HL Deb 30 November 1994 vol 559 cc43-5WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Department of the Environment with its responsibilities for pollution control is monitoring all minewater discharges from old mine workings, from British Coal's coal mines and the privatised coal mines, whether a national survey of the problem is being prepared and whether environmental organisations can be kept informed.

Viscount Ullswater

The National Rivers Authority is responsible for water pollution control, and monitors minewater discharges which have a significant effect on receiving water quality. The NRA's reportAbandoned Mines and the Water Environment assesses the number of river stretches in England and Wales significantly affected by minewater discharges. Copies of the report have been placed in the House Libraries and it is available on application from the NRA.

Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, within the Yorkshire Coalfield, the National Rivers Authority, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Trade and Industry are assessing the likelihood of pollution damage from minewater discharges as a result of pit closures, whether local authorities are being fully informed of the possible pollution problems and whether public reports can be made available to organisations with environmental interests.

Viscount Ullswater

In respect of coal mines currently operational, it is for the mine operator in consultation with the National Rivers Authority to assess the environmental effects of colliery closures and to consider what action may need to be taken to avoid pollution. In respect of coal mines not currently operational, British Coal and the Coal Authority are working with the NRA on these matters. The NRA has said that it will not agree to any reduction in minewater pumping unless it is satisfied that there would be no risk of water pollution. The NRA is always ready to discuss matters of concern with local authorities and regularly provides information to interested parties upon request.

Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list the responsibilities and liabilities of the Coal Authority for minewater pollution control and in particular to what extent the Authority and the Department of the Environment are co-operating on pollution monitoring and control of minewater discharges and whether any concerns have arisen regarding the pollution of drinking water supplies.

Viscount Ullswater

Under the Water Resources Act 1991, it is an offence for a mine owner to cause pollution of watercourses.

Minewater pollution control in respect of operating mines is a matter for the mine operator, subject to the regulatory responsibilities of the National Rivers Authority in England and Wales, or of the River Purification Boards in Scotland. These are not matters for the Coal Authority.

The Coal Authority is, generally, the owner of abandoned coal mines in Great Britain. Like any mine owner, it would be liable for any pollution caused by a mine in its ownership. The Coal Authority is working with the regulatory bodies in respect of any pollution concerns related to these mines. It is maintaining pumping at a number of sites in the light of concerns expressed by the NRA, and is assisting the regulatory bodies in monitoring minewater at these and other sites.

I am not aware of any incidents of pollution from minewater discharges affecting drinking water supplies.