Environmental Guidance: Drainage Maintenance & Construction: ISSN 1649-9840

ISSN 1649-9840
Environmental Guidance:
Drainage Maintenance
& Construction
ISSN 1649-9840
Published under:
SERIES OF ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS ON ARTERIAL DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE
No 13: Environmental Guidance: Drainage Maintenance and Construction.
Citation: Brew, T., Gilligan, N., 2019, Environmental Guidance: Drainage Maintenance
and Construction. Series of Ecological Assessments on Arterial Drainage Maintenance
No 13. Environment Section, Office of Public Works, Trim, Co. Meath, Ireland.
Contents
Introduction 5
Purpose of this Guidance 6

What is a Procedure 7
How to Use this Guidance 7
Section 1A - Drainage Maintenance Planning Procedures –

Relevant to Management Staff 9
EP1 Annual Programme 10
EP 2 Environmental Risk Assessment 13
EP 3 Site Specific Appropriate Assessment 15
EP 4 Foreman Bridge Inspection Form 18
EP 5 Drainage Maintenance Environmental Management 20
Section 1B - Drainage Maintenance Implementation Procedures –

Relevant to all Staff 21
EP 6 Environmental Data Gathering and Usage 22
EP 7 Environmental Drainage Maintenance (EDM) 26
EP 8 Environmental River Enhancement 36
EP 9 Tree and Vegetation Management 49
EP 10 Drainage Maintenance Silt Management 58
EP 11 Bank Protection 59
EP 12 Barrier Removal 61
EP 13 Embankment Maintenance 63
Section 2 - Construction Procedures – Relevant to Construction Staff 67

EP 14 Construction Environmental Management 68
EP 15 Construction Silt Management 72
EP 16 Ecologically Friendly Culvert 78
EP 17 Water Pollution 79
3
Section 3 Invasive Species Procedures – Relevant to all Staff 81
EP 18A Standard Biosecurity 82
EP 18B High Biosecurity 84
EP 18C Boat Cleaning 88
EP 18D Invasive Plants Treatment 89
Section 4 Animal and Plant Procedures – Relevant to all Staff 97

EP 19 Salmonoid 98
EP 20 Otter 100
EP 21 Lamprey 104
EP 22 Crayfish 109
EP 23 Badger 111
EP 24 Bank Nesting Birds 113
EP 25 Birds 115
EP 26 Bats 116
EP 27 Rare Plants 120
EP 28 Fresh Water Pearl Mussel 122
EP 29 Swan and Duck Mussel 123
Section 5 Habitat Procedures – Relevant to all Staff 125

EP 30 Alluvial (Wet Woodland) 126
EP 31 Wetland 127
EP 32 Mudflat 129
EP 33 Floating River Vegetation Habitat 130
Glossary 132
4
Introduction
OPW Drainage Maintenance and Construction’s primary function is drainage and flood relief,
but the conveyance of water is not the only focus. The OPW is an important participant in
maintaining healthy catchments and by taking an environmentally led approach, can yield
successful outcomes for many stakeholders. Environmental compliance is an important
component in the delivery of successful drainage and flood relief projects. Drainage
Maintenance work processes have evolved environmental measures that promote awareness
and are designed to reduce impact on nature. OPW construction works comply with all
relevant legislation and measures to avoid or reduce impacts are carried out when required.
This guidance through the Procedures contained, are instructions that help OPW staff to
achieve a balanced approach to drainage and construction works and through training,
knowledge and skills have the competence to carry out their duties in support of good
environmental management.
Impacts due to reduced drainage and flooding affect both individuals and communities, and
have social, economic and environmental consequences. The social and economic implications
of drainage and flood relief are wide-ranging and important to the population. The delivery of
flood relief functions by OPW protects people from flooding in many towns, villages and cities
and through OPW Catchment Management Plans, many additional communities will benefit
in the future. Through OPW Drainage Maintenance Schemes lands are more arable providing
livelihoods and national food resources. Impacts from reduced drainage and increased
flooding include loss of human life, damage to property, destruction of crops, loss of livestock,
and deterioration of health conditions. This Guidance aims to deliver good drainage and flood
relief functions while reducing the associated environmental impacts.
Pic. I House Flooded Pic. II Excavator working on channel
5
Purpose of this Guidance
Drainage Maintenance and Flood Relief (referred to as Construction throughout this Guidance)
can have an impact on natural watercourses, affecting habitats and species. This guidance
is a practical handbook that brings lessons learned from environmental problem solving
from throughout the organisation. The intention is that it will be updated to bring new and
improved work practices when encountered. The procedures and measures set out require
communication to all members of staff, enabling ongoing improvements in environmental
performance, based on practical environmental control. This guidance is the target standard
of all drainage maintenance and construction.
The aim of this Environmental Guidance is to help OPW Drainage Maintenance staff to
carry out their activities in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner, and where
relevant implement this guidance for construction works. The Environmental Procedures (EPs)
contained, are the backbone of how the risk of environmental impact is reduced. This guidance
sets out Procedures designed to limit potential impacts and to improve habitats for many
species, and assist all levels of staff to full-fill their environmental duties in an effective manner.
Working in marine or river environments requires careful consideration of potential ecological
impacts that can occur. The purpose of this guidance is to manage and substantially reduce
potential impacts to the animals and plants that depend on the river corridors, estuaries,
lakes, and catchments where drainage maintenance and construction works are carried out.
This guidance and the procedures contained are designed as best practice and should only be
implemented where the correct environmental and ecological assessments have been carried
out. The OPW progresses it’s works with a framework of five year Appropriate Assessments,
site specific AAs, EcIAs and CEMPs for large construction projects. These assessments
should always be in place where they are required, to ensure that no works result in adverse
effects on European Sites or protected habitats and species.
Through this Environmental Guidance, the OPW can achieve several objectives, not only
Water Framework and Habitat Directives and other EU directives, but also biodiversity
goals, fisheries improvement, ecological enhancement and flood management. Through this
Guidance partnerships and collaborations can be fostered and continued.
The procedures have been written with ISO14001 in mind and follow a template that will allow
them in be implemented as part of an integrated management system in the future.
6
What is a Procedure
A Procedure is a method for accomplishing a goal in a consistent and correct manner. The
goal is to carry out the drainage and construction functions of the organisation without causing
unnecessary damage to the environment. An effective Procedure should communicate what,
why, who and how to carry out a specific task.
• Scope What the procedure applies to.

• Purpose Why the procedure is required.
• Responsibility Who the procedure applies to.
• Relevant information Further information.
• Procedure Step by step instructions on how to carry out the procedure.
These procedures circulate lessons learned from throughout the organization, making
good use of staff strengths, leading to highly trained staff, who think for themselves and
learn from each other. Creating a framework that retains and shares knowledge.
How to Use this Guidance

Each Procedure deals with an individual task, consult this procedure when it becomes
relevant to your works. The step-by-step procedures contained are practical guidelines that
inform on how best to proceed with the work while minimising impact to the environment.
The procedures contained within this guidance are divided in sections that are relevant for
drainage maintenance management and operational staff and also for construction staff.
Section 1A Drainage Maintenance Planning Procedures: relates to methods used to

manage the delivery of the works, this influences how works proceed but does not directly
describe how to carry out works. The section describes systems like the Annual Programme
that sets out the type and amount of work. This section is primarily for managers but should
be referred to by all members of staff.
Section 1B, Drainage Maintenance Implementation Procedures: relates directly to the

practical delivery of works and should be referred to by management and operational staff.
Some procedures in this section are generally taken from the older “Red Book” with some
additional new procedures. The earlier “Red Book” programmes such as Environmental
Drainage Maintenance (EDM) and Environmental River Enhancement Programme (EREP) are
retained, nevertheless with some changes to EREP and new environmental procedures on
how to use mapping information and how to manage trees, silt, bank protection, barriers and
embankments are included. This is relevant to all drainage maintenance staff and is useful
in understanding how to deliver environmentally sensitive systems of work that will underpin
how works are assessed around protected SACs and SPAs.
7
Section 2 Construction Procedures: relates to the practical delivery of construction works
both at a planning and implementation level. These are less relevant to maintenance but
should be referred to when applicable. Procedures relating to silt, culvert construction and
water pollution can be used as environmental mitigation to allow the delivery of construction
works. The environmental management procedure describes the planning processes for the
delivery of construction works and the on-site environmental roles and responsibilities.
Section 3 Invasive Species Procedures: relates to methodologies for dealing with invasive
species on site. This is a significant risk to all drainage maintenance and construction related
works, but given the spatially dispersed nature of drainage maintenance, this requires careful
implementation of the procedures outlined. The section discusses both Standard Biosecurity
relating to invasive plants and High Biosecurity relating to water borne larvae and pathogens
with a particular focus on crayfish plague. This section is relevant to all staff.
Section 4 Animal and Plant Procedures: relates to wildlife typically encountered in drainage
and construction related works. Some wildlife are legally protected and require methods to
prevent impact. These procedures generally contain many of the same elements that are
comprised within the older “Red Book” with some additions relating to badgers, bats and rare
plants.
Section 5 Habitat Procedures: relates to important habitats, typically encountered in drainage

and construction works and the procedures within are designed to try to reduce some of these
impacts. This section is relevant to all staff.
Training on the requirements of this guidance is an important element going forward, to assist
implementation and enabling staff achieve a high level of environmental competence.
Pic. III Fisheries enhancement on channel
8
Section 1A – Drainage Maintenance Procedures
Relevant to Management Staff
Section 1 Planning – Relevant to Management Staff

Drainage Maintenance Planning
EP1 Annual Programme

Scope
This procedure relates to all drainage maintenance programmed regional works.
Purpose
To ensure that maintenance of channels, embankments and structures are programmed
within the correct environmental windows and protected areas identified while ensuring
required stakeholder consultation.
Responsibilities
The responsibility lies with the Regional Management Staff and Environment Section.
Related Documentation
5 year Appropriate Assessments (AAs), Foreman’s Bridge Inspection Report and
Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA).
Procedure
1. Complete the Annual Programme by December at the latest every year.
2. Fill in Foreman’s Bridge Inspection Reports for all programmed bridges.
3. Ensure there is a relevant 5-year AAs in place for the proposed programme.
4. Determine maintenance requirements for each channel and schedule the channel for
summer or winter.
Typically, channels where winter maintenance can occur are minor channels that are not
particularly gravelly, where salmonid fish spawning is less likely to occur.
5. Check whether programmed channels excluded from the 5yr NISs, consult with
Environment Section, a site specific AA maybe required.
6. Check whether protected areas highlighted with the SAC/SPA code.
7. Comply with EP 2 (ERA).
8. Once the Annual Programme has been completed, Environment Section will send to the
Development Applications Unit of NPWS and IFI.
9. Meet regularly with NPWS and IFI to discuss the Annual Programme.
Good annual programming ensures resources are used efficiently while streamlining
environmental performance. Overproduction by carrying out maintenance too frequently
has an unnecessary impact on the environment.
10
Summary of Procedure EP1
1. Select the
relevant areas
from the
9. Finalise scheme cycle. 2. Complete bridge
programme by assessment forms
December and
make GIS layer
available to key
stakeholders
i.e. NPWS and IFI.
3. Consider channels
suitable for fisheries
enhancement
planning
Annual
8. Fill in ERA
before carrying
out any
emergency
works should
if in or near a SAC
Programme 4. Ensure 5yr NIS is in
place and that
programmed
or SPA. channels are not
excluded
7. Consult
consultation with 5. Consider and
IFI and NPWS describe the seasonal
local staff, timing of the works,
frequency/format having regard to the
should be species GIS layers and
determined 6. Fill in ERAs to
spawning potential of
regionally evaluate if site
channel.
specific AA is
required
September can be a productive month to programme works, fish

spawning has not yet begun and bird nesting is no longer happening.
During this month, you can both cut trees and carryout instream works.
Fig 1.1
Example of Programme Input Form
Tree cutting Main channel works

programmed for programme for summer,
winter, outside within the non salmonid
nesting season. spawning window.
Protected areas
Scheme SES Maigue Outfall Machine/ Gang 5/198 Short Reach
ID CHANNEL Section From To ABCDEF Timing of works SAC NHA SPA Remarks Last Mtce
1130 C1 0 19300 S 2165 435 4077 Channel maintenance 0-900 incl Fisheries Enh 15/06/08
1130 C1 0 19300 W 2165 435 4077 Tree cutting 0-900 15/06/08
11315 C1/4/2 0 2000 ANY Channel maintenance 17/05/14
11317 E1 0 5300 W Mulching embankment 30/08/14
Minor channel, less

May require a twin season
gravelly, with less potential
approach on main channels
for spawning: is appropriate
with tree cutting in winter
Programme heavy for winter silt and veg
and bank protection,
vegetation removal from management
instream maintenance or
embankments for the winter
enhancement works carried
due to nesting birds. Lighter
out in summer.
embankment maintenance
can occur in the summer
Table 1.2
1
Drainage Maintenance Drainage Maintenance Subcategories
Subcategories Silt and vegetation management A
A Silt and vegetation management Aquatic vegetation cutting B
B Aquatic vegetation cutting Channel Bank Protection C
C Bank Protection Maintenance Brush cutting / branch trimming D
D Brush cutting / branch trimming Tree cutting E
E Tree cutting Other F
F Other
Brush cutting / branch trimming D
Mulching embankment
Tree cutting E
Mowing embankment
Embankment Spraying with herbicide F
Gate installation
Sluice maintenance Maintenance Mulching F
Bridge maintenance Mowing F
Spraying with herbicide Gate installation F
Sluice maintenance F
Table 1.3
Bridge maintenance F
Structural Spraying with herbicide F
Maintenance Bank Protection C
Brush cutting / branch trimming D
Tree cutting E
Table 1.4
12
EP 2 Environmental Risk Assessment

Scope
This procedure relates to all drainage maintenance and construction works proposed in the
Annual Programme and all un-programmed works.
Purpose
To ensure the identification of sensitive sites that require further assessment in addition to
the 5 year AA framework.
Responsibilities
5 year Appropriate Assessments, Annual Programme, Environmental Risk Assessment Form.
Procedure
1. Undertake the Environmental Risk Assessment, answer the questions as described on
the ERA form.
2. Forward completed ERA with as much information as possible, include maps showing
work location and access points, photos of the site and description of works.
3. Environment Section will progress a site specific AA if required. Please refer to the ERA
register on Alfresco.
The ERA uses three criteria as a condition to trigger the process, as described in the
section “To be completed where the following conditions are met”. Works outside the
scope of these criteria should not be considered risk free. The criteria are to identify
higher risk works that warrant specific consideration or further assessments, but if you
judge that other works merit consideration, fill in the ERA and the risk can be further
assessed by Environment Section.
13
OPW Arterial Drainage
Environmental Risk Assessment

Reset
To be completed where the following conditions are met
Works within an SAC or SPA Yes
Works on a major channel (i.e. base width greater than 3m) Yes
More than 10 years since maintenance on the Channel (>3m) or Embankment. Yes
General Site Details
Start Date: Est Completion Date:
Site Location: Scheme:
Channel No./Ref.: Bridge No.:
GPS coordinates: Road Number:

Nature of Works: Programmed Non-Programmed Emergency
Description
If Yes is answered to any of the following questions, please forward to Environment Section
Does the work entail heavy tree or vegetation removal on a channel, embankment or Yes No
machine access corridor?
Does the works entail embankment refurbishment works not classified as general Yes No
maintenance?
Does the works entail more than 40m of bank protection or other structural work on Yes No
a channel?
Are the nature of the works or location of the works outside the scope of the Yes No
associated arterial drainage maintenance five year Appropriate Assessments?
Additional Information
From the GIS records, is this a Freshwater Pearl Mussel location? Yes No
Have particular sensitivities been flagged by other stakeholders such as IFI or NPWS? Yes No
Is there a requirement to carry out the works outside the appropriate environmental Yes No
window?
Signed: Date:
What does a 5yr Appropriate Assessment cover?

The 5 year AA is in place to assess standard maintenance activities for the overall
scheme. It is relevant to all types of maintenance (activities A – F) and it considers the
in-combination impacts of working within the entire catchment. Where the nature of the
works or location of the works is particularly sensitive, a site-specific assessment is
typically required.
14
EP 3 Site Specific Appropriate Assessment

Scope
This procedure relates to works that require a site specific Appropriate Assessment, that are
not covered by the 5 year AA framework.
Purpose
To ensure compliance with legislation and to protect biodiversity.
Responsibilities
5 year Appropriate Assessments, Annual Programme, Environmental Risk Assessment Form.
OPW Series EcIA No.1 Screening Report
Environmental assessments are on the critical path for the delivery of drainage
and flooding related projects. Schedule early in the works programme.
Procedure
See following page.
15
Site Specific Appropriate Assessment Process
RESPONSIBILITY ACTIVITY
Is activity covered by 5 year AA?

Project Carryout an ERA if required. YES Proceed with works.
Engineer
NO NO
Inform Are there any

Environment sensitivities that are
Environment Section not Qualifying
Section Interests
YES
If a site specific AA is required.
An EcIA is required
A stage I screening is carried out; Do the
Consultant works have potential to result in adverse NO
Ecologist effects on European Sites if undertaken Proceed with works.
in the absence of mitigation?
YES
Provide a detailed works plan. A work

plan includes details of machine
Project access corridors, haul roads, a drawing
Engineer of planned works, maps, constrains,
draft method statement etc.
Carry out a Stage II NIS. This has a

six week consultation window with
Consultant the NPWS and requires ecological
Ecologist surveys that could lead to delays to
the project programme.
Environment Send NIS to NPWS & IFI for 6 week

Section consultation period. Address any
comments received to the satisfaction
of competent authority (OPW). Issue
AA Determination Statement to
NPWS.
Proceed with works.

Project
Engineer
Comply with ISP 5.15 and EPs and any
site specific mitigation communicated
to all staff from the NIS.
Fig. 3.1
16
Arterial Drainage Maintenance Activities – National Schedule
Appropriate Assessments for Schemes
Matt
Monaghan Blackwater
Ouvane Screened Out
Owenavorragh
Hazelhatch FRS
Ryewater
Abbey
Brickey Bonet Ballyteigue/Kilmore Boyne
Carrigahorig Boyle Corrib Duleek FRS
Clareen Broadmeadow & Ward Duff Moy
Creegh Brosna Inny
Dunmanway Donegal Schemes Kilcoo
Glyde & Dee Feale Killimor/Cappagh
Nenagh Knockrockery
Lwr. Shannon Schemes
Maine
AA 2012 – 2016 &

AA 2013 - 2017 AA 2014 - 2018 AA 2015 - 2019 AA 2016 - 2020
2018
2020
2019
2017
AA 2018 - 2022 AA 2019 - 2023 AA 2020 - 2024 AA 2021 - 2025
17
Fig. 3.2
EP 4 Foreman Bridge Inspection Form

Scope
This procedure relates to bridges where structural work is required.
Purpose
This form supports the 5 year AA process by ensuring that bridge maintenance follows an
approach that identifies where ecological surveys are required. Bridge structures can be
habitats for protected species such as bats, birds and otters.
Responsibilities
The responsibility lies with the regional foreman and Environment Section.
Annual Programme
Procedure
1. Fill in the Foremen Bridge Inspection Form for all programmed and unprogrammed
bridge maintenance works.
2. Send completed form to Environment Section where stipulated.
3. Environment Section will access form and if necessary will organise for an ecological
assessment to be carried out.
The majority of drainage maintenance bridges are piped culverts or single span
concrete structures. These structures will have less potential to find protected
species than high stone arched bridges.
18
Rev 0415
Foreman Bridge Inspection Report

Date of inspection: ________________________________
Inspected by: ________________________________
Yes If yes – programme maintenance for next year

Maintenance required
No and complete below
Yes
Emergency works required If yes – complete below
No
Yes
In-channel works required If yes - apply water quality mitigation measures
No
Cracks present that could be used by Yes If yes - refer to Environment Section with
roosting bats photograph as additional surveys may be
*For brick or stone structures only No required
Yes If yes - refer to Environment Section with

Dense ivy cover that could be used by bats photograph as additional surveys may be
No required
Ledges present that are / could be used by Yes If yes – avoid nesting season or survey for nesting
nesting birds No birds prior to maintenance
Dense bank-side vegetation surrounding the Yes If yes – avoid nesting season or survey for nesting
structure suitable for birds No birds prior to maintenance
Yes If yes - check for presence of otter/badger –

Dense bank-side vegetation surrounding the
Refer to Environment Section with photo if
structure suitable for otter No found as licence may be required
Non-native invasive species detailed in Yes If yes, refer to Environment Section with
'Invasives SOP' present No photograph
Yes If yes – inform Environment Section once

Suitable for installation of bat box
No installed
Yes If yes – inform Environment Section once

Suitable for installation of bird (dipper) box
No installed
Remarks
19
EP 5 Drainage Maintenance Environmental Management
Scope
This procedure relates to all drainage maintenance environmental management.
Purpose
To ensure any site specific mitigation is communicated on site.
Responsibilities
The responsibility lies with the regional staff.
Site specific Appropriate Assessment, Ecological Impact Assessment, Invasive Management
Plans, Environmental Method Statements and Environmental Ecological Assessments EcIAs.
Procedure
1. Where an Appropriate Assessment, ecological assessment, invasive species
management plan, wildlife license or where environmental instruction outwith of these
procedures defines site-specific mitigation, then the Project Engineer will communicate
this mitigation through an environmental method statement (preferred method where the
scale of works is significant), tool box talk or site induction.
Drainage Maintenance Environmental Management
Drainage Carryout works

Maintenance referring to
YES Is there site NO Environmental
specific Procedures
environmental
Origin of Mitigation
Mitigation
1. Appropriate
Assessment,
2. Ecological How to
Assessment, Communicate
3. Invasive species
1. Site induction
management
2. Method Statements
plan,
3. Toolbox talks
4. Wildlife license
4. Environmental
5. Specific
Procedures
environmental
instruction
Fig. 5.1
20
Section 1B –
Drainage Maintenance Implementation Procedures
Relevant to all Staff
EP 6 Environmental Data and Usage

Scope
This procedure relates to drainage maintenance.
Purpose
To ensure the gathering and use of environmental information.
Responsibilities
The responsibility lies with the regional staff and Environment Section.
Weekly Records Card
Procedure
How to use information
Region to produce maps for staff on-site, that includes the following:
i. Lamprey
ii. White-clawed crayfish
iii. Invasive species
iv. Key environmental data
v. River enhancement structures
vi. SAC/SPA
Weekly Records Card environmental information filled in by foremen and drivers.
Referring to Supplied Environmental Mapping, what should you the driver do?
i. Circle Y/N in “Environmental Information” section.
ii. Circle Y/N for “Shown on Map” section.
Environmental Information section asks: are there environmental issues on-site?

What should you the driver consider?
Ask yourself if works are causing unforeseen damage such as, soil becoming very cutup and
loose or more trees require removal than planned. You maybe the best person to flag these
changes, contact your supervisor if in doubt.
How does the information Change how you the driver approaches works?
Comply with the relevant Environmental Procedure.
How do you, the driver, gather new environmental information?

If you, the driver, finds a protected species, fill in channel/embankment ref. and chainage in
“Observed on Site” section.
What happens next with information?

i. Regional office staff to forward all Weekly Records Cards with “Observed on Site”
information to Environment Section.
ii. Environment section updates GIS mapping. Where a consultant ecologist is supplying
information, they are required to follow the OPW’s prescribed format.
22
Club-rush
Otter holt
Otter holt
Floating river vegetation
Otter holt
Bat roost
Club-rush
Otter holt Otter holt
Ecological enhancements Additional environmental data FWPM SPA

(Species on map)
Invasives Species Lamprey Scheme Channels SAC
Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No EN 0021018 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland
Fig 6.1 example of a map produced with required information.
23
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





 Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No EN 0021018 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland
Fig 6.2 OPW map viewer. The map shows the same area as 6.1. This is a web based
viewer that can be used anywhere and can be used to view relevant information,
including:
Crayfish info
Lamprey info
Freshwater Pearl Mussel info
Invasives info
Key Environmental data
Ecological enhancements
Habitat Mapping
River Enhancements.
When you tick the left boxes it shows the location with an icon. The right legend (not
shown) describes these icons (this will be updated to match layers already referred to).
 
24
1.
2. 3.
Fig 6.3 This is the environmental section of the Weekly Records Card which should be
filled in by Foremen and Gangers weekly.
There are three sections
1. Environmental Information Section
These questions help manage the works.
2. Shown on Map Section

By referring to supplied maps, Circle Y if relevant species appears on map.
3. Observed on Site Section

If new sites of relevant species are encountered fill in location.
25
EP7 Environmental Drainage Maintenance

Scope
Purpose
To ensure OPW channels are maintained in an environmentally sensitive manner.
Responsibilities
Audit Reports
Procedure
1. Carry out all drainage maintenance in compliance with the 10-point plan (on following
pages 27-32).
2. Machine audits will be carried out by Environment Section and external Consultants at
least once every 3 years.
3. All machine audit results will be forwarded to the relevant Engineer within two working
weeks.
4. In the event of an audit showing unreasonable non-compliance, the relevant Engineer
will be notified within one working day. Please refer to Audit Forms on Pg 33-35.
Pic. 7.1 Good drainage maintenance
26
Environmental Drainage Maintenance

Guidance Notes
10 Steps to
Environmentally Friendly Maintenance
  
B ank F ull
(T op of B ank)
pe
Slo
nk
Ba
M argin
  
N ot Applicable in this case
1. Protect bank slopes

2. Restrict maintenance to channel
3. Spoil management
4. Selective vegetation removal
5. Leave section untouched
6. Management of trees
7. Manage berm to form two stage channel
8. Replace stones andboulders
9. Loosen gravel beds
10. Re-profile channel bed
27
Environmental Strategies for Channel Maintenance
1. Protect bank slopes

1.1 Do not disturb the non-working bank
slope
1.2 Minimise any effect on working bank
1.3 Leave margin of vegetation at foot of

each bank slope
2. Restrict maintenance to channel

2.1 Remove only necessary silt – no new
diggings
2.2 Remove instream material only
2.3 Retain marginal vegetation
2.4 Allow water to drain out of bucket
over the water – lets small fish, lamprey
and crayfish escape.
3. Spoil Management
3.1 Maximise spoil placement on bank
full line or spoil heaps - this is the
preferred option.
3.2 Minimise spoil placement on bank
slopes - least preferred option as
spoil can wash back in.
3.3 Spread spoil as thinly as possible
3.4 Check spoil regularly - see

Lamprey & Crayfish procedures.
28
4. Selective Vegetation Removal

4.1 Retain a band of vegetation on both
sides at water's edge
4.2 Selectively manage instream

vegetation
4.3 Maximise use of weed-cutting bucket
4.4 Avoid maintenance in coarse fish

channels from 1st April to 1st July
4.5 Retain 1/3 to ½ of instream floating

type vegetation, such as Ranunculus
(water crowfoot) – see photo to right
5. Leave sections untouched
5.1 If channel capacity is not affected,

leave section alone
Suitable Photograph
29
6. Management of Trees
6.1 Remove trees that are blocking the
flow
6.2 Tree-cutting window 1st September to

28th February
6.3 Remove overhanging branches to

known flood level
6.4 Use saw secateurs for removal, not

excavator bucket
6.5 Manage Trees to reduce very heavy

shading
6.6 Manage briars and scrub.

See Otter SOP
30
7. Manage berms to form two-

stage channels
7.1 Retain berm where channel capacity is
not affected
7.2 Remove top of berms to low flow

levels
7.2 Remove vegetation and soil from

gravel berms
7.3 Replace sod to the berm where feasible
7.4 Only narrow berms if 'excessively' wide for the channel (i.e. greater than a
third of the channel width
8. Replace stone and boulders
8.1 Reinstate boulders and gravels as
removed by maintenance operations
8.2 Reinstate suitably sized boulders into

channel from spoil heaps where feasible
8.3 Boulders should be placed at or below

low flow level and spaced out
9. Work in gravel bed channels
9.1 Loosen or toss bed gravels to wash

out fines
9.2 Only considered between 1st July

and 30th September
9.3 No work in gravel bed / spawning
channels in fisheries ‘closed season’
Note: This varies locally check with
local IFI
10. Re-profiling channel bed
31
10.1 Excavate bed to form deeper pool

areas and shallow riffles
10.2 Overdeepen the channel along one

side and place spoil on opposite
side –particularly on curves and
bends
10.3 Use existing boulders to form simple

low-level structures
10.4 Record where such works are carried out
Overprocessing by carrying out work to a higher standard than is required can to lead to
resource waste. When carrying out drainage maintenance work: less is more. Do not over
dig or over prune, just produce enough work to keep the scheme in effective maintenance
and condition. By doing so, environmental impacts are minimised.
32
OPW Site Audit Form V.1
OPW Region: Scheme:

Foreman: Channel: (name
Driver(s) & code)
Auditor: Section: (chg-chg)
Site surveyed from: LHB RHB Date & Time:
GPS Ref: Photographs:
Water level:
Machine number:
Red book present absent
Spill kit present absent
Wetted/Base width (<1m, 1-3m, 3-6m, 6-10m, 10-15m, <15m)
Velocity rating (slow, moderate, fast, flood) Weather conditions:
Bed type
200m minimum maintained section walked? If not, what distance walked?
200m unmaintained section walked? If not, what distance walked?
Suitable habitat in reach? YES NO Crayfish (in spoil) Abundant Common Rare
Annex spp./habitats Lamprey (in spoil) Abundant Common Rare
(Recorded on site) Abundant (>11 individuals), Common (5 - 10 individuals), Rare (1 - 4 individuals) per 5m2 of bank top
Floating-leaved vegetation Abundant Common Rare
Circle % cover in reach: Abundant (30-70% cover), Common (3-10% cover), Rare (< 3% cover)
Invasive Species Species Name:

% cover in reach: Abundant (30-70% cover), Common (3-10% cover), Rare (< 3% cover) Abundant Common Rare
Exercising Due Diligence (Skipped Section)
Maintenance Constraints: Working Bank Woodland Tillage Fencing
Non Working Bank Woodland Tillage Fencing
Comments on Audit Findings:
Outstanding Issues:
Result:
Compliant Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3

1. PROTECTING BANK SLOPES Applicable ü % % %
1.1: Has the non-working bank been disturbed? (slope and Bankfull) 10-15 15-30 30-100
1.2: Has the working bank slope been disturbed? (mechanically) 15-30 30-60 60-100
Re profiling Scraping Inappropriate bank protection Fine material
Other (list):
2. CONFINING WORKS TO CHANNEL CENTRE Applicable ü % % %

2.1: Is maintenance retaining 10-15% channel width vegetation on the working margins See Section 4
2.2: Is maintenance retaining 10-15% channel width vegetation on the non-working margins
2.3: Is the quantity/type of spoil being removed appropriate? 10 - 20 20-30 >30
Gravel/cobble Marl/boulder clay Dragging gravel to margins
2.4: Is spoil is checked for lamprey/crayfish at least 3 times a day as per SOPs? Yes/No See Section 4.4 - 4.5 for moderate poor none
Tall Reeds/Flaggers
3. Spoil Management Applicable ü % % %

3.1 Is spoil being placed in the best location? Spoil heap/bank top 70-50 50-30 <30
W/ bank slope NW/bank slope Inside fence Spoil spread on NW/bank slope the only option? Yes No
Is spoil visibly slipping back into channel? Restrictions:
3.2: Is spoil spread thinly ? moderate poor Bad
3.3: Is driver allowing water to drain from bucket? (observe driver for 3 minutes; if possible) 40-60 <40
33
1B - Drainage Maintenance

4. Vegetation Management Applicable ü % % %
Timing
4.1 Outside coarse fish spawning season (April 1st to July 1st) If Relevant
Tall Reeds/Flaggers Relevant
4.2 Is vegetation management Interfering with nesting birds (March 1st to Aug 3 1st: Wildlife Act) YES NO
4.3 Is maintenance opening the centre of the channel ONLY? (maximum open area is 75-80% of width) 80-70 70-50 <50
4.4: Where crayfish are present, are additional wider areas of vegetation being retained? (1/3 channel width retained) 20-15 <10
4.5: Where lamprey are present, are additional wider areas of vegetation being retained? (1/3 channel width retained) 20-15 <10
Floating-leaved vegetation (Annex habitat) Relevant
Ranunculus sp. (% cover = ) Pondweed sp. (% cover = )
4.6: Is maintenance attempting to remove floating pondweed with the normal bucket? NO YES
4.7: Is floating leave pondweed being skipped/retained? (Retain 50-33% of total reach) 33 - 25 25-15 <15
4.8: Is ranunculus being retained/skipped in the Channel? (Retain 50-33% of total reach) 33 - 25 25-15 <15
Water celery/cress: Relevant
4.9: Is the driver skimming off water celery vegetation only? 100-60 60-40 <40
4.10: Is there an avoidance of digging the channel bed? 60-40 <40
4.11: Is the driver trying to retain water celery on margins? 100-60 60-40 <40
4.12: The driver is implementing enhanced maintenance in a channel with <1m base width
Weed-cutting boat/bucket Relevant
4.13: Is it cutting the channel centre vegetation ONLY? (maximum open area is 75-80% of width) 70-50 50-30 <30
5. Skipping Sections (Where appropriate) Applicable ü

5.1: Were appropriate sections skipped? YES
5.2: Reason for skipping: Power cables Good Gradient Lamprey/Crayfish present
Maintenance not required Gravel section Otter holt Mature tree line
Kingfisher/ Swan nest Wetlands - Bogs, Fens & Turloughs Freshwater Pearl Mussel
Swan & Duck Mussels Invasive Plants Species Channel not accessible
Other (list):
6. Tree Management Applicable ü % % %

Timing
6.1 Appropriate tree management is only permissible from September 1st toFebruary 28th under the Wildlife Act
Tree cutting
6.2 What is the purpose of the tree cutting?
Conveyance habitat enhancement access Other (list)
6.3 What equipment is being used? Machine bucket
Secateurs chain saw hand saw Tree shears
6.4 How much tree cover is being retained on the banks in the channel reach? 70-50 50-25 <25
removing fallen/low trees opening sections over riffles Selective tree cutting opening limited sections for access
Other (list):
6.5: Is tree cutting retaining the variety of trees present/diversity?
6.6: Is tree cutting retaining a diversity of bankside vegetation? (trees/Scrub/Shrub)
6.7: Manage scrub - Otter & Birds SOP 80-70 70-50
6.8: Woody habitat placed in field / bank slope/top as wildlife refuges?
6.9: Avoidance of damage to tree cover during the closed season
7. Berm Management Applicable ü Infrastructure

7.1: Retain berms (no maintenance)
7.2 Managed to the basic berm protocol? 80-70 70-50 <50
7.3 Berm re-sodding done where appropriate (berm width / sod character)
Gravel Berm
7.4: How gravel berm has been managed? moderate poor bad
gravel drawn to bank toe gravel removed from channel Gravel used downstream in channel
Other (list):
8. Replacing stone and boulders back in the channel Applicable ü % % %

8.1: Are materials being returned to the channel (boulders/cobble/gravel) from diggings? 70-50 <50
8.2: Is readily available and appropriately sized stone from adjoining locations being placed into the channel? 60-40 <40
8.3: Is there a reason for not placing stone material into the channel, if stone available? No
If Yes (List):
9. Gravel Bed Channels Applicable ü % % %
34
1B- Drainage Maintenance
9.1: Is instream maintenance taking place between 1st July and 30th September, without consulation with IFI?
9.2: Loosen or toss bed gravels to wash out fines 70-40 <40
9.3: Are measures present to prevent sediment and silt flowing downstream between Autumn-Spring?

10. New Excavations in the channel - simple structures Applicable ü % % %
10.1: Is the bed being excavated to form deeper pool areas and shallow riffles? 70-50 <50
10.2: Is the channel being deepened on one side and spoil placed on the opposite side? 70-50 <50
Opportunity to use existing spoil to form simple structures? ü % % %

10.3. Alternating/ paired deflectors 70-50 <50
Rubble mat
Simple weir
Random boulder array
Count No of Applicable Steps:
Scoring for Applicable sections: Totals:
< 4 Steps Total Marks Total score To Calculate Score: 100 - (Total Negative Mark +Total Positive Mark)
1 Yellow = -15 This score represents % compliance (a negative is possible)
1 Orange = -30 Example: No of Sections: 6. Scores: 1 Orange, 2 yellow and 1 Green Mark
1 Red = -70 (1 orange =-25, 2 yellow = -20, 1 green = +10, \Total = -35
Total Negative Mark 100 - 35 = 65
1 Green = +15%
Total Positive Mark Total Score
Compliance = Ratings
Between 5 - 7 Steps Total Marks Total score 0 - 50 = Bad
1 Yellow = -10 51 - 59 = Poor
1 Orange = -25 60 - 70 = Moderate
1 Red = -70 71 - 84 = Good
Total Negative Mark 85- 100 = Very good
1 Green = +10%
Compliance =
Between 8 - 10 Steps Total Marks Total score
1 Yellow = -10
1 Orange = -20
1 Red = -70
Total Negative Mark
1 Green = +10%
Compliance =
Additional Comments:
35
EP8 Environmental River Enhancement

Scope
This procedure relates to channels where the construction of appropriate physical measures,
that match the channels natural characteristics, will enhance the environmental quality of the
channel.
Purpose
To ensure improvement of salmonoid (salmon and trout) and other aquatic species habitat.
Responsibilities
IFI Annual Reports, Enhancement GIS Layer and Fisheries enhancement drawings.
Work together to improve environmental performance. Use the results for the machine
audits to inform where and how more enhancement measures can be proactively
integrated with maintenance works. Data driven improvements can yield good results.
Procedure
1. Are programmed channels suitable for enhancement? Consider all main channel works.
a) Liaise with Regional IFI to identify suitable sites.
b) Contact Environment Section to develop a plan.
2. Is this a suitable site?
a) Will the design have an impact on drainage or cause flooding
b) Will landowner be agreeable?
c) Does the river already appear natural, meandering, not canal like.
d) Ensure prior assessment or survey of site to assess the fish status and
hydromorphology status of the channel, to see if enhancement works will provide a
gain.
3. Design should be produced by specialists.
a) Meet with designer on site to discuss construction related issues.
b) Ensure the design prescribes the location, type and volume of materials required.
c) Check with Environment Section if site specific AA Screening completed.
d) Maximize the use of on site materials, consider using historic spoil heaps.
e) Consult with local landowner
f) Meet ecologist on site where required, to consider other potential environmental
constraints such as machine access corridors.
4. Angling club or River Trust may propose works.
a) OPW can act as a contractor to construct river enhancement works on a drained
channel where the angling club or river trust has carried out all consultations,
attained all necessary approvals and works are approved by IFI.
5. Programme enhancement works to occur between July and October.
36
6. Forward plans to Environment Section for upload to Alfresco and GIS mapping.
7. Record Fisheries Enhancement production on monthly KPI.
8. Management staff to ensure as far is practical that all machine drivers have an
opportunity to get experience on these projects.
9. Ensure works comply with relevant EPs. Fisheries improvement cannot be to the
detriment of other species.
10. Manage staff to integrate older “Enhanced Maintenance Programme “into everyday
works. Promote points 8, 9 and 10 from the 10pt plan.
11. Implement soft solutions where hydromorphologically appropriate, use root balls, create
deflectors using timber and promote natural erosion and deposition by creating talwegs.
12. Refer to Ep12 for easement of barriers to fish movement and sediment transfer.
13. Promote the reconnection of meander cuts where appropriate.
14. Where relevant meet on site with ecologist to mitigate site specific risks. Machine
access can result in environmental impacts if not considered sufficiently.
Integrate environmental goals into overall regional goals: for example where large-scale
bank erosion works, require the importation of large quantities of rock, consider
developing a river enhancement plan, in conjunction with the bank erosion project.
The details on Pg 40 - Pg 47 are not suitable in all situations and should not be
prescribed as a general measure. For each site, ensure the enhancement measure is
suitable and matches the channel’s own natural hydromorphology (physical form).
37
Good Examples of Enhancement Measures
Gravel bed channel: Gravel bed channel:

Overdig and place spoil at the edges; Constructed low berms with
Use existing material Imported rock, not always in keeping with
natural characteristics
Clay bed channel: Overdig pools creates natural refuge for

What can I do? fish
Overdig on one side, leave low Use existing stone, form simple low-level
natural berms in place instream structures
38
Place random boulders within channel or structures to promote irregular flow
Reduce uniformity: create irregular features and flow depths using existing materials
Produce low-level deflectors, creating sinuosity using existing gravels or rock
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Pic. 8.3
√ X Pic. 8.4 Pic. 8.5
Pic. 8.3, Pic. 8.4 and Pic. 8.5

Recommended type and size of gravel for a typical channel. Pic. 8.5 this size gravel is not
recommended as its too large. The appropriate gravel size will vary depending on the size
and energy of the channel. It is useful to examine the type and size of the natural gravels
in a channel to make a comparison. See detail 3 “Gravel bed detail”
48
EP 9 Tree and Vegetation Management

Scope
This procedure relates to drainage maintenance and construction works.
Purpose
To ensure trees and vegetation managed with a balanced approach to flood conveyance.
Responsibilities
EP 7 Environmental Drainage Maintenance Procedure.
Consider using ecoplugs where appropriate, these are glyphosphate cartridges that are
hammered into tree stumps to prevent regrowth. These should only be used strategically
where access is difficult and flood risk is significant, on bridge abutments for example.
Consider the risk of a compromised root system and and the associated erosion risks.
Procedure
1. Programme tree cutting form the 1st of September – 28th of February to minimise nest-
ing season impacts.
2. Devise a selective approach, straight trees retained, branches and main limbs impeding
water flow removed , selectively remove trees/branches from lower levels.
3. Retain native trees over non-native trees.
4. Ensure a band of natural vegetation, left along the river to reduce soil run-off and loss of
all shading.
5. Expect mammal burrows in dense undergrowth. Implement badger and otter procedure.
6. Consider if the tree has suitable bat habitat, ivy covered with knots or crevices, avoid
removing these trees if possible. If felling large trees leave cut down trees for 24hrs to
allow bats to vacate. Ecological supervision required for large-scale tree removal, a
licence from NPWS is required if bats are present.
7. Refer to EP 18 (invasive plant management), when clearing overgrown sites, invasive
colonisation of newly cleared ground may occur.
8. Manage trees to encourage new growth away from the flow area.
9. Use mechanical tree shears or chainsaw, do not use machine bucket to break
branches,
10. Manage excess woody vegetation in the following in order of preference.
I. Reuse by landowner.
II. Subject to landowners agreement, stockpile to form natural cover.
III. Shred and spread along bank, rising floodwater may move material.
IV. Consider using the removed timber in bank protection/enhanced maintenance.
V. Avoid cutting yew trees, they are poisonous to bovines.
11. Retain as much riparian vegetation as possible.
Climate Change is likely to increase summer temperatures in many rivers. Fish can only
survive within a certain temperature range. Tree cover and shading can affect this
temperature range. When maintaining an overgrown riverbank, consider retaining trees
on the southern bank. Also consider the type of tree retained, a tree with a full canopy will
offer more shade.
49
50
Retain trees to the southern side of channel,

this will help with increasing water temperature
associated with global warming.
51
Removed limbs could be

used in enhanced
maintenance measures
52
Channel blocked by fallen tree.
Retain as many trees as possible

when accessing channel.
Channel cleared of blockage. Remove as

soon as discovered, consider bank erosion
and mitigate.
53
Pollarding
Consider risk of tree
becoming destabilised
due to flowing river.
Tree within flow area with straight trunk, 1.5m Tree within flow area after
(min) to first main limb suitable for Pollarding. Pollarding.
Encourage resprouting above

flood level. Cutting this tree
at butt can lead to resprouting
within flow area.
Pollarded Tree
after several
years.
54
Flood Defence
Channel requiring maintenance

due to over hanging tree
branches. All branches below
approximate high flood level
removed.
When constructing new

defences ensure
berms are easy to
maintain and regrowth
is managed.
Remove all trees and heavy

vegetation from flood defence.
Maintain mature trees on front
and back where possible.
Remove all branches that impede the flow

of water. Branches in flood plain can
impede flow.
55
Good Examples of Managing Riparian and Instream Vegetation:
Retain, Scripus rushes Open the centre of the channel only
Standard cross-section Overdig this side

Place spoil
this side
Before, channel blocked with floating vegetation After, some instream vegetation, retained
56
Retain tall reeds and flaggers where possible

This can help nesting birds
Maintain centre of the channel only,

keep marginal vegetation
Before, instream vegetation

restricts flow, with skilful After, instream vegetation
driving : some instream has been retained , drainage
vegetation can be retained capacity is restored
57
EP 10 Silt Management
Scope
Purpose
To ensure the reduction in movement of sediment downstream of channel maintenance
works. Sediment is an important component of a healthy river. However it can act as a
pollutant in excessive amounts, reducing Light Penetration >> Photosynthesis >>
Dissolved Oxygen and ultimately the ecology of a river.
Responsibilities
OPW Silt Monitoring Trials
Procedure
1. Start from the downstream and work upstream where appropriate. Zone of influence for
sediment can extend up to 1km downstream
2. Where possible skip sections, this will act as a buffer to downstream transport of silt;
consider leaving 20m unmaintained on minor channel outfalls to major channels,
stagger this unmaintained length on following maintenance cycles.
3. Minimise all new diggings and restrict maintenance to the middle 2/3 rd section of the
channel, and to one riverbank, do not deposit excavated material on the channel bank
slope.
4. Prioritise softer solutions such as Christmas tree revetments and using root balls of
excavated trees, where riverbanks are eroding.
5. Leave a 1.5 m buffer of undisturbed ground on the top of banks to act as sediment trap,
where possible.
6. Encourage the fencing of channels to reduce cattle trespass, discourage direct cattle
access.
Engineered solutions to erosion control should not be considered as the first and only
solution. Natural erosion and deposition processes should be allowed where possible.
58
EP 11 Bank Protection
Scope
This procedure relates to drainage maintenance and construction works where bank
protection is required.
Purpose
To ensure bank protection or erosion control is carried out while considering alternatives to
concrete or rock type revetments.
Responsibilities
‘Channels and Challenges’ by Dr Martin O’Grady
Procedure
1. Engineer to assess eroding bank.
2. Consider both soft and hard engineering solutions.
3. Complete ERA for works, if works greater than 40m, an AA could be required.
4. Consider using planting, and/or organic material to achieve riverbank stabilisation.
Hessian matting has yielded good results where steep sided banks require reseeding.
5. Consider Christmas tree revetments, live willow planting or other soft solutions, as well
as hard approaches such as rock armour, retaining walls, gabions, poles and piles.
6. Consider the river type and energy, soft solutions may not be suitable in high energy
environments.
7. For live branches or planting a “bedding in” period is needed before vegetation is fully
established. Works maybe susceptible to large floods.
8. Remember erosion and deposition is a natural process and in all circumstances erosion
control my not be in the best interest of the river environment.
9. Greater future maintenance of soft engineering solutions may be required leading to
increased resource allocation.
10. Soft engineering may not achieve the same longevity or results as harder methods.
11. With any bank protection works the most susceptible element to failure is the toe of the
revetment, erosion control should extend below the normal low flow water level.
12. Roots balls of trees can make a cost effective and useful revetment, entrapping fine
material where energy is dissipated.
Christmas tree revetments work better in low energy rivers that carry a high silt load.
Gravelly rocky channels do not have the silt load to deposit within the tree tops.
59
Pic. 11.1 Shows soft and hard

solutions working together, note
the rock armouring at the toe.
Pic. 11.1
Pic. 11.2 Christmas tree

revetment put in place. This
entails placing a line of logs
parallel to the flow that are
drilled and secured in place with
2m long iron pins driven every
1.5 m for a 0.3m diameter log.
The bushy Christmas tree tops
are then secured to the logs
at two points with large nails.
Tops should overlap are when in
place will trap sediment and will
lead to a re-establishment of the
river bank.
Pic. 11.2
Pic. 11.3 Christmas tree

revetment with river banks
starting to re-establish. With
cattle proof fencing in place.
Pic. 11.3
60
EP 12 Barrier Removal
Scope
This procedure relates to all structures that impede the passage of fish and other species
including but not limited to, weirs, sluices, bridge aprons, spillways.
Purpose
To ensure catchments are open to several key species including salmon and lamprey
Responsibilities
The responsibility lies with the regional staff and the Environment Section
Barriers layer
Procedure
1. OPW can act as a contractor to construct barrier improvement works on a drained
channel where a solution has been approved by IFI or other environmental authority.
2. IFI, Environment Section or regional staff to identify barriers as appropriate, refer to
barriers layer where information available..
3. Regional staff should consult with landowners and IFI or other environmental authority
leads other permissions or consultations if required.
4. Dry bridge aprons in low flows can impede fish passage, consider solutions such as
creating a backwater effect to drown out apron or construct low flow channel.
5. IFI/Environment section to consider the risk of allowing invasive species / crayfish plague
upstream.
6. IFI/Environment section to carry out an ecological or heritage assessment where
required.
7. Ensure location and description of the works recorded with Environment Section whom
will update the national barrier GIS layer with IFI.
61
Pic. 12.1 and 12.2 Solution to

a fish passage problem by
concentrating flows to direct
fish to a deeper channel and
Pic. 12.1 away from a shallow concrete
bridge apron.
Pic. 12.2
Pic. 12.3 Partial removal of a

weir.
Pic. 12.3
62
EP 13 Embankment Maintenance
Scope
This procedure relates to all embankment works, including vegetation management and
refurbishment.
Purpose
To ensure embankment works do not adversely affect the environment and to comply with
relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
Annual Programme, Relevant Appropriate Assessments.
Procedure
Embankment Vegetation Management
1. Comply with EP 18A related to invasives, machinery can have a considerable range
when maintaining embankments.
2. Avoid areas where alien invasive plants are present refer to Invasives GIS layer.
3. If information related to burrowing mammals is available, ensure machinery not used
within 30m of the sett/holt entrance.
4. Promote natural colonization; beware of invasive colonisation of newly cleared ground.
5. Increase the biodiversity by planting sections of wildflower meadow.
6. Programme alpine tractor works for early or late in the growing season to allow wild
flowers to establish naturally, creating corridors of habitat for bees, if possible.
7. Do not use mulchers in summer due to nesting birds, if possible.
8. Use cleaning equipment to remove all organic material from machinery when moving
between sites.
9. Skip sections to allow refuge habitats.
Promote biodiversity where possible; introduce wildflower meadow seed into grass
mixes. Leave some sections of maintenance untouched, leave as much space for nature
as is possible.
63
Embankment Refurbishment
1. Ensure AA is in place where appropriate.
2. Confirm the presence of burrowing mammals with an ecological survey or Key
environmental data GIS layer, licence from NPWS may be required.
3. Do not allow embankment refurbishment works to encroach onto protected mudflats,
any rock armouring should not extend past the toe of the embankment.
4. Retain margins of grasslands on the edge of the mudflat where appropriate.
5. Comply with otter (EP 20) and badger (EP 23) procedure.
6. Programme embankment refurbishment work adjacent to protected estuaries not to
extend into the winter months (typically October to March inclusive) where disturbance
to over wintering birds could impact.
7. If you are replacing an existing embankment and moving further inland, leave the
existing embankment in place until the new structure is constructed. The existing
embankment can be useful in limiting noise and disturbance to estuarine habitat.
8. Relocate some plant species from old to new embankment where appropriate.
Pic. 13.1 Pic. 13.2
Pic. 13.1 Typical atlantic salt meadow Pic. 13.2 Typical mudflat. This habitat can
habitat and should be retained where be protected and can only be interfered
possible. with after environmental assessment.
Pic. 13.4
Pic. 13.3
Pic. 13.3 Wildflower embankment Pic 13.4 Seed spraying that can help
promote wildflower growth
64
Pic. 13.5 Habitat left in

place on an embankment
refurbishment works.
Pic. 13.5
Pic. 13.6 Excavator mulching

heavy vegetation on
embankment.
Pic. 13.6
Pic. 13.7 Alpine mower

maintaining mulched
embankment.
Pic. 13.7
65
Section 2 – Construction Procedures
Relevant to Construction Staff
Construction
EP 14 Construction Environmental Management

Scope
This procedure relates to construction related environmental management.
Purpose
To ensure the management of the key environmental obligations that apply to all staff and
contractors on site.
Responsibilities
The responsibility lies with all OPW staff (direct works personnel, contractors and
consultants), Environmental Officer when relevant and Project Archaeologist when relevant.
Site specific Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), Natura Impact Assessment
(NIS) Ecological Surveys, Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), Plans and
Environmental Method Statements.
Procedure
Roles and responsibilities
Resident Engineer - where OPW are the main contractor
• Ensure Project Archaeologist and Environmental Officer appointed where required.
• Manage staff to conduct all activities in a manner consistent with the CEMP procedures,
work practices and controls.
• Implement environmental control measures minimising the impact of noise, dust, soil and
water, excavated spoil, waste, traffic, ecology and landscape resulting from construction
activity as per the CEMP.
• Schedule and plan works programme to comply with the CEMP.
• Ensure all Contractors, and site personnel informed on the CEMP requirements in a site
induction.
• Ensure site staff participate fully in environmental training if provided.
• Encourage site staff issue feedback to ensure effective environmental management on
site.
• Implement environmental recommendations with regard to method statements by
Environmental Officer, if reasonably practicable and conforms to Health and Safety
requirements.
• Display monthly compliance reports on project website, typically for large construction
projects.
68
Construction
Environmental Officer
• Carryout Weekly Site Visits, Monthly Reports, Environmental audits and preparation of the
Environmental Compliance summary.
• Conduct ongoing consultation with state bodies as required.
• Propose and manages a monitoring strategy for impacts as set out in the CEMP.
• Ensure agreed thresholds are measured and documented in monthly reports.
• Produce waste management plan if required.
• Use ecological surveys to locate sensitive locations on site.
• Update CEMP when required.
• Review method statements with regard to environmental issues; recommend improved
environmental work practices where relevant.
• Liaise with Project Archaeologist and Contractor Ecologist.
• Ensure that relevant permits and consents are in place.
• Give recommendations with regard to the communication plan.
Pic 14.1 Construction works in progress
69
Construction
Large Flood Relief Scheme Environmental Management Process
Environmental Part 8 Part 10 Arterial Drainage Act

Management
Environmental
Consultant EIA & AA Screening EIA & AA Screening EIA & AA Screening
EIAR and/or NIS not

EIAR and/or NIS and EIAR and/or NIS and
Environmental required.
Specific assessments specific assessments specific assessments
Consultant as required. as required.
as required.
Stage I CEMP Stage I CEMP Stage I CEMP

Environmental (sets out all (sets out all (sets out all
Stage I
Consultant requirements at design requirements at design requirements at design

stage) stage) stage)
Environmental Planning Public Planning Public Scheme Public

Consultant Consultation Consultation Exhibition
EIA Public
Consultation & EIAR
Inspectors Review Review
Approved by
Competent Authority Approved by Approved by
Local Authority
An Bord Pleanna Department of Public
Stage II
Expenditure and
Reform
Stage III CEMP Stage III CEMP Stage III CEMP

Stage III
Environmental
(sets out detailed (sets out detailed (sets out detailed
Consultant design) design) design)
Finalise CEMP. Finalise CEMP. Finalise CEMP.

Contractor's Manage all Manage all
Environmental Manage all
construction related construction related construction related
Representative environmental issues. environmental issues.
environmental issues.
Monitoring of Monitoring of Monitoring of

Stage IV
Environmental environmental environmental environmental

Monitoring Consultant requirements and requirements and requirements and
compliance reporting. compliance reporting. compliance reporting.
Comply with long term Comply with long term Comply with long term
Stage V
monitoring monitoring monitoring

Competent Authority requirements. requirements. requirements.
(Local Authority) (Local Authority) (OPW)
Fig. 14.1
Construction
Construction Environmental Management Plan
CEMP
Implements Mitigation
from Environmental
Reports
RISKS PROJECT ROLES

MONITORING
STRATEGY
1. Air Quality, Odour and Climate 1. Client

2. Noise and Vibration 2. Construction Management
3. Landscape and Visual 3. Environmental Officer
4. Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and 4. Project Ecologist 1. Dust monitoring
Architectural Heritage 5. Project Archaeologist 2. Vibration monitoring
5. Biodiversity 3. Noise monitoring
6. Soils, Geology, Contaminated 4. Water quality
Land and Groundwater HOW TO COMMUNICATE
monitoring
7. Water - Hydrology 5. Ecological monitoring
8. Waste
9. Population and Human Health 1. Site induction
2. CEMP
3. Method Statements
4. Toolbox talks
1. Avoid 5. Environmental Procedures
Licenses / Permits
2. Mitigate
(Wildlife,
3. Enhance Archaeological,
4. Monitor Waste e.t.c.)
Fig. 14.2
CEMPS are live documents that are updated throughout the project
71
Construction
EP 15 Construction Silt Management

Scope
This procedure relates to all construction works where silt mitigation is required.
Purpose
To ensure the reduction in artificial sources of silt from total silt load of waterbodies.
Responsibilities
The responsibility lies with the relevant staff.
Guidelines on Protection of Fisheries IFI.
Procedure
Before Works Commence
1. Consider the key ecological receptors and water flow paths.
2. Consider options available (set back defences rather than dredging), remove risk of silt
rather than mitigate, where possible.
3. Define contractually agreed thresholds from silt mitigation in CEMP where required.
4. Install turbidity monitoring where required.
5. Consult with IFI and NPWS regarding systems and timing of work.
During the Works
6. Use ecological assistance when dewatering behind cofferdams or temporary diversions,
translocation of specific species maybe required.
7. Ensure works area within waterbody does not become dry in an unmanaged fashion,
killing fish or other aquatic species.
8. Monitor the effectiveness of the installed silt control measure.
9. Minimise increased silt levels, when removing control measures.
10. Develop a maintenance and inspection schedule for silt control measures,
11. Manage site compound and works area runoff effectively including wheel washings of
transport.
12. Minimise in-channel works and design haul roads and crossing points effectively, to allow
fish transition at all times..
13. Manage excavated spoil or dredged material effectively.
14. Consider allowing river to return to background silt levels when required, use turbidity
monitoring or other data to manage effectively.
15. Ensure reporting procedure in place in the event of a pollution incident.
Where deepening and widening of a natural watercourse is required, consider a full

diversion as the first option. This will isolate the works area, reducing ecological impacts
by limiting the ongoing generation of silt. Flow should be transferred to the bypass in a
carefully managed way, translocating relevant species, ensuring the downstream
watercourse does not run dry, while taking into account fish passage and appropriate
design flow. The bypass can be open channel or pipe. An open channel requires erosion
control and if constructed sufficiently in advance, this can re-vegetate naturally before the
flow is diverted, reducing requirements for artificial erosion control.
72
Construction
There are three options for temporary works against the flowing of clean water into a works
area. In order of preference you should,
A. AVOID isolate works area completely with full flow temporary bypass channel, flume or
pump; overtopping into the works area due to flooding can occur.
Pic 15.1 Bypass channel Pic 15.2 Bypass channel
B. REDUCE partial isolation- damming off half the channel with cofferdam, could result in
more overtopping into the works area due to flooding, consider flood risk.
Pic 15.3 Cofferdam Pic 15.4 Cofferdam
C. MITIGATE use silt traps to reduce silt load downstream, more effective for slower
flowing channels.
Pic 15.5 Silt trap. Pic 15.6 Silt trap.
73
Construction
There are three options to consider when reducing silt load in a channel.
I. Minimise the source: do not enter when weather conditions are not suitable, build
stable working platforms, use machine mats to limit stripping of sod, stabilise
excavated areas and consider the type of machinery used.
Pic. 15.7 Build stable clean

promontories adjacent to
works area. Use appropriate
machinery, mini diggers or long
reach machinery can minimise
generation of artificial silt loads.
Pic. 15.7
Pic. 15.8 Use machine mats

where appropriate they will
prevent machinery from eroding
adjacent riverbanks and
floodplains that can generate
runoff with a high silt load.
Pic. 15.8
Pic. 15.9 Use correct machinery

and ensure excavated spoil is
removed/heaped appropriately.
Ensure excavated river berms left
in a stable condition after natural
vegetation removed where
appropriate.
Pic. 15.9
74
Construction
II. Intercept the pathway: leave natural buffer strips in place, intercept surface water
drains or overland flows.
Pic. 15.10 Pic. 15.11
Pic. 15.10 and 15.11 Use silt curtains or buffer strips to intercept overland flows
Pic. 15.12 Pic. 15.13
Pic. 15.12 and 15.13 Slow down and intercept surface water drains.
75
Construction
III. Protect the receptor: use silt curtains within the water column, stabilise exposed soil,
filtrate / retain / slow down the flow of water and use data from silt monitoring
Use retention or filtration ponds where appropriate.
Use silt bags and baffle boxes where appropriate.
Stabilise exposed earth and limit silt within waterbody where appropriate.
76
a
225 mm perforated pipe outfalling to local

watercourse via surface water flow over naturally
grassed ground.
Fig 15.1
Construction
EP16 Ecologically Friendly Culvert

Scope
This procedure relates to all new culvert construction.
Purpose
To ensure new culverts are constructed in an environmentally friendly way.
Responsibilities
Guidelines for the crossing of watercourses during the construction of National Road
Schemes. TII and IFI Guidelines on Protection of Fisheries.
Procedure
1. Construct culverts with a concrete base, bury to a minimum of 500mm below the
riverbed, matching the bed slope, and allow regrading with natural material.
2. Prevent low summer flow from impeding fish passage by using baffles or impoundment
structures.
3. Construct deflectors in large culverts to create sinuosity and to prevent low flows from
becoming impassable.
4. Install bird nesting boxes and bat boxes in structures that do not drown out.
5. Construct elements to aerate water such as riffles, where possible.
6. Leave crevices in any stone masonry for bat habitat where possible.
7. Consider natural beds in concrete lined artificial channels.
Pic. 16.1
Pic 16.1 Low flow channel with deflector.

Mammal passage facilitated in low flows.
78
Construction
EP 17 Water Pollution
Scope
This procedure relates to all works beside waterbodies.
Purpose
To ensure best practice for works beside waterbodies
Responsibilities
The responsibility lies with the relevant staff.
Guidelines on the Protection of Fisheries, IFI.
Procedure
1. Monitor the weather forecasts during all works, develop a contingency plan to prevent
damage or pollution during extreme weather and high flow events.
2. Isolate works area from aquatic environment where possible.
3. Ensure measures taken to prevent cement or concrete entering the waterbody.
a) Use precast concrete where possible.
b) Prevent old cured concrete when demolishing from entering waterbody.
c) Deploy suitable sealed shuttering where required.
d) Position scaffold above high water level where possible.
e) Use youngman boards, toe boards, and netting as required.
f) All concrete equipment should be washed out in designated/designed area.
g) Concrete delivery trucks should return to batching plant for washout.
4. Ensure measures taken to prevent fuel or oil entering the waterbody.
a) Refuelling should not be undertaken within 50m of a watercourse, or ensure no direct
flowpath.
b) Use biodegradable oils.
c) Operators should check their vehicles on a daily basis before starting work.
d) Emergency spill kits should be available on machines.
e) Ensure no flowpath from parked overnight vehicles.
f) Ensure on site fuel stored in bunded tanks.
g) Use plant “nappies” on compressors and pumps as required.
79
Construction
5. Do not leave exposed soil from vehicle track marks, use bog mats and leave natural
vegetation buffer strips where appropriate.
6. Ensure good housekeeping of site waste and compound.
7. Store and remove wastewater from site.
8. Ensure good systems of work involving use of chemicals harmful to aquatic life.
Pic. 17.1
Pic 17.1 Plant nappy under a compressor.
Water quality can be degraded by nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitorogen is water soluble
and could become concentrated within drains that are not working efficiently.
Phosphorus is less soluble and can be entrained in silt, this can impact on water quality
when it becomes mobile within the receiving waters. Accordingly, care should be taken
when maintenance is occurring in lands where slurry has been recently spread, do not
compromise natural buffers that may be in place.
80
Section 3 – Invasive Species Procedures
Relevant to all staff
Invasive Species
EP 18A Standard Biosecurity

Scope
This procedures relates to where standard biosecurity is required, is the minimum
requirement and refers to plant and animal based invasives.
Purpose
To ensure drainage maintenance is not a vector for the spread of alien invasive plants and
animals
Responsibilities
OPW invasive species GIS layer IFI Best Practice Guidance.
Procedure
1. Check for invasives referring to GIS mapping, proceed with caution. Note on “Observed
on Site” on weekly records card, if newly found.
1. Avoid ensuring a 7m machine buffer zone, skipping of infested area where feasible.
2. Control (standard biosecurity)
a. Wash down all machinery and equipment using power washer ensuring removal of all
organic plant and soil mater before leaving site.
b. Ensure all organic material removed from personal equipment and clothing including
footwear.
c. Ensure water retaining compartments are drained on-site.
d. Audits required to confirm that procedure is being executed.
e. Hot wash low loader and machine when in the yard, especially when moving between
regions.
82
Invasive Species
Zebra Mussels recorded (IFI verified data)
Pic. 18a.1
Pic. 18a.2 Pic. 18a.3
Pic. 18A-1 & Pic 18A-2 Zebra mussel Pic. 18A-3 Site locations where
characteristics for identification, they zebra mussels have been present,
are thumbnail-sized black and orange please take care when working in
striped shellfish. They grow in dense the vicinity of these areas.
clusters.
Asian Clam recorded (IFI verified data)
Pic. 18a.4
Pic. 18a.5
Pic. 18a-6
Pic. 18A-4 & Pic 18A-5 is for Pic 18A-6 shows verified site where
identification of Asian clams they are Asian Clam has been present,
yellow-green – brown clam with please take when working in vicinity
concentric thick ridges usually of these areas.
< 25mm but can grow to 50mm
83
Invasive Species
EP 18B High Biosecurity

Scope
This procedure relates to High Biosecurity where a known presence of crayfish plague or
a particular waterborne invasive risk has been identified and should be implemented on a
catchment/sub catchment basis, in consultation with Environment Section.
Purpose
To ensure OPW drainage maintenance procedures are not a vector for the spread of crayfish
plague or other waterborne pathogens or microorganisms.
Responsibilities
http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Crayfish_leaflet.pdf
http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Biosecurity/biosecurity.html, Invasive Species GIS layer.
Procedure
On commencing work, where a known waterborne risk has been identified.
1. Demark a contaminated zone line with bunting this line should be approximately 50m
away from any watercourse and should be on the access route.
2. Any equipment vehicles or personnel crossing this contamination zone line will be
subject to High biosecurity.
3. The canteen, staff vehicles, fuel bowser or any non-construction related vehicles should
not cross the contaminated zone line. These vehicles will require no biosecurity
measures.
4. Use a site-specific fuel drum on a fuel bund to refuel excavator. Fill this drum, while not
touching the drum with the bowser hose. Use the machine fuel pump to deliver fuel from
drum as it is filling. The bowser, hose and personnel will not cross high biosecurity line
and will have no physical contact with the excavator/contaminated zone.
5. Personnel leaving the contaminated zone will be subject to biosecurity protocols at all
times, minimise personnel entering contaminated zone.
6. All staff sign off detailed method statement outlining this procedure.
84
Invasive Species
All personnel must comply with the following High biosecurity when leaving a
contaminated zone.
Equipment High Biosecurity
1. Check >> Clean >> Dry>> equipment/vehicles when leaving a contaminated area
zone.
2. Visually inspect all equipment/vehicles, disinfect and remove any attached material.
3. Clean excavator with power washer to remove all organic material, clean underside of
tracks and park on clean surface.
4. Spray all surfaces liberally with Virkon Aquatic 1 sachet per 5L. Spray twice to ensure no
surfaces missed.
5. Ensure no reservoirs of water retained within tracks, channels or crevices.
6. Leave within the contaminated zone for 48 hrs to dry.
Personal Biosecurity
1. Disinfect All boots and footwear when leaving a contaminated area zone.
2. Scrub footwear with a brush to remove any organic material.
3. Use a boot bath and sprayer to disinfect boots and footwear. Add 1 virkon sachet per
5L for boot bath container or sprayer.
4. Ensure adequate contact time within boot bath or spray liberally.
5. Dispose of solution weekly by spreading over soil, unless it is very soiled.
6. Visually inspect all PPE and remove attached material. Wipe down affected PPE with a
cloth soaked in disinfectant solution.
7. Place disposable gloves bag in clean bag and dispose of correctly, if used.
Do not move machinery within the works area unless there is a requirement to do so,
particularly where invasive species are present. This will conserve resources, limit
disruption and minimise potential spread of invasives. Reduce sloshing of river
water from the machine bucket onto the works area, as this will reduce the risk of
water borne invasives contamination.
85
Invasive Species
Pic. 18B.1
Pic 18B.1 Typical high biosecurity refuelling, at any stage the fuel bowser or hose should
not make contact with the fuel filling drum or machine fuel delivery hose.
Pic. 18B.2
Pic 18B.2 Typical high biosecurity refuelling and disinfection point, this should be set up
at a point of easy access away from the river channel, 50m if possible, and no
unnecessary vehicles or personnel should cross this line.
86
Invasive Species
Pic. 18B.3
Pic. 18B.3 High biosecurity signs.
Pic. 18B.4
Pic. 18B.4 Personal High Biosecurity kit, used for water-bourne invasives.
87
3 - Invasive Species Procedures Invasive Species
EP 18C Boat Cleaning

Scope
This procedure relates where boats are moved between catchments
Purpose
To ensure OPW drainage maintenance is not a vector for the spread of water-borne
invasives.
Responsibilities
IFI Best Practice Guidance.
Procedure
1. Visually inspect all equipment for attached material and remove, before leaving the site.
2. Ensure all water is drained from boats or machinery, live wells and other water retaining
compartments, outboard motors, tanks and other equipment before transportation.
3. When moving from one water course to another clean using cold water washer
(including oars, rowlocks, attachment ropes, anchors, buoys, trailers and outboard
motors) when moving from one watercourse to another. After cleaning visually inspect to
ensure all material removed.
4. Spray disinfectant, to the undercarriage and wheels of the vehicle and trailer after power
hosing. Wet or live wells and other water retaining compartments in boats cleaned,
rinsed or flushed with a one sachet per 5L Virkon Aquatic concentration. Rinse
thoroughly with clean water.
5. Outboard motors flushed with same concentration of Virkon Aquatic.
Minimising movement of plant and machinery between sites reduces the risk of
spreading invasives. Reducing any unnecessary plant and machinery movements also
leads to reductions in carbon output, energy usage and emissions.
88
Invasive Species
EP 18D Invasive Plants Treatment

Scope
This procedure relates to any site where works are required to enter within a 7m buffer from
an invasive plant or where invasive plants colonise after tree and vegetation maintenance.
There is no legal requirement to proactively manage invasive plants, it is however illegal to
cause their dispersal. Avoid invasive plants and avoid the requirement for treatment plans.
Purpose
To ensure the correct undertaking of invasive species treatment plans for Japanese
Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.
Responsibilities
The responsibility lies with the relevant staff and Environment Section.
Invasive Species GIS Layer.
Site specific Invasive species Management Plans.
Pic. 18D.1 PPE used when

spraying.
safety goggles
P20 mask
• Light Tyvek suit not
suitable when working
in scrub. Wear oilskins
chemical resistant or Tyvek 5 or 6 suit.
glove P10R/E10 • Wear Tyvek 5 or 6 suit
when working with
Giant Hogweed
Tyvek Suit
(white disposable
hooded suit)
wellington boots
Pic 18D.1
Where a river berm that contains invasive plants requires removal, stockpile material
adjacent or within the river corridor in a spoil heap demark this area, map if possible,
inform Environment Section to include on Invasive register of treatment sites and
manage the spoil heap on a multi-annual basis until plant is eradicated.
89
Invasive Species
Procedure
What to do before implementing a treatment plan.
1. Confirm if location within a SAC/SPA, has an AA screening been carried out? Consult
Environment Section.
2. Consider licences under Section 49 of SI 477 and Waste Management legislation where
required.
3. Inform Environment Section, to record treatment plan on Invasives register.
4. Estimate area of invasives supply map if possible. Use this as a baseline to assess
progress of treatment plan.
5. Consult with local landowners and relevant stakeholders.
Who Should Spray.
Personnel who have completed the required Pesticide Training
How to implement a treatment plan
1. Select appropriate strategy for the appropriate plant.
2. Strictly comply with EP18A Standard Biosecurity.
3. Mix herbicide off site, to 1:100 concentration.
4. Refer to the Fig 18D.1 showing the minimal required P.P.E.
5. Record amount of herbicide applied on site per hectare.
6. Ensure adequate warning signs are in place. Especially when applying herbicide beside
public areas.
7. Restrict livestock access for 3 hrs after spraying.
Roundup Bioactive or Gold are approved for application within an aquatic environment,
spraying is permitted up to the water’s edge without the requirement of buffer zones,
however minimise contamination of watercourses, drains and water supplies.
What to Spray With.

Use Glyphosate (broad spectrum herbicide), typically Round Up Gold or Roundup Biactive
in a concentration of 1:100 i.e.200ml for a 20 L knapsack sprayer.
How to Spray.
1. Only mix what you require and if necessary under estimate the amount needed.
2. Use a selective approach avoid non-target species and protect flowering plants.
3. Spray liberally, or fill desiccated tubes until over flowing.
4. Ensure the wind drift is not significant < 7km/hr. Glyphosate will kill most plants.
5. Double back, wilted areas will highlight areas missed. Dye based highlighting admixture
have proved ineffectual.
6. Use a pesticide-sticking agent when working in wet conditions; insert this agent directly
into the herbicide mix.
7. Use a flat fan nozzle recommended for selective targeted spraying.
8. Use telescopic lances to reach less accessible areas, especially when spraying Giant
Hogweed.
9. Dispose of unused glyphosate by emptying contents on bare soil that is not near to a
drain, water point or pond.
Do not leave diluted glyphosate herbicide in sprayer tanks for extended periods (over
a weekend without being covered) as it breaks down with exposure to light, making it
ineffectual. Under-mix rather than over-mix.
90
Invasive Species
1. For Japanese Knotweed. Management Strategy

a. Do not cut or trespass unnecessarily (you can enter into large stands and spray
as you are exiting if required), Japanese Knotweed spreads by fragments of
plant material being physically moved.
b. Underground root systems (rhizomes) can extend further from the visible plant
(up to 7m ) and cause further spreading if excavated or disturbed.
c. When excavating contaminant soil, manage spoil heap on a multi-annual basis
until eradicated. Consider burying in a lined pit or disposal to licensed landfill
(licences required) if appropriate.
d. Plant dies back in the winter, revealing desiccated tubes. If removing dead
tubes manage within a spoil heap on a multi-annual basis until eradicated, or
bury in a lined pit.
e. Spray when the planting is dying back in the late Autumn, in
October-November will yield good results, ensure the broken desiccated
tubular stalks are sprayed with herbicide until overflowing.
f. Avoid spraying when the plant is flowering, it will achieve little and will limit
foraging for bees.
g. If there is a requirement to enter onto a contaminated site, when the knotweed
is in it’s growing season, avoid dense areas if possible and treat in Autumn
when the best results will be achieved.
h. A multi annual approach is required until plant eradicated from site.
Treating Japanese Knotweed in late Autumn when plant in dying back yields the best
results.
Japanese Knotweed Identification
• Flowers are small creamy-white and

may be seen from August to October
• Spraying when flowering will achieve
limited results
• In Ireland, plants are female and
propagate from dispersal of plant
material only not by seed.
Pic 18D.2
• Leaves are heart shaped

• Leaves grow up to 15cm long
• Stems are bamboo-like
• Stems can purple or with purple
specks
• Dies back in late Autumn
• Several variants including bohemian
knotweed, giant knotweed and Pic 18D.3
Himalayan knotweed
91
Invasive Species
2. For Himalayan Balsam. Management Strategy.

a. A shallow rooted plant that spreads from seed that explode on contact in late
summer July-Aug (wear safety glasses as the seed can shoot up to 7m).
b. In order of preference pull, strim, or spray with roundup from March-May, prior
to when the seed are mobile.
c. Place all pulled or strimmed plant material from the works area in a 1.5 m deep
pit lined and enclosed with heavy gauge polythene. Backfill pits to ground level
ensuring 1 meter of soil covers the enclosed material.
d. Continue to manage the works area by pulling, strimming all vegetation to 4
inches or spraying from March – May before seeds are mobile.
e. A multi annual approach is required until plant eradicated from site.
f. Removal to licensed landfill considered where appropriate.
Invasive plants limit natural biodiversity, restrain approach to drainage and construction
work and cause erosion of riverbanks in the winter. Ensure work practices do not
disperse and implement Standard Biosecurity Procedure 18A.
Himalayan Balsam Identification
• Grows up to 3m tall.
• Flowers are
pink/purple 3cm long
and are visible from
late May to October
• Leaves are 6-15cm
long
• With sharply tooted
edges.
• Seeds explode
on contact in
late summer and
management at this
time will not yield
good results
Pic 18D.3
92
Invasive Species
3. For Giant Hogweed. Management Strategy

a. Giant Hogweed produces (phytophototoxic) sap and contact with direct
sunlight can cause severe burns. Do not strim this plant.
b. Ensure you wear protective equipment that includes Tyvek Suit Type 5 or 6,
Chemical Resistant Gauntlet Gloves, Acetate Face Shield and Long Rubber
boots.
c. Spraying of the plant saplings should occur early in the spring. Both sides of
leaves sprayed liberally, with Roundup gold or Bioactive.
d. Dehead any remaining plants mid-summer and spray, plant should not be
allowed to flower. Seeds remain in ground close to parent plant unless spread
by the river. If flowers have not been present for 4 years the plant is generally
eradicated from site. However, seeds can remain dormant and re-emerge for
up to 15yrs.
e. If plant is flowering and gone to seed, treatment will not yield good results.
f. A multi-annual approach is required until plant eradicated from the site.
Encourage natural colonisation and avoid invasive colonisation. Where riverbanks are
cleared of scrub or heavy tree cover. Invasive plants can thrive in the newly cleared
ground; implement a treatment plan if this occurs.
93
Invasive Species
Giant Hogweed Identification
Pic 18D.5
Pic 18D.4 Pic 18D.6
• Grows up to to 2-5m. Leaves are often 1m across.

• Stems are large with reddish/purple speckles, covered in bristles
• Flowers are small, white and grouped together in an umbrella shape
• Dies back in Autumn
• Not to be confused with the smaller native hogweed or angelica.
94
Invasive Species
√ X
Easy to confuse some Plants
Pic 18D.7 Pic 18D.8
• Butterbur smaller leaves less than 1m, • Gunnera giant rhubarb invasive plant
not an invasive leaves up to 3m wide.
Good Practice
Pic 18D.9 Pic 18D.10
• Consider different tools for different jobs • This is an example of a lined spoil pit
this Gator has a 250l tank with two 40m used to bury material contaminated by
reels of hose. Japanese Knotweed.
Other invasive plants will be encountered please contact Environment Section for advice.
95
Invasive Species
Invasive Plants, How to Proceed.
YES Entering onto new site

NO
Are there Proceed with caution.
Ensure machinery has
Invasive Plants been washed before
Options
1. Check
on site? entering onto the new
Refer to GIS mapping site
2. Avoid
3. Control
4. Treatment
5. Removal
Consider treatment strategy, early

Vegetation/ Tree
spraying before entering site could
management
yield good results
Carryout works while controlling
spread with EP18A
Ongoing treatment plan with EP18D
NO
Can the plants
Removal of berm
be avoided? Remove off site to licensed dump
Shelf spoil within river corridor, fence
off spoil heap and implement an
YES ongoing treatment plan
Ongoing treatment of spoil with
Significant earthworks EP18D
Construct a fully lined spoil pit to the

1. Isolate and control
relevant standards.
infested areas
Move any contaminated spoil to this
2. Mark off with bunting.
pit and carryout ongoing treatment
3. Ensure 7m buffer zone plan EP18D for the areas where the
spoil has been removed
4. Commencement of an
ongoing treatment plan Ensure imported material is free from
is not required. invasives.
Fig 18D.1
Implement inconjunction with ecological assistance or a mangement plan where scale is

significant or appropriate.When carrying out a Flood Relief Scheme ensure Invasive
Species Management Plan included as part of the tender documents.
96
Section 4 – Animal and Plant Procedures
Animal and Plant
EP 19 Salmonid
Scope
This procedure relates to drainage maintenance channels with spawning gravels and all
construction works.
Purpose
To protect salmonid (Salmon and Trout) species and to comply with relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
OPW Series EcIA No.3 Atlantic Salmon
Procedure
1. Ensure adequate ongoing consultation with local IFI and comply with CEMP where
required.
2. Programme instream maintenance works on salmonoid channels between July and
September but timing subject to slight adjustment with local IFI consultation due to the
variation in the timing of spawning.
3. Only rake spawning gravels to improve spawning capacity between July and
September.
4. River enhancement works refer to EP 8.
5. Check programmed channels against GIS records for presence of previous
enhancement works.
6. Protect or enhance river enhancement works, when encountered.
7. Carefully consider fish passage with regard to temporary or new structures.
8. Manage construction related pollution appropriately.
Each adult river salmon is important to the economy. They are a valuable resource due to
tourism and fisheries related activities.
98
Animal and Plant
In-Stream Works
In stream
Window In-Stream window closes but Permied
maybe extended following In stream
local IFI consultaon Not advised
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
In-stream window opens but

Fig 19.1
maybe extended following local
IFI consultaon
Examples of
Pollutant Construction
Source
Earthworks, new
Silts and solids. drainage networks
and instream works.
Cementitious Bridge, culvert and

residues. drainage headwall
construction, etc.
Oils and greases. Construction plant

Anti freeze. and equipment.
Wood Treatment of new

preservative. timber fencing. Healthy salmonoid rivers should have
glide >> riffle >> pool sequence
Fig 19.2
Riffle Pool
Shallow & rocky with Deep, calm water
surface disturbance
Glide
Deeper water with
smooth, uniform currents
Fig 19.3
99
Animal and Plant
EP 20 Otter
Scope
This procedure relates to any location where works encounter the presence of otters.
Purpose
To ensure protection of Otters and to comply with relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
Otter Threat Response Plan 2009 NPWS
Guidelines for the Treatment of Otters Prior to the Construction of National Road Schemes.
NRA
OPW Series EcIA No.4 Otter
Procedure
1. Check Environmental information from mapping. Tick “Shown on Map Checklist” if
present on weekly records card as per EP6.
2. Operational Staff will walkover the works area one week in advance noting dense cover
with access directly to the water that is to be avoided where feasible.
3. Note channel and chainage on “observed on site” section of ganger’s card if newly
found. If burrow opens onto river assume otter, ecologist will review if required.
4. While holts are usually well concealed, when identified no general maintenance works
within 30m (transient nature of drainage maintenance results in less potential
disturbance that construction works).
5. A derogation licence is required from the NPWS if there is a requirement to interfere with
an otter holt and excavation of a holt should only occur under ecological supervision.
Construction Projects
1. Ensure pre-construction ecological surveys have occurred in advance of works.
2. Do not undertake works within 150m of a holt until ecological guidance has been
sought, screening and other mitigation may allow reduction of buffers.
3. Ensure ecologist applies for a derrogation licence from the NPWS if there is a
requirement to interfere with or enter into the buffer zone.
100
Animal and Plant
Pic. 20.1 Artificial otter

holt. They are typically
required as part of a
licence to remove a
natural holt or can be
constructed for habitat
enhancement purposes.
Artificial holts can be
pre-fabricated from
recycled plastic as in the
photo or can be
fabricated on site with
ply-wood or concrete
blocks.
Pic. 20.1
Pic. 20.2
Pic. 20.2 Otters are widespread on drained channels. They are shy animals and can
grow to 1m in length and weigh up to 10kg. They have a streamlined dog-like
appearance.
101
Animal and Plant
Pic. 20.3 and Pic. 20.4

Examples of otter spraints they
Pic. 20.3
are found on rocks, paths and
channel junctions. They are dark
and sweet smelling and are an
indicator of the presence of
otters.
Pic. 20.4
Pic. 20.5 Otter holt usually well

concealed. Typically containing
burrows, or spaces under banks,
tree roots or dense cover. They
are protected under the Wildlife
Act and should not be interfered
with.
Pic. 20.5
102
Animal and Plant
Pic. 20.6 and Pic. 20.7 are

Pic. 20.6
suitable areas of cover where
dense backside vegetation
allows covered access to the
water.
Pic. 20.7
Otter Dog Fox Badger Mink

(non symmetric toes) (symmetric toes)
103
Animal and Plant
EP 21 Lamprey
Scope
This procedure relates to any location where works encounter the presence of lamprey.
Purpose
To ensure protection of lamprey and to comply with relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
Lamprey GIS Layers, OPW Series EcIA No.9 Lamprey Species.
Procedure
2. Observe the spoil three times daily and note on “Observed on Site” on weekly records
card, if newly found.
3. Inform Foreman if new lamprey encountered.
4. Salvage stranded lamprey by placing in a bucket of water and gently wash into
watercourse at a suitable location. Ensure spoil spread thinly and carefully inspected.
What to do if lamprey present:

1. Confirm extent of channel where mitigating measures apply from mapped Environmental
Information or from observing spoil.
2. Reduce new excavations to the middle leaving 25% of marginal silt and vegetation on
both sides of channel.
3. Maintain in an upstream direction to avoid secondary disturbance of a species.
4. Use weed cutting bucket where aquatic vegetation removal is the primary objective.
5. Maximise length of time between maintenance cycles.
6. Programme maintenance to accommodate spawning. For River & Brook Lamprey, no
works from end March to start of June. For Sea Lamprey (less abundant), no works from
late April to early July.
7. Consider removing barriers that impede upstream migration.
8. Strictly comply with EP8 ”10 point plan” with emphasis on
• Point 2 Restrict maintenance to channel
• Point 3 Spoil management
• Point 5 Leave sections untouched
• Point 7 Manage berms
• Point 9 Work in gravel bed channels
104
Animal and Plant
Pic. 21.1
Pic. 21.1 Lamprey in spoil on the bank, they can look like eels and this is where some
identification skills are required.
Pic. 21.2
Pic. 21.2 Lamprey out spoil on glove, they are harmless but should be handled with care
as they are a protected species.
105
Animal and Plant
Pic. 21.3
Pic. 21.3 Average lamprey 8 to 15 cm in length.
Pic. 21.4
Pic. 21.4 Lamprey are jawless fish. They have Gill Pores (Holes) close to their heads.
Pic. 21.5 Typical Eel, they have

no gill pores, that have a jawed
mouth and they are typically
longer, average length is 65cm.
Pic. 21.5
106
Animal and Plant
Pic. 21.6
Pic. 21.6 Juvenile lamprey are found in the sediment we typically remove when carrying
out maintenance. Please carefully check spoil and place lamprey in the plastic bucket
available. Then gently wash the lamprey into the river.
107
108
Skip sections Check spoil 3
Spread spoil
where times daily, if
evenly and thinly
appropriate encountered
and inspect carefully
use bucket to
replace in
channel
Maintain marginal Remove 1/2 of the channel width only

Vegetation to retain
1/4 of silt and vegetation
both sides
Good practice for Lamprey and Crayfish
Too much of vegetation and spoil removed
Fig. 21.1
Animal and Plant
Animal and Plant
EP 22 Crayfish
Scope
This procedure relates to any location where works encounter crayfish.
Purpose
To protect white-clawed crayfish and to comply with relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
Crayfish GIS Layers.
NPWS Crayfish Plague Brochure, https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/
Crayfish_leaflet.pdf
OPW Series EcIA No.10 White-clawed Crayfish
Procedure
2. Inform Environment Section if entering onto site with known presence of crayfish.
3. Observe the spoil three times daily and note on “Observed on Site” on weekly records
card, if newly found.
4. Inform Foreman if new crayfish encountered.
5. Replace stranded crayfish by placing in a bucket of water and gently wash into
watercourse at a suitable location. Ensure spoil spread thinly and carefully inspected.
What to do if crayfish present:

1. Confirm extent of channel where mitigating measures apply from mapped Environmental
Information or from observing spoil.
2. Reduce new excavations to the middle leaving 25% of marginal silt and vegetation on
both sides of channel.
3. Comply with EP18B High Biosecurity when crayfish plague present.
4. Maintain in an upstream direction to avoid secondary disturbance of a species.
5. Use weed cutting bucket where aquatic vegetation removal is the primary objective.
6. Maximise length of time between maintenance cycles.
7. Do not programme in channel works on recorded crayfish sites between May and
mid-July when Crayfish are berried (i.e. carrying eggs)
8. Consider removing barriers that impede upstream migration.
9. Strictly comply with EP7 ”10 point plan” with emphasis on
109
Animal and Plant
• Point 2 Restrict maintenance to channel

• Point 3 Spoil management
• Point 5 Leave sections untouched
• Point 7 Manage berms
• Point 9 Work in gravel bed channels
Pic. 22.1, Pic.22.2 & Pic. 22.3

Crayfish details:
• Resemble small lobsters.
• Colour varies from light to
dark green-brown, with
large front claws.
• Adults typically 7cm -
10cm (3” - 4”) long.
• Juveniles can be a small as
2cm (1”) long.
Pic. 22.1
• Prefer channels with
• dense weed cover
(flaggers / watercelery) or
• with a mixture of rocks
/ gravels that provide
crevices for cover.
Pic 22.4. Signal crayfish are an

invasive species not currently
found in Ireland, contact
Environment Section if found.
They have a red claw with a
Pic. 22.2 white flash between finger and
claw.
Pic. 22.3 Pic. 22.4
110
Animal and Plant
EP 23 Badger
Scope
This procedure relates to any location where works encounter the presence of badgers.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of badgers and to comply with relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
Guidelines for the Treatment of Badgers Prior to the Construction of National Road
Schemes.
Procedure
present on weekly records card as per ep6.
2. Note channel and chainage on “observed on site” section of weekly records card if
newly found. If burrow opens onto river assume otter, ecologist will review if required.
3. Observe 30m exclusion zone, increase to 50m during breeding season.
(December-June)
4. Clearly mark exclusion zones and ensure all staff and contractors are informed.
5. Carry on with works outside the exclusion zone.
Working within exclusion zone, what is required?

1. Consult with an ecologist, if you are required to work within the exclusion zone.
2. Ecologist may reduce exclusion zone, depending on the works, with mitigation in place.
3. Ensure ecologist applies for a licence from NPWS if sett directly interfered with.
4. Sett removal should occur under supervision of an ecologist commencing 25m from
outer sett entrances working towards centre digging 0.5m trench slices to a depth of 2m.
Destroy the sett from several directions. Confirm that no badgers remain, then
destroy sett.
5. Construct artificial setts if required, isolate setts from flood defences and retain if
possible.
6. Include a plank at a 45 degree to allow badgers to escape from steep sided
excavations where badgers present.
111
Animal and Plant
Pic. 23.1 a Pic. 23.1 b
Pic. 23.1a & Pic 23.1b

A badger sett was encountered within an existing embankment that was being rebuilt on
a new footprint further inland. After applying for a derogation licence the badger sett was
left in place and isolated from the new embankment structure with wire mesh.
Pic. 23.2 a Pic. 23.2 b
Pic. 23.2a & Pic. 23.2b

This badger sett was evacuated and replaced with a new artificial sett constructed
adjacent. Wire mesh was built into the embankment to prevent the sett from re-extending
back into flood defence.
112
Animal and Plant
EP 24 Bank Nesting Birds

Scope
This procedure relates to any location where works encounter bank nesting sites.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of bank nesting birds and to comply with relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
King of the Rivers, NPWS/OPW. Operations Layer, OPW Series EcIA No.12 Kingfisher.
Procedure
1. Check Environmental information from mapping. Tick “Shown on Map” if nesting bank
2. Note nesting banks on “observed on site” on weekly records card, if newly found.
3. Avoid disturbing nesting banks where possible.
4. When placing rock armour do not extend the rock to the top of bank, retain some
earthen cliff face.
5. Install artificial nest boxes, where appropriate.
Look for easy wins. Sometimes good results can be accomplished without complex
planning. Look to achieve some habitat creation, nest boxes or bat boxes are easily
installed and can yield some useful environmental gain.
Pic. 24.1 Pic. 24.2
Pic. 24.3 Pic. 24.4
Pic. 24.1 Kingfisher, Pic 24.2 Dipper, Pic. 24.3 and Pic. 24.4 Artificial bank nest, install
on a vertical river bank, timber pole revetments make good locations.
113
Animal and Plant
Pic. 24.4
Pic. 24.5
Pic. 24.4 and Pic. 24.5.

Vertical river bank where there are kingfisher nest sites indicated by the holes. It is
likely that these nest sites were uninhabited as there was scratch marks from mink
shown as bank slippage allowed access for the mink. This shows the need to position
artificial nests in well-considered locations.
Current best practice regarding artificial nest sites, suggests leaving artificially
constructed vertical river banks that can be naturally exploited by relevant species.
114
Animal and Plant
EP 25 Birds
Scope
This procedure relates to drainage maintenance and construction works.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of birds and to comply with relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
Wildlife Act 1976.
OPW Series EcIA No.6 Riparian Birds
Procedure
1. Programme removal of any dense layer of vegetation or trees between September and
February (inclusive) to minimise impacts on nesting birds.
2. For SPAs containing important over-wintering bird populations, time all works to
minimise potential disturbance, typically October to March inclusive.
3. Sightline to over wintering bird populations should be minimised if possible, ie. If
constructing a new embankment, leave the existing embankment in place as long as
possible.
4. If removing trees within the bird-nesting season 1st March – 31st August, engage an
ecologist to survey for nesting birds.
5. Install nesting boxes as habitat creation where possible.
Bird Nesting Window

Tree Cung
Permied
Tree Cung
Bird nesng Bird nesng Not Advised
season opens season closes
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Fig.25.1
115
Animal and Plant
EP 26 Bats
Scope
This procedure relates to all drainage and construction works where masonry structures with
niches and crevices suitable for bat roosts or large mature ivy covered trees are encoun-
tered.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of bats and to comply with relevant legislation. It is an offence to
disturb, injure or kill bats or destroy their roosts.
Responsibilities
OPW Drainage Maintenance. Guidance notes: Protection and Enhancement for Bats.
Procedure
1. Ensure specialist bat surveys carried out where required. Bats found in mature
woodland, and structures. Riparian zones can be important foraging habitat. Licence
will be required to interfere with known bat roost.
2. Avoid removal of large mature Ivy covered trees, they have greater potential for bat
roosts. Smaller trees will have less potential as roosts.
3. Limb large trees carefully preventing the limb from free-falling and leave in fallen position
for 24hrs to allow bats to vacate
4. Fill out Bridge Inspection Form EP4 for any works on bridges.
5. Install artificial bat boxes where appropriate.
When should I seek a bat Specialist?

No
a. Low profile bridges or structures that flood out or works below high water level on
larger bridges.
b. Trees / Hedgerows - removal of smaller bushes and immature trees should have no
impact. Try to retain the overall line of trees / hedgerow, which acts as commuting
paths for Bats.
Yes
a. Significant works above high water level on larger structures, where the structure has
any crevices.
b. Large scale removal of mature trees, which contain crevices, heavy ivy growth.
Bats are protected all year around, hibernating during the winter months and their
breeding season is spring - early summer. During the winter when tree felling is
occurring, be mindful that bats could hibernate in large trees.
116
Animal and Plant
Placement of Bat Boxes

• Place on any bridge / culvert / other structure, which has suitable height.
• Place the bat box at least 0.75m (2’ 6”) above summer high water level.
• Place bat boxes on any part of a bridge i.e. soffit, parapet walls, wing walls e.t.c.
• Place bat boxes in new large culverts prior to placement, to reduce any safety risks of
working in the channel.
• Place bat boxes vertically in wall and parapets or flat underneath bridge soffits.
• Place in a south facing position if possible, as the bat box will gain more heat.
• Locate the bat box to be out of easy reach of people, to minimise potential vandalism.
• Bat Boxes are maintenance free and can be attached by galvanised straps attached to
the structure or built into the concrete or masonry elements.
Record Location of Bat Boxes

• Record the location of the bat box and forward to Environment Section.
• Environment Section will update the ecological enhancement GIS layer.
Supply of Bat Boxes

• All depots should have a minimum of one or two bat boxes in their stores.
• Notify Environment Section if no bat boxes are left.
Pic. 26.1 This type of bridge

would be likely bat habitat.
Pic. 26.1
117
Animal and Plant
Pic. 26.2 This is typical bat habitat; this

culvert contained bats, they were vacated
under Licence and the culvert removed for
construction purposes.
Pic. 26.2
Pic. 26.3 Typical bat habitat, attention

should be paid when felling mature trees,
especially if they are ivy covered.
Pic. 26.4 and Pic. 26.5 artificial bat boxes.

Pic. 26.3
Pic. 26.4 Pic. 26.5
118
Animal and Plant
Pic. 26.5 on bridge protection wall
Pic. 26.6 on bridge spandrel
119
Animal and Plant
EP 27 Rare Plants
Scope
This procedure relates to any location where works encounter rare plants.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of rare plants and to comply with relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
Key environmental data GIS Layer, Red List Vascular Plants NPWS, Table 26.1
Procedure
For Rare Plants from the Red List
1. Known locations of Opposite Pondweed, Triangular Clubrush and other rare plants
require an ecological survey, to permit works to proceed.
2. Apply for a Section 21 Licence under the Wildlife Act from NPWS, if you need to interfere
with a rare plant.
3. Implement a 10m buffer around any stands of protected plant wherever feasible.
Pic. 27.1 Pic. 27.2
Pic. 27.1 Opposite Leaved Pondweed, Pic. 27.2 Triangular Clubrush, Red Listed
Red Listed and Wildlife Act licence and Wildlife Act licence required.
required.
120
Animal and Plant
Common
Species Type Red List Identification Restrictions
name
Hard to
Schoenoplectus Triangular Three cornered stem,
Bankside Y identify until
triqueter Club Rush flower near top
August
Opposite Avoid removal,

Groelandia Leaves oppositely
Leaved Submerged Y comply with
densa paired along stem
Pondweed EP7 & EP9
Mud Avoid removal,

Ephemerum
dwelling Submerged N Slimy moss like comply with
spp.
mosses EP7 & EP9
Avoid removal,
Water white ball flowers,
Berula erecta Floating N comply with
Parsnip carrot smell
EP7 & EP9
Eleocharis Needle Spicky stem with a Embankments

Bankside Y
acicularis Spike Rush hairy seed relocate
Butomus Flowering Embankments

Bankside N Bright lilac flowers
umbellatus rush relocate
Hordeum Meadow Hay like, with hairy Embankments

Bankside Y
secalinum Barley seed relocate
Table 27.1
121
Animal and Plant
EP 28 Fresh Water Pearl Mussel

Scope
This procedure relates to all works not just restricted to in-channel works. Removal of heavy
vegetation on riverbanks can lead to bank erosion and silt entering the watercourse.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of Freshwater Pearl Mussels (FPM) and to comply with relevant
legislation.
Responsibilities
FPM GIS layer, OPW Series EcIA No.7 Fresh Water Peal Mussel.
Procedure
present on weekly records card as per EP6. Ensure ecological assessments are in place
when working adjacent or upstream of these sites.
2. Tree maintenance where no instream works required, can still have an impact, carry out
an AA screening or EcIA where required.
3. Cease works, if operational staff locate a new population during operations.
4. Comply with site specific mitigation measures from relevant assessments.
Limit cattle access where possible, fence channels and close drinking slips when the
opportunity arises. This will reduce pollution and diminish erosion of riverbanks.
Pic. 28.1, 28.2, 28.3 Freshwater

Pearl Mussel, up to 140mm in size,
yellowish-brown in colour when young
and becoming darker with age.
Pic. 28.1
Pic. 28.2 Pic. 28.3
122
Animal and Plant
EP 29 Swan and Duck Mussel

Scope
This procedure relates to any location where works encounter swan or duck mussles.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of swan and duck mussels who are not strictly a protected species;
however, they are of conservation interest.
Responsibilities
Key environmental data GIS layer
Procedure
present on weekly records card as Other per EP6.
2. Note on Observed on Site on weekly records card as Other, if newly found.
3. Both species are similar in appearance and habitat requirements and distinguishing
between them is not necessary.
4. Identify extent of channel applicable from observing spoil and GIS records.
5. Impact reducing measures:
• Operational Staff to observe spoil and return any Mussels to the channel.
• Use the weed-cutting bucket when aquatic vegetation removal is the objective.
• Skip sections to retain intact habitat where possible.
• Confine maintenance to 1/2 of channel width leaving marginal vegetation and silt
intact.
Pic. 29.1 Swan mussel, typically 100mm Pic. 29.2 Duck Mussel, typically 75mm up
up to 200mm, pale greenish or brownish in to 120mm in size, brown/yellow in colour.
colour.
123
EP 18E Zebra Mussel Procedure
Scope
All OPW flood relief and drainage works
Purpose
Zebra Mussles are an alien invasive species, the goal of this procedure is to prevent it’s
further spread.
Responsibilities
https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Invasive-species-list/zebra-mussel.html
Procedure
1. Note on “New Information Record” on ganger’s card, if newly found.
2. Particular care should be taken when moving equipment or machinery from the areas
shown in fig 29-3
3. As per EP 17C clean any equipment or machinery ensuring all water retaining
compartments are drained on site, when moving from a site with a known presence of
Zebra Mussels
Section 5 – Habitat Procedures

Section 5 Habitats – Relevant to all staff

Habitat
EP 30 Alluvial (Wet Woodland)

Scope
This procedure relates to all riverside woodland that has been identified by an ecologist or
by NPWS.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of recorded wet woodland and to comply with relevant legislation.
Responsibilities
OPW Series EcIA No.1 Screening
Procedure
1. Consult with Environment Section if, the site is within a SAC with low riverbanks
(alluvial woodland is categorised as being flooded on a regular basis) and overgrown
with mature trees and scrub Works cannot proceed until an ERA (EP 2) is sent to the
Environment Section and the necessity for a site specific AA is assessed. ERA (EP2)
should flag the requirement for a site specific AA.
2. Liaise with the Environment Section. A site specific AA and additional surveys will
typically be required.
3. Comply with any site specific mitigation measures stemming from relevant assessments.
4. If adjacent to freshwater pearl mussels, do not track heavy machinery. If maintenance is
required, use chainsaws and handwork where possible.
5.Woody material left in channels can have good ecological benefit, helping water chemistry
and improving the amount of biodiversity in the river. This could be good source of food
for fish and other animals by improving the amount and type of insects.
Pic. 30.1
Pic. 30.1 Wet woodland typically where the floodplain is overgrown and contains
braided channels. This type of woodland contains in the main the following species:
Hazel (Corylus avellana), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Rusty Willow (Salix cinerea),
Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea), Holly (Ilex aquifolium),
Guelder-rose (Vibernum opulus), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
126
Habitat
EP 31 Wetland
Scope
This procedure relates to all drainage works downstream of protected wetlands.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of wetlands and to comply with relevant legislation. Drainage can
reduce water levels and impact wetlands.
Responsibilities
Wetlands spreadsheet on Alfresco, OPW Series EcIA No.8 Turloughs
Procedure
1. Check if channels scheduled for maintenance are on the Wetlands Spreadsheet. If the
channel programmed for maintenance are on the Wetlands Spreadsheet, check if they
are assessed as part of the 5 year AAs.
2. Refer to Wetlands Spreadsheet, confirm where the nearest hydraulic control to the
protected wetland is located.
3. Skip the channel from this maintenance cycle, if there is no flood risk or request for
maintenance.
4. If maintenance is required, minimise new diggings and maximise the use of the
weed-cutting bucket.
5. Consider bridge floor levels, existing water level in the wetland could be controlled by
these structures. Continued maintenance may not achieve improvements in drainage
outfall.
Protect existing habitats wherever possible. Wetland areas for example can store and filter
water, capture carbon, provide food and fuel, and support a wealth of uniquely adapted
wildlife.
Scheme Channel Sac Name Site Code Habitat Control

Reference Type Point/Level m
Poolbeg
Boyne C1/32 Rivers Boyne & 2299 Fen B1723/85.954

Blackwater
Inny C1 Moneybeg & 2340 Raised 103.00 (weir?)
Clareisland Bog Bog
Boyne C1/37/2/2 Mount Hevey Bog 2342 Raised 73.762
SAC Bog
Table 31.1 Example of the information available from the wetlands spreadsheet, the control
point and elevation identified. Any new excavation upstream of this control below the stated
elevation will yield no additional drainage outfall.
127
Habitat
Pic. 31.1 Weed cutting boat in

operation.
Pic. 31.2 Weed cutting bucket in

operation.
Pic. 31.3 Weed cutting bucket close

up.
Pic. 31.1
Pic. 31.2
Pic. 31.3
128
Habitat
EP 32 Mudflat
Scope
This procedure relates to any works that impact protected mudflats.
Purpose
To ensure works do not adversely affect protected mudflats and to comply with relevant
legislation.
Responsibilities
EcIA No 1 Screening
Procedure
1. Ensure AA is in place, when works may effect protected mudflat.
2. Apply for foreshore licence where required.
3. Consider tidal cycle and programme works effectively.
4. Use pre-cast concrete where possible.
5. Comply with EP17 Water Pollution Procedure.
6. Prevent soiled waters from excavations outfalling to protected habitat; comply with EP
15 Construction Silt Management.
7. Carefully plan excavations within the intertidal zone to limit erosion and tidal inundation
of works area.
8. Use bog mats if machinery accessing protected mudflats.
9. When replacing sluice leave decommissioned sluice in place and place new sluice in
parallel. Consider if new outfall could release a stagnant or polluted water.
10. Retain excavated mudflat material within intertidal zone. Backfill old mudflat sluice
outfall channels with material from new sluice outfall channels.
11. Refer to ecological surveys where available and avoid designated species or habitats.
12. Do not programme works for the winter if area important for over-wintering birds.
Pic 32.1
Pic. 32.1 Typical estuarine habitat
129
Habitat
EP 33 Floating River Vegetation Habitat

Scope
This procedure relates to any location where works encounter floating river vegetation
habitat.
Purpose
To ensure the protection of floating river vegetation habitat and to comply with relevant
legislation.
Responsibilities
Key Environmental GIS Layer, OPW Series EcIA No.5 Floating River Vegetation.
Procedure
2. Target the areas of greatest maintenance need and retain some sections untouched.
Strictly comply with EP7 Section 4.5 “Retain ⅓ to ½ of instream floating type vegetation”.
3. Prioritise the use of weed cutting bucket or boat and leave marginal habitat in place.
4. If within an SAC and identified by an ecologist or on key environmental data layer, then
do not touch FRV, contact Environment Section.
5. Some floating plants commonly referred, as “cress or celery” does not require protection.
It requires regular maintenance as thick mats can block structures after frost. Use a
weed-cutting bucket or skim all the cress from surface waters using the machine bucket.
Pic. 33.1 Pic. 33.2
Pic. 33.1 Rannunculus, this is not rare Pic. 33.2 Starwort, is used to identify
however it is used to identify protected protected FRV habitat.
FRV habitat.
130
Habitat
Common
Species Type Red List Identification Restrictions
name
Avoid removal,
Water Daisy flowers, rooted
Rannunclus Floating N comply with
Crowfoot to channel bed
EP7 & EP9
Avoid removal,
Star shaped, rooted
Callitriche Starwort Floating Y comply with
to channel bed
EP7 & EP9
Table 33.1
Pic. 33.3 Pic. 33.4
Pic. 33.3 Water Celery, this grows in thick Pic. 33.4 Water Celery, note the long
mats and if you lift a clump you can see fibrous plant and the head has 5 or 6
the white fibrous undergrowth. leaves together.
Floating leaved pondweed - can be largely retained in channel maintenance, as leaves on

surface and stalks underneath have limited growth structure and do not slow down flow.
131
Glossary
Glossary
AA Appropriate Assessment, Environmental Reporting to allow works proceed within an SAC/SPA.
Alluvial Place that is regularly flooded.
Arterial Drainage Acts Planning mechanism used by OPW to deliver drainage/flooding works and
the associated maintenance.
Alien Invasive Species Non native to an ecosystem that causes environmental or economic harm.
Biosecurity Defence against spread of unwanted living animals, microorganisms or plants.
Biodiversity Refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth.
CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan.
Derogation Licence Agreement to allow works proceed under certain conditions when in conflict
with certain laws or regulations.
EcIA Ecological Impact Assessment, environmental reporting to inform works that do not impact a
designated area or specified qualifying interest.
Ecological Living elements.
Ecological Survey Map of living elements within an area.
EDM Environmental Drainage Maintenance
EE Environmental Engineer
EIAR Environmental Impact Assessment Report
ERA Environmental Risk Assessment
EREP Environmental River Enhancement Programme
Fen Wetland generated from groundwater.
Floating River Vegetation Plants used to define a specific aquatic protected habitat.
Guidelines on Fisheries Guidelines on Protection of Fisheries During Construction Works in and
Adjacent to Waters. IFI
Habitat Place where animals or plants live.
IFI Inland Fisheries Ireland
Mitigation Damage limiting measures.
Monitoring Observe and check the progress or quality over a period of time.
NIS Natura Impact Statement, report that refers to mitigation that prevents damage to SAC/SPAs
and is required to allow works to proceed.
OPW Office of Public Works
Part 10 Planning Local Authority led planning mechanism that requires agreement from An Bord
Pleanala.
Pathogens Infection causing organisms.
Pollarding a pruning system involving the removal of the upper branches of a tree, promotes a
dense head of foliage and branches.
Qualifying Interest Habitat or species that a SAC or SPA are protected because of.
RE Resident Engineer
SAC Special Area of Conservation, environmental protection area.
SPA Special Protection Area, environmental protection area for birds.
Species Animal or plant.
Wetland Land that is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally.
132
Acknowledgements:
Environment Section OPW

OPW Regional Offices
Inland Fisheries Ireland
McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan
Environmental Consultants
ENVIRONMENT SECTION
OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS
Regional Drainage Maintenance
Headford, Limerick, Trim
01/19 Rev B

Environmental Guidance: Drainage Maintenance & Construction: ISSN 1649-9840

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Environmental Guidance: Drainage Maintenance & Construction: ISSN 1649-9840

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ISSN 1649-9840

Purpose of this Guidance 6

Section 1A - Drainage Maintenance Planning Procedures –

Section 1B - Drainage Maintenance Implementation Procedures –

Section 2 - Construction Procedures – Relevant to Construction Staff 67

Section 4 Animal and Plant Procedures – Relevant to all Staff 97

Section 5 Habitat Procedures – Relevant to all Staff 125

Pic. I House Flooded Pic. II Excavator working on channel

• Scope What the procedure applies to.

How to Use this Guidance

Section 1A Drainage Maintenance Planning Procedures: relates to methods used to

Section 1B, Drainage Maintenance Implementation Procedures: relates directly to the

Section 5 Habitat Procedures: relates to important habitats, typically encountered in drainage

Pic. III Fisheries enhancement on channel

Section 1 Planning – Relevant to Management Staff

EP1 Annual Programme

September can be a productive month to programme works, fish

Example of Programme Input Form

Tree cutting Main channel works

Minor channel, less

EP 2 Environmental Risk Assessment

OPW Arterial Drainage

Environmental Risk Assessment

To be completed where the following conditions are met

Works within an SAC or SPA Yes

General Site Details

Start Date: Est Completion Date:

Site Location: Scheme:

Channel No./Ref.: Bridge No.:

GPS coordinates: Road Number:

What does a 5yr Appropriate Assessment cover?

EP 3 Site Specific Appropriate Assessment

Site Specific Appropriate Assessment Process

Is activity covered by 5 year AA?

Inform Are there any

Provide a detailed works plan. A work

Carry out a Stage II NIS. This has a

Environment Send NIS to NPWS & IFI for 6 week

Proceed with works.

AA 2012 – 2016 &

EP 4 Foreman Bridge Inspection Form

Foreman Bridge Inspection Report

Inspected by: ________________________________

Yes If yes – programme maintenance for next year

Yes If yes - refer to Environment Section with

Yes If yes - check for presence of otter/badger –

Yes If yes – inform Environment Section once

Yes If yes – inform Environment Section once

EP 5 Drainage Maintenance Environmental Management

Drainage Maintenance Environmental Management

Drainage Carryout works

EP 6 Environmental Data and Usage

Weekly Records Card environmental information filled in by foremen and drivers.

Environmental Information section asks: are there environmental issues on-site?

Comply with the relevant Environmental Procedure.

How do you, the driver, gather new environmental information?

What happens next with information?

Floating river vegetation

Otter holt Otter holt

Ecological enhancements Additional environmental data FWPM SPA

Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No EN 0021018 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland

Fig 6.1 example of a map produced with required information.