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Potential acid sensitive sites in afforestation

  • 05-09-2011 5:06pm
    #1
    MOSSAD
    Closed Accounts Posts: 317 ✭✭


    As part of the Water Framework Directive, the Forest Service with the EPA introduced a procedure for testing the acid sensitivity of sites that may be grant aided for afforestation. The following is the Forest Service Protocol:

    This sensitivity of the water to acidic inputs is determined by the measurement of alkalinity.
    Sampling and analysis shall be carried out on a minimum of four occasions at intervals not greater
    than four weeks in the period February to May inclusive. The analysis will be carried out by a
    laboratory, independent of the applicant, and currently participating in relevant national or
    international intercomparison exercises. Samples and measurements should be taken from all
    watercourses shown on Ordnance Survey 6" Maps within the area of the proposed afforestation.
    Samples should be taken as indicated in the procedure on page 137.
    Alkalinity should be measured using the Gran Titration Method.
    The minimum acid-sensitivity measured in the above manner will determine the overall sensitivity
    of the site.
    There will be no afforestation approved in areas where the minimum alkalinity of the run-off water,
    measured in the above manner, is <8 mg CaCO3 l-1.
    Where the minimum alkalinity of the run-off water, measured in the above manner, is in the range
    8 – 15 mg CaCO    3 l-1, full, partial or no afforestation may be allowed following discussion and
    agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service of the Department of
    the Marine and Natural Resources and the Regional Fisheries Board.
    Afforestation will be allowed in areas where the minimum alkalinity of the run-off water, measured
    in the above manner, is >15 mg CaCO3 l-1.

    Now I know of a site where four readings were taken, and were 25,22,19 and 10mg CaCO3/l. The site was refused based on the lowest result.
    The following year, the site was retested and all the values were well above 15 mg CaCO3/l, averaging somewhere around 19 mg CaCO3/l.
    Why should a site, where seven of the eight tests were above the EPA requirements be refused on a single failed test? And what is the scientific basis for the test of <15mg CaCO3 determining the acid sensitivity of the site?:confused:


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