3. Environmental Policy Statement

3.1 The Coal Authority is committed, in partnership with others, to securing the protection and enhancement of the environment where consistent with its duties and within available resources. In order to continually improve its environmental performance, the Authority has established an Environment Group, which is responsible for advising on the implementation and review of this policy.

3.2 The Coal Authority's Principal Environmental Aims are to:

3.2.1 Comply with or exceed all statutory obligations and seek to optimise the environmental effects of its operations.

3.2.2 Consider environmental issues when making major decisions and seek to achieve sustainable environmental results within available resources.

3.2.3 Work closely with the Environment Agencies to prevent polluting outbreaks of minewater from abandoned coalmines and to reduce the impact of existing discharges.

3.2.4 Continue to implement a framework of environmental management.

3.2.5 Set environmental objectives and review past performance.

3.2.6 Maintain a system for managing its surface land interest according to best estate management principles. 

3.2.7 Develop and promote environmental awareness at all levels within the Authority.

3.2.8 Respond to all environmental concerns relating to the impact of past coal mining.

3.2.9 Require its consultants and contractors to comply with the provisions of this environmental policy statement.

3.2.10 Promote awareness among stakeholders, including the public, of the environmental role of the Authority.