HomeMy WebLinkAbout2647 - Site Assessment ReportErmI
FOR
MAURICE LAMBE,
MULLANACROSS,
SMITHBORO,
CO. MONAGHAN.
!26/47
fONAAN CO. CO
J i'LC co.
PLANN$N , ,rCT ON
03 J U N 2026
APPENDIX A: SITE CHARACTERISATION FORM
File Reference: Maurice Lambe
Prefix: Mr First Name: IMaurice Surname: Lambe
Address: Site Location and Townland:
Number of Bedrooms: I3 Maximum Number of Residents: 5
Comments on population equivalent
There are 3 double bedrooms which will equate to five adults.
Proposed Water Supply:
Mains 17 Private Well/Borehole I Group Well/Borehole
Soil Type, (Specify Type):
Subsoil, (Specify Type):
Acid brown earth. AminDW.
Limestone till. TLs
Bedrock Type: DLIL
Aquifer Category: Regionally Important Rf I Locally Important Poor
Vulnerability: Extreme jj High ❑ Moderate ❑f Low ❑
Groundwater Body: Clones Status I00c
Name of Public/Group Scheme Water Supply within 1 km: Stranooden GWS
Source Protection Area: ZOC SI ❑ SO Groundwater Protection Response: R1
Presence of Significant Sites
(Archaeological, Natural & Historical):
Past experience in the area:
None.
St Mollua's ancient church 80m South
Comments:
(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).
The site is potentially suitable as there appears to be no restrictions to the on -site treatment of domestic effluent. Surface
water and ground water could be targets at risk.
Note: Only information available at the desk study stage should be used in this section.
3.1 Visual Assessment
Landscape Position: Elevated on Northerly facing slope.
Slope: Steep (>1:5) Shallow (1:5-1:20) ✓Z Relatively Flat (<1:20) LI
Slope Comment ABOUT 1: 18
Surface Features within a minimum of 250m (Distance To Features Should Be Noted In Metres)
Houses:
Existing derelict house on the site for which this site characterisation report is for. Dwelling house 116m South-West, 128m
South -East and 141m East. Farm buildings behind existing house on the site.
Existing Land Use:
Waste ground.
Vegetation Indicators:
Grass.
Groundwater Flow Direction: Expected North
Ground Condition:
Firm during a spell of fine weather with rainfall on second day.
Site Boundaries:
Mature hedges all around and some old buildings.
I -
3.1 Visual Assessment (contd.)
Roads:
Local road 95m East
Outcrops (Bedrock And/Or Subsoil):
None
Surface Water Ponding:
None
Lakes:
.Drumsnat Lough 386m South -East
Beaches/Shellfish Areas:
None
Wetlands:
None
Karst Features:
None
Watercourses/Streams:*
Mullanacross river 161m North-West
*Note and record water level
3.1 Visual Assessment (contd.)
Drainage Ditches:*
No ditch within 50m
Springs:"
None within 100m.
Wells:"
None within 100m
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).
The site was in good condition underfoot with the assessment being carried out during a period of dry weather with rainfall on day
two.
This site characterisation report is for an existing derelict house on the site and I recommend that the proposed percolation are is
in the area in front of the house where we dug the test holes.
*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): 2.1
Depth from ground surface Depth from ground surface
to bedrock (m) (if present): to water table (m) (if present): 1.9
Depth of water ingress: I 0.21 Rock type (if present): I
Date and time of excavation:11-May-2026 IL_12:001 Date and time of examination: I 13 -May -2026 08:30
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
0.2 m II SILT / CLAY 3 threads —80mm CRUMB SOFT BROWN GRASS ROOTS
0.3 m II TOP SOIL ribbons — dilatant
0.4m
O.5m1
1 PALE
0.6 m 0 SILT / CLAY subsoil 3 threads - 60mm BLOCKY UNCOMPACT BROWN NONE
0.7 m II ribbons - dilatant
0.8m tS
0.9m 1I
1.0m II
1.1m lI
1.2 m 0
1.3 m 0
1.4m
1.5m
1.6m
1.7m I
1.8 m 1I
1.9 m L..J
--------------- ------------
2.0 m 0 Water table 1.9m
2.1 m Base of trial hole 2.1 m
2.2m[
2.3m
2.4m I
2.5m I
2.6m II
2.7m II
2.8m I
2.9mi�
3.0m II
3.1 m 0
3.2m lI
3.3m I
3.4 m lI
3.5 m
Likely Subsurface Percolation Value: I 30
Likely Surface Percolation Value: I 20
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.
""Alt signs of mottling should be recorded.
3.2 Trial Hole (contd.) Evaluation:
The trial hole was 2.1 m deep with two distinct layers. Top -soil that was crumb in nature and below that sub -soil that was a
blocky in nature and pale brown in colour. The water table was at 1.9m after a 48hrs.
3.3(a) Subsurface Percolation Test for Subsoil
Step 1: Test Hole Preparation
Percolation Test Hole
2 3
Depth from ground surface 400 400 400
to top of hole (mm) (A) Depth from ground surface 800 800 800
to base of hole (mm) (B)
Depth of hole (mm) [B - A] 400 400 400
Dimensions of hole 300 x 300 290 x=290 280 x 280
[length x breadth (mm)]
Step 2: Pre -Soaking Test Holes
Pre-soak start Date 11 -May -20261 I 11 -May -20261 11 -May -2026
Time 15:00 15:00 15:00
2nd pre-soak Date 12 -May -2026 12 -May -2026 12 -May -2026
start Time 11:00 11:00 11:00
Each hole should be pre-soaked twice before the test is carried out.
Step 3: Measuring 1100
Percolation Test Hole No. 1 2 3
I II II
Date of test 13-05-2026 1305.20261 13-05-2026
Time filled to 400 mm 08:30 08:3011 08:301
Time water level at 300 mm I 09:30 ir 09:2011 09:30
Time (min.) to drop 100 mm (f100) I 60.00 50.001160.001
Average T100 56.67
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
rnm) mm)
mm) mm)
mm) mm)
1
09:30 10:5011 80.001
I 09:20 10:3511 75.001
09:30 10:5011 80.00
2
10:501112:4011 110.00
10:35 12:2011 105.00
10:50 12:40 110.00
3
i9jI 15:5011 190.00
12:20 15:3011 190.00
12:4011 15:50 190.00
Average At
126.67
123.33
126.67
Value
Average At/4 = Average At/4 = Average At/4 =
[Hole No.1] 31.671(t1) [Hole No.2] C— 30.831(t2) [Hole No.3] 31.671(t3)
Result of Test: Subsurface Percolation Value = 31.39 (min/25 rnm)
Comments:
The T test was a pass and this soil should be suitable for polishing final effluent from an advanced treatment system.
Step 5: Modified Method (where T100> 210 minutes)
Percolation
Percolation
Test Hole No.
1 Test Hole No. 2
Fall of water
Time Start Finish Time K,. T- Fall of water Time Start Finish Time Kh T -
in hole (mm)
Factor Time Time of fall = T Value in hole (mm) Factor Time Time of fall = T, Value
= T hh:mm hh:mm (mins) / Tr = 4.45 = T, hh:mm hh:mm (mins) / T , = 4.45
=T /K„ =T /Kr,
300-250
I 8.1 �(�0 0.0011I 300- 250 8.1 �� 0.0011
250 200
9.7 0� 0.00 ��
0.0011I 250 -200R�=
-
200- 150
I��JO
11.9 =r�= 0.0011II 200 - 150 � 0.00 ==
100
14.1 == 0.00 �� 150- 100 14.1 10 0.00j=_____ I
150-
Average
T- Value T- Value Hole 1 = (T ) I 0.001 Average T- Value T- Value Hole 2 = (T2) 0.00
Result of Test: Subsurface Percolation Value =
Percolation
0.001 (min/25 mm)
Test Hole No.
3
Fall of water
Time Start Finish Time K,. T- Comments:
in hole (mm)
Factor Time Tim§e of fall = T, Value
=T, hh:mm hh:mm (mins) /T, = 4.45
=T /K„
300 - 250
I 8.1 0� 0.00 0I
250 - 200
9.7 =� 0.00 j �
200 - 150
� 11.9 Liu 0.00 �
150-100
14.1 �0 0.00 �
Average
T- Value T- Value Hole 3 = (T2) I 0.00
3.3(b) Surface Percolation Test for Soil
Step 1: Test Hole Preparation
Percolation Test Hole 1 2 3
Depth from ground surface
to top of hole (mm)
Depth from ground surface 40011 40011 4001
to base of hole (mm)
Depth of hole (rnm) 400 400 400
Dimensions of hole
[length x breadth (mm)] 290 x 290 280 x 280 290 x 290
Step 2: Pre -Soaking Test Holes
Pre-soak start Date
Time
2nd pre-soak Date
start Time
11 -May -2026
15:05
12 -May -2026
11:05
11 -May -2026
15:05
12 -May -2026
11:05
Each hole should be pre-soaked twice before the test is carried out.
Step 3: Measuring T1oo
1 2 3
Percolation Test Hole No. r -
Date of test 13 -May -26 13 -May -26 1 13 -May -2026
Time filled to 400 mm 08:35 08:35 I 08:35
Time water level at 300 mm 09:30 1 09:25 09:30
55.00 50.00 II 55.00
Time to drop 100 mm ft)
53.33
Average T100
11 -May -2026
15:05
12 -May -2026
11:05
If T100 > 480 minutes then Surface Percolation value >90 - site unsuitable for discharge to ground
If T100 ≤ 210 minutes then go to Step 4;
If T10> 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
mm) mm)
(at 300 (at 200
mm) mm)
(at 300 (at 200
mm) mm)
1
o9j 10:5011 80.00
09:25 10:30IL 65.00
09:30 10:45 75.00
2
10:50 12:3011 100.00
10:30 12:05 95.00
10:45 12:25)100j
3
Average AT
I 12:30 14:55 145.00
108.33
12j14:20)) 135.00
12:25 14:50 145.00
106.67
98.33
Value
Average AT/4 =
[Hole No.1] I 27.081(T1)
Average AT/4 =
[Hole No.2] I 24.581(12)
Average AT/4 =
[Hole No.3] 26.67)(T3
Result of Test: Surface Percolation Value = 1 26.11 (min/25 mm)
Comments:
the topsoil at this site is of good quality and may be used if needed to make the percolation area level.
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
= T,
hh:mm
hh:mm
(ruins)
/ T
= 4.45
=Tm
/K,
300 - 250 I 8.1 0.00 l __I
250 - 200 9.7 0.00 II
200-150 11.9 0I
150-100 14.1 �0 0.00))O
Average I T- Value
Percolation
Test Hole No. 3
T- Value Hole 1 = (T, ) 0.00
Percolation
Test Hole No. 2
Fall of water
Time
Start
Finish
Time
K,s
T—
in hole (mm)
Factor
Time
Time
of fall
= T,
Value
= T,
hh:mm
hh:mm
(mins)
/ T„
= 4.45
= T„
/ K,
300-250 8.1 � 0.00 �
250 - 200 9.7 D�
u 0.00 ��
200 - 150 11.9 �� 0.00 =
150-100 14.1 �=
0 0.00 1_
Average I T- Value T- Value Hole 2 = (12) 0.00
Result of Test: Surface Percolation Value =
0.00 (min/25 mm)
Fall of water Time Start Finish Time K„ T - Comments:
in hole (mm) Factor Time Time of fall = T, Value
=T1 hh:mm hh:mm (mins) /T =4.45
=T
300 - 250 8.1 0� 0.00 =0I�
250- 200 0 0.00
200-150 F�jq=
=0DU
0.00)1_IO
150-100 14.1 �� 0.00 �
Average I T- Value T- Value Hole 3 = (T2) F0.00
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: 1:18
Are all minimum separation distances met? J //
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: 26.11
Not Suitable for Development II
Identify all suitable options
Septic tank system (septic tank and
percolation area) (Chapter 7)
Secondary Treatment System
(Chapters 8 and 9) and soil polishing filter
(Section 10.1)
No
Yes
3. Tertiary Treatment System and Infiltration /
Yes
treatment area (Section 10.2)
Sub -surface: 31.39
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) I 0.601
Site Specific Conditions (e.g. special works, site improvement works testing etc.
Mechanical aeration system and a soil polishing filter to be installed and constructed to EPA 2021 specifications. I recommend
40m of percolation trench in the soil polishing filter consisting of 4 lengths of trench each measuring 10m. The invert of the
percolation trenches should be at 0.6m with 0.9m pervious unsaturated soil below to ensure proper polishing of the final
effluent. The percolation area shall measure 12m x 10m. Ensure that the final effluent from the mechanical aeration system is
distributed evenly to each of the four percolation trenches. It is important to ensure that the percolation trenches and related
pipe work are put in at the correct slope. A surface water drain measuring 1 m deep shall be employed (min 2m away) up -slope
from the soil polishing filter to divert surface water away from the percolation area and to prevent the water table rising in wet
weather.
NOTE: It is very important to ensure that the aeration pump remains on at all times on the mechanical aeration system or
otherwise the system will revert to septic conditions causing odors and poorer quality effluent which may lead to clogging of
the percolation trenches.
' 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 (ml) Percolation Area
No. of Trenches 51
Length of Trenches (m) I 10.00
Invert Level (m) 0.60
Mounded Percolation Area
No. of Trenches _�
Length of Trenches (m)
Invert Level (m) L_
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 1
Constructed Wetland
Other
Polishing Filter*: (Section 10.1)
Surface Area (m2)"
Option 1 - Direct Discharge
Surface area (rn2)
Option 2 - Pumped Discharge
Surface area (m2)
Packaged Secondary
Treatment Systems
receiving raw wastewater
(Chapter 9)
Type
IBAF TREATMENT SYSTEM I
Capacity PE l I
Sizing of Primary Compartment
2.75 m3
20.00 Option 3 - Gravity Discharge
Trench length (m)
Option 4 - Low Pressure
Pipe Distribution
II Trench length (m)
Option 5 - Drip Dispersal
Surface area (m2)
40.00
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
DISCHARGE ROUTE:
Groundwater ❑✓ Hydraulic Loading Rate * (I/m2.d) I 37.501 Surface area (m2) I 20.00
Surface Water "`Eli Discharge Rate (rn3/hr) 0.03
` Hydraulic loading rate is determined by the percolation rate of subsoil
"* Water Pollution Act discharge licence required
QUALITY ASSURANCE:
Installation & Commissioning
System to be signed off by a suitably qualified person and recommendations in section 5.0 to be adhered to. Package
treatment system must conform to EN 12566-3 standard. Package treatment system to be property installed and certified by
company supplying the system in accordance with the EPA 2021 code of practice. Keep records of desludging for five years.
On -going Maintenance
Desludge tank as recommended by manufacturer and periodically inspect the system for damage or surface pending.
Maintenance contract to be agreed by company supplying the package treatment system and contract must be adhered to so
as to ensure that the system continues to function property.
Company: iB loi abs I
Prefix: Mr 0 First Name: Michael Surname: IHolohan
Address:
Iterera, Scotstown, Co Monaghan.
Qualifications/Experience: JGSI / EPA CERTIFIED
Date of Report: 14 -May -2026
Phone: I 0868169162 E-mail biolabsirl@outlook.com
Indemnity Insurance Number: RPI-IE000946-001
Signature: __ __ __�__—
RIVERS AND LAKES
AQUIFER CATEGORY LI
srre
WELLS AND BOREHOLES ADJACENT TO THE SITE
Public Supply Source Protection Areas
SI-Inner Protection Area
SO -Outer Protection Area
5 i 1E
0
SOURCE PROTECTION DATA (N/A)
VULNERABILITY MODERATE
BEDROCK DLIL
a, .
•
N
Aew G
cl I s 2 F c r i oiu
r3
:t
I
i
SKETCH OF PERCOLATIOG�'I AR;LA INCLUDING SITE SURROUNDS
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VIEWS OF PERCOLATION SITE
VIEWS OF PERCOLATION SITE
ry
VIEWS OF HOUSE ON SITE NEEDING RENOVATION AND PLANNING
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TRIAL HOLE ON DAY OF EXCAVATION
TRIAL HOLE TWO DAYS AFTER EXCAVATION
Ti
f
.
T2
T3
T TEST HOLES
•,
•
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___
P1
P2
f s
P3
P TEST C SOLES
OUTLINE SPECIFICATIONS FOR SOIL POLISHING FILTER
1. Treated effluent from the mechanical aeration sump unit shall be pumped
intermittently or fed by gravity if the levels allow to the distribution chamber
feeding the 4 percolation trenches.
2. The slope of the percolation trenches from the distribution chamber shall be 1
in 200
3. The length of each of the 4 percolation trenched shall be 10m. Total length
40m.
4. The separation distance between the percolation trenches shall be 2m (ie
2.5m centre to centre)
5. Percolation pipes shall be 100mm diameter smooth wall uPVC sewer pipes,
perforated at 4, 6 and 8 o'clock. Perforations shall be 8mm diameter, at
75mm centre's along the pipe. Holes shall be checked before installation to
ensure they are free from debris.
6. The width of each percolation trench shall be 500mm.
7. The depth of each percolation trench shall be 600mm below the mound
surface.
8. Percolation pipes shall be laid on a 250mm bed of washed gravel, having
particles in the range of 8 - 32mm.
9. Pipe surround shall be washed gravel, having particle size in the range 8 -
32mm.
10. Pipe cover shall be 150mm depth of washed gravel, having particle size in
the range of 8 - 32mm.
11. Geotextile layer to be placed on top of this followed by 100mm topsoil to
top of mound.
12. Geotextile shall be in accordance with EN ISO 10319.
Access / inspection points and vents shall be provided for the ends of the
percolation pipes. Covers shall be visible and installed to prevent the
ingress of water. They should be suitable for rodding and scouring purposes.
13. A surface land drain Im deep shall be employed upslope from the soil polishing
filter and not closer than 2m to divert surface water away from it and to
prevent the water table rising in this area during wet weather.
SCHEDULE OF SITE SEPARATION DISTANCES
PACKAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM
. Minimum distance to any dwelling = 7m
. Minimum distance to site boundary = 3m
. Minimum distance to trees = 3m
. Minimum distance to roads = 4m
. Minimum distance to slope breaks = 10m
Minimum distance to watercourse / streams = 10m
. Minimum distance to soakaway = 10m
. Minimum distance to open drain = 10m
Minimum distance to lake or foreshore = 50m
ble 6.3 EPA Code of Practice 2021
POLISHING FILTER
. Minimum distance to any dwelling = 10m
. Minimum distance to site boundary = 3m
. Minimum distance to trees = 3m
Minimum distance to roads = 4m
. Minimum distance to slope breaks = 10m
. Minimum distance to water course / stream = 10m
. Minimum distance to soakaway = 10m
. Minimum distance to open drain = 10m
. Minimum distance to lake or foreshore = 50m
. Minimum distance to up -gradient well = 15m
. Minimum distance well on same level = 30m
. Minimum distance to down -gradient well = 40m
ble 6.1 EPA Code of Practice 2021 unless stated otherwise
GROUND LEVEL
TOPSOIL
100MM
GEOTEXTILE LAYER
150MM WASHED
STONE ABOVE PIPE
0.6M
O 100MM PIPE
250MM WASHED
STONE BELOW PIPE
INVERT OF TRENCH
SUBSOIL MIN 0.9M
EACH TRENCH 500MM WIDE
SECTION THROUGH SUBSOIL PERCOLATION SYSTEM