Drakelands mineral processing facility (formerly Hemerdon Mine), near Plympton, Devon
Updated 29 July 2014
Applies to England
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There have been some concerns about silt-like material appearing in the rivers and streams near Drakelands mineral processing facility at Hemerdon, Devon.
Following public consultations held this year and 2013 the Environment Agency has granted the relevant environmental permits allowing the operator Wolf Minerals Ltd to begin work on the new mine waste processing facility.
Since work began in 2013 there have been two periods of torrential rain, causing soil to run off the land, and enter nearby watercourses.
The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation and working with Wolf Minerals to ensure they follow best practise and minimise effects on the environment. Discolouration of the River Plym has been evident following rainfall, but sampling has shown this poses little risk to the environment and the soils present no risk to human health.
The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the site during construction, however it is possible that further discolouration to watercourses may occasionally happen during heavy rainfall.
Contact
If you have any concerns about environmental issues relating to this site, or would like to report and environmental incident, call the Environment Agency’s incident 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60.