration is assessed and scored under all of the above attributes. An overall enforcement score is calculated and the relevant enforcement category is assigned. Three main enforcement categories are as follows, they vary from high to low, with the high category being broken into two subclasses (A1 and A2): A1 - Very high Enforcement Category; A2 - High Enforcement Category; B1 - Medium Enforcement Category; C1 - Low Enforcement Category. Overall Enforcement Score = Complexity Score X Emissions Score X Location Score X Impact Score X Enforcement Record Score. TABLE : ASSIGNMENT OF ENFORCEMENT CATEGORY Overall Enforcement Score 81 Enforcement Category A A B1 6 C1 In addition to the Methodology set out above where one or more of a list of default criteria apply to an agglomeration that agglomeration defaults to at least the A2 Enforcement category due to the greater regulatory effort required. An Overall Enforcement Score of 20 has been allocated by the EPA in the DREAM assessment for the Cork City Agglomeration, however, as it is listed in a Pollution Reduction Programme for Shellfish Waters, a default criteria, this causes the Cork City Agglomeration to default to the Highest Enforcement Category, A1. Page 7

88 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment 2.3 Sensitivity of Receiving Waters Lee Estuary/Lough Mahon Estuary-from the salmon weir (downstream of waterworks intake) to Monkstown (excluding North Channel at Great Island) and Owenacurra Estuary/North Channel from North Channel (Great Island) upstream of Marloag Point including Owenacurra Estuary upstream to Dungourney river confluence, were designated as Sensitive Areas under SI. No. 440/2004 of the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Amendment) Regulations As a result of this designation the WWTP is required to comply with Total Phosphorus (1mg/l, min 80% reduction) limits and Total Nitrogen (10mg/l min 70-80% reduction) limits as the population equivalent of the Agglomeration is greater than 100,000. It must also comply with percentage reduction levels for COD, BOD and TSS in excess of the WWDL D requirements Primary Discharge The EPA Water Quality in Ireland report assesses the Quality of Lough Mahon, the Upper and lower Lee estuaries and Cork Harbour in general, with the exception of North Channel Great Island, as Intermediate, using the EPA Trophic Status Assessment Scheme as required for the UWWT Directive and Nitrates Directive. North Channel Great Island is assessed as being Potentially Eutrophic in the Water Quality in Ireland report. Under the River Basin Management Plan for the South Western River Basin District prepared in accordance with the Water Framework Directive, the overall status of Lough Mahon Estuary, the Upper and Lower Lee Estuaries and North Channel Great Island are designated as Transitional Water Body Moderate- Status, with the overall objective being to restore them to Good status by They are all designated at Risk Level 1a-At Risk. Ref Water Matters SWRBD July The most recent Water Framework Directive information available on the EPA Envision website designate Lough Mahon as Transitional Water Body Good- Status and all adjacent Transitional and Coastal waterbodies as -Moderate Status. Ref : Lough Mahon Status Taken , originator SOB-GMD-RW EPA Secondary Discharges The rivers and streams within the Cork City agglomeration, apart from the Lee upstream of any discharge, are not monitored by the EPA and status has been allocated under WFD as follows: There are no rivers in the Q5, Q4-5 or Q4 categories i.e. Unpolluted, High or Good status. Status has been allocated as Q3-4, Moderate, or Q3, Q2-3, Poor. Page 8

89 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Ref Water Matters Reported to Europe July 2010 Name Water Body ID Overall Status Overall Objective Overall Risk Comment Bride- Trib of Lee IE_SW_19_1825 Moderate Restore a -At Risk Bride (Glen Bride Kiln) Bride- Trib of Lee IE_SW_19_1451 Moderate Restore a -At Risk Glen (Glen Bride Kiln) Twopot, Trib of Lee IE_SW_19_1304 Poor Restore a -At Risk Curragheen, Trib of Lee IE_SW_19_1744 Poor Restore a -At Risk Tramore River (Coastal) IE_SW_19_1717 Moderate Restore a -At Risk Ambient monitoring carried out by Cork City Council on these rivers and streams identifies that water quality is Less than Good and concurs with the status allocated. 2.4 Groundwater Protection Primary Discharge /WWTP The Cork City Waste Water Treatment Plant is located at Carrigrennan in Little Island, County Cork. The underlying Acquifer is designated as Rkd-Regionally Important Acquifer Karstified (Diffuse) by the Geological Survey of Ireland. The vulnerability rating of the acquifer at the WWTP is varied from X (Rock near surface or Karst) to E-Extreme and to H- High. Under the River Basin Management Plan for the South Western River Basin District prepared in accordance with the Water Framework Directive, the overall status of the Groundwater body at little Island is designated as Poor with the overall objective being to restore it to good status by The overall risk level associated with the Groundwater body is designated as 1a-At Risk. The Risk information identified in the Risk Report included Overall risk associated with nutrient loadings to rivers and /transitional and coastal waters and Risk associated with Nitrate loading to transitional and coastal waters, both allocated a risk level of 1a-At Risk. It was determined that the groundwater was not at risk (i.e. 2b) due to direct discharges of urban wastewater. Ref Water Matters SWRBD July Secondary Discharges / Agglomeration The Cork City Agglomeration is underlaid by two acquifers, the continuation of the Rkd- Regionally Important Acquifer Karstified (Diffuse) as per Little Island (WWTP) but with the majority of the area underlaid by an LI-Locally Important Acquifer-Bedrock which is Moderately Productive Only in Local Zones. The predominant vulnerability rating for the agglomeration is H-High, followed by E-Extreme and with pockets, some substantial, rated X (Rock near surface or Karst). There are some small areas rated M-Moderate. Page 9

90 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment The WFD Status of the Groundwater Body of the Cork City Agglomeration is designated as Good with the overall objective being to protect this status. The overall risk level associated with the Groundwater body is designated as 1a-At Risk. The Risk information identified in the Risk Report included Overall risk associated with nutrient loadings to rivers and /transitional and coastal waters and Risk associated with Nitrate loading to transitional and coastal waters, both allocated a risk level of 1a-At Risk. It was determined that the groundwater was also at the same level of risk associated with MRP loading to rivers and due to direct discharges of urban wastewater. Ref Water Matters SWRBD July Protected Ecological Sites and Species (Shortest distance from any discharge) Reference : National Parks and Wildlife Service There are two designated Ecological Sites in Cork Harbour. Great Island Channel SAC and Cork Harbour SPA. While the SAC is contained within one block, the SPA is in disparate units of area throughout the Harbour, also overlapping the SAC. The Site locations can be viewed on the National Parks and Wildlife website. Reference map showing SAC, Great Island Channel, and SPA, Cork Harbour sites Great Island Channel SAC Features of Interest Estuaries [1130] Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide [1140] Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) [1320] Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) [1330] Cork Harbour SPA Features of Interest (Birds) Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) [A004] Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) [A005] Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) [A017] Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) [A028] Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) [A048] Wigeon (Anas penelope) [A050] Teal (Anas crecca) [A052] Page 10

91 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Pintail (Anas acuta) [A054] Shoveler (Anas clypeata) [A056] Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) [A069] Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) [A130] Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) [A140] Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [A141] Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) [A142] Dunlin (Calidris alpina) [A149] Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) [A156] Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) [A157] Curlew (Numenius arquata) [A160] Redshank (Tringa totanus) [A162] Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) [A179] Common Gull (Larus canus) [A182] Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) [A183] Common Tern (Sterna hirundo ) [A193] Wetlands & Waterbirds [A999] Primary Discharge Parts of the SAC and SPA areas are in close proximity, i.e less than 1 km from the Main discharge from the WWTP Secondary Discharges In addition to the Primary Discharge there are potential overflows directly into the Douglas River and the Lower Lee (off Mahon) i.e. SPA areas of the Harbour, from a number of Pump stations and /or Storm Overflows. The likely significant effects of the discharges from the WWTP and the secondary discharges within the agglomeration were assessed and the effects on both habitats and species within the SAC and SPA were considered in compilation of Table 2 Risk Assessment. SAC: Great Island Channel- Site code: (see Reference: Site Synopsis, extract below) The main habitats of conservation interest are the sheltered tidal sand and mudflats and Atlantic salt meadows, both habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. The site is of major importance for the two habitats listed on the EU Habitats Directive that it contains, as well as for its important numbers of wintering waders and wildfowl. It also supports a good invertebrate fauna. Environmental Threats While the main land use within the site is aquaculture (Oyster farming), the greatest threats to its conservation significance come from road works, infilling, sewage outflows and possible marina developments. Page 11

92 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment SPA: Cork Harbour- Site Code: (see Reference :Site Synopsis, extract below) The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive. Environmental Threats Extensive areas of estuarine habitat have been reclaimed since about the 1950s for industrial, port-related and road projects, and further reclamation remains a threat. As Cork Harbour is adjacent to a major urban centre and a major industrial centre, water quality is variable, with the estuary of the River Lee and parts of the Inner Harbour being somewhat eutrophic. However, the polluted conditions may not be having significant impacts on the bird populations. Oil pollution from shipping in Cork Harbour is a general threat. Recreational activities are high in some areas of the harbour, including jet-skiing which causes disturbance to roosting birds Other Sites/Issues of Environmental Interest Reference : Ref Appendix 4: Designated Salmonid Waters S.I. No. 293/1988 European Communities (Quality of Salmonid Waters) Regulations 1988 The River Lee upstream of the waterworks Weir is designated as Salmonoid Waters. This is upstream of all Cork City Agglomeration discharges and therefore not applicable to the Licence. Ref Appendix 5 : Wastewater Treatment Plants Prioritised for Margaritifera margaritifera (pearl mussel. D Cork City Agglomeration is not listed Ref Appendix 7: Discharges to transitional or coastal waters that have been identified by expert opinion as a significant risk to water quality D Cork City WWTP is not listed 2.6 Human Health Shellfish The Shellfish Directive (2006/113/EC) is enacted in Ireland under S.I. 268 EC (Quality of Shellfish Waters) regulations 2006 and as amended by S.I. 55 0f 2009 and S.I 464 0f Shellfish Waters Mandatory and Guide values for parameters are listed in schedules 2 and 4 respectively of SI 268 of Page 12

93 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Distance from Primary discharge There are 4 designated Shellfish areas in Cork Harbour. The nearest shellfish area to the WWTP discharge location is Cork Great Island North Channel. The shortest pathway to this from the Primary Discharge outfall, via the Belvelly Channel, a narrow tidal passage, measures a distance of 4.7 km to the Shellfish Great Island North Channel designated site. The alternative pathway to this Shellfish water is via Marloag Point and the main Ballynacorra River Channel, a distance of 16.8 km. There are also three designated shellfish areas in the adjacent tidal waters at Rostellan, namely Rostellan North, Rostellan South, and Rostellan West, These are 13.3 km, km and 12.2 km, respectively, distant from the Cork City Primary discharge Shellfish Quality Cork Harbour is currently Classified B for Oysters in the Shellfish classification based on E.Coli Monitoring,( <4,600 E.coli MPN 100g -1 shellfish flesh), i.e. Must be depurated, heat treated or relayed to meet class A requirements. The Guide value under S.I.268 of 2006 for Faecal Coliforms is 300 MPN 100g-1 Shellfish flesh. There is no mandatory value given for Faecal Coliforms. A Prohibition was issued on the Harvesting of Oysters in the North Channel of Cork Harbour effective from 15 Oct 2002, by the Dept of Communications, Marine, and Natural Resources before the commissioning of the WWTP at Carrigrennan. This is due to viral contamination of the oysters. Effectively this prohibition has not been withdrawn to date. Ref :Details of prohibition below: A review of E.Coli monitoring data carried out by the Marine Institute on behalf of SFPA from 2003 to December 2011 on shellfish in Great Island North Channel and at Rostellan, shows, while maintaining within the B classification levels, apart from one outlying sample in Feb 2007, there is also a trend showing a moderate improvement for Great Island North Channel overall from 2009 onwards. Rostellan in contrast, while initially near the Class A limit of 230 E.Coli MPN in the earlier years, showed a marked decrease in quality for 2008 to 2010 inclusive, before reverting to near former high quality levels in Norovirus /Winter vomiting bug can be found in the Marine Environment downstream from any waste water treatment plant. Shellfish as filter feeders have the potential to accumulate viruses and bacteria that are present in the growing waters. A review of monitoring data of Norovirus carried out by the Marine Institute on behalf of SFPA at Great Island Channel from start of 2009 to early 2012, shows that periods exist where the virus is not detected or low, notably the summer months. It further shows that there are increases in values peaking in winter. Notable peak values were evident in data for Dec 2011 and Jan 2012, i.e. GII detectable virus genome copies/g of 11,856 and 17,643. Page 13

94 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Shellfish Pollution Reduction Programmes The competent authority, The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, prepared Pollution Reduction Programmes, (PRPs) and their associated documents, for the designated shellfish waters in accordance with legislation on 19 th January Key pressures identified under the Final Report for Great Island North Channel PRP were urban waste water systems and on-site waste water treatment systems. Cork City (Carrigrennan) is one of three Urban Waste water systems listed in proximity to the Shellfish area, others being Midleton and Carrigtwohill. As stated previously this listing causes the agglomeration to default to the Highest Enforcement Category, A1. Urban waste water systems and on-site waste water treatment systems were also identified in the PRPs for the Rostellan North, South & West PRPs as key pressures, and Cork City (Carrigrennan) was listed in each as one of the adjacent agglomerations, with potential tidal influence,- for details see Cork Great Island North Channel Pollution Reduction Programme. Under the PRP Action Programme-Measures, for Great Island North Channel, with respect to Cork City (Carrigrennan), which had submitted an application for a WWD licence at the time of the PRP s establishment, it was stated that any licence that might issue for Cork City (Carrigrennan) will take account of the requirements of the Shellfish Regulations. The same measure was included under Adjacent Agglomerations-potential tidal influence, in the Rostellan PRPs. The WWDL for Cork City D was issued on 17 th December 2009, almost contemporaneous to the establishment of the PRPs. Conditions 5.6 & 5.7 of the WWD licence are as follows: The Licencee shall carry out an assessment of the impact of discharges from the waste water works on the microbiological quality (including viruses) of the Shellfish in the adjacent designated shellfish waters in consultation with the DoEHLG, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, The Marine Institute and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara: The report on the assessment should include a review of hydrodynamic and modelling assessments completed for the purposes of the discharge specified in this licence and relevant assessments of other discharges to Cork Harbour. The report shall be submitted to the Agency within eighteen months of the date of grant of the licence. Where the report specified in Condition 5.6 indicates that the discharges are having a deleterious microbiological (including viruses) effect on the quality of shellfish in the adjacent designated shellfish waters, the licensee shall implement the recommendations of the report including the installation of a disinfection system or other appropriate measure, as required. The National Toolkit Measures, identified in the PRPs and that are applicable to Cork City (Carrigrennan), are WW7 to WW10, Waste Water Treatment Plants, as follows: WW7: Apply a higher standard of treatment (stricter emission controls) where necessary. WW8: Upgrade the plant to remove specific substances known to impact on water quality status WW9: Install ultra-violet or similar type treatment. Page 14

95 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment WW10: Relocate the point of discharge. It is noted that the Associated Mitigation Measures include the need to carry out a Habitats Directive Assessment Implementation Cork City Council has submitted an application to the Department of Environment, Communications and Local Government under the Water Services Infrastructure Programme for approval to engage a consultant for the design of Nutrient Removal /Tertiary Treatment for Cork City (Carrigrennan) WWTP. This is to enable discharges to comply with UWWT standards for Sensitive waters. Implementation of conditions 5.6 and 5.7 of the WWD licence, D , are included as part of the brief to the consultant with a view to including any additional treatment necessary under this licence condition as part of the WWTP upgrade. The same Licence conditions, 5.6 & 5.7 have been applied to Cork County Council for adjacent WWT plants around Cork Harbour. The same measures that apply to Cork City Council under the PRPs for the Shellfish areas in Cork Harbour, also apply to Cork County Council for the relevant WWTPs in their control. To this end a joint approach, where applicable, to the reviews and assessments required is envisaged. Note: An EPA STRIVE funded project being carried out by the Marine Institute on Norovirus, is currently nearing completion. It is expected that the assessments to be carried out by Cork City Council /Cork County Council will be informed by the findings and conclusions of this study. EPA STRIVE Project Assessing the Impact of Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent on Norovirus contamination in shellfisheries Funding Programme: EPA STRIVE Environment and Human Health Start date: 1st October 2008 Duration: 3 years Project objectives and targets The overall aim of the project is to provide a robust data set on the survival of NoVs during sewage treatment and in the marine environment in the Irish setting. This will allow regulatory authorities and planners to make informed decisions on the level of sewage treatment required and the location of sewage outfalls to prevent or reduce NoV contamination in shellfisheries and other sensitive marine environments. Protection of shellfisheries will increase public health protection. Specific objectives are to; 1. Quantify the level of norovirus found in sewage influent, intermediate stages and effluent in a secondary treatment WWTP and identify the extent of norovirus removal during sewage treatment. 2. Determine the relative contribution of storm overflow discharges and continuous treated sewage inputs to norovirus contamination in shellfisheries. 3. Establish the time required to reduce 90% of norovirus (T90 values) in seawater under typical winter and summer conditions. 4. Determine the extent of the reduction of NoV levels using UV treatment. Page 15

96 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Other Human Health Issues Reference: Drinking Water Sources There are no identified abstractions downstream of the Primary or any other discharge. The Cork City Waterworks abstraction point from the lee River above the Waterworks Weir is upstream of all the agglomeration discharges. Reference : Appendix 6: Designated Bathing Waters S.I. No.155/1992Quality of Bathing waters Regulations 1992 There are no designated Bathing sites in the Lough Mahon Estuary, the nearest bathing site is at Myrtleville in Cork Harbour a distance of over 12 Km away from the Primary Discharge point. Page 16

97 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Table 2 Risk Assessment Form Risk ID Process* Potential Hazards Environmental effect Severity Rating Basis of Severity Occurrence Rating Basis of Occurrence Risk Score WWTP 1A 1B 2A 2B 2C Variable Flow Rates to WWTP, Low as well as high, Ditto Variable loadings to WWTP, load spikes / industrial influent not sufficiently treated /illegal discharges Ditto High BOD/COD Shock loading. Infiltration into Network resulting in Hydraulic Overloading at WWTP High BOD/COD Shock loading. High BOD/COD Shock loading. Possible Hazardous substances not metabolised by plant. Disimproved Quality of discharge to Estuary Disimproved Quality of discharge to Estuary Disimproved Quality of discharge to Estuary Quality of Shellfish waters could be affected Ditto Ditto Possible negative Impact on SPA and /or SAC 1 Good Capacity of Plant to overcome/treat most variable flows, i.e. Quantity of inflow overall, and large capacity of Estuary to assimilate shortterm variations in effluent quality 1 Good Capacity of Plant to overcome/treat most variable flows, i.e. Quantity of inflow overall, and large capacity of Estuary to assimilate shortterm variations in effluent quality, Dilution by Infiltrate 1 Spare Biological Capacity of Plant, Quantity of inflow overall and Large capacity of Estuary to assimilate shortterm variations in effluent quality 3 Studies on Shellfish, Shellfish Risk Management process and Virus Standards ongoing. Possibility of Danger to Human Health/Shellfish. Flow pathway to shellfish waters from WWTP outfall restricted. 1 Possibility of illegal discharge. SAC Site Synopsis States (somewhat eutrophic) polluted conditions may not be having significant impact on birds. 5 Lack of precise control over pumping rates from intake locations, history of inflows 5 Flows received at plant exceeding design. 5 Quantity of Industial effluent treated by WWTP, history of inflows 3 Level of Priority Substances being discharged from WWTP. Increased monitoring of industrial discharges by LAs within agglomeration. Review of SFPA Monitoring Data, awaiting Norovirus Project report by Marine Institute 3 Level of Priority Substances being discharged from WWTP. Increased monitoring of industrial discharges by LAs within agglomeration A 5B 5C Cold Weather, Sharp Temperature decrease at WWTP Saline Intrusion in influent to WWTP /Infiltration into network Lack of Nutrient Removal/Tertiary Treatment at WWTP Reduction in Biological Reaction rate Formation of Struvite in pipelines and damage to equipment, Blockages in pipelines and equipment failure resulting in Ground spillages Uncontrolled and prolonged release of final discharge outside the Emission Limit Values (ELV's), in particular UWWT Disimproved Quality of discharge to Estuary Groundwater contamination Disimproved Quality of discharge to Estuary. Loadings have potential to inhibit upgrade of Quality Status of Estuary Ditto Ditto Groundwater contamination Ditto Ditto Negative Impact on SPA and /or SAC 1 Capacity of Estuary to assimilate additional loads for short periods of time. Normal Weather conditions 1 Groundwater vulnerability rated X,(Rock near surface or Karst) to E-Extreme and to H- High at WWTP 1 Quality of waters in Lough Mahon Estuary improved from Intermediate to Good since operation of WWTP began 1 Identified in WFD assessment for Groundwater body as Overall Risk associated with nutrient loadings to rivers and /transitional and coastal waters - 1a-At risk 3 Site Synopsis States polluted conditions (somewhat eutrophic) not having significant impact on birds. 5 Cold winters in 2009 & possibility of re-occurance 1 Chloride Inflow levels monitored daily, Very Slow build up of struvite,regular inspection and maintenenance of pipework and equipment, 5 Monitoring of effluent shows discharge outside ELV limits at regular intervals 2 Original /Existing Status of Groundwater body Poor, Estuary itself Quality status improving since operation of WWTP commenced 2 Quality of waters in Lough Mahon Estuary improved from Intermediate to Good since operation of WWTP began. Monitoring of effluent shows discharge outside ELV limits at regular intervals Page 17

98 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment I Risk ID Process* Potential Hazards Environmental effect 6 No Ultraviolet treatment of effluent at WWTP Release of Norovirus via wastewater effluent discharge Quality of Shellfish waters could be affected Severity Rating Basis of Severity 2 Flow pathway to shellfish waters from WWTP outfall restricted. Multiple possible Source(s) of E.Coli and Norovirus in Shellfish in Cork Harbour. Possibility of Danger to Human Health Occurrence Rating Basis of Occurrence 5 Review of SFPA Monitoring Data, awaiting Norovirus Project report by Marine Institute Risk Score 10 7A 7B 7C 7D Process Systems and Equipment including monitoring equipment at WWTP Malfunction resulting in Uncontrolled release of final discharge outside the Emission Limit Values (ELV's), in particular UWWT Disimproved Quality of discharge to Estuary Ditto Ditto Groundwater contamination Ditto Ditto Negative Impact on SPA and /or SAC Ditto Electricity Supply Failure at WWTP Above-ground & underground storage tanks in WWTP Chemical storage tanks in WWTP Odour Control systems at WWTP 1 Malfunction would be noticed quickly, Operation constantly monitored, continual monitoring of discharge takes place. 2 Malfunction would be noticed quickly, Operation constantly monitored, Reduced impact as unprolonged. 1 Malfunction would be noticed quickly, Operation constantly monitored, Reduced impact as unprolonged. Equipment Malfunction Noise pollution 1 Malfunction would be noticed quickly, resulting in Noise disturbance Operation constantly monitored, Reduced impact as unprolonged. Power failure leading to dischage of untreated effluent to Estuary Ground spillages to Groundwater -(site is bunded against local surface water pathways) Leak /Spillages to Groundwater Disimproved Quality of discharge to Estuary inadequate level of treatment Bad smells /Air /Malfunction of control systems pollution or process 1 Trained Swift reaction to failure, Minimal/Reduced impact as unprolonged. Groundwater pollution 3 Groundwater vulnerability rated X,(Rock near surface or Karst) to E-Extreme and to H- High at WWTP Groundwater pollution 2 Small quantities, bunded tanks (2 of 3 within buildings). Groundwater vulnerability rated X,(Rock near surface or Karst) to E-Extreme and to H- High at WWTP 1 Quality control systems and management systems in place. Modern WWTP / equipment 1 Ditto 2 1 Ditto 1 3 Ditto 3 2 Back up power supply at WWTP. This generator is tested and used regularly to shed power/energy load 2 Modern WWTP /structures and equipment -Quality control systems and management systems in place- Regular inspection and maintenenance of pipework and equipment and structures, 2 Quality control systems and management systems in place- Regular inspection and maintenenance of pipework and equipment and structures, 1 Localised impact. 5 Complaints from immediate neighbours /local residents SEWER NETWORK 12A 12B Ballinure Header Chamber Ditto Malfunction & shutdown of Surface Water Header Chamber, resulting in Pollution, back up /Uncontrolled Disimprovement in overflow / release of sewage aesthetic amenity of to River Lee and Estuary from river /estuary upstream PSs Malfunction before shutdown of inflows resulting in Ground spillages to Groundwater Groundwater contamination 2 Capacity of Estuary to assimilate additional loads for short periods of time. 2 Groundwater vulnerability rated X,(Rock near surface or Karst) to E-Extreme at site. Rapid response. Experienced, qualified & Trained Staff (Contractors) manage this site in conjunction with Atlantic Pond PS 7 days a week. 4 Modern structures and equipment - Regular inspection and maintenenance of pipework and equipment and structures, 4 Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment and systems, 8 8 Page 18

99 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Risk ID Process* Potential Hazards Environmental effect 13A Atlantic Pond Pump Station Malfunction resulting in Uncontrolled overflow / release of sewage to River Lee /Estuary Surface Water Pollution, Disimprovement in aesthetic amenity of river /Estuary Severity Rating Basis of Severity 2 Capacity of Estuary to assimilate additional loads for short periods of time. Rapid response. Experienced, qualified & Trained Staff (Contractors) manage this site in conjunction with Header Chamber 7 days a week. Occurrence Rating Basis of Occurrence 3 Modern structures and equipment - System designed to accommodate large inflow prior to uncontrolled overflow. Regular inspection and maintenenance of pipework and equipment and structures, Risk Score 6 13B Flooding, Fluvial or Tidal Atlantic Pond Pump Station: Uncontrolled overflow / release of sewage to River Lee Surface Water Pollution, Disimprovement in aesthetic amenity of river /estuary 2 Capacity of PS Vs Capacity of Lower lee Estuary to assimilate additional loads for short periods of time. Floods in this area are tidal and hence of short duration. Flood Waters and tidal influence alleviate issues. 1 Pump Station defended from flooding by Marina Embankment 2 14A Ditto Pump Stations within Network: Uncontrolled overflow /release of sewage to River Lee Surface Water Pollution, Disimprovement in aesthetic amenity of river /estuary 1 Capacity of vulnerable PSs to pollute Vs Capacity of Upper lee Estuary to assimilate additional loads for short periods of time. Floods, Tidal and Fluvial experienced of short duration. Electrical controls elevated to reduce risk where possible. Flood Waters and tidal influence alleviate issues. Gilabbey PS above Flood Zone 5 Susceptibility of City centre and low lying areas to flooding 5 14B 15A 15B 16A 16B Ditto Pump Stations Ditto Electricity Supply Failure at Network pumpstations Ditto Pump Stations within Network: Uncontrolled overflow /release of sewage to minor rivers. Surface Water Pollution, Fish Kill potential, Disimprovement in Aesthetic Amenity of rivers Blockage/failure of pumps or Surface Water malfunction of equipment Pollution, (electrical panel, controllers Disimprovement in etc.) resulting in Uncontrolled aesthetic amenity overflow /release of sewage to River Lee Blockage/failure of pumps or Surface Water malfunction of equipment Pollution, Fish Kill (electrical panel, controllers potential, etc.) resulting in Uncontrolled Disimprovement in overflow /release of sewage to Aesthetic Amenity Minor Rivers No power to Pump Station(s) Surface Water resulting in Uncontrolled Pollution,Disimprovem overflow /release of sewage to ent in aesthetic amenity River Lee No power to Pump Station(s) Surface Water resulting in Uncontrolled Pollution, Fish Kill overflow /release of sewage to potential, Minor rivers Disimprovement in Aesthetic Amenity of rivers 2 Potential of vulnerable PSs to pollute is reduced but so also is Capacity of minor rivers to assimilate additional loads for short periods of time. Electrical controls elevated to reduce risk where possible. Floods, Fluvial, experienced of short duration. Small number of minor PS in flood zones. Flood Waters alleviate issues. 1 Capacity of River Lee /Estuary to assimilate additional loads for short periods of time. 2 Could have significant impact on local watercourse / smaller rivers, fish life 1 Capacity of River Lee /Estuary to assimilate additional loads for short periods of time. 2 Could have significant impact on local watercourse / smaller rivers, fish life. Short duration 4 Susceptibility of low lying areas to flooding, positioning of PSs, in particular small package plants, close to rivers. 3 An electronic alarm /SMS sytem is in place for most PSs. A twice weekly inspection regime by City Council Drainage staff is in place for other PS's 4 An electronic alarm /SMS sytem is in place. 3 Durations normally short in City. (Gilabbey PS on hospital circuit). If planned, alternative supply/ Generator(s) can be provided to larger PS 3 4 Durations normally short in City Page 19

100 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Risk ID Process* Potential Hazards Environmental effect 17A 17B 18A 18B 18C 18D 18E Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO's) Ditto Sewers Network Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Overloaded /Malfunction /Blockages resulting in Uncontrolled overflow /release of sewage to River Lee Overloaded /Malfunction /Blockages resulting in Uncontrolled overflow /release of sewage to minor rivers Major Foul Discharge to Storm sewer : Uncontrolled and prolonged Secondary discharge at St Patrick's Bridge to River Lee Diffuse Foul discharges direct to watercourse:uncontrolled and prolonged diffuse discharges to Kiln River. Surface Water Pollution,Disimprovem ent in aesthetic amenity Surface Water Pollution, Fish Kill potential, Disimprovement in Aesthetic Amenity Poor Quality of discharge to Lower Lee Estuary. Loadings have potential to inhibit upgrade of Quality Status of Lower Lee Estuary, Aesthetic Amenity of River reduced. Seasonal Smells, Surface Water Pollution, Disimprovement in Aesthetic Amenity of watercourse Blockage /collapse /surcharge Groundwater /overflow in pipes or manholes contamination resulting in Groundspillages of sewage Blockage /collapse /surcharge /overflow of Sewage resulting in flow to storm sewers /overland flow of sewage to watercourses House /premises drain crossconnections, Grey water discharges to storm sewers Surface Water Pollution, Fish Kill potential, Disimprovement in Aesthetic Amenity of watercourses Seasonal Smells, Surface Water Pollution, Disimprovement in Aesthetic Amenity of River lee & minor rivers/watercourses Severity Rating Basis of Severity 1 Capacity of River Lee /Estuary to assimilate additional loads for short periods of time. Durations short due to inspection regime in place for CSO's 2 Could have significant impact on local watercourse / smaller rivers, fish life. Durations short due to inspection regime in place for CSO's 3 Lower Lee Estuary water quality has not improved to same extent as Mahon Estuary. Ongoing discharge from a relatively large area 2 Potential of reduction in status of Kiln (Bride) River from Moderate to poor 1 Paved areas in City resist percolation from overflows. Rapid response & repair. Upstream, smaller pipes more prone to blockage, localised /low impact 1 over 55% of foul sewers in City are combined sewers, reducing risk of overflow to watercourses when blocked. localised/ low impact in general, upstream, smaller pipes more prone to blockage, 1 Inhibiting potential upgrade of river status within City Catchments Occurrence Rating Basis of Occurrence 5 Complaints system and Call Out system in place: Response by Drainage Staff, Maintenance crews 4 Complaints system and Call Out system in place: Response by Drainage Staff, Maintenance crews Risk Score 5 Ongoing Discharge 15 5 Ongoing Diffuse Discharges from a small number of properties 5 Complaints system and Call Out system in place: Response by Drainage Staff, Maintenance crews 5 Complaints system and Call Out system in place: Response by Drainage Staff, Maintenance crews 5 Ongoing Diffuse Discharges Page 20

101 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Table 3: Risk Matrix Table 3A WWTP Risk Matrix Table 3B Sewer Network Risk Matrix V. High 5 1A, 1B, 2A, 3, 5A, 11 6 V. High 5 14A, 17A, 18C, 18D, 18E 18A High 4 High 4 12A, 12B, 14B, 15B,16B, 17B 18B Occurrence Medium 3 2C, 7D 2B Occurrence Medium 3 15A, 16A 13A Low 2 Low 2 5B, C, 9 V. Low 1 V. Low 1 4, 7A, 7C 7B 13B Trivial Minor Moderate Major Massive Trivial Minor Moderate Major Massive Severity Severity These are considered to be high-level risks requiring priority attention. These risks have the potential to be catastrophic and as such should be addressed quickly. These are medium-level risks requiring action, but are not as critical as a red coded risk. Green (light and dark green) These are low est-level risks and indicate a need for continuing aw areness and monitoring on a regular basis. Whilst they are currently low or minor risks, some have the potential to increase to medium or even high-level risks and must therefore be regularly monitored and if cost effective mitigation can be carried out to reduce the risk even further this should be pursued. Page 21

102 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment 3 Risk Prevention/ Mitigation It was decided to split the risk matrix table for the agglomeration into two, to separate issues arising in the Waste Water Treatment Plant from issues within the sewer network itself. 3.1 WWTP Under this assessment there were no high or medium level risks identified in the WWTP. Item 6 No Ultraviolet treatment of effluent at WWTP was identified as one of two of the greater Lower Level risks, due to the potential impact on the quality of shellfish waters, as was Item 2B Variable loadings to WWTP, load spikes / industrial influent not sufficiently treated /illegal discharges The Flow pathway to shellfish waters from Carrigrennan WWTP outfall is restricted. As regards Item No. 6, there are multiple possible sources of E.Coli and Norovirus in Shellfish in Cork Harbour, not just from Carrigrennan. As there are statutory systems, including a prohibition in place since before the WWTP was commissioned, the possibility of danger to human health is reduced. As outlined in Implementation,above, Cork City Council has submitted an application to the Department of Environment, Communications and Local Government under the Water Services Infrastructure Programme for approval to engage a consultant for the design of Nutrient Removal /Tertiary Treatment for Cork City (Carrigrennan) WWTP. Implementation of conditions 5.6 and 5.7 of the WWD licence, D , are included as part of the brief to the consultant with a view to including any additional treatment necessary under this licence condition as part of the WWTP upgrade. It may ensue that Ultraviolet treatment might not be necessary. Regular Review of SFPA /MI Monitoring Data is to be carried out in the interim, as it becomes available, and the publication of the EPA STRIVE Norovirus Project report by Marine Institute is awaited. In addition with respect to Item 2B, the issue would be, that there could be hazardous substances from industrial sources not metabolised by the WWTP. Increased monitoring and oversight of the local industries have been put in place by Cork City & County Councils, to monitor discharges and to prevent unnecessary untreated overflows to the Lee/Mahon Estuary. Portable automatic effluent samplers have been recently purchased to monitor the network, in particular local flows. Review of Priority Substances monitoring is in place to highlight industrial discharges which might be problematic. Due to the downturn in the economy it is expected that there will be reductions in discharges to the plant into the near future. Regular Inspection and maintenance regimes for CSOs and Pump Stations in addition to WWTP process systems & equipment to be maintained in particular for winter months. 3.2 Sewer Network Under this assessment, there was no high level risk identified in the Sewer network, however one medium term risk was identified. Item 18A Major Foul Discharge to storm sewer: Uncontrolled and prolonged Secondary discharge at St Patrick's Bridge to River Lee was identified as the medium level risk within the Page 22

103 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Sewer network. This discharge is delivering loadings into the River Lee within the city with the potential to inhibit upgrade of the quality status of the Lower Lee Estuary. The discharge is also reducing the aesthetic amenity of the river. It is conditioned in the Cork City WWDL to cease from 22 Dec Funding has been allocated under the WSIP to carry out works to divert this secondary discharge into the foul sewer network. A contract is to be put in place to carry out this work. A number of items of lower level risk of greater importance are noted as follows Item 18B: Diffuse Foul discharges direct to watercourse: Uncontrolled and prolonged diffuse discharges to Kiln River. There are a number of individual properties which are connected directly to the river culvert. The drains from these properties are to be connected directly to the foul sewer. A contract is to be put in place to carry out this work. Items 12 A & 12B: related to the Header Chamber Item12A: Malfunction & shutdown of Header Chamber, resulting in back up /Uncontrolled overflow / release of sewage to River Lee and Estuary from upstream PSs Item12B: Malfunction before shutdown of inflows resulting in Ground spillages to Groundwater Groundwater contamination Both items address a potential malfunction at the Header Chamber. The prevention and mitigation factors in both instances relate to the fact that the Header Chamber is a modern structure with new equipment, with regular inspection and maintenance of pipe work, equipment and structures. Experienced, Qualified & Trained Staff (Contractors) manage this site in conjunction with Atlantic Pond PS 7 days a week. Cork City Council staff, are required, in conjunction with the contractor, to ensure standards and procedures are maintained in accordance with best practice, to review the emergency plan & procedures within the Header Chamber, and update them annually if necessary. Items 14B, 15B and 16B relate to the potential for uncontrolled overflow/ release of sewage to minor rivers due to overflows from pump stations. Item 17B relates to the same problem due to overflows from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO's). The overflow to minor rivers poses a greater risk within the network due to the lack of capacity in these rivers/streams to deal with pollution discharges. 14B Flooding, Fluvial or Tidal, Pump Stations: Prevention /mitigation measures include the raising of electrical control panels above the flood plain. This has been carried out where possible. Weather and tide forecasts are continuously monitored as part of flood precautions within the city. LeeCFRAMS maps also inform regarding the vulnerability of various pump station locations. These need to be reviewed in detail however, protection measures identified, and an action plan put in place. 15B Pump Stations, Blockage/failure of pumps or malfunction of equipment (electrical panel, controllers etc.): Electrical Control Equipment on P&M Pump Stations has been renewed recently and other Pump Stations were built /renewed relatively recently under the CMD contracts. There is an electronic alarm /SMS system is in place for most pump stations with regular inspection of others. There is a call-out /rapid response by staff to fault /breakdown calls. 16B Electricity Supply Failure at Network pump stations, No power to Pump Station(s) Page 23

104 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment In short term situations, draw down /overpumping of sumps to alleviate problematic discharge can be carried out where possible. In the longer term there is a need to draw up an emergency plan for Pump Stations detailing sump capacity and decant frequency for each, power requirements and potential sources of generators. 17B Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO's) Overloaded /Malfunction /Blockages: Durations of overflows due to malfunction /blockages are normally short due to the regular inspection and cleaning regime in place for CSO's. This is carried out by a specialist drainage crew. In addition a complaints system and call-out system is in place: This ensures a rapid response by Drainage Staff, Maintenance crews Review of CSO's operation is to take place as part of WWDL to identify remediation measures where necessary. 4 Statement of Measures The measures in detail to be taken by Cork City and Cork County Councils are outlined in Table 4 below. Measures in place within the Cork City (Carrigrennan) WWTP, while not adequate as yet to comply fully with the discharge licence or the UWWT regulations, are such that the discharge does not impact significantly on the quality of the receiving waters at Lough Mahon Estuary. Page 24

105 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Risk I.D. Risk Score Mitigation measure to be taken Outcome Action WWTP Date for completion Owner/Contact Person 1 5 Network Review, Operation of main Pump Improved management Pump Station by Pump Station review, to study Dec 2012 SEE Drainage: Cork City Co. Stations contributing to inflows. of flows trigger issues 1B 5 Network Review, Comparison of inflows Vs Design at key locations. Improved knowledge of mechanisms of infiltration Inspection /Maintenance of all outfalls & Non Return Valves at overflows. Study to Identify catchments with most infiltration Dec 2012 Ongoing Project Cork City Council, Cork County Council Increased policing /monitoring of discharges Reduced Risk of high Portable automatic effluent samplers purchased Purchased Dec 2011 Cork Co. Co. 2A 5 into network to be carried out by LAs in loads to WWTP to monitor network, in particular Local flows. agglomeration. Industrial sources to be /Hazardous substance contacted /warned. release 2B 9 Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto 2C 3 Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Operation of WWTP is by Experienced and Qualified staff under contract to Cork City Improved readiness of operation. Reduction in Demonstrate measures in place Ongoing Plant Operator under contract to Cork City Council 3 5 Council. Monitor weather reports and take action risk of effluent quality accordingly in advance. Plant operation decrease /contingency plans for possible event A 5 5B 2 5C 6 Chloride Inflow levels monitored daily, Regular inspection and maintenenance of pipework and equipment for build up of Struvite. No Spillages /groundwater contamination. Equipment replaced before breakdown /blockages occurr Upgrade of WWTP required to incorporate Final discharges Nutrient Removal. Ref WSIP programme compliant, within (Note:Estuary designation upgraded to Sensitive Emission Limit Values Waters immediately prior to WWTP (ELV's), in particular commissioning) UWWT. Ditto Reduced risk of groundwater contamination Ditto Potential impact on SPA and SAC reduced Table 4 Statement of Measures Operation of WWTP is by Experienced and Qualified staff under contract to Cork City Council. Process Management Systems are in place to control and monitor operation of plant on a 24-hour basis. Progress appointment of consultants for WWTP upgrade under WSIP. Awaiting Appointment Approval. Ongoing Plant Operator under contract to Cork City Council Dec 2012 Cork City Council (lead) / Cork County Council Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Page 25

106 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Risk I.D. Risk Score Mitigation measure to be taken Outcome Action Date for completion Owner/Contact Person Ultraviolet treatment may not be necessary. Regular Review of SFPA /MI Monitoring Data to Prevent deterioration of Water Quality in Estuary / Study/Review to be carried out as part of Upgrade of WWTP re. Nutrient Removal /Licence N/A at this time Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Plant 6 10 be carried out, awaiting Norovirus Project report increased possibility of conditions. Regular Inspection and maintenance Operator by Marine Institute. Prevent unnexessary contamination of regimes for CSOs and Pump Stations in untreated overflows to Lee/Lough Mahon Estuary Shellfish addition to WWTP process systems & equipment in particular in winter months. 7A 1 7B 2 7C 1 7D A 8 12B 8 Operation of WWTP is by Experienced and Qualified staff under contract to Cork City Council. Process Management Systems are in place to control and monitor operation of plant on a 24-hour basis. ISO9001:2008 and ISO14001:2004 Ditto Ditto Ditto Back up power supply at WWTP. This generator is tested and used regularly to shed power/energy load Operation of WWTP is by Experienced and Qualified staff under contract to Cork City Council. Process Management Systems are in place to control and monitor operation of plant on a 24-hour basis. ISO9001:2008 and ISO14001:2004 Ditto Ditto SEWER NETWORK Experienced, Qualified & Trained Staff (Contractors) manage this site in conjunction with Atlantic Pond PS 7 days a week. Reduced risk of non compliant discharges Reduced risk of groundwater contamination Potential impact on SPA and SAC reduced Reduced risk of groundwater contamination Reduced risk of non compliant discharges Reduced risk of groundwater contamination Reduced risk of groundwater contamination Reduced Risk of smells causing nuisance Prompt Shutdown of inflows to Header Reduced risk of Chamber. Experienced, qualified & Trained groundwater Staff (Contractors) manage this site in contamination conjunction with Atlantic Pond PS 7 days a week. Regular Inspections /Preventative maintenance / Rapid response to faults Regular review meetings. Ensure Standards and procedures are maintained in accordance with best practice. Page 26 Ongoing Ditto Ongoing Ditto Ditto Ongoing Ditto Plant Operator / Cork City Council Ditto Ongoing Plant Operator / Cork City Council Maintain existing system of regular use of Generator / Train for response to power failure Emergency Plan & procedures to be reviewed and updated annually. Regular Inspections /Preventative maintenance / Rapid response to faults Regular review meetings. Ensure Standards and procedures are maintained in accordance with best practice. In place In place Plant Operator under contract to Cork City Council Plant Operator under contract to Cork City Council Ditto In place Plant Operator under contract to Cork City Council All complaints investigated thoroughly. Review of all actions/processes to uncover system failures Reduced liklihood of Regular inspection and maintenance of Malfunction /reduced risk equipment and systems, Rapid response. of uncontrolled Regular review meetings, Ensure Standards discharge/pollution to and procedures are maintained in accordance River lee & Estuary with best practice. Emergency Plan & procedures to be reviewed and updated annually In place Plant Operator under contract to Cork City Council Ongoing Cork City Council / Contractor Dec 2012 Cork City Council / Contractor

107 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Risk I.D. Risk Score Mitigation measure to be taken Outcome Action Date for completion Owner/Contact Person 13A 6 13B 2 14A 5 14B 8 15A 3 Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment and systems, Rapid response. Experienced, qualified & Trained Staff (Contractors) manage this site in conjunction with Header Chamber 7 days a week. Reduced Risk of Discharges Emergency Plan & procedures to be reviewed and updated annually. Dec 2012 Cork City Council / Contractor Monitor Weather & Tides as part of Flood precautions Ditto Ongoing Cork City Council / Contractor Monitor Weather & Tides as part of Flood Reduced Risk of damage Review locations and vulnerability of each pump Dec 2012 SEE Drainage: Cork City Co. precautions. Identify measures to protect vulnerable to installation & resultant station and controls installations & put in place an action plan for same discharges to river /estuary Monitor Weather & Tides as part of Flood precautions. Identify measures to protect vulnerable installations & put in place an action plan for same Experienced, Qualified & Trained Staff (CCC P& M, Drainage Staff, & Contractors) oversee Pump Stations. Servicing and repair/replacement of pumps and equipment prioritised in funding. Reduced Risk of damage Review locations and vulnerability of each pump to installation & resultant station and controls discharges to minor rivers Reduced Risk of Discharges Extension of electronic alarm system to all pump stations: Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment and systems, Rapid response by Staff to Calls. Dec 2012 Dec 2012 / Ongoing SEE Drainage: Cork City Co. SEE Drainage, Cork City Co. Drainage & P&M Sections Cork City Council 15B 8 16A 3 Electrical Control Equipment on P&M PumpStations has been renewed recently and other Pump Stations were built /renewed relatively recently under the CMD contracts Draw up emergency plan for Pump Stations detailing sump capacity and decant frequency, power requirements and sources of generators. Reduced Risk of Discharges Reduced Risk of Discharges Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment and systems, Rapid response by Staff to Calls. An electronic alarm /SMS sytem is in place. Draw down /overpump sumps to aleviate problematic discharge where possible Ongoing Dec 2012 Drainage & P&M Sections Cork City Council SEE Drainage, Cork City Co. Drainage & P&M Sections Cork City Council 16B 8 Ditto Reduced Risk of Discharges Draw down /overpump sumps to aleviate problematic discharge where possible Dec 2012 SEE Drainage, Cork City Co. Drainage & P&M Sections Cork City Council Page 27

108 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment Risk I.D. Risk Score Mitigation measure to be taken Outcome Action Date for completion Owner/Contact Person Regular Inspection and cleaning regime in place Reduced Risk of Review of CSO's operation to take place as part Dec 2012 SEE Drainage: Cork City Co. 17A 5 by Specialist Drainage Crew Discharges of WWDL to identify remediation measures 17B 8 Regular Inspection and cleaning regime in place by Specialist Drainage Crew Reduced Risk of Discharges Review of CSO's operation to take place as part of WWDL to identify remediation measures Dec 2012 SEE Drainage: Cork City Co. 18A 15 18B 10 18C 5 18D 5 18E 5 Diversion of foul flows from St Patrick Street Culvert Elimination/reduction in discharges Contract to be put in place to carry out work Dec 2012 SEE Drainage: Cork City Co. Connection of drains to Sewer Network Elimination of discharges Contract to be put in place to carry out work Dec 2012 SEE Drainage: Cork City Co. Complaints system and Call Out system in place: Response by Drainage Staff, Maintenace crews Complaints system and Call Out system in place: Response by Drainage Staff, Maintenace crews Sewer Surveys & Inspections of Sewers to located discharges. Reduced Risk of Discharges Reduced Risk of Discharges Reduction in number of discharges Rapid response & repair Ongoing Drainage Section Cork City Council Rapid response & repair Ongoing Drainage Section Cork City Council Investigate complaints with enforcement proceedings taken where necessary Resouces limited, ongoing Drainage & Enforcement Sections Cork City Council Statement I confirm the above are the measures which will be taken by the Local Authority in 2012 Signed: Name Date Page 28

109 ELRA D Environmetal Liability Risk Assessment 5 Financial Provisions 5.1 Estimation of remediation costs Table 5 below outlines the estimated costs of remediation for different categories of events and reflects the Primary Discharge from the WWTP to Sensitive Waters, and the agglomeration s proximity to a SAC, SPA and Shellfish Areas. Table 5 Risk Classification Table Severity Rating Severity Category Description Cost of Remediation 1 Trivial No damage or negligible change to the environment. 1,000 2 Minor Minor impact/localised or nuisance 10,000 3 Moderate Moderate damage to environment 50,000 4 Major Severe damage to local environment 250,000 5 Massive Massive damage to a large area, irreversible in medium term 1,000, Details of Financial Provision/Insurance Cork City Council does not hold a specific Environmental Liability Insurance policy but the standard insurance policy held from Irish Public Bodies Mutual/ACE Europe includes cover where legal liability attaches to Cork City Council as follows: Products Liability and Sudden/ Unforeseen Pollution as defined in policy - 13m any one event/any one period. Also increased to 25m any one event /any one period by way of excess layer. The terms of the WWTP contract include provision of insurances, and, in addition, a Performance Bond of 3m for the satisfactory execution of duties under the contract. The insurance held by Northumbrian Water includes cover as follows Products / Pollution Liability - 15m any one accident/ in the aggregate. (Pollution is defined as sudden, accidental and unintended pollution) Part copies of letters confirming insurance of Cork City Council and Northumbrian Water are attached. Both entities use Marsh as brokers. Page 29

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112 Report on the WWD Toxicity Testing of the Cork City final effluent on behalf of Cork City and County Councils December 2011 Report prepared by Aquatic Services Unit, Environmental Research Institute. Lee Road. Cork

113 Introduction Toxicity testing was requested by Cork City Council for the final waste water effluent sample at the Cork City Agglomeration. This testing was requested as part of WWD licensing requirements for this facility. The EPA WWD License number for this facility is D Four aquatic species from different trophic levels were selected for the testing namely, fish using the 3 spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)), marine copepod (Tisbe battagliai), marine algae (Skeletonema costatum), and the bacterium (Vibrio fischeri). Testing commenced on December 13 th, 2011 and finished on December 17 th, Methodology The composite effluent sample was collected on December 13 th, 2011 and transported on the same day to the Aquatic Services Unit (ASU) laboratory by ASU personnel. The Cork City effluent had a temperature of 8.5ºC, a salinity of 1.4 parts per thousand (ppt), a ph of 7.73, and a dissolved oxygen content of 11.3 mg/l on arrival to the laboratory. ; The sample was then immediately placed in a refrigerator at 4 ºC until required for testing. Stickleback Acute Lethality Bioassay The stickleback bioassay was carried out following standard methods as described in Environment Canada Environmental Protection Series Guidelines (Environment Canada, 2000). The effluent was tested for toxicity at the following concentrations 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100%. The salinity of the sample was adjusted upwards to 30 ppt using synthetic sea salts (Instant Ocean ) to match the receiving environment. Twenty fish were tested for each concentration. The fish were added into 2 replicates of ten fish per concentration. Testing was carried out in a constant temperature room at a temperature of 12 ºC ± 2 throughout the test. A light regime of 12 hours dark/12 hours light was used throughout the testing period. The test duration was 96 hours. Filtered seawater adjusted to 30 ppt by the addition of distilled water was used as control and dilution water. An additional salt water control comprising of distilled water and synthetic sea salts was also tested. The fish were sourced locally from Dunworley, Co. Cork and acclimated to laboratory conditions and 30 ppt salinity for 1 week prior to testing. Tisbe battagliai Bioassay The Tisbe bioassay was carried out following standard methods as described in Environment Agency s Methods for the Examination of Waters and Associated Materials (Environment Agency, 2007). The effluent was tested for toxicity at the following concentrations 4.2, 8.4,16.7, 33.4 and 66.8%. The salinity of the effluent was adjusted to 30 ppt using hypersaline brine to match the salinity of the receiving environment. Twenty Tisbe isolates (animals 5 days old) were tested for each concentration. These animals were added into 4 replicates of five animals per test chamber for each concentration. Testing was carried out in a constant temperature room at a temperature of 20 ºC ± 2 throughout the test. A light regime of 16 hours 2

114 light/8 hours dark was used throughout the testing period. The test duration was 48 hours. Filtered seawater adjusted to 30 ppt by the addition of distilled water was used as control and dilution water. An additional salt water control comprising of distilled water and hypersaline brine was also tested. The T. battagliai were obtained from in house cultures at the ASU. Skeletonema costatum Bioassay The Skeletonema bioassay was carried out following standard methods carried out following standard methods as described in Environment Agency s Methods for the Examination of Waters and Associated Materials (Environment Agency, 2009). The effluent was tested for toxicity at the following concentrations 4.2, 8.4,16.7, 33.4 and 66.8%. The salinity of the effluent was adjusted to 30 ppt using hypersaline brine to match the salinity of the receiving environment. Four replicates of 100mls each (inoculated with Skeletonema at a concentration of 2500 cells/ml) were tested for each concentration. Testing was carried out in a constant light growth room at a temperature of 21 ºC ± 2 throughout the test. The test duration was 72 hours. Filtered seawater adjusted to 30 ppt by the addition of distilled water was used as control and dilution water. An additional salt water control comprising of distilled water and hypersaline brine was also tested. Nutrients were added to the control and dilution water and the effluent as described in the Environment Agency s methods. The Skeletonema was obtained for these tests from on-going cultures at ASU. Vibrio fischeri bacteria bioassay using Microtox system. The luminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri are used exclusively in the Microtox system. Testing was carried out following the ISO guidelines (ISO, 2007). The concentrations of effluent tested ranged from 6.25% to 80%. Two replicates were used for each concentration tested. A concurrent reference toxicant bioassay was also carried out to determine the health and suitability of the bacteria. Statistical Analyses Statistical analyses to generate LC 50 (Lethal Concentration to cause 50 percent mortality) or EC 50 (Effective Concentration to cause 50 percent effect) data were performed using the ToxCalc v Environmental Toxicity Data Analysis System, (Tidepool Scientific 2007). 3

115 Results and Discussion Stickleback bioassay results The test was considered valid as there was greater than 90% survival in the controls (Canada Environment, 2000). There were no significant differences in survival between the any of the effluent concentrations tested and either of the controls. No statistical analyses were carried out on the data set as the effluent was non toxic at all of the concentrations tested. Daily water quality measurements for the bioassay are presented in Appendix 1. Results of the bioassay are displayed in Figure 1. Figure 1 Average survival of stickleback after 96 hours in a concentration series of the Cork City effluent. 4