Summary
Environmental risk assessment is an iteractive process and while definitive project timelines could not be presented at the project outset an estimation is presented below of the duration of each phase of the project. It must be accepted by all parties that statutory obligations relating to procurement, planning, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA), which can have temporal implications, must be adhered to at all stages of the licensing process.
It is considered that the critical pathway for the project will be dictated by procurement issues. The extent of input from external agents (i.e. consultants and contractors) will not become apparent until the completion of Phase III. Indeed on completion of Phase IV and Phase V, respectively, it is possible that a requirement for additional input from external specialists may be identified.
In summary, therefore, it is envisaged that a licence application will be prepared and submitted within a 14 -16 months timeframe and that following the completion of each phase of the project the Council will be better positioned to refine this timeline. Project updates will be published on the council website (www.corkcoco.ie) as the project progresses.
Phase I: Desk Study and Conceptual Site Model
• Review all historical reports pertaining to the site and collate all relevant data
• Prepare conceptual site model (CSM)
• Formulate potential design solutions
• Scope site investigations and structure of licence application
• Identify external consultancy services and contractors required
• Prepare tender documents
Estimated Duration: 8 weeks
Phase II: Pre-Application Consultation with the EPA
• Determine scope of licence application
• Present proposed site investigation programme
• Refine methodology
• Schedule site works
• Call for tenders
Estimated Duration: 3 – 4 weeks
Phase III: Non-Intrusive Site Investigations
• Detailed topographical survey
• Geophysical site survey
• Refine intrusive investigation programme
Estimated Duration: 5 weeks
Phase IV: Intrusive Site Investigations
Estimated Duration: 10 – 14 weeks
Phase V: Data Collation, Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
• Collate data from site investigations
• Identify design solution and formulate
• Develop computer model(s) and prepare QRA
• Prepare EIS
Estimated Duration: 10 - 14 weeks
Phase VI: Prepare Licence Application
• Integrate findings of various reports
• Prepare application
• Obtain signoff and submit
Estimated Duration: 4 - 6 weeks
Phase VII: Licensing Process
• Provide clarification during licensing process as requested.
• Attend Oral Hearing if a decision is made by the Agency to hold one.
• Prepare submission on Proposed Decision if required.
Estimated Duration: Minimum 9 months
Project Duration
It is in envisaged that the preparation of a waste licence application and all associated works will take 14-16 months. The licensing process i.e. the review of the licence application and any related submissions by the Agency will take a minimum of 9 months.
