LevelPressureOverall

LevelPressureNLoad

LevelPressureNConcentration

LevelPressurePLoad

LevelPressurePConcentration

LevelPressureOLoad

LevelPressureOConcentration

ImpactPressureWaterColumn

ImpactPressureSeabedHabitats

NutrientsOrganicEnrichment5_1

NutrientsNitrogen5_1

NutrientsPhosphorus5_1

NutrientsOrganicMatter5_1

NutrientsEnrichmentWaterColumn5_2or5_3

NutrientsEnrichmentSeabedHabitats5_2or5_3

MarineCoast, NutrientLevels, OxygenLevels

NotReported

OtherStatus

OtherStatus

OtherStatus

Good

OtherStatus

NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

Stable

Improving

Unknown_NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

NotRelevant

High

High

NotRelevant

NotRelevant

NotRelevant

Non problem and problem areas are designated using the Common Procedure. Overall the majority of areas are non problem areas apart from one. The problem area (inshore CW) was determined to be only 0.001% of MSFD area while potential problem areas were determined to be 0.03% of the area.

Non problem and problem areas are designated using the OSPAR Common Procedure. Levels of nitrogen are assessed as an integral part of the Common Procedure. Levels of nitrogen are consistent with achieving good environmental status.

Non problem and problem areas are designated using the Common Procedure. Levels of phosphorus are assessed as an integral part of the CP. Levels of phosphorus are consistent with achieving good environmental status.

Non problem and problem areas are designated using the Common Procedure. Levels of BOD, a proxy for organic enrichment, are assessed as an integral part of the CP. There is only one area demonstrating exceedence of assessment criteria. Overall levels of organic enrichment are low.

Non problem and problem areas are designated using the Common Procedure. Overall there are very few areas with evidence of impacts on the water column.

Limitations of information and data reported for the input load of nitrogen to the marine environment: • Atmospheric input data is primarily based on modelled estimates for OSPAR Region III (2006 being the most recent year). Information on nitrogen inputs to the Irish MSFD assessment area is not available for this initial assessment. • Direct discharge (industrial and sewage effluents) information is based on 1990 estimates and requires updating. Limitations of information and data reported for the trends in input load of nitrogen to the marine environment: • The bulk of the riverine input trend for nitrogen relates to one specific point source on one river (Avoca) that ceased emissions in mid 1990s. However, on most areas, trends of nitrogen are stable for riverine inputs. Therefore a stable trend is assigned here rather than reducing. • OSPAR trend assessment for atmospheric deposition relates to Region III and not the Irish MSFD Assessment Area and therefore there is low confidence in this. • For atmospheric deposition, only one station is monitored and cannot provide a complete spatial distribution picture with only one station. • For trends in riverine/atmospheric inputs there are no prediction data available.

The trend reported relates to 1990 to 2000 data from the western Irish Sea. An assessment incorporating more recent data that covers a wider area is required.

Proportion of the assessment area which has impacts from nutrient and organic enrichment is based on calculations of DO only.

There are very few problem areas of nutrient enrichment (TOxN and PO4) for coastal and offshore waters around Ireland. The application of the OSPAR Common Procedure has shown that nearly all the problem areas identified are located in transitional areas which are not included in the MSFD assessment. Out of the 28 coastal water bodies assessed, only 2 were identified as problem areas, Malahide Bay and Killybegs Harbour. The spatial coverage of these 2 areas is 5.17 Km2 or about 0.4 % of the inshore area monitored (1294.5 Km2), and 0.001% of the total MSFD assessment area (490,000 Km2). Six areas were classed as being potential problem areas, namely Dublin Bay, Wexford Harbour, Cork Harbour, outer Cork Harbour, Dungarvan and Ballysadare Bay (158.17 Km2 combined) and this equated to 12.2 % of the total inshore area assessed and 0.03% of the MSFD area. An assessment of surface winter nutrient levels in offshore waters indicates that levels were elevated for both nitrogen and phosphorus in < 1% of the MSFD assessment area. Trends in loadings of nutrients to the maritime area are indicating that the risk of nutrient enrichment is decreasing.

Riverine and direct discharges (OSPAR 2012): In 2010 the direct input of total N from Ireland to the Irish and Celtic Seas and the Atlantic was 10.2 kt, with a higher proportion coming from sewage compared to industrial sources. Direct inputs were higher in the Irish Sea compared to the Celtic Sea and Atlantic. The riverine load of total N discharged from Irish rivers in 2010 was estimated as 90.80 kt(upper) and 89.76 kt (lower) (OSPAR, 2012 p12). Riverine inputs from Ireland of total N showed higher input loads in the Celtic Sea compared to the Irish Sea and the Atlantic. This was calculated based on a land catchment area of 70000 Km2. Overall for nitrogen there were no significant upward trends detected. Of the 20 rivers analysed, statistically significant downward trends in TN, NH4 and TOxN, were detected in 6, 11 and 4 rivers, respectively. For the remainder there were no trends detected. Overall there was a 24% decrease in nitrogen inputs from Irish sources to the Irish maritime area between 1990 and 2010. A large proportion of this decrease (nearly 60%) was due to a reduction in nitrogen loads from a fertiliser plant discharging to the Avoca river. The plant was required to apply for an Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) licence in the mid 1990s and this led to a marked reduction of the nitrogen loads in the river. The plant closed in 2002. Most of the rivers included in the trend analysis, 16 out of 20, indicated no upward or downward trend in inputs of total nitrogen, indicating that recent trends in national riverine inputs of nitrogen are stable. Atmospheric deposition: Only data from a single location is available for assessment, namely Valentia Observatory on the south west coast. Modelled data from OSPAR (2009b) showed that the input of total nitrogen (NOx-N + NH4-N) deposition for OSPAR Region III (UK and Ireland) in 2006 was 130 kt N/yr. It should be noted that these atmospheric inputs are widely dispersed over Region III while riverine inputs are localised in coastal waters. The OSPAR report (2009b) “Trends in atmospheric concentrations and deposition of nitrogen and selected hazardous substances to the OSPAR maritime area” reported trends for Region III (UK and Ireland). Ammonium (NH4) and nitrate (NO3) are analysed in precipitation on an annual mandatory basis. Trend analysis was performed over two periods, 1987-2006 and 1998-2006. Overall ammonium and nitrate showed significant decreasing trends.

Spatial distributions of nitrogen concentrations were assessed using the output of the OSPAR Common Procedure. Within the 28 inshore coastal water bodies assessed winter DIN was in the range of 4.6-58.3 µM (95%ile:34.1 µM) at salinity range 24-35. The highest winter DIN values were determined on the south and east coasts. High winter N:P ratios were determined at a number of locations on South and East coasts also, namely Youghal Bay, Dungarvan Harbour, Malahide Bay, Waterford and Wexford Harbours. For the western Irish Sea surface winter TOxN was determined to be lower at high salinities (>34) than west coast and shelf edge (Shelf edge mean TOxN ~10.3µM; salinity ~35.5; Irish Sea mean 7.4 for salinity > 34), suggesting denitrification is occurring . Elevated nutrient TOxN concentrations were confined to a few coastal areas primarily along the south coast. Temporal trends for winter nutrient concentrations including TOxN were assessed from 1990-2000 (McGovern et al., 2002). For TOxN, a clear trend was not observed in this assessment. A revised assessment of annual TOxN in the Irish Sea Proper (1991-2008) and the southwest Irish Sea (1996-2008) showed variable nutrient salinity regression slopes indicating interannual variability in freshwater nutrient loadings. At a nominal salinity of 34, the review suggested a downward trend for the western Irish Sea Proper but not for the south west Irish Sea (Nardello et al. 2010).

In 2010, riverine input discharges of total P to the maritime area showed higher input loads in the Celtic Sea than in the Irish Sea or Atlantic, and a total load of 1.62ktupper and 1.45 ktLower. Inputs of phosphorus from sewage and industrial sources directly into marine waters were higher again at 2.44 kt. Direct inputs of phosphorus were more elevated in the Irish Sea (OSPAR 2010, p12). In general, for riverine inputs, loads of TP and PO4 are decreasing with 12 out of 20 rivers showing statistically significant decreasing trends. Only one significant upward trend was detected and this was for the Corrib. Overall there was a 45% decrease in all phosphorus inputs to the Irish maritime area between 1990 and 2010. There is no information available for atmospheric deposition of phosphorus and this is not a requirement of the OSPAR Comprehensive Atmospheric Monitoring Programme.

Data was taken from the OSPAR Common Procedure assessment. Winter molybdate reactive phosphorus levels ranged from 0.32-1.29 µM (95%ile: 0.9 µM). Out of 28 coastal water bodies monitored, only one area, Killybegs, showed elevated levels of phosphorus (1.29 µM). All other inshore coastal areas showed low levels of phosphorus. Coastal and offshore data showed mean concentrations of PO4 at Shelf edge to be 0.56µm (salinity ~35.5) and for Irish Sea to be 0.60µm for salinity > 34. An assessment of the Marine Institute’s surface winter nutrient dataset indicated that <1% of the MSFD Assessment Area is subject to elevated PO4 and these are confined to a few coastal areas in the Irish Sea. Temporal trends for winter nutrient concentrations including ortho-phosphate were assessed from 1990-2000 (McGovern et al., 2002). A 20-33% significant downward trend in ortho-phosphate was detected in the western Irish Sea. There is no trend data available for the Celtic Sea or the Atlantic.

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is used as a proxy for organic enrichment and is monitored under the EPA’s RID programme. The input load of organic matter is estimated from the upper estimate of BOD load using the C:O stoichiometric ratio of 106:138. In 2010, the national BOD load to Ireland’s marine environment was estimated (upper) to be 60.5 kt. The highest individual load of 7.1 kt was delivered by the Shannon river which was grouped into the Celtic Sea region for assessment (OSPAR 2012 p 17). Trends in input load for organic matter are not assessed.

Biochemical oxygen demand is used as a proxy for organic matter enrichment. Under the EPAs WFD monitoring programme 2007-2009, the majority of water bodies (transitional and coastal) monitored had acceptable levels of BOD (EQS of 95%ile less than 4 mg/L), only 13 out of 89 water bodies indicated the presence of substantial organic enrichment with BOD values ranging from 6.1-8.5 mg/L (EPA report, 2010 p111). Of these 13, 12 were in transitional water bodies and substantial organic enrichment was evident at only one coastal area (Killala Bay: 81.377Km2). The total MSFD area demonstrating elevated levels was therefore very low (0.02%).

DIRECT IMPACTS Chlorophyll concentration: Under the OSPAR Common Procedure assessment, there were 91 water bodies (transitional and coastal water bodies) monitored. Out of these, the 90 %ile chlorophyll concentration exceeded the standard threshold at 12 of the water bodies, which were all transitional. There are no exceedences for coastal water bodies. Bloom events of toxic algal blooms: There has been no clear link made between toxic algal blooms and elevated nutrients due to anthropogenic inputs. Spatial and temporal variability in naturally occurring algal blooms are just some of the confounding factors limiting the ability to provide links (Gowen et al., 2012). Therefore harmful algal blooms are not considered for this assessment. INDIRECT IMPACTS Dissolved oxygen: Under the EPA’s estuarine and coastal waters monitoring programme, a total of 533 monitoring stations located in 95 water bodies (transitional and coastal) around Ireland were sampled monthly in summer between 2003 and 2007. Of the 95 monitored water bodies, 85 (89.5%) had normal oxygen conditions (6.0 and 10.0 mg/l O2). The remaining ten water bodies (10.5%) showed dissolved O2 values in the range 4.7 to 6.0 mg/l O2 and demonstrated ‘oxygen deficiency’. There were no hypoxic (<2.0 mg/l O2) or anoxic (<0.2 mg/l O2) conditions observed in any of the water bodies. Oxygen supersaturation (values > 130%), which can indicate elevated phytoplankton photosynthesis, was evident in 14 water bodies. Overall, the majority of Irish waters have satisfactory oxygen conditions (O’Boyle et al. 2009). Of the 10 water bodies showing insufficient oxygen concentrations, only four of these were coastal water bodies, Wexford Harbour; Dungarvan; Killybegs and McSwynes Bay (total area:61.8 Km2). Furthermore, the presence of oxygen undersaturation in McSwynes Bay is most likely to be due to the presence of seasonal water column stratification and not anthropogenic nutrient enrichment (O’Boyle et al. 2010).

DIRECT IMPACTS Abundance of opportunistic macroalgae: Opportunistic macroalgal growth is a tool primarily used to detect the effects of nutrient enrichment. Although used more in transitional waters, it is applied in a number of coastal areas (under WFD) including Dublin Bay, Youghal Bay, Malahide Bay and Tramore Back Strand. Of these, only Malahide Bay on the east coast of Ireland had moderate status under WFD with the other areas showing high and good status. Three other locations, Cork Harbour, Kinsale Harbour and Waterford Harbour have displayed elevated opportunistic macro algae growth which may be a result of nutrient enrichment. No data for species shift in floristic composition and benthic to pelagic shifts are available. INDIRECT IMPACTS Abundance of perennial seaweeds and seagrasses adversely affected: There is no firm evidence of nutrient impacts at present. A number of areas are, however, showing signs of elevated algal growth in the intertidal beds. These occur mostly in transitional waters, but would include the coastal water of Malahide Bay. Increased organic matter deposition: As mentioned previously most water bodies show very low levels of organic enrichment from inputs. Substantial organic enrichment was evident at only one coastal water body (Killala Bay: 81.377Km2). The total area demonstrating elevated levels was therefore very low (0.02%).

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

High

High

High

High

High

Non related GES component

Stable

Stable

Decreasing

Decreasing

Unknown_NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

Unknown_NotAssessed

The principal activities contributing to anthropogenic nutrient load (nitrogen and phosphorus) are inputs from agricultural lands and municipal wastewater treatment works. Wastewaters from unsewered municipal and industrial sources have also been identified as contributing to nutrient enrichment in the environment. Agricultural nutrient inputs are the most significant contributors to annual nutrient load. It is estimated that agricultural nutrient inputs account for 75% and 33% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Agricultural activities associated with nutrient enrichment in surface waters include the spreading of artificial fertilisers and animal manures (EPA, 2012). The potential risk of nutrient enrichment in surface waters from agricultural runoff will depend on factors such as soil type and slope of the land (e.g. DEHLG, 2009(b) p. 69). Urban sewers carry wastewater to treatment plants from homes and industrial or commercial sources, as well as storm water overflow. The wastewater is treated, to remove pollutants and then discharged to surface waters. Inadequately treated effluents and spills or leakage from sewerage networks can impact on receiving waters, damaging water quality. Overflows from sewer networks, leaking from defective underground pipes or seepage from containment areas can also lead to surface pollution (Shannon RBD, 2010 p. 11). In Ireland, the waste water treatment sector is the second most important contributor to nutrient load, accounting for an estimated 10% and 26% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Unsewered properties located in areas where the hydrogeological characteristics prevent adequate percolation can contribute to nutrient loading. Factors such as density and location of unsewered properties in these areas are also important. Many rural houses and businesses rely on on-site systems (conventional septic tanks or proprietary systems), that discharge via soil percolation areas, to treat and dispose of wastewater. To work properly, these treatment facilities must be located in suitable areas and designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standards. If they are not functioning correctly, nutrients may seep from wastewater damaging the quality of receiving marine waters (Shannon RBD, 2010 p.11). The unsewered population (3% ) is the third most significant contributor to the annual nitrogen load while unsewered industries (12% ) are identified as the third most significant contributor to the annual phosphorus load (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Organic matter inputs were not assessed.

The principal activities contributing to anthropogenic nutrient load (nitrogen and phosphorus) are inputs from agricultural lands and municipal wastewater treatment works. Wastewaters from unsewered municipal and industrial sources have also been identified as contributing to nutrient enrichment in the environment. Agricultural nutrient inputs are the most significant contributors to annual nutrient load. It is estimated that agricultural nutrient inputs account for 75% and 33% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Agricultural activities associated with nutrient enrichment in surface waters include the spreading of artificial fertilisers and animal manures (EPA, 2012). The potential risk of nutrient enrichment in surface waters from agricultural runoff will depend on factors such as soil type and slope of the land (e.g. DEHLG, 2009(b) p. 69). Urban sewers carry wastewater to treatment plants from homes and industrial or commercial sources, as well as storm water overflow. The wastewater is treated, to remove pollutants and then discharged to surface waters. Inadequately treated effluents and spills or leakage from sewerage networks can impact on receiving waters, damaging water quality. Overflows from sewer networks, leaking from defective underground pipes or seepage from containment areas can also lead to surface pollution (Shannon RBD, 2010 p. 11). In Ireland, the waste water treatment sector is the second most important contributor to nutrient load, accounting for an estimated 10% and 26% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Unsewered properties located in areas where the hydrogeological characteristics prevent adequate percolation can contribute to nutrient loading. Factors such as density and location of unsewered properties in these areas are also important. Many rural houses and businesses rely on on-site systems (conventional septic tanks or proprietary systems), that discharge via soil percolation areas, to treat and dispose of wastewater. To work properly, these treatment facilities must be located in suitable areas and designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standards. If they are not functioning correctly, nutrients may seep from wastewater damaging the quality of receiving marine waters (Shannon RBD, 2010 p.11). The unsewered population (3% ) is the third most significant contributor to the annual nitrogen load while unsewered industries (12% ) are identified as the third most significant contributor to the annual phosphorus load (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Organic matter inputs were not assessed.

The principal activities contributing to anthropogenic nutrient load (nitrogen and phosphorus) are inputs from agricultural lands and municipal wastewater treatment works. Wastewaters from unsewered municipal and industrial sources have also been identified as contributing to nutrient enrichment in the environment. Agricultural nutrient inputs are the most significant contributors to annual nutrient load. It is estimated that agricultural nutrient inputs account for 75% and 33% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Agricultural activities associated with nutrient enrichment in surface waters include the spreading of artificial fertilisers and animal manures (EPA, 2012). The potential risk of nutrient enrichment in surface waters from agricultural runoff will depend on factors such as soil type and slope of the land (e.g. DEHLG, 2009(b) p. 69). Urban sewers carry wastewater to treatment plants from homes and industrial or commercial sources, as well as storm water overflow. The wastewater is treated, to remove pollutants and then discharged to surface waters. Inadequately treated effluents and spills or leakage from sewerage networks can impact on receiving waters, damaging water quality. Overflows from sewer networks, leaking from defective underground pipes or seepage from containment areas can also lead to surface pollution (Shannon RBD, 2010 p. 11). In Ireland, the waste water treatment sector is the second most important contributor to nutrient load, accounting for an estimated 10% and 26% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Unsewered properties located in areas where the hydrogeological characteristics prevent adequate percolation can contribute to nutrient loading. Factors such as density and location of unsewered properties in these areas are also important. Many rural houses and businesses rely on on-site systems (conventional septic tanks or proprietary systems), that discharge via soil percolation areas, to treat and dispose of wastewater. To work properly, these treatment facilities must be located in suitable areas and designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standards. If they are not functioning correctly, nutrients may seep from wastewater damaging the quality of receiving marine waters (Shannon RBD, 2010 p.11). The unsewered population (3% ) is the third most significant contributor to the annual nitrogen load while unsewered industries (12% ) are identified as the third most significant contributor to the annual phosphorus load (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Organic matter inputs were not assessed.

The principal activities contributing to anthropogenic nutrient load (nitrogen and phosphorus) are inputs from agricultural lands and municipal wastewater treatment works. Wastewaters from unsewered municipal and industrial sources have also been identified as contributing to nutrient enrichment in the environment. Agricultural nutrient inputs are the most significant contributors to annual nutrient load. It is estimated that agricultural nutrient inputs account for 75% and 33% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Agricultural activities associated with nutrient enrichment in surface waters include the spreading of artificial fertilisers and animal manures (EPA, 2012). The potential risk of nutrient enrichment in surface waters from agricultural runoff will depend on factors such as soil type and slope of the land (e.g. DEHLG, 2009(b) p. 69). Urban sewers carry wastewater to treatment plants from homes and industrial or commercial sources, as well as storm water overflow. The wastewater is treated, to remove pollutants and then discharged to surface waters. Inadequately treated effluents and spills or leakage from sewerage networks can impact on receiving waters, damaging water quality. Overflows from sewer networks, leaking from defective underground pipes or seepage from containment areas can also lead to surface pollution (Shannon RBD, 2010 p. 11). In Ireland, the waste water treatment sector is the second most important contributor to nutrient load, accounting for an estimated 10% and 26% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Unsewered properties located in areas where the hydrogeological characteristics prevent adequate percolation can contribute to nutrient loading. Factors such as density and location of unsewered properties in these areas are also important. Many rural houses and businesses rely on on-site systems (conventional septic tanks or proprietary systems), that discharge via soil percolation areas, to treat and dispose of wastewater. To work properly, these treatment facilities must be located in suitable areas and designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standards. If they are not functioning correctly, nutrients may seep from wastewater damaging the quality of receiving marine waters (Shannon RBD, 2010 p.11). The unsewered population (3% ) is the third most significant contributor to the annual nitrogen load while unsewered industries (12% ) are identified as the third most significant contributor to the annual phosphorus load (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Organic matter inputs were not assessed.

The principal activities contributing to anthropogenic nutrient load (nitrogen and phosphorus) are inputs from agricultural lands and municipal wastewater treatment works. Wastewaters from unsewered municipal and industrial sources have also been identified as contributing to nutrient enrichment in the environment. Agricultural nutrient inputs are the most significant contributors to annual nutrient load. It is estimated that agricultural nutrient inputs account for 75% and 33% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Agricultural activities associated with nutrient enrichment in surface waters include the spreading of artificial fertilisers and animal manures (EPA, 2012). The potential risk of nutrient enrichment in surface waters from agricultural runoff will depend on factors such as soil type and slope of the land (e.g. DEHLG, 2009(b) p. 69). Urban sewers carry wastewater to treatment plants from homes and industrial or commercial sources, as well as storm water overflow. The wastewater is treated, to remove pollutants and then discharged to surface waters. Inadequately treated effluents and spills or leakage from sewerage networks can impact on receiving waters, damaging water quality. Overflows from sewer networks, leaking from defective underground pipes or seepage from containment areas can also lead to surface pollution (Shannon RBD, 2010 p. 11). In Ireland, the waste water treatment sector is the second most important contributor to nutrient load, accounting for an estimated 10% and 26% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Unsewered properties located in areas where the hydrogeological characteristics prevent adequate percolation can contribute to nutrient loading. Factors such as density and location of unsewered properties in these areas are also important. Many rural houses and businesses rely on on-site systems (conventional septic tanks or proprietary systems), that discharge via soil percolation areas, to treat and dispose of wastewater. To work properly, these treatment facilities must be located in suitable areas and designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standards. If they are not functioning correctly, nutrients may seep from wastewater damaging the quality of receiving marine waters (Shannon RBD, 2010 p.11). The unsewered population (3% ) is the third most significant contributor to the annual nitrogen load while unsewered industries (12% ) are identified as the third most significant contributor to the annual phosphorus load (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Organic matter inputs were not assessed.

The principal activities contributing to anthropogenic nutrient load (nitrogen and phosphorus) are inputs from agricultural lands and municipal wastewater treatment works. Wastewaters from unsewered municipal and industrial sources have also been identified as contributing to nutrient enrichment in the environment. Agricultural nutrient inputs are the most significant contributors to annual nutrient load. It is estimated that agricultural nutrient inputs account for 75% and 33% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Agricultural activities associated with nutrient enrichment in surface waters include the spreading of artificial fertilisers and animal manures (EPA, 2012). The potential risk of nutrient enrichment in surface waters from agricultural runoff will depend on factors such as soil type and slope of the land (e.g. DEHLG, 2009(b) p. 69). Urban sewers carry wastewater to treatment plants from homes and industrial or commercial sources, as well as storm water overflow. The wastewater is treated, to remove pollutants and then discharged to surface waters. Inadequately treated effluents and spills or leakage from sewerage networks can impact on receiving waters, damaging water quality. Overflows from sewer networks, leaking from defective underground pipes or seepage from containment areas can also lead to surface pollution (Shannon RBD, 2010 p. 11). In Ireland, the waste water treatment sector is the second most important contributor to nutrient load, accounting for an estimated 10% and 26% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Unsewered properties located in areas where the hydrogeological characteristics prevent adequate percolation can contribute to nutrient loading. Factors such as density and location of unsewered properties in these areas are also important. Many rural houses and businesses rely on on-site systems (conventional septic tanks or proprietary systems), that discharge via soil percolation areas, to treat and dispose of wastewater. To work properly, these treatment facilities must be located in suitable areas and designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standards. If they are not functioning correctly, nutrients may seep from wastewater damaging the quality of receiving marine waters (Shannon RBD, 2010 p.11). The unsewered population (3% ) is the third most significant contributor to the annual nitrogen load while unsewered industries (12% ) are identified as the third most significant contributor to the annual phosphorus load (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Organic matter inputs were not assessed.

The principal activities contributing to anthropogenic nutrient load (nitrogen and phosphorus) are inputs from agricultural lands and municipal wastewater treatment works. Wastewaters from unsewered municipal and industrial sources have also been identified as contributing to nutrient enrichment in the environment. Agricultural nutrient inputs are the most significant contributors to annual nutrient load. It is estimated that agricultural nutrient inputs account for 75% and 33% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Agricultural activities associated with nutrient enrichment in surface waters include the spreading of artificial fertilisers and animal manures (EPA, 2012). The potential risk of nutrient enrichment in surface waters from agricultural runoff will depend on factors such as soil type and slope of the land (e.g. DEHLG, 2009(b) p. 69). Urban sewers carry wastewater to treatment plants from homes and industrial or commercial sources, as well as storm water overflow. The wastewater is treated, to remove pollutants and then discharged to surface waters. Inadequately treated effluents and spills or leakage from sewerage networks can impact on receiving waters, damaging water quality. Overflows from sewer networks, leaking from defective underground pipes or seepage from containment areas can also lead to surface pollution (Shannon RBD, 2010 p. 11). In Ireland, the waste water treatment sector is the second most important contributor to nutrient load, accounting for an estimated 10% and 26% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Unsewered properties located in areas where the hydrogeological characteristics prevent adequate percolation can contribute to nutrient loading. Factors such as density and location of unsewered properties in these areas are also important. Many rural houses and businesses rely on on-site systems (conventional septic tanks or proprietary systems), that discharge via soil percolation areas, to treat and dispose of wastewater. To work properly, these treatment facilities must be located in suitable areas and designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standards. If they are not functioning correctly, nutrients may seep from wastewater damaging the quality of receiving marine waters (Shannon RBD, 2010 p.11). The unsewered population (3% ) is the third most significant contributor to the annual nitrogen load while unsewered industries (12% ) are identified as the third most significant contributor to the annual phosphorus load (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Organic matter inputs were not assessed.

The principal activities contributing to anthropogenic nutrient load (nitrogen and phosphorus) are inputs from agricultural lands and municipal wastewater treatment works. Wastewaters from unsewered municipal and industrial sources have also been identified as contributing to nutrient enrichment in the environment. Agricultural nutrient inputs are the most significant contributors to annual nutrient load. It is estimated that agricultural nutrient inputs account for 75% and 33% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Agricultural activities associated with nutrient enrichment in surface waters include the spreading of artificial fertilisers and animal manures (EPA, 2012). The potential risk of nutrient enrichment in surface waters from agricultural runoff will depend on factors such as soil type and slope of the land (e.g. DEHLG, 2009(b) p. 69). Urban sewers carry wastewater to treatment plants from homes and industrial or commercial sources, as well as storm water overflow. The wastewater is treated, to remove pollutants and then discharged to surface waters. Inadequately treated effluents and spills or leakage from sewerage networks can impact on receiving waters, damaging water quality. Overflows from sewer networks, leaking from defective underground pipes or seepage from containment areas can also lead to surface pollution (Shannon RBD, 2010 p. 11). In Ireland, the waste water treatment sector is the second most important contributor to nutrient load, accounting for an estimated 10% and 26% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Unsewered properties located in areas where the hydrogeological characteristics prevent adequate percolation can contribute to nutrient loading. Factors such as density and location of unsewered properties in these areas are also important. Many rural houses and businesses rely on on-site systems (conventional septic tanks or proprietary systems), that discharge via soil percolation areas, to treat and dispose of wastewater. To work properly, these treatment facilities must be located in suitable areas and designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standards. If they are not functioning correctly, nutrients may seep from wastewater damaging the quality of receiving marine waters (Shannon RBD, 2010 p.11). The unsewered population (3% ) is the third most significant contributor to the annual nitrogen load while unsewered industries (12% ) are identified as the third most significant contributor to the annual phosphorus load (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Organic matter inputs were not assessed.

The principal activities contributing to anthropogenic nutrient load (nitrogen and phosphorus) are inputs from agricultural lands and municipal wastewater treatment works. Wastewaters from unsewered municipal and industrial sources have also been identified as contributing to nutrient enrichment in the environment. Agricultural nutrient inputs are the most significant contributors to annual nutrient load. It is estimated that agricultural nutrient inputs account for 75% and 33% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Agricultural activities associated with nutrient enrichment in surface waters include the spreading of artificial fertilisers and animal manures (EPA, 2012). The potential risk of nutrient enrichment in surface waters from agricultural runoff will depend on factors such as soil type and slope of the land (e.g. DEHLG, 2009(b) p. 69). Urban sewers carry wastewater to treatment plants from homes and industrial or commercial sources, as well as storm water overflow. The wastewater is treated, to remove pollutants and then discharged to surface waters. Inadequately treated effluents and spills or leakage from sewerage networks can impact on receiving waters, damaging water quality. Overflows from sewer networks, leaking from defective underground pipes or seepage from containment areas can also lead to surface pollution (Shannon RBD, 2010 p. 11). In Ireland, the waste water treatment sector is the second most important contributor to nutrient load, accounting for an estimated 10% and 26% of the annual nitrogen and phosphorus load, respectively (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Unsewered properties located in areas where the hydrogeological characteristics prevent adequate percolation can contribute to nutrient loading. Factors such as density and location of unsewered properties in these areas are also important. Many rural houses and businesses rely on on-site systems (conventional septic tanks or proprietary systems), that discharge via soil percolation areas, to treat and dispose of wastewater. To work properly, these treatment facilities must be located in suitable areas and designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate standards. If they are not functioning correctly, nutrients may seep from wastewater damaging the quality of receiving marine waters (Shannon RBD, 2010 p.11). The unsewered population (3% ) is the third most significant contributor to the annual nitrogen load while unsewered industries (12% ) are identified as the third most significant contributor to the annual phosphorus load (National Summary Report Ireland, 2005). Organic matter inputs were not assessed.

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