Advisory Council 8 th Meeting 20 th February 2008 Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny

1.SERBD Laboratory Work Program for 2008 – further characterisation and filling in the gaps. Methodology for Local Authorities to prioritise investigative monitoring and inspection has been prepared 2.Public Consultation 23 submissions on SWMI received. These are been complied at present for inclusion in the draft RBMP We will have synopsis of these for next meeting 3.Hydrometrics A new list of sites has been agreed by the EPA. Extend the existing contract of the consultant who is carrying out the National Groundwater Hydrometrics, for which Carlow County Council is lead Within existing budgets. PROJECT PROGRESS UPDATE

4.Dangerous Substances Final report from TNO Holland - agreed by the National W.G. Working Group have agreed their own final report Forwarded to the National Technical Coordination Group for their approval. 5.Setting Chemical Quality Standards SEA and RIA for the proposed new EQS ongoing by the EPA New draft regulations from DoEHLG shortly. 6.Surface Water Status SERBD staff supporting EPA Interim “Water Classification Status” for all water bodies nationally. This will allow work on the draft River Basin Management Plans to proceed and particular in deciding which Programs of Measures should apply PROJECT PROGRESS UPDATE

7.National Groundwater Monitoring Contractors appointed - work to commence within next 3 weeks. Carlow County Council acting as lead authority Total spend cicra €2.7m with 121 boreholes and 35 spring sites Local authorities for maintenance and upkeep EPA carrying out the monitoring on behalf of local authorities. WRRBD lead authority for Groundwater Protection Schemes on these sites. Monitoring of Groundwater EPA on behalf of Local Authorities through national contract. Round 5 of program Access issues – most have been resolved PROJECT PROGRESS UPDATE

8.Website Meeting minutes and copies of presentations Up to date reports etc. 9.Draft River Basin Management Plan DoEHLG are preparing a guidance document for local authorities Integrated with Co. Development plans, Waste Management plans, etc Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) North South Share River Basin project. 11.Marine Monitoring It should be noted that there will probably be a gap in the RBMP in relation to this element. No national monitoring program has been established to date and very little work has been undertaken. This issue is been considered by the National Technical Coordination Group and the DoEHLG. PROJECT PROGRESS UPDATE