Issue 14 | September 2005 | Contents
Focus on Birds and Wildlife
Over the past few months, Subsidence Manager Ian Smith has visited several of the Authority's minewater treatment plants and tip reclamation schemes to record data on bird sightings and other wildlife.
Significant sightings on Our Schemes
To fully appreciate the wealth of habitat creation that the Authority anually undertakes, we are looking to carry out some 'before' and 'after' surveys to fully demonstrate the environmental gains reached from the schemes.
Our Biodiversity Action Plan
As its environmental programme grows, the Authority is setting biodiversity targets for staff, contractors and partners who are involved in its minewater treatment, tip reclamation, subsidence and historic legacy projects and regeneration schemes.
Tales of the Reed Beds
Protecting the habitat of the water vole was a prime focus when the Authority was designing a minewater treatment scheme recently completed at Hockery Brook, south of Wigan.
Working in Partnership
ENVision is the name chosen for the framework partnership contract which has been set up between the Authority and selected contractors involved in delivering its minewater treatment programme.
Changing Face of Design
Gentle curves, expanses of water round the reedbeds and amenities for local residents all feature in a softer approach to designing aethestically pleasing, environmentally friendly minewater treatment schemes.
Settling into the Landscape
Enhancing the recreational value of the area was part of the brief when the Authority embarked on a challenging project to clean up polluted minewater, which was running into the Mouse Water near Forth in South Lanarkshire.
Teamwork - A Dual Approach at Lamesley
With two different types of reeds planted across an 8 hectare wetland site, the Authority's minewater treatment scheme at Lamesley in Gateshead in the largest it has built to date.
Rapid Response to a River Collapse
The Authority moved quickly when a section of a river ran dry after water literally disappeared down a hole due to the collapse of old mine workings at Rookhope near Weardale in County Durham.
How Green is My Valley
Carefully planned, native planting can make a whole world of difference to the appearance of the landscape, and that has certainly been the case on the site of the former Marine Colliery where environmental works are bringing benefits to the local community.
Action on the Durham Heritage Coast
The Authority's growing minewater treatment programme has reached an outstandingly beautiful section of the North East coastline, known as the Durham Heritage Coast.
Minewater Data Goes Online
The performance of a temporary minewater treatment scheme at Horden on the North East coast is being recorded in graphs by the Authority in a pilot scheme to present data which can be viewed online.
Seeking a Saline Solution at Bates
A pioneering project in the Blyth estuary which has been developed to remediate minewater with a higher than normal saline content, could provide a sustainable solution for other minewater schemes on the North East coast.
3-D Imaging Off to a Flying Start
What a difference 3-D imaging has made to presenting plans for the Authority's latest minewater treatment schemes; it is now possible to place the design of a minewater scheme onto an aerial view of the area using computer modelling.
International Co-operation Grows
As an internationally recognised pioneer of schemes which bring environmental improvements to former colliery sites, the Authority is sharing its expertise with a growing number of European partners.
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