ENVIRONMENT AGENCY GOES UNDERGROUND

MANAGERS at South Crofty tin mine, Pool, gave a group of planners a unique opportunity to go underground.

The offer came during an Environment Agency meeting to formulate a strategy for dealing with water management in west Cornwall.

When it came to making decisions that would have an effect on the future of the mine, Managing Director of Baseresult Holdings Ltd, Kevin Williams, invited all members of the planning group to join him on an underground tour.  The group included local councillors, farmers, a representative from South West Water and other interested parties.

Mr Williams is part of the stakeholder group working with the Environment Agency on the local CAMS – Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy – which will set out proposals for future licensing over water management in west Cornwall.

“It’s difficult for people to understand how water affects mining and how it can be managed unless they can see it first hand,” explained Mr Williams.  “That was my main reason for offering the mine tour, but I thought everyone would enjoy the experience too.”

Environment Agency planner, Jessie Burgess, said the trip had been fantastic and everyone had enjoyed it a great deal.

“It was such a useful, informative and beneficial trip,” she said. “Kevin was able to raise some very interesting points about abstraction and first hand knowledge is always helpful. It was a great experience for all the stakeholders and will make our job easier.”