This presentation was given as part of the EPA-funded Catchment Science and Management Course focusing on Integrated Catchment Management, held in June 2015. This course was delivered by RPS Consultants. If you have any queries or comments, or wish to use the material in this presentation, please contact catchments@epa.ie It is increasingly being recognised internationally that integrated catchment management (ICM) is a useful organising framework for tackling the ongoing challenge of balancing sustainable use and development of our natural resource, against achieving environmental goals. The basic principles of ICM (Williams, 2012) are to: • Take a holistic and integrated approach to the management of land, biodiversity, water and community resources at the water catchment scale; • Involve communities in planning and managing their landscapes; and • Find a balance between resource use and resource conservation ICM is now well established in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. In Europe the ICM approach has been proposed as being required to achieve effective water and catchment management, and is the approach being promoted by DEFRA for the UK, where it is called the “Catchment Based Approach” (CaBA). The principles and methodologies behind ICM sit well within the context of the Water Framework Directive with its aims and objectives for good water quality, sustainable development and public participation in water resource management. In Ireland it is proposed that the ICM approach will underlie the work and philosophy in developing and implementing future River Basin Management Plans.

1. Catchment Science & Management
Training Course
Photograph: Loch An Dúin,
Catchment Science & Management
Training Course
Exercises
Dingle, Co. Kerry ( J. Doheny)
Catchment Science & Management

3. 23
Day 5 - Afternoon Session
ICM STEP 5: IDENTIFY & EVALUATE POSSIBLE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES – Multi Criteria Analysis
In a catchment there may be alternative strategies (or combinations of measures), which could be effective in
reducing nutrient loadings. Suggest factors that might assist with prioritising and selecting preferred strategies
supporting a catchment based multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach.
Example Criteria
Criteria Factor
Technical
Environmental
Social
Economic
Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management
Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments

4. 24
Lough Leane MCA Example
This simplified example assumes that there are a range of options available addressing urban agglomeration and
agricultural pressures; and that forestry and septic tanks best practice measures will be implemented.
Urban Agglomeration Measures & Effectiveness
The baseline case is raw (untreated) sewage discharge, alternatively treatment, nutrient removal, wetland discharge
or relocating the discharge from the lake to downstream waters.
Source Base Load Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
(T/year) (T/year) (T/year) (T/year) (T/year)
WWTP Raw Treatment Nutrient
Removal
Wetland Outfall
Relocation
Level of treatment 10 4.7 1 0.1 0
Folly Stream Raw Treatment Nutrient
Removal
Wetland Outfall
Relocation
Flow diversion &
treatment
1.4 0.7 0.1 0 0
Urban Agglomerations
Total Load
11.4 5.4 1.1 0.1 0
Agriculture Measures & Effectiveness
The baseline case is existing agricultural practice; alternatives entail improved storage and practice in line with REPS
or more stringent export targets including changing landuse to forestry.
Source Load Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
(T/year) (T/year) (T/year) (T/year) (T/year)
Agriculture +
Background
Existing
Practice
Improved
Practice
-15 mg/m2
/yr
Best
Practice
-20 mg/m2
/yr
Forestry
-25 mg/m2
/yr
Best Practice
Forestry
-30 mg/m2
/yr
Improved storage &
practice
23.9 16.7 14.3 11.9 9.5
The sustainable target phosphorus loading into Lough Leane is 20 T/year; identify one strategy (combination of
measures) that can achieve this target if the remaining sect oral loadings are as follows:
Septic tanks = 1 T/year
Forestry = 1.4 T/year
Source Load
(T/year)
Urban Agglomerations selection?
Agriculture + Background selection?
Septic Tanks 1
Forestry + Background 1.4
Total (T/year)

5. 25
Summary of Loading - Possible Range of Loading
Source Base Load Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
(T/year) (T/year) (T/year) (T/year) (T/year)
WWTP Raw Treatment Nutrient
Removal
Wetland Outfall
Relocation
Level of treatment 10 4.7 1 0.1 0
Folly Stream Raw Treatment Nutrient
Removal
Wetland Outfall
Relocation
Flow diversion &
treatment
1.4 0.7 0.1 0 0
Urban Agglomerations 11.4 5.4 1.1 0.1 0
Agriculture +
Background
Existing
Practice
Improved
Practice
-15 mg/m2
/yr
Best
Practice
-20 mg/m2
/yr
Forestry
-25 mg/m2
/yr
Best Practice
Forestry
-30 mg/m2
/yr
Improved storage &
practice
23.9 16.7 14.3 11.9 9.5
Septic Tanks
Assume improvements 1 1 1 1 1
Forestry + Background
Ongoing 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
Total (T/year) 37.7 24.5 17.8 14.4 11.9
Test the following scenarios using multi criteria analysis so a preferred strategy can be determined for catchment
nutrient reduction. For the purposes of this simple example, assume all scenarios will be effective within the same
timescale and ignore the costs of septic tank and existing forestry measures (i.e. best practice is adopted).
Scenario 1 - Provide secondary treatment at the plant and for the Folly stream discharges and significantly reduce
agricultural inputs (by transfer to forestry landuse).
Scenario 2 - Provide nutrient removal treatment at the plant and for the Folly stream discharges and improve
agricultural practices (in line with REPS).
Scenario 3 - Relocate the outfall discharge to downstream of the lake and improve agricultural practices (in line with
REPS).
Achievement of Target Load (T/yr)
Source Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
(T/year) (T/year) (T/year)
Urban Agglomerations 5.4 1.1 0
Agriculture + Background 11.9 16.7 16.7
Septic Tanks 1 1 1
Forestry + Background 1.4 1.4 1.4
Total (T/year) 19.7 20.2 19.1
What other scenario might also be effective given the data presented above?
Whole Life Cost - €M (includes capital / construction costs and operational costs over the life cycle of the plan)

6. 26
Source Load Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
(€M) (€M) (€M) (€M) (€M)
Urban Agglomerations Raw
0
Treatment
20
Nutrient
Removal
30
Wetland
32
Outfall
Relocation
80
Agriculture +
Background
Existing
Practice
Improved
Practice
-15 mg/m2
/yr
Best
Practice
-20 mg/m2
/yr
Forestry
-25 mg/m2
/yr
Best Practice
Forestry
-30 mg/m2
/yr
0 10 20 30 40
Lough Leane MCA Scoring
Compare the three scenarios using the information and criteria provided to identify the preferred scenario.
Criteria Factor
(Score: best achievement of an objective as +5 and poor achievement as 0)
Technical - Ease
of construction of
facilities
score 5 = no impact
score 4 = easy construction, minimal disruption
score 3 = below average complexity of construction and disruption
score 2 = average ease of construction, average disruption
score 1 = above average complexity of construction and disruption
score 0 = complex construction, extensive disruption
Environmental -
Achievement of
target load (T/yr)
score 5 = load<19.5
score 4 = load 19.6-20.0
score 3 = load 20.1-20.5
score 2 = load 20.6-21.0
score 1 = load 21.1-21.5
score 0 = load > 21.6
Social - Minimise
impact on local
employment
score 5 = no impact
score 4 = low impact on very few locals
score 3 = low/medium impact on a few locals
score 2 = medium impact on some locals
score 1 = medium/high impact on some more locals
score 0 = high impact on many locals
Economic -
Minimisation of
scenario whole
life cost (€M)
score 5 = cost 0 - 20
score 4 = cost 21 - 40
score 3 = cost 41 - 60
score 2 = cost 61 - 80
score 1 = cost 81 - 100
score 0 = cost > 101
Criteria Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
Technical
Environmental
Social
Economic
Total Score
Build Partnership
Create an ICM
Vision
Characterise the
Catchment
Undertake further
characterisation
Identify &
Evaluate Possible
Management
Strategies
Design an
Implementation
Programme
Implement the
River Basin
Management
Plan
Measure Progress
and Make
Adjustments

7. 27
Day 5 - Afternoon Session
ICM STEP 6: DESIGN AN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME – Make an Action Programme
Lough Leane Action Programme
The full suite of Lough Leane management measures includes education and stakeholder empowering measures as
well as the key nutrient reduction ones. Suggest further such measures you consider should be incorporated in the
programme to address key sectors?
Sector Education & Empowering Measures
Urban Agglomerations
Agriculture
Septic Tanks
Forestry
Others (please state
which sectors)

8. 28
The Lough Leane Action Programme is listed below, consider if this fails to address any issues, is balanced or biased,
and are key measures clear, achievable and relevant?
(Grade the measures; A = very important, B = important, C = least important, D = irrelevant)
Catchment-Wide Management Measures Grade
Establish a staffed catchment management center within the Lough Leane area
Organise a water quality education/awareness programme & maintain a Phosphorus Awareness
Campaign
Implement ICDA (Irish Cosmetics & Detergents Association) proposals
Develop the role of the Working Group & create a Management Proposal Implementation Sub-
Committee
Secure additional resources for the implementation of management proposals
Local Authority Environment Section Structure Management Measures Grade
Formalise responsibility structures and job specifications
Develop formalized reporting structures
Establish a liaison forum regarding environmental issues to address catchment issues
Develop and implement water quality strategies and initiatives
Local Authority Industrial Discharges Management Measures Grade
Review and upgrade of all existing Local Authority discharge licenses
Establish monitoring and policing procedures
Enforce existing & new licenses by providing resources for inspection & monitoring of industrial sites
Local Authority Waste Management Measures Grade
Establish a Transfer Station and Operational Procedures Manual
Undertake additional monitoring and reporting
Implement a Closure Plan for Coolcaslagh landfill site
Upgrade effluent treatment or transfer effluent to Killarney WWTP
Provide a bund around diesel storage tank
Stream organic wastes for recycling initiatives
Local Authority Water Supply Management Measures Grade
Establish a water abstraction Operational Procedures Manual
Ensure that Chlorine is stored in suitable locked internal stores
Undertake a review of activities and planning control in the Lough Guitane catchment to address
domestic sewage discharges, agricultural activity and forestry development
Make a byelaw for the Lough Guitane catchment regarding agricultural priorities
Secure additional resources for the monitoring and implementation of management proposals
Local Authority Municipal Discharges Management Measures Grade
Investigate Killarney WWTP’s capacity and performance including provision of additional levels of P
removal and stormwater tanks
Provide an additional technician at Killarney WWTP
Continue the pilot fat removal trials at Killarney WWTP
Develop and implement a Sludge Disposal Strategy under the County Sludge Management Strategy
Include NMPs on spreadlands
Undertake a sewerage study to investigate, monitor and model the performance of pumping stations
and the operation of storm water overflows and foul system overflows
Undertake further flow and water quality monitoring of the Folly Stream
Investigate alternative effluent discharge systems for Killarney WWTP
Undertake cost benefit analysis of connecting appropriate outlying plants
Upgrade/review operation of outlying treatment works & prioritise treatment at Barraduff & Kilcummin
Secure additional resources for the monitoring and implementation of management proposals

9. 29
Local Authority Laboratory Facility Management Measures Grade
Upgrade the lab’s capacity and investigate the feasibility of new facilities
Continue & extend participation in the EPA intercalibration programme & develop towards ILAB.
Establish a Laboratory Procedures Manual
Upgrade the monitoring database and improve data distribution
Develop water quality monitoring programmes in response to new legislation
Secure additional resources for the implementation of management proposals
Local Authority Pollution Response Management Measures Grade
Appoint an Executive Engineer/Scientist to fully establish and lead the pollution response team
Develop a Procedures Manual
Raise Pollution awareness through site visits
Identify risks and develop a contingency plan for response to pollution incidents
Tourism Sector Management Measures Grade
Formulate a policy requiring provision of facilities for separation of fats, oils and greases at source to be
implemented by the LA by introduction of Byelaw/notice/licence under the Water Pollution Act
Formulate a policy to develop a fats, oils and greases collection and disposal facility
Extend towel re-use scheme
Participate in Kerry County Council’s composting scheme
Introduce Eco-tourism awards/recognition
Secure additional resources for the implementation of management proposals
Agricultural Management Measures Grade
Make Bye-Laws under the water pollution acts regard the storage and management of wastes
Implement policies relating to additional agriculture initiatives including: NMPs, Farmyard surveys, REPS,
Education/Environmental programmes, Funding mechanisms/storage alternatives, Farm slurry disposal
Groundwater/Septic Tank Management Measures Grade
LAs should initiate an awareness campaign regarding the proper maintenance of septic tanks
Local Authorities should undertake random sampling and the verification of percolation test results
Local Authorities should achieve better enforcement of regulations concerning the installation of septic
tanks and percolation areas
LAs should develop and maintain a register of approved persons/contractors for acceptable certification
of percolation tests and septic tank/treatment system design and installation.
Forestry Management Measures Grade
The Forestry Act 1946 should be altered to give a derogation regarding the replanting requirements
The Forest Service, in the issue of all felling licences in the Lough Leane Catchment should consider
location and extent of felling, the time interval between felling activities in the area and on the basis of
nutrient deficiency and site suitability
Replanting to be based on the Code of Best Forest Practice and also on suitability of soil type
Submission of Forestry Management Plans including foliar analysis for the Lough Leane catchment to
Kerry County Council for consideration.
New guidelines for forestry development to be implemented by all developers
Resources to be provided by the Forest Service to ensure the monitoring and enforcement of the
guidelines within the Lough Leane catchment
Developers to submit site suitability plans and water quality monitoring data to the Forest Service in
support of new developments
Forest Service to undertake random site visits to ensure compliance with the forestry guidelines and to
consider the accumulative effects on adjacent developers
The Local Authority will be required to monitor any new activities as well as further aerial fertilization
activities to evaluate potential loading and to ensure compliance
Designate sensitive areas which should not be planted/replanted within the catchment

10. 30

11. 31

12. 32

13. 33