environmental impact statement kilmainhamwood compost facility ...

5361- Kilmainhamwood Compost Facility Extension- EIS
Survey Constraints
A comprehensive faunal survey was not a practical proposition due to natural mammalian behaviour.
Most mammals are small and shy of human presence. Therefore, it would take a more detailed study to
confirm their presence. Also mammals often tend to be more active at night making their presence
more difficult to detect.
The survey was conducted outside the main botanic growing season therefore it would not have been
possible to identify all plant species on the site. This did not prevent identification of habitats which may
potentially contain protected/ rare flora.
6.2 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
6.2.1 Consultation
Consultation letters were sent to the NPWS and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB). To date
no response has been received from the NPWS. A response from the ERFB outlined the following
issues:
• Surface water from the site drains towards the River Dee upstream of Newcastle Lough. The
River Dee rises near Bailieborough, County Cavan and flows in a south easterly direction
approximately 50km before entering the sea at Annagassan, County Louth.
• The River Dee holds good stocks of Brown Trout, Sea Trout and Salmon.
• The stretch of the river both upstream and downstream of Newcastle Lough contains valuable
salmonid spawning and nursery areas.
• The most recent EPA Biological rating for the River Dee was carried out in 2006, which
recorded a Q4 value (unpolluted).
• Salmon migrate through Newcastle Lake to reach spawning areas upstream and to the sea
downstream.
• Newcastle Lake is a coarse fishery with Pike of specimen size present.
• ERFB would be anxious that all surface water from the site is managed in a sustainable manner
to minimise any impacts on these valuable fisheries habitats.
6.2.2 Nature Designated Areas
For inspection purposes only.
Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
The National Parks and Wildlife Services database of designated nature conservation areas was
reviewed. The database was searched for designated sites within 5 km of the site. No designated sites
are present within 5km of the site (Refer to Figure 6.1). The nearest site designated for conservation is
Ballyhoe Lough proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) which is located 5.3km to the northeast.
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EPA Export 01-06-2010:03:55:54