Practical techniques that minimize the impact of quarries on the water environment

Abstract

The interaction between surface mineral operations and the water environment has become increasingly important in the United Kingdom as wetlands have been diminished by drainage programmes and the public water supply has come to rely on greater abstraction from rivers. The actual or perceived impacts of surface workings have attracted greater attention as awareness of environmental issues has increased. Regulatory authorities and environmental groups tend to adopt a very precautionary approach to any proposed mineral development, without recognizing the achievements of the industry in avoiding impacts. A series of case histories, covering all stages of a mineral operation from ground investigation to after-use, is presented to demonstrate that practical and effective techniques of mitigation have been in place for many years.