Mineral Extraction Case Studies

Examples of Mineral Extraction projects undertaken by Hafren Water are outlined below:

Newington Quarry, Bawtry, Nottinghamshire.

Detailed assessments of the water environment in the vicinity of a proposed extension to an existing quarry were undertaken over a prolonged period. The extension is situated in the designated floodplain of the River Idle, ecological issues were of importance and pressures exist in terms of water resources.

A detailed assessment was undertaken of the baseline conditions. The potential impacts of the quarry extension were considered both in terms of physical effects and also with regard to the constraints imposed by the regulators. Prolonged discussions were held with the Environment Agency, Natural England and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. The majority of the mineral is situated beneath the watertable and dewatering is proposed to optimise mineral recovery. The management and disposal of relatively large volumes of water by acceptable means, in a way which would not exacerbate flooding problems, was discussed in detail with the Environment Agency and a practicable solution derived.

Restoration in progress
Restoration in progress
Inferred groundwater contours
Inferred groundwater contours

A working method and post-extraction restoration scheme were formulated which satisfied all parties and will result in considerable enhancement to the habitat variety and ecological value of the area. A Flood Risk Assessment was also undertaken as an integral part of the overall assessment.

Mountcastle Quarry, Fife.

An assessment was undertaken of the potential impacts upon the water environment of an extension to an existing quarry in Fife. The baseline conditions were determined, building upon the work of previous studies undertaken by ourselves. The potential impacts of the proposed development and associated water management were considered. Mitigation measures were proposed, where appropriate, and these have been incorporated into the working scheme.

A proportion of the mineral is situated beneath the watertable, therefore dewatering is proposed to facilitate efficient mineral recovery. Negotiation was required with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) over a prolonged period to ensure that the scheme complied with relevant guidance and was in agreement with wider SEPA objectives. Advice was provided on the practicalities of water management, which were dominated by the shortage of water for mineral processing and the identification of acceptable means of discharge of water derived from dewatering the mineral.
Restoration scheme
Restoration scheme

Broadway Quarry, Worcestershire.

Jurassic limestone has been extracted at Broadway Quarry for several decades. An investigation was undertaken by Hafren Water to support a Planning Application for a limited extension to the existing permission.

Fissure flow within the limestone is such that the potential for contamination and impact at distance from the site had to be considered in detail. The baseline hydrogeological conditions were determined which served as the basis on which the potential for impacts derived from further workings was based. Discussions were held with the Environment Agency concerning the appropriate scope of the assessment and a site meeting was held. Mitigation measures were identified, which included comment upon best practices on-site and post-extraction restoration.
Quarry face
Quarry face

Lanton Quarry, Wooller, Northumberland.

Planning permission has been granted for above the watertable mineral extraction at a greenfield site. However, planning conditions relating to the water environment had to be resolved and Hafren Water was engaged to undertake this work.

The site was sensitive with respect to water issues due to the high ecological status of a nearby watercourse (the River Grant) and the pressure on water resources, deriving primarily from agricultural demand downstream of the site. It was therefore necessary to demonstrate clearly and conclusively that the permitted mineral extraction would not impact significantly and/or adversely on the existing water environment.

River Grant
River Grant

A baseline study of geology and hydrogeology was undertaken to develop an understanding of the conceptual hydrogeology of the permitted area and its environs. A water balance was then calculated on a phase-by-phase basis, taking into consideration the hydrogeological conditions and changes in land use as site development proceeded.

The study highlighted the sensitivity of the area to small changes in the water balance. This in turn led to the need to identify a source of water for mineral processing which would not impact upon the near-surface groundwater system. Hafren Water negotiated with the Environment Agency to include a ‘deep’ waterwell which abstracted water from the sub-drift lithologies. We advised upon borehole construction, test pumping, produced the pumping regime and undertook all the necessary applications for drilling, testing and the abstraction licence.

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