HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660052 - Report Received from Internal Staff - Environment No 226/60052
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
To Planning
From: Lisa Smith, Environment Section
Ref: 26/60052 Annayalla Chicks, Annayalla Chicks Ltd, Annayalla, Castleblaney Co Monaghan
Agent: da architects ltd
Permission for a development which will consist of a) decommissioning and removal of existing
wastewater treatment plant and percolation area and b) installation of new treatment plant
comprising a cast in-situ concrete compartmented tank structure with four biozones, balancing tank,
sludge storage tank, final settlement tank, control room and aeration blower on a cast in-situ
concrete plinth with fenced enclosure, c) 1670m2 reed and willow bed tertiary treatment and
polishing system d) new discharge to existing surface water course, together with e) associated
external works including new access to existing adjacent service yard, connections to all existing
services.
The site is located within the Fane_010 river waterbody, this waterbody has been classified as “Poor”
status with an objective of restore to “Good” Status by 2027. The site is on an area of extreme
groundwater vulnerability which is underlain by a poor locally important aquifer. The River Blackwater
flows within 250m of the site.
A Water Protection Checklist has not been submitted.
Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report concludes that the proposed development will have
no significant effect on the 5 Natura 2000 sites within 30km. Planning Section will review this further.
A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) has been submitted. Works to be carried out
as per CEMP submitted and as per proposed further detailed Contractor CEMP.
A Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessment has been carried out. The assessment involved an
examination of the loadings of the proposed discharges to the River Fane and the assessment has
determined that the River Fane can accommodate the proposed discharges without breaching the
objectives set out the Surface Water Regulations. The assessment screening identified two
waterbodies that the proposed development has the potential to affect (Louth GWB and the
Fane_010). The assessment found that the proposed development will not cause deterioration or
change in water body status or future status. Risks/potential impacts identified where hydrocarbon
pollution due to spills or leaks and nutrient pollution due to accidental discharges from the wastewater
treatment plant (wwtp). These have been determined as minor potential. These can be conditioned.
Gondolin Land & Water Civil Engineering & Environmental Solutions consultants have designed a reed
bed and willow bed tertiary treatment system. This will be conditioned further in the Section 4 Licence
Review. It is noted in the report that design details are considered provisional and a full detailed design
and construction package will be prepared at the post planning stage, this can be conditioned.
26/60052
This facility operates under Discharge Licence WP10/12. Currently all wastewater is treated via a
biological treatment system and discharge to groundwater via a polishing filter. There have been
ongoing compliance issues with the existing wastewater treatment system and exceedance with
licence emission limit values (ELVs). The proposed new wastewater treatment plant and upgrade to
the site would be a major improvement and should improve compliance with licence ELV’s. The
proposed new wastewater treatment system and proposed daily flow would require a licence review
of their current discharge licence under Section 4 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977
& 1990, as amended. An application for licence review has been received by the Environment Section
(WP40/26) and is currently being assessed and a decision due in May 2026.
A site layout plan has been submitted. A hydrobrake is proposed post the reed and willow bed system
to limit wastewater and storm water discharges. The proposed wastewater sampling location is after
this hydrobrake. The wastewater treatment system sampling location should not include storm water
discharges. The storm water drainage system has not been identified on the site layout plan.
Wastewater onsite is generated from process water, cleaning and a truck wash. The truck wash has
not been identified on the site layout plan. A revised site layout plan is required.
I recommend that the following additional information is requested from the applicant:
1. Submit a completed Water Protection Plan checklist for the proposed development.
2. Submit a revised site layout plan (1:500) demonstrating the following:
a) All existing and proposed surface/storm water drainage systems (outlined in blue).
b) The directional flow of all existing/proposed surface water pipelines.
c) Any interceptors servicing the carparking and/or yard areas.
d) Any SuDS measures for storm drainage.
e) All associated discharge points and outfalls.
f) The truck wash area
g) The proposed wastewater treatment plant.
h) All existing and proposed foul water drainage systems (outlined in red).
The revised site layout shall clearly demonstrate separate discharge routes for storm and wastewater
from the site.
Signed: ____________________
A/Assistant Scientist
Date: 31/03/2026
Approved: Date: 31/03/2026