HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660236 - F.I. Received Doc. - Site assessment reportSITE CHARACTERISATION FORM
COMPLETING THE FORM
Section 3.2 In this section use an underline _____ across all six columns to indicate the depth
at which changes in classification / characteristics occur.
Section 3.4 Lists supporting documentation required.
Section 4 Select the treatment systems suitable for this site and the discharge route.
Section 5 Indicate the system type that it is proposed to install.
Section 6 Provide details, as required, on the proposed treatment system.
Notes: All calculations in this form are automatic.
Where possible information is presented in the form of drop down selection lists to
eliminate potential errors.
Variable elements are recorded by tick boxes. In all cases only one tick box should be
activated.
All time record fields must be entered in twenty four hour format as follows: HH:MM
All date formats are DD-MM-YYYY.
All other data fields are in text entry format.
This form can be printed out fully populated for submission with related documents and
for your files. It can also be submitted by email.
Step 1:
Goto Menu Item File, Save As and save the file under a reference relating to the
client or the planning application reference if available.
Use the Clear Form button to clear all information fields.
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or later. Windows XP produces errors in calculations.
Note: To secure your work prior to forwarding to third parties please select Print, select Printer
“print to PDF” and name and save document.RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
2.0 GENERAL DETAILS (From planning application)
Soil Type, (Specify Type):
Subsoil, (Specify Type):
Bedrock Type:
Aquifer Category: Regionally Important Locally Important Poor
Vulnerability: Extreme High Moderate Low
Groundwater Body: Status
Name of Public/Group Scheme Water Supply within 1 km:
Source Protection Area: ZOC SI SO Groundwater Protection Response:
Presence of Significant Sites
(Archaeological, Natural & Historical):
Past experience in the area:
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).
Note: Only information available at the desk study stage should be used in this section.
APPENDIX A: SITE CHARACTERISATION FORM
File Reference:
1.0 GENERAL DETAILS (From planning application)
Prefix: First Name: Surname:
Address: Site Location and Townland:
Number of Bedrooms: Maximum Number of Residents:
Comments on population equivalent
Proposed Water Supply:
Mains Private Well/Borehole Group Well/Borehole
Declan Gartlan
Shanrah, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan Shanrah, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan
6
N/A
Soil Association 14
Acid Brown Earths (75%), Gleys (15%), Brown Podzolics(10%
Silt/Clay
SMV-Silurian Metasediments and Volcanics
4
IEGBNI_NB_G_019
None evident within the locality
Pl
4
R1 = Acceptable subject to normal good practice. Site may be suitable for discharge to ground, if the minimum
depths are met on the site and if there exists suitable percolation. As the soil type in the area is Acid Brown Earths
(75% of the land area), and as the area is mapped as `High' Vulnerability. Groundwater as a resource will be at
risk if the minimum depths required are not achieved on the site, or if the percolation rate is too rapid. Older
wells in the area may also be at risk, if the minimum separation distances are not adhered to. Groundwater and
wells are therefore the main targets, following the desk study. Given the response and the aquifer type, the site
is potentially suitable for a conventional septic tank system if the minimum depths required are met on the site,
if the minimum separation distances can be met, and if the percolation rate is adequate
Variable percolation characteristics of the topsoil and subsoil
materials.
Killanny & Reaghstown GWS
R1
Good
4 RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
3.0 ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
3.1 Visual Assessment
Landscape Position:
Slope: Steep (>1:5) Shallow (1:5-1:20) Relatively Flat (<1:20)
Slope Comment
Surface Features within a minimum of 250m (Distance To Features Should Be Noted In Metres)
Houses:
Existing Land Use:
Vegetation Indicators:
Groundwater Flow Direction:
Ground Condition:
Site Boundaries:
Relatively Flat
4
Existing dwelling house to the North of proposed site.
Agricultural Grazing field
Grass is the predominant vegetation in the ppa and throughout the site.
South West
Ground conditions are best described as dry and firm in the ppa and
throughout the site.
Existing Dwelling house is located to north of the ppa. Existing mature hedges are on all four sides of proposed site.RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
3.0 ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
3.1 Visual Assessment (contd.)
Roads:
Outcrops (Bedrock And/Or Subsoil):
Surface Water Ponding:
Lakes:
Beaches/Shellfish Areas:
Wetlands:
Karst Features:
Watercourses/Streams:*
*Note and record water level
Existing local laneway to the south west of existing dwelling house
None Identified or Evident within the locality.
No surface water ponding was evident in the ppa when examined on 26.07.24.
It must be noted that weather conditions prior to the site assessment taking
place was generally dry and mild conditions.
Two number lakes are within 200m of the ppa.
None occur within 200m of the ppa
None occur within 200m of the ppa.
None occur within 200m of the ppa.
None occur within 50m of the ppa.RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
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).
*Note and record water level
3.0 ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
3.1 Visual Assessment (contd.)
Drainage Ditches:*
Springs:*
Wells:*
None occur within 10m of the ppa.
None occur within 50m from the ppa.
If a well is to be bored onsite it should be located at least 30m up -gradient
from the ppa; this will therefore be outside the minimum separation distances
of the Groundwater Protection Responses of GSI/EPA/DoELG and the EPA Code
of Practice (2021).
As all the wells in the locality will therefore meet the required separation
distances of the Groundwater Protection Responses of GSI/EPA/DoELG and the
EPA Code of Practice (2021), none are deemed to be at risk from the proposed
polishing filter’s installation.
Integrate the information above in order to comment on:
1. The potential suitability of the site:
The site still seems suitable for discharge to ground.
2. Potential targets at risk:
Following the desk study surface water was thought not to be at risk; this was corroborated during the visual
assessment.
There appears to be few issues with respect to impermeability. From this, surface water does not seem to be a
potential target,
Groundwater is still a target following the visual assessment, unless the minimum depths required are met on
the site and there exists adequate percolation.
3. The suitability of the site to treat the wastewater:
Following the visual assessment it is seen that all appropriate separation distances can be met and the site
seems well drained, and pending confirmation of the presence of adequate depths of unsaturated soil and
subsoil within the percolation area, as well as sufficient percolation rates under the site, the site should be
suitable for treating wastewater adequately. RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
3.2 Trial Hole (should be a minimum of 2.1m deep (3m for regionally important aquifers))
Depth of trial hole (m):
Depth from ground surface Depth from ground surface
to bedrock (m) (if present): to water table (m) (if present):
Depth of water ingress: Rock type (if present):
Date and time of excavation: Date and time of examination:
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
Likely Subsurface Percolation Value:
Likely Surface Percolation Value:
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.
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.
2..0
2.0 None
none large lime stone boulders
Depth of
surface test
Silt/Clay
Test
_______________
Clay intermixed
with stone and
boulders
Test
__________________
_________________
Ribbons
20.20.20
1,1,1Threads
_______________
Ribbons
20.30.30
1,1,1Threads
Crumb
_____________
Crumb
_____________
Low
____________________
Low
<40.00
<40.00
09:4508:50
Brown
____________
Brown
____________
25-Jun-2025 26-Jun-2025RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
3.3(a) Subsurface Percolation Test for Subsoil
x x x
3.2 Trial Hole (contd.) Evaluation:
Step 1: Test Hole Preparation
Percolation Test Hole 1 2 3
Depth from ground surface
to top of hole (mm) (A)
Depth from ground surface
to base of hole (mm) (B)
Depth of hole (mm) [B - A]
Dimensions of hole
[length x breadth (mm)]
Step 2: Pre-Soaking Test Holes
Pre-soak start Date
Time
2nd pre-soak Date
start Time
2 3
Each hole should be pre-soaked twice before the test is carried out.
Step 3: Measuring T10 0
Percolation Test Hole No. 1
Date of test
Time filled to 400 mm
Time water level at 300 mm
Time (min.) to drop 100 mm (T100 )
Average T100
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;
Dry & Mild
According To The Flowchart For Describing Subsoil’s based on BS5930:1999, the subsoil is best described as Clay
intermixed with stone
Groundwater / Winter Groundwater was not encountered in the trail hole. Bedrock was not encountered in the
trial hole.
400 400 400
800 800 800
400 400 400
300 300 300300 300300
06-Aug-2026 06-Aug-2026 06-Aug-2026
10:17 10:21 10:25
08-08-2026
08:40
10:20
08-08-2026 08-08-2026
08:45
10:21 10:31
08:51
3
100.00 96.00 100.00
98.67RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
Result of Test: Subsurface Percolation Value =
(min/25 mm)
Step 4: Standard Method (where T100 ≤ 210 minutes)
Percolation
Test Hole 1 2 3
Fill no. Start Finish ∆t (min) Start Finish ∆t (min) Start Finish ∆t (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
2
3
Average ∆t
Value
Average ∆t/4 = Average ∆t/4 = Average ∆t/4 =
[Hole No.1](t1) [Hole No.2](t2) [Hole No.3](t3)
Result of Test: Subsurface Percolation Value = (min/25 mm)
Comments:
Comments:
Percolation
Test Hole No.1
Fall of water Time Start Finish Time Kfs T –
in hole (mm) Factor Time Time of fall = Tf Value
= Tf hh:mm hh:mm (mins) / Tm = 4.45
= Tm / Kfs
300 - 250 8.1
250 - 200 9.7
200 - 150 11.9
150 - 100 14.1
Average T- Value T- Value Hole 1 = (T1 )
Step 5: Modified Method (where T100 > 210 minutes)
Percolation
Test Hole No.2
Fall of water Time Start Finish Time Kfs T –
in hole (mm) Factor Time Time of fall = Tf Value
= Tf hh:mm hh:mm (mins) / Tm = 4.45
= Tm / Kfs
300 - 250 8.1
250 - 200 9.7
200 - 150 11.9
150 - 100 14.1
Average T- Value T- Value Hole 2 = (T2 )
Percolation
Test Hole No.3
Fall of water Time Start Finish Time Kfs T –
in hole (mm) Factor Time Tim§e of fall = Tf Value
= Tf hh:mm hh:mm (mins) / Tm = 4.45
= Tm / Kfs
300 - 250 8.1
250 - 200 9.7
200 - 150 11.9
150 - 100 14.1
Average T- Value T- Value Hole 3 = (T2)
10:21 12:28 127
12:28 15:12 164
15:12 18:16 184
158.33
10:21 12:37 136
12:37 15:45 188
15:45 19:17 212
178.67
10:31 13:07 156
13:07 16:51 224.00
16:51 21:07 256
212.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
2
3
45.75
39.58 44.67 53.00
0.00
0.00 RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
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
to base of hole (mm)
Depth of hole (mm)
Dimensions of hole
[length x breadth (mm)]
Step 2: Pre-Soaking Test Holes
Pre-soak start Date
Time
2nd pre-soak Date
start Time
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
Time filled to 400 mm
Time water level at 300 mm
Time to drop 100 mm (T100 )
Average T100
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 T100 > 210 minutes then go to Step 5;
x x x
0
400
400
0
400
400
600
400
-200
300 300 300 300 300 300
06-Aug-2026
10:30
08-Aug-2026
06-Aug-2026
10:36
08-Aug-2026
06-Aug-2026
10:41
08-Aug-2026
08-Aug-26
08:55
10:59
08-Aug-26
08:57
11:01
08-Aug-2026
08:59
10:31
3
124.00 124.00 92.00
113.33RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
Step 4: Standard Method (where T100 ≤ 210 minutes)
Percolation
Test Hole 1 2 3
Fill no. Start Finish ∆T (min) Start Finish ∆T (min) Start Finish ∆T (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
2
3
Average ∆T
Value
Average ∆T/4 = Average ∆T/4 = Average ∆T/4 =
[Hole No.1](T1 ) [Hole No.2](T2 ) [Hole No.3](T3 )
Result of Test: Surface Percolation Value = (min/25 mm)
Comments:
(min/25 mm)
Comments:
Percolation
Test Hole No.1
Fall of water Time Start Finish Time Kfs T –
in hole (mm) Factor Time Time of fall = Tf Value
= Tf hh:mm hh:mm (mins) / Tm = 4.45
= Tm / Kfs
300 - 250 8.1
250 - 200 9.7
200 - 150 11.9
150 - 100 14.1
Average T- Value T- Value Hole 1 = (T1 )
Step 5: Modified Method (where T100 > 210 minutes)
Percolation
Test Hole No.2
Fall of water Time Start Finish Time Kfs T –
in hole (mm) Factor Time Time of fall = Tf Value
= Tf hh:mm hh:mm (mins) / Tm = 4.45
= Tm / Kfs
300 - 250 8.1
250 - 200 9.7
200 - 150 11.9
150 - 100 14.1
Average T- Value T- Value Hole 2 = (T2 )
Result of Test: Surface Percolation Value =
Percolation
Test Hole No.3
Fall of water Time Start Finish Time Kfs T –
in hole (mm) Factor Time Time of fall = Tf Value
= Tf hh:mm hh:mm (mins) / Tm = 4.45
= Tm / Kfs
300 - 250 8.1
250 - 200 9.7
200 - 150 11.9
150 - 100 14.1
Average T- Value T- Value Hole 3 = (T2)
Result of Surface Percolation: 12.97 min/25mm.
Good Percolation Characteristics of the Surface Material.
13:31 152.00
13:31 16:43 192.00
16:43 20:39 236.00
193.33
11:01 13:49 168.00
13:49 17:25 216.00
17:25 21:29 244.00
209.33
10:31 12:51 140.00
12:51 15:51 180.00
15:51 18:59 188.00
169.33
10:59
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
3
2
48.33 52.33 42.33
47.67
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
3.4 The following associated Maps, Drawings and Photographs should be appended to this site
characterisation form.
1 The calculated percolation area or polishing filter area should be set out accurately on the site layout drawing in accordance with the code
of practice’s requirements.
1. Discovery Series 1:50,000 Map
indicating overall drainage,
groundwater flow direction and
housing density in the area.
2. Supporting maps for vulnerability,
aquifer classification, soil, subsoil,
bedrock.
3. North point should always be included.
4.(a) Scaled sketch of site showing
measurements to Trial Hole location
and
(b)Percolation Test Hole locations,
(c) wells and
(d) direction of groundwater flow
(if known),
(e) proposed house (incl. distances from
boundaries)
(f)adjacent houses,
(g)watercourses,
(h)significant sites
(i)and other relevant features.
5. Site specific cross sectional drawing
of the site and the proposed layout1
should be submitted.
6. Photographs of the trial hole, test holes
and site including landmarks (date and
time referenced).
7. Pumped design must be designed by a
suitably qualified person.RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
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:
Are all minimum separation distances met?
Depth of unsaturated soil and/or subsoil beneath invert of gravel
(or drip tubing in the case of drip dispersal system)
Percolation test result: Surface: Sub-surface:
Not Suitable for Development Suitable for Development
Identify all suitable options Discharge Route 1
1.Septic tank system (septic tank and
percolation area) (Chapter 7)
2.Secondary Treatment System
(Chapters 8 and 9) and soil polishing filter
(Section 10.1)
3.Tertiary Treatment System and Infiltration /
treatment area (Section 10.2)
4.0 CONCLUSION of SITE CHARACTERISATION
5.0 SELECTED DWWTS
Propose to install:
and discharge to:
Invert level of the trench/bed gravel or drip tubing (m)
Site Specific Conditions (e.g. special works, site improvement works testing etc.
1 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.
45.78
Ground Water
-0.40
The tests showed that the site has a Sub-surface value rating indicating good percolation
characteristics of the Sub-surface. A surface value rating of 47 min/25mm was attained indicating good
percolation characteristics of the surface. Groundwater/Winter groundwater was not encountered in the trial hole
Bedrock was not encountered in the trial hole.
A purpose-built percolation area should be constructed to ensure that there is a minimum of 1.20m of suitable
percolating material between the base of the lowest part of the percolation area and Groundwater / Bedrock at all
times. The distribution pipes used in this system will be smooth walled, have a diameter of 100mm, have 8mm holes
drilled in them 75mm apart, and each pipe should be spaced parallel and 2500mm apart centre to centre. also recommends
that the O’ Reilly Oakstown Waster Water treatment system be Installed and a soil polishing filter area
construction is overseen by a suitable qualified and accredited person.
0
4
1.20
4
Secondary Treatment System and soil polishing filter
Ground Water
No
Yes
Yes
47.67 RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
SYSTEM TYPE: Septic Tank Systems (Chapter 7)
Tank Capacity (m3) Percolation Area Mounded Percolation Area
No. of Trenches No. of Trenches
Length of Trenches (m) Length of Trenches (m)
Invert Level (m) Invert Level (m)
SYSTEM TYPE: Secondary Treatment System (Chapters 8 and 9) and polishing filter (Section 10.1)
Secondary Treatment Systems receiving septic tank effluent Packaged Secondary
(Chapter 8) Treatment Systems
receiving raw wastewater
(Chapter 9)
Media Type Area (m2)* Depth of Filter Invert Level Type
Sand/Soil
Soil Capacity PE
Constructed Wetland Sizing of Primary Compartment
Other m3
Polishing Filter*: (Section 10.1)
Surface Area (m2)*
Option 1 - Direct Discharge
Surface area (m2)
Option 2 - Pumped Discharge
Surface area (m2)
DISCHARGE ROUTE:
Groundwater Hydraulic Loading Rate * (l/m2.d) Surface area (m2)
Surface Water ** Discharge Rate (m3/hr)
6.0 TREATMENT SYSTEM DETAILS
* Hydraulic loading rate is determined by the percolation rate of subsoil
** Water Pollution Act discharge licence required
Identify purpose of tertiary
treatment
Option 3 - Gravity Discharge
Trench length (m)
Option 4 - Low Pressure
Pipe Distribution
Trench length (m)
Option 5 - Drip Dispersal
Surface area (m2)
SYSTEM TYPE: Tertiary Treatment System and infiltration / treatment area (Section 10.2)
Provide performance information
demonstrating system will provide
required treatment levels
Provide design information
4.00
4
14.00
N/A N/A N/A
N/A
O'Reillys Oakstown BAF 6 PE
6
4 5.00 180.00
0.30
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/AN/A
N/A
180.00
Polishing Soil Polishing EPA Code of Practice 2021RECEIVED: 31/08/2026
Company:
Prefix: First Name: Surname:
Address:
Qualifications/Experience:
Date of Report:
Phone: E-mail
Indemnity Insurance Number:
Signature: ________________________________________
7.0 SITE ASSESSOR DETAILS
6.0 TREATMENT SYSTEM DETAILS
QUALITY ASSURANCE:
Installation & Commissioning
On-going Maintenance
To secure your work prior to forwarding to third parties please select Print, select Printer
“print to PDF” and name and save document.
NOTE:
Recommend to be overseen by plant supplier.
Maintain and de-sludge annually
R & J Engineering
John Butler
Dromard, Killanny, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.
Building Surveyor 20 Yrs Experience
087 7960967 richiecivil@yahoo.ie
RPI-IE00992-00
08-Aug-2026
Mr RECEIVED: 31/08/2026