HomeMy WebLinkAbout2624 - Site Assessment ReportAPPENDIX A: SITE CHARACTERISATION FORM
File Reference:
Prefix: First Name: Chloe Cassidy Surname: Denis Ward
Address: Site Location and Townland:
Carrickartagh, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan
Number of Bedrooms: [3
Comments on population equivalent
Maximum Number of Residents: 5
Proposed Water Supply:
Mains Private Well/Borehole W] To be bored on -site I Group Well/Borehole
Soil Type, (Specify Type):
Subsoil, (Specify Type):
Acid Brown Earths, Brown Podzolics
Sandstone and shale till (Lower Paleozoic)
Bedrock Type: Silurian Metasediments and Volcanics
Aquifer Category: Regionally Important Locally Important Poor PI
Vulnerability: Extreme High [✓ Moderate Low
Groundwater Body: Status �J
Name of Public/Group Scheme Water Supply within 1 km:
Source Protection Area: ZOC SI SO Groundwater Protection Response: I— R1
Presence of Significant Sites
(Archaeological, Natural & Historical): None fl ��
3 /
Past experience in the area: None
Comments: I
(Integrate the information above in order to comment on: the potential suitability of the site, potential targets at risk, and/or any potential site restrictions).
Following the desk study the site appears suitable for the safe disposal of effluent subject to GPR of R1 which states
Acceptable subject to normal good practice. Where domestic water supplies are located Nearby, particular attention should be
given to the depth of subsoil over bedrock such that the minimum depths required in Chapter 6 are met and the
likelihood of microbial pollution is minimised
Note: Only information available at the desk study stage should be used in this section.
3.1 Visual Assessment
Landscape Position:
Undulating Hills
Slope: Steep (>1:5) U Shallow (1:5-1:20) U Relatively Flat (<1:20) U
Slope Comment Sloping north to south Sloping north to south Sloping north to south
Surface Features within a minimum of 250m (Distance To Features Should Be Noted In Metres)
Houses:
Derelict cottage to north. No other houses within >200m
House >200m to south
Existing Land Use:
Agriculture
Vegetation Indicators:
Grass
Groundwater Flow Direction: North to south
Ground Condition:
Firm Underfoot
Site Boundaries:
Trees, Hedgerows and Stone Walls
3.1 Visual Assessment (contd.)
Roads:
Access lane to west.
Cul de sac to south.
Outcrops (Bedrock And/Or Subsoil):
None Visible
Surface Water Ponding:
None Visible
Lakes:
None Visible
Beaches/Shellfish Areas:
None Visible
Wetlands:
None Visible
Karst Features:
None Visible
Watercourses/Streams:*
None Visible
*Note and record water level
3.1 Visual Assessment (contd.)
Drainage Ditches:*
None Visible
Springs:*
None Visible
Wells:*
Adjoining houses served by group scheme. No wells within 70m of proposed percolation area.
Comments:
(Integrate the information above in order to comment on: the potential suitability of the site, potential targets at risk, the suitability of the site to treat the wastewater
and the location of the proposed system within the site).
Following the visual assessment the site appears suitable for the safe disposal of effluent.
*Note and record water level
3.2 Trial Hole (should be a minimum of 2.1m deep (3m for regionally important aquifers))
To avoid any accidental damage, a trial hole assessment or percolation tests should not be undertaken
in areas which are at or adjacent to significant sites, (e.g. NHAs, SACs, SPAs, and/or Archaeological
etc.), without prior advice from National Parks and Wildlife Service or the Heritage Service.
Depth of trial hole (m): 3.0
Depth from ground surface Depth from ground surface
to bedrock (m) (if present): to water table (m) (if present): 2.5
Depth of water ingress: L_ Rock type (if present):
Date and time of excavation: 01 -Mar -2026 L 18:20 Date and time of examination: 04 -Mar -2026 07:20
Depth of
Surface and
Subsurface Soil/Subsoil
Percolation Texture & Plasticity and Soil Density/ Colour**"* Preferential
Tests Classification** dilatancy*** Structure Compactness flowpaths
0.1 m
0.2 m
0.3 m
0.4 m
0.5 m
0.6 m
0.7 m
0.8 m
0.9 m
1.0 m
1.1 m
1.2 m
1.3 m
1.4 m
1.5 m
1.6 m
1.7 m
1.8 m
1.9 m
2.0 m
2.1 m
2.2 m
2.3 m
2.4 m
2.5 m
2.6 m
2.7 m
2.8 m
2.9 m
3.0 m
3.1 m
3.2 m
3.3 m
3.4 m
3.5 m
TOPSOIL
GRAVELLY CLAY
GRAVEL
BOULDERS
GRAVELLY CLAY
GRAVEL
BOULDERS
WATER LEVEL 2.5M
BELOW G.L.
Dfoc 'Jr I RII%L
HOLE 3.0M
2-3 THREADS CRUMB FIRM
<100mm RIBBONS
DILATANT
4 THREADS STRUCTURE- FIRM
Likely Subsurface Percolation Value: 50
Likely Surface Percolation Value: 20
FIRM
BROWN NONE
ROOT ZONE
LIGHT NONE
BROWN/
GREY
PATCHES
BROWN
IVIV I I LOYV !-
1.5M
Note: 'Depth of percolation test holes should be indicated on log above. ('Enter Surface or Subsurface at depths as appropriate).
" See Appendix E for BS 5930 classification.
"3 samples to be tested for each horizon and results should be entered above for each horizon.
"" All signs of mottling should be recorded.
NONE
3.2 Trial Hole (contd.) Evaluation:
Following the trail hole inspection the site appears suitable for the safe disposal of effluent.
3.3(a) Subsurface Percolation Test for Subsoil
Step 1: Test Hole Preparation
Percolation Test Hole 1 2 3
Depth from ground surface 900 900 900
to top of hole (mm) (A)
Depth from ground surface I 1,340 1,350 1,3501
to base of hole (mm) (B)
Depth of hole (mm) [B - A] 1 440 450 450
Dimensions of hole 340 x 320 360 x 31011 310 x 350
[length x breadth (mm)]II
Step 2: Pre -Soaking Test Holes
Pre-soak start Date 03 -Mar -2026 03 -Mar -2026 03 -Mar -2026
Time 09:20 09:20 09:20
2nd pre-soak Date 03 -Mar -2026 03 -Mar -2026 03 -Mar -2026
start Time 17:25 17:25 17:25
Each hole should be pre-soaked twice before the test is carried out.
Step 3: Measuring T100
Percolation Test Hole No. 1 2 3
Date of test I 04-03-2026 j 04-03-2026 04-03-2026
Time filled to 400 mm � 07:31 07:33 07:36
Time water level at 300 mm I 10:10 10:15 10:07
Time (min.) to drop 100 mm (T100) I 159.00 162.0011151.00
Average T100 I 157.33
If T100 > 480 minutes then Subsurface Percolation value >120 — site unsuitable for discharge to ground
If T100 < 210 minutes then go to Step 4;
If T100 > 210 minutes then go to Step 5;
Step 4: Standard Method (where T100 < 210 minutes)
Percolation
Test Hole
1
2
3
Fill no.
Start Finish At (min)
Start Finish At (min)
Start Finish At (min)
Time Time
Time Time
Time Time
(at 300 (at 200
(at 300 (at 200
(at 300 (at 200
mm) mm)
mm) mm)
mm) mm)
1
10:10 13:12M 182.00
I 10:15 13:251L190.00
10:07 12:5711 170.00
2
13:12 16:4011 208.00
13:25 16:5711 212.00
12:57 16:1911 202.00
3
16:40 20:3711 237.00
16:57 21:0111 244.00
16:19 20:1211 233.00
Average At
209.00
215.33
201.67
Value
Average At/4 =
Average At/4 =
Average At/4 =
[Hole No.1] I 52.251(t1)
[Hole No.2] I 53.831(t2)
[Hole No.3] 50.421(t3)
Result of Test: Subsurface Percolation Value = 1 52.171 (min/25 mm)
Comments:
-VALUE WITHIN THE ALLOWABLE RANGE SET OUT IN THE EPA GUIDELINES
Step 5: Modified Method (where Ti., > 210 minutes)
Percolation
Test Hole No.
Percolation
Test Hole No. 2
Fall of water
Time
Start
Finish
Time
K,s
T-
Fall of water
Time
Start
Finish
Time
K,s
T —
in hole (mm)
Factor
Time
Time
of fall
= T,
Value
in hole (mm)
Factor
Time
Time
of fall
= Tf
Value
=T
hh:mm
hh:mm
(mins)
IT,,
=4.45
=T1
hh:mm
hh:mm
(mins)
/ Tm
=445
=Tm
/Ks
=Tm
/Ks
300-250
I 8.1
0 0.00 I
300-250
8.1
0.0011I
250-200
9.7
0
0.00
�
250-200
9.7 00
0.00
��
200 -150
11.9
OLD
0.0011�
200 - 150
11.9
0�
0.00
��
150-100
14.1
�
0.0011�
150- 100
14.1
��
0.00
��
Average
T- Value T- Value I -tole 1 = (Ti) I 0.001
Average
T- Value T- Value Hole 2 = (T2) I 0.00
Percolation
Test Hole No. 3
Fall of water
Time
Start
Finish
Time
K,,
T —
in hole (mm)
Factor
Time
Tim§e
of fall
= T,
Value
= T,
hh:mm
hh:mm
(mins)
/ Tm
= 4.45
=T
/i43
300 - 250 8.1 0.00 l I
250 -200 9.7 0.00 I�
200-150 11.9 �� 0.00 ��
150-100 14.1 � 0.0011�
Average T- Value T- Value Hole 3 = (12) 0.00
Result of Test: Subsurface Percolation Value =
0.00 (min/25 mm)
Comments:
3.3(b) Surface Percolation Test for Soil
Step 1: Test Hole Preparation
Percolation Test Hole
Depth from ground surface
to top of hole (mm)
Depth from ground surface
to base of hole (mm)
Depth of hole (mm)
Dimensions of hole
[length x breadth (mm)]
Step 2: Pre -Soaking Test Holes
1 2 3
0 0 0
450 460 440
450 460 440
300 x 340 340 x 340 350 x 350
Pre-soak start Date I 03 -Mar -2026 03 -Mar -2026] 03 -Mar -2026
Time I 09:20 09:20 09:20
2nd pre-soak Date 03 -Mar -2026 03 -Mar -2026 I L 03 -Mar -2026
start Time 17:25 I 17:25 17:25
Each hole should be pre-soaked twice before the test is carried out.
Step 3: Measuring T100
1 2 3
Percolation Test Hole No.
Date of test 04 -Mar -26 II 04 -Mar -26 04 -Mar -2026
Time filled to 400 mm 07:40 07:42 07:42
Time water level at 300 mm F_ 08:25 F 08:20 F 08:30
Time to drop 100 mm (Ti®) 45.00 II 38.00 II 48.00
Average T100 43.67
If T100 > 480 minutes then Surface Percolation value >90 - site unsuitable for discharge to ground
If T1oo ≤ 210 minutes then go to Step 4;
If T100 > 210 minutes then go to Step 5;
Step 4: Standard Method (where T100 ≤ 210 minutes)
Percolation
Test Hole
1
2
3
Fill no.
Start Finish AT (min)
Start Finish AT (min)
Start Finish AT (min)
Time Time
Time Time
Time Time
(at 300 (at 200
(at 300 (at 200
(at 300 (at 200
mm) mm)
mm) mm)
mm) mm)
1
08:25 09:21M56.00
08:201109:09 49.00
08:301109:2811 58.001
2
09:21 10:3511 74.00
09:09 10:051P 56.00
09:28 10:4811 80.00
3
10:35 12:1111 96.00
10:05 11:1711 72.00
10:481112:2311 95.00
Average AT
75.33
59.00
77.67
Value
Average AT/4 =
Average AT/4 =
Average AT/4 =
[Hole No.1] 18.831(T1)
[Hole No.2] I 14.751(T2)
[Hole No.3] 19.42 (T3;
Result of Test: Surface Percolation Value = 17.67 (min/25 mm)
Comments:
P -VALUE WITHIN THE ALLOWABLE RANGE SET OUT IN THE EPA GUIDELINES
Step 5: Modified Method (where T100 > 210 minutes)
Percolation
Test Hole No.
Fall of water
Time
Start
Finish
Time
K„
T —
in hole (mm)
Factor
Time
Time
of fall
= T,
Value
= Tf
hh:mm
hh:mm
(mins)
/ Tm
= 4.45
=Tm
/K1
300 - 250 8.1 0.00 ��
250 - 200 9.7 0 0.00 ��
200 -150 11.9 00 0.0011�
150-100 14.1 0� 0.0011�
Average T- Value T- Value Hole 1 = (Ti) 0.00
Percolation
Test Hole No. 3
Fall of water
Time
Start
Finish
Time
Kf,
T —
in hole (mm)
Factor
Time
Time
of fall
=Tf
Value
=Tf
hh:mm
hh:mm
(mins)
ITm
=4.45
= Tm
/K
300 -250 8.1 0.00 ��
250 -200 9.7 �0 0.00 ��
200 -150 11.9 OLD 0.00 ��
150-100 14.1 �� 0.0011�
Percolation
Test Hole No. 2
Fall of water
Time
Start
Finish
Time
K
T -
in hole (mm)
Factor
Time
Time
of fall
= T,
Value
= Tf
hh:mm
hh:mm
(mins)
/ Tm
= 4.45
= Tm
/ KIB
300 - 250 I 8.1 0.00 00
250 - 200 9.7 00 0,00 ��
200-150 11.9 �� 0.00 �
150-100 14.1 �� 0.00 ____ _____
Average I T- Value T- Value Hole 2 = (T2) I 0.00
Result of Test: Surface Percolation Value =
0.00 (min/25 mm)
Comments:
Average I T- Value T- Value Hole 3 = (T2) I 0.00 L.___________________________________________
Integrate the information from the desk study and on -site assessment (i.e. visual assessment, trial hole and
percolation tests) above and conclude the type of system(s) that is (are) appropriate. This information is also used
to choose the optimum final disposal route of the treated wastewater.
Slope of proposed infiltration / treatment area: o
Are all minimum separation distances met? I //
Depth of unsaturated soil and/or subsoil beneath invert of gravel
(or drip tubing in the case of drip dispersal system) 0.90
Percolation test result: Surface: L 52.17
Not Suitable for Development I
Identify all suitable options
Septic tank system (septic tank and
percolation area) (Chapter 7) No
2. Secondary Treatment System
(Chapters 8 and 9) and soil polishing filter Yes
(Section 10.1)
3. Tertiary Treatment System and Infiltration /
treatment area (Section 10.2) Yes
Sub -surface: 17.67
Suitable for Development
Discharge Route'
GROUNDWATER
Propose to install: Secondary Treatment System and soil polishing filter
and discharge to: Ground Water
Invert level of the trench/bed gravel or drip tubing (m) 0.60
Site Specific Conditions (e.g. special works, site improvement works testing etc.
Due to the mottling level at 1.5m blelow G.L., it is proposed to install an effluent treatment system and carry out site
improvement works. Soil polishing filter to be constructed to ensure that there is a minimum of 0.9m of suitable percolating
material between the base of the lowest part of the percolation area/soil polishing filter and winter groundwater level/bedrock
at all times. The distribution pipes used in this system are smooth walled, have a diameter of 38mm, with 7mm holes drilled in
them 300mm apart, and each pipe was spaced parallel and 600mm apart. The distribution pipes to be bedded on 250mm
depth of washed pebble (20 - 30 mm in size). Once the distribution pipes are in place they are to be surrounded and covered
to a depth of 150mm of washed pebble which should extend the full width of the soil polishing filter.
Before the distribution pipes to be backfilled with the topsoil the crushed stone is covered with geotextile or similar permeable
materials. (this is to prevent the stone being silted up with topsoil. )
See documents attached for sizing and construction details. All works to be carried out as per the
Manufacturers instructions, epa guidelines, building regulations and drawings attached with this report.
All separating distances to be achieved and all works to be carried out in accordance with current EPA guidelines
' A discharge of sewage effluent to "waters" (definition includes any or any part of any river, stream, lake, canal, reservoir, aquifer, pond, watercourse or other
inland waters, whether natural or artificial) will require a licence under the Water Pollution Acts 1977-90. Refer to Section 2.4.
SYSTEM TYPE: Septic Tank Systems (Chapter 7)
Tank Capacity (m3) Percolation Area
No. of Trenches
Length of Trenches (m) 0
Invert Level (m) 0
Mounded Percolation Area
No. of Trenches
Length of Trenches (m) 0
Invert Level (m) 0
SYSTEM TYPE: Secondary Treatment System (Chapters 8 and 9) and polishing filter (Section 10.1)
Secondary Treatment Systems receiving septic tank effluent
(Chapter 8)
Media Type Area (m2)* Depth of Filter Invert Level
Sand/Soil
Soil
Constructed Wetland
Other
Polishing Filter*: (Section 10.1)
Surface Area (m2)*
Option 1 - Direct Discharge
Surface area (m2)
Option 2 - Pumped Discharge
Surface area (m2)
Packaged Secondary
Treatment Systems
receiving raw wastewater
(Chapter 9)
Type
SEE MANUFACTURERS REPOR
Capacity PE 6
Sizing of Primary Compartment
3.00 m3
Option 3 - Gravity Discharge
Trench length (m)
250.00 Option 4 - Low Pressure
Pipe Distribution
0 Trench length (m)
Option 5 - Drip Dispersal
Surface area (m2)
SYSTEM TYPE: Tertiary Treatment System and infiltration / treatment area (Section 10.2)
Identify purpose of tertiary Provide performance information Provide design information
treatment demonstrating system will provide
required treatment levels
MOTTLING LEVEL 1.5M BELOW
G.L.
DISCHARGE ROUTE:
SEE MANUFACTURERS
REPORT
SEE MANUFACTURERS
REPORT
Groundwater ❑✓ Hydraulic Loading Rate * (I/m2.d) 3.00 Surface area (m2) 250.00
Surface Water ** ❑ Discharge Rate (m3/hr)
* Hydraulic loading rate is determined by the percolation rate of subsoil
** Water Pollution Act discharge licence required
QUALITY ASSURANCE:
Installation & Commissioning
SEE MANUFACTURERS REPORT
On -going Maintenance
SEE MANUFACTURERS REPORT
Company: rARC Design Services
Prefix: Mr First Name: Oliver Surname: Farrelly
Address:
Viountain Pole,
<ells,
moo. Meath.
Qualifications/Experience: IFETAC Cert Attached
Date of Report: I 23 -Mar -2026
Phone: I 0879520269 E-mail I arcdesignservices@gmail.com
Indemnity Insurance Number: See Insurance Cert Attached
Digitally signed by Oliver Farrelly
Oliver Farrell y Date: 2026.03.23 17:07:48 Z
Signature:
IyF
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GSI Bedrock Aquifer
PI
651 Rock Unit Groups
Silurian Metaseditnents and Volcanics
GSI Vulnerability
High Vulnerability
National Soils
AminDW
IFS_Soil
AminDW
Parent_Material
TLPSsS
IFS_Description
Acid Deep Well Drained t..lireral Drained
iaineral
IFS_Type
Deep well drained mineral - Derived
from mainly non calcareous parent
materials
Soil_Group
Acid Brown Earths, Brown Podzotics
County
MONAGHAN
IFS_Code
11
Subsoils
3811391.49781
M b
PERIMETER
3811391.49781
PAR MAT
TLPSsS
COUNTY
MONAGHAN
CATEGORY
Till type
DESCRIPT
Sandstone and shale tilt (Lower Paleozoic)
TEXTURE
Clayey
Class
Tills(diamictons)
PlalnEnglish
Thesubswl is a tilt type. Till Is sediment
deposited by or from glacier ice.
rr` radius
Insurance Solutions
Insurance Cover Note 2025
Insured Oliver Farrelly T/A Arc Design Services
Address Mountainpole,
Kells,
Meath,
Business Description Ecology Consultancy
Cover Details
Professional Indemnity €1,000,000
Insurer
OPTIS Insurances Ltd T/A Optis Insurance
Policy Number
BS0545-PI-151
Inception Date
08/12/2025
Renewal Date
08/12/2026
3rd Floor, Block 1
Quayside Business Park
Mill Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Ireland
042 939 3993
w,.%iv-radiusinsurance solutions. cowrie
�� ETAC
�.. Further Education and
®_ rrninrneawardt councd
® Cnml Mi m nQdnd�och[o'N
H, vo 1whn clue O:tiivio
National Skills Certificate
(FAS)
Awarded to
Bronnta er
Oliver Farrelly
who has achieved the National Standards for
a bhain Caighde6in Ndisiunto omach maidir le
Site Suitability Assessment for On -Site
Wastewater Treatment Systems
1` ® '_#'2 �/t- i
Chan, FETAC Ch,(E ewzh . FErAC
F/NSC 003488