Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 8

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   Vision To develop, protect, improve and extend water, wastewater, surface water and flood alleviation services throughout the County and to prioritise the provision of water services infrastructure to achieve improved environmental protection.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 324

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   Policy To provide for the continued expansion and improvement of the water, wastewater, surface water and flood alleviation services throughout the County to ensure that the growth of the County occurs in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. 8.1 Introduction The sustainable growth of the County is dependent on the provision of services and infrastructure. A plan led approach, in accordance with the County’s Core Strategy and Settlement Strategy is required for the delivery of such services in order to ensure that there is adequate capacity to support the further development of the County. Potential challenges to the future provision of services include the effects of climate change such as flooding or periods of drought, which would have impact on drinking water, water quality, foul drainage and wastewater. The Council aims to deliver high standards of protection for water and air, promote sustainable waste management through education and regulation and to prevent and mitigate the anticipated impacts of Climate Change by reducing our dependency on finite resources and committing to a low carbon future. Irish Water was formed in July 2013 as a semi state company under the Water Services Act 2013. As of January 2014, Irish Water replaced local authorities as a single provider of water and wastewater services. It is responsible for the operation of public water and waste water services including management of national water assets, maintenance of the system, investment and planning, and managing capital projects. The protection of our surface and groundwater resources is one of the most fundamental challenges facing Cavan in the future, as it is directly related to our health, well-being and ultimately our quality of life. In terms of the national planning policy context, the NPF emphasises the critical importance of investment in water services infrastructure to the implementation of the National Development Plan and the achievement of NSO 9 and NPO 63, which seek the sustainable management of water and other environmental resources. NPOs 72a and 72b prescribe the requirements for distinguishing between zoned lands that are serviced (Tier 1 lands) and zoned lands that are serviceable within the lifetime of the plan (Tier 2 lands). The NPF also requires planning authorities and infrastructure delivery agencies to focus on the timely delivery of enabling infrastructure to priority zoned lands in order to deliver planned growth and development (NPO 73c). The RSES acknowledges that the provision and maintenance of economic infrastructure, such as energy, water, and wastewater, are key to delivering compact growth and a connected, vibrant, inclusive, resilient and smart region. Irish Water is responsible for the provision of public water supply, wastewater collection and treatment services. It is an objective of Irish Water to provide both drinking water and wastewater capacity to facilitate growth in accordance with core strategies at county level, and with national and regional planning policies and objectives (subject to the constraints of the Irish Water Capital Investment Programme). 8.2 Policy Context 8.2.1 Water Services Act 2007-2014 These Acts provide the legislation basis in relation to the planning, operation, delivery and maintenance of water treatment and supply and wastewater collection and treatment services. 8.2.2 Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC) Cavan County Council has a general statutory responsibility for the quality of river and lake water within its functional area. This responsibility is underpinned by legislation and in particular the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 and 1990 and more recently The Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC), which came into force in December 2000 and establishes a framework for community action in the field of water policy. The WFD was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 722 of 2003). The WFD requires the preparation of river basin management plans by Member States across three river basin planning cycles (2009- 2015, 2016-2021 and 2022-2027) during which management measures must be implemented so as to achieve good ecological status in all waters and that existing status does not deteriorate in any waters. The WFD rationalises and updates existing legislation and provides for effective water management on the basis of River Basin Management Planning.Environment, Water & Drainage 325

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   River Basin Management Planning takes an integrated approach to the protection, improvement and sustainable management of the water environment. The process revolves around a six year planning cycle of action and review, so that every six years a revised river basin management plan is produced. On April 17th 2018, the Government published the River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021 The Plan set out the actions that Ireland would take to improve water quality and achieve ‘good’ ecological status in water bodies (rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters). 8.3 Water Quality The County has a rich and extensive aquatic environment consisting of rivers, streams, lakes, surface and groundwaters. The Council is responsible for maintaining, improving, enhancing and protecting the ecological quality of all waters in the County, by implementing pollution control measures, licensing of effluent discharges, implementing and monitoring compliance with environmental legislation. 8.3.1 3rd Cycle River Basin Management Plan 2022-2027 Work is near completion on the preparation of the third cycle RBMP covering the period up to the end of 2027. The RBMP will describe the main pressures and activities affecting water status, set out the environmental objectives to be achieved up to 2027 and identify the measures needed to achieve these objectives. The RBMP is due to be finalised in 2022. Water quality in Ireland has deteriorated over the past two decades. The Plan will provide a more coordinated framework for improving the quality of our waters — to protect public health, the environment, water amenities and to sustain water-intensive industries, including agri-food and tourism, particularly in rural Ireland. 8.3.2 The Local Authority Waters Programme- LAWPRO The Local Authority Waters Programme is a shared service working with Local Authorities and state agencies to develop and implement River Basin Management Plans in Ireland, as required under the EU Water Framework Directive. The core focus of this work is to protect and improve water quality in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Good water quality and a healthy water environment is vital for human health and a myriad of wildlife. It also underpins the local economy and supports local jobs in sectors such as tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. The three strategic aims of the programme are as follows: l Support and coordinate public bodies and other stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the RBMP. l Activate local communities to engage with river catchments in line with the integrated catchment management approach l Build a foundation and momentum for long-term improvements and inform the development and implementation of the 3rd Cycle RBMP. Priority Areas for Action (AFAs) to be included in the River Basin Management Plan 2022-2027 plan for County Cavan are identified in the map opposite. 8.3.3 ‘Blue Dot’ Catchments Programme: The EPA assigns the colour blue to river waters at high quality in water quality maps. The aim of the ‘Blue Dot’ programme is to protect and restore high ecological status to a network of river and lake catchments. The overarching aim of the Blue Dot Catchments Programme is to protect or improve Irelands highest quality waters. To achieve this, the programme requires the cooperation of local and public authorities and communities living and working in blue dot catchments and all those who support them, such as Catchment Groups, River Trusts, Tidy Towns and others. A work programme has been developed by the newly established Blue Dot Catchments Programme to begin the process of developing strengthened actions in these catchments. The work of LAWPRO in PAAs will guide the level of local catchment assessment and actions required in these catchments. The 3rd Cycle Areas For Action (AFA) selection list for Cavan is divided into the subcategories: l LA Areas for Restoration Local Authorities l Public Health Areas for Protection NFGWS, IW, HSE, LAs, SFPA l Blue Dot Areas for Protection LAWPRO and Others l Blue Dot Areas for Action LAWPRO and Others l Prioritised Areas for Action LAWPROCavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 326

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   Fig 8.1 Fig 8.2Environment, Water & D r a inage 327

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   These Priority Areas for Action were selected through consultation with various stakeholders (LA’s, IW, IFI, NPWS, etc) when the current River Basin Management Plans were being devised. These are the areas in which the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) operate and carry out investigations, implementing measures to improve and protect water quality. The work undertaken in these areas is cognisant of the pressures identified i.e. if the pressure is agriculture, then the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) team will work in an area with farmers to figure out the best way to protect and improve water quality, whilst still undertaking the required agricultural activities on the farm. Other pressures could be forestry, fish barriers, septic tanks, wastewater treatment plants and misconnections in urban areas. 8.4 River & Lake Monitoring River and lake samples are taken across County Cavan by Environment Section field staff. These samples were undertaken in accordance with the Water Framework Directive National Monitoring Programme. The results of analysis from these samples, combined with other biology, ecology & hydromorphology data available to the EPA, is used to classify the water quality of the rivers and lakes for the purposes of the Water Framework Directive. There are a number of different types of pressures on water quality including, urban waste water, agriculture and forestry. Pressures can be in the form of l Point source pollution l Diffuse source pollution l Pressures on the quantitative status of water including abstractions l Pressures of other impacts of human activity on water status. Pressures on water quality are diverse and most of the “at risk” waterbodies are subject to more than one pressure. Development management can play a significant role in the prevention of further deterioration of water status and in the protection of existing high and good quality waters. Water protection measures are best incorporated into site selection and site design plans. Therefore, developers should adequately assess environmental risks, take account of site limitations and prepare a water protection plan. Site selection should take account of sensitive areas and sensitive water bodies. Water Protection plans should aim to prevent contamination of storm water, minimise soiled and waste waters, install proper containment for material storage, install appropriate treatment and disposal arrangement for soiled and waste waters and take account of legal requirements for discharges to ground and surface waters.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 328

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   GW 01 GW 02 GW 03 Groundwater Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Ensure that groundwater is protected by ensuring compliance with the following: l The appropriate control of development in areas of high groundwater vulnerability. l Implementation of the Programme of Measures as required in the River Basin Management Plans l Licensing of discharges of effluent to groundwater, having particular regard to the requirements of the EC Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations, 2010 (S.I. No. 9 of 2010) l Implementation of the EC (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations (S.I. No. 610 OF 2010, which give effect to several EU Directives including in relation to protection of waters against pollution from agricultural sources (‘the Nitrates Directive’), dangerous substances in water and protection of groundwater. Protect ground water resources and abstraction points, and this ensures such sources and their zones of contribution are protected and safeguarded in the interests of common good and public health. Support the implementation of the relevant recommendations and measures outlined in the relevant River Basin Management Plan 2022-2027, and associated Programme of Measures, or any such plan that may supersede same during the lifetime of the plan. Development proposals shall not have an unacceptable impact on water quality, the water environment, including surface waters, groundwater quality and quantity, river corridors and associated woodlands, species and wetlands, in County Cavan and in any areas that are hydrologically or hydro geologically linked, including areas in Northern Ireland. 8.4.1 Ground Water and Surface Water Ground waters are of importance as a water source for private wells, group schemes and local authority supplies and for use in a range of commercial activities. Groundwater directly and indirectly contributes to and sustains a variety of important ecosystems. If groundwater becomes contaminated, surface water quality can also be affected and so the protection of groundwater resources is an important aspect of sustaining surface water quality. The council ensures that groundwater is protected by ensuring compliance with the following: l The appropriate control of development in areas of high groundwater vulnerability. l Implementation of the Programme of Measures as required in the River Basin Management Plan l Licensing of discharges of effluent to groundwater, having particular regard to the requirements of the EC Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations, 2010 (S.I. No. 9 of 2010) l Implementation of the EC (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations (S.I. No. 610 OF 2010, which give effect to several EU Directives, including in relation to protection of waters against pollution from agricultural sources (‘the Nitrates Directive’), dangerous substances in water and protection of groundwater. l It is essential that ground water resources and abstraction points are recognised, and as such ensures sources and their zones of contribution are protected and safeguarded in the interests of common good and public health.Environment, Water & Drainage 329

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   GW 04 GW 05 GW 06 GW 07 GW 08 GW 09 GW 10 GW 11 GW 12 Contribute towards, as appropriate, the protection of existing and potential water resources, and their use by humans and wildlife, including rivers, streams, wetlands, groundwater and associated habitat and species in accordance with the requirements and guidance in the EU Water Framework Directive 2000 (2000/60/EC). The European Union (Water policy) Regulations 2003 (as amended), the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009 (as amended), the Groundwater Directive 2006/118/EC and the European Communities Environmental Objectives (groundwater) Regulations 2010 (as amended) and other relevant EU Directives, including associated national legislation and policy guidance (including any superseding versions of same, to have cognisance of, where relevant, the EUs Common Implementation Strategy Guidance Document No. 20 and No. 36 which provide guidance on exceptions to the environmental objectives of the Water Framework Directive). In conjunction with Irish Water, have regard to the EPA 2019 publication ‘Drinking Water Report for Public Water Supplies 2018 (and any subsequent update) in the establishment and maintenance of water sources in the County. Ensure that in assessing applications for development, that consideration is given to the impact on the quality of surface waters having regard to targets and measures set out in the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021, and any subsequent local or regional plans. Discourage the over concentration of individual septic tanks and treatment plans to minimise the risk of groundwater pollution. Support the preparation of Drinking Water Protection Plans and Source Protection Plans to protect sources of public water supply, in accordance with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. Protect both ground and surface water resources including taking account of the impacts of climate change, and to support Irish Water in the development and implementation of Drinking Water Safety Plans and the National Water Resources Plan. Promote water conservation and demand management measures among all water users and to support Irish Water in implementing water conservation measures such as leakage reduction and network improvements. Promote measures to prevent siltation of water courses from developments including planting and clear felling of commercial forests. Promote measures to prevent acidification of water courses.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 330

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   8.4.2 Foul Drainage and Wastewater Treatment Since 2014 Irish Water is responsible for the waste water infrastructure and treatment facilities where public waste water facilities exist in towns and villages. It is the policy of Cavan County Council to work in conjunction with Irish Water to protect existing wastewater infrastructure, to maximise the potential of existing capacity and to facilitate the timely delivery of new wastewater services infrastructure to facilitate future growth. The Council acknowledges that the provision of a well maintained quality waste water treatment infrastructure is essential to facilitate sustainable development of the County in line with the Core Strategy while also protecting the environment and public health and the requirements of the River Basin Management Plan. Cavan County Council operates 26 No. Wastewater Treatment Plants and manages associated collections infrastructure, (sewers, rising mains and pumping stations), under Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Irish Water. It also carries out the monitoring of the inflows and outflows on receiving waters both upstream and downstream of discharges under the SLA. This data is submitted to the EPA. The following 16 No. Wastewater Agglomerations are subject to Wastewater Discharge Licences issued by The Environmental Protection Agency. Licence Ref. No. Agglomeration Name D0020-01 Cavan Town D0082-01 Cootehill D0083-01 Kingscourt D0084-01 Belturbet D0085-01 Bailieborough D0252-01 Mullagh D0253-01 Ballyconnell D0255-01 Virginia D0256-01 Ballyjamesduff D0495-01 Shercock D0496-01 Ballyhaise D0497-01 Arvagh D0498-01 Blacklion D0499-01 Killeshandra D0500-01 Kilnaleck D0501-01 Ballinagh The remaining 10 No. Wastewater Agglomerations are subject to Certificates of Authorisation issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Cert. Ref. No. Agglomeration Name A0296-01 Butlersbridge A0297-01 Bawnboy A0298-01 Crosskeys A0299-01 Dowra A0300-01 Gowna A0301-01 Mountnugent A0302-01 Redhills A0303-01 Swanlinbar A0304-01 Stradone A0536-01 Kilcogy 8.4.3 Wastewater – Capital Investment Plan, Wastewater Treatment Plant Early Contractor Involvement (CIP WWTP ECI) programme This investment programme includes for County Cavan, the following wastewater treatment plants - Bailieborough, Ballyjamesduff, Kingscourt, Cootehill, & Virginia. Bailieboro, Kingscourt and Cootehill projects are currently at Gate 1 stage (Feasibility study) and Virginia and Cootehill are at Gate 2 stage. ECI contractor has been appointed (VWI) and will now progress the work packages from gate 2 stage to completion and has received the following Project Brief packages; 1. Virginia: Increase current capacity from 2000 PE to 6000PE- Upgrade process to meet the current WWDL requirements. 2. Ballyjamesduff: Increase current capacity from 2200 PE to 5200PE - Upgrade process to meet the UWWTR requirements Ongoing projects beings progressed as part of Irish Water’s 2020-2024 Capital Investment Plan includes upgrades at the following Wastewater Treatment Plants- Virginia, Bailieborough, Cootehill, Kingscourt, Ballyjameduff, Bailieborough, Mullagh, Ballyconnell.Environment, Water & Drainage 331

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    FDW 01 FDW 02 FDW 03 FDW 04 FDW 05 FDW 06 FDW 07 FDW 08 FDW 09 FDW 10 FDW 11 FDW 12 FDW 13 FDW 14 FDW 15 Foul Drainage and Wastewater Development Objectives It is a development objective of Cavan County Council to: Collaborate with Irish Water in contributing towards compliance with the relevant provisions of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and 2004 and the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007, as amended Ensure that development will only be permitted in instances where there is sufficient capacity for appropriate collection, treatment and disposal (in compliance with the Water Framework Directive and River Basin Management Plan) of wastewater. Liaise with and work in conjunction with Irish Water during the lifetime of the plan for the provision, extension and upgrading of wastewater collection and treatment systems in all towns and villages and Rural Community Nodes of the County, to serve existing populations and facilitate sustainable development of the County, in accordance with the requirements of the Settlement Strategy and associated Core Strategy. Support strategic wastewater treatment infrastructure investment and provide for the separation of foul and surface networks to accommodate future growth in the County Ensure new developments provide a separate foul and surface water drainage system and to incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems where appropriate in new development and the public realm. Incorporate the requirement for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems where appropriate in local authority projects and private development sites. Prohibit the discharge of additional surface water to combined (foul and surface water) sewers in order to maximise the capacity of existing collection for foul water. Support the Assessment of the need for upgrades of drainage systems, including separation of sewer and surface water required to reduce risk of capacity pressure on drainage systems. Ensure all new developments connect to the public wastewater infrastructure, where available, and to encourage existing developments that are in close proximity to a public sewer to connect to that sewer, subject to connection agreements with Irish Water. New developments connecting to Irish Water network shall be assessed through Irish Water’s New Connection Process. Protect against development proposals, involving individual treatment systems, which would increase effluent loading within existing housing clusters located within areas of high groundwater vulnerability. Ensure that private wastewater treatment plants, where permitted, are operated in compliance with EPA’s Code of Practice Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (PE. ≤10) (EPA 2009), or any updates thereafter. Incorporate considerations of the impact of climate change into proposals submitted under the OPW Minor Works Programme. Support appropriate options for the extraction of energy and other resources from sewerage sludge in the County. Support the servicing of rural villages (serviced sites) to provide an alternative to one-off housing in the countryside in line with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. Liaise with Irish Water with regard to the installation of a wastewater treatment facility in Miltown. Ensure new developments provide adequate storm water infrastructure in order to accommodate the planned levels of growth and ensure there is appropriate flood management measures implemented to protect property and infrastructure.Cavan County Development Plan 2022-2028 332

Source Cavan County Council: Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028 — Chapter 8 (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.