Case Studies
Coal Mining Risk Assessment (CMRA)
The legacy of coal mining since the industrial revolution has left abandoned mine workings, shafts and tunnels across wide areas of the UK. Coal Mining Risks associated with historic mine workings include subsidence and the release of explosive methane gas. If you are planning a new development in a Coal Authority Consultation Area with a past history of mining, you may be required to submit a Coal Mining Risk Assessment (CMRA) in support of your planning application. Hydrogeo have completed many Coal Mining Risk Assessments for residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Residential Development – Bristol
Bristol contains a surprising number of historical coal mine workings, primarily beneath the Kingswood area. The geology of the city is complex, and with competition from other coalfields mining entered into decline in the 20th century. The final colliery in Bristol closed in 1949.
A development consisting of eight residential dwellings was proposed in the Kingswood area of the city. As part of the planning submissions, Hydrogeo were commissioned to produce a Coal Mining Risk Assessment. The Coal Mining Risk Assessment showed that steeply dipping seams of coal were present at shallow depths beneath the site. The Coal Authority records indicated that these seams could have been mined, but no conclusive evidence was available.
Mine abandonment plans were obtained, showing the areas in the shallow coal seam which had been mined. Detailed review of the mine abandonment plans showed that mine workings had stopped before extending beneath the site. The Coal Mining Risk Assessment concluded that the risk to the site was from mine workings was low, and no further site investigation or remedial measures were required. The planning conditions associated with mining risk were discharged, and construction was able to start.
Energy Development – Whitfield Colliery
Bristol contains a surprising number of historical coal mine workings, primarily beneath the Kingswood area. The geology of the city is complex, and with competition from other coalfields mining entered into decline in the 20th century. The final colliery in Bristol closed in 1949.
A development consisting of eight residential dwellings was proposed in the Kingswood area of the city. As part of the planning submissions, Hydrogeo were commissioned to produce a Coal Mining Risk Assessment. The Coal Mining Risk Assessment showed that steeply dipping seams of coal were present at shallow depths beneath the site. The Coal Authority records indicated that these seams could have been mined, but no conclusive evidence was available.
Mine abandonment plans were obtained, showing the areas in the shallow coal seam which had been mined. Detailed review of the mine abandonment plans showed that mine workings had stopped before extending beneath the site. The Coal Mining Risk Assessment concluded that the risk to the site was from mine workings was low, and no further site investigation or remedial measures were required. The planning conditions associated with mining risk were discharged, and construction was able to start.