South Eastern RBD. Transitional and Coastal Waters. Action Programme

Transcription

1 South Eastern RBD Transitional and Coastal Waters Action Programme

2 Name South Eastern RBD Transitional and Coastal Waters Action Plan Length of 1182km, (Mainland); 85km (Islands) Coastline Main Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow, Laois. Counties 12 Bathing Water; Dunmore East, Counsellors Strand, Rosslare Strand, Morriscastle, Curracloe, Ballymoney, Courtown, North Beach, Bonmahon, Ardmore, Tradmore, Main Strand, Dunmore East, Main Strand, Clonea, East, Duncannon. 5 Shellfish Water; Dungarvan Harbour, Waterford Harbour (Cheekpoint/Arthurstown/Creadan Head), Wexford Harbour Outer, Wexford Harbour Inner, Bannow. 4 Nutrient Sensitive Waters; Slaney Estuary (Upper), Barrow Estuary, Suir Estuary (Upper), Slaney Estuary (Lower). In addition Wexford Harbour from Drinagh / Big Island / to Rosslare Point / Raven Point. is a proposed Nutrient Sensitive Water designation within the recent Protected amendments to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 2001 (SI 48 of 2010) Areas 13 SPA; Ballyteigue Burrow SPA, Bannow Bay SPA, Dungarvan Harbour SPA, Helvick Head Coast SPA, Inish and Sgarbheen, Keeragh Islands SPA, Lady's Island Lake SPA, Saltee Islands SPA, Tacumshin Lake SPA, The Raven SPA, Tramore Back Strand SPA, Wexford Harbour, Wexford Nature Reserve. 15 SAC; Helvick Head, Tramore Dunes And Backstrand, Ballyteige Burrow, Bannow Bay, Cahore Polders And Dunes, Lady's Island Lake, Saltee Islands, Tacumshin Lake, Raven Point Nature Reserve, Hook Head, Slaney River Valley, Kilmuckridge-Tinnaberna Sandhills, Ardmore Head, Long Bank, Carnsore Point.

3 STATUS/IMPACTS Overall status There are 21 Transitional Waterbodies within this RBD; 5 good, and 16 moderate. There are 9 Coastal Waterbodies within this RBD; 1 good, 3 moderate, and the remainder are unassigned. Status elements Moderate water bodies with monitoring data indicating the test determining below good status classification are as follows: Wexford Harbour North Slob Channels Lower Slaney Estuary Barrow Nore Estuary Upper Upper Barrow Estuary Nore Estuary Middle Suir Estuary Dungarvan Harbour Colligan Estuary DO, BOD, phytoplankton biomass MRP, BOD. Phytoplankton biomass DO, BOD, phytoplankton biomass Phytoplankton biomass BOD, phytoplankton biomass BOD DO, BOD, phytoplankton biomass DO DO, opportunistic macroalgae PRESSURES/RISKS LAND Pressure Based Risk Assessment results (2008) identify the following waterbodies as at BASED risk from land based point source pressures: PRESSURES Risk Test Identified as "at risk" or "probably at Transitional risk" Point Source - WWTPs, Combined Sewer Colligan Estuary Overflows & Treatment Plant Overflows. Lower Suir Estuary Barrow Suir Nore estuary Upper Suir Estuary Owenavorragh Estuary New Ross Port Barrow Nore Estuary Upper Middle Suir Estuary Coastal Tramore Bay Eastern Celtic Sea Waterford Harbour Point Source - WWTPs, Combined Sewer Overflows & Treatment Plant Overflows and IPPC Point Source - WWTPs and IPPC Treatment Plant Overflows. Treatment Plant Overflows Treatment Plant Overflows Treatment Plant Overflows Treatment Plant Overflows Risk Test Identified as "at risk" or "probably at risk" Point Source - WWTPs Point Source - WWTPs Point Source - WWTPs Pressure Based Risk Assessment results (2005) identifies the following waterbodies as at risk from land based diffuse pressures (nutrient input):

4 Transitional Lower Suir Estuary Risk Test Identified as "at risk" or "probably at risk" Treatment Plant Overflows, IPPC, Section 4 local authority licensed discharges and Nutrient Inputs. Middle Suir Estuary Upper Suir Estuary Lower Slaney Estuary Colligan Estuary Lady's Island Lake Owenavorragh Estuary New Ross Port Barrow Nore Estuary Upper Upper Barrow Estuary Nore Estuary Coastal Wexford Harbour Dungarvan Harbour Treatment Plant Overflows, IPPC and Section 4 local authority licensed discharges Point Source WWTPs and Nutrient Inputs Point Source - Section 4 local authority licensed discharges and Nutrient Inputs Treatment Plant Overflows and Section 4 local authority licensed discharges Point source- Section 4 Local Authority licensed discharges Treatment Plant Overflows Treatment Plant Overflows, Section 4 local authority licensed discharges, Nutrient Inputs. Point Source - WWTP, Combined Sewer Overflows & Treatment Plant Overflows, Section 4 local authority licensed discharges and Nutrient Inputs. Nutrient Inputs Nutrient Inputs Risk Test Identified as "at risk" or "probably at risk" Nutrient Input Nutrient Input Further detail on the land based pressures which affect marine waters in this RBD, such as WWTP discharges, septic tanks, and agriculture are detailed in the following Water Management Unit Action Plans: Transitional/Coastal Water Body Bridgetown Estuary Mahon Estuary Corock Estuary Brickey Estuary Lady's Island Lake Tacumshin Lake North Slob Channels South Slob Channel Ballyteige Channels Owenavorragh Estuary Bannow Bay Tramore Bay Tramore Back Strand Eastern Celtic Sea (HAs 13;17) Relevant Water Management Unit Action Plan Slaney Estuary WMU Slaney Estuary WMU Owenavoragh WMU Ballyteigue Bannow / s

5 Southwestern Irish Sea (HAs 11;12) Rosslare Harbour Wexford Harbour Lower Slaney Estuary Upper Slaney Estuary Waterford Harbour Barrow Suir Nore Estuary New Ross Port Barrow Nore Estuary Upper Upper Barrow Estuary Nore Estuary Lower Suir Estuary (Little Island - Cheekpoint) Upper Suir Estuary Middle Suir Estuary Dungarvan Harbour Colligan Estuary Owenavoragh /Slaney Estuary WMUs Slaney Estuary WMU Slaney Estuary WMU Slaney Estuary WMU Slaney Lower / Slaney Estuary WMUs Ballyteigue Bannow / s Ballyteigue Bannow / Barrow Estuary / s Barrow Estuary / Nore Estuary WMUs Barrow Estuary / Nore Estuary WMUs Barrow Estuary WMU Barrow Estuary / Nore Estuary WMUs Suir Estuary Suir Estuary Suir Estuary Transitional and coastal water bodies where Shellfish designations are located will also include more detail in the relevant Pollution Reduction Programmes: hwatersdraftcharacterisationreportsandprps/ MARINE PRESSURES Morphology Pressure Based Risk Assessment results (2008) identify the following waterbodies as at risk from morphological pressures: Tramore Back Strand: The most significant pressure on this water body is that associated with the historic reclamation of an area north west of the estuary (0.74km 2 ). In addition there are several embankments and shoreline reinforcement measures in place. Rosslare Harbour: HMWB due to port activities along with shoreline reinforcement. Aquaculture There are 117 licensed aquaculture areas in the SERBD. The waterbodies with aquaculture areas are: Dungarvan Harbour Colligan Estuary Barrow Suir Nore Estuary Wexford Harbour Wexford Harbour Outer Lower Slaney Estuary Bannow Bay Eastern Celtic Sea Shellfish Production Figures (provided by Bord Iascaigh Mhara): Shellfish Volume (t) Year Value ( ) Location Gigas Oyster ,451,800 Dungarvan Harbour Gigas Oyster ,052,000 Waterford Harbour Gigas Oyster ,800 Bannow Bay

6 SELECTED ACTION PROGRAMME Bathing Waters The Bathing Water Quality Regulations (SI 79 of 2008) which transposed the new Bathing Waters Directive (2006/7/EC) establishes a new classification system for bathing water quality and require monitoring and management plans to preserve, protect and improve the quality of bathing waters. Local Authority responsibilities are: Identify bathing waters. Monitor and classify bathing water quality status. Develop Bathing Waters Management Plans, including any necessary measures, to achieve bathing water quality standards. Disseminate bathing water quality information to the public. Guidance is being prepared in the preparation of management plans to minimise risk to bathers and human health. Where water quality problems exist, preventative and remedial action must be taken. Shellfish Waters Measures are included in the Pollution Reduction programmes under the Quality of Shellfish Waters Regulations. DAFF licence shellfish growing areas under the under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 Aquaculture: Aquaculture is regulated and licensed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; local authorities control discharge licenses for fin fish farms. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government makes shellfish pollution reduction programmes which provide general water quality protection. A multi-department Marine Coordination Group has recently been established to ensure ongoing co-ordination of marine management activities and application of Appropriate Assessment through strengthened regulation; and coordination of biodiversity issues at an EU level. Water Pollution Acts & Water Services Act & IPPC AND Foreshore Local Authority Licensing of trade effluent to surface waters (under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts ) include discharges to transitional and coastal waters. IPPC licensed discharges under the integrated pollution prevention control directive and Environmental Protection Agency Acts Foreshore Acts development under the mean High Water Mark within transitional and coastal waters are subject to control under the Foreshore Acts. Birds and Habitats directive Key provisions of the habitat regulations introduced under these directives allow for the DEHLG to control damaging activities within and outside designated sites. All planned projects not necessary for the management of the Natura 2000 network will be subject to appropriate assessment under Article 6 of the habitats Directive Urban Treatment Wastewater The Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (SI No. 254 of 2001) deal with the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater and wastewater from certain industrial sectors. Transitional and coastal waters receive direct discharges from Wastewater Treatment Plants and industry. Controls under these Regulations and the Environmental Objectives Regulations will provide the basis for deciding on appropriate treatment required to meet the objectives of the WFD. In addition Wastewater Discharge Authorisation Regulations (S.I. No. 684 of 2007) require Local Authorities to hold a licence from the EPA authorising a discharge for WWTPs >500pe (or a certificate in the case of agglomerations <500pe). Morphology (Controls Marine morphological impacts can impact ecological standards. Ireland s

7 on Modifications) Physical existing planning and development controls and marine licensing systems provide a general level of control for new development. The DEHLG is considering the introduction of new regulations to control physical modifications in our surface waters which may involve an authorisation system where low risk activities may simply be registered and higher risk works would be subject to more detailed assessment and more prescriptive licences. OBJECTIVES Protect / Good Status 2015 Alternative Objectives 16 transitional 4 coastal Extended Deadlines (2021) - Lower Slaney Estuary, Middle Suir Estuary, Barrow Suir Nore Estuary, Upper Barrow Estuary, Corock Estuary Objectives in 4 coastal water bodies are yet to be determined. New Modifications New Ross Port and Barrow Nore Estuary Upper Flood alleviation works undertaken as part of the New Ross Main Drainage Scheme. HMWB Rosslare Harbour, New Ross Port, Lower Suir Estuary TRANSTIONAL 24% 76% COASTAL High Status Good Status Moderate or Less Status Status Unassigned 11% 56% 33%

8 Transitional and Coastal Status and Objectives WATER BODY INFORMATION GENERAL CONDITIONS Macroalgae 8 BIOLOGY Phytoplankton Angiosperms 9 HYDRO-MORPHOLOGY SPECIFIC POLLUTANTS 14 ECOLOGICAL STATUS 15 CHEMICAL STATUS 16 Protected Areas MS_CD RBD TYPE NAME MONITORED (Y) EXTRAPOLATED (N) DIN 1 MRP 2 DO 3 BOD 4 Phyto Biomass 7 Oppor-tunistic Reduced Species List SE_040_0100 SERBD TW North Slob Channels Y G M G M M H M Restore 2015 SE_040_0400 SERBD TW South Slob Channel N M Restore 2015 SE_060_0100 SERBD TW Lady's Island Lake Y H* M Yes Restore 2015 SE_070_0100 SERBD TW Tacumshin Lake Y H* M Yes Restore 2015 SE_080_0200 SERBD TW Ballyteige Channels N M Yes Restore 2015 SE_020_0100 SERBD TW Owenavorragh Estuary N M Restore 2015 SE_040_0200 SERBD TW Lower Slaney Estuary Y M H M M M Pass M G Yes Yes Yes Restore 2021 SE_040_0300 SERBD TW Upper Slaney Estuary Y M H H H H G Yes Yes Protect SE_080_0100 SERBD TW Bridgetown Estuary Y G M Yes Restore 2015 SE_090_0100 SERBD TW Corock Estuary N M Yes Restore 2021 SE_100_0100 SERBD TW Barrow Suir Nore Estuary Y M H H G G G Pass G Fail Yes Yes Yes Restore 2021 SE_100_0200 SERBD TW New Ross Port Y M G H H G Y G Yes Yes Protect SE_100_0250 SERBD TW Barrow Nore Estuary Upper Y M G H G M M Yes Yes Restore 2015 SE_100_0300 SERBD TW Upper Barrow Estuary Y M H G M M G M Yes Yes Restore 2021 SE_100_0400 SERBD TW Nore Estuary Y M G H M H M Yes Restore 2015 SE_100_0500 SERBD TW Lower Suir Estuary (Little Island - Cheekpoint) Y M G G G G Y Pass G G Yes Yes Protect SE_100_0550 SERBD TW Middle Suir Estuary Y M G M M M M Yes Yes Restore 2021 SE_100_0600 SERBD TW Upper Suir Estuary Y M H H G G G G Yes Yes Protect SE_130_0100 SERBD TW Mahon Estuary N M Restore 2015 SE_140_0100 SERBD TW Colligan Estuary Y M H M G G M G H M Yes Restore 2015 SE_140_0200 SERBD TW Brickey Estuary N M Restore 2015 SE_040_0000 SERBD CW Wexford Harbour Y G H M M M H M Yes Yes Yes Restore 2015 SE_090_0000 SERBD CW Bannow Bay N ua Yes Yes - SE_120_0000 SERBD CW Tramore Back Strand Y G M ua Yes - SE_010_0000 SERBD CW Southwestern Irish Sea (HAs 11;12) Y G H H M M H ua Yes Yes - SE_045_0000 SERBD CW Rosslare Harbour N Y M Restore 2015 SE_110_0000 SERBD CW Tramore Bay N ua Yes Yes - SE_140_0000 SERBD CW Dungarvan Harbour Y G H M H H H Pass M G Yes Yes Yes Restore 2015 SE_050_0000 SERBD CW Eastern Celtic Sea (HAs 13;17) N ua Yes Yes Yes - SE_100_0000 SERBD CW Waterford Harbour Y G H H H H G H Pass G G Yes Yes Yes Protect Seagrass Benthos Fish 11 Hydrology 12 Morph-ology 13 HMWB Annex VIII Annex X Bathing Waters Shellfish Waters Nutrient Sensitive Water SAC OBJECTIVES

9 Glossary and Abbreviations Biodiversity: BOD Coastal waters: DAFF: DEHLG: DETE: Diffuse sources (of pollution): DO EC: Ecological status: Ecology: EPA: EU: Good status: HMWB (Heavily modified water body): Inland surface waters: Macroalgae Mitigation measures: On-site system: Opportunistic Word commonly used for biological diversity and defined as assemblage of living organisms from all habitats including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part. Biological Oxygen Demand That area of surface water on the landward side of a line, every point of which is at a distance of one nautical mile on the seaward side from the nearest point of the baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is measured, extending where appropriate up to the outer limit of transitional waters. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Non-point sources primarily associated with run-off and other discharges related to different land uses such as agriculture and forestry, from septic tanks associated with rural dwellings and from the land spreading of industrial, municipal and agricultural wastes. Dissolved Oxygen European Commission An expression of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems associated with surface waters. Such waters are classified as being of good ecological status when they meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The study of the relationships among organisms and between those organisms and their non-living environment. Environmental Protection Agency. European Union A collective term used to refer to the status achieved by a surface water body when both its ecological status and its chemical status are at least good or, for groundwater, when both its quantitative status and chemical status are at least good. A water body that has been changed substantially in character as a result of physical alterations by human activity. All standing or flowing water on the surface of the land (such as reservoirs, lakes, rivers) on the landward side of the baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is measured. Multicellular algae such as seaweeds and filamentous algae. Measures to avoid, prevent, minimise, reduce or, as fully as possible, offset or compensate for any significant adverse effects on the environment, as a result of implementing a plan or programme. Septic tank or other system for treating wastewater from unsewered properties. One of the elements used in classification of Ecological Status of

10 Macroalgae Phytoplankton Phytoplankton Biomass PRP Programme measures: Protected area of transitional and coastal waters measured by spatial extent and biomass of macroalgae. While these algae are natural components of estuarine systems and play important roles in several estuarine processes, macroalgal blooms are of ecological concern because they can reduce the habitat quality. Solitary and colonial unicellular algae and cyanobacteria that live in the water column, at least for part of their lifecycle. One of the elements used in classification of Ecological Status of transitional and coastal waters measured by the total weight of phytoplankton, a free-floating flora, at a given time per unit area. Pollution reduction programme Those actions, defined in detail, which are required to achieve the environmental objectives of the Directive within a river basin district. Water protected by European legislation including drinking waters, shellfish waters, bathing waters, urban wastewater nutrient sensitive areas or sites designated as Special areas of Conservation or Special Protected Areas River Basin District (RBD) & International River Basin District (IRBD): River basin SERBD Special Area of Conservation (SAC): Special Protection Area (SPA): Administrative area for coordinated water management, composed of multiple river basins (or catchments), with cross-border basins (i.e. those covering the territory of more than one Member State) assigned to an international RBD. The area of land from which all surface water run-off flows, through a sequence of streams, rivers and lakes into the sea at a single river mouth, estuary or delta. South Eastern River Basin District Site designated according to the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora). Area designated under the European Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds. Statutory (SI): Instrument Any order, regulation, rule, scheme or bye-law made in exercise of a power conferred by statute. Surface water Transitional waters Water body Water Framework Directive (WFD) WMU Inland waters on the land surface (such as reservoirs, lakes, rivers, transitional waters, coastal waters) within a river basin. Bodies of surface water in the vicinity of river mouths which are partly saline in character as a result of their vicinity to coastal waters, but which are substantially influenced by freshwater flows. A coherent sub-unit in the river basin (district) to which the environmental objectives of the directive must apply. Hence, the main purpose of identifying water bodies is to enable the status to be accurately described and compared to environmental objectives The Water Framework Directive is European legislation that promotes a new approach to water management through river basin planning. It covers inland surface waters, estuarine waters, coastal waters and groundwater. Water Management Unit geographical sub unit of a river basin district

11 WWTP Waste Water Treatment Plant