§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of how many communities have suffered environmental damage or housing problems due to coal mine methane. [95441]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 6 February 2003]: In 1996 DOE published a report "Methane and other gases from disused coal mines: The Planning Response" which discussed the problems posed by gases, including methane, from disused coal mines, in the context of town and country planning. It provided factual information for those involved with land and property such as planners, developers, owners and insurers, and is relevant to both new and existing development. The report mentions that between 1945 and 1994 there were about 75 surface gas emissions recorded, of which 70 per cent. involved methane, and in 35 per cent. of these cases the gas ignited. Half (nine) involved residential property. A copy of the report is in the House Library.
265WSince 1995 the Coal Authority (CA) has been recording incidents of water, gas and major collapses involving non-operational coal mines. The CA's Surface Hazard call-out system, which aims to attend a call within two hours and make safe within six hours, recorded 68 incidents of surface mine gas between 1995 and 2002 of which four were in the West Midlands. These incidents include both methane and other oxygen-deficient gases such as carbon-dioxide. Incidents are tackled urgently to avoid damage or other problems.