New Mine Could Re-divert Nith

Published 10 Mar 2010 14:37 0 Comments

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A proposed surface mine near New Cumnock could see the River Nith re-diverted at two parts.

The plans to change 1000 metres of water flow were revealed at Kier Mining's Public Consultation meeting last Thursday.

The river is host to a variety of fish and wildlife including salmon and otters. But New Cumnock Angling Association say they have no objections or concerns Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) state any changes to water flow will be dealt as engineering work under Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR).

The Braehead Farm surface mine site, 3km west of the village, is an "alternative proposal" and half the size of the opencast company's planned Greenburn South site. At roughly 100 football pitches in size the mine will "safeguard and sustain" 107 direct and indirect jobs.

However Jonathan Hillier of Kier Mining explained that changes to the river would be a lengthy project. Segments will be dug to later channel the water into the new part of the river, with organic materials, plants and invertebrates and water flow added gradually. Once the new section is habitable for life the old parts of the river will be sealed off with wire and the remaining fish rescued by electro-fishing and moved to their new home.

New Cumnock angler, Rab Shaw said: "We've spoke to Kier and we're quite happy with the plans. The water will be running through the new section prior to it shutting off. We have no objections to the way they are planning to do it. It has worked in the area before."

David McNay, a Senior Environment Protection Officer with SEPA said: "The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has held initial discussions with Keir Mining on their proposals for the River Nith. The company's initial designs are promising and SEPA is now keen to see more detailed proposals put forward.

"Any proposed engineering works carried out on the River Nith would be subject to licensing by SEPA under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005, also known as CAR.

"Although there may be a short term impact to the surrounding environment as a result of these works, previous intervention by man and over-grazing of livestock has led to the denuding of some of the surrounding habitats. Therefore, there is scope for the works proposed to improve these habitats, as in the case of previous works carried out in the River Nith upstream at the House of Water site at New Cumnock."

The mine site could see the extraction of 1.5 million tons of coal and fire clay earning New Cumnock and surrounding mining villages a colossal £412,500 in Minerals Trust Funding. The planning proposals are expected to be submitted to East Ayrshire Council in the next 11 weeks.

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