Lee Malcolm Wyatt
MSc FGS
Hydrogeologist
Hydrogeologist with industry experience in mine water hydrogeology, chemistry, ground
investigation and contaminated land. Currently managing the hydro-geochemical databases used to
assess ongoing operational need, existing monitoring requirements and future strategies. A detailed
understanding of the mine water and mine gas regimes throughout the coalfields of the UK,
experienced in developing programmes of future monitoring and preventative borehole installations.
Career History
April 2011 – Present
Hydrogeologist, Environment Team
Coal Authority
Sept 2008 – Mar 2011
Mine Water Database Manager, Environment Team
Coal Authority
Sept 1998 - Aug 2008
Hydrogeological Consultant
Environmental Engineer
Assistant Geotechnical Engineer
IMC Environmental, laterally White Young Green
Education and Qualifications
2006 – 2009
MSc in Applied Hydrogeology (Merit) Newcastle University
Dissertation ‘Risk of pollution to the Permo-Triassic aquifers from mine water
rebound of the South Nottinghamshire Coalfield, UK’
Supervisors: Professor Paul Younger, Dr Adam Jarvis, Dr Ian Watson, Keith
Whitworth
1995 – 1998
BSc. (Hons) Applied Geology (Second Class) Staffordshire University
Dissertation ‘An analysis of the sedimentological and facies aspects of the Ashover
Grit (Main Bed), Upper Carboniferous, in the area around Matlock’
1993 – 1995
‘A’ Levels: Geography, Chemistry, Physics, General Studies
‘AS’ Level: Physics
Ashfield School
Current job role and responsibilities
Currently work in the technical team within The Coal Authority’s Environment Department. Principal
role is to analyse and manage the hydro-geochemical and other data throughout the coalfields of the
UK, to predict and manage pollution from mine water. Provide knowledge, support and analysis of the
hydro-geochemical data for ongoing operational needs, future strategies and risks from mine water
management. Participate in the organisation’s Research and Development Programme investigating
alternative methods of mine water treatment technologies for both coal and metal mine waters and
presenting results at conferences. Summary of, but not exclusive responsibilities include:
 Develop and manage the hydro-geochemical databases and present results with an emphasis
on continual improvement
 Analyse and appraise the data to determine trends, changes and maintain an expert
knowledge in developing future strategies, future treatment and remedial scheme, and further
R&D technologies
 Maintain IT systems relating to mine water data
 Respond to internal and external enquiries regarding mine water
 Undertake field visits to maintain existing equipment, install new equipment and perform field
testing and site assessments
 Develop an awareness and detailed understanding of mine water recovery and its position in
the coalfields of the UK
 Project manage the programme for future monitoring and pumping boreholes
 Monitor the effectiveness of mine water treatment and preventative scheme and review their
efficiency
 Review mine water pumping station control levels and assess associated risks
Recent projects
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Wanlockhead 2012/2013 – study undertaken and operated to determine sources of mining
related point and diffuse sources of pollution affecting the Wanlock Water. Performed through
a dynamic water sampling and analysis strategy leading to detailed assessment. Results and
analysis used to undertake factual and interpretative report; and scientific papers.
Leadhills 2011/2012 – study undertaken and operation to determine risks from mining
blockages, along with assessing diffuse and point sources of mining relating pollution through
water sampling and analysis within a limited time period. Results and analysis used to
undertake factual and interpretative report; and scientific papers.
Wheal Jane 2011 to 2013 – assessment of existing and historic data, alongside field studies to
determine a regional monitoring network. This work in conjunction with analysis of hydro and
chemistry data led to developing an efficiency and cost-saving strategy report based on a risk
appetite approach.
Saltburn pumping tests 2009, 2012 and 2013 – pumping test required to determine
hydrogeological control, hydro and chemical parameters to prevent a major iron-rich
discharge. Specification of pumping tests and monitoring requirements, followed by analysis
and interpretation of results leading to factual and interpretative reports.
Cannock Wood pumping test 2012 – analysis of rising mine water led to the requirement of a
pumping test to determine hydrogeological and chemistry parameters for a long-term
pumping scheme to prevent aquifer pollution. Pumping test specification and requirements for
monitoring were followed by analysis and interpretation resulting in the factual and
interpretative report.
Mine water treatment trials 2011 to 2013 – influential in trialling a novel (SCOOFI) treatment
of trial for a coal mine water discharge; this first use of such a technique in coal mine water.
Analysis of this method and other trials (high-surface media) led to interpretative reports and
scientific papers.
Technical Skills
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Mining data interpretation
Mine water data analysis
Pumping test interpretation
Mine water modelling and prediction
Data management
Data analysis
Field data collection
Water monitoring and pumping borehole; studies and design
Professional Training and Development
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CPD courses attended:
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Environmental Good Practice CIRIA course
CITB Site management safety training scheme
Excel Level 3
Asbestos Awareness Course
Mine water chemistry course
Safe entry in to confined spaces
All MSc course modules
Working near water course
Outdoor First Aid, Emergency First Aid and First Aid at Work
Giving presentations
Scientific paper reviewing
Publications and Presentations
Wyatt L.M., Moorhouse A.M.L., Kershaw S. and Iwanskyj B. 2013. Mine water: management postclosure and lessons learned, risks from poor closure and mine water management. In “Mine Closure
2013 – Proceedings for the Mine Closure Conference 2013”. Eds Tibbett M., Fourie A.B. and Digby C.
p 279 - 292
Wyatt L.M., Watson I.A., Kershaw S. and Moorhouse A.M.L. 2013. Mine water: management postclosure and lessons learned, risks from poor closure and mine water management. In “Mine Closure
2013 – Proceedings for the Mine Closure Conference 2013”. Eds Tibbett M., Fourie A.B. and Digby C.
p 69 – 78
Wyatt L.M., Moorhouse A.M.L., Watson I.A. and Kershaw S. 2013. Methodology for assessing water
pollution and risks associated with abandoned lead-zinc mining at Wanlockhead and Leadhills,
southwest Scotland, UK. In “Reliable Mine Water Technology - Proceedings for the International Mine
Water Association Conference 2013”. Eds Brown A., Figureoa, L. and Wolkersdorfer, C. p 1173 - 1178
Wyatt L.M., Moorhouse A.M.L. and Watson I.A. 2013. Full scale pilot test of a novel technology to
remediate alkaline coal mine water using high-surface media at Acomb Mine Water Treatment
Scheme, UK. In “Reliable Mine Water Technology - Proceedings for the International Mine Water
Association Conference 2013”. Eds Brown A., Figureoa, L. and Wolkersdorfer, C. p 749 - 754
Wyatt L., Watson I., Sawyer T. 2011. 15 years of mine water analysis and developments in monitoring
of abandoned coal mines in the United Kingdom. In “Mine Water – Managing the Challenges –
Proceedings for the International Mine Water Association Conference 2011”. Eds Rüde T.R., Freund A.
and Wolkersdorfer, C. p 645 – 648
Moorhouse A.M.L., Wyatt L.M., Watson, I.A. and Hill, S. 2013. A high surface area media treatment
trial of a circum-neutral, net alkaline coal mine discharge in the South Derbyshire Coal Field (UK) using
hydrous ferric oxide”. In “Reliable Mine Water Technology - Proceedings for the International Mine
Water Association Conference 2013”. Eds Brown A., Figureoa, L. and Wolkersdorfer, C. p 667 – 672
Oliver I.W., Naysmith F. Moorhouse A.M.L. Wyatt L.M. and Watson I.A. 2013. The environmental
legacy from centuries of metals mining in south central Scotland. SETAC Europe 23 rd Conference
Bailey M., Watson I., Wyatt L. and Davies T. 2011. Applications of pumping tests in the development
of mine water management strategies and remediation schemes. In “Mine Water – Managing the
Challenges – Proceedings for the International Mine Water Association Conference 2011”. Eds Rüde
T.R., Freund A. and Wolkersdorfer, C. p 97 - 100
Professional Membership and Interests
Geological Society of London – Fellow since 1999
Currently seeking Chartered Geologist and Chartered Scientist
Other Relevant Skills
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Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
Proficient in the use of Hydrolog 4
Proficient in the use of ArcGIS and experience with MapInfo
Experience in multiple field instruments and data-logging equipment
Experience in mine water modelling software
Administration and project management
First Aider in the Field and at Work
CSCS Visitors Card
Full clean UK driving licence
Outside Interests
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Warrant Officer in the Boys’ Brigade
Duke of Edinburgh expedition trainer, field supervisor (since 1995) and assessor at all grades
(since 2010). Awarded DofE Gold in 1994
 Member of British Caving Association
 Industrial and mining heritage and archaeology, which includes surface and underground
exploring; whilst maintaining a mining walks website.
 Hillwalking
 Photography
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Referees
Industrial and academic referees are available on request