Expert revisits Whitehaven for mine water pollution solutions

Professor Harvey Wood, is the director of the Clean Rivers Trust, which he founded over 30 years ago as a registered charity. The Trust has been involved in resolving many mine water pollution events. Professor Wood is the author of a book on the subject, entitled 'Disasters and Minewater'.

Harvey Wood visited Whitehaven several months ago, he said: "When I first saw the harbour I was sad, the various agencies I had spoken to, Network Rail, Environment Agency and Cumberland Council appeared to have no idea of how to deal with the issue, there was discussion of who may be liable."

"The Coal Authority stated the liability was with Network Rail. The sight of the pollution underlined the cost of a final solution as it could not be dealt with at the harbour or the railway line in the long term."

"I was angry that there appeared to be no organisation championing the town and harbour. If such a pollution took place in the south of the UK action would have been taken to at least put in place a temporary fix."

Professor Harvey Wood (Image: Supplied)

Professor Wood explained that the water can be treated easily using the short term tanks, flocculent and injection of air. In the long term, Harvey said "a more cost effective method might be put in place but that will cost large amounts of money and may take some years to get planning permission to put in place."

Professor Wood has been involved in discussions with parties such as National Rail, he said: "Discussions with the Environment Agency and Network Rail have stalled awaiting the report that was expected earlier this year. The Coal Authority have been more active in saying that the most important thing is to get the water treated but they're not liable for any remedial work."

"They will help where they can. Severn Trent who are the Coal Authorities water specialists and look after all mine water treatment sites across the UK for the Coal Authority are meeting me to sketch out a plan of action. This will need to be funded."

On the December 12, Harvey will meet with interested parties such as mine experts. In the following days, he will also discuss the issue with the Harbour Commission and Marina company, and the Severn Trent Services.

Professor Wood was contacted by concerned local and member of the Whitehaven Sailing and Boating Association, Hugh Price about the issue. Hugh said: "From the outset, I made it my business to research online this type of pollution, which I assumed came from old flooded mine workings, given the history of coal mining in the area over several centuries."

Hugh Price (Image: Supplied)

"The one agency that stood out on their website as being at the forefront of expertise in the field of minewater pollution and its treatment was the Clean Rivers Trust. So after a couple of months of this, I contacted Harvey and sent him photos."

"Harvey has given generously of his time expertise and energy and is to be applauded for his input. "