TEMPLEMORE LAKE ECO-Project

Templemore Lake Restoration and Management Study

Invitation to Tender

1. Back ground to the project

Templemore Lake is an important amenity for the Town of Templemore, Co. Tipperary. The lake is a long established fishery as well as forming the centrepiece of the most visited open amenity sites of Templemore.  The lake comprises circa 6.9 hectares and is fringed by a number of habitat areas and paths.  The lake is well known as a habitat for a range of wildfowl and this ensures its popularity with visitors throughout the year.

In recent years it has been observed that water levels in the lake have fallen while levels of visible algal growth have increased.  There has been much concern among residents, anglers and other users that the ecological status and overall health of this water body have been diminished and continue to deteriorate.

In order to address these concerns, Templemore Lake ECO-Project are seeking tenders from suitably qualified organisations or individuals to carry out a detailed assessment of the issues contributing to the ecological well-being of the lake. 

2. Research – Aims & Objectives: 

     The aim of the survey is to: 

 ·         Carry out a baseline audit of the physicochemical, biological and hydrological and physical conditions extant in Templemore lake and environs.

The objectives are:

 ·         To obtain key water chemistry data with particular regard to nutrient status and cycling within the lake.  This will contribute to the development of a nutrient model for the lake.

 ·         To develop a clear description of the ecological status of the lake in terms of fisheries, habitats and succession.

 ·         To develop a clear description of the hydrological status of the area with particular regard to watershed management for the future. 

 3. Research Processes & Outcomes:

It is envisaged that the following processes will be required: 

• A water sampling and analysis programme for assessment of key physicochemical parameters to include (at a minimum) nutrient levels, oxygen concentrations, pH, hardness and alkalinity. 
   

• A biological sampling programme for assessment of key indicators to include (at a minimum) macroinvertebrate species and populations, macrophytes, algae and emergent and submerged vascular plants.
   

• A survey of the watershed of the area which will assess the overall hydrological budgets of the lake and any watercourses involved.
   

• A detailed assessment of the current fisheries status using a qualitative survey method to include electro-fishing and habitat assessment.

It is envisaged that the following outcomes will be achieved: 

• A detailed report providing the lake data, analytical results, and diagnostic investigations to provide an updated assessment of the current conditions in Templemore Lake. This will provide the basis for determining the restoration options and target water quality improvement goals.

• Guided by the above, an overview of the range and potential lake management options is to be provided.  This is to provide a review, comparison, and evaluation of potentially applicable methods (e.g. dredging, aeration, circulation, aquatic plant management and nutrient inactivation); using the criteria of technical feasibility, potential water quality improvement, longevity, cost-effectiveness, and any legal implications.
• A detailed presentation of findings of the above is to be given to the ECO-Project Steering Group.  This is to include a clear description of management options as described above, an overview of project priorities and timescales of actions

4. Tendering Process

Tenders should include the following information:

§  Name & contact details of individual/organisation submitting the tender

§  Name of person dealing with the tender

§  Qualifications & experience of person(s) tendering

§  Outline of proposed methodology, including outputs

§  Evidence of previous related work

§  Timeframe and availability including estimated number of days/hours work

§  Itemised costings, including details of rate per hour/day and inclusive of VAT (if applicable)

§  Names & contact details of two referees

§  Copy of insurance

§  Copy of up-to-date Tax Clearance Cert.

Timescale

Tenders should be emailed/posted to:   

Mr Jim Hassey, Chairperson,
Templemore Lake ECO-Project,
Main Street,
Templemore
Co. Tipperary.

If you require further information regarding the assignment, please contact:
Mr Jim Hassey, Chairperson,
Templemore Lake ECO-Project,
Main Street,
Templemore
Co. Tipperary.

Tenders must be received no later than: 5.00pm on Friday 30^th October 2009.