ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTENVIRONMENTAL … · Environmental Impact Assessment 1.7 This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared to accompany an application to Meath

Platin Cement Works Extension

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

For

Irish Cement Ltd

November 2005

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Platin Cement Works Extension EIS - 2005

Table of Contents

1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………. 1-1 - 1-4

2 Non-Technical Summary……………………………………………………….. 2-1 - 2-7

3 Description of Scheme………………………………………………………….. 3-1 - 3-6

4 Planning Context of Development…………………………………………….. 4-1 - 4-4

5 Human Beings………………………………………………………………….... 5-1 - 5-2

6 Flora & Fauna………………………………………………………………...….. 6-1

7 Soil………………………………………………………………………………… 7-1

8 Water……………………………………………………………………………… 8-1 - 8-2

9 Air Quality……………………………………………………………………..….. 9-1 - 9-16

10 Climate……………………………………………………………………………. 10-1 - 10-5

11 Noise & Vibration………………………………………………………………… 11-1 - 11-18

12 Landscape & Visual Appraisal…………………………………………………. 12-1 - 12-9

13 Cultural Heritage………………………………………………………………… 13-1

14 Material Assets: Traffic…………………………………………………………. 14-1 – 14.9

15 Waste……………………………………………………………………………... 15-1 - 15-2

16 Construction……………………………………………………………………… 16-1 - 16-3

17 Interaction of the foregoing……………………………………………….…….. 17-1

18 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….. 18-1 - 18-2

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Platin Cement Works Extension EIS - 2005

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 1.1 Site Location

Figure 1.2 Principle Elements of the Proposed Development

Figure 1.3 Proposed Development – Contiguous South Elevation

Figure 1.4 Proposed Development – Contiguous East & West Elevations

Figure 9.1 Dust Monitor Locations

Figure 9.2 Nitrogen Dioxide : Existing Scenario – Average Emissions

Figure 9.3 Particulates : Existing Scenario – Average Emissions

Figure 9.4 Nitrogen Dioxide : Proposed Scenario – Average Emissions

Figure 9.5 Particulates : Proposed Scenario – Average Emissions

Figure 10.1 Dublin Airport 1998 Windrose

Figure 11.1 Noise Monitoring Location

Figure 12.1 Site Context

Figure 12.2 Areas of visual quality

Figure 12.3 Landscape Planning Context

Photomontage 1 View looking north along R152

Photomontage 2 View looking west from the N1 approaching Drogheda Town

Photomontage 3 View looking east from Red Mountain

Photomontage 4 View looking northwest approaching the M1 Toll Plaza

Photomontage 5 View looking northwest from north of the M1 Toll Plaza

Photomontage 6 View looking south, from N51 overbridge north of the M1 Boyne Valley Bridge

Photomontage 7 View looking east / southeast from Newgrange

Photomontage 8 View looking east / southeast from Dowth

Photomontage 9 View looking east / southeast from Knowth

Photomontage 10 View looking northwest from eastern end of Bellewstown Ridge

Photomontage 11 View looking northwest from the northern slopes of Bellewstown Ridge

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Platin Cement Works Extension EIS - 2005 Page 1 - 1

1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared to accompany an

application to Meath County Council by Irish Cement Ltd, for full Planning Permission for the construction of an extension to the existing Cement Works at Platin, Co. Meath.

1.2 The subject application is for full planning permission for an extension to the existing

cement works on an 8.2 hectare site within its property boundary at Platin, Co. Meath. The site is located in the townland of Platin (see Figure 1.1).

1.3 This application is for a new kiln and associated plant. The main elements of the

development include the following, as shown on Figure 1.2. The contiguous elevations of the proposed development from the south, east and west are shown on Figures 1.3 and 1.4.

• Limestone Store • Raw Materials store • Raw Mill • Preheater Tower and Stack • Kiln • Kiln Filter • Grate Cooler • Grate Cooler Filter • Office Building • Coal Mill Building • Clinker Storage silo • Cement Mill Building • Workshop / stores • Associated conveyors • Site works and internal roads. • Miscellaneous buildings, structures and services.

1.4 The proposed development requires the demolition of existing factory offices, stores and maintenance workshops. Replacement office and stores / workshop buildings will be located elsewhere on site. 24 no. and 7 no. associated car parking spaces will be provided for these buildings respectively. Demolition of a redundant boiler house and oil storage tank will be carried out to facilitate construction of the proposed new workshop and stores. Improvement of sightlines at the Irish Cement Ltd. entrance on the R152 will be carried out, which will include setback of existing fencing and boundary planting.

1.5 The Platin Cement Works was established in the early 1970’s with an initial annual capacity

of the order of 400,000 tonnes of clinker. It was expanded, with the addition of a second kiln, in the late 1970’s when nominal capacity was expanded to 1,600,000 tonnes of clinker per annum.

1.6 Irish Cement now propose to install a new kiln and associated plant and to decommission

the first kiln. This will increase the overall production capacity to 2.4 million tonnes of clinker per annum. This in turn gives rise to a production of cement in the order of 2.8 million tonnes per annum. This will allow the company to maximise efficiency through economies of scale.

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INTRODUCTION


Environmental Impact Assessment

1.7 This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared to accompany an

application to Meath County Council, by Irish Cement Ltd. (ICL), for planning permission for an extension to the cement works at Platin, Co. Meath.

1.8 The application site, covering approximately 8.2 hectares is currently in the ownership of

Irish Cement Ltd, and forms part of their overall 426 hectare site. The site is situated west of R152 regional road (Duleek to Drogheda), approximately 3 km from Drogheda. It is located in the townland of Platin, within the jurisdiction of Meath County Council.

1.9 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures are required for certain types and

scales of development, as set out in the European Union Directive (85/337/EEC) amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC and effected by the Statutory Regulations in Ireland (S.I. No. 600 of 2001; No’s 92 and 93 of 1999 and S.I. No. 349 of 1989). The Fifth Schedule of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 600 of 2001) specifies developments to which EIA applies and for which an EIS is required. The proposed development at Platin Cement Works falls into the category of ‘installations for the manufacture of cement’ and therefore an EIS is required to accompany the planning application to Meath County Council.

1.10 The content and structure of this Environmental Impact Statement are in accordance with

the EPA Guidelines for the preparation of EIS.1 1.11 The 1989 Regulations were amended in 1994 by the European Communities

(Environmental Impact Statement) (Amendment) Regulations, 19942. These Regulations give sole rights to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess and set standards for all emissions to the environment from scheduled classes of development. The EPA effect controls on emissions by means of an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) Licence.

1.12 The manufacture of cement falls within Part 2, Class 5b of the Fifth Schedule of the

Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 600 of 2001) (Class 5b All installations for the manufacture of cement). The production of cement at the existing cement works is subject to IPC Licence No. 268 issued by the EPA to Irish Cement Ltd. in October 1997.

1.13 Brady Shipman Martin (BSM) has been appointed by Irish Cement Ltd. to prepare an EIS

for the proposal to extend the cement works at Platin. The EIS has been coordinated and in part prepared by environmental and landscape staff at BSM, assisted by appropriate consultants, including E.G Pettit & Company, Consulting Engineers. E.G Pettit & Company has also been appointed to prepare the engineering drawings and outline specification for the proposed development. A full list of contributors to the EIS is included overleaf.

Company Background 1.14 Cement Limited (subsequently named Irish Cement Ltd.) was founded as a public company

in 1936. The construction of the cement plants, one at Drogheda, Co. Meath and the other at Castlemungret, Co. Limerick, was undertaken in the following two years. The Drogheda factory had an annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes while Limerick’s output was 75,000 tonnes.

1.15 Demands for cement rose quickly and plans were soon made to develop the Drogheda

Works by adding a second kiln. This went into operation in 1940, and by 1954 a third kiln was added at Drogheda and a second kiln at Limerick, which together boosted production capacity to about 700,000 tonnes per year.

1.16 By the mid-sixties three further kilns had been added in Limerick, increasing combined

yearly output of both Works to 1.3 million tonnes. The need for production capacity

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INTRODUCTION


increased, and in 1967 Irish Cement Ltd. decided to build a completely new plant at Platin, Co. Meath.

1.17 In 1970 Cement Limited and Roadstone Limited merged to form Cement Roadstone

Holdings Ltd – subsequently named CRH plc. 1.18 The new plant was constructed in 1972 at Platin, some 3kms south-west of Drogheda and

included a 400,000 tonne capacity single kiln unit. Subsequently, capacity was increased to 1.6 million tonnes of clinker annually by installing a second, much larger, kiln. As a result, production at the older, relatively inefficient Drogheda Works was gradually phased out. Facilities there were subsequently converted and developed to produce sea water magnesia for export.

1.19 In 1995, Meath Co. Co. granted permission, for a minor extension of 5.8 hectares to the

existing established quarry at Platin, and retention of the existing overburden mound. In 1998 Irish Cement Ltd. was granted planning permission to extend the existing Platin quarry by lowering the quarry floor to a finished floor level of 20m below Ordnance Datum (Poolbeg). In 1999 Meath Co. Co. granted permission to Irish Cement Ltd. for construction of 2 new silos at the cement works site. In 2000 permission was granted for the construction of new office premises at the cement works site. In 2002 permission was granted for a westward extension to Platin quarry, extending to 45ha with a finished floor level of 20m below Ordnance Datum (Poolbeg).

1.20 In 2003 permission was granted by Meath County Council for the construction of 2 no. new

entrances, including a security gate lodge and closure of 4 no. existing entrances at Platin Cement Works.

Scoping 1.21 The contents and scoping of the EIS were determined following:

• Detailed consultation with Irish Cement Ltd.; • Consultations with Meath County Council; • Knowledge of developing Irish and EU environmental regulations; • Knowledge of the area gained through previous work and site visits; • The content of Annex III of Directive 85/337/EEC; • ‘Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’

issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, 2002. 1.22 Scoping for the Environmental Impact Statement identified the principal matters requiring

detailed assessment as:

• Air Quality • Traffic • Landscape & Visual Amenity.

1.23 These issues, along with all other relevant environmental factors are addressed in the

following chapters. Due to the industrial nature of the application site (with the entire site consisting of disturbed ground), it was agreed with Meath County Council that a detailed assessment with regard to flora and fauna and cultural heritage would not be required.

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INTRODUCTION


Contributors

1.24 The contributors to the Statement, in alphabetical order by topic, are as follows

Air Quality / Climate Arup Menzies

Construction E.G. Pettit & Co. Human Beings Brady Shipman Martin Landscape & Visual Appraisal Brady Shipman Martin Noise and Vibration Eanna O’Kelly & Associates Non-technical Summary Brady Shipman Martin Orchestration of Statement Brady Shipman Martin Photomontages Brady Shipman Martin

Planning Context of the Development Brady Shipman Martin Description of the Scheme E.G. Pettit & Co. Soil E.G. Pettit & Co.

Traffic E.G. Pettit & Co. Waste E.G. Pettit & Co.

Water E.G. Pettit & Co.

Study Team

1.25 The contributors to the Statement, in alphabetical order, are as follows –

Tom Bolger, B.E., M.Sc., C.Eng., MIEI E.G. Pettit & Company

Thomas Burns B.Agr.Sc. (Land.Hort.), Dip.EIA.Mgt., MILI Brady Shipman Martin

Michael Grace BA MSc(Plan) DipEnvEng MIPI MRTPI Brady Shipman Martin

John Kelly, Barch (Hons) Brady Shipman Martin

Aisling McDonnell BA MSc Brady Shipman Martin

Don Menzies BE Bcomm PhD Euring Ceng FIEI

FIChemE MinstE MIGasE MCIBSE Arup Menzies

Eanna O’Kelly BE, M Acoustical Society of America Eanna O’Kelly & Associates

Aine Ryan Dip ERM, BSc Sp Plan Brady Shipman Martin

Dearbhla Walshe BSc Surv(Hons) DipEnvMan Brady Shipman Martin

Sinead Whyte, MSc. BSc. Arup Menzies

1 Guidelines on Information to be contained in EIS, Environmental Protection Agency, 2002, Environment Publications. 2 Statutory Instrument No. 84 of 1994

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DROGHEDA

Platin Cement Works

N0 0.5km 1km

Figure 1.1 - Site Location

PLATIN CEMENT WORKS

EXTENSION - EIS 2005

Date NOV 2005 Status Planning

Drn DW Checked MG

Job No 4679 Drawing No

Proposed Development

Site Boundary

Irish Cement Ltd.

Property Boundary

Site Notice

Source: 1:50,000 O.S. Discovery Series Map

M1

M1

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SITESITE

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2 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY 2.1 Irish Cement Ltd., a company within the CRH Group, is planning to extend its cement

manufacturing plant at Platin, Co. Meath. 2.2 The Platin Cement Works was established in 1972 with an initial capacity of 400,000 tonnes

of clinker per annum. It was expanded in 1977 to give an overall nominal capacity of the order of 1,600,000 tonnes of clinker

2.3 Irish Cement now propose to install a new kiln and associated plant and to decommission

the first kiln. This will increase the overall production capacity to 2.4 million tonnes of clinker per annum. This in turn gives rise to a production of cement in the order of 2.8 million tonnes per annum. This will allow the company to maximise efficiency through economies of scale.

2.4 This application is for the new kiln and associated plant. The main elements of the

development include the following:

• Limestone Store • Raw Materials store • Raw Mill • Preheater Tower and Stack • Kiln • Kiln Filter • Grate Cooler • Grate Cooler Filter • Office Building • Coal Mill Building • Clinker Storage silo • Cement Mill Building • Workshop • Associated conveyors • Site works and internal roads. • Miscellaneous buildings structures and services.


Impacts of the Development 2.6 The topics to be addressed within an Environmental Impact Statement are Human Beings,

Flora and Fauna, Soil, Water, Air, Climate, Noise, Landscape, Cultural Heritage, Waste, Construction and finally Interaction of the Foregoing. Each of the aforementioned are examined with reference to;

The receiving environment; The nature and scale of the impact; Assessment of the impact; and Mitigation measures

2.7 The impacts associated with this development are categorised into “Type”, “Quality”,

“Significance” and “Duration”.

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NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY


2.8 At the time of preparation of this EIS two potential developments were identified in the

vicinity of the existing cement works and subject site. These potential developments are:

The Proposed Indaver Ireland Waste Management facility including a community recycling park, a recycling plant for non-hazardous industrial material, a waste to energy plant for non-hazardous waste; and

The proposed Scottish and Southern Energy Power Station.

2.9 While the situation with regard to the proposed power station is in some doubt, the relevant

data for both potential developments has been included in the assessment of the traffic, air quality and visual impact of the proposed development at Platin Cement Works, in order to provide a robust and conservative assessment.

Human Beings 2.10 Habitation in the immediate area is sparse and is generally confined to linear settlement

patterns along local routes. Irish Cement Ltd., through its cement works and quarry at Platin employs some 250 people directly and generates significant additional employment in various service and supply industries. Construction of the proposed development will employ approximately 300 construction staff for a period of approximately 24 months. The proposed development will sustain current employment levels during operation of the cement works. The proposal will not therefore have a direct negative impact on the local resident population.

Flora and Fauna 2.11 The proposed cement works extension will be constructed entirely within the existing cement

works area, which is an area of disturbed ground and hardstanding. Following consultation with Meath County Council officials, it has been agreed that a flora and fauna assessment of the existing cement works site is not necessary.

Soil 2.12 The construction of the proposed new building structures, which will be located within the

curtilage of the existing cement works facility, will require extensive foundations to be taken down to bedrock. Excavated material from the excavations will either be deposited in the overburden mound in accordance with the company’s IPC Licence (No. 268), or where possible will be recycled as a raw material.

2.13 The new construction will not require the removal of any topsoil from the site, as all the

buildings are located in previously excavated areas.

Water 2.14 Currently three sources of water are used in the cement works at Platin. Cooling water is

sourced from the adjacent limestone quarry. There is a secondary back-up supply of cooling water from the Cruicerath public supply. Domestic water is sourced from the public mains. Large quantities of water are required in the cooling towers approximately 2.8 million litres per day. The development of Kiln 3 will not increase water demand.

2.15 Domestic water is used for domestic purposes and for laboratory testing. The development

will require an additional 10% of domestic water above existing requirements. It is therefore envisaged approximately 19,000 litres per day are required.

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2.16 All water discharges from the site are currently controlled by the EPA (IPC Licence No. 268). There are three sources of water feeding the single licenced discharge point from the site. Domestic sewage is treated in an on-site treatment plant (currently being updated by the installation of a Klargester type effluent treatment system) prior to discharge to the River Nanny. Excess quarry water is also discharged to the River Nanny. The development will give rise to a small increase in domestic effluent discharges though the increase will remain within the limits specified by the EPA.

2.17 Surface water runoff from this site is controlled and treated prior to being discharged to the

River Nanny. The additional impervious area arising from this proposed development amounts to 14,250 sq. metres. This represents an increase of less than 9% of the impervious area of the total cement works site of 163,000 sq. metres. The increase in the hydraulic load from this development is not significant in the context of the overall developed site. Spent cooling water is discharged to the surface water drainage system and through the settlement tanks to the River Nanny.

2.18 No mitigation measures are proposed as the proposed development does not give rise to

any significant increase in discharges from the site and all discharges will be within the limits set by the EPA.

Air Quality 2.19 Existing uses of the adjacent lands are mainly agricultural, with the exception of the

limestone quarry. The surrounding area has reasonable air quality. The upgrade of Irish Cement plant’s facilities will be within the existing site area. The limestone quarry, which provides the primary raw material for the cement making process, is to the west of the factory site. The site is bounded on the South East by the road R152 and on the North East by a minor road. Scottish Power and Indaver Ireland are proposing to build adjacent to the Irish Cement Plant. The M1 is approximately 500m metres from the cement works.

2.20 Investigations reveal that all substances (PM10 and NO2), which will be emitted from the Irish

Cement site at Platin, will be at levels that are well below even the most stringent (2010) ambient air quality standards and guidelines. Emissions of NO2 and PM10 from the existing licenced discharge points do not lead to exceedance of any air quality guidelines. The addition of the kiln 3 and associated support systems and the decommissioning of kiln 1 will reduce the PM10 and NO2 ground level concentrations (GLC’s) due to improved environmental efficiency.

2.21 It is not expected that the proposed upgrade of the existing Irish Cement facility will result in

the generation of odours due to the nature of the development. 2.22 Fugitive emissions will be controlled under the site IPC Licence. During construction, the

potential for significant dust emissions will only arise during site clearance and excavation in dry weather. During such activities levels of dust are likely to be low and localised. Therefore there will not be any significant impacts.

2.23 Particulate filters and NOx abatement equipment will be installed to the highest standards

and no air quality standards will be exceeded.

Climate

2.24 Ireland ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in

April 1994 and the Kyoto Protocol in principle in 1997 and formally in May 2002. 2.25 Irish Cement Platin facility has been allocated an individual installation allowance for the pilot

phase (2005-2007) of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). ICL holds a Green House Gas (GHG) permit which allows it to emit CO2 equal to its specified GHG allocation in the Final Allocation Decision(5) and to trade allowances with other participating installations or

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individuals. ICL’s allocation contributes to Ireland’s overall GHG budget which is calculated to achieve Ireland’s Kyoto obligations.

2.26 Industrial impact on climate change is controlled by the ETS. ICL’s GHG emissions

allocation is based on its historical emissions data. The EPA carried out detailed site-by-site verification of all baseline CO2 data provided by participants in the ETS prior to issuing emissions allocations. An application for an amendment to the site’s greenhouse gas permit will be made to the EPA to accommodate the proposed development.

2.27 Greater energy efficiency in clinker making is expected to be achieved as a result of the

proposed development. The existing kiln 1 and associated preheater are to be replaced by modern, more energy efficient plant/equipment. The new kiln will generate approximately 12% less CO2 per tonne of clinker compared to Kiln 1.

2.28 The new preheater structure will accommodate an energy efficient preheater system. A

special de-NOx process will be employed in the preheater/kiln system to minimise NOx emissions to the atmosphere. The new kiln will be fitted with a modern energy efficient grate cooler.

2.29 The proposed scheme will not cause a significant increase in traffic. Therefore, traffic-

generated greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the proposed development will not be significant.

2.30 The proposed development will not adversely impact on the climate and subsequently there

will be no residual impact on climatic factors.

Noise 2.31 The existing noise environment was determined at the nearest noise sensitive location,

which is located at a distance of 600 m from the centre of the manufacturing plant to the south east. Continuous noise measurements were made over the period 30th of July 2005 to the 5th of August 2005.

2.32 The main noise sources likely to be relevant at the nearest noise sensitive location are those

components of plant, which are located externally, such as large fans and planetary coolers. Other components of plant, which are located within buildings such as cement mills, are lower order secondary sources.

2.33 Noise levels were measured and shown to be below limits set by the EPA in the company’s

IPC Licence. 2.34 The decommissioning of Kiln 1 and the commissioning of Kiln 3 will result in a zero increase

in emitted noise. Although the annual capacity of Kiln 3 of 1,200,000 tonnes of clinker is three times that of Kiln 1, advances in technology mean that less fans and less fan power are required.

Landscape & Visual Appraisal 2.35 The landscape surrounding the Cement Works is typically rural and pastoral agricultural

land-uses predominate. Within this landscape the vertical ‘solid’ mass of the existing cement works facility is a prominent visual reference and more immediately it forms the dominant visual element within the landscape, particularly when viewed from the east.

2.36 Over the past 20 years, extensive landscaping has been carried out in and around the

cement works. Works have included the planting of over 65,000 trees and shrubs on some 12.6 hectares. Along with these works some smaller scale landscape works were also undertaken at the entrances and associated with the new offices.

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2.37 The existing stacks rise to 145m and 153m above ordnance datum. It is proposed that the new preheater tower and stack will rise to approximately 165m and 170m AOD respectively and in doing so will form the tallest structures on site. The proposed preheater tower and associated stack are to be sited east and slightly south of - but albeit close to - the existing stacks. The top of the tower and the stack will be fitted with aircraft warning lights.

2.38 The proposed development will not give rise to significant additional landscape or visual

impact. At most the development will tend to be a significant focus of attention during construction and thereafter will impact only in increasing the existing visual mass or bulk of development on the site. This effect will be most noticeable from open areas within the landscape to the immediate east; from the elevated vantage points of Red Mountain and Bellewstown Ridge and from residential properties along the Cruicerath Road; the Donore to Duleek Road; and the R152 Road.

2.39 In the medium and longer-term, given the presence of the existing facility and as no

appreciable change occurs within existing views it is considered that negative landscape or visual impact will not arise from the proposed development.

2.40 The continuing establishment of the existing planting will increasingly have a more

pronounced effect in the screening and softening of the mass of the facility. All of the landscape areas are managed and maintained under on-going landscape maintenance contracts first established in the 1980s. The landscape and general plantings will continue to be managed so as to maximise this effect.

Cultural Heritage 2.41 The proposed cement works extension will be constructed entirely within the existing cement

works area, which is an area of disturbed ground and hardstanding. Following consultation with Meath County Council officials, it has been agreed that a cultural heritage assessment of the existing cement works site is not necessary.

Material Assets - Traffic 2.42 The proposed development will increase output from the cement works, improve the

production process and remove the need for imported clinker. 2.43 The proposed development at Platin Cement Works will give rise to an increase in the traffic

movements to and from the plant, both in the delivery of raw materials and despatch of cement from the plant. However, the cessation of the sourcing of clinker from outside the site, when the new development is operational, will eliminate this source of traffic.

2.44 As agreed with Meath County Council, the traffic impact assessment carried out for the EIS

takes into account additional traffic from the potential developments adjacent to the cement plant such as the Waste Management facility proposed by Indaver Ireland and a power station proposed by Scottish & Southern Power. While there is some doubt as to whether the power station will go ahead, the potential traffic from this development is included in the assessment.

2.45 There are several access points to the cement works site both from the R152 and county

road CR319, including a customer access directly off the R152 and three raw material/staff access points off the county road CR319. There is also an access to the quarry area off the R152. However, this access is not relevant to the proposed development.

2.46 To fully assess the existing conditions traffic surveys were conducted. As agreed with Meath

County Council NRTF high growth factors have been applied to estimate traffic volumes for 2009 the projected year of opening.

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2.47 During the construction phase of the development it is estimated that there will be approximately 300 construction staff resulting in an additional 200 vehicles during the peak construction period and an additional 40 daily truck movements.

2.48 The detailed assessment undertaken indicates that there will be a low impact on the

surrounding road network based on the development proposal and the two potential developments. The proposed development will have a minimum impact on the road network with peak hour traffic increases of less than 2%.

2.49 The detailed assessment also indicates that both the R152 site access and the R152/CR319

crossroads will operate satisfactorily during peak traffic periods with the additional traffic generated by the proposed development and the other two potential developments. Accordingly no mitigation measures are proposed.

Waste

2.50 The activity on the site is subject to an IPC Licence, issued by the EPA which obliges the

applicant to exercise control on the site that will:-

minimise waste generated encourage recycling of waste contain waste in a safe manner ensure the safe disposal of waste without risk to the environment

2.51 The Applicant applies stringent quality control procedures on the site, and ensures that the

above objectives are achieved. In addition to minimising waste, the Applicant has an established practice of recycling where possible. This practice currently extends to pallets, waste metals, water, paper, lubricants and process waste.

2.52 The applicant is a member of REPAK and as such is committed to the recycling of as much

waste as possible. Where wastes must be disposed of off site, only licensed collection and disposal contractors are employed.

2.53 After commissioning, the proposed activity will at most give rise to an increase of less than

10% in the quantity of the waste arising on site, with the exception of overburden which will increase by approximately 25%. However, systems are now in place at Platin to maximise the use of overburden as a raw material. Systems will be employed to ensure the waste management hierarchy is observed. The proposal will not therefore have a significant impact.

Construction 2.54 Site preparation for the proposed development will consist of the demolition of the existing

workshop, stores and office building and of the existing oil storage tanks and boiler house. All site infrastructures such as drainage, water supply, are in place from the previous development on this site.

2.55 The plant installation will proceed when the building work is sufficiently advanced. Large

plant items will be installed while building work progresses. 2.56 Once the site is sufficiently cleared, temporary facilities in the form of offices, personnel

facilities, storage compounds, etc. will be installed to facilitate the safe and orderly progression of the works.

2.57 The most up to date environmental standards will be applied in planning and executing the

construction to ensure impacts on the environment are minimised.

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2.58 Construction work will only be permitted between 0700 and 2100 Monday to Friday and 0700 to 1800 on Saturdays. For some continuous operations, e.g. concrete slipforming and kiln erection, works may take place outside these hours. During the construction period, all plant and equipment will conform to noise emission limits set out in Statutory Instrument No. 320 of 1988 European Communities (Construction Plant and Equipment)(Permissible Noise Level) Regulations 1988 and amendment set out in Statuary Instrument No. 359 of 1996.

2.59 At the peak of construction there will be up to 40 HGVs/day entering the site. Car numbers

entering the site will vary from approximately 30 per day initially up to approximately 200 per day at peak.

2.60 It is expected that construction personnel will average approximately 300, employed for a

period of approximately 24 months. 2.61 Comparatively high noise levels could arise during the construction phase particularly from

the use of pneumatic jackhammers and/or hydraulic rock breakers in the demolition of the existing offices and also during the demolition and the decommissioning of Kiln 1. Within 10m of this type of activity the noise levels are likely to be of the order of LAeq of 88 dBA.

2.62 At the nearest noise sensitive location, the noise level due to these types of activities would

be less than 50 dBA due to attenuation with distance and due to acoustic screening by parts of the structures of the existing plant. This noise would be temporary and intermittent in nature, and will have little impact on the nearest noise sensitive location.

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3 DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHEME 3.1 Irish Cement Ltd., a company within the CRH Group, is planning to extend its cement

manufacturing plant at Platin, Co. Meath. 3.2 The Platin Cement Works commenced production in 1972 when Kiln 1 was commissioned

with initial nominal capacity of 400,000 tonnes of clinker per annum. The plant was expanded in 1972 with the addition of Kiln 2 which boosted nominal production capacity to give an annual production of 1,600,000 tonnes per annum.

3.3 Irish Cement now proposes to install a new kiln and associated plant and to decommission

Kiln 1. This will give rise to an overall nominal production capacity of 2.4 million tonnes of clinker per annum. This in turn gives rise to a production of cement in the order of 2.8 million tonnes per annum. The new development will reduce CO2 emissions per tonne of cement and will ensure all production at the site can be from locally produced clinker. This will allow the company to maximise efficiency through economies of scale.

3.4 This application is for the new kiln and associated plant. The main elements of the

development include the following, as shown on Figure 1.2.

• Limestone Store • Raw Materials store • Raw Mill • Preheater Tower and stack • Kiln • Kiln Filter • Grate Cooler • Grate Cooler Filter • Office Building • Coal Mill Building • Clinker Storage silo • Cement Mill Building • Workshop / stores • Associated conveyors • Site works and internal roads. • Miscellaneous buildings structures and services.


3.6 The net footprint floor area of the principal manufacturing and ancillary buildings, including

storage is 17,566 sq.m.

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DESCRIPTION OF SCHEME

Platin Cement Works Extension EIS - 2005 Page 3- 2

The Site

Existing use

3.7 The site has accommodated a cement manufacturing plant since 1972. To the west of the

factory site is the Limestone quarry, which provides the primary raw material for the cement making process.

Adjoining Uses

3.8 The site is bounded on the south east by the road R152, on the north east by county road

CR319 and on the west by the limestone quarry. The existing uses of the adjacent lands are agricultural, with the exception of the limestone quarry.

Access to the Site

3.9 There are four access points to the relevant development site from the adjoining roads as

follows:

• Access for dispatch of cement and to the Irish Cement Administration building off the R152;

• Access for factory employees and visitors from county road CR319 at the North boundary;

• Access to employee carpark from county road CR319 at the north boundary; • Access for raw material deliveries, i.e. shale etc. from county road CR319 on the

northern boundary.

3.10 There is also an access to the quarry area off the R152. However, this is not relevant to this development.

3.11 The site is also served by an Iarnrod Eireann branch line which is used for the despatch of

bulk cement by rail.

Geology 3.12 The geology of the site consists of glacial till overburden with limestone bedrock.

Description of Existing Facility General 3.13 Cement manufacture has taken place on this site since 1972, and the plant was expanded

to meet market demand in 1977.

Quarrying: Limestone

3.14 Platin Cement Works is adjacent to adequate reserves of limestone suitable for cement manufacture.

3.15 The reserves are overlain by glacial till. This material is removed on a planned basis. The

limestone is drilled and blasted prior to loading for transport to the plant proper. Typically, 18 metre faces are developed.

3.16 Dewatering of the quarry, the level of which is below the natural water table, is achieved by

pumping from a floor sump and deep wells.

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3.17 Diesel fuelled wheel loaders load off-highway dump trucks, of up to 65 tonne capacity for transport of the ‘run-of-quarry’ stone to the crushing plant, which has a capacity of 1000 tonnes per hour.

3.18 The purpose of the crushing plant is to reduce the size of limestone to a nominal maximum

size of 100mm. While normal operation brings the crushed limestone to the limestone store, a facility to feed an off-line emergency stockpile is available. Stone can be retrieved from the outside pile via a mechanical infeeder. The main limestone store, of capacity 36,000 tonnes affords a blending effect that allows stone from different faces to be mixed into a reasonably homogenous material. An on-line analyser is installed to provide representative composite samples of crushed stone.

Shale

3.19 Shale is hauled by road from quarries near Donore and Denhamstown. A two stage

crushing system is operated for shale with a capacity of 500 tonnes per hour. The crushed shale is stored in a homogenising store of capacity 12,000 tonnes. The shale system includes a blending process to maximise the use of overburden (clay containing silica).

Rawmilling 3.20 Limestone and shale are extracted from the homogenising stores by specially designed

reclaimers and conveyed to separate mill feed hoppers. From the hoppers, these materials are conveyed together by belt to the raw mills.

3.21 The objective of the rawmilling unit operation is to produce a meal of finely ground, dry and

intimately mixed raw materials. There are two raw mills operating in Platin at present. Mill No. 1 is a horizontal ball mill that uses the action of spherical steel media in a revolving chamber for grinding. It has a capacity of 110 tonnes per hour.

3.22 Mill No. 2 is a vertical roller mill. It has a capacity of 330 tonnes per hour. Exhaust gases

from the kilns are used for drying the material in the raw mills. 3.23 The rawmeal produced in the mill is conveyed to homogenising silos by a combination of

pneumatic and mechanical equipment. There are four raw meal silos. Homogenising takes place in the upper chamber, which has a capacity of 2,000 tonnes, and the rawmeal then drops by gravity into the lower storage chamber that has a capacity of 5,000 tonnes per silo.

Clinker Making

3.24 Rawmeal is extracted from storage silos and mechanically transported to a feed hopper.

The rawmeal flow is weighed and controlled on extraction from the feed hopper and conveyed into the kiln system.

3.25 There are two kiln lines in Platin at present, Kiln 1 has a single stage preheater, Kiln 2 has a

four stage preheater. 3.26 The preheater of the kiln system is a counter current, cyclone based, heat exchanger where

heat is recovered from exhaust gases by the kiln feed. In the preheater, any residual moisture is removed. Thereafter, the temperature of the rawmeal rises rapidly as it falls through the preheater system where calcination begins. Conversely, the temperature of the exhaust gases fall rapidly as it flows to the exit of the preheater system.

3.27 The rawmeal falls into the kilns proper from the preheaters. As the material travels down the

rotary kiln, the calcination process is completed and the transformation into clinker minerals occurs at a material temperature of 1450ºC. To protect the kiln shell at these high operating temperatures, a lining of refractory material is installed. This lining gradually wears away by abrasion and thermal shocks. Renewal is required at approximately yearly intervals.

3.28 Kiln 1 is fitted with 11 planetary coolers. These are tubes attached to the kiln shell through

which the hot product clinker flows counter-currently to incoming air for combustion. Kiln 2

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has a grate cooler through which the clinker is passed and cooled by incoming air. Excess air is drawn off and passed through an electrofilter before discharge to atmosphere. Cooled clinker is transported from the kiln by mechanical conveyor to clinker silos. There are seven clinker storage silos in Platin at present.

3.29 Combustion gases are drawn through the kiln and cyclone preheater by a fan. After the

preheater, the gases are cooled by water injection in a conditioning tower and subsequently dedusted in an electrostatic precipitator. The exhaust gases are used for drying in the rawmills. The dust collected in the conditioning tower and the precipitator is returned to the kiln feed. The primary fuel for kiln firing at Platin is petroleum coke.

3.30 Pet coke is stored in on-site stockpiles. The material is pulverised in an airswept ball mill

before metering and pneumatic conveying into the kiln’s burners. Exhaust gases from the kiln are used to ventilate the coal mill. These gases are cleaned in the coal mill’s electrostatic precipitator before venting to atmosphere.

3.31 While the kilns are currently fired by petcoke, and have in the past used coal and oil, small

quantities of gas and oil are used to light and preheat the kiln at startup.

Cement Milling

3.32 Clinker is extracted mechanically from storage and transported by a combination of mechanical conveyors to the feed hoppers of the three cement mills.

3.33 Gyspum is added at the cement mill to control the setting time of the final cement. A

Gypsum store is available for strategic stocks. On occasions the material is imported. 3.34 Three ball mills are operated at Platin Cement Works. Each mill is equipped with either a

water injection system or an air cooling system to control the internal mill temperatures when required. Excessive temperatures cause dehydration of gypsum that modifies its action in control of setting time. The finished product is conveyed by a combination of mechanical and pneumatic means to one of the cement silos. Fillers such as limestone and raw meal are added at the milling stage in accordance with standard requirements.

Cement Storage and Dispatch

3.35 There are ten cement storage silos in Platin. Two of the silos are used for the storage and direct dispatch of bulk cement by road. Each of these silos has two truck loading bays. There are four other bulk truck loading bays contained in a bulk outloading building. One of the silos is dedicated for the storage and dispatch of bulk cement by rail, with a dedicated weighbridge. One is allocated for the storage of slag binder, with a dedicated weighbridge. The other six cement storage silos are used for buffer storage, to supply the four bulk truck loading bays, supply of cement to the packing plant, transfer of cement to the rail silo and for storage of special cements. There is also a dedicated outloading point for cement silo 6.

Packing Plant

3.36 The cement is transported from the silos to the Packing Plant by a combination of air slides, screw conveyers and elevators. There are two rotary packers which fill 25 kg. bags. The bagged cement is palletized on two palletizers. The completed pallets are loaded onto trucks by overhead crane or forklift for dispatch.

Existing Ancillary Facilities

3.37 Existing ancillary facilities on the site include:

• 110 kV electricity sub-station • Underground cable tunnels, electricity sub-station and switch rooms • Workshops and Stores • Control building • Administration offices

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• Personnel facilities • Roads and paved areas • Process water supply reservoir • Potable water supply from the public mains • Sewage treatment plant • Surface water settlement tanks

Proposed Development

Description of Proposed Development Quarrying: Limestone

3.38 The adjacent quarry has capacity to meet the requirements of the proposed development.

No changes are envisaged for the limestone crushing plant, as sufficient capacity exists. 3.39 A new limestone store will be provided. This will be a circular building of diameter 97.0m

and approx. 25.0m high. New conveyors will be provided for filling and extraction of the limestone.

Raw Milling

3.40 A new raw mill will be installed in a new raw mill building. Adjacent to the building there will

be a buffer storage hoppers for storage of raw materials. 3.41 The existing raw meal silos have sufficient capacity to store the additional raw meal

required.

Clinker Making 3.42 A new preheater structure 120 metres high will be installed to accommodate an energy

efficient five-stage cyclone preheater system. This will be higher than the existing preheater structures because an additional cyclone stage is being incorporated to improve energy efficiency. A special de-NOx process will be employed in the preheater/kiln system to minimise NOx emissions to the atmosphere.

3.43 A new kiln will be installed with a nominal capacity of 3,500 tonnes/day. In this instance, a

modern energy efficient grate cooler will be fitted. A new coal mill will be provided to prepare the fuel for the new kiln. An additional 80,000 tonne clinker storage silo will be constructed to provide additional storage capacity together with an associated 1,800 tonne off-specification clinker silo. The conveyor systems will be modified to facilitate full interchanging of clinker to new or existing silos and cement mills.

Cement Milling

3.44 A new cement mill, with a capacity of 120 tonnes per hour, will be provided. The mill and

associated equipment will be installed in a new building. 3.45 A new cement conveyor system will be provided to transfer the cement to the cement

storage silos. The new conveyor will be integrated into the existing cement transfer system.

Cement Storage and Dispatch

3.46 Existing cement storage and dispatch facilities are sufficient to handle the increased output.

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New Office

3.47 A new office building will be provided to replace the existing office facility that will be demolished to make way for the new kiln.

New Workshop and Stores 3.48 A new building to accommodate workshops and stores will be provided to replace the

existing facilities that will be demolished to make way for the new kiln.

Ancillary Works 3.49 These will include new drainage installation, concrete paved areas, retaining walls, etc. A

number of electricity sub-stations and switch rooms will be required.

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4 PLANNING CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT 4.1 This section of the EIS examines all planning and development publications relevant to the

proposed development at Platin Cement Works and Quarry, County Meath. 4.2 The publications below address the issues of the strength of the economic performance of

this area and sustainable development at both national and county levels. The site lies within Meath County Council and therefore the Meath County Development Plan 2001 and the Integrated Strategy for Meath to 2012 were examined. At a national level the National Development Plan 2000-2006 (NDP) and the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020 (NSS) were examined. Introduction

4.3 The market for cement in Ireland has been consistently growing and Irish Cement Ltd. needs to ensure its ability to continue to supply the development requirements of the construction industry from domestic production and native resources.

4.4 The original kiln at Platin, which was installed in 1972, is now nearing the end of its

economic life, and in line with similar installations of its time, will not have the capacity to meet forthcoming environmental requirements.

4.5 The new development will ensure compliance with the new requirements into the future.

National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020

4.6 The Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is the area which drives much of the Country’s economic success, and in recent years has experienced rapid development

“The performance of the GDA is pivotal to the overall economic well-being of Ireland”. (22)

4.7 What is also noted within the NSS is that in order to maintain the

success of the GDA and its surrounding counties;

“It is essential…that the performance of the economy of the…GDA…is built upon so that its success, competitiveness and national role are sustained into the future” (42)

4.8 Regarding economic development, our environment provides resources that support a range

of activities, some of which are mineral use and industry. It is noted that the main aim with regard to these is to;

“Ensure that the resources are used in sustainable ways that put as much emphasis as possible on their renewability” (114)

4.9 The development of the natural resources sector is stated as having a;

“Key role to play in supporting and advancing the economic well being of rural and coastal areas” (101)

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PLANNING CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT

Platin Cement Works Extension EIS – 2005 Page 4 - 2

4.10 Developments in the natural resources sector is seen as offering;

“Significant advantages for stable, long-term economic activity in rural areas, providing work for which many of the skills required are available locally” (101)

National Development Plan 2000 – 2006 4.11 The National Development Plan (NDP) aims at building on the

economic progress found in Ireland through recent years and strengthening future sustainable progress, based on the development needs of the Country.

4.12 The Productive Sector includes manufacturing industry and natural

resources based industries. Such activities are;

“Essentially the driver of economic growth and as such is relied on to deliver jobs and wealth creation” (121)

4.13 Through the Research, Technological Development and Innovation

(RTDI) programme, approximately €25million has been allocated to an Environmental Research Programme, which will;

“Concern itself with the need to measure the impact of economic development, as well as contributing to sustainable development of natural resources using the highest environmental standards” (133)

Strategic Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area,1999

4.14 The Strategic Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area, of which areas of both urban and rural Meath are part, notes that:

“The Greater Dublin Area is rich in aggregate deposits which are especially prevalent in counties Kildare, Wicklow and Meath” (Chapter 2). It will be necessary to ensure that development policies allow for the production of sufficient aggregates in the Greater Dublin Area to meet the needs of expected growth” (Chapter 4).

Sustainable Development – A Strategy for Ireland 1997

4.15 The principle purpose of the Strategy is to;

“Provide a comprehensive analysis and framework which will allow sustainable development to be taken forward more systematically in Ireland” (3)

4.16 Ireland’s environment offers high quality natural resources, and it is

recognised within this document that these need to be developed in a sustainable way;

“Responsible growth, maintaining natural capital, eco-efficient, clean production, lowering input costs and adding value to output” (83)

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An Integrated Strategy for Meath to 2012

4.17 This strategy represents an integrated blueprint for the economic, social

and cultural development of County Meath for the next ten years. The main objective behind it is;

“To promote the sustainable development of County Meath through an integrated and socially inclusive approach that recognises the economic, social and cultural potential of the population, and the limits of opportunities provided by the county’s environmental and other resources” (4)

4.18 The Strategy looks to;

“Protect the quality of the environment both as an intrinsic resource and as the basis for development now and into the future in accordance with the principals of sustainable development” (65) Meath County Development Plan 2001, Volume I

4.19 Due to Meath’s location within the Greater Dublin Area, it is under a significant amount of

development pressure. Within the County Development Plan, Meath is divided into ‘Development Corridors’ in order to effectively plan for this increasing development pressure within the County. The area of East Meath is within Corridor 2. The core objectives for this area include the following:

“Encouraging development at suitable locations where there is established carrying capacity in terms of sanitary services and where the development would be well served by rail based transportation” (2.6.5.1)

4.20 It is noted that within Meath the larger industrial and employment enterprises include that of the extractive industry. Natural resources found within Meath include building materials products such as:

“…stone reserves including high purity limestones and shale used in cement and magnesia manufacture” (3.6.16)

4.21 These resources are identified as valuable for the local and regional economy, through the provision of economic growth and employment and underpinning construction output. It is an objective of the Council to facilitate the exploitation of the County’s natural resources and development compatible with mining or quarrying activities will be permitted:

“It is an objective of the planning authority to facilitate the exploitation of the county’s natural resources and to exercise control over the types of development taking place in areas containing proven or potential deposits…in such areas, only development compatible with mining or quarrying activities will be permitted in areas being or likely to be used for these purposes” (3.6.16)

As with all natural resources, the Council further recognises the importance of extraction within an environmentally sound and sustainable manner.

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Meath County Development Plan 2001, Volume II 4.22 This volume contains written statements and detailed objectives for specific towns and

villages (including Duleek) in Meath. The contribution of the existing Cement Works to the economy of Duleek is referenced in this plan:

“A substantial proportion of the population of Duleek is employed in manufacturing Industry such as the nearby Cement Works. In 1997 it was estimated that some 406 persons in the village were employed in manufacturing industry” (12.2.7).

4.23 The plan recognises the availability of services for industry in the village, including rail

networks as suitable for the development of industry. To further boost the level of industrial employment currently located within Duleek, a land parcel is identified in the Plan to the east of the village on the Drogheda Road to be developed for industrial purposes under Zoning Objective E1.

4.24 Specific Development Objective DK8 refers to subsurface excavation proposals:

“To refer all development proposals involving subsurface excavation in the area of archaeological interest indicated on Urban Detail Map 12 to Duchas and to take in to account their observations in the consideration of such proposals”.

4.25 The proposed development is not located within the identified area of archaeological interest indicated on Urban Detail Map 12.

Duleek Action Area Plan, 2004

4.26 An Action Area Plan for Duleek has been

prepared and relates to a site of 3.5 hectares, which is currently in a disused state and located in the core of Duleek.

4.27 The purpose of the plan is to provide for new

residential units with associated community facilities for the area. Employment opportunities within the village are identified for the newly developed industrial area east of the village centre.

4.28 The proposed development is not within the study area of the Duleek Action Area Plan and

therefore its policies and objectives do not impact upon the proposed development.

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5 HUMAN BEINGS Receiving Environment

Introduction 5.1 This chapter of the EIS examines the potential impacts of the proposed development on

human beings in close proximity to the subject site. This chapter details the potential direct and indirect effects of the proposed development with regard to the existing population adjoining the subject site and the provisions of the current Meath County Development Plan.

Demography

5.2 Some 8,398 people live in the District Electoral Divisions (D.E.D.'s) of Duleek and St. Mary's,

which are the closest D.E.D.'s to the subject site. The population of both Duleek and St. Mary’s has grown steadily in recent years.

5.3 The demographic trends for the two relevant D.E.D's for the 11-year period between 1991

and 2002 are outlined in Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1:

Population of District Electoral Divisions 1991 1996 2002 1996-2002

% change 1996-2002

actual change

Duleek 2,496 2,434 2,941 20.8% 507St. Mary’s (part of)

3,267 3,529 5,457 54.6% 1,928

Total Pop. 5,763 5,963 8,398 40.8% 2,435Source: Central Statistics Office, 2002 Census of Population Results, Table 6.

Location of Neighbours 5.4 A desktop and visual survey of the lands immediately surrounding the site has shown it to be

sparsely populated. The location of dwelling houses are in the direct vicinity of the site, as illustrated in Figure 5.1. This shows that a small percentage of the total population as identified in Table 5.1 live within close proximity to the subject site.

Settlement and Land Use

5.5 The land surrounding the site is agricultural, with established linear settlement patterns. Those houses which are located along local roads close to the existing and proposed quarry are identified in Figure 5.1.

Economic Activity & Employment

5.6 Irish Cement Ltd., through its Cement Works and Quarry at Platin, contributes significantly to

the local and regional economies, employs some 250 people directly and generates significant additional employment in various service and supply industries.

5.7 The 2010 vision for Duleek as outlined in the current Meath County Development Plan has

envisaged the village as an administrative, heritage, population and employment development centre in the County area.

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HUMAN BEINGS


5.8 The plan recognises the contribution of the Platin Cement works to employment creation:

‘A substantial proportion of the population of Duleek is employed in manufacturing Industry such as the nearby Cement Works. In 1997 it was estimated that some 406 persons in the village were employed in manufacturing industry’ (Volume 2).

Pre-planning Consultation 5.9 In order to gain an understanding of the issues affecting the resident population of the area,

a number of consultations were conducted with Meath County Council officials. The impact on human beings is informed by the consultation process.

Impact of Development 5.10 Ultimately, all of the effects of a development on the environment impinge upon human

beings, both positively and negatively. Direct effects relate to matters such as water and air quality, noise, and landscape change. Indirect effects relate to such matters as flora and fauna.

5.11 Accordingly, the topic of human beings is addressed in the succeeding sections of the

Environmental Impact Statement by means of an appraisal of the effects of the development on the environment in general, of which human beings are an integral part.

5.12 The proposed quarry extension will have a positive impact in terms of maintaining current

employment levels in the Cement Works and quarry. The operations at Platin currently employ 250 people. Through the construction and operational phases of the proposed development there will be a net gain in employment. There will be a modest increase of approximately 10 personnel during the operation phase of the development. The construction phase will employ on average 300 construction staff for a period of approximately 24 months. The movement of site personnel throughout the local area will also have a knock on effect to the local economies of Duleek and St. Mary’s.

5.13 In the case of the current development proposed by Irish Cement Ltd., impacts on human

beings, both direct and indirect, were found to be of minor significance. However, all matters of potential concern are dealt with in the following chapters.

Mitigation Measures 5.14 The topic of human beings is addressed in the succeeding sections of the Statement by

means of an appraisal of the effects of the development on the environment in general, including human beings. Where appropriate, mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts are identified and incorporated into the proposal.

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6 FLORA & FAUNA 6.1 The proposed cement works extension will be constructed entirely within the existing cement

works area, which is an area of disturbed ground and hardstanding. Following consultation with Meath County Council officials, it has been agreed that a flora and fauna assessment of the existing cement works site is not necessary.

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7 SOIL

Receiving Environment 7.1 The base geology of the site consists of glacial till overlying carboniferous limestone. The

results of boreholes opened on the site and previous construction records, indicate a depth to bedrock varying between 2.0m and 7.0m.

Impact of the Development

7.2 The construction of the proposed new building structures, which will be located within the curtilage of the existing cement works facility, will require extensive foundations to be taken down to bedrock. As described in Chapter 11 – Construction, excavated material from the excavations will be disposed of in the overburden mound on adjacent Irish Cement Ltd. lands, or where possible will be recycled as a raw material. The materials deposited in the overburden mound are subsequently landfilled in accordance with IPC Licence No. 268 and procedures agreed with the EPA.

7.3 The new construction will not require the removal of any topsoil from the site, as all the

buildings are located in previously excavated areas.

Mitigation Measures

7.4 No mitigation measures are required.

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8 WATER

Introduction 8.1 There are three sources of water supply for the Platin Works, as follows:

(i) Cooling water - from the deep wells located in the limestone quarry adjacent to the factory site;

(ii) Back-up cooling water from the Cruicerath public supply; (ii) Domestic water - from the public mains.

Water Requirements

Cooling Water 8.2 The dry process for cement manufacture is currently used on site at Platin. It is proposed

that the new Kiln 3 will also use the dry process. In this process water is required for evaporative cooling in the conditioning towers in order to humidify the kiln gases going to the electrostatic precipitator. Cooling water is also used to cool the bearings of the kilns and mills. The total volume of cooling water used at present amounts to 2880 m³/day.

Domestic Water

8.3 Water from the public mains is used for domestic purposes and for laboratory testing. At present the volume of domestic water is approx. 17 m³/day.

Receiving Environment

Waste Water 8.4 There are four sources of water feeding a single discharge point: • Domestic sewage is currently treated in an on-site effluent treatment plant. The treated

effluent from this plant is discharged to a common discharge point to the River Nanny under IPC Licence No. 268. Irish Cement have recently installed and commissioned a new Klargester type effluent treatment system to treat the domestic effluent. The characteristics of the existing effluent and discharge limits under the IPC Licence are outlined in Table 8.1. With the new effluent treatment plant, these characteristics will be further improved.

• Surface water runoff from this site is controlled by means of a balancing tank with floating

drawoffs which limit the outflow from the tank. The outflow from the balancing tank goes to a settlement tank and from there to a common discharge point to the River Nanny. This discharge to the River Nanny is licenced by the EPA under IPC Licence No. 268.

• Spent cooling water is discharged to the surface water drainage system and through the

settlement tanks and from there to the common discharge point to the River Nanny under IPC Licence 268.

• Water from the quarry deep well pumps which is pumped to the common discharge point,

to the River Nanny under IPC Licence 268. 8.5 Details of the combined flows of the three discharges to the River Nanny and the discharge

limits under the IPC Licence are outlined in Table 8.1.

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WATER


Table 8.1 - Details of Existing Discharges

Flow Rate/

Day m³ pH BOD

mgO2/l Suspended Solids mg/l

Average Daily

17 7.6 6.3 22

Domestic Effluent from Treatment Plant

Licence Limits

100 6-9 25 30

Average daily

8078 8 2 18

Combined flow to River Nanny

Licence Limits

14,500 6-9 25 35

Proposed Development 8.6 The proposed development will not give rise to any significant increase in discharges from

the site. 8.7 The increase in domestic effluent will be in the order of 10% to 18.7 m³/day. 8.8 The increase in surface water runoff from the site will be in order of 9% arising from an

increase of approximately 14,500 sq. metres in the impervious area on the site. 8.9 In the case of cooling water, no increase is envisaged as the new kiln will be replacing an

existing kiln which will be decommissioned. 8.10 The projected effluent discharge and effluent characteristics and current licence limits are set

out in Table 8.2. The projected combined discharge to the River Nanny and discharge characteristics and

current licence limits are set out in Table 8.2.

Table 8.2 - Details of Future Discharges Flow Rate/

Day m³ pH BOD

mgO2/l Suspended Solids mg/l

Average Daily

18.7 7.6 6.3 22

Domestic Effluent from Treatment Plant

Licence Limits

100 6-9 25 30

Average daily

8545 8 2 18

Combined flow to River Nanny

Licence Limits

14,500 6-9 25 35

8.11 As can be seen from this table, the projected discharges are well within the current IPC

Licence limits.

Mitigation 8.12 No mitigation measures are proposed as the proposed development does not give rise to

any significant increase in discharges from the site and all discharges will be within the limits set in IPC Licence 268.

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9 AIR QUALITY

Introduction 9.1 Irish Cement Limited plans to extend the existing cement manufacturing plant at Platin, Co.

Meath. 9.2 This study assesses the impact of emissions from the plant on the air quality of the

surrounding area. 9.3 Air dispersion modelling of emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter

(PM10) from the existing plant and the proposed site upgrade set-up was carried out. In addition, traffic-related pollutants generated by the proposed scheme were assessed.

9.4 Predicted concentrations were compared to the relevant air quality standards (AQS).

Scope

9.5 Air dispersion modelling for both the do-minimum (existing site) and do-something (proposed site) scenarios was carried out to assess the impact of the proposed Irish Cement facility expansion on ambient air quality in the vicinity of the site.

9.6 The modelling described in this report used hourly meteorological data from Met Éireann’s

station at Dublin Airport. The model was used to predict ground level concentrations (GLCs) at receptors up to 10 km from the site. The GLCs were compared with limit values.

9.7 1-hour average, 24-hour average and annual average GLCs were calculated for the

emissions. From these the relevant percentiles were calculated. 9.8 All tables for Chapter 9, tables 9.1 to 9.10, are included below.

Characteristics of the Proposed Development 9.9 In order to increase the annual output to 2.4 million tonnes of clinker from the factory in

Platin, Irish Cement propose to install a new kiln (kiln 3). As part of the up-grade of the plant the following elements will be incorporated;

• Limestone Store • Raw Materials store • Raw Mill • Preheater Tower and Stack • Kiln • Kiln Filter • Grate Cooler • Grate Cooler Filter • Office Building • Coal Mill Building • Clinker Storage silo • Cement Mill Building • Workshop • Associated conveyors • Site works and internal roads. • Miscellaneous buildings structures and services. Kiln 1 will be decommissioned as part of the up-grade.

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Receiving Environment

Air Quality Standards

9.10 In order to reduce the impact of poor air quality, national and European statutory bodies

have set limit values in ambient air for a range of air pollutants. These limit values or “Air Quality Standards” (AQS) are health or environmental-based levels. For example, natural background levels, environmental conditions and socio-economic factors may all play a part in the limit value, which is set. Additionally, standards for NO2 have been set for the protection of vegetation in highly rural areas away from major sources of NO2 such as large conurbations, factories and high road vehicle activity such as a dual carriageway or motorway.

9.11 AQS Regulations, 2002 (S.I. No. 271 of 2002) deal with NO2 and PM10. These regulations

are based on EU Directives 1999/30/EC and 2000/69/EC. Table 9.1 lists the current AQSs relevant to the assessment of the significance of the Irish Cement facility.

9.12 In this study predicted concentrations of pollutants are assessed against the most stringent

limit value i.e. NO2 and PM10 are assessed against the 2010 limit. 9.13 The criteria to assess the potential air quality impact of the proposed development are

detailed in Table 9.2 below. Significance criteria have been developed in order to provide a qualitative assessment of the impact of the scheme. The significance criteria describe the impact of the scheme in terms of its contribution to pollutant concentrations as a percentage of the pollutant limit value.

9.14 No relative impact (as a percentage of the limit value) is specified in EU or Irish Legislation.

However the USEPA has adopted a relative impact criterion based on the scheme’s impact in relation to the applicable limit value. A criterion termed PSD (Prevention of Significant Deterioration)i is used alongside the absolute limit values defined by the USEPA (NAAQS - National Ambient Air Quality Standards). PSD values have been published for PM10.

9.15 The PSD regulations have been created to ensure that air quality remains good, while

maintaining a margin for future growth. The PSD is generally applied to industrial facilities whereas the impacts of road schemes are compared with the absolute limits in the NAAQS.

9.16 The PSD approach has been adopted for determining the relative impacts of the scheme in

the current context by assuming 25% of the EU Air Quality Standard as the PSD Increment for all pollutants.

9.17 The 25% PSD Increment is based on a comparison between the US NAAQS and the PSD

Increments for PM10 in a Class II area. Class I areas are national parks and similar areas. Class II areas are all areas not originally classified as Class I. Class III applies to those areas in which a considerable deterioration in air quality is considered acceptable. It should be noted that this 25% is based on the twenty-four hour maximum allowable increase in concentration. Using the annual geometric mean the maximum allowable increase in concentration would allow up to a 38% increase in concentration. Therefore, use of the twenty-four hour maximum is considered a worst case scenario.

9.18 In order to describe beneficial impacts of a development, a PSD Decrement has also been

defined as 25% of the relevant EU Air Quality Standard.

i Clean Air Act, 1990, Part C, Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality, USEPA.

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Existing Ambient Air Quality

9.19 The upgrade of Irish Cement’s facilities will be within the existing site area. The factory is

approximately 3kms from Drogheda. The limestone quarry, which provides the primary raw material for the cement making process, is to the west of the factory site. The site is bounded on the South East by the road R152 and on the North East by a minor road. Scottish and Southern Energy and Indaver Ireland have made proposals to build adjacent to the Irish Cement Plant. The M1 is approximately 0.5 km from the plant. Existing uses of the adjacent lands are mainly agricultural, with the exception of the limestone quarry. The surrounding area has reasonable air quality.

9.20 An extensive baseline survey was carried out in the region of the site between June and

October 2000 as part of the “Indaver Ireland, Waste Management Facility at Carranstown Environmental Impact Statement 2001”. The result for PM10 was 4 µg/m³ and for NO2 was 8 µg/m³.

Dust Deposition Monitoring

9.21 Irish Cement has been monitoring dust deposition rates in the vicinity of the site for a

number of years. The results of monitoring in the period January 2004 to January 2005 are summarised in Table 9.3. Dust-monitoring locations are shown in Figure 9.1. Due to the nature of the activities at the site some dust deposition is likely to be generated.

9.22 TA Luft, the German Air Emissions Regulation (2001 Edition) gives a limit for dust

deposition rate (non-hazardous dusts) as 350 mg/m2day, calculated as a monthly 95 % compliance. All of the measurements reported for the Irish Cement monitoring stations are well within this standard.

Impacts of Development

Modelling Assessment

9.23 The emissions from the plant were analysed by the computer model AERMOD. The model

predicts the ground level concentration caused by emission of a pollutant. The model requires data on:

Emission sources Neighbouring buildings Location and elevation of receptors Meteorological data

9.24 The utility PERCENT was used to calculate various percentiles of hourly and daily average

concentrations.

Emission Sources

9.25 Irish Cement supplied emission data and source characteristics. Data on emission sources includes the temperature, efflux velocity, height of discharge and emission rate. All emissions are discharged vertically upwards without rain cap or other obstruction.

Building Wake Effect

9.26 Data on each building comprises of the length, width and height of each section or tier. A software utility called BPIP was used, in conjunction with the location and height of emission sources, to calculate direction-specific building downwash factors from the building data. The dimensions, roof heights and location of the buildings were taken from site plans.

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Receptors

9.27 For this modelling situation, two nested cartesian receptor grids were used. The second grid extends for 10 km in each direction from the factory, with receptors at 1 km intervals. The first grid extends for 2 km in each direction from the factory, with receptors at 100 metre intervals. Elevations were taken from Ordnance Survey maps.

Meteorological Data

9.28 Data from 1998 to 2002 recorded by the Met Éireann station at Dublin Airport was used. 1998 represents the worst-case scenario as it was found to give the highest GLCs. This data was adjusted for the land usage surrounding the site using the tool AERMET. The land usage in the vicinity of the Irish Cement factory was inputted as rural for all directions. The meteorological data includes hourly values of wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric stability, ambient temperature and mixing heights.

Modelling Scenarios

9.29 Modelling was carried out for the two following combinations;

The do minimum scenario and The do-something scenario.

9.30 All emission data is presented in Tables 9.4 and 9.5 for the do-minimum and do-something

scenarios respectively.

Predicted Air Quality Impact of Proposed Scheme

9.31 The results are summarised for the do-minimum and do-something and are presented in Tables 9.6 and 9. 7 below. Isopleths illustrating the annual averages for NO2 and PM10 are shown in Figures 9.2, 9. 3, 9.4 and 9.5 for the do-minimum and do-something scenarios.

Do-Minimum Scenario

9.32 Results for NO2 and PM10 for the do-minimum scenario are given in Table 9.6.

NO2

9.33 Nitrogen dioxide values were calculated using a transformation degree of 50% from NOx to NO2 as advised by the EPA. The annual average including background levels is 11.5 µg/m³ this is well below the AQS of 40 µg/m³. Isopleths for the annual average GLC are shown in Figure 9.2.

9.34 The highest predicted 99.79th percentile of 1-hour GLCs is 74.3 µg/m³, which is less than the

AQS of 200 µg/m³.

PM10 9.35 The highest predicted 98.08th percentile of 24-hour GLCs for the do-minimum scenario is

9.8 µg/m³. This is less than the AQS of 50 µg/m³. 9.36 The highest predicted 90.41th percentile of 24-hour GLCs is 6.7 µg/m³, which is less than the

AQS of 50 µg/m³. 9.37 The highest predicted annual GLC value including background levels is 6.5 µg/m³; this

complies with the AQS of 20 µg/m³. Isopleths for the annual average GLC are shown in Figure 9.3.

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Do-Something Scenario

9.38 Results for NO2 and PM10 for the do-something scenario are given in table 9.7.

NO2

9.39 Nitrogen dioxide values were calculated using a transformation degree of 50% from NOx to NO2 as advised by the EPA. The annual average including background levels is 10.0 µg/m³. This is well below the AQS of 40 µg/m³. Isopleths for the annual average GLC are shown in Figure 9.4.

9.40 The highest predicted 99.79th percentile of 1-hour GLCs is 37.9 µg/m³, which is less than the

AQS of 200 µg/m³.

PM10

9.41 The highest predicted 98.08th percentile of 24-hour GLCs for the do-something scenario is 9.7 µg/m³. This is less than the AQS of 50 µg/m³.

9.42 The highest predicted 90.41th percentile of 24-hour GLCs for the do-something scenario is

6.6 µg/m³, which is less than the AQS of 50 µg/m³. 9.43 The highest predicted annual GLC value including background levels for the do-something

scenario is 6.4 µg/m³; this complies with the AQS of 20 µg/m³. Isopleths for the annual average GLC are shown in Figure 9.5.

Discussion of Results

9.44 The proposed development results in a decrease in the predicted GLCs of PM10 and NO2 in

the vicinity of the site.

PM10

9.45 The total emissions of PM10 from either the existing plant or the proposed development do not result in an exceedance of the air quality guidelines.

9.46 The highest predicted annual average GLC value decreases by 0.1 µg/m³ following the

development of the proposed scheme. 9.47 The impact of the proposed scheme can be defined as “minor benefit” based on the

significance criteria outlined in Table 9.2.

NO2

9.48 NO2 emissions from the existing emission points do not result in an exceedance of the AQS. With the addition of kiln 3 the predicted GLCs will remain in compliance with the AQS.

9.49 The highest predicted annual average GLC value of NO2 decreases by 1.5 µg/m³ as a result

of the proposed scheme between the do-minimum and the do-something scenarios. 9.50 The impact of the proposed scheme can be defined as “minor benefit” based on the

significance criteria outlined in Table 9.2.

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Traffic Analysis

9.51 The traffic data for the do-minimum and the do-something scenarios is given in Chapter 14.

Some small increases in traffic levels will occur due to the development. Due to the low levels of increase a detailed modelling assessment was not necessary.

9.52 Though small increases in traffic volumes may occur, the increased volume of exhaust

emissions will be balanced by improvements in both engine technology and fuel quality. Recent EU legislation, based on the EU sponsored Auto-Oil programmes, has imposed stringent emission standards for key pollutants (Euro III and Euro IV (98/69/EC) for passenger cars to be complied with in 2002 and 2006 respectively and Euro III, IV and V for diesel HGVs to be introduced in 2001, 2006 and 2008). In relation to fuel quality, a recent EU Fuel Directive (98/70/EC) has introduced significant reductions in both sulphur and benzene content of fuels.

Cumulative Impact Assessment

9.53 In this section the cumulative effect of the proposed development is assessed. This

involved considering the ambient air quality (recorded as part of the Indaver Ireland Carranstown Waste Management Facility EIS, 2001), the maximum predicted GLC as a result of the Platin Facility and the contributions from the proposed Indaver and Scottish and Southern Energy Plants at that worst-case location.

9.54 The traffic contribution is not considered, as there are no significant increases in the traffic

volumes envisaged (see Section 9.50 – 9.51 above). 9.55 The locations of the highest GLC for all three sites; Scottish and Southern Energy Power

Plant, Indaver Ireland Carranstown Waste Management Facility and Irish Cement were recorded. The GLCs at each of these points, including the contributions of the GLC from the other two facilities were measured, in order to compute the cumulative effect when all three plants would be fully operational. Tables 9.8, 9.9 and 9.10 outline the results of the assessment.

9.56 The results show that the inclusion of background levels and predicted concentrations from

adjacent facilities will result in continued compliance with the air quality standards.

Other Predicted Impacts

Odours

9.57 It is not expected that the proposed upgrade of the existing Irish Cement facility will result in

the generation of odours due to the nature of the development.

Construction Impacts

9.58 The construction phase of the development may have a short-term impact on air quality in the immediate vicinity of the site. This would be due to activities including:

Erection of offices, stores, site fencing, compounds, etc Strip and stockpile ground Delivery of materials to the site Excavate for and pour foundations Construct superstructure of buildings Clear site of offices, stores, etc

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9.59 The potential for significant dust emissions only arises during site clearance and excavation in dry weather, and during such activities levels of dust are likely to be low and localised. The nearest sensitive receptor is 600m away from the construction area. Due to this distance it is unlikely that there would be any significant effects. Research undertaken by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) shows that in excess of 90% total airborne dust has returned to ground within 100m of the emission source and over 98% within 250m. The USEPA research suggests that the potential for dust effects is greatest within 100m of construction activities.

9.60 Air emissions from the exhausts of the plant construction machinery and haul trucks will be

mainly nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions from the diesel engine exhausts.

Mitigation Measures

9.61 No air quality standards are exceeded; therefore no mitigation measures are formally

required, the following mitigation measures outlined below will ensure that the plant operates to best practice.

Exhaust emissions from vehicles operating within the construction site, including

trucks, excavators, diesel generators or other plant equipment, will be controlled by the contractor by routine servicing of vehicles and plant, rather than just following breakdowns; the avoidance of engines running unnecessarily and the use of low emission fuels

Haul roads, tips and piles will be located away from sensitive receptors and take into account prevailing wind directions. Haul roads will be compacted, graded and maintained

Screening berms will be provided All vehicles exiting the site shall make use of a wheel wash facility, preferably

automatic, prior to entering onto public roads, to ensure mud and other wastes are not tracked onto public roads. Public roads outside the site will be regularly inspected for cleanliness, and cleaned as necessary. The wheel-washing facilities will be located away from sensitive receptors.

9.62 NO2 and PM10 GLCs are seen to reduce between the do-minimum and the do-something

scenario as the existing kiln 1 is to be replaced by kiln 3 which is a modern, more environmentally efficient kiln.

Conclusion

9.63 This study demonstrates that all substances (PM10 and NO2), which will be emitted from the Irish Cement site at Platin, will be at levels that are well below even the most stringent (2010) ambient air quality standards and guidelines. Emissions of NO2 and PM10 from the existing site facilities do not lead to exceedance of any air quality guidelines. The addition of the kiln 3 and associated support systems and the decommissioning of kiln 1 will slightly reduce the PM10 and NO2 GLC.

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Table 9.1 Air Quality Standards from EC Directive 1999/30/EC

Reference Period For the Protection of

Number of Times in Year Limit is not to be Exceeded

Equivalent Percentile

Ultimate Air Quality Standard (µg/m³) (1)

NITROGEN DIOXIDE

Hourly Limit Value Human Health 18 99.79 200 Annual Limit Value

Human Health 0 N/A 40

Annual Limit Value (2)

Vegetation 0 N/A 30

PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10)

24 Hour Limit Value(3)

Human Health 35 90.41 50

24 Hour Limit Value (4)

Human Health 7 98.08 50

Annual Limit Value (5)

Human Health 0 N/A 20

(1) To be totally complied with by 1 January 2010: A gradual introduction of the standard is proposed, over 5 – 10 years

(2) Limit for nitrogen oxides (3) To be totally complied with by 1 January 2005: Standard was introduced with a gradual increase

starting in 2003. (4) To be totally complied with by 1 January 2010: The standard will be introduced gradually starting in

2005 (5) 40 µg/m³ until 2005

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1,3-

buta

dien

e (µ

g/m

3 ) D

egre

e of

Si

gnifi

canc

e

Cor

resp

ondi

ngEP

A d

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nof

Sig

nific

ance

Des

crip

tion

Max

imum

8-ho

ur(1

) An

nual

m

ean(2

) An

nual

ave

rage

N

O2(3

) An

nual

av

erag

e(3)

Annu

al a

vera

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)

Seve

re A

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se

Prof

ound

N

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ive

Exce

edan

ce o

f AQ

S an

d in

crem

ent o

f gre

ater

than

50%

of t

he

AQS

>10

>5(5

) >5

>2

.5(5

) >4

0 >2

0(5)

>20

>10(5

) >2

.21

>1.1

(5)

Maj

or A

dver

se

Sign

ifica

nt

Neg

ativ

e Ex

ceed

ance

of A

QS

and

incr

emen

t of b

etw

een

50%

and

25%

of

the

AQS

>10

≥2.5

≤5 (5

) >5

≥1

.25 ≤2

.5 (5

) >4

0 ≥1

0 ≤2

0(5)

>20

≥5 ≤

10(5

) >2

.21

≥0.5

5 ≤

1.1(5

) M

oder

ate

Adv

erse

M

oder

ate

Neg

ativ

e Ex

ceed

ance

of A

QS

and

incr

emen

t of b

etw

een

25%

and

12

.5%

of t

he A

QS

>10

≥1.2

5≤2.

5 (5

) >5

≥0

.625

≤1.2

5 (5

) >4

0 ≥5

≤10

(5)

>20

≥2.5

≤5 (5

) >2

.21

≥0.5

5 ≤

1.1 (5

)

Min

or A

dver

se

Slig

ht N

egat

ive

Exce

edan

ce o

f AQ

S an

d in

crem

ent o

f les

s th

an 1

2.5%

. Les

s th

an o

r equ

al to

AQ

S an

d in

crem

ent o

f gre

ater

than

or e

qual

to

12.

5% o

f the

AQ

S

>10

<1.2

5 ≤1

0 ≥1

.25

(5)

>5

<0.6

25(5

) ≤5

≥0

.625

(5)

>40

<5 (5

) ≤4

0 ≥5

(5)

>20

<5 (5

) ≤2

0 ≥2

.5(5

)

>2.2

1 <0

.55

(5)

≤2.2

1 ≥0

.28(5

)

Not

Si

gnifi

cant

Im

perc

eptib

le

Exce

edan

ce o

f AQ

S an

d de

crem

ent o

f les

s th

an 1

2.5%

of

AQS.

Les

s th

an o

r equ

al to

AQ

S an

d in

crem

ent o

f les

s th

an

12.5

% o

f the

AQ

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>10

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25

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<1.2

5 (5

)

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625(5

)

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25 (5

)

>40

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(5)

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)

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) ≤2

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.5(5

)

>2.2

1 <-

0.55

(5)

≤2.2

1 <0

.28(5

)

Min

or B

enef

it Sl

ight

Pos

itive

Ex

ceed

ance

of A

QS

and

decr

emen

t of b

etw

een

25%

and

12

.5%

of t

he A

QS.

Les

s th

an A

QS

and

decr

emen

t of l

ess

than

12.

5% o

f the

AQ

S

>10

≥-1.

25≤-

2.5

(5)

≤10

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25 (5

)

>5

≥-0.

625≤

-1.2

5 (5

)

≤5

<0.6

25 (5

)

>40

≥-5 ≤-

10 (5

)

≤40

<-5(5

)

>20

≥-2.

5 ≤-

5 (5)

≤20

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5(5)

>2.2

1 ≥-

0.55

≤ -1

.1 (5

)

≤2.2

1 <-

0.28

(5)

Mod

erat

e B

enef

it M

oder

ate

Posi

tive

Exce

edan

ce o

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S an

d de

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wee

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25%

of t

he A

QS

>10

≥-2.

5 ≤-

5 (5)

<10

≥1.2

5 ≤2

.5 (5

)

>5

≥-1.

25 ≤

-2.5

(5)

<5

≥0.6

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1.25

(5)

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0(5)

<40

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10(5

)

>20

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)

<20

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)

>2.2

1 ≥-

0.55

≤ -1

.1(5

)

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1 ≥0

.28 ≤

0.55

(5)

Maj

or B

enef

it Si

gnifi

cant

Po

sitiv

e

Exce

edan

ce o

f AQ

S an

d de

crem

ent o

f gre

ater

than

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of

the

AQS.

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s th

an A

QS

and

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reat

er th

an 2

5%

of th

e AQ

S

>10

>-5(5

)

<10

>2.5

(5)

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5(5)

<5

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5(5)

>40

>-20

(5)

<40

>10(5

)

>20

>-10

(5)

<20

>5(5

)

>2.2

1 >-

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)

<2.2

1 >0

.55(5

)

1. E

U D

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EC U

sing

mos

t stri

ngen

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its (2

006)

4

. U

K D

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002)

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anel

on

Air Q

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Seco

nd R

epor

t 2.

EU

Dire

ctiv

e 20

00/6

9/EC

Usi

ng m

ost s

tring

ent l

imits

(201

0)

5. C

alcu

late

d PS

D In

crem

ent/D

ecre

men

t – b

ased

on

25%

of E

U L

imit

3.

EU

Cou

ncil

Dire

ctiv

e 19

99/3

0/EC

– U

sing

mos

t stri

ngen

t lim

its (2

010)

val

ue/D

EFR

A st

anda

rd

For in

spec

tion p

urpo

ses o

nly.

Conse

nt of

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right

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r req

uired

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ny ot

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se.

EPA Export 25-07-2013:22:14:08

AI

R Q

UAL

ITY

Plat

in C

emen

t Wor

ks E

xten

sion

EIS

- 20

05

Page

9 -

10

Tabl

e 9.

3 Pl

atin

Mon

thly

Ave

rage

Dus

t Mon

itorin

g R

esul

ts (J

anua

ry 2

004

to J

anua

ry 2

005)

(m

g/m

²day

)

Farm

Ja

n/Fe

b Fe

b/M

arM

ar/A

prAp

r/May

May

/Jun

eJu

ne/J

uly

July

/Aug

Aug/

Sept

Sept

/Oct

Oct

/Nov

Nov

-Dec

-Ja

n M

ean

Loca

tion

1

Bra

dy B

eam

ore

12

15

20

21

168

75

- 7

5 10

12

35

Loca

tion

2

Cru

icer

ath

Farm

10

25

11

34

75

40

28

8

3 2

12

23

Loca

tion

3

Jam

es C

arra

nsto

wn

147

187

93

29

163

66

122

18

28

89

198

104

Loca

tion

4

O'F

lynn

Bea

mor

e 12

25

25

17

14

2 52

12

13

3

9 12

29

Not

e 1

For l

ocat

ions

see

Fig

ure

9.1

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

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nt of

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right

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r req

uired

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:22:14:08

AI

R Q

UAL

ITY

Plat

in C

emen

t Wor

ks E

xten

sion

EIS

- 20

05

Page

9 -

11

Tabl

e 9.

4 Em

issi

on D

ata

for D

o-M

inim

um

Stac

k R

ef

East

ing

Nor

thin

g St

ack

Hei

ght

(m)

Tem

p (o C

) D

iam

eter

(m

)

Cro

ss

Sect

iona

l Ar

ea (m

²)

Volu

me

flow

(m

³/hr)

Exit

Velo

city

(m

²/s)

Con

c N

Ox

(mg/

Nm

³)

Mas

s Em

issi

ons

NO

x (g

/s)

Con

c PM

10

(mg/

Nm

³)

Mas

s Em

issi

ons

PM10

(g

/s)

Kiln

1

3065

20

2717

54

98.0

1 14

4 2.

4 4.

4 12

3,79

6 7.

7 N

Ox –

1748

N

Ox –3

9.3

PM

10 –

5.3

PM

10 –

0.12

Kiln

2

3064

90

2718

01

103.

04

120

3.7

10.8

44

0,67

8 11

.4

NO

x –1

361

NO

x –1

15.7

P

M10

–36

.7

PM

10 –

3.12

Raw

-mill

1

3064

95

2717

45

32.3

9 83

1.

2 1.

1 58

,727

14

.4

- -

PM

10 –

16.2

P

M10

–0.

2

Coa

l Mill

1

3066

04

2717

43

48.4

4 74

0.

7 0.

4

15,2

53

10.9

-

- P

M10

–59

.7

PM

10 –

0.2

Coa

l Mill

2

3065

99

2717

37

48.0

9 81

1.

0 0.

8

32,8

74

11.6

-

- P

M10

–68

.2

PM

10 –

0.48

CM

1 E

F 30

6806

27

1834

28

.64

99

0.7

0.4

16,7

85

12

- -

PM

10 –

29.9

P

M10

–0.

1

CM

3 B

F 30

6761

27

1881

26

.35

79

2.0

3.1

124,

518

11.1

-

- P

M10

–26

.8

PM

10 –

0.72

K2

Gra

te

Coo

ler

3067

22

2718

67

30.4

3 25

8 3.

6 9.

9

310,

057

8.7

- -

PM

10 –

15.6

P

M10

–0.

7

CM

2 B

F 30

6791

27

1840

34

.82

80

1.9

2.9

114,

106

11.2

-

- P

M10

–20

P

M10

–0.

49

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ectio

n pur

pose

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nt of

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:22:14:08

AI

R Q

UAL

ITY

Plat

in C

emen

t Wor

ks E

xten

sion

EIS

- 20

05

Page

9 -

12

Tabl

e 9.

5 Em

issi

on D

ata

for D

o-So

met

hing

St

ack

Ref

eren

ce

East

ing

Nor

thin

g

Stac

k H

eigh

t (m

)

Tem

p (o C

) D

iam

eter

(m

)

Cro

ss

Sect

iona

l Ar

ea (m

²)

Volu

me

flow

(m

³/hr)

Exit

Velo

city

(m

²/s)

Con

c N

Ox

(mg/

Nm

³)

Mas

s Em

issi

ons

NO

x (g

/s)

Con

c PM

10

(mg/

Nm

³)

Mas

s Em

issi

ons

PM10

(g

/s)

Kiln

2

3064

90

2718

01

103.

04

120

3.7

10.8

44

0,67

8 11

.4

NO

x –7

00

NO

x –5

9.5

PM

10 –

25

PM

10 –

2.1

Raw

-mill

1

3064

95

2717

45

32.3

9 83

1.

2 1.

1 58

,727

14

.4

- -

PM

10 –

25

PM

10 –

0.3

Coa

l Mill

2

3065

99

2717

37

48.0

9 81

1.

0 0.

8

32,8

74

11.6

-

- P

M10

–25

P

M10

–0.

18

CM

1 E

F 30

6806

27

1834

28

.64

99

0.7

0.4

16d4

676

,785

12

-

- P

M10

–25

P

M10

–0.

09

CM

3 B

F 30

6761

27

1881

26

.35

79

2 3.

1 12

4,51

8 11

.1

- -

PM

10 –

25

PM

10 –

0.67

K2

Gra

te

Coo

ler

3067

22

2718

67

30.4

3 25

8 3.

6 9.

9

310,

057

8.7

- -

PM

10 –

25

PM

10 –

1.1

CM

2 B

F 30

6791

27

1840

34

.82

80

1.9

2.9

114,

106

11.2

-

- P

M10

–25

P

M10

–0.

6

Kiln

3

3066

01

2716

77

125

98

3.2

7.8

611,

538

21.8

N

Ox –7

00

NO

x –8

7.5

PM

10 –

25

PM

10 –

3.1

K3

Gra

te

Coo

ler

3067

12

2717

07

36.2

24

7 3

7.1

314,

286

12.4

-

- P

M10

–25

P

M10

–1.

2

CM

4 B

F 30

6806

27

1907

35

.4

80

2 3.

1 12

2,83

9 10

.9

- -

PM

10 –

25

PM

10 –

0.7

For

insp

ectio

n pur

pose

s only

.

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nt of

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:22:14:09

AIR QUALITY


Table 9.6 Do-Minimum Predicted PM10 and NO2 GLCs Compared to Air Quality Standards

Location of Highest Predicted Value

Parameter Air Quality

Limit Values (µg/m3)

Highest Predicted Value

(µg/m3)

Highest Predicted Value as a Percentage

of AQS

OS Easting

(m)

OS Northing

(m)

PM10

1-hour average 40.1 306680 272358

24-hour average 12.7 307080 272058

98.08th percentile of daily average

50 9.8 19.6 307080 272058


50 6.7 13.4 307080 271958

Annual Average 20 2.5 12.3 307080 271958

NO2

1-hr average 123 304780 272258

99.79th Percentile of 1-hr average

200 74.3 37.1 305880 272658

Annual Average

40 (for protection

of human health)

3.5 8.6 307380 271958

Annual Average (Nitrogen Oxides)

30 (for protection of vegetation)

6.9 23.0 307380 271958

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ectio

n pur

pose

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:22:14:09

AIR QUALITY


Table 9.7 Do-Something Predicted PM10 and NO2 GLCs Compared to Air Quality Standards

Location of Highest Predicted Value

Parameter Air Quality

Limit Values (µg/m3)

Highest Predicted Value

(µg/m3)

Highest Predicted Value as a Percentage

of AQS

OS Easting

(m)

OS Northing

(m)

PM10

1-hour average 47.3 307180 271358

24-hour average 12.2 307080 271958


50 9.7 19.4 307080 271958


50 6.6 13.2 307080 271958

Annual Average 20 2.4 11.8 307080 271958

NO2

1-hr average 78.0 304780 271558

99.79th Percentile of 1-hr average

200 37.9 19.0 306080 272258

Annual Average

40 (for protection

of human health)

2 5.0 307180 271758

Annual Average (Nitrogen Oxides)

30 (for protection of vegetation)

4 13.3 307580 271958

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ectio

n pur

pose

s only

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nt of

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:22:14:09

AIR QUALITY


Table 9.8 Cumulative Impact Assessment at location of Irish Cement max GLC for the do-something scenario

Nitrogen Dioxide Particulate Matter (PM10) Estimated background levels1 (µg/m³)

8 4

Maximum predicted annual average (µg/m³) for do-something scenario

2 2.4

Maximum Predicted level at Irish Cement maximum location resulting from proposed Indaver Facility

1.6 0.3

Maximum Predicted level at Irish Cement maximum location resulting from proposed Scottish & Southern Energy Power Plant (µg/m³)

0.04 0.9²

Cumulative impact (µg/m³)

11.64 7.6

Air Quality Standard in 2010 (µg/m³)

40 20

Cumulative impact as a percentage of AQS

29 38

1 Based on monitoring carried out as part of the Indaver Ireland Carranstown Waste Management Facility EIS, 2001 ² Maximum value at any location

Table 9.9 Cumulative Impact Assessment at location of Indaver Ireland Carranstown Waste Management Facility (CWMF) max GLC for the do-something scenario

Nitrogen Dioxide Particulate Matter (PM10)

Estimated background levels1 (µg/m³) 8 4


2.3 0.51

Maximum Predicted level at Indaver (CWMF) maximum location resulting from proposed Indaver Facility

0.8 0.2

Maximum Predicted level at Indaver (CWMF) maximum location resulting from proposed Scottish and Southern Energy Power Plant (µg/m³)

0.04 0.9²

Cumulative impact (µg/m³) 11.9 5.6

Air Quality Standard in 2010 (µg/m³) 40 20


30 28

1 Based on monitoring carried out as part of the Indaver Ireland Carranstown Waste Management Facility EIS, 2001 ² Maximum value at any location

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:22:14:09

AIR QUALITY


Table 9.10 Cumulative Impact Assessment at location of Scottish and Southern Energy Power Plant max GLC for the do-something scenario

Nitrogen Dioxide Particulate Matter (PM10)

Estimated background levels1 (µg/m³)

8 4


0.3 0.9

Maximum Predicted level at Scottish and Southern Energy Power Plant maximum location resulting from proposed Indaver Facility

1.5 0.5

Maximum Predicted level at Scottish and Southern Energy Power Plant maximum location resulting from proposed Scottish and Southern Energy Power Plant (µg/m³)

0.8 0.2

Cumulative impact (µg/m³)

10.6 5.6

Air Quality Standard in 2010 (µg/m³)

40 20


26.5 28

1 Based on monitoring carried out as part of the Indaver Ireland Carranstown Waste Management Facility EIS, 2001

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:22:14:09

M1

M1

Pro

po

se

d D

eve

lop

me

nt

Site

Bo

un

da

ry

Iris

h C

em

en

t L

td.

Pro

pe

rty B

ou

nd

ary

Du

st

mo

nito

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ca

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n

So

urc

e:

1:5

0,0

00

O.S

. D

isco

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ry S

erie

s M

ap

N

Loca

tio

n 1

Loca

tio

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Loca

tio

n 2

Loca

tio

n 3

Fig

ure

9.1

- D

ust M

onitoring L

ocations

PLA

TIN

CE

ME

NT

WO

RK

S

EX

TE

NS

IO

N -

EIS

20

05

Date

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V 2

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67

9

D

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ing N

o

For

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ectio

n pur

pose

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EPA Export 25-07-2013:22:14:09

IRISH CEMENT LTD - PLATIN WORKS

Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No EN 0002805

Figure 9.2

Nitrogen Dioxide: Existing Scenario - Average Emissions

Annual average (ug/m3)

298000 300000 302000 304000 306000 308000 310000 312000 314000 316000

meters

262000

264000

266000

268000

270000

272000

274000

276000

278000

280000

282000

meters

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298000 300000 302000 304000 306000 308000 310000 312000 314000 316000

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Figure 9�3

Particulates: Existing Scenario - Average Emissions


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298000 300000 302000 304000 306000 308000 310000 312000 314000 316000

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Nitrogen Dioxide: Proposed Scenario - Average Emissions


Figure 9.4


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298000 300000 302000 304000 306000 308000 310000 312000 314000 316000

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Figure 9.5

Particulates: Proposed Scenario - Average Emissions



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10 CLIMATE

Introduction 10.1 According to Met Éireann, the mean daily air temperature at Dublin Airport (the nearest

meteorological station to the proposed site) is 5.0oC in January and 15.1oC in July. The annual average is 9.6oC (refer to Table 10.1). The mean annual rainfall is approximately 732.7 mm, and on 128 days in the year the rainfall is greater than 1 mm.

10.2 The mean annual wind speed for the Dublin area is approximately 5 m/s (Force 4 on the

Beaufort Scale - "Moderate Breeze"). The prevailing wind comes from the southwest and west. Winds from the north and east are less frequent.

10.3 The Dublin Airport windrose for 1998 is shown in Figure 10.1. Worst-case air quality results

were predicted using 1998 meteorological data (refer to Chapter 9). The mean daily sunshine amounts to approximately 3.9 hours.

Climate Agreements Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions

10.4 Ireland ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in

April 1994 and the Kyoto Protocol in principle in 1997 and formally in May 2002(1,2). For the purposes of the EU burden sharing agreement under Article 4 of the Kyoto Protocol, in June 1998 Ireland agreed to limit the net growth of the six Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)(3) under the Kyoto Protocol to 13% above the 1990 levels over the period 2008 to 2012. In order to meet the ultimate objective of the Convention to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference in the climate system, cuts of up to 70% in this century are expected to be required (3,4).

10.5 Towards compliance with Ireland’s emission reduction obligations, S.I. No. 437 of 2004

establishes procedures for participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for the trading of GHG allowances (1 GHG allowance = 1 tonne CO2). In applying to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA – the body charged with the implementation of the ETS in Ireland) for its GHG Permit, ICL provided historical data on CO2 emissions (refer to Table 10.2). The GHG emissions allowance for the works was then allocated by the EPA based on the figures provided.

10.6 Within the overall allocation for the cement and lime industry, the Irish Cement Platin facility

has been allocated an individual installation allowance for the pilot phase (2005-2007) of the ETS (refer to Tables 10.3 and 10.4). ICL holds a GHG permit (ID GHG043) which allows it to emit CO2 equal to its specified GHG allocation in the Final Allocation Decision(5) and to trade allowances with other participating installations or individuals. ICL’s allocation contributes to the Ireland’s overall GHG budget which is calculated to achieve Ireland’s Kyoto obligations.

10.7 As a participant in the ETS ICL is obliged to balance its GHG emission budget. In the first

quarter of each year of the ETS, beginning in 2006, participants in the ETS will be obliged to report their emissions for the preceding year. This report must be signed off by an independent, accredited verifier. Installations failing to balance their holding accounts will be subject to a fine of €40 per tonne of CO2 in excess of the allowance in the first phase of the scheme. This will increase to €100 per tonne of CO2 during the second phase (2008-2012). Paying a fine on an overshoot of allowances will not, however, cancel the CO2 debt for the installation, which will show up on its GHG account. Allowances must still be obtained from elsewhere.

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CLIMATE


Vehicular Greenhouse Gas Emissions

10.8 The EU has reached a voluntary agreement with car manufacturing associations to achieve

an average CO2 emission for new passenger cars of 140 gCO2/km by the year 2008/09. This measure will reduce CO2 emissions from new cars by an average of 25% in the period 1995 to 2008/2009. It is estimated that 15% of the necessary effort towards the overall climate change target of the EU will be met by this measure alone (6). Additional fuel efficiency measures include VRT and Motor Tax rebalancing to favour the purchases of more fuel-efficient vehicles, the National Car Test and Fuel Economy Labelling.


Macroclimate 10.9 The proposed scheme will not cause a significant increase in traffic (refer to Chapter 14).

Therefore, traffic-generated greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the proposed development will not be significant.

10.10 Industrial impact on climate change is controlled by the ETS as discussed in Section 3.1.

ICL’s GHG emissions allocation is based on its historical emissions data (refer to Table 10.2). The EPA carried out detailed site-by-site verification of all baseline CO2 data provided by participants in the ETS prior to issuing emissions allocations. Predicted CO2 emissions arising from the proposed development will be the subject of an application for an amendment to the greenhouse gas permit for the works.

10.11 Greater energy efficiency in clinker making is expected to be achieved as a result of the

proposed development. The existing kiln 1 and associated preheater are to be replaced by modern, more energy efficient plant/equipment. The new kiln will generate approximately 12% less CO2 per tonne of clinker compared to Kiln 1.

10.12 The new preheater structure will accommodate an energy efficient five-stage cyclone

preheater system. The additional cyclone stage is being incorporated to improve energy efficiency. A special de-NOx process will be employed in the preheater/kiln system to minimise NOx emissions to the atmosphere.

10.13 The new kiln will be fitted with a modern energy efficient grate cooler. 10.14 If ICL wishes to emit a greater quantity of GHGs than its allowance, it must purchase

unused emissions allowances from another participant in the ETS or receive allowances from the New Entrant Reserve. The overall cap on emissions for all participants in the scheme limits the total amount of GHG, which may be emitted by all industrial sources. Thus, the new development will not have a significant impact on climate as the plant is controlled within the overall context of Irish Cement Ltd’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.

Microclimate

10.15 There will be no impact on the microclimate as there will be no change in the nature of use

of the site. In addition, no structure is proposed that is likely to impact on the microclimate of the area.

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CLIMATE


Mitigation Measures

10.16 No climate mitigation measures are required for the proposed development as no impact is predicted.

10.17 There will be no residual impact on climate as a result of the proposed development.

References 1. Framework Convention On Climate Change Ireland - Report On The In Depth Review of

the Second National Communication of Ireland 2. Framework Convention On Climate Change Kyoto Protocol To The United Nations

Framework Convention On Climate Change (1997) 3. EPA Environment In Focus (2002) 4. ERM Limitation and Reduction of CO2 and Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Ireland

(1998) 5. EPA Emissions Trading Final Allocation Decision pursuant to Article 11.1 of SI 437 of

2004 (2005) 6. Department of Environment & Local Government National Climate Change Strategy

(2000)

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Table 10.2 Historical Greenhouse Gas Emissions (tonnes CO2) 2002 2003 2004 1,344,946 1,417,631 1,450,234

Source: ICL Table 10.3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Allocations (tonnes CO2) to Irish Cement Platin Works

under the Final Allocation Decision for the Initial Phase of the Emissions Trading Scheme

Permit ID 2005 2006 2007 GHG043 1,425,029 1,425,029 1,425,029

Source: EPA Emissions Trading Final Allocation Decision pursuant to Article 11.1 of SI 437 of 2004 (2005) Table 10.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Allocations (tonnes CO2) to Known Planned

Developments at the Irish Cement Platin Works under the Final Allocation Decision for the Initial Phase of the Emissions Trading Scheme

Permit ID 2005 2006 2007 GHG043 0 12,094 12,094

Source: EPA Emissions Trading Final Allocation Decision pursuant to Article 11.1 of SI 437 of 2004 (2005)

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11 NOISE & VIBRATION

Receiving Environment 11.1 The existing noise environment was determined at the nearest noise sensitive location,

(Location 1) which is located at a distance of 600 m from the centre of the manufacturing plant to the south east (Figure 11.1). Continuous noise measurements were made over the period 30th of July 2005 to the 5th of August 2005.

11.2 The instrumentation consisted of Bruel & Kjaer Sound Level Meters type 2236 and a Bruel

& Kjaer Sound Level Calibrator type 4230. The measurements were carried out in accordance with International Standard 1996 – Acoustics: Description and measurement of environmental noise –

Part I: Basic quantities and procedures. Part II: Acquisition of data pertinent to land use.

11.3 The following noise parameters were measured:

L(Aeq,15min) - the A-weighted equivalent continuous noise level over a measuring interval of 15 minutes.

L(A90,15min) - the A- weighted noise level equalled or exceeded for 90% of the

measurement interval.

11.4 The mean value and the standard deviation of these parameters were determined for daytime, 08:00 to 22:00 hours, and for night time, 22:00 to 08:00 hours. The results of these measurements are summarized in Table 11.1 and are presented in graphical and tabular format at the end of this chapter. A narrowband noise measurement was also made at Location 1 on the 5th of August 2005. This narrowband noise spectrogram is also shown at the end of this chapter.

Table 11.1

Summary of Results of Noise Monitoring at Location 1 30th July to 5th August 2005 1. Daytime 08:00 to 22:00 Hours

L(Aeq, 15min) L(A90, 15min)

Mean Value 54.8 dBA 47.7 dBA Standard Deviation 3.4 dBA 4.1 dBA

2. Night-time 22:00 to 08:00 Hours

L(Aeq, 15min) L(A90, 15min) Mean Value 48.6 dBA 43.0 dBA Standard Deviation 2.9 dBA 2.3 dBA

11.5 The LAeq parameter is considered to be the best single descriptor of environmental noise.

The LA90 is a measure of the fairly constant background noise. Because of the quasi steady

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NOISE & VIBRATION


state operation of the plant, the noise emission from it is best represented by the LA90 parameter. The narrowband spectral analysis shows the fine detail of the noise and is used to assess whether the character of the noise is tonal or not.

11.6 The mean value of the L (A90,15min)) levels at the nearest noise sensitive location, Location 1

was 43 dBA. This is well within the limit level set out in paragraph 8.3 on the IPC Licence Reg. No. 286 of 47 dBA with a + 2dBA tolerance paragraph 3.4.2 (i). The narrowband noise spectrogram taken at Location 1 on the 5th of August was analysed using the Joint Nordic Method for the Assessment of the Audibility of Tones in Noise: Version 2. This procedure calculates the audibility of the tones ∆Lta and if this value exceeds 4 dBA a penalty K is added to the measured noise level to give the rated noise level LRT. In this particular case the audibility of the tone was 2.0 dB and the penalty K was 0.0 dB. This implies that there were no clearly audible tones in the noise.


Characteristics of the Proposal 11.7 It is proposed to install a new kiln, Kiln 3, and associated plant, and to decommission Kiln 1.

This will increase the overall production capacity to a nominal 2,400,000 tonnes of clinker per annum. The main sources of noise received at the nearest noise sensitive location is due to those components of plant, which are located externally, such as large fans and planetary coolers. Other components of plant, which are located within buildings such as cement mills, are lower order secondary sources.

Potential Impact

11.8 The noise from the proposed activity could have a potential for noise disturbance to

residents in the vicinity of the plant.

Predicted Impact 11.9 With the decommissioning of Kiln 1 the following main sources of noise will be eliminated

N2 Exhaust Fan N3 Kiln Cooling Fans N4 Planetary Coolers N5 Primary Air Fan

11.10 The total sound power of these sources is 114 dBA re 10 -12 watts. With the commissioning

of Kiln 3 there would be the following additional main sources of noise:

Booster fan Raw Mill Fan Exhaust Fan Grate Cooler EPS Exhaust Fan Kiln Cooling Fans

11.11 The expected total sound power of these sources is 114 dBA re 10 -12 watts. The net

increase in sound power on the site would therefore be zero. Although the annual capacity of Kiln 3 of 1,200,000 tonnes of clinker is three times that of Kiln 1, advances in technology mean that less fans and less fan power are required. Kiln 3 will be a much more modern plant than Kiln 1.

11.12 Extensive analysis using the three-dimensional computer prediction programme NoiseCalc

shows that the expected increase in noise level at the nearest noise sensitive location, Location 1, will be less than 1 dBA. This increase is insignificant. The new configuration of

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NOISE & VIBRATION


plant consisting of Kiln 2 and Kiln 3 will fully comply with the noise conditions set out in paragraph 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 of IPC License Reg. No. 268 issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

11.13 The impact of noise during the construction phase of the project is addressed in the

construction chapter, Chapter 16 of the EIS.

Mitigation Measures 11.14 No mitigation measures are required for the operational phase of the proposed

development. Mitigation of any construction noise is addressed in Chapter 16 – Construction.

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Client: Irish Cement Platin. Monitor Location 1 Noise Source: Ambient Noise Levels. Monitor Period: 30/07/05 – 05/08/05

Date Time LAeq LA90 30-Jul-05 12:00 30-Jul-05 12:15 30-Jul-05 12:30 30-Jul-05 12:45 30-Jul-05 13:00 30-Jul-05 13:15 30-Jul-05 13:30 30-Jul-05 13:45 30-Jul-05 14:00 30-Jul-05 14:15 57.0 47.0 30-Jul-05 14:30 56.0 47.5 30-Jul-05 14:45 56.7 47.5 30-Jul-05 15:00 55.7 48.0 30-Jul-05 15:15 55.4 47.5 30-Jul-05 15:30 54.3 47.0 30-Jul-05 15:45 55.5 48.0 30-Jul-05 16:00 55.6 48.5 30-Jul-05 16:15 54.3 48.0 30-Jul-05 16:30 55.4 48.0 30-Jul-05 16:45 54.0 48.0 30-Jul-05 17:00 55.2 48.0 30-Jul-05 17:15 54.1 47.5 30-Jul-05 17:30 55.2 48.5 30-Jul-05 17:45 55.1 47.5 30-Jul-05 18:00 55.2 47.5 30-Jul-05 18:15 57.3 48.0 30-Jul-05 18:30 56.0 48.0 30-Jul-05 18:45 55.4 48.5 30-Jul-05 19:00 55.4 48.0 30-Jul-05 19:15 55.9 48.5 30-Jul-05 19:30 55.7 48.0 30-Jul-05 19:45 55.2 47.5 30-Jul-05 20:00 54.8 46.0 30-Jul-05 20:15 54.5 46.0 30-Jul-05 20:30 57.0 47.0 30-Jul-05 20:45 53.5 46.5 30-Jul-05 21:00 52.3 45.5 30-Jul-05 21:15 52.1 45.0 30-Jul-05 21:30 51.7 44.5 30-Jul-05 21:45 50.6 44.0 30-Jul-05 22:00 51.1 44.0 30-Jul-05 22:15 51.6 44.5 30-Jul-05 22:30 50.4 43.5 30-Jul-05 22:45 48.4 44.0 30-Jul-05 23:00 48.3 44.0 30-Jul-05 23:15 49.5 44.0 30-Jul-05 23:30 50.0 43.0 30-Jul-05 23:45 48.6 43.5

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Date Time LAeq LA90 Date Time LAeq LA90 31-Jul-05 00:00 49.5 42.5 31-Jul-05 12:00 51.8 45.5 31-Jul-05 00:15 51.0 42.0 31-Jul-05 12:15 51.7 43.5 31-Jul-05 00:30 51.3 43.0 31-Jul-05 12:30 51.6 44.5 31-Jul-05 00:45 50.2 43.0 31-Jul-05 12:45 51.9 44.5 31-Jul-05 01:00 48.1 43.0 31-Jul-05 13:00 52.4 46.0 31-Jul-05 01:15 48.6 42.0 31-Jul-05 13:15 53.1 46.5 31-Jul-05 01:30 48.6 42.5 31-Jul-05 13:30 52.0 45.0 31-Jul-05 01:45 50.1 42.0 31-Jul-05 13:45 51.5 44.5 31-Jul-05 02:00 46.1 41.0 31-Jul-05 14:00 52.0 43.5 31-Jul-05 02:15 44.9 41.5 31-Jul-05 14:15 50.8 43.5 31-Jul-05 02:30 46.3 41.5 31-Jul-05 14:30 52.8 45.0 31-Jul-05 02:45 47.1 41.0 31-Jul-05 14:45 54.8 47.0 31-Jul-05 03:00 46.9 41.5 31-Jul-05 15:00 55.4 47.0 31-Jul-05 03:15 47.7 41.0 31-Jul-05 15:15 54.2 45.0 31-Jul-05 03:30 48.5 42.0 31-Jul-05 15:30 54.1 46.0 31-Jul-05 03:45 47.5 41.5 31-Jul-05 15:45 54.3 47.0 31-Jul-05 04:00 46.0 41.0 31-Jul-05 16:00 54.8 47.0 31-Jul-05 04:15 44.6 41.0 31-Jul-05 16:15 55.3 46.0 31-Jul-05 04:30 47.3 41.5 31-Jul-05 16:30 54.4 46.0 31-Jul-05 04:45 45.3 41.5 31-Jul-05 16:45 53.4 45.5 31-Jul-05 05:00 45.1 42.0 31-Jul-05 17:00 54.2 45.5 31-Jul-05 05:15 49.0 41.5 31-Jul-05 17:15 53.5 46.0 31-Jul-05 05:30 46.7 41.5 31-Jul-05 17:30 54.7 45.0 31-Jul-05 05:45 45.4 41.5 31-Jul-05 17:45 52.3 44.5 31-Jul-05 06:00 48.2 41.0 31-Jul-05 18:00 52.9 45.0 31-Jul-05 06:15 47.9 41.0 31-Jul-05 18:15 54.8 47.5 31-Jul-05 06:30 50.3 41.5 31-Jul-05 18:30 55.3 47.0 31-Jul-05 06:45 47.1 41.5 31-Jul-05 18:45 55.0 46.5 31-Jul-05 07:00 46.7 41.5 31-Jul-05 19:00 55.9 46.5 31-Jul-05 07:15 47.4 41.0 31-Jul-05 19:15 52.5 45.5 31-Jul-05 07:30 46.9 40.5 31-Jul-05 19:30 54.1 46.0 31-Jul-05 07:45 50.1 40.5 31-Jul-05 19:45 52.9 45.5 31-Jul-05 08:00 49.7 41.5 31-Jul-05 20:00 53.8 45.0 31-Jul-05 08:15 50.4 42.0 31-Jul-05 20:15 54.2 46.0 31-Jul-05 08:30 49.4 42.5 31-Jul-05 20:30 54.6 45.5 31-Jul-05 08:45 50.8 42.5 31-Jul-05 20:45 52.7 44.5 31-Jul-05 09:00 49.7 42.5 31-Jul-05 21:00 52.2 44.0 31-Jul-05 09:15 49.2 42.5 31-Jul-05 21:15 53.3 44.5 31-Jul-05 09:30 49.0 42.5 31-Jul-05 21:30 51.6 42.5 31-Jul-05 09:45 49.7 42.0 31-Jul-05 21:45 51.1 42.0 31-Jul-05 10:00 50.6 42.0 31-Jul-05 22:00 47.9 40.0 31-Jul-05 10:15 49.8 43.0 31-Jul-05 22:15 48.2 39.5 31-Jul-05 10:30 50.0 43.5 31-Jul-05 22:30 50.1 39.0 31-Jul-05 10:45 51.0 43.5 31-Jul-05 22:45 48.9 39.5 31-Jul-05 11:00 50.8 43.5 31-Jul-05 23:00 49.1 42.5 31-Jul-05 11:15 50.6 43.0 31-Jul-05 23:15 50.4 42.5 31-Jul-05 11:30 49.9 43.5 31-Jul-05 23:30 52.1 42.0 31-Jul-05 11:45 52.6 45.0 31-Jul-05 23:45 49.3 42.5

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Date Time LAeq LA90 Date Time LAeq LA90 01-Aug-05 00:00 49.1 43.0 01-Aug-05 12:00 50.8 41.0 01-Aug-05 00:15 48.4 42.0 01-Aug-05 12:15 52.5 42.5 01-Aug-05 00:30 48.1 42.0 01-Aug-05 12:30 51.7 43.0 01-Aug-05 00:45 46.7 41.5 01-Aug-05 12:45 51.3 42.0 01-Aug-05 01:00 47.7 41.0 01-Aug-05 13:00 52.7 43.5 01-Aug-05 01:15 47.2 41.5 01-Aug-05 13:15 52.0 42.0 01-Aug-05 01:30 47.2 41.5 01-Aug-05 13:30 50.9 42.5 01-Aug-05 01:45 47.5 42.0 01-Aug-05 13:45 52.5 43.0 01-Aug-05 02:00 47.4 42.0 01-Aug-05 14:00 53.7 44.0 01-Aug-05 02:15 48.8 41.5 01-Aug-05 14:15 52.3 44.0 01-Aug-05 02:30 46.9 41.5 01-Aug-05 14:30 64.5 46.5 01-Aug-05 02:45 48.7 41.5 01-Aug-05 14:45 66.3 45.5 01-Aug-05 03:00 48.1 41.0 01-Aug-05 15:00 74.5 45.0 01-Aug-05 03:15 48.4 43.0 01-Aug-05 15:15 74.6 46.0 01-Aug-05 03:30 50.4 42.0 01-Aug-05 15:30 65.0 59.0 01-Aug-05 03:45 49.7 42.5 01-Aug-05 15:45 54.4 42.0 01-Aug-05 04:00 50.7 42.5 01-Aug-05 16:00 51.5 43.0 01-Aug-05 04:15 48.1 43.0 01-Aug-05 16:15 51.5 44.5 01-Aug-05 04:30 46.8 42.0 01-Aug-05 16:30 51.2 44.0 01-Aug-05 04:45 46.7 40.5 01-Aug-05 16:45 55.1 43.5 01-Aug-05 05:00 46.3 41.0 01-Aug-05 17:00 53.0 42.5 01-Aug-05 05:15 46.9 41.0 01-Aug-05 17:15 52.0 42.0 01-Aug-05 05:30 47.3 41.0 01-Aug-05 17:30 52.2 42.5 01-Aug-05 05:45 53.5 41.0 01-Aug-05 17:45 52.3 43.5 01-Aug-05 06:00 49.1 42.0 01-Aug-05 18:00 52.2 42.0 01-Aug-05 06:15 49.8 42.5 01-Aug-05 18:15 53.9 43.0 01-Aug-05 06:30 48.5 42.5 01-Aug-05 18:30 52.9 45.0 01-Aug-05 06:45 49.0 42.0 01-Aug-05 18:45 53.8 46.5 01-Aug-05 07:00 46.5 41.5 01-Aug-05 19:00 52.7 46.0 01-Aug-05 07:15 50.4 42.0 01-Aug-05 19:15 53.3 44.5 01-Aug-05 07:30 51.2 41.0 01-Aug-05 19:30 57.6 47.0 01-Aug-05 07:45 50.2 41.0 01-Aug-05 19:45 73.4 45.5 01-Aug-05 08:00 50.4 40.5 01-Aug-05 20:00 51.8 44.0 01-Aug-05 08:15 49.3 40.5 01-Aug-05 20:15 53.6 44.0 01-Aug-05 08:30 50.1 43.0 01-Aug-05 20:30 52.2 43.0 01-Aug-05 08:45 53.1 42.5 01-Aug-05 20:45 52.4 43.0 01-Aug-05 09:00 50.5 43.0 01-Aug-05 21:00 54.5 42.0 01-Aug-05 09:15 50.7 42.0 01-Aug-05 21:15 53.4 43.0 01-Aug-05 09:30 49.5 42.0 01-Aug-05 21:30 50.8 41.5 01-Aug-05 09:45 50.9 40.5 01-Aug-05 21:45 50.6 41.5 01-Aug-05 10:00 50.3 40.0 01-Aug-05 22:00 52.4 42.0 01-Aug-05 10:15 51.3 40.0 01-Aug-05 22:15 49.7 42.0 01-Aug-05 10:30 53.2 40.0 01-Aug-05 22:30 48.1 41.0 01-Aug-05 10:45 51.1 41.5 01-Aug-05 22:45 49.1 41.5 01-Aug-05 11:00 50.8 41.5 01-Aug-05 23:00 50.0 41.5 01-Aug-05 11:15 49.9 41.5 01-Aug-05 23:15 51.0 42.0 01-Aug-05 11:30 52.2 42.0 01-Aug-05 23:30 49.5 39.5 01-Aug-05 11:45 51.4 42.0 01-Aug-05 23:45 48.6 39.5

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Date Time LAeq LA90 Summary of Results Daytime 08:00 - 22:00 Hours: 05-Aug-05 00:00 51.4 41.5 LAeq LA90 05-Aug-05 00:15 50.2 41.5 Mean 54.8 47.7 05-Aug-05 00:30 48.0 41.0 Std. Dev. 3.4 4.1

05-Aug-05 00:45 48.4 42.0 Summary of Results Night-time 22:00 - 08:00 Hours:

05-Aug-05 01:00 47.4 40.5 LAeq LA90 05-Aug-05 01:15 49.0 42.0 Mean 48.6 43.0 05-Aug-05 01:30 50.5 42.0 Std. Dev. 2.9 2.3 05-Aug-05 01:45 47.7 42.0 05-Aug-05 02:00 46.1 42.0 05-Aug-05 02:15 47.8 41.0 05-Aug-05 02:30 46.9 42.0 05-Aug-05 02:45 47.1 42.0 05-Aug-05 03:00 45.0 41.5 05-Aug-05 03:15 47.5 41.5 05-Aug-05 03:30 48.3 42.5 05-Aug-05 03:45 47.8 43.5 05-Aug-05 04:00 47.4 42.5 05-Aug-05 04:15 47.2 42.0 05-Aug-05 04:30 49.3 42.0 05-Aug-05 04:45 49.5 42.0 05-Aug-05 05:00 49.8 43.5 05-Aug-05 05:15 50.5 44.0 05-Aug-05 05:30 54.8 45.0 05-Aug-05 05:45 52.0 46.0 05-Aug-05 06:00 55.2 48.0 05-Aug-05 06:15 55.5 49.0 05-Aug-05 06:30 57.3 50.0 05-Aug-05 06:45 57.0 49.5 05-Aug-05 07:00 57.8 51.0 05-Aug-05 07:15 57.8 51.0 05-Aug-05 07:30 59.3 51.0 05-Aug-05 07:45 58.2 51.0 05-Aug-05 08:00 57.5 50.5 05-Aug-05 08:15 57.8 49.5 05-Aug-05 08:30 57.0 50.0 05-Aug-05 08:45 56.5 49.0 05-Aug-05 09:00 55.6 48.5 05-Aug-05 09:15 54.5 48.0 05-Aug-05 09:30 56.4 49.0 05-Aug-05 09:45 55.5 48.5 05-Aug-05 10:00 54.8 48.5 05-Aug-05 10:15 55.5 48.5 05-Aug-05 10:30 56.5 49.5 05-Aug-05 10:45 58.0 50.0 05-Aug-05 11:00 56.6 50.0 05-Aug-05 11:15 57.0 50.0 05-Aug-05 11:30 54.8 48.5 05-Aug-05 11:45 56.2 49.5

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12 LANDSCAPE & VISUAL APPRAISAL

Introduction 12.1 Brady Shipman Martin carried out the landscape (and visual) impact assessment for a

proposal to install a new Kiln (No. 3) and associated works at Platin Cement Works, near Duleek in County Meath. The application comprises the installation of a new kiln, preheater tower and stack and associated buildings and structures as detailed in chapter 3 of the EIS.

12.2 The assessment was carried out during the summer and autumn of 2005 and involved

reviewing plans of the existing site and its operations; plans, elevations and sections of the proposed development; reviewing various statutory and other publications and visits to the site and its environs. The location of the photomontages has been selected in consultation with Meath County Council. On the request of Meath County Council, the outline of the proposed Indaver Waste Facility (with stack height as conditioned by EPA) has been included on the photomontages. Also, for completeness, the outline of the proposed Scottish and Southern Energy power station at Carranstown is included on the photomontages.

12.3 A series of Photomontages have been prepare to assist in illustrating the physical nature of

the proposed development within the existing landscape (and visual) setting.

Methodology 12.4 The landscape (and visual) impact assessment has been prepared in accordance with the

requirements of the EIS Regulations, 1989 and Amendment, 1998. The assessment is made with regard to the sensitivity of the landscape and its vulnerability to change, taking consideration of the location of visual receptors relative to the proposed development.

12.5 The methodology used is based on the Guidelines on Information to be Contained in

Environmental Impact Statements (2002) and the Advice Notes on Current Practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (2003).

12.6 Landscape has two separate but closely related aspects. The first is visual impact, i.e. the

extent to which a new development can be seen in the landscape. The second is impact on landscape character, i.e. impact on responses that are felt towards the landscape, drawing on the appearance of the land, including shape, form and colour, and the interaction of these elements to create specific patterns and pictures that are distinctive to particular localities.

12.7 Visual impacts are defined under visual intrusion and/or visual obstruction where:

• visual intrusion involves impact on a view but avoiding blocking thereof, and • visual obstruction involves impact on a view with at least some degree of blocking.

12.8 The character of the existing landscape setting is evaluated taking account of the various

natural and man-made features, such as topography, landform, land-use, vegetation, built environment etc. together with the visibility of and the views to and from the landscape. In addition aspects relating to the landscape planning environment are considered on a national, regional and local basis.

Significance Assessment Criteria

12.9 The significance criteria used for the landscape (and visual) impact assessment are based

on those given in the Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (2002) as set out in Table 12.1 Significance Criteria.

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LANDSCAPE & VISUAL APPRAISAL


12.10 The impact of the proposed development is assessed at two distinct stages:

• Construction Stage: impact arising during the period of initial site setup works up to the opening of the facility to normal operation, and

• Operation Stage: impact arising during the period of normal operation of the facility 12.11 Duration of impact - negative, neutral or positive - is considered as being either:

• Temporary (lasting 1 year or less), • Short Term (lasting 1 to 7 years), • Medium Term (lasting 7 to 15 years), • Long Term (lasting 15 to 60 years), or • Permanent (lasting in excess of 60 years).

Table 12.1: Significance Criteria

Impact Level Definition

Imperceptible An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable consequences.

Slight An impact which causes noticeable changes in the character of the environment without affecting its sensitivities.

Moderate An impact that alters the character of the environment in a manner that is consistent with the existing and emerging trends.

Significant An impact which, by its character, magnitude, duration or intensity alters a sensitive aspect of the environment.

Profound An impact which obliterates sensitive characteristics.

References 12.12 The following lists the main texts reviewed in the course of the study:

Aalen et al, Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape, 1997 An Foras Forbartha, Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland, 1977 Environmental Protection Agency, Advice Notes On Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements), 2003 Environmental Protection Agency, Guidelines On Information To Be Contained In Environmental Impact Statements, 2002 Harbison, P., Guide to the National and Historic Monuments of Ireland, 1992 Meath County Council, County Meath Development Plan, 2001 Taylor, G. & Skinner, A., Maps of the Roads of Ireland, 1778

Receiving Environment 12.13 Platin Cement Works is situated immediately west of the Duleek-Drogheda R152 Road,

some 2km north of Duleek and 3km southwest of Drogheda. Cement manufacture has taken place on this site since 1972 and over the intervening years the plant has been continually expanded to meet on-going market demands and to take on board improvements in technology.

12.14 The existing facility comprises various buildings and structures related to cement production

as well as an associated limestone rock quarry. While many tall structures exist on the site, the tallest features are the two existing stacks rising to 145m and 153m above ordnance datum (AOD). The quarry is located to the west, while the principal buildings are located

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alongside the Duleek-Drogheda R152 Road to the east / northeast of the overall landholding.

12.15 The site for the proposed works is located within the existing Plant area and is bounded by

the Drogheda - Navan railway to the east / southeast (with R152 further east); by the Platin Local Road to the north and by the existing limestone quarry to the west (Figure 12.1 Site Context).

12.16 The landscape surrounding the Cement Works is typically rural and pastoral agricultural

land-uses predominate. Within this landscape the vertical ‘solid’ mass of the existing cement works facility is a prominent visual reference and more immediately it forms the dominant visual element within the landscape, particularly when viewed from the east.

12.17 While visually prominent, the facility tends to move in and out of views along local roads.

This ‘glimpsing effect’ is particularly evident travelling either north or south along the Duleek-Drogheda Road outside of the immediate zone of primary visibility. However the facility is particularly dominant from east of the site and remains in view for longer from these areas.

Figure 12.1: Site Context

Source: Extract Discovery Series Map No. 48, Ordnance Survey Ireland (Reproduced under O.S. Licence No: AR 0001305)

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12.18 While the cement works form the most significant built structure in the area, significant

industrial developments have been permitted immediately south / southwest of the facility including a proposed Incinerator and a Gas Powered Electricity Generating Station (Figure 12.1 Site Context). The proposed Indaver Incinerator includes for a stack rising to 70m AOD, which was subsequently conditioned to 95m AOD by the Environmental Protection Agency.

12.19 The landscape immediately surrounding the facility is gently rolling typically between 50 and

70m above ordnance datum (AOD). However in a wider context, visually significant ridges include Bellewstown Ridge (140m+ (AOD)) to the south / southeast and Red Mountain (121m AOD) to the east and Donore Hill (104m AOD) to the northwest. Red Mountain and Donore Hill are important in screening or limiting views from the Boyne Valley, including the sites of Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth which are all over 3km to the west / northwest of the site.

12.20 Residential development is typically clustered along local roads and is also notably

expanding around Drogheda, and the smaller settlements of Donore and Duleek. Such development is particularly prominent along the Donore to Duleek local road, west / southwest of the site and along the R152 Duleek to Drogheda Road, south of the site.

12.21 Over the past 20 years, extensive landscaping has been carried out in and around the

cement works. As it increasingly establishes, the planting has gradually ‘softened’ the appearance of the facility and has assisted in visually distancing the structures from the R152 Duleek-Drogheda Road. The effect is more noticeable at proximity and assisted where the planting is viewed in combination with intervening tree-lined hedgerows.

Landscape Planning Context – National

12.22 No part of the site or its immediate surrounds are listed in the An Foras Forbartha, Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland, 1977. The nearest such listing is No. 79 Lower Boyne Valley, is located some 2 to 3km north / northwest of the site.

Landscape Planning Context – County

12.23 The Meath County Development Plan, 2001 identifies eleven separate Areas of Visual Quality or Landscape Types within the rural areas of the county. The objective of the identification is to offer ‘a clearer picture to developers and others as to the sensitivity of various categories of development in areas with differing abilities to absorb development.’

12.24 The Platin Site is located within an area described as VQ11: Rural and Agricultural, the

predominant landscape type for the surrounds and the county as a whole (Figure 12.2 Areas of Visual Quality). The listing is described as being the least sensitive landscape type, capable of absorbing ‘appropriately designed and sited development in all categories’ (Table 12.2 Visual Quality Group VQ11).

12.25 More sensitive landscape areas are located at some distance from the site. The broad

River Boyne valley, located some 3km to the northwest, is classed as VQ2: Lower Boyne Valley, while the River Nanny and its immediate narrow valley are listed under VQ3: River Valleys. A number of dispersed areas, including Bellewstown Ridge 2km to the southeast of the site, are classed as VQ7: Upland Agricultural Area (Figure 12.2 Areas of Visual Quality).

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Table 12.2: Visual Quality Group VQ11

Visual Quality Group Characteristics Sensitivities

Areas VQ11: Rural and Agricultural These parts of the county make up the majority of its area in that they comprise of normal rolling lowland pastoral landscapes that apart from occasional ridges or prominent areas, are not particularly visually sensitive.

These areas can absorb quite effectively appropriately designed and located development in all categories including masts and wind energy installations, afforestation and agricultural structures.

Source: Extract from Section 3.6.3 Landscape Classification, Volume 1, Meath County Development Plan, 2001 (As varied)

Figure 12.2: Areas of Visual Quality

Source: Extract from Areas of Visual Quality Map in Rural Detail Map Series, Meath County Development Plan, 2001 (As varied)

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Landscape Amenity (see Figure 12.3 - Landscape Planning Context)

12.26 The Meath County Development Plan, 2001 identifies 40 separate Views and Prospects of within the county. Eight of these are located within the wider landscape context of the proposed site (Figure 12.3 Landscape Planning Context). Views VP3a; VP3b; VP4; VP5; VP6; VP7 and VP8 – to the northwest of the site - all focus on the River Boyne and its valley including features such as Dowth, Knowth and Newgrange.

12.27 The final view, VP16, is from the elevated vantage of Bellewstown Ridge over 3km to the

southeast of the site (Table 12.3 Views and Prospects VP16). The expansive view north / northwest is long ranging and panoramic in nature taking in the sweep of the River Boyne and its agricultural surrounds extending westwards from Drogheda in the east. Platin cement works is prominent within the near middle-ground of views from the western end of the ridge.

Table 12.3: Views and Prospects VP16

View Ref. Townland in which view is located VP16

Kennetstown; Lagganhall; Hollymount; Hilltown Great; Collierstown; Caulstown; Ongenstown; Carnes East; Carnes West; Lunderstown; Prioryland; Bellewstown; Hilltown Little

Source: Develop extract from Section 3 Views and Prospects of Volume 3, Meath County Development Plan, 2001 (As varied)

Other Landscape Planning Aspects

12.28 There are no trees or woodlands identified for Tree Preservation on or surrounding the site, with the nearest such listing on Bellewstown Ridge some 4km southeast of the site.

12.29 At Section 4 of Volume 3, the County Development identifies SRUNA-Sustainable

Recreational use of Natural Assets. The principal stated aim ‘is social inclusion of a wide variety of natural recreational assets such as walks, viewing points and picnic areas throughout the County.’ Several areas are identified, again focusing mainly on the River Boyne, Dowth, Knowth and Newgrange as well as Bellewstown Ridge (Figure 12.3 Landscape Planning Context).

12.30 The Plan identifies a Cycle Route, which encircles the site, leading via public roads from

Drogheda to Donore on to Duleek and back to Drogheda via the valley of the River Nanny and the coast.

Summary

12.31 The existing cement works at Platin comprises many large-scale structures of significant bulk and height with a large associated limestone rock quarry located immediately to the west. The principal structures are all clustered within the north-eastern corner of the holding with the tallest features appearing to be centrally located within the overall built environment of the works. The existing facility is a prominent feature within its local context and forms the dominant visual reference, especially when viewed from the east.

12.32 Extensive landscaping undertaken around the facility is notably more effective at proximity

and where viewed in combination with surrounding tree-lined hedgerows and undulating topography. By comparison the landscaping is less effective in screening when viewed within more open panoramic views from the east. However, in general the ever maturing planting is providing valuable ‘softening’ and integration of the facility within its surrounds.

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Characteristics of the Proposed Development

12.33 In visual terms the main features of the proposal include:

• Provision of a new kiln (Kiln No. 3) which will require demolition of an existing building which accommodates factory offices, stores and maintenance workshops

• Provision of a preheater tower of over 165m AOD and stack of 170m AOD. • Provision of a limestone store; a raw milling building; a coal mill building; a cement mill

building; a clinker storage silo; new factory offices; new stores and workshops. • Provision of various conveyors; filters; site works, internal road works and

miscellaneous buildings structures and services. 12.34 While the proposal includes for many structures and associated plant, the principal features

of visual relevance – given the existing built context – are the preheater tower and stack. 12.35 The existing stacks rise to 145m and 153m AOD. It is proposed that the new preheater

tower and stack will rise to approximately 165m and 170m AOD respectively and in doing so will form the tallest structures on site. The proposed preheater tower and associated stack are to be sited east and slightly south of - but albeit close to - the existing stacks. The top of the tower and the stack will be fitted with aircraft warning lights.

12.36 The proposed kiln is largely a horizontal structure laid alongside the existing kiln structures.

The remaining elements are largely single and/or two-storey buildings which in the context of the existing facility have no landscape or visual relevance outside of the actual site.

Impact of Development

12.37 In all views the proposed development will be seen within the confines of the existing built environment of Platin Cement Works. In this manner, the proposed development will tend to increase the visual mass or perceived bulk of existing development rather than generate new impacts of visual intrusion or obstruction. Being higher, the proposed development will also tend to increase visual prominence – more so from closer as the structures are not of sufficient additional height as to appreciably increase the range of long distance visibility of this already significant development.

12.38 Nevertheless the construction of the proposed development will tend to be a significant

focus of visual attention on a temporary or short-term basis. The effect will be most noticeable from nearby residences along the Cruicerath Road, the Donore to Duleek Road and along the R152 Duleek to Drogheda Road. Thereafter, any visual impact from surrounding areas will be minimal, as the existing facility already presents a significant and prominent built form within the landscape. Photomontage 1 views north from the R152 near Duleek, while Photomontage 2 views west from the old N1 approaching Drogheda Town.

12.39 The proposed development will be most prominent from the elevated vantage of Red

Mountain, which because of its proximity provides greater view of the detail of the proposed structures (Photomontage View 3). However, the existing facility is already similarly visible and prominent within the view and the proposed development will at most add further slight negative visual impact. The additional impact will be of short-term duration and the proposed development will not have any medium or long-term negative impact from this most open of views.

12.40 The proposed development will also be in-part, visible in longer distance views. Impact on

views from the Boyne Valley and Bellewstown Ridge are discussed separately under Impact on landscape Planning Context below. However, the proposed development – as is the existing facility – will be visible from various sections of the M1 Motorway ranging from 1.5km to 4km distant. Photomontage 4 is taken from a more elevated vantage south of the M1 Toll Plaza; Photomontage 5 is taken from a position immediately north of the M1 Toll Plaza; while Photomontage 6 is taken from a location north of the M1 Boyne Valley Bridge.

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However, in all views, the proposed development at most tends to increase the existing visual mass or bulk of development without additional negative visual impact.

12.41 The provision of other buildings and structures, including alterations to the internal roads

and services will have an imperceptible impact from locations external to the site boundary. 12.42 When assessed within the context of existing development and other likely development –

particularly significant developments such as the proposed Incinerator and Power Station – the subject development would have a negligible or imperceptible additional landscape or visual impact.

Impact on Landscape Planning Context 12.43 The proposed development will not have a negative impact on landscape planning aspects.

The existing and proposed development site is located within an Area of Visual Quality VQ11: Rural and Agricultural, the least sensitive landscape zone capable of absorbing a wide variety of development. The proposed development has no impact on preservation objectives for trees and woodland.

12.44 The proposed development has no negative impact on views and prospects (VP3; VP4:

VP5; VP6; VP7; and VP8) of the River Boyne and its associated features. Undoubtedly the existing and proposed facility is/will be intermittently visible from more elevated vantage points within the valley. However the Donore Hill / Red Mountain ridge provides for significant screening of all but the upper aspects of the existing stacks and proposed preheater tower and stack. Where visible the development is distant and falls within a minute segment of the overall panoramic nature of views from such vantage points.

12.45 A small portion of upper aspects of the development will be visible from Newgrange

(Photomontage 7) and Dowth (Photomontage 8), in the same manner as aspects of the existing facility are similarly visible. As such, given the nature of the view and visibility of aspects of the existing facility it is considered that no additional negative visual intrusion or impact will arise from these locations.

12.46 The line of view from Knowth ensures that more of the facility is visible between the ridges

of Red Mountain to the south (right of view) and Donore Hill (left of view) to the north (Photomontage 9). However, the proposed development, sited as it is within the existing built structure, while adding to the visual mass of the overall facility will do so without additional negative visual impact.

12.47 The development will be most visible within view VP16 from Bellewstown Ridge. However,

the existing facility and indeed its associated quarry are already prominent features within the middle-ground of views from the northern slopes of the ridge. In this context the additional elements - while adding to the perceived bulk of the facility - will not result in further intrusion or negative impact. Photomontages 10 and 11 are taken from the top of the ridge southeast of the site and from the northern slopes of Bellewstown Ridge south of the site. The views illustrate the prominent nature of the existing facility and the additional ‘bulking’ associated with the proposed development. However, no appreciable change occurs in either the view of the existing plant or more importantly, the expansive and panoramic nature of the existing view from the ridge. As such there is no significant additional impact on the listed view.

12.48 Again when assessed within the context of existing development and other likely

development such as the proposed Incinerator and Power Station, the subject development would have a negligible or imperceptible impact on landscape planning aspects. Summary

12.49 In summary, the proposed development will not give rise to significant additional landscape

or visual impact. At most the development will tend to be a significant focus of attention during construction and thereafter will impact only in increasing the existing visual mass or bulk of development on the site. This effect will be most noticeable from open areas within

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the landscape to the immediate east; from the elevated vantage points of Red Mountain and Bellewstown Ridge and from residential properties along the Cruicerath Road; the Donore to Duleek Road; and the R152 Road.

12.50 In the medium and longer-term, given the presence of the existing facility - and other

proposed developments - and as no appreciable change occurs within existing views it is considered that negative landscape or visual impact will not arise from the proposed development.

Mitigation Measures 12.51 Over the course of the last twenty years Irish Cement Ltd. have undertaken extensive

landscape and planting works, particularly around the Plant area and more recently around the quarry. These landscaping works have increasingly given the facility a ‘strongly landscaped’ perspective.

12.52 Landscape works to date at Platin Cement Works have included the planting of over 65,000

trees and shrubs on some 12.6 hectares. Along with these works some smaller scale landscape works were also undertaken at the entrances and associated with the new offices. As part of their on-going environmental management programme Irish Cement Ltd. continue to review and wherever possible augment and enhance the landscape and planting at the site.

12.53 The continuing establishment of the existing planting will increasingly have a more

pronounced effect in the screening and softening of the mass of the facility. All of the landscape areas are managed and maintained under on-going landscape maintenance contracts first established in the 1980s. The landscape and general plantings will continue to be managed so as to maximise this effect. No other measures are required.

Residual Impact 12.54 The construction of the proposed preheater tower and stack will be a visual focus of

attention. However, given the nature and mass of existing structures on the site the proposed development will not result in any residual adverse landscape or visual impacts.

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13 CULTURAL HERITAGE 13.1 The proposed cement works extension will be constructed entirely within the existing cement

works area, which is an area of disturbed ground and hardstanding. Following consultation with Meath County Council officials, it has been agreed that a cultural heritage assessment of the existing cement works site is not necessary.

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14 MATERIAL ASSETS: TRAFFIC Introduction 14.1 Irish Cement Ltd. currently operates a cement manufacturing plant at Platin, Co. Meath, with

an annual production of 2,000,000 tonne of cement. This application is for the installation of a new kiln and associated plant and equipment, which will increase annual production to 2,800,000 tonnes. This will give rise to an increase in the traffic movements to and from the plant, both in the delivery of raw materials and despatch of cement from the plant. However, the cessation of the sourcing of clinker from outside the site, when the new development is operational, will eliminate this source of traffic.

14.2 This section of the EIS examines the impact of additional traffic movements on the roads in

the vicinity of the plant. To ensure a robust assessment, the study also takes into account additional traffic from the potential developments adjacent to the cement plant such as the Waste Management facility proposed by Indaver Ireland and a power station proposed by Scottish and Southern Energy. While there is some doubt as to whether the power station will go ahead, the potential traffic from this development is included in the assessment.

14.3 The site is located adjacent to the R152 Drogheda to Duleek Regional Road approximately

3km south of Drogheda town centre and 4km northeast of Duleek. There are several access points to the cement works site both from the R152 and county road CR319. These access points are as follows:

Customer access for cement collection and cement works administrative staff access

directly off the R152; Three raw material/staff access points to the cement works site located off the county

road CR319 which connects onto the R152.

14.4 There is also an access to the adjacent quarry area off the R152, but the proposed development will not have any impact on the traffic utilising this entrance. Existing Traffic Patterns

14.5 The estimated traffic volumes for the R152 were obtained from a factor derived from the

traffic surveys conducted during assessment of the peak traffic periods adjacent to the site. 14.6 To fully assess the existing conditions traffic surveys were conducted on Wednesday 8th

June 2005 during the AM and PM peak periods, Thursday the 9th June 2005 during the AM and PM peak periods and on Friday the 10th June 2005 during the AM peak period.

14.7 As agreed with Meath County Council NRTF high growth factors have been applied to

estimate traffic volumes for 2009, the projected year of opening. 14.8 Details of existing traffic volumes and growth rates are outlined in Tables 14.1, 14.2 and

14.3.

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MATERIAL ASSETS


Table 14.1 Applied Growth Rates

Year Growth Rate 2005-2009 7.7%

Table 14.2 2005 - 2009 Estimated 24 hour Traffic Volumes on the R152 at Customer Access

Location Source 2005 AADT 2005 HGV

2009 AADT

2009HGV

R152 Traffic counts 9318 13% 10012 13%

Table 14.3 2005 - 2009 Estimated 24-hour Traffic Volumes on the R152 adjacent to CR319

Location Source 2005 AADT 2005

HGV 2009 AADT

2009HGV

R152 Traffic counts 10498 13% 11279 13%

Existing Operation

14.9 Irish Cement currently operates an existing cement production plant at the application site. Quarried limestone along with shale and gypsum are the primary inputs in the cement making process, with petroleum coke used to fuel the process.

14.10 Deliveries to the plant made as part of the production process include shale, bauxite, pet

coke, gypsum, slag, clinker, limestone filler, and iron ore. Access to the site for deliveries and operational staff is off county road CR319 which connects to the R152 north of the main customer access. The access for cement collections and administrative staff is directly off the R152, the main entrance.

14.11 Carparking is currently provided on the site in a number of locations as follows

(i) Administration Office - 45 spaces adjacent to the offices. (ii) Operations Staff - In the Employee carpark inside the north boundary of the site as

indicated on the site drawings. There are 123 car spaces in this location. (iii) Construction Staff - In the Contractor’s carpark inside the north boundary of the site as

indicated on the site drawings. There are 164 spaces in this location.

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MATERIAL ASSETS


Photo 1 Raw material access CR319

Photo 2 Customer access onto R152 (N)

14.12 Averaged flows from Irish Cement Ltd. over a 30 week period in 2005 have been obtained to provide accurate 24 hour existing traffic flows at the customer access of the R152, and at the staff and the delivery access off County Road (CR) 319. (Table 14.4)

14.13 To ensure the impact of the existing development has been fully assessed, the average

traffic movements have been calculated on a weekly basis. Where required existing material flows have been rounded-up.

Table14.4 Existing Weekly Traffic Movements & Site Access Route

Customer Access (R152)

Shale (CR 319)

Bauxite (CR 319)

Pet Coke (CR 319)

Gypsum (CR 319)

Limestone Filler (CR 319)

Slag (CR 319)

Clinker (CR 319)

Iron Ore (CR 319)

2578 222 82 284 116 40 70 220 14 Source: Irish Cement

14.14 Daily flows are outlined in Tables 14.5 and 14.6. The HGV movements are typically

distributed throughout the working day between 0600 and 2200.

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MATERIAL ASSETS


Table 14.5 2005 Existing Daily Flows at R152 Customer Collections and /Staff Access Type of Vehicle Total Daily

Trips HGV movements 516 Cars 104

Source: Irish Cement

Table 14.6 2005 Existing Daily Flows at CR319 Deliveries / Staff Parking / Plant Type of Vehicle Total Daily

Trips HGV movements 210 Cars 544

Source: Irish Cement

Existing Road Distribution 14.15 The cement product is distributed by road and rail. Raw materials are delivered to the plant

by road.

Existing Rail Distribution

14.16 There is a branch line at Irish Cement Ltd. from the adjacent rail line. Approximately 10% of

bulk cement is distributed by rail.

Other Potential Developments

Current Planning Applications 14.17 As part of this assessment, and in agreement with Meath County Council, traffic which could

be generated from two other potential industrial developments in the vicinity of the Cement Plant have been considered.

Indaver Ireland lodged a planning application in January 2001 with Meath County Council

for the construction of a waste management facility at Carranstown, County Meath. The proposed facility will include a community recycling park, a recycling plant for non-hazardous industrial material, a waste to energy plant for non-hazardous waste. The proposed site for the waste management facility is approximately 1km south of the Platin Cement Factory with access from the R152.

Planning permission has been granted for a power station for Scottish and Southern

Energy. The site is approximately 1km south of the Irish Cement facility, at Carranstown, County Meath. If built, traffic generated from this plant will be approximately 30 additional trips per peak hour period1. The access will be located off the R152 opposite the Indaver plant.

Table 14.7 Indaver Traffic Generation

Employees Cars

Waste to Energy HGV’s

Liquid Waste Sorting HGV’s

Community Recycling Park

Visitors

Peak Hour Traffic

34

15

4

6

1

Source: Indaver Waste Management Facility EIS, 2001

1 Scottish and Southern Energy Power Station EIS, 1999

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MATERIAL ASSETS


14.18 Based on the information available from desk research outlined above it is estimated that

approximately 60 peak hour vehicles will be generated by the Indaver site and 30 vehicles will be generated by the power station site. Traffic from the potential developments has been added to existing traffic to derive base flows.

14.19 Once the potential developments are operational the base flows will only slightly increase

traffic on the R152 compared with the existing situation. (Tables 14.8 and 14.9)

Table 14.8 Peak Hour Base Traffic 2009 for R152 at Customer Access

Location Source 2009 AM Peak Ex

2009 AM Peak Base

2009 PM Peak Ex

2009 PM Peak Base

R152 Existing and base peak hour Traffic

Flows 1309 1357 1229 1276

Table 14.9 Peak Hour Base Traffic 2009 for R152 adjacent to CR319

Location Source 2009 AM Peak Ex

2009 AM Peak Base

2009 PM Peak Ex

2009 PM Peak Base

R152 Existing and base peak hour Traffic

Flows 1040 1088 972 1020

Note: Peak Ex represents flows without the two potential developments

Peak Base represents flows with the two potential developments

Development Proposal 14.20 The proposed development includes installation of a new kiln, preheater tower and

associated plant and structures at the existing cement works, which will increase output improve the production process and remove the need for imported clinker.

Construction Traffic 14.21 During the construction phase of the development it is estimated that there will be

approximately 300 construction staff. Access to the site by construction staff will be mainly by private car and van. Assuming 1.5 persons per vehicle there will be an additional 200 vehicles during the peak construction period and an additional 40 daily truck movements. With the adoption of traffic management measures including adequate signage, and part-time signals, if required, there will be minimal impact on the existing road network.

Car Parking 14.22 There are 332 existing car parking spaces on site in three areas, adjacent to the

administration building; employee carpark and contractor carpark (both inside the northern boundary of the site.

14.23 It is proposed to provide a further 31 spaces for the new office and workshop/stores

buildings.

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MATERIAL ASSETS


Proposed Vehicle Movements 14.24 Irish Cement Ltd. has confirmed the additional traffic movements generated by the plant

expansion. Table 14.10 indicates the additional daily lorry movements generated by the proposed development, and the access points for the additional daily movements.

14.25 The reduction in deliveries of clinker result in a slight increase of 21 HGV movements in

deliveries to the site compared with the existing situation.

Table 14.10 Additional Customer and Delivery HGV Movements Per Day

Customer Access (R152)

Shale (CR 319)

Bauxite (CR 319)

Pet Coke (CR 319)

Gypsum (CR 319)

Limestone Filler (CR 319)

Slag (CR 319)

Clinker (CR 319)

Iron Ore (CR 319)

212 17 9 14 17 2 2 -44 2 Source: Irish Cement Notes 1. The above lorry movements are based on a daily flow derived from projected weekly movements divided by 5.

This provides a robust assessment of daily traffic during peak periods. 2. The customer access will generate approximately 106 additional daily vehicles

14.26 The new daily traffic movements are outlined in Tables 14.11 and 14.12. Additional trips

include arrivals and departures:

Table 14.11 2005 Proposed Daily Flows at R152 Customer Access and /Staff Access

Type of Vehicle Total Daily Trips

HGV movements 728 (+212) Cars 104 (-)

14.27 HGV movements are typically distributed throughout the working day between 0600 and 2200.

Table 14.12 2005 Proposed Daily Flows at CR319 Deliveries / Staff Parking / Plant

Type of Vehicle Total Daily

Trips HGV movements 231 (+21) Cars 552 (+8)

14.28 Estimated 2009 24 hour traffic volumes on the R152 adjacent to the customer access and on

the R152 at the R152 / CR319 junction are given in Tables 14.13 and 14.14.

Table 14.13 2009 Estimated 24 hour Traffic Volumes on the R152 adjacent to Customer Access

Location 2009 AADT

EXISTING 2009 AADT BASE 2009 AADT

PROPOSED R152 10012 10160 10272

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Table 14.14 2009 Estimated 24-hour Traffic Volumes adjacent to the R152 / CR319 Junction

Location 2009 AADT

EXISTING 2009 AADT BASE 2009 AADT PROPOSED

R152 11279 11327 11439

Car Traffic 14.29 The additional car traffic arising from the proposed activity, during the operational phase of

the development, will be approximately 40 vehicles per week which will access the site via the CR319. There will be no additional traffic to the administration building via the R152, as a result of this proposed development.

Rail Traffic 14.30 There will be a marginal increase in rail traffic as a result of the expansion of the plant.

Design Year 14.31 The 2009 existing traffic has been estimated by using an agreed growth rate. Potential

development traffic has been added to the factored existing traffic to provide a robust base scenario. Traffic from the proposed development has been added to the base scenario to estimate proposed traffic in 2009, the estimated year of opening.

Proposed Traffic Distribution 14.32 The following assumptions have been made in assigning the generated traffic on the

surrounding road network for the proposed development. 14.33 The trips have been distributed primarily based on existing distribution identified during the

traffic surveys. 14.34 The distribution profile is as follows:

R152 (N) 55% R152 (S) 45%

2009 Operational Commencement Year Assessment 14.35 The impact on the local road network has been assessed by examining the peak hours (AM

and PM) projected traffic flows on the local road network against the base situation. 14.36 As described above, the proposed development will generate additional traffic. The base

traffic includes the two potential developments.

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MATERIAL ASSETS


Table 14.15 Projected 2009 peak hour traffic flows (Including 2 x Potential Developments) Location 2009 Base 2009 Proposed % increase

R152 customer access AM 1357 1372 1.1 %

R152 customer access PM 1276 1292 1.2%

Location 2009 Base 2009 Proposed % increase

R152 at CR319 AM 1088 1103 1.3%

R152 at CR319 PM 1020 1035 1.4%

14.37 Table 14.15 outlines that there will be a low impact on the surrounding road network based

on the development proposal.

Junction Assessment 14.38 The R152 customer access has been modelled using Picady 4.1. As generated traffic from

the proposal will also use the R152/CR319 crossroads, this junction has also been modelled to fully assess the impact of the development on the surrounding road network.

14.39 PICADY 4.1 analysis was used to compare the base (i.e. without proposed development but

with potential developments) against the proposed scenario. 14.40 The scope and extent of the assessment was agreed in consultation with Meath County

Council at an initial briefing. 14.41 Both the main site access junction off the R152 and the existing R152/CR319 junctions were

assessed for the AM and PM peak hours and the results are set out in the following tables 14.16, 14.17, 14.18 and 14.19.

Table 14.16 Site Access R152 Junction Analysis Results –AM Peak Hour Assessment Junction Arm Base Scenario

(RFC/Max Queue) Proposed Scenario (RFC/Max queue)

R152 south 0.045 / 0.0 0.060 / 0.0 Site Access 0.132 / 0.1 0.213 / 0.3 R152 north 0.074 / 0.1 0.083 / 0.1

Note – RFC – Ratio of Flow to Capacity

Table 14.17 Site Access R152 Junction Analysis Results –PM Peak Hour Assessment Junction Arm Base Scenario


R152 south 0.082 / 0.1 0.103 / 0.1 Site Access 0.146 / 0.2 0.218 / 0.3 R152 north 0.012 / 0.0 0.021 / 0.0


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MATERIAL ASSETS


Table 14.18 Site Access R152/CR319 Crossroads Results –AM Peak Hour Assessment Junction Arm Base Scenario


R152 south 0.000 / 0.0 0.000 / 0.0 CR319 0.526 / 1.1 0.562 / 1.2 R152 north 0.447 / 1.7 0.469 / 1.9 Minor Road 0.407 / 0.7 0.414 / 0.7


Table 14.19 Site Access R152/CR319 Junction Analysis Results –PM Peak Hour Assessment

Junction Arm Base Scenario (RFC/Max Queue)

Proposed Scenario (RFC/Max queue)

R152 south 0.004 / 0.0 0.004 / 0.0 CR319 0.408 / 0.7 0.431 / 0.7 R152 north 0.043 / 0.1 0.060 / 0.1 Minor Road 0.256 / 0.3 0.260 / 0.3

Note – RFC – Ratio of Flow to Capacity 14.42 When the RFC value is greater than 0.850 this is an indication that queues and delays will

begin to occur. Tables 14.16 to 14.19 show that the RFC value for all junctions is well below the 0.850 level and therefore queues and delays will not occur at these junctions as a result of the development proposal, and including the traffic from the two potential developments.

Conclusions and Mitigation Measures 14.43 The proposed development will have a minimum impact on the road network with peak hour

traffic increases of less than 2%. 14.44 The assessment indicates that both the R152 site access and the R152/CR319 crossroads

will operate satisfactorily during peak traffic periods with the additional traffic generated by the proposed development and the other two potential developments.

14.45 Accordingly no mitigation measures are proposed.

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15 WASTE

Receiving Environment 15.1 The existing cement factory on the site is described in Chapter 3 of the Environmental

Impact Statement. 15.2 The annual waste arisings, for the year 2004, from the existing cement works activity and

their disposal are summarised in Table 15.1.

Table 15.1 - Waste Arisings Waste Type Quantity

(tonnes)

Disposal/Recovery Contractor

Canteen 11.7 Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd. Paper (packaging) 26.2 Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd. Wood (packaging) 12.1 Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd. Plastic (packaging) 38.3 Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd. Wood (construction 87.4 Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd. Plastic (construction) 37.5 Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd. Construction/Demolition

Waste 10.6 Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd.

Wood (construction) 25.0 Panda Scrap metal 212 Tinnelly Demolition, Newry, Co. Down Used Tyres 0 Crumb Rubber Ireland, Dundalk Paper 4.4 McKenna Waste Paper Recycling Duleek Waste Oil Filters 1.6 Atlas Oil Laboratories, Portlaoise Waste Oil 40.3 Atlas Oil Laboratories, Portlaoise Waste Oil/Grease 14.5 Sita Environmental, Dublin Other Electronic waste 0.1 Irish Lamp Recycling Co. Ltd., Athy Monitors 0.2 Irish Lamp Recycling Co. Ltd., Athy Fluorescent tubes 0.3 Irish Lamp Recycling Co. Ltd., Athy Halon gas 0.1 Shannon Environmental Services, Limerick Chemicals 1.1 AVR Safeway Ltd., Cork Lead/Acid Batteries 2.6 Returnbatt Ltd., Kill, Co. Kildare Concrete and

overburden and filter bags

19,913 Overburden mound

Effluent Plant Sludge Doherty Quarries & Waste Management Ltd. Fibre Cement Cladding 2.16 Overburden Mound

Characteristics of Proposed Development 15.3 After commissioning, the proposed activity will at most give rise to an increase of less than

10% in the quantities of the wastes outlined in Table 15.1 above, with the exception of overburden which will increase by approximately 25%. However, significant quantities of overburden are now utilised as a shale replacement material in cement manufacture and the amount going to the overburden mound will be minimised.

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WASTE



15.4 As a result of the nature of the waste arisings and the measures outlined in Table 15.1

above, there is no significant adverse impact on the environment.

Construction Impacts

15.5 All waste arising from construction activities will be disposed of in accordance with the Applicants IPC Licence.

Mitigation Measures 15.6 The activity on the site is subject to an IPC Licence which obliges the applicant to exercise

control on the site that will:- - minimise waste generated - encourage recycling of waste - contain waste in a safe manner - ensure the safe disposal of waste without risk to the environment 15.7 The Applicant applies stringent quality control procedures on the site, and ensures that the

above objectives are achieved. In addition to minimising waste, the Applicant has an established practice of recycling where possible. This practice currently extends to pallets, waste metals, water, leakage from the process, lubricants and process waste.

15.8 The applicant is a member of REPAK and as such is committed to the recycling of as much

waste as possible. Where wastes must be disposed of off site, licensed disposal contractors are used.

15.9 The materials deposited in the overburden mound are landfilled in accordance with IPC

Licence No. 268 and procedures agreed with the EPA.

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16 CONSTRUCTION

Receiving Environment 16.1 Site preparation for the proposed development will consist of the demolition of the existing

workshop, stores and office building and of the existing oil storage tanks and boiler house. All site infrastructures such as drainage and water supply are in place from the previous development on this site.

Proposed Development 16.2 The proposed development comprises: • New limestone store • Limestone transport conveyors and transfer station • Raw mill building • Preheater tower and stack • New kiln • Kiln Filter and conditioning tower • Grate cooler and electro filter • Coal mill building • Clinker storage silo and clinker conveyors • Cement mill building • New office building • New workshop and stores building • Miscellaneous buildings and structures • Siteworks and internal roads Plant Installation 16.3 The plant installation will proceed when the building work is sufficiently advanced. Large

plant items will be installed while building work progresses.

Temporary Facilities 16.4 Once the site is sufficiently cleared, temporary facilities in the form of offices, personnel

facilities, storage compounds, etc. will be installed to facilitate the safe and orderly progression of the works.

Construction Procedures 16.5 The most up to date environmental standards will be applied in planning and executing the

construction to ensure impacts on the environment are minimised. 16.6 Construction equipment will comply with SI 320 of 1988 E.C. (Construction Plant and

Equipment) Permissible Noise Levels Regulations. Account will also be taken of BS 5228 1984 - Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites.

16.7 Construction Hours of Work:

Week days 0700 to 2100 Saturday 0700 to 1800

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CONSTRUCTION


Sunday work will only arise in circumstances where continuous working is required such as concrete slipforming and kiln and preheater erection.

16.8 The walls of the storage silo will be constructed by slipforming, which is a continuous form of

construction, extending over approximately 8 days.

Programme

16.9 Work will commence after all Statutory Approvals are in place and will take approximately 24 months to complete.

Construction Employees 16.10 It is expected that an average of 300 construction staff will be employed during the

construction phase of the project.

Commissioning 16.11 Commissioning will commence after an amended integrated Pollution Control Licence has

been issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.


Construction Impacts Traffic 16.12 At the peak of construction there will be up to 40 HGVs/day entering the site. Car numbers

entering the site will vary from approximately 30 per day initially up to 200 per day at peak.

Disposal of Construction Waste 16.13 Wastes arising from the construction activities will be retained on site as far as practicable, in

accordance with the applicant’s IPC Licence. 16.14 Waste disposal off-site will in accordance with the Applicant’s IPC Licence. 16.15 Waste arising from demolition of existing buildings will be disposed of in accordance with the

applicants IPC Licence. Inert materials will be recycled on site if possible or disposed of in the overburden mound, in accordance with the applicant’s IPC Licence. All other waste will be disposed of off site by licenced contractors in accordance with the applicants IPC Licence.

16.16 Fibre cement roofing or cladding sheeting will be disposed in accordance with the applicants

IPC Licence and in accordance with procedures agreed with the EPA.

Mitigation

Traffic 16.17 Disposal of waste off site will be reduced to a minimum while complying with the IPC

Licence, to minimise traffic movements..

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CONSTRUCTION


Noise 16.18 Comparatively high noise levels could arise during the construction phase particularly from

the use of pneumatic jackhammers and/or hydraulic rock breakers in the demolition of the existing offices and also during the demolition and the decommissioning of Kiln 1. Within 10 m of this type of activity the noise levels are likely to be of the order of LAeq of 88 dBA.

16.19 At the nearest noise sensitive location, Location 1, the noise level due to these types of

activities would be less than 50 dBA due to attenuation with distance and due to acoustic screening by parts of the structures of the existing plant. This noise would be temporary and intermittent in nature, and will have little impact on the nearest noise sensitive location.

16.20 During the construction period, all plant and equipment will conform to noise emission limits

set out in Statutory Instrument No. 320 of 1988 European Communities (Construction Plant and Equipment)(Permissible Noise Level) Regulations 1988 and amendment set out in Statuary Instrument No. 359 of 1996.

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17 INTERACTION OF THE FOREGOING 17.1 The purpose of this chapter of the Environmental Impact Statement is to assess the inter

relationship between the preceding topics. Its purpose is also to draw attention to any significant interactions and interdependencies in the existing environment. All topics have been discussed at length in terms of the impact of the development and where relevant, mitigation measures are outlined, that will eliminate or reduce the level of impact to insignificant.

17.2 Certain interactions are dealt with either directly or indirectly within the Chapter headings.

For instance the impact of water discharges is assessed in the water section, the impact has been shown not to be significant therefore the impact on the receiving waters and the associated flora and fauna in the receiving waters will remain unaffected. This is an indirect interaction. The climate section dealt with the impact of the proposal in terms of Green House Gases even though the emission of GHG is directly related to air quality.

17.3 There are, however, three interactions that are addressed here, the interaction between air

quality and landscape, noise and human beings and air quality and human beings. Air quality and Landscape 17.4 The proposed development will result in the emission of exhaust fumes from the kiln stack.

Gaseous emissions can in some instances be visible to the naked eye and therefore result in an increased visual impact. The stack emissions arising from this proposal will not give rise to an increased visual impact as the modern control systems and filters employed will be to the highest international standards.

Noise and Human Beings

17.5 Noise can impact on the quality of life of human beings. The chapter on this issue clearly

shows that there will be no significant impact on the quality of life as there will be no significant increase in noise and all relevant standards will be complied with.

Air Quality and Human Beings

17.6 Emissions to air can impact on the quality of life of human beings. The chapter on this issue

clearly shows that there will be no significant impact on the quality of life as emissions will not increase significantly and all relevant standards will be complied with.

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18 CONCLUSION 18.1 Cement manufacturing is a large-scale commodity type industry requiring a wide range of

facilities to ensure safe and efficient production with the minimum impact on the environment. Platin Cement Works is uniquely placed in this regard to provide the necessary and essential conditions for cement manufacture.

18.2 The site at Platin has been used for the manufacture of cement for over 30 years. The

adjacent quarry has proven reserves to supply the cement works for the order of a further 40 years. In order to continue to meet market demand, an increase in capacity, utilising modern technology, is required at Platin Cement Works. This is the purpose of this planning application.

18.3 The subject application is for an extension to the Cement Works at Platin. This proposal

takes account of advances in plant design, technology and environmental performance and will give rise to an overall nominal production capacity of 2,400,000 tonnes of clinker per annum at the cement works.

18.4 This proposed development will include installation of a new kiln, preheater tower and

associated manufacturing plant and storage facilities. 18.5 The need for this proposal is due in part to the increased demand for construction materials

and the need to modernise the facility at Platin in order to maintain its high environmental standards. There is an increased onus on the cement manufacturing industry to become more energy efficient and to reduce emissions to the atmosphere.

18.6 At the time of preparation of this EIS two potential developments were identified in the

vicinity of the existing cement works and subject site. These potential developments are:

The Proposed Indaver Ireland Waste Management facility including a community recycling park, a recycling plant for non-hazardous industrial material, a waste to energy plant for non-hazardous waste; and

The proposed Scottish and Southern Energy power station.

18.7 While the situation with regard to the proposed power station is in some doubt, the relevant

data for both potential developments has been included in the assessment of the traffic, air quality and visual impact of the proposed development at Platin Cement Works, in order to provide a robust and conservative assessment.

18.8 The impacts of the proposed development discussed in the preceding chapters are

summarised below. Primarily the proposal will assist in meeting increases in demand for building products for the construction industry for the surrounding eastern region. Further, the positive impact of the proposal is the benefit to the population in nearby suburbs by guaranteeing long term skilled and unskilled employment. In addition, the development will maintain operational employment of 250 at the cement works and will employ on average 300 construction staff for a period of 24 months during the construction phase.

18.9 As the proposed extension to the cement works will be carried out on land for which ground

works have long been in place, there will be no impact on the application site area with regard to flora and fauna or cultural heritage. The proposed development will be constructed entirely on disturbed ground and existing hard standings.

18.10 With regard to water on site, the proposed development will not give rise to any significant

increase in discharges from the site.

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CONCLUSION


18.11 With regard to air quality, all substances (PM10 and NO2), which will be emitted from the

cement works (including the proposed new extension), will be at levels that are well below even the most stringent (2010) ambient air quality standards and guidelines. Emissions of NO2 and PM10 from the existing site facilities do not lead to exceedance of any air quality guidelines. Indeed, the addition of the kiln 3 and associated support systems and the decommissioning of kiln 1 will slightly reduce the PM10 and NO2 GLC.

18.12 The noise from the proposed activity could have a potential for noise disturbance to

residents in the vicinity of the plant. Although the annual capacity of Kiln 3 of 1,200,000 tonnes of clinker is three times that of Kiln 1, advances in technology mean that less fans and less fan power are required. Extensive analysis using the three-dimensional computer prediction programme NoiseCalc shows that the expected increase in noise level at the nearest noise sensitive (Location 1) will be less than 1 dBA. This increase is insignificant.

18.13 After commissioning, the proposed activity will at most give rise to an increase of less than

10% in the quantities of waste generated, with the exception of overburden which will increase by approximately 25%. Measures are in place at Platin to increase overburden usage as a raw material, and recycling will be a priority. As a result of the nature of the waste arisings and the measures for their disposal, there is no significant adverse impact on the environment.

18.14 The proposed development will not give rise to significant additional landscape or visual

impact. At most the development will tend to be a significant focus of attention during construction and thereafter will impact only in increasing the existing visual mass or bulk of development on the site. This effect will be most noticeable from open areas within the landscape to the immediate east; from the elevated vantage points of Red Mountain and Bellewstown Ridge and from residential properties along the Cruicerath Road; the Donore to Duleek Road; and the R152 Road.

18.15 In the medium and longer-term, given the presence of the existing facility and as no

appreciable change occurs within existing views it is considered that negative landscape or visual impact will not arise from the proposed development.

18.16 While there are some inevitable impacts from the proposed development, the majority are

not significant and must be assessed in the context of the existing cement works, which is a long established facility in the area. The replacement of the existing Kiln No. 1 with a more efficient new kiln and associated plant will improve efficiency and the environmental performance of the cement works as a whole.

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Documents

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTENVIRONMENTAL … · Environmental Impact Assessment 1.7 This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared to accompany an application to Meath