New framework contractors appointed to help stop mine water pollution
The Coal Authority’s mine water treatment scheme design and build framework is a key part of our strategy to prevent water pollution from historical coal mines.
As part of our programme of work to protect and enhance the environment, the Coal Authority is pleased to welcome new contractors onto our latest 4-year framework to help design and build mine water treatment schemes throughout Britain.
The new framework, with a forecast value of up to £72 million, covers all major civil engineering works needed so that treatment sites can be made ready for the construction of new schemes.
The treatment schemes themselves consist of components such as reed beds, pumping equipment, settlement lagoons and cascade steps.
Elements such as mechanical, electrical and minor works can also be called off the framework for work to refurbish our existing portfolio of more than 82 mine water treatment schemes.
Carl Banton, operations director at the Coal Authority, said:
We’re committed to making a better future for people and the environment in mining areas and a key part of our environmental protection activities is treating water from historical mines to prevent pollution.
This crucial work, funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, already sees us treat 122 billion litres of water every year to improve our rivers and protect aquifers and ground waters. We’ll now see that figure increase when more new mine water treatment schemes are built.
The procurement process was extremely competitive, with us receiving interest from 60 organisations. We’ve appointed 9 suppliers from those that applied and we’re delighted to start working with the organisations that have successfully made it on to the framework.
This programme of work ultimately helps us to further protect and enhance the natural environment for our future generations and makes a positive contribution to the government’s 25 year environment plan.
The length of the mine water treatment scheme design and build framework is 4 years and covers the Coal Authority’s work in England, Scotland and Wales.
For more information about supplying goods and services to the Coal Authority, email our procurement team at procurement@coal.gov.uk.
Why we need to treat mine water from historical mines
When a coal mine closes, the pumps that were used to keep water out of the mine while the mineral was extracted are switched off and removed.
Over time the water levels recover within the mine and pick up naturally occurring minerals from the rocks, such as iron. This can coat river beds, stopping plant growth, causing wildlife to move on as they no longer have food.
This video explains how we typically treat the coal mine water: