Butterwell Opencast Coal Site - Northumberland · Butterwell Opencast Coal Site ... from the site is to be transported via the railway siding at the northern ... 16 Provision of wheel

Butterwell Opencast Coal Site Minerals and Waste Site Monitoring Report

Inspection Date: 16 December 2013 Report Reference: BTWL13/14 - 05

Tel: 01670 622 633 E-mail: [email protected]

Strategic and Urban Development Management Team Local Services

Northumberland County Council County Hall, Morpeth

Northumberland NE61 2EF

- 2 - Minerals and Waste Site Monitoring

Butterwell Opencast Coal Site Profile

Site Details

Site Address

Butterwell OCCS Butterwell Longhirst Morpeth Northumberland

Grid Reference: NZ 247 908 Site size: 101.4 Ha

Operator UK Coal Mining Limited Contact

Trevor Meek, Site Manager Glynn Roberts, Deputy Site Manager

Location The site is situated approximately 1.5km to the south-east of the village of Ulgham and approximately 2km to the south of Widdrington Station. The western boundary of the site is formed by the east coast main line and the northern boundary by the rail siding which previously served the former Butterwell Disposal Point. The site consisted of the former coal stocking yard to the north, facilities and buildings associated with the disposal point. These have largely been demolished and removed from the site with only the former site offices remaining prior to their demolition. To the southern limit of the site there was agricultural land and scrub woodland. In addition the former workings of Longhirst Drift Mine and Inert Landfill are located within the southern limit of the site.

Method of Working Extraction of coal and fireclay is by opencast methods. Excavations commenced in the northern limit of the site and proceed southwards. All coal from the site is to be transported via the railway siding at the northern limit of the site. Fireclay shall be exported from the site via lorry. The site has a section 106 legal agreement which required the restoration of the Stobswood OCCS (to the satisfaction of the Mineral Planning Authority) prior to the commencement of mineral extraction at Butterwell OCCS, and also relates to the restoration bond for the site and the liaison committee.

Restoration The site shall be restored to a mixture of agriculture with hedgerows and conservation headlands, native woodland belts, wetland features and nature conservation habitats.

Relevant Planning History Planning permission Date granted Description

09/00055/CCMEIA May 2011 Extraction of 1.01 million

tonnes of coal and 200,000 tonnes of fireclay

12/01380/VARCCM February 2013 Variation to condition 2 and

5 with regard to phased development.


Extract from the site phasing plan at 24 months showing the areas under discussion at the site visit

Site offices completed

January 2013

Overburden mound M2 –

completed seeded and reduced in

visual prominence

Site entrance

Subsoil mound S3 complete. This is

seeded and a sward is becoming advanced in

terms of growth.

Approximate location and extent of the

operational void

Relocated plant parking area

Coal stocks and coal screening

operations


Site Report

The purpose of the site inspection is to undertake a programmed monitoring of the site operations and accordance with the conditions of the planning permission. Site Entrance The site entrance was clean and free of debris on the adopted highway and within the internal roads. Site Workshops & Parking Area The site workshops and associated external area were operational at the time of the monitoring site visit. The workshops included 2x 777 dumpers being serviced. Outside of the workshops a relocated parking area for the plant equipment accommodated 5x 777 dumpers and a number of ancillary vehicles. This area was formerly to the south of the void but the advancement of the void has required this area to be relocated to a central location within the site. Site Operations The void has continued to be worked in a southerly and westerly direction. Whilst on site operational plant and extraction equipment included 4 x RH120’s, 14 x 777 dumpers, 360 excavators, dozers, fuel bowser, grader, and a water bowser. Site operations are continuing to be in general accordance with the 24 month phasing plan of the site. The void and associated operational areas were clearly demarcated with well-defined long benches. The coaling teams present in the operational extraction areas were extracting coal from a number of seams and at the time of the monitoring site visit this included the Diamond Seam and the Bottom Main. The working area is considered to have a further 3 cuts to the south and 4 cuts to the west in terms of reaching the full lateral extent of the operational void area. Limited dust was observed when monitoring the operational extraction areas and the broader area of the void.

Site Visit Summary

Attendees: Joe Nugent (NCC)

Type of Visit: Announced Planning Permission: 09/00055/CCMEIA; 12/01380/VARCCM Time on site: 14:20 Time off site: 15:40

Weather Conditions: Overcast, mild wind. Temperature 5oc

Inspection Type: Site operations inspection


It was confirmed to JN that coal extraction and screening has continued well since the previous inspection. Approximately 3,500 tonne of coal had been screened and waiting exporting by rail. Approximately 12,000 tonnes of unscreened coal stocks are located in the main stocking area.

Image 1: Operational void, viewed from the east

Image 2: RH120 and 777 dumper operational within the void


Images 1 and 2 afford a broad and more detailed view of the operational void. Image 1 shows an east to west view into the void and illustrates the linear method of working and internal haul roads within the void. Image 2 illustrates the RH120 and the 777 dumper operational within the void extracting material. Site Access and Highways Site entrance in an acceptable condition (Y/N) Y Site sign displayed clearly at site entrance (Y/N) Y Lorries exiting site are sheeted (Y/N) N/A Vehicle movement log checked and satisfactory N/A Process plant and stocking area Process plant in operation (Y/N) Y Any changes or problems in the area (Y/N) N A loading shovel was operational was operational in the process area, loading coal into the hopper of the coal screen. Approximately 3,500 tonnes of screened coal was present at the processing area. The static dust suppression remains in situ to ensure the dust from the area would be adequately suppressed. Gulleys allowing surface water runoff from the process area were clean and functional.

Image 3: View of the coal screening plant in the process area


Seeding soil and overburden mounds Subsoil mounds S2 and S3 have been seeded and are well advanced in terms of establishing a grass sward. Noise Plant or operations generating noise (list) 4 x RH120’s, 14 x 777

dumpers, 360 excavators, dozers, fuel bowser, grader, and water bowser.

Noise considered to be acceptable (Y/N) Y Noise monitoring data checked (date) Up to end of June 2013. The approved / discharged Noise Management Plan is in accordance with the planning conditions set and are therefore deemed adequate for purpose. Dust Potential for dust, i.e. dry/windy or still/damp Overcast with light

breeze.

Areas generating dust (list) Coal stocking and screening area and operational void. Dust at the coal stocking and screening area mitigated at source. Dust not noted to be leaving the void.

Dust levels considered to be acceptable (Y/N) Y

Dust mitigation in operation (list) Mobile water bowsers observed. Static water cannons present in the coal process area.

Weed control The monitoring of weed growth and necessary weed control remains ongoing. This aspect relates primarily to undertake weed control where ragwort may be dominant.


Actions Condition

Action

Timescale

66

The archaeological report required by condition 66 and detailed within the Butterwell OCCS Written Scheme of Investigation is required to be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority.

28 February 2014

80 GR to monitor ragwort, particularly on soil mounds. To undertake weed control (pulling or spraying) if ragwort becomes frequent.

Ongoing

Inspecting Officer: Name:

Joe Nugent

Date:

19 December 2013


Summary of Conditions and Compliance *Conditions 82 to 126 have been omitted as they pertain to the restoration and aftercare.

Butterwell Opencast Coal Site Conditions and Compliance

Planning Permission Reference 09/00055/CCMEIA

Condition* Summary of Condition Compliance (Yes/No)

1 Development Commenced within 3 years of the permission. y 2 Site worked in accordance with approved plans and

documents. y

3 The MPA to be notified in writing of the date of commencement of development and mineral extraction.

y

4 Extraction of minerals to cease no later than 41 months of minerals extraction commencing. Site restored in accordance with phasing plans.

n/a

5 Programme for phased development and progressive restoration.

y

6 In the event of production ceasing or reducing for a period of 6 months a revised scheme for the restoration or modification of the site shall be submitted to the MPA.

n/a

Hours of Operation 7 0700-1900 Monday to Friday. 0700-1200 on Sat. No

operations on a Sunday or bank holiday. y

8 Maintenance of plant on Sat 7am - 7pm y General

9 Notice board at site entrance stating name and address of operator and MPA.

y

10 Notice board to be maintained. y 11 Copy of decision and approved plans kept on site.

y

12 Provision of a Community Liaison Committee.

y

13 Any amendments to the site requiring approval from the MPA.

y

14 Details of all mobile and permanent plant and details of all noise attenuation measures.

y

Transport & Access

15 Provision for temporary car park.

y

16 Provision of wheel cleaning facilities as agreed with MPA.

n/a

17 No more than 15 loaded clay lorry per day. No coal to leave the site other than by rail.

n/a

18 Any damage to the highway (C125) brought to the attention of the MPA. A scheme to repair the damage to be submitted to the MPA.

n/a


19 Turning area to be provided within the site according to approved scheme.

y

Protection of Railway Interest 20 No operations shall take place within lateral distance of 35m

from railway property. y

21 No materials or building with the 35m berm. Berm not used as a haul road.

n/a

22 Exposed face adjacent to railway boundary maintained in a stable condition.

n/a

23 Length of open sidewall kept to a minimum, backfilling against it to be undertaken as soon as practicable.

n/a

24 Soil mounds not to be constructed within 5m of network rail. 25 Vibration level not to exceed 12 mm/sec n/a 26 There must be no reduction in the effectiveness of any drain

belonging to Network Rail. y

27 Storm or surface water not to be discharged toward rail property.

y

28 No cranes or jibbed machinery to be over or within 3m of rail property.

y

29 All cranes, machinery and constructional plant positioned to prevent accidental entry onto rail property.

n/a

30 Maintain stockproof fence adjacent to railway boundary. n/a 31 Trees planted close to the railway located a distance in

excess of their mature height from rail property. n/a

Environmental Protection 32 Temporary noise limits for stripping and replacement of soils,

soil and baffle mound construction and removal and construction and removal of the outer faces of the overburden mounds for 44 days in a year. Noise limits to 70dB(A)

TM to confirm the number of

exception noise days applied to

date. 33 Noise limits at Fairwinds. 48dB(A) normal, 42dB(A) all other

times. y

34 Noise limits at Highsteads. 54dB(A) normal, 42dB(A) all other times.

y

35 Noise limits at Hawthorn Bungalow. 51dB(A) normal, 42dB(A) all other times.

y

36 Noise limits at Linton Cottages. 50dB(A) normal, 42dB(A) all other times.

y

37 Noise limits at The Shambles. 52dB(A) normal, 42dB(A) all other times.

y

38

Noise limits at Manor Farm. 49dB(A) normal, 42dB(A) all other times.

y

39

Noise limits at Crowden Hill Farm. 52dB(A) normal, 42dB(A) all other times.

y

40

Scheme for noise monitoring and implementation y

41 Noise action plan

y


Blasting & Vibration

42 Permitted times for blasting: Mon to Fri - 09.00 to 17.00. Blasting in an emergency situation.

n/a

43 Development to be carried out in accordance with the approved blast monitoring scheme.

n/a

44 Siren and warning flags.

n/a

45 Blasting no more than 4 times per day and +/- 5 minutes within times agreeds with condition 43.

n/a

46 Method of blasting of any misfire.

n/a

47 Peak Particle velocity should not exceed 12mm/sec, with 95% of blasts not exceeding 6mm/sec over any 3 month period. Air overpressure (AOP) not to exceed 130db in 95% of blasts over a 3 month period.

n/a

48 Monitoring of all blasts and a record kept for MPA inspection. n/a 49 Scheme for monitoring ground vibration and air overpressure. n/a Dust

50 Dust Action plan, a scheme for dust suppression and monitoring and mitigation of dust emissions from the site, to be submitted to and agreed with MPA.

y

51 Agreed DAP to be implemented fully on site. Annual review of DAP required.

y

52 Details submitted and agreed with the MPA for water supply, water storage / lagoons or borehole / water abstraction .

y

Stythe Gas

53 Submission of scheme for monitoring of stythe. The agreed scheme to be implemented during the working of the site.

Scheme approved.

Implementation to be checked.

Lighting

54

Submission of a scheme for the lighting. Lighting not to be obtrusive from beyond the boundary of the site.

y

Water and Drainage

55 Detailed scheme for the treatment and removal of suspended solids from water leaving the site to be submitted to MPA. Scheme to be implemented in accord with this approved scheme.

y

56 Detailed scheme for the provision of surface water drainage to be submitted to MPA. Drainage works to be completed in accord with this approved scheme.

y

57 All water discharged to pass through lagoons. y 58 Provision for chemical treatment of discharges if needed.

n/a


59

Drainage works required during restoration and aftercare to prevent flooding.

n/a

Pollution Control

60 Chemicals and fuel stored within a 110% bund.

y

Ecology – Protected Species

61 Vegetation only to be removed during 1/9 and 28/2, unless approved by an ecologist that no nesting birds, their eggs or nests will be harmed.

Y

62

Any soils stripped between 1/3 and 31/8 to be preceded by a checking survey.

y

63 Protection of water voles. Plan to cover, safeguarding to reduce disturbance, enhancement to existing water treatment, detailed restoration proposals for lengths of ditch, ongoing monitoring for the presence of mink.

Scheme discharged.

County ecologist to

check implementation.

64

Protection and working in accord with the mitigation strategy for the Greta Crested Newts.

y – completed.

65

Relocation of species rich grassland scheme to be submitted and approved, then implemented. Scheme for the eradication of Japanese Knotweed submitted, approved and implemented.

Y

Archaeology

66 Written scheme of investigation in 3 phases. Agreed scheme shall be implemented within a timescale to be agreed with the MPA. Recording scheme required. Programme of analysis, reporting and publication completed in accordance with WSI.

y

Soil Stripping

67 Soil strategy submitted and approved, to be implemented y 68 Soils handled in accordance with approved Soil Strategy. y 69 Drainage channels and lagoons installed before soil stripping

commences y

70 MPA given 48 hours’ notice of each phase of stripping. Standing crops or excess vegetation removed before area is stripped.

y

71 Topsoil stripped from working areas. No heavy plant to cross unstripped topsoil.

y

72 No plant to travel over any unstripped topsoil, except for srtipping operations

y

73 Sufficient subsoil stripped from working areas to ensure a 0.9m depth of material can be replaced over the site.

y

74 Stripping and movement of soils only when dry and friable.

y

75 The MPA given opportunity to inspect full depth of topsoil stripped prior to subsoil stripping.

y

Soil Storage

76 Soils stored in separate mounds according to quality. y 77 No soil removed from site. y 78 5 metre stand-off between storage mounds and site

perimeter. y

79 Soil mounds seeded to grass. Excess vegetation removed prior to the removal of soil for restoration.

y


80 Annual soil audit undertaken and submitted to MPA.

Y

Site Maintenance

81 Site maintenance: stockproof fencing trees and hedgerows clearance of mud from settlement lagoons full site kept free from noxious weeds

y – GR to monitor weed establishment

(especially ragwort) and

undertake weed control accordingly.

Documents

Butterwell Opencast Coal Site - Northumberland · Butterwell Opencast Coal Site ... from the site is to be transported via the railway siding at the northern ... 16 Provision of wheel