Top Level Content Navigation:
The field of Water Systems actually covers four separate and distinct water systems that are all part of the greater hydrological cycle but are by their nature & purpose are of different composition. Consequently they are contained within separate systems and require different methods of monitoring and management. The systems are:
Five streams and rivers have tributaries that originate within the active airport site and one stream rises upstream of Dublin Airport and crosses through the site. The six streams ultimately merge downstream of the airport to become three rivers (the Sluice River, the Mayne River and the Santry River) which discharge into the sea at Portmarnock, Baldoyle, and Bull Island at Raheny, respectively.
Regular routine sampling & analysis is carried out as per defined procedures in the Environmental Management System for Dublin Airport. Samples are taken from the streams at designated locations and then sent to an accredited laboratory for chemical analysis. The concentration levels are compared with the target levels agreed with Fingal County Council. The results are shared with the Drainage Department of Fingal County Council and with the operators through the Pollution Control Committee, whereupon practices & procedures are reviewed and appropriate actions agreed where necessary.
The scope of the routine monitoring programme is reviewed on an ongoing basis. The range of parameters has been extended in 2005 to include glycol analysis and biological invertebrate monitoring (to supplement monitoring of BOD, COD, TOC, pH, SS, Ammonia, Total Phosphate, Ortho-phosphate concentrations). Refer to Glossary [hyperlink] for definitions.
Existing pollution controls include improving operational practices; prompt reporting of incidents with appropriate remedial action; ongoing monitoring; bunding structured around storage tanks; interceptor devices on drainage pipes discharging to the watercourses; impounding facilities on key streams.
The Dublin Airport Authority is currently working towards the installation of on-stream on-line monitoring on the key streams at Dublin Airport to provide continuous information on flow & quality characteristics thereby providing an unbroken record of performance and trigger immediate action in the event of quality deviations – thus ensuring that the water systems are safeguarded.
Effluent from Dublin Airport is covered by Local Authority licences to the Dublin Airport Authority and we monitor in accordance with those licences. The DAA is responsible for the maintenance of the collection infrastructure. Currently, Fingal County Council is involved in the issuing of Trade Effluent Licences directly to all the operators at Dublin Airport that have trade effluent (e.g. catering outlets, maintenance & overhaul activities). Currently the Dublin Airport Authority does not have effluent of a trade nature and does not require such a licence at this time. Effluent from the Dublin Airport site enters the new North Fringe Sewer for treatment at the new Treatment Plant at Ringsend.
The Dublin Airport Authority maintains a 2 million gallon reservoir on site, which is supplied by the Local Authority mains water supply. The water is then treated locally (boosting residual disinfection) before being distributed throughout the site. The usage is metered and the quality is monitored as per the Drinking Water Regulations.
A conceptual hydro-geological model was developed of the Dublin Airport site
and the next stage of the study in this area (intrusive investigations to
determine qualitative & quantitative characteristics) is being
prepared.
Secondary Content Navigation:
