Water Framework Directive Sampling of Transitional and Coastal waters in 2017, 2018 and 2019

Tender description

The contract seeks to outsource 16 days (4 x 4-day weeks) of WFD sampling in transitional and coastal waters in the Shannon and South-Western Regions over 3 years. The sampling dates in 2017 have already been set due to tide, time and lab availability. Sampling is undertaken Monday to Thursday to allow for delivery to lab for next day analyses. Dates and time for the 2018 and 2019 sampling will be agreed between the EPA and the successful tenderer. In situ measurement of physico-chemical parameters at multiple depths, sampling for phytoplankton and collection of water samples for nutrients, BOD and trace metals in accordance with specification of requirements at locations in coastal and transitional waters. The locations include the Fergus Estuary, Maigue Estuary, Deel Estuary, Lee K Estuary, Tralee Bay, Ilen Estuary and Roaring Water Bay. The water column profile should be collected using a Hydrolab datasonde or equivalent instrumentation. WFD sampling in the transitional and coastal waters will require sampling on both the high and low tide which can only be done by boat.