Potland Burn Liaison Committee
Notes of Seventeenth Meeting
Tuesday 20th August 2013
17.00hrs @ Potland Burn Surface Mine
Present
P Kelly
P Millar
P Halliday
C Farrell
G Featonby
P Milburn
J Robson
P Stonell
M Charlton
J Nugent
N Jackson
D Woodard
L Brown
V Brown
-
NCC Chair of Planning
UKC Site Manager
UKC Ass. Site Manager
Longhirst PC
Longhirst PC
Local Resident
Ellington and Linton PC
Pegswood PC (replaces S Wilcox)
Local Resident
NCC Planning
Ashington Rugby Clun
Pegswood PC
Ashington Town Council
Ashington Town Council
John Clarkson attended as guest of N Jackson to observe the function of the liaison
committee.
Cllrs Thorne and Gallacher had resigned from the Committee. Cllrs Kelly and Woodard
were elected to replace them.
1
Apologies for Absence:
P Wood
-
UKC Planning Manager
2
2.1
Matters arising from Sixteenth meeting (Tuesday 14th May 2013)
No matters arising from last meeting.
3
3.1
Progress Report
A serious fire resulted in the premature closure of Daw Mill colliery. The colliery
had been an essential asset of the UK Coal portfolio. The demise of the colliery
was partially responsible for the collapse of the Company in the summer. UK
Coal restructured and the new company commenced trading on 9th July 2013.
3.2
Site operations continued through the period of reorganization. There had been a
negative impact on some of the operations but coal production had continued and
was assisted by the good weather.
3.3
Although there have been some delays in soil stripping and consequential
restoration the works have continued as plant has become available from other
sites.
3.4
Excavation has advanced to cut 34. Progress across the remaining part of area A
should complete by year end. Most of the excavation is only to the Middle Main
seam as the lower seams are affected by wash out.
3.5
Progressive backfilling is tight to the excavation area (cut 30) and the backfilled
ground is available for restoration. Soils stripped from the advance dig are being
put to bed on the backfilled area.
3.6
Coal produced to date 1.70 million tonnes
Fireclay/brick shale produced 132,000 tonnes
3.7
Restoration operations have concentrated on the removal of the sub-soil mound
which was situated adjacent to the Persimmons Homes development. The result is
that the extended area of ecological enhancement is almost complete and the
Potland Burn has been recreated.
3.8
The remainder of area A in advance of site operations is being stripped of soil to
ensure progress can continue through the winter
4
Programme
4.1
Remaining sub-soil (3.7 above) will be fully removed and spread on the extended
ecological area.
4.2
Remaining soil strip in Area A will be completed with materials being spread on
available areas of restoration.
4.3
Soil strip operations will start as soon as possible to clear sufficient space in area
B to enable excavation to start in early 2014
4.4
There was a discussion regarding the impact of site vehicles (dump trucks and
coal wagons) which will have to cross the Longhirst road. During overburden
operations there will be a steady flow of dump trucks and a fewer number of coal
lorries crossing the road. UK Coal is reassessing how to reduce the impact. The
crossing will have to be manned and traffic control installed for up to a year. A
letter will be sent out to Parish Councils and local residents explaining the
anticipated disruption the road crossing will cause. It will detail quieter times
when site traffic will either be reduced or stopped. The lane will be unaffected
between 19.00hrs and 07.00hrs Monday to Friday and between 12.00hrs Saturday
to 07.00hrs Monday.
5
Ecology
5.1
The second phase of land management using grazing cattle is due to commence.
5.2
The weather this year has been better for seed collection from the Area of
ecological interest (AEI).
5.3
A student from Newcastle University has been researching some of the flowers
growing on the AEI.
5.4
Hay cutting is due to commence on restored areas.
5.5
Seeding and tree planning will follow soil restoration and cultivation operations.
6
Environmental Control
6.1
Noise
6.1.1 Noise levels where noticeably higher whilst excavating the sub soil mound close
to Persimmons.
6.2
Dust
6.2.1 Occasional triggers from operational activity were investigated and corrective
actions applied.
6.2.2 For long periods over the last quarter the wind has been from the eastern sector.
There were several triggers during this period but the source of dust was not
related to the site.
6.3
63.1
Blasting and vibrations
The distance between the blast panels and Ashington is increasing. There have
been no issues relating to blast vibration
6.4
The EHO had previously reported that there had been no complaints and that
emissions were within the set targets.
7
Planning report – Joe Nugent
7.1
No complaints received relating to the site.
7.2
A monitoring visit is due and is expected by September.
7.3
At the Blue Sky Equestrian center water ingresses onto the paddock. Samples
have been taken by UK Coal and SITA and it has been concluded that the water
has not originated from the site or the lagoon system. Further investigations are on
going.
8
8.1
The Community Trust Fund
The Community Benefits Trust has been paid in accordance with the Section 106
agreement.
8.2
A Trust Fund Committee meeting was held prior to the Liaison Committee and
six projects had been recommended for approval. Each applicant will receive a
letter of explanation and funds will be transferred into an approved account.
8.3
Projects approved at the meeting:Woodhorn Lane Womens FC (104)
Ashington Colliers FC (105)
Ashington RAOB FC (106)
Cambois Rowing Club (107)
Ashington Colliers FC (108)
Ashington Amateur Boxing Club (109)
8.4
An application for a skate park in Lynemouth was unsuccessful, it was
determined that it fell out with the influence of the trust fund.
9
AOB
9.1
It was unanimously agreed that the Committee send a letter of appreciation to
Trevor Thorne.
10
10.1
Next meeting
Community Trust Fund meeting
Tuesday 19thNovember 2013 at 16.15hrs
10.2
Liaison Committee meeting
Tuesday 19th November 2013 at 17.00hrs
Location Potland Site Office