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3 Aughinish Alumina Extraction Plant, Installation of Gas Fired Boilers and Exhaust Stacks Appropriate Assessment Screening Report Client: Project Title: Document Title: Document No: D U T I Aughinish Alumina Extraction Plant I Installation of Gas Fired Boilers and Exhaust Stacks I Appropriate Assessment Screening Report I MCE713RP6F1 This Document Comprises: DCS 1 TOC Text List of Tables List of Figures No. of Appendices rpsgroup.com/ireland EPA Export :23:45:39

4 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report TABLE OF CONTENTS APPENDIX A APPENDIX B APPENDIX C INTRODUCTION... 1 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY... 2 FIELD SURVEY AND SUMMARY SITE DESCRIPTION... 2 REQUIREMENTS OF THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE... 2 METHODOLOGY DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED WORKS... 6 DESCRIPTION OF THE NATURA 2 SITES... 7 RIVER SHANNON AND RIVER FERGUS ESTUARIESPA... 7 LOWE RIVER SHANNON csac... a POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS ON THE NATURA 2 SITES DIRECT IMPACTS INDIRECT IMPACTS CUMULATIVE IMPACTS WITH OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS IN THE AREA SUMMARY OF POSSIBLE IMPACTS ON THE NATURA 2 SITES APPENDICES Finding of No Significant Effects Forms Plate 1: Showing Location of Proposed Gas Fired Boilers Figure 1: Location of the Proposed Works and of the Natura 2 Sites MCE713RP6F1 i Rev. FOI EPA Export :23:45:39

5 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report 1 INTRODUCTION Aughinish Alumina Ltd. propose to install two natural gas fired, 15 tonne (each) per hour, steam boilers and two 32m high exhaust stacks in the vicinity of the existing boiler plant, at a location in the central part of the alumina extraction plant (see Plate 1 in Appendix B and Figure 1 in Appendix C). The proposed works are located close to two Natura 2 sites, River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA (site code 477) and Lower River Shannon csac (site code 2165). This Screening assessment follows the guidance published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG, 21 ) Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities and other relevant guidance (see Section 2.2). MCE713RP6F1 1 Rev. FO1 EPA Export :23:45:39

6 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report 2 APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 2.1 FIELD SURVEY AND SUMMARY SITE DESCRIPTION The site has been visited on a number of occasions over the past four years by the author of this Report (an RPS ecologist), most recently on the 1 of January 212. The existing heavy fuel oil fired boilers are located centrally within the Aughinish alumina extraction plant and are surrounded on all sides by hardstanding surfaces, buildings and industrial plant and infrastructure. Whilst no seminatural habitats are present in the vicinity of the boiler or elsewhere within the plant itself, the site of the plant on Aughinish Island, is surrounded on three sides by marine, intertidal and terrestrial habitats of significant ecological value, many of which are included within the two Natura 2 designations, River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA (site code 477) and Lower River Shannon csac (site code 2165). The site of the proposed gas boilers and exhaust stacks is approximately 3m from the boundaries of these designations to the east and west and approximately 6m from their boundaries to the north (see Figure 1 in Appendix C). 2.2 REQUIREMENTS OF THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE The requirement for Appropriate Assessment (AA) (also known as Habitats Directive Assessment ) of plans or projects originates from Article 6 (3) and (4) of European Union ( U) Council Directive 92/43/ EC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, commonly known as the Habitats Directive, which is implemented in Ireland through the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations of The wording of Article 6 (3) of the Directive is as follows:- Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site s conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public. The wording of Article 6 (4) of the Directive is as follows:- It in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted. Appropriate Assessment Guidelines for Planning Authorities were published by the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government in February 21 (DoEHLG, 21). The AA process in the Republic of Ireland should be conducted in full consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In addition to the advice available from NPWS, the EU has published a number of documents which provide guidance on the requirements of Appropriate Assessment, including, Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2 sites - Methodological Guidance on the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, (EC, 22), which sets out the principles of how to approach decision making during the process and these have been followed as closely as possible. The assessment is prepared with reference to the following additional guidelines:- * Managing Natura 2 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg (EC, 2); MCE713RP6F1 2 Rev. FO1 EPA Export :23:45:39

7 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC - Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, opinion of the commission; (EC, 27); European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, ; and e Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 27. European Commission METHODOLOGY I The Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government guidelines (DoEHLG, 21 ) outlines the European Commission s methodological guidance (EC, 22) promoting a four-stage process to complete the AA, and outlines the issues and tests at each stage. An important aspect of the process is that the outcome at each successive stage determines whether a further stage in the process is required. The four stages are summarised diagrammatically below. Stages 1-2 deal with the main requirements for assessment under Article 6(3). Stage 3 may be part of the Article 6(3) Assessment or may be a necessary precursor to Stage 4. Stage 4 is the main derogation step of Article 6(4). The Four Stages of Appropriate Assessment Stage 1 : Screening for Appropriate Assessment This stage of the AA process involves establishing whether or not the plan or project requires Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment. This is determined by examining if it will have a significant effect on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2 site. If significant effects cannot be excluded, on the basis of objective information, then the site in question is screened-in and Stage 2 assessment is undertaken. The Screening process requires an initial review of the project to identify any elements of either construction, operation or decommissioning that might potentially have impacts upon Natura 2 sites; and a review of the Qualifying Features and Conservation Objectives of all Natura 2 sites that could potentially be subject to the impacts that have been identified. Whether or not impacts are likely to be of significance is then determined. I If the effects are deemed to be significant, potentially significant, or uncertain, or if the Screening process becomes overly complicated, then the process must proceed to Stage 2 (AA). Screening should be undertaken without the inclusion of mitigation, unless potential impacts clearly can be avoided through the modification or redesign of the plan or project, in which case the Screening process is repeated on the altered plan or project. The greatest level of evidence and justification will be needed in circumstances when the process ends at the Screening Stage on grounds of no impact. This report provides the information necessary to enable the appropriate authority to screen the proposed project for the requirement to prepare an Appropriate Assessment. I, I MCE713RP6F1 3 Rev. FO1 EPA Export :23:45:39

8 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report Natura 2 Sites Included in the Screening Assessment Clearly a key variable that will determine whether or not a particular Natura 2 site is likely to be affected by the proposed works is its physical distance from the project site, and it will generally, but not necessarily, be the case that the greater the distance the lower the possibility of impacts. The Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DoEHLG, 21) state that the AA process should include the following Natura 2 sites: 1. Any Natura 2 sites within or adjacent to the plan or project area. The project site is not located within or immediately adjacent to any Natura 2 site, however two Natura 2 sites are located within approximately 3m of the proposed works, River Shannon and River Fergos Estuaries SPA (site code 477) and Lower River Shannon csac (site code 2165). On the basis of this close proximity, it is considered that these sites fall within the potential zone of influence of the proposed works, and are therefore included in this assessment and the potential for impacts on these sites will be screened. 2. Any Natura 2 sites within the likely zone of impact of the plan or project. A distance of 15km is currently recommended in the case of plans, and derives from UK guidance (Scott Wilson et. al., 26). for projects, the distance could be much less than 15km, and in some cases less than IOOm, but this must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with reference to the nature, size and location of the project, and the sensitivities of the ecological receptors, and the potential for in combination effects. Three additional csacs are located within 15km of the project site. The closest is Barrigone csac (site code 432) 3km to the south, which is an area of elevated limestone grassland. Askeaton fen Complex csac (site code 2279) lies between 8km and 15km to the east and southeast of the project site; and Curraghchase Woods csac (site code 174) 12km to the southeast. As the project involved only relatively small scale construction works within an existing industrial site where issues such as surface water and effluents are already fully controlled (see Section 5.2.2), the zone of influence of the project will be relatively small, and being located on Aughinish Island potential hydrological and water-borne impacts can occur only locally, on the island. It is not considered possible that impacts at these distances could occur and these sites are therefore not included in this Screening assessment. Whilst calcareous grasslands such as those at Barrigone csac can be prone to negative effects resulting from air-borne pollutants, particularly nitrogen compounds, the proposed gas fired boilers will replace an existing heavy fuel oil fired boiler and as a result, the project will greatly reduce overall emissions, including a 77% reduction on NO, emissions, compared to the existing oil boiler (see Section 5.2.3). One additional SPA is located within 15km of the project site; the closest point of Stacks to Mullaghareirks, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA (site code 4161) is 9.5km to the southeast. This site is designated primarily for its breeding population of the Annex I species Hen Harrier and also for its possible breeding Short-eared Owls. Both species are partially migratory and range widely during the winter months. Suitable foraging habitat for both species occurs around Aughinish Island and both species have been recorded in the area, however the project site itself, located centrally within the industrial complex of the alumina extraction plant is not located close to such habitat and no possible impact on these species can reasonably be expected as a result of the proposed works. Hence, this site is not included in this Screening assessment. No other Natura 2 sites are located within 15km of the project site. 3. Natura 2 sites that are more than 15km from the plan or project area depending on the likely impacts of the plan or project, and the sensitivities of the ecological receptors, bearing in mind the precautionary principle. In the case of sites with water dependent habitats or species, and a plan or project that could affect water quality or quantity, for example, it may be necessary to consider the full extent of the upstream and/or downstream catchment. MCE713RP6F1 4 Rev. FOI EPA Export :23:45:39

9 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report As discussed above, the relatively small scale of the proposed project and the hydrological isolation of the project site on Aughinish Island, make the zone of influence of the proposed project relatively small, and no impacts on any designation greater than 15km from the project site is considered possible. Hence, it is not considered that further AA Screening of any other Natura 2 sites, is required. Table 2.1: Natura 2 Sites Included in this Screening Assessment Site Name River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Lower River Shannon Designation Site Approximate Location Relative to Type Code Proposed Works SPA 477 The SPA boundary is approximately 3m from the project site to the west and east and csac 2165 approximately 6m to the north The csac boundary is approximately 3m from the project site to the west and east and approximately 6m to the north MCE713RP6F1 5 Rev. FO1 EPA Export :23:45:39

10 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED WORKS Aughinish Alumina Ltd proposes to install two gas fired boilers and exhaust stacks on a.94ha site within the existing alumina extraction plant at Aughinish Island. The new facility will comprise two natural gas fired, 15 tonne (each) per hour, steam boilers, in the vicinity of the existing heavy fuel oil fired boilers (see Figure 1 in Appendix C). The proposed natural gas fired boilers will be located in an open space to be developed between the south side of the existing boiler house, the east side of the existing compressor house, the west side of the existing electrical substation and the north side of the existing water treatment plant (see Figure 1 in Appendix C). This location, which is already substantially open space consisting of a combination of bitumen macadam and graded compacted gravel surfaces, will be developed by the demolition and removal of a small package boiler and a small refractory storage shed. There is no vegetation of any description at the proposed location of the boilers. The proposed boilers fit within an envelope with maximum dimensions of approximately 16m x 3m x (height) 18m (total envelope thus is 32m x 3m x (height) 18m); the proposed exhaust stacks are approximately 3.m in diameter and 32m in height. The proposed boilers will not be enclosed in a building but will be designed and installed as external insulated items of the nature of plant and machinery on two reinforced concrete foundations. The combustion exhaust from the proposed gas fired boilers will be ducted into two proposed 32m exhaust stacks. I Hence, the proposed works can be summarised as follows:: e e Removal of the small existing package boiler; Demolition and removal of the small existing refractory storage shed; Construction of reinforced concrete bases for the new gas fired boilers and exhaust stacks; Installation of the proposed gas fired boilers and exhaust stacks; and Installation of other services; power cables, fencing, etc. MCE713RP6F1 6 Rev. FOI EPA Export :23:45:39

11 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE NATURA 2 SITES 4.1 RIVER SHANNON AND RIVER FERGUS ESTUARIES SPA The estuaries of the River Shannon and River Fergus form the largest estuarine complex in Ireland. The site comprises the entire estuarine habitat west from Limerick City and south from Ennis, extending west as far as Killadysert and Foynes on the north and south shores respectively of the River Shannon (a distance of some 25 km from east to west). Also included are several areas in the outer Shannon estuary, notably Clonderalaw Bay and Poulnasherry Bay, as well as the intertidal areas on the south shore of the Shannon between Tarbert and Beal Point. The site has vast expanses of intertidal flats. The main macro-invertebrate community present is a Macoma-Scrobicularia-Nereis community which provides a rich food resource for the wintering birds. This site is of great ornithological interest, being of international importance on account of the numbers of wintering birds it supports. It is the most important coastal wetland site in the country and regularly supports in excess of 5, wintering waterfowl (mean of 59,183 for the 4 seasons to 1999/), a concentration easily of international importance. It also supports internationally important numbers of three species: Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank. In addition, there are 16 species that have populations of national importance. For several of the bird species, it is the top site in the country. Also of note is that three of the species which occur regularly are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive: Whooper Swan, Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit. 4.1.I Qualifying Interests The SPA is designated on the basis of the presence of a large number of wetland bird species, the following of which are cited as 'Features of Interest': Bird Species: Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (species code FOI 7) Whooper Swan (Cygnus Cygnus) (A38) Light-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota) (A46) Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) (A48) Wigeon (Anas penelope) (A5) Teal (Anas crecca) (A52) Pintail (Anas acuta) (A54) Shoveler (Anas clypeata) (A56) Scaup (Aythya marila) (A62) Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaficula) (AI 37) Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) (AI 4) Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) (AI 41) Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) (A142) Knot (Calidris canutus) (A143) Dunlin (Calidris alpina) (A149) Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) (AI 56) Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (AI 57) Curlew (Numenius arguata) (A16) Redshank (Tringa totanus) (A162) Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) (A164) Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) (A179) Other Features: Wetlands & Waterbirds (code A999) MCE713RP6F1 7 Rev. FO1 EPA Export :23:45:39

12 Auahinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers ADDrODriate Assessment Screenina ReDort Conservation Objectives The integrity of a Natura 2 site (referred to in Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive) is determined based on the Conservation Status of the Qualifying Features of the csac or SPA. According to the EU Habitats Directive, favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when:- = Its natural range, and area it covers within that range, is stable or increasing, The ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and The conservation status of its typical species is favourable as defined below. The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when:- = Population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and There is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. The stated Conservation Objectives specific to the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA are as follows: to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the bird species listed as Special Conservation Interests for this SPA: breeding and wintering Phalacrocorax carbo; wintering Cygnus Cygnus; [wintering Branta bernicla hrota; wintering Tadorna tadorna; wintering Anas penelope; wintering Anas crecca; wintering Anas acuta; wintering Anas clypeata; wintering Aythya marila; wintering Charadrius hiaticula; wintering Pluvialis apricaria; wintering Pluvialis squatarola; wintering Vanellus vanellus; wintering Calidris canutus; wintering Calidris alpha; wintering Limosa limosa; wintering Limosa lapponica; wintering Numenius arquata; wintering Tringa totanus; wintering Tringa nebularia; wintering Chroicocephalus ridibundus; Wetlands & Waterbirds. (see: npws. ie/media/npwsie/content/ima~es/protectedsites/conse~at~onobiect~v@s/c477. pdf) 4.2 LOWER RIVER SHANNON csac This very large site stretches along the Shannon valley from Killaloe to Loop Head/ Kerry Head, a distance of some 12km. The site thus encompasses the Shannon, Feale, Mulkear and Fergus Estuaries, the freshwater lower reaches of the River Shannon (between Killaloe and Limerick), the freshwater stretches of much of the Feale and Mulkear catchments and the marine area between Loop Head and Kerry Head. The Shannon and Fergus Estuaries form the largest estuarine complex in Ireland. They form a unit stretching from the upper tidal limits of the Shannon and Fergus Rivers to the mouth of the Shannon estuary (considered to be a line across the narrow strait between Kilcredaun Point and Kilconly Point). Within this main unit there are several tributaries with their own sub-estuaries e.g. the Dee1 River, Mulkear River, and Maigue River. To the west of Foynes, a number of small estuaries form indentations in the predominantly hard coastline, namely Poulnasherry Bay, Ballylongford Bay, Clonderalaw Bay and the Feale or Cashen River Estuary. This site is of great ecological interest as it contains a high number of habitats and species listed on Annexes I and II of the E.U. Habitats Directive, including the priority habitat lagoon, the only known resident population of Bottle-nosed Dolphin in Ireland and all three Irish lamprey species (see Section for details). MCE713RP6F1 8 Rev. FOI EPA Export :23:45:39

13 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report Qualifying Interests The site is designated on the basis of the presence of the following Annex I habitats and Annex II habitats: Annex I habitats: Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time (habitat code 111) Estuaries (113) Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide (114) Coastal lagoons (115) Large shallow inlets and bays (116) Reefs (117) = Perennial vegetation of stony banks (122) Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts (123) Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand (131) = Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) (132) Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) (133) Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) (141) a Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation (326) Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clavey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) (641) Alluvial forests with Alnus glufinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) (91 EO) Annex II Species: Freshwater pearl mussel (Margarififera margarififera) (species code 129) Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (195) Brook lamprey (Lampefra planer/) (196) River lamprey (Lampefra fluviatilis) (199) Salmon (Salmo salar) (116) Bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops fruncatus) (1349) Otter (Lufra lufra) (1355) Conservation Objectives The integrity of a Natura 2 site (referred to in Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive) is determined based on the Conservation Status of the Qualifying Features of the csac. According to the EU Habitats Directive, favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when:- = Its natural range, and area it covers within that range, is stable or increasing, The ecological factors that are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and The conservation status of its typical species is favourable as defined below. The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when:- = Population data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself, and the natural range of the species is neither being reduced or likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and There is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its populations on a long-term basis. i MCE713RP6F1 9 Rev. FO1 EPA Export :23:45:39

14 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report The stated Conservation Objectives specific to the Lower River Shannon csac are as follows: to maintain or restore the favourable conservation condition of the Annex I habitat(s) and/or the Annex II species for which the SAC has been selected: (species code 129) Margarififera margaritifera; (195) Pefromyzon marinus; (196) Lampefra planeri; (199) Lampetra fluviatilis; (116) Salmo salar (only in fresh water); (1349) Tursiops fruncatus; (1355) Lufra lufra; (habitat code 111) Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time; (113) Estuaries; (114) Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide; (115) Coastal lagoons; (116) Large shallow inlets and bays; (117) Reefs; (122) Perennial vegetation of stony banks; (123) Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts; (131) Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand; (133) Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinelliefalia maritimae) ; (141 ) Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncefalia marifimi) ; (326) Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluifantis and Callifricho-Bafrachion vegetation; (641) Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae); (91 EO) Alluvial forests with Alnus glufinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae). (see: npws.ie/media/npwsie/content/images/protectedsites/conservationobjectives/c21 65.pdf) MCE713RP6F1 1 Rev. FOI EPA Export :23:45:39

15 Auahinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers ADDrODriak Assessment Screenina ReDi-t 5 POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS ON THE NATURA 2 SITES 5.1 DIRECT IMPACTS The site of the proposed works, including all site access, lies entirely outside the boundaries of any Natura 2 designation; therefore no direct impact on any Natura 2 site will occur as a result of the proposed works. 5.2 INDIRECT IMPACTS Noise and Visual Disturbance ' The site of the proposed works is located within 3m of intertidal mudflats to the east and west; sufficiently close that noise and movement (of people, vehicles, machinery) could potentially disturb birds and other fauna in these intertidal areas. The lands between the works site and the mudflats are however occupied by plant and buildings (the existing boiler house, the existing compressor house, the existing electrical substation and the existing water treatment plant), which visually screen the proposed boilers from view from the mudflats and will to a large extent screen any noise generated during construction and operation of the proposed facility (see Plate 1 in Appendix B). In addition, the alumina extraction plant as a whole produces considerable noise, and during operating hours there is regular movement of vehicles, machinery and personnel around the site, including the roads surrounding the proposed boiler locations. Hence the plant currently includes elements likely to result in disturbance to fauna, and any fauna using intertidal areas close to the site will be habituated to the presence of this noise and activity. Any additional noise or movement associated with construction or operation of the proposed boilers will be easily absorbed into this general background of noise and activity at the site and it is not considered possible that any increase in the potential for disturbance to fauna will occur Potential Water Borne Impacts - Surface Waters, Effluents and Discharges All boiler effluent is currently channelled into the existing surface water system in accordance with the plant's original planning permission and it's Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Licence. The proposed works are located entirely within the process effluent drain area, and hence the current situation will continue during construction and operation of the proposed new boilers. Both the surface water system within the plant and the process effluent within the alumina extraction plant are drained to the Industrial Effluent Treatment Plant. Treated effluent is discharged to the River Shannon (outside the Natura 2 site boundaries) via Effluent Discharge Emission Location W-1-1 as per the IPPC License. Treatment occurs at the on-site Industrial Effluent Treatment Plant to the standard specified in the Schedule in IPPC License POO35-4. There will be no overall increase in the boiler liquid effluent emissions because the gas fired boilers are a replacement for the existing heavy fuel oil fired boilers. Discharges overall will decrease as a result of this change over and will therefore remain within the existing IPPC license ELV. Overall there will be absolutely no change in the permitted IPPC license ELV as result of the proposed gas fired boilers. Hence, the situation with discharges during operation of the proposed boilers is that there will be a reduction in effluent requiring treatment; whilst the situation regarding surface water will remain unchanged. Hence no impact on the Natura 2 sites will occur. As all surface water is channelled to the plant's effluent system and thence to the treatment plant, there is no possibility of contamination of the estuary's waters during construction. MCE713RP6F1 11 Rev. FO1 EPA Export :23:45:39

16 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report Potential Air Quality Impacts Whilst none of the Qualifying Features of the two Natura 2 sites (see Sections and 4.2.1) are considered to be particularly vulnerable to air quality impacts such as air-borne nitrogen accumulation, it should be noted that there will be a net reduction in emissions to air as a result of the operation of the proposed gas fired boilers relative to the existing heavy fuel oil boilers which they will replace. The EPA Technical Committee Report on Aughinish IPCC License states that, The installation of one gas boiler will lead to a 6% reduction in SO, emissions, 26% reduction in NO, emissions, 23% reduction in dust emissions and 4% reduction in COz emissions. Installation of the second gas boiler will almost eliminate SO, emissions (88% reduction), whist emjssions of NO,, dust and CO2 will decline by 38%, 34% and 6% respectively. Hence no negative air-borne impacts on the Conservation Objectives of Natura 2 sites are considered possible as a result of the proposed project. 5.3 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS WITH OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS IN THE AREA Non-significant negative effects of the proposed works can potentially combine with negative effects of other projects or plans to result in significant negative effects on Natura 2 sites. Section 5.2 of this report has however demonstrated that the current proposal will have no negative effects, significant or otherwise on any Natura 2 site, and hence the possibility of negative in-combination effects is also eliminated. 5.4 SUMMARY OF POSSIBLE IMPACTS ON THE NATURA 2 SITES It is not considered that the construction or operation of the proposed gas fired boilers and exhaust stacks could result in any negative impact on the Conservation Objectives of either the Lower River Shannon csac or the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA. As no impacts, either significant or non-significant, have been identified, significant cumulative impact with other plans and projects cannot occur. Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment of the proposed project is therefore not required. MCE713RP6F1 12 Rev. FO1 EPA Export :23:45:39

17 Aughinish Alumina Gas Fired Boilers Appropriate Assessment Screening Report REFERENCES DoEHLG (21 ). Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Revision). EC (2). Managing Natura 2 Sites: the provisions of Article 6 of the 'Habitats' Directive 92/43/ EC. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. EC (22). Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2 sites - Methodological Guidance on the Provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. European Commission. EC (27a). Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the 'Habitats Directive' 92/43/ EC - Clarification of the concepts of: alternative solutions, imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures, overall coherence, and opinion of the commission. European Commission. EC (27b). Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. Version EUR 27. European Commission. MCE713RP6F1 13 Rev. FOI EPA Export :23:45:39

18 Appendix A Finding of No Significant Effects Reports EPA Export :23:45:39

19 Finding of No Significant Effects Reports Name and Location of the Natura 2 site Description of the Project Is the Project directly connected with the manaaement of the Natura 2 site? Details of any other projects or plans that together with this project could affect the Natura 2 site.... Lower River Shannon csac (site code 2165), located to the south east and north of the site, within 3m at its closest point Construction of two gas fired boilers, exhaust stacks, concrete foundation plinths and associated infrastructure. no None because no impacts anticipated (including non-significant impacts).. Natura 2 site Explain why the effects are not considered I No effects are anticbated significant Response to consultation.., ,..i(..... b... '., _.,,.:.,.,Overall conclusions.'. I: The proposed location for the boilers is central within an existing large industrial plant and existing buildings and plant will effectively screen the works and the proposed boilers visually and noise-wise from intertidal areas of the csac. There will be a reduction in boiler effluent and no other changes to emissions or to surface waters will occur. It is not considered that the construction or the operation of the proposed boilers could result in any negative impact on the csac or on any other Natura 2 site. As no impacts, either significant or nonsignificant, have been identified, significant cumulative impact with other plans and projects cannot occur. EPA Export :23:45:39

20 Name and Location of the Natura 2 site DescriDtion of the Proiect River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA (site code 477) Located to the south, east and north of the. proposed. I works within'3m at its nearest point I Construction of two gas fired boilers, exhaust stacks, concrete foundation plinths and :.~ _ ,,...,,..-z;, j...''.verdll.conclusions ';, ,,,.. The proposed location for the boilers is central within an existing large industrial plant and existing buildings and plant will effectively screen the works and the proposed gas fired boilers visually and noise-wise from intertidal areas of the SPA. There will be a reduction in boiler effluent and no other changes to emissions or to surface waters will occur. It is not considered that the construction or operation of the proposed gas fired boilers could result in any negative impact on the SPA or on any other Natura 2 site. As no impacts, either significant or non-significant, have been identified, significant cumulative impact with other plans and projects cannot occur. EPA Export :23:45:39

21 Appendix B Plate 1: Showing Location of Proposed Gas Fired Boilers EPA Export :23:45:39

22 Plate 1: Showing Location of Proposed Gas Fired Boilers EPA Export :23:45:4

23 Appendix C Figure 1: Location of the Site of the Proposed Works and of Natura 2 Sites EPA Export :23:45:4

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27 APPLICATION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOR REVIEW OF INTEGRATED POLLUTIO PREVENTION AND CO BROL (PP c) LICENCE Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 87(l)(a) of the Environmental Protection Agency Acts 1992 to 213 that Aughinish Alumina Limited in Aughinish East, Aughinish West, Island MacTeige and Glenbane West at Askeaton, County Limerick (National Grid Reference 12847E N) intends to apply to the Environmental Protection Agency for a review of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Licence Register No. POO35-5 under Section 9 of the EPA Acts 1992 to 211 for the following classes of activity: Class 5.13 (e): The production of basic inorganic chemicals such as: non-metals, metal oxides or other inorganic compounds such as calcium carbide, silicon, silicon carbide [Principal Class]; Class 2.1: the operation of combustion installations with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 5 MW and; Class 11.1: The recovery or disposal of waste in a facility, within the meaning of the Act of 1996, which facility is connected or associated with another activity specified in this Schedule in respect of which a licence or revised licence under Part IV is or will be required. This licence review is being requested to consider the proposed development of a new 15 tonne per hour gas-fired steam boiler to replace an oil-fired steam boiler within the existing plant. A notification of the decision to grant planning permission has been issued by Limerick County Council (Planning Application Ref. 13/164). A copy of the application for the review of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Licence and such further information relating to the application as may be furnished to the Agency in the course of the Agency's consideration of the application will, as soon as practicable after receipt by the Agency, be available for inspection or purchase at the headquarters of the Agency (Tel: Locall or ). Signed: Date of Erection of Site Notice: Thursday 16'h May 213 EPA Export :23:45:4

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33 Planning Department, Limerick County Council, County Hall, Doorado yle, Limerick 16* May 213 RE: Application to the Environmental Protection Agency by Aughinish Alumina Ltd. for Review of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Licence POO35-5 To whom it may concern, Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 87(l)(a) of the Environmental Protection Agency Acts 1992 to 213 that Aughinish Alumina Limited in Aughinish East, Aughinish West, Island MacTeige and Glenbane West at Askeaton, County Limerick (National Grid Reference 12847E N) intends to apply to the Environmental Protection Agency for a review of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Licence Register No. POO35-5 under Section 9 of the EPA Acts 1992 to 211 for the following classes of activity: Class 5.13 (e): The production of basic inorganic chemicals such as: non-metals, metal oxides or other inorganic compounds such as calcium carbide, silicon, silicon carbide [Principal Class]; Class 2.1: the operation of combustion installations with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 5 MW and; Class 11.1: The recovery or disposal of waste in a facility, within the meaning of the Act of 1996, which facility is connected or associated with another activity specified in this Schedule in respect of which a licence or revised licence under Part IV is or will be required. This licence review is being requested to consider the proposed development of a new 15 tonne per hour gas-fired steam boiler to replace an oil-fired steam boiler within the existing plant. A notification of the decision to grant planning permission has been issued by Limerick County Council (Planning Application Ref. 13/164). A copy of the application for the review of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Licence and such further information relating to the application as may be furnished to the Agency in the course of the Agency s consideration of the application will, as soon as Aughinish Island, Askeaton, CO Limerick - Ireland - Tel () Fax +353() DIRECTORS: D A Clancy, D Goldberg, A Rakita, V Shaga, A Shmalenko, K Strunnikov Reg. in Ireland No Reg. Office: Aughinish Alumina Limited, Aughinish Island, Askeaton, CO Limerick, Ireland EPA Export :23:45:4

34 practicable after receipt by the Agency, be available for inspection or purchase at the headquarters of the Agency (Tel: Locall or ). Yours sincerely, U LiamFleming Environment Co-ordinator ~ Aughinish Island, Askeaton, CO Limerick - Ireland - Tel () Fax +353() DIRECTORS: D A Clancy, D Goldberg, A Rakita, V Shaga, A Shmalenko, K Strunnikov Reg. in Ireland No Reg. Office: Aughinish Alumina Limited, Aughinish Island, Askeaton. CO Limerick, Ireland EPA Export :23:45:4