Research study into impact of mine water discharges to coastal environments

The Coal Authority requires a research study to be undertaken to understand the impacts of untreated minewater discharges with specific regard to water quality and marine ecology. The initial study will comprise a desk-based literature study, gap analysis and recommendations for further research requirements.

Depending on the findings of this initial study, there may the opportunity to participate in subsequent studies as part of later work packages, potentially including field trials.

The aim of this project is to identify potential impacts of minewater discharges to the marine environment and provide recommendations on sustainable iron loads that can be discharged without causing significant adverse effects.

The scope of this research study is outlined below:

1- Summarise relevant environmental conditions of the proposed discharge locations. This summary should include, for example, climate, tidal regimes and expected ecology.

2- Undertake a desk based review to identify existing research on impacts from discharges with high metal loadings, with specific regard to iron, to the marine environment. This review should be relevant to the environmental conditions identified in Task 1.

3- Summarise available data for impacts to the marine environments with different environmental conditions from those identified in Task 1 and provide an assessment of how these impacts may relate to the environmental conditions identified in Task 1.

4- If sufficient data is available provide a quantitative recommendation on a sustainable iron load that can be discharged to the marine environment without significant adverse effects.

5- Where sufficient data is not available to complete Task 4 undertake a gap analysis to highlight any further data requirements. This analysis should be used to increase understanding on impacts of discharges of mine water discharges to marine environment identified in Task 1.

6- Based on the findings from Task 5 provide recommendations on whether or not a field study for specific data is required.

7- Where Task 6 highlights the need for a field study provide a detailed scope of works that will address the overall aim of this study should be developed. This scope should provide (as a minimum) details on:

a.Water quality determinands, sampling frequency and duration,

b.Ecology survey timings, frequency and duration,

c.Sediment sampling determinands, sampling frequency and duration,

d.Sampling locations, this should include control and impacted sites,

e.Sampling methodology,

f.Health and safety considerations

g.Identifications of risks and appropriate mitigation measures

8- Preparation of technical reports

a.Draft report summarising results from the literature review, gap analysis and if required scope of works for further work. This should be submitted for comment four weeks after project award.

b.Submission of final report two weeks after receipt of comments.