§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps are being taken to monitor(a) mine water pollution and (b) methane emissions from abandoned mine workings in County Durham; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe National Rivers Authority monitors the quality of water discharged both from pumping stations operated by the Coal Authority at recently abandoned mines, and from mines in parts of the; Durham coalfield where mining ceased many years ago I am not aware of any monitoring of methane emissions from abandoned mines.
§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all test bore holes sunk in(a) County Durham and (b) Northumberland fur each year from 1990 to monitor mine water flows.
§ Mr. AtkinsDetails of boreholes constructed by the National Rivers Authority in County Durharn are listed in the table. No boreholes have been drilled in Northumberland.
Date constructed Borehole Name 1993 Burnigill Jubilee Bridge Ox Close Brancepeth Hill Top Houghall 1994 Burningill deepened Washington Birtley Broom Park Red Barns Wellspring Farm Warden Law Plawsworth
§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total cost of sinking the test bore hole at Warden Law, County Durham.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Warden Law borehole, drilled by the National Rivers Authority, cost £28,358.62.