Appendix 5.1.3 Invasive Species Draft Methodology Statement Invasive Species Draft Methodology ...

118 Pages·2016·5.97 MB·English

Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix 5.1.3 Invasive Species Draft Methodology Statement

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Invasive Species Draft Methodology Statement

July 2016

(picture above taken from page 43 of Guidelines on the Management of Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive
Plant Species on National Roads, National Roads Authority, 2010)

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Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement
1.0 Introduction:

This methodology statement has been produced by OES Consulting to provide guidance
and a stated methodology for the identification, control and eradication of invasive
species within and surrounding the development boundary of the proposed development
at Newmarket Co-Operatives Creameries Waste Water treatment Plant (WWTP),
underground pipeline and discharge point on the River Dalua at the location of Allan’s
Bridge.
Invasive species surveys were undertaken in late 2015 to assess the development site for
the presence of invasive species and the results of these surveys are provided below in
Section 1.1. Although invasive species were not identified at the proposed WWTP, pipeline
route or discharge point, a request was made by Cork County Council in the letter dated
14th June 2016 (Point 11l) for further information in relation to the following:
Clarify the extent of survey works which has been completed for alien invasive species
along the pipeline route, and the findings of any such surveys, identifying locations (if any)
of any infestations should be provided. A draft method statement prescribing the methods
(including timing of treatment relative to timing of conset.ruction works) to be used to
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manage any such infestations should be submitted in theer event that Japanese Knotweed
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1A.n1 inInvavasisviev e sSppeeccieiess Aasssseessssm m e e o nn n s et t n t owf caops included within the scope of the ecological
assessment completed as partC of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in late 2015.
The surveys recorded no problematic invasive alien species at the site of the proposed
WWTP or along and in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline route. No plant species of
conservation concern are likely to occur in proximity to the proposed development.
A potential impact associated with the construction of the proposed development, in the
absence of suitable controls, is the introduction or spread of invasive species such as
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), and Indian balsam (Impatiens grandiflora)
(known to occur in proximity of proposed discharge point).
The field surveys confirmed the absence of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) from
the study area which included the WWTP, pipeline route and discharge point on the River
Dalua. This finding implies that there is no risk of spread of this species and possible
introduction can be prevented by use of appropriate controls. Should such species
become established then it could have a detrimental effect on native flora and fauna
within habitats downstream of the proposed development.
No problematic invasive alien species, including Indian Balsam were recorded during the
field survey at the site of the proposed WWTP or along and in the vicinity of the proposed

EPA Export 14-10-2016:02:13:34
Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement
pipeline route, however it is known to occur along the riverbanks of both the Rampart
Stream and the River Dalua (IRD Duhallow Life Project). It is possible that this species occurs
at or close-by the discharge point, however due to high water levels at the time of the
survey this could not be confirmed.
To prevent the spread and introduction of invasive species such as Japanese knotweed
and Indian Balsam and noxious weeds appropriate method statements listing
management and mitigation measures will be adopted which are listed below. The
method statements are informed by the following guidance which is included within the
annexes to this report:
 Guidelines on the Management of Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Plant
Species on National Roads, National Roads Authority, 2010 (Annex I).
 Best Practice Management Guidelines, Japanaese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica),
Invasive species Ireland, 2015 (Annex II) .
 Himalayan Balsam, Invasive Species Ireland, date not provided – accessible online
at http://invasivespeciesireland.com (Annex III).

The mitigation measures listed below will be included within the Construction Environment
Management Plan provided in EIS Volume II Appendix 2.2.e .
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checks will need to be undertaCken annually and control measures undertaken should the
plant be recorded. In the case of Indian Balsam, mechanical controls are recommended
such as hand pulling or mowing and cutting. It is important that this is done prior to flowering
in June and regular follow ups will be required to deal with any seedlings.

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Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement
2.0 Japanese Knotweed

This method statement is specifically based on information provided in the National Roads
Authority (NRA) and Invasive Species Ireland (ISI) documents provided in Annexes I and II
in relation to identification, control and eradication of Japanaese Knotweed. The methods
listed below will be utilised both prior to, during and post construction of the proposed
development by Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd.

2.1 Introduction

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a member of the Polygonaceae (docks and
rhubarb family), native to Japan and northern China. Only female plants have been
recorded in Ireland and while seeds are sometimes produced, these are hybrid and rarely
survive. It is rhizomatous (produces underground stems) with distinctive branched hollow,
bamboo-like canes that can grow to over 3 metres in height.

Dispersal occurs through rhizome fragments being transported in soil by humans or to a
lesser extent, through passive mechanical means such as in floodwaters. Dispersal is also
achieved through vegetative reproduction from plant fragments. The plant typically
occurs along roadsides, riverbanks and waste ground in Ireland where it forms dense,
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the area below. Native plants can rarely compete with this invasive species and local plant
biodiversity is reduced. Rivers, hedgerows, roadsides and railways form important wildlife
corridors for native plants and animals to migrate and disperse along, and large
infestations of Japanese knotweed can block these routes for wildlife.

Japanese knotweed can also seriously damage buildings, hard surfaces and infrastructure,
but usually only where there are existing weaknesses. Once established underneath or
around the built environment, it can be particularly hard to control, growing through
concrete and tarmac and other hardstandings if any cracks exist. When Japanese
knotweed colonises riverbanks, it can damage flood defence structures and reduce the
capacity of channels to carry flood water.

The Global Invasive Species Programme categorises Japanese knotweed as one of the
worlds 100 worst invasive alien species. In light of the economic and environmental
damage associated with this species, the risk assessment process undertaken as part of
the Invasive Species Ireland project identified Japanese knotweed as one of the highest
risk (most unwanted) non-native invasive species in Ireland.

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Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement
2.3 Identification

Japanese knotweed is a robust, herbaceous perennial plant with hollow, bamboo-like
stems. It forms yellow cream flowers in late June or August and its leaves are approximately
the size of a human hand. Its hollow bamboo-like stems are green with red spots during
summer, which turn brown during winter. It forms red side shoots off the main stem and its
leaves are arranged in a zig-zag pattern. The plant is frost-sensitive and dies back in winter
though the stems remain standing.

It grows from 120–300cm in height with leaves 7–12cm long with a square-cut base, while
Fallopia sachalinensis grows from 150–300cm in height and has cordate (i.e. notched or
indented at the base) leaves up to 30cm in length. A hybrid between the two species
occurs which has increased vigour and produces even larger leaves. The root system is
extremely extensive (extending 15 to 20m in length) and acts as a storage organ allowing
for rapid growth in spring. The plant requires high light levels and the burst of growth in
spring prevents other plants from outshading it.

A pre-construction baseline confirmatory survey of invasive species (targeting in particular
Indian (or Himilayan) Balsam and Japanese Knotweed will be undertaken by the
Ecological clerk of works (EcoW) assigned to the project throughout the development
study area including the WWTP, underground pipeline anusde. discharge location at Allan’s
Bridge. Indian (Himalyan) is known to occur along wahetre rcourses in the study area. This
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s2t.a4t e m e Cnotsn trol and Eradication ectionw npeurr rpequir
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was identified, the control andC eradication measures listed below will be utilised.

Japanese knotweed is highly invasive and extremely difficult to eradicate completely. The
approach to control will depend on several factors including the scale of the infestation,
the topography and terrain of the site, the proximity of watercourses or other sensitive
receptors (such as protected flora), the funds available, etc. Current control measures are
limited to a combination of physical and chemical means and chemical means alone.
Japanese knotweed should only be excavated where construction necessitates it.

Currently there are three means by which Japanese knotweed can be eradicated from
sites:

 Long-term treatment with herbicides.
 Excavation and disposal at a licensed landfill site.
 Excavation, deep burial and/or bunding on site prior to treatment with herbicide.

2.5 Physical and Chemical Control – Combined Treatment Methods

A combination of physical and chemical treatments may be more effective than chemical
treatment alone in controlling Japanese knotweed. The Environment Agency indicates

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Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement
that combining digging and spraying is effective in reducing the time needed for chemical
control. By digging and breaking up the rhizome, the aim is to stimulate leaf production
leaving the plant more vulnerable to treatment with a plant protection product.

The Japanese knotweed canes shall be cut using a cutter, hook or scythe and carefully set
aside on a suitable membrane surface until they have dried and are certain to be dead.
A wheeled excavator may then be used to scrape the top 25cm of topsoil, containing the
surface crown and rhizomes, into a pile. The exposed ground is then cultivated to a depth
of at least 50cm and the piled material is then re-spread over the cultivated area. This
process will stimulate the rhizome to produce a higher density of stems, leaving the plant
more susceptible to treatment with a plant protection product.

Another combined treatment method is the cut and inject technique, involving the cutting
of the mature Japanese knotweed stems shortly before senescence (senescence refers to
the biological processes of a living organism approaching an advanced age, which
typically occurs with the first frosts in late October or November for the Japanese
knotweed). Stem cuts shall be approximately 200 mm above the base of cane, preferably
approximately 40mm above a node. The cut cane shall be carefully set aside and
disposed of appropriately. A measured dose of plant protection product is then applied
into the hollow stem cavities. In subsequent years, the stems may not be sufficiently large
to inject. In such cases, spot application of plant pusreo.tection products containing
glyphosate will be required. her
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 pressure washing vehiclCes exiting infested areas in designated wash-down areas;
and,
 ensuring adequate supervision.

2.7 Excavation

At least two weeks prior to excavation, the Japanese knotweed shall be treated with a
non-persistent herbicide (certain plant protection products containing glyphosate are
non-persistent). The herbicide must not be capable of causing groundwater
contamination. Under no circumstances shall a persistent herbicide be used when
excavation and containment/disposal techniques are being considered, as this would
potentially cause the material to be classified as a ‘hazardous waste’.

2.8 Excavation and ‘Deep Burial’

‘Deep burial’ involves burying the material on-site to a depth of at least 5m. Once buried,
the Japanese knotweed material shall then be covered with a root barrier membrane layer
before being in-filled to 5m deep with inert fill or topsoil.

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Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement
2.9 Bunding

A bund is a shallow area of Japanese knotweed contaminated soil, typically 0.5m deep.
This method is used where conditions do not allow for burial and is usually only suitable for
large sites, as even small infestations with limited above ground growth, can be very big.
The bund method is used when it is not possible to treat Japanese knotweed in the area
where it was originally located by moving it to an area within the same site that is not in
use now or in the future. Bunds shall be located at least 10m away from site boundaries to
prevent spread. The bund can be raised, on top of the ground or placed within an
excavation. The material within the bund is treated as often as is necessary to prevent
growth and spread. Bunds shall use a root barrier membrane if being constructed in an
area free of Japanese knotweed.

2.10 Excavation and Disposal to Landfill

If Japanese knotweed cannot be dealt with effectively on site, it must be disposed of at a
suitably licensed waste management site. Disposal to landfill should be considered a last
resort due to the expensive nature of disposal. Great care is required to ensure that no
material is lost when the excavated material is being transported. The material must be
disposed at licensed waste facility where:
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being potentially damaging to non-target plants. Great care is necessary in applying this
herbicide. Plant protection products containing glyphosate should be applied in late
September or early October. However, it is further advised that the plants be treated early
in the growing season (May) to stunt the growth of the plant, consequently reducing the
amount of viable above-ground material and the height of the stand. For small infestations,
plant protection products containing 2,4-D Amine can be used. 2,4-D Amine has the
advantage of being selective and specific to broadleaved plants. However, in general, it
has a greater persistency when compared to Glyphosate. Plant protection products
containing 2,4-D Amine should be applied in May with a follow up treatment in late
September or early October.

2.12 Japanese Knotweed on Adjacent Sites

It is particularly important to consider Japanese knotweed in the wider environment
around a particular site. If Japanese knotweed is growing on an adjacent site, or upstream
of a site on a riverbank, then no matter how good on-site Japanese knotweed control is, it
may recolonise recently cleared sites. Thus, an understanding of the wider context is
necessary to determine if eradication or control efforts are likely to be successful. In some
situations, treatment of all Japanese knotweed on site might not be appropriate due to
the likelihood of re-colonisation, but infested areas within a construction footprint must be

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Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement
dealt with appropriately. Work in partnership with neighbouring landowners to tackle
Japanese knotweed.

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EPA Export 14-10-2016:02:13:34
Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement
3.0 Indian/Himalayan Balsam

This method statement is specifically based on information provided in the National Roads
Authority (NRA) and Invasive Species Ireland (ISI) documents provided in Annexes I and III
in relation to identification, control and eradication of Indian (Himalayan) Balsam. The
methods listed below will be utilised both prior to, during and post construction of the
proposed development by Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd.

No problematic invasive alien species, including Indian Balsam were recorded during the
field survey in late 2015 at the site of the proposed WWTP or along and in the vicinity of the
proposed pipeline route, however it is known to occur along the riverbanks of both the
Rampart Stream and the River Dalua (IRD Duhallow Life Project). It is possible that this
species occurs at or close-by the discharge point. To address the potential discovery of
Indian Balsalm within the development boundary, the following method statement will be
adhered to.

3.1 Introduction

Himalayan balsam is a member of the busy Lizzie family (Be.alsaminacea) and is native to
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the Himalaya region of Asia. It was introduced as a gaerr den plant in the mid-1800’s and
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the banks bare of vegetation and vulnerable to erosion, leading to knock on effects such
as the increased siltation of fish spawning grounds as well as bank instability and therefore
increased flood risk.

The following provides a summary of the key impacts of the species:

 Excludes native species.
 Leaves river banks exposed to erosion in winter.
 Subsequent potential sedimentation impact on fish spawning areas.
 Attracts pollinating insects away from native species.
 Increased risk of flooding due to siltation of water courses and bank instability.
 Main transmission route via water courses.

3.3 dentification

Himalayan balsam is an erect and glabrous (hairless) plant with a brittle, reddish stem,
which can grow up to 2m in length. The broadly lanceolate and toothed leaves are 10–
20cm in length and arranged oppositely or in whorls of three. The plant produces an
abundance of white to pink/purple, flowers in racemes, which are followed by club-

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Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries Ltd. Appendix 5.1.3
Environmental Impact Statement
shaped seedpods. When ripe, the pods open explosively propelling the small black seeds
up to seven meters from the mother plant, which gives it a considerable edge in colonizing
new ground. In addition, the seeds can remain viable for up to 18 months and are readily
dispersed in water.

The key features of this plant include:

 Grows up to 3 metres in height.
 Large purplish to pale pink flowers in June – October.
 Hanging explosive seed pods that can throw seeds over 6 metres
 Hexagonal hollow stems that are reddish in colour.
 Dark green leaves, lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges.

3.4 Control and Eradication

As mentioned above, no problematic invasive alien species, including Indian Balsam were
recorded during the field survey in late 2015 at the site of the proposed WWTP or along and
in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline route, however it is known to occur along the
riverbanks of both the Rampart Stream and the River Dalua (IRD Duhallow Life Project). It is
possible that this species occurs at or close-by the discharge point. To address the potential
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discovery of Indian Balsam within the development ebr oundary, the following control
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provided the frequency of mowing is regular enough to prevent sprouting and flower
formation. Repeat annually until complete control is attained.

As plants are very shallow rooted, they can also be easily pulled by hand. Hand pulling will
require a follow up pull in August due to new seeds sprouting. Vegetative material can be
disposed of by composting unless seeds are present, in which case the material should be
disposed of at a licensed landfill or burnt.

3.4.2 Biological Control

Grazing by cattle and sheep is effective from April throughout the growing season in some
situations. It should be continued until no new growth occurs. However, grazing on
riverbank habitats can have negative impacts such as poaching of river banks and the
removal of other native vegetation which may act as a buffer zone.

3.4.3 Chemical Control

Chemical control is achieved with the use of glyphosate or 2,4-D amine, which shall be
applied during active growth in late spring but late enough to ensure that germinating
seedlings have grown sufficiently to be covered by the spray. Glyphosate is systemic and

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