Stony Heap, UK Coal

In 2006, UK Coal commissioned WYG to provide a detailed design for the treatment of a gravitational mine water discharge, at a proposed open cast site to Newhouse Burn in the North-East of England.

The scheme design was based upon sustainable passive methods of remediation of ferruginous mine water utilising aeration, settlement and aerobic wetlands.

The proposed scheme also involved the diversion of the receiving watercourse which is constructed using "soft engineering" with steep sides (approx 1:1) and be planted with buffer strips of wild flowers. The stream diversion will include three areas where it will be widened out and these will be peripherally planted with native rushes, sedges and grasses. The stream will provide a linear link between the areas to the north of the mine water discharge where water vole are known to be present and the proposed mine water wetland area.

The revised scheme will eventually be adopted by the Coal Authority.