We achieved certification to ISO 14001 the international environmental standard for all our surface mining operations in the summer of 2003. Our first site to become certified was Orgreave Reclamation Site in February 2000. Our concern for the environment begins with our development team who compile site-specific documents, which are passed on to site operations enabling them to monitor and ensure compliance with the requirements of site licences, consents, authorisations and permits.
Our experience tells us that the main areas of environmental concern from our neighbours’ point of view are: Dust, Blasting, Noise, Visual Intrusion, Traffic Movement.
Photograph showing dust monitoring
Dust
Environmental controls on dust have been well established and include; mobile dust suppression units, static dust sprays, vehicle wash facilities for road borne vehicles and internal speed restrictions. Training and awareness raising of employees who supervise any operation likely to lead to dust being generated, and of individuals engaged in the operation of the equipment employed, is the most effective way to ensure that any potential for dust generation is caught and dealt with at the earliest opportunity.
Photograph showing blast monitoring
Blasting
This aspect of surface mining has probably been analysed in more depth than any other, and over a longer period of time. Controls include the requirement for the blast designer to be qualified, monitoring of the blast, and continuous design change to reduce the potential for problems. Most of our blasting that is carried out is well below the permitted limit for peak particle velocity. Unfortunately, human perception of a blast is detectable well below the level where damage is likely to occur, and because the individual ‘feels’ the blast, they conclude that it must be causing damage.
Photograph showing noise monitoring
Noise
Expert consultants carry out extensive calculations on predicted noise levels prior to the granting of planning permission. Site management in turn are aware of any limits set, and organise work patterns to reduce the likelihood of complaints being received. Noise barriers are included as part of operational controls, and are likely to include baffle mounds and acoustic fencing in the more sensitive areas of the site. Monitoring is carried out on a regular basis to ensure compliance with set conditions.
Photograph showing water monitoring
Water
Surface mining sites use very little water; typically for dust suppression and on some sites for processing derelict colliery spoil tips to recover residual coal. However, on most of our sites it is necessary to remove water from the site to prevent flooding of the workings. Our approved consents mean that all water is properly treated to ensure compliance prior to discharge.
Visual Intrusion
This aspect of surface mining is mainly determined from the location of the site; however, screening is likely to be the most effective method of reducing the visual impact of the site, the dual role of baffle mounds and acoustic fencing are again employed to good effect. The baffle mounds will be seeded to grass, as will any longer term spoil mounds in sensitive areas.
Traffic Movement
Traffic movement off-site can sometimes be of concern to local communities and often agreements are reached for coal haulage traffic routes and the times when they are allowed. Any requirements and restrictions are then included in the contract with any haulage contractors we employ.
In addition to the concerns of our neighbours when operating our sites, we also take any broader environmental concerns into account, which were initially raised at the development stage. Such as:
Soils and Agricultural Land Quality, Ecologically, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, Water, Other Minerals and Rights of Way and Public Access
Soils and Agricultural Land Quality
Topsoils and subsoils are stripped and stored separately on site. Often, especially on derelict areas, there is a need to recover soil-making material in order to enhance the restoration of the site. This, in many instances, allows a better quality of growing medium than existed prior to site operations.
Photograph showing ecology planning
Ecology
At the development stage, significant ecological features may be identified. This may involve protection of identified areas, relocation of identified species of flora or fauna or establishment of specific habitats following restoration of the site. These are taken into account and managed by site staff during the operational period of the site, often with the help of specialists or local wildlife groups.
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Identification of these aspects of the development mainly occurs during the initial stages, but can occasionally occur during operations. Every effort is made to enable these sites to be properly recognised and analysed by experts in their field.
Other Minerals
The working of our sites often necessitates the disturbance of other minerals, notably clay and mainly for the brick-making industries. Every effort is made to ensure that this natural resource is utilised and not thrown away.