Invasive Species Survey at Kilfenora Wastewater Treatment Plant, Clare

The existing Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Kilfenora, Co. Clare collects wastewater from the local sewerage network. A rising main from the WWTP delivers wastewater directly to groundwater at the Ballybreen Swallow Hole. To better accommodate Kilfenora and environs the WWTP has been scheduled for upgrade works including new preliminary treatment infrastructure, primary and final settlement tanks, RBC tanks, sludge holding tank, a UV disinfection system, tertiary pump station, final effluent pump station, and a second stormwater storage tank.

We were commissioned to undertake a targeted invasive species survey of Kilfenora WWTP in advance of the proposed upgrade works. This involved a site walkover of the WWTP and surrounding area, as well as the Ballybreen Swallow Hole and rising main route.

An extensive 50m² stand of Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) was identified on private property adjacent to the access road to the WWTP.  J. B. Barry and Partners made recommendations for its containment during the construction process for the WWTP upgrade works and also for its treatment and eradication.