Innovation Centre, Green Road, Carlow, 059-9130314, ernail keohane@eircom.net I P

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

lE654 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT-STAUNTON FOODS

1. INTRODUCTION

Geotechnical and Environmental Services Limited [GES] were requested by Staunton Foods Limited

to prepare a baseline report in respect of potential risk to groundwater and surface water on site

from activities on the Staunton Foods site.

The report has been prepared on the basis of the following activities.

o Desk study of information in the public domain or provided by the client. o Site visit on 01 June 2011. o Interpretation of findings.

2. TOPOGRAPHY, SURFACE WATER, CLIMATE

The site is situated approximately 1.5km south of Timoleague at the tip of one of the inlets of

Courtmacsherry Bay [Drawing lE654-001] and comprises an area of approximately 2.2 Ha.

The ground elevation is approximately 10m O.D, but the original topography has been modified by cut and fill to create the existing factory topography. The ground slopes from west to east towards

the Spittal River which enters Courtmacsherry Bay at Spittal Bridge, which is adjacent to the site, and

is recorded on topography maps as the highest point to which ordinary tides flow.

The 30 year annual rainfall for the area is 1154mm [Timoleague GS], and the mean annual evaporation is 571mm [Roches Point] and 513mm [Cork Airport] giving effective rainfall of 583mm

to 641mm per year. Because of the extent of impermeable surface [roof and yard] and the natural

slope, the actual component of groundwater recharge is expected to be low, possibly < 100mm per

year. This means that direct surface run-off , presents a higher risk factor than groundwater in terms

of water from the site acting as a vector and causing an impact on a receiving water

3.GEOLOGlCAL SETTING

3.1 Bedrock

Reference to the available GSI information indicates that the site is underlain by the Toe Head

Formation, which is generically a formation of the Old Red Sandstone, and comprises cross bedded

sandstone and minor mudstone.

There is a major fault shown on the geology map, running North-northeast to South southwest along the western boundary of the site, which juxtaposes the Castlehaven Formation [purple mudstones]

against the Toe Head Formation Figure 3.

Bedrock is indicated to be shallow, generally less than 3m but rock may be just below the surface in

some areas of the site Figure 5

Page I 1

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

lE654 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT-STAUNTON FOODS

3.2 Subsoils

The GSI information indicates sandstone and shale TILL is the predominant subsoil type Figure 2 and

this was confirmed on site. This is expected to be of low permeability. The expected shallow

thickness of subsoils renders the site Extreme groundwater vulnerability. Figure 5

3.3 Aquifer Classification.

The GSI have classified the rock type beneath this site as a Locallv Important Auuifer LI. Figure 4

3.4 Water Framework Directive status.

The aquifer is considered to be part of the Bandon Groundwater Body which has a good status overall. The Spittal River has good status. Argideen Estuary has status as it is deemed to be

eutrophic.

4. SITEVISIT

Jerome Keohane of GES visited the site on 01 June 2011. The purpose of the visit was to

Confirm the findings of the desk study.

Undertake a walk-over of the factory site, to enable an assessment of the risks to

groundwater and surface water to be assessed.

The key items having a potential for impact on groundwater or surfacewater are described below

4.1 WASTEWATERTREATMENT

The wastewater treatment plant is at the lowest topographical part of the site, and the treated

effluent is discharged at to the. Spittal River at the Spittal Bridge as shown below and as shown on

the site drawing lE654-002.

The plant processes approximately 120m3/day of effluent derived from the factory processes, and

ancillary services including the lorry wash, weighbridge and staff washrooms and canteens. The

treatment plant comprises the following key components.

Page 12

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT-STAUNTON FOODS

Collection network of drains

Abattoir screen

Primary settlement tank

DAF unit

Two aeration tanks operating in series

An anoxic zone tank

A clarifier

Sludge processing

Final chamber

UV unit

Discharge to river

The plant was noted to be well operated, within capacity, with adequate safeguards in the event of

plant failure or accidental events. The tanks are generally constructed in concrete and their integrity

has been certified by a competent structural engineer. The plant is constructed on a lower level and is surrounded by a soil bund, which would provide some containment in the event of a catastrophic

failure of any of the tanks or connecting pipes in the effluent treatment plant. The integrity of the

feed drains and sumps has also been certified by a competent engineer as has a septic tank, in the

north yard which outfalls to the treatment plant.

4.2 STORMWATER

Stormwater discharges into the river at 3 locations further upstream from the effluent outfall. The

stormwater is mainly derived from yard and roof run-off, which comprises approximately 70% of the

site area.

Stormwater discharge 1 (SW1) collects stormwater from the yard at the western side of the plant,

roofwater from the newer building and the concrete yard at the southern end of the site. The

stormwater is conveyed through an oil water separator, that is regularily inspected and maintained

Stormwater discharge 2 (SW2) collects stormwater from the older factory roofs and the 2011 slaughterhall extension and the remainder of the service yard and front concrete yard to the west,

north and east of the site, except for areas that are drained directly to the effluent plant [including

the weighbridge and the truckwash].

Stormwater discharge 3 (SW3) collects roof run-off from the control room at the Wastewater

Treatment Plant [See Drawing No. 210138-07, Rev.A].

In general, the integrity of the yards and roofs is high, and any incidental spillages, could be

contained by the on-site spill management procedures. Storm discharge 1 (SW1) contains the added

protection of the oil water separator.

4.3 WATER USAGE

Groundwater plays an important role in the water requirements of the site. Currently 2 No. Boreholes exist on the site. One borehole (GW2) supplies all process water used on the site. The

Page 13

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

lE654 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER IMPACTASSESSMENT-STAUNTON FOODS

other borehole (GW1) supplies the truckwash and lairage spray (See Drawing No. No. 210138-07,

Rev.A). Mains water from Cork County Council supplies approximately 6m3/week, which is used in

the staff canteen and washrooms.

The boreholes are labelled Well 1 and Well 2 in this Report.

Well 1 is the newer of the two wells and was drilled in September 2010, by Southern Pumps Limited,

the well is approximately 35m deep, and has a reported available yield of 10m3/hour, although the

current usage does not require this pumping rate. The well is located on a sloped grassed

embankment to the south of the site and the well head protection comprises a countersunk

concrete sump, with a cast iron cover, flush with the ground, as shown in the photograph below. It is

expected that the catchment for this well extends into agricultural land to the south, and agreement has been reached between Stauntons and the landowner on set back distances in respect of

landspreading and source protection. A sample of groundwater from this well was analysed for a

broad range of potential contaminants, and the results of analysis confirm a good quality water, with a slightly elevated Nitrate concentration, consistent with the general landuse in the area. Results are

presented in Table 1 in appendices.

/WELL 1

Well 2 is 70m deep, was drilled by Harte's well drillers and has a reported available yield of 20m3/day. The well is located adjacent to the utilities building, as shown on the site drawing. The

well head protection comprises a raised plinth with a cast iron cover.

Both wells have been sampled and analysed, and the results of analysis meet the standards for

potable water for the parameters tested.

Well head protection on both is deemed satisfactory in the context of the perceived risk.

A sample of water from the well, confirms the upgradient good quality demonstrated by the sample

from Well 1.

Page I 4

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

-- * _ * I

E654 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT-STAUNTON FOODS

Because these wells are pumped they will have established a significant zone of contribution within

the site, and as a result the water quality from the well, will reflect the general water quality in that catchment

4.4 FUELS

A 3000 litre bunded oil tank (T23), formerly in the North Yard, has been relocated near to the main Dispatch, above the oil water separator (See Drawings No. 210138-05, Rev.A and No. 210138-07,

Rev.A). Exposed ground in the vicinity of the former location of the tank (between the septic tank and the truckwash) was examined and showed slight oil staining, but no evidence of significant contamination.

Waste oils generated on the plant are stored in a bund (WS-8) to the rear of the lairage (See Drawing

No. 210138-05, Rev.A).

4.5 CHEMICALS

These are stored in a buncdd area, mainly inside buildings.

4.6 OTHER MATERIALS USED O N SITE

A separate operating company called Irish Casings Limited, operates a recovery process, whereby by- products are selected and processed into a food ingredient. The main chemical used comprises sodium bisulphate, which is corrosive, but non toxic. The tanks is bunded. The processed material is known as mucosa, and it is held in bunded containers, and is taken off-site at regular intervals

4.7 DELIVERIES AND TRUCK WASHING

Live animals are brought onto the site, and a facility for washing the trucks they arrived in is provided, The washwater is conveyed directly to the Effluent Plant. There are in addition truck movements on and off the site of generally short duration. A staff car park is provided at the upper

[Northern] end of the site.

RISK ASSESSMENT

The potential risks are considered in the context of a simple risk model comprising:

Source I> Pathway I> Receptor

Whereby potential source of contamination will only have an impact on a receptor if a pathway

exists, and there is a significant linkage between the two components.

The following table outlines the assessment of the components for this facility

Page 15

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

lE654 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT-STAUNTON FOODS

RECEPTORS Groundwater Surface Water

CONCEPTUAL SITE MODEL

SOURCES I Potential Pathways Layerage Waste Process Waste Process Effluent Truck washwater Fuels in storage or fuels associated with vehicles Sodium Bisulphate Mucosa tank

Leakage from storage tanks into ground and into groundwater Leakage from transfer pipelines into ground and into groundwater Accidental spillage onto unprotected ground and into groundwater Overland flow direct to River Via stormwater system to River Contamination of River via contamination of

I groundwater on site

CONCRETE YARD

Perimeter clay bund

SPITAL RIVER

Groundwater flow direction

Water table WELL 1

BEDROCK SURFACE

WELL 2

Page 16

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

lE654 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT-STAUNTON FOODS

ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTANT LINKAGES

natural permeability Integrity has been confirmed by competent engineer. Subsoils, although thin appear to be of low natural permeability The majority of unprotected ground is around the perimeter and is at a higher elevation than the work area Subsoils, although thin appear to be of low natural permeability The downgradient side of the site is protected

Direct leakage from vessels into ground

Leakage from transfer pipelines into ground

Accidental spillage onto unprotected ground

Overland flow to River

Potential but considered low risk

LOW risk

Low-moderate risk, but mitigated

Contamination of river via stormwater system

Contamination of River groundwater

contamination

Would require unnoticed spillage to coincide with rainfall event. Mitigation through high dilution potential, interception by by-pass separator in one area

Low risk contamination Would first require groundwater contamination Probably at discharge zone of groundwater body,so will be discharging to estuary. No downgradient beneficial users of groundwater

Page 17

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

/E654 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER IMPACT ASSESSMENT-STAUNTON FOODS

APPENDICES

1. Site Location plan lE654-001

2 Geological Maps

Figure 1 Soils Map

Figure 2 Subsoils Map

Figure 3 Bedrock and Structural Geology Map

Figure 4 Aquifer Classification Map

Figure 5 Groundwater Vulnerability Map

3. Site Layout PlanlE654-002

4. Results of groundwater analysis

Page 18

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

A4 Portrait http:/lmaps.epa.ie/internetmapviewer/mapviewer.aspx

EPA Maps Online @Pa The Legend must be printed separately.

I i l l . < ' a - f r , l ,

Sources: EPA, OSi, Teagasc, GSI, NPWS. Pnntina authonsed for Dersonal investiaation of environmental issues. Warning: The EPA does not guarantee the accuracy of data presented on this viewer and is not responsible for incorrect interpretation. I f accuracy is important, it is recommended that you obtain a copy of the original maps on which the information is based and verify its accuracy. If you are printing from Firefox, please stop the download by clicking the X button before printing.

Figure No. 1 Soils Map

1 of2 251os12011 1O:Sl

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

Legend (A4 portrait) http: //maps.epa.i e/i nternetmapvi ewedmapvi ew er.aspx

Full legend This legend may include items that are not in the map window but switched on in the Layers list. If you are printing from Firefox, please stop the download by clicking the X button before printing.

1 o f 2 04/07/2011 08:57

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

I ' I

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

1

>s 0) 0 0 -

8

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

I 1 I

Q) Q) 0 s

f k

4 CO CO (0

.. 4.0

c Q) 0 Q

E

U m - a, - - 0

c - E 9 s E

o m

0 N IC d 0 0

2 W 0 z m a, B

m

o - - 2.

5

E

v)

d m

U m

N I z

3 E

5 F

3 2. a

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

I I

Q) Q)

R r

Q m cn -

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

Conse

nt of

copy

right

owne

r req

uired

for a

ny ot

her u

se.

EPA Export 22-07-2011:03:43:02