BRITISH FLUORSPAR LIMITED LONGSTONE EDGE WEST, GREAT ... · BRITISH FLUORSPAR LIMITED Longstone Edge West, Great Longstone Non-technical Summary LE12451/REP-003 Page 3 EIA APPROACH

BRITISH FLUORSPAR LIMITED

LONGSTONE EDGE WEST, GREAT LONGSTONE

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

AUGUST 2015

Wardell Armstrong 2 The Avenue, Leigh, Greater Manchester, WN7 1ES, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1942 260101 www.wardell-armstrong.com

Wardell Armstrong is the trading name of Wardell Armstrong LLP, Registered in England No. OC307138.

Registered office: Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom

UK Offices: Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Greater Manchester, London, Newcastle upon Tyne, Penryn, Sheffield, Truro, West Bromwich. International Offices: Almaty, Moscow

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

LAND AND PROPERTY

MINING AND MINERAL PROCESSING

MINERAL ESTATES AND QUARRYING

WASTE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

DATE ISSUED: August 2015

JOB NUMBER: LE12451

REPORT NUMBER: REP-003

BRITISH FLUORSPAR LIMITED

LONGSTONE EDGE WEST, GREAT LONGSTONE – NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

AUGUST 2015

PREPARED BY:

Andrea Kourra EIA Coordinator

APPROVED BY:

Richard Kevan Technical Director

This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract

with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong LLP accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third

parties to whom this report may be made known.

No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP.

BRITISH FLUORSPAR LIMITED Longstone Edge West, Great Longstone

Non-technical Summary

LE12451/003

August 2015

CONTENTS

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1

EIA Approach and Scope of Assessment ............................................................................ 3

Site Description ................................................................................................................... 6

The Proposed Development ............................................................................................... 9

Outline of the Main Alternatives Considered................................................................... 18

Environmental Impact Prediction, Evaluation and Mitigation ......................................... 22

Summary and Conclusions ............................................................................................... 35

FIGURES

Figure 1 Site Location

Figure 2 Restoration Plan



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INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of this Non-Technical Summary

1.1.1 This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) presents (in non-technical language) the findings

of a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) undertaken in connection with

operational and restoration proposals at Longstone Edge which is located within the

Peak District National Park. This is in support of a Section 73 (S73) planning

application1 submitted to the Peak District National Park Authority; Mineral Planning

Authority (MPA).

1.1.2 This NTS has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP on behalf of British Fluorspar

Limited (hereafter referred to as ‘BFL’). The full report known as the Environmental

Statement (ES) has been submitted with the planning application. The ES has been

prepared with full regard to the requirements of the Town and Country Planning

(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 and other relevant guidance.

The ES describes the proposal and provides an assessment of the likely

environmental effects that may arise as a result.

Introduction to the Proposals

BFL is seeking planning permission to amend or remove 19 planning conditions of

planning permission; NP/DDD/0804/0947. This proposal is therefore the subject of a

Section 73 (S73) application, which is an application for the removal or variation of a

condition/s following grant of planning permission.

In essence, the amendments to the various conditions would extend the period of

restoration of the remaining opencast workings by 20 years to November 2035,

amend the final restoration levels of Bow Rake/High Rake and allow the continuation

of underground mining at Watersaw Mine over the same period. The S73

application and EIA therefore focus on these two areas; Watersaw Mine and Bow

Rake/High Rake as this reflects the new proposals. The other quarries that formed

part of Longstone Edge (and are within the planning application boundary) have

either been restored or are in the aftercare phase, post-restoration. Figure 1 (on

page 8) shows the red planning application boundary and the two areas which are

the focus of this application.

1 A S73 application is an application for the removal or variation of a condition/s following grant of planning permission.



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The scheme has been conceived, developed and refined through a process of design

iteration. The holistic approach that was adopted has ensured that all environmental

considerations have been properly reconciled in the proposed restoration plans and

the overall proposals.



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EIA APPROACH AND SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT

General approach and scope of assessment

An EIA was prepared with full regard to the requirements of The Town and Country

Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 and other relevant

and latest Government guidance.

Wardell Armstrong LLP is committed to the delivery of effective practice in EIA

coordination. As a registrant of the Institute of Environmental Management and

Assessment’s EIA Quality Mark, Wardell Armstrong’s EIA practice is independently

reviewed in accordance with best practice.

This S73 application and EIA focus on the areas of Bow Rake/High Rake and

Watersaw Mine to reflect the new proposals and the current status of operations at

Longstone Edge.

A Request for a Screening Opinion was submitted to The Peak District National Park

Authority on 19th December 2014 and was received on 13th February 2015. This

confirmed the requirement for the submission of an Environmental Statement as

part of the planning application.

A Request for a Scoping Opinion was prepared by Wardell Armstrong and submitted

to The Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) on 21st April 2015 in order to

seek Mineral Planning Authority’s formal opinion on the information to be supplied

in the ES.

The guidance provided in the Scoping Opinion from The Peak District National Park

Authority as well as during pre-application consultation was taken into account

when determining the scope of EIA topics covered. The Scoping Opinion was

received on 18th June 2015. The topic areas considered within the scope of this ES

include:

Ecology and Nature Conservation

Landscape and Visual Amenity

Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

Traffic and Transport

Air Quality

Noise and Vibration

Hydrology and Hydrogeology

Drainage and Flood Risk



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Geotechnical

The current application includes the option to continue underground working at

Watersaw Mine, should circumstances require this within the next 20 years; up to

2034. It is proposed that the following information, as per the Scoping Opinion, will

be provided to the PDNPA prior to the commencement of any works:

Full up-to-date details and plans of underground mineral development

proposed to be undertaken, with estimated phasing timescales;

Details on methodology of working, particularly with respect to control or

mitigation of surface subsidence (planned or otherwise);

Methodology for backfilling, restoration;

Assessment of waste arising from the continuation of underground mining at

Watersaw; and

Summary of reasons for its current status on a ‘care and maintenance’

programme.

In light of the above, the ES and this NTS only provides a high-level assessment of the

potential continuation of underground working at Watersaw Mine.

Public and Stakeholder Consultation

A programme of community involvement and stakeholder engagement has been

undertaken in preparation of the planning application and EIA. Statutory bodies,

which have a responsibility for the local environment, together with non-statutory

bodies have been consulted to enable the evolution of an informed perspective.

For further information please refer to the Statement of Community Involvement

which has been submitted in support of the current planning application.

Significance Criteria

The significance of potential impacts has been assessed in accordance with the Town

and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 and

published guidance where available, specific to the individual topic areas. Such

guidance represents the industry standard method for assessing potential impacts

and is consistent with EIA best practice.



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Where significant impacts have been identified, mitigation measures have been

recommended to avoid, reduce or remedy such impacts. These have involved

modifications to the proposals or the introduction of specific safeguards to

ameliorate potential effects. The assessment methodology has been used to refine

the development proposals in an iterative process.

Mitigation

The proposals, where possible, incorporate measures to avoid, reduce and remedy

any potential adverse environmental impacts, and to enhance the environmental

benefits of the scheme. Potential adverse effects, issues or constraints are designed

out of the scheme as far as practicably possible, with impacts that cannot be

adequately reduced or removed through the restoration plans addressed through a

combination of operational methods and techniques and best working practices.



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SITE DESCRIPTION

Location and Setting

The site is located within the central area of the Peak District National Park;

approximately 4.5km north of Bakewell and approximately 12km east of Buxton.

The planning application boundary and location of the two areas of focus for this

application: Bow Rake/High Rake and Watersaw Mine, are shown on Figure 1.

Current Use/Status

The site at Longstone Edge West is currently quarried for Fluorspar. All extraction

operations are due to cease by November 2015, however restoration activities will

continue subject to this planning permission.

Longstone Edge is made up of several current and previous quarries including; Deep

Rake, The Beeches, Arthurton West, Arthurton West Extension and Bow Rake/High

Rake. Restoration has been completed at The Beeches, Deep Rake and Arthurton

West and Arthurton West Extension, however Bow Rake/High Rake is still in

operation. Deep Rake, Arthurton West and Arthurton West Extension are currently

in the aftercare period.

Watersaw Mine has not been operational for a number of years, however, it has

been kept on a ‘care and maintenance’ programme. BFL may make the commercial

decision to extract mineral vein out of Watersaw Mine in the future subject to

commercial need and availability of alternative sources of ore supply.

Operational Hours

As per the current consent (ref: NP/DDD/0804/0947), current site operational hours

are between the following hours:

Monday to Friday: 0700 – 1730

Saturday: 0700 – 1300

Sundays and Bank or Public Holidays: Closed

The proposal that is the subject of this application will take place within these

operational hours. No operations other than environmental monitoring would take

place at the site on Sundays and Bank or Public Holidays.



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Although the existing consent allows for operations on Saturdays, as with the current

situation, operations are rarely undertaken on Saturdays to minimise impacts to

local residents, and this would continue to be the case during the restoration period.

Should underground working at Watersaw Mine resume; as per the previous

consent, no lorries shall enter or leave the mine compound, except between:

Monday to Friday: 0700 – 1700

Saturday: 0800 – 1200

Sunday and Bank or Public Holidays: Closed

In addition, current operational hours for underground working will remain

consistent with the previous consent as follows:

Monday to Saturday: 0600 – 1300

Sunday and Bank or Public Holidays: Closed

Site Access

The site is accessed via private haul roads which lead from Moor Road. Moor Road

leads from the quarry to Great Longstone south of the site. There is also a separate

access route which leads from the north past Longstone Moor Farm to the A623. No

new access routes or entrances will be required. Longstone Edge will continue to be

accessed by the private haul road connecting the quarry to the mill or via the public

roads. Vehicles accessing the Watersaw mine compound would use the existing

private haul route established from the west end of Longstone Edge and the mine, or

use the public roads past Longstone Moor Farm and down to Thunderpit Lane.



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Figure 1: Site Location



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THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

Summary of Proposal

The proposal is for a Section 73 application to amend or remove the planning

conditions from planning permission, NP/DDD/0804/0947, as shown in Table 1

below.

In essence, the amendment to the current planning permission would extend the

period of restoration of the remaining opencast workings by 20 years to November

2035, amend the final restoration levels of Bow Rake/High Rake and allow the

potential continuation of underground mining at Watersaw Mine over the same

period.

The proposal to restore Bow Rake/High Rake quarry represents a continuation in

operations, rather than a new operation and would be a scaling back of the current

activity level on site. The level of activity in relation to the possible continuation of

underground mining at Watersaw Mine is still considered to be low, in comparison

to the existing activity level during extractive operations at Bow Rake/High Rake.

Table 1: Variation and Removal of Planning Conditions

Planning Condition Variation or

Removal

Proposal

2 (Duration) Vary Extend the time-period for the restoration

of Bow Rake/High Rake to 30 November

2035

3 (Operating Programme) Vary Proposed restoration levels will vary from

the current consent

The implementation of the restoration of

Bow Rake/High Rake will carried out in

accordance with this application

5 (Areas of Working) Delete This will not be relevant as this condition

serves to limit surface/opencast working to

Bow Rake High Rake, Arthurton West and



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The Beeches as shown on plan LE2 of

application NP/DDD/1100/0473

15 (Underground

Working)

Vary No tailings from Blakedon Hollow, all to be

recovered from processing at Cavendish

Mill

16 (Underground

Working)

Vary Amendment to Natural England

19 (Type of Mineral) Vary Delete part b – Associated host limestone

will not be extracted

38-41 (Soil Removal and

Storage)

Delete No new soil stripping is proposed

45 and 46 (Processing) Delete No crushing or screening of limestone is

proposed

69 (Archaeology) Delete The Beeches is already restored and is in

the post-aftercare stage

74 and 75 (Ecology and

Wildlife)

Vary Amendment to Natural England

77 (Restoration, Aftercare

and Afteruse – Deep Rake

and The Beaches)

Delete Deep Rake and The Beeches are now fully

restored.

78 (Restoration, Aftercare

and Afteruse – Watersaw

Rake/Longstone Moor,

Arthurton West, Bow

Rake/High Rake,

Strawberry Vein haul road

and Sallet Hole/Coombes

Dale)

Vary Amend to new restoration plan submitted

with this application



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80 (Date for scheme for

reinstatement/restoration

of Watersaw Mine

Compound)

Vary Amend to proposed date of 30 November

2034

85 (Date for removal of all

plant and structures from

site)

Vary Amend to proposed date of 30 November

2035

Background

Due to various factors arising since planning permission in 2006, progress with the

extraction of minerals permitted for working by opencast and underground mining

has not taken place at the rate anticipated when the prior application was submitted

(reasons for this are discussed in Section 5). Due to these delays, Bow Rake/High

Rake is currently still operational. Some limited backfilling as part of the longer term

restoration programme has been undertaken along the southern edge of Bow Rake,

however a significant part of the quarry is still open.

It is envisaged that the opencast extraction will be completed by the end of

November 2015, with the final few months of operation also including backfilling and

restoration of the Bow Rake/High Rake area. However these restoration works

cannot be completed by November 2015 as per condition 2 of the planning

permission; NP/DDD/0804/0947, therefore an application to extend this time period

is being requested.

The restoration scheme previously approved is no longer achievable based on the

forecast volumes of backfill material available. Therefore a new restoration proposal

is required showing a revised restoration landform (see Figure 2).

The option to resume underground working at Watersaw Mine is also included

within the current application. As per condition 80 of the current planning consent,

a restoration scheme for the Watersaw Mine Compound was to be submitted to the

Minerals Planning Authority no later than 30th November 2014. However, to date,

this has not been submitted. The applicant wishes to keep the option of

underground working at the mine available in order to provide an alternative

underground mining resource in line with PDNPA planning policy. As set out in the



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Peak District National Park Local Development Framework at paragraph 14.34, there

must be ‘a transition to predominantly underground working’. Paragraph 14.35

states that the Watersaw Mine gives access to considerable resources of high grade

fluorspar ore, which can be operated in an environmentally acceptable way. Policy

MIN2 supports the continued extraction of fluorspar by underground mining at

Watersaw Mine, where the environmental impacts can be appropriately mitigated.

The underground fluorspar resource contained in the vein structures at Watersaw

mine is safeguarded under policy MIN4. It is proposed that condition 80 is varied to

take the above into account and extend the requirement for the submission of a

restoration scheme for the Watersaw mine compound to 30th November 2034.

Retaining the option to continue underground working at Watersaw Mine has

important implications on the rate at which the restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake

can progress. This is because the tailings; a by-product generated from the

processing of the mineral ore extracted predominantly from the underground

working at Milldam, and/or Watersaw Mine, will be used to backfill Bow Rake/High

Rake.

Restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake

The restoration proposed for Longstone Edge is by progressive backfilling using rock

fill and fine grained filter press tailings material to form a graded landform with a low

point at the centre of the site. The aim of the scheme is to achieve a landscape

feature compatible with the surrounding terrain that does not present a significant

risk to people using the land for recreational or agricultural purposes. Backfilling has

already commenced while the opencast site is operational, but the final restoration

profile will not be completed for a further 20 years based on the current production

life of British Fluorspars’ operations at Cavendish Mill. Once final restoration levels

have been reached the area will be allowed to revegetate naturally. The rock fill has

been generated by the opencast extraction of the fluorspar and barytes ore at

Longstone Edge. The filter press tailings material will be generated from the

processing of ore at Cavendish Mill, as a by-product.

Bow Rake/High Rake is to be backfilled using rock fill and tailings to form a graded

landform with a low point at the centre of the site. Figure 2 shows the indicative

proposed landform and contours. The key criteria in creating this landform has been

the stability of the exposed rock faces on the northern and southern faces of the

quarry and the creation of a stable landform with the backfill material that is



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available. The rate of tailing production will dictate the rate at which the restoration

scheme can progress. As an early indication only, it is estimated that approximately

40,000 cubic metres of tailings will be produced per year, which will equate to a total

of 800,000 cubic metres over the entirety of the restoration scheme; 20 years.

These figures are indicative only, and will be updated over the course of the 20 year

restoration period.

The landform will allow access from the western and eastern ends of the quarry so

that, grazing sheep, for example, could easily pass through the restored quarry site.

The landform within the quarry will gradually drop in height from the western access

point towards a central low point, where it will gently rise again towards the eastern

end of the quarry. A rock filled drainage trench will be constructed in the tailings

material at this low point to assist with drainage of any surface water which may

collect at this point in the restoration profile. The most easterly 70m of the quarry

will be restored to approximately the original ground levels, with a slight bund at the

eastern end.

The lowest point of the restoration profile will be adjacent to the centre of the

northern face and will have an elevation of 330m AOD2 rising to approximately 380m

AOD at the western end and 340m AOD at the eastern end to tie in the crest of the

existing quarry faces.

It is anticipated that the exposed rock face will not exceed 15m in height in line with

Quarry Regulations (1999).

It is intended that the backfilling and restoration scheme is divided into three

indicative phases (subject to agreement with the Mineral Planning Authority);

Backfilling to the base of the opencast void at the eastern and central areas

with rock fill and progressing westwards

Backfilling at the eastern end of the opencast void once extraction has been

completed, where rock fill will be placed to restore the area to the natural

ground level

Backfilling will include the placement of tailings brought to the site by

dumper truck from Cavendish Mill to form a gradual slop falling towards the

centre and northern slope of the opencast void

2 AOD – Above Ordnance Datum; height above mean sea level height



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The applicant proposes to conduct an annual survey of the restoration scheme and

submit a new plan every five years.

Once final restoration levels have been reached, the area will be allowed to

revegetate naturally. The temporary haul road from the quarry to the mill will be

restored at the end of the restoration period.

Restoration: Operational Phase

Previously, the restoration of worked out areas under the current permission has

been undertaken using a combination of ‘wet’ tailings from the nearby tailings dam

(TD4; Blakedon Hollow) and host waste (limestone) from the site. However, recent

advances in processing at the Mill has resulted in the availability of drier waste

tailings, which in turn has negated the need to use the TD4 Blakedon Hollow tailings

dam (the restoration of TD4 is the subject of a separate planning application).

Revised production/output targets mean that current forecasts of tailings quantities

now balance with the proposed restoration landform based on a 20 year restoration

programme. The supply of limestone for use as rockfill is limited to that generated by

the extraction operations currently underway in Bow Rake/High Rake. No rock fill

will be imported into the site. In addition, due to improved efficiencies, the

tonnages of crude ore available to process and higher grade ore from Milldam, it is

expected that a reduced amount of tailings will be generated.

It is proposed that the tailings material will be transported from the mill to the

quarry on a campaign basis using existing private haul roads. ‘Campaign removal’, in

comparison with ‘continuous removal’, represents the worst case scenario as it

condenses vehicle movements into shorter time-periods per month, rather than

being continuous, and does so by more frequent vehicle movements, as outlined

below, therefore this is the scenario considered within the EIA. Various campaign

alternatives are discussed below, the worst case scenario is a campaign of 10

running days, which includes 5 days of vehicle movements (‘dumper days’).

Campaign Removal

It is anticipated that up to approximately 6,100 tonnes of tailings would be produced

per month.

It is proposed that the material will be transported from the mill to the quarry on a

campaign basis using existing private haul roads.



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Assuming a campaign of 10 running days for mill operation/tailings production, it has

been calculated that 5 dumper days would be required per month to transport

tailings.

Assuming an average dumper load of 30 tonnes, there would be approximately 40.6

dumper loads per dumper day.

This equates to a maximum of 82 two-way trips for five days of every month.

It is also possible that the campaign is run on alternative strategies, for example on a

10 day basis, which would mean the same number of vehicle movements are spread

out over 10 days rather than 5, thereby reducing vehicle numbers per day.

Depending on operations at Cavendish Mill, it could even be a possibility to use only

one dumper per day but continue the campaign for 4 weeks.

However, taking these possibilities into consideration, a ‘5 dumper days/month’

campaign removal represents the worst case scenario as it condenses tailings

movements into a shorter timeframe and does so by more frequent vehicle

movements therefore this is the scenario considered within the Environmental

Statement. This also accounts for potential unforeseen circumstances such as

adverse weather conditions in winter, for example.

The vehicles to be used at Bow Rake/High Rake include:

Dump trucks: Caterpillar D350 Dumptruck (x2), 30 tonnes payload per

dumptruck

Dozer: Caterpillar D6 Bulldozer (x1)

Watersaw Mine Vehicle Movements

Should underground working at Watersaw Mine continue, it is proposed that the

following vehicles and tonnage will be used:

Dump Trucks: Caterpillar D350 Dumptruck, 30 tonnes payload per dump

truck

Tipper Lorries: 20 tonnes payload per lorry

It is estimated that a maximum of approximately 300-600 tonnes of fluorspar per

day would be mined. This would result in a maximum of between 10-20 loads per

day using a 30 tonne vehicle; or 15-30 loads per day using a 20 tonne vehicle.



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Vehicles accessing Watersaw Mine would use either the public road or the private

haul roads, however 30 tonne dumpers are not permitted on public roads therefore

only 20 tonne dumpers would use public roads. The exact vehicles in use would be

dependent on conditions at the time of mining, however it should be noted that only

one type of vehicle would be used at any one time and therefore vehicle movements

(shown in Table 2 below) would be dependent on the load of the vehicle used.

Summary of Vehicle Movements

Table 2 below explains the maximum daily two way trips anticipated for both

restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake and operation of Watersaw Mine.

Table 2

Maximum daily two way trips

Existing

permitted

movements

Proposed movements Proposed Movements

compared to Permitted

Movements

Activity Vehicle type Movements

154

Bow Rake/High

Rake (Restoration)

Dumper

(30 tonne)

82

-12 Watersaw Mine

(underground

operations)

Tipper Lorry

(20 tonne)

OR

Dumper (30

tonne) – using

private haul

roads only

60

OR

40

OR

-32

It can be seen from Table 2 that proposed vehicle movements will not exceed

existing permitted movements, as per the current planning consent. In fact, they

represent a reduction.



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Figure 2: Restoration Plan

Figure 2: Restoration Plan



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OUTLINE OF THE MAIN ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Alternatives

In accordance with Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental

Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, an ‘outline of the main alternatives studied’

should be included within an ES. The ‘do nothing’ or ‘business as usual’ (BAU)

scenario was considered. In line with the Scoping Opinion, approved restoration

levels and timescales were compared with those proposed.

‘Do nothing’ or ‘business as usual’ scenario

Progress with the extraction of mineral permitted working by opencast and

underground mining has not taken place at the rate anticipated when the preceding

application was submitted in July 2000 and, the restoration scheme previously

approved is no longer achievable based on the forecast volumes of backfill material

available. The ‘do nothing’/BAU scenario would therefore result in a non-

compliance as it is not possible to comply with the current planning conditions. This

can therefore be discounted as an option.

The restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake was due to be completed by 30th November

2015 in line with condition 2 of the current planning consent. It was estimated that

the extractive phase of the operation would be completed by the end of 2010 in

order to enable the restoration to be completed by 30th November 2015. However,

delays to the restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake occurred as Glebe Mines Ltd, the

site operator at the time, re-entered Bow Rake post-2010, which has had

implications on the time available to complete the restoration work. Backfilling was

due to commence at the eastern end of Bow Rake in the last quarter of 2010 but this

did not happen. In addition, for a considerable period between 2010 and 2012, no

working took place on any of the consolidated permission areas (or any other Glebe

sites) due to the potential closure/sale of the business. BFL acquired the business in

2012 and re-commenced operations in late summer 2012. Furthermore, it has not

been possible to backfill Bow Rake/High Rake with wet tailings during extraction

operations, due to safety reasons. As a result of the aforementioned delays, an

extension to complete the restoration works at Bow Rake/High Rake is required.

As stated in section 6.10, the majority of the slopes and tip areas in the quarry have

been identified as significant hazards due to the height of the faces typically being

greater than 15m, and the risk to quarry operators and plant if a rock fall should



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occur. In light of this, the do nothing option would represent a safety issue, and can

therefore be disregarded.

The option to resume underground working at Watersaw Mine is also included

within the current application. As per condition 80 of the current planning consent,

a restoration scheme for the Watersaw Mine Compound was to be submitted to the

MPA no later than 30th November 2014. The submission of a restoration scheme for

Watersaw Mine Compound has not been submitted to date. The business as usual

scenario would therefore see the delayed submission of restoration plans and once

approved by the MPA, their subsequent implementation. However, the proposal

seeks to postpone the submission of these restoration plans further until 2034, as

the applicant wishes to keep the option of underground working at the mine

available in order to provide an alternative underground mining resource in

accordance with PDNPA planning policy. The do nothing option can be discounted,

as relinquishing the option of entering Watersaw Mine would have implications on

the viability of site operations, including the restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake (see

section 5.3 below), and is contrary to PDNPA planning policy which supports a

transition to underground mining.

Alternative Restoration Programme Timescales

In light of the above, the timescale for the completion of the restoration of Bow

Rake/High Rake, as per the current consent, is no longer feasible and viable.

As part of the current proposal, the restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake is expected

to be completed within a 20 year timeframe, as opposed to a 5 year timeframe, as

originally anticipated by Glebe Mines Ltd in the preceding application. This extended

timescale is required as the rate at which backfilling can progress is dependent upon

the rate at which tailings can be generated from the fluorspar processing activity at

Cavendish Mill. In turn, this is dependent upon the rate at which the raw material;

vein ore, is delivered to the mill for processing.

Due to improved efficiencies, the tonnages of crude ore available to process and

higher grade ore from Milldam, it is expected that a reduced amount of tailings will

be generated.

The option to resume working at Watersaw Mine, should there be a requirement in

the future, would help to ensure that sufficient volumes of tailings are produced to

restore Bow Rake/High Rake.



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The proposed timescale for the restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake also factors in

the possibility of using different campaign strategies for tailings movements. The EIA

assessed the worst case scenario of the maximum number of vehicle movements per

day which equates to 82 movements per day. However it is also possible that the

campaign is run on alternative strategies, for example on a 10 day basis, which

would mean the same number of vehicle movements are spread out over 10 days

rather than 5, thereby reducing vehicle numbers per day. Depending on operations

at Cavendish Mill, it could even be a possibility to use only one dumper per day but

continue the campaign for 4 weeks. These various options allow for any potential

unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions in winter, for

example. The extended time-period therefore builds in flexibility and factors in

contingency.

Alternative Restoration Levels

The volume of material available for backfilling Bow Rake/High Rake has diminished

for the following reasons:

The tonnages of crude ore available to process have diminished and higher

grade ore from Milldam is being extracted

The supply of limestone for use as rockfill is limited to that generated by the

extraction operations currently underway in Bow Rake/High Rake. In

addition, extraction is expected to cease by November 2015.

Tailings generated from extraction at Bow Rake/High Rake have been utilised

to restore other quarry sites on Longstone Edge and, achieve final restoration

levels in the tailings dam; Blakedon Hollow or TD4. Rock from Bow

Rake/High Rake has also been used in the restoration of these other sites.

Recent advances at the fluorspar processing facility at Cavendish Mill have

resulted in the waste tailings available for restoration being drier in nature,

which ultimately negates the need to use wet tailings extracted from the

Blakedon Hollow Dam (TD4).

In light of the above, the approved restoration levels at Bow Rake/High Rake are no

longer feasible and can be discounted as an option.

The final restoration levels will result in maximum slope heights of less than 15m

and as such the remaining slopes would not classify as a significant hazard under



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Quarry Regulations (1999). It is considered that the proposed restoration scheme

will generate a stable environment.



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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PREDICTION, EVALUATION AND MITIGATION

Introduction

Potential impacts of the proposals have been considered with regard to a number of

distinct topic areas and technical assessments. Potential impacts have been

identified and evaluated with reference to magnitude and significance and where

required, measures to avoid, reduce, remedy or compensate any adverse effects

have been recommended and incorporated into the site design and working

methods.

An overview of each of the environmental assessments provided in the main

Environmental Statement is provided below.

Ecology and Nature Conservation

The ecological assessment has established the baseline conditions within the

planning application boundary and a 2km search area surrounding the site.

Ecological receptors have been identified and evaluated and, any potential impacts

on these receptors from the proposals have been assessed.

Mining activities at Longstone Edge have been undertaken since the 1950s. The

operations proposed represent a reduction in the level of activity compared to

current and previous operations undertaken within the current planning consent.

It is considered necessary to mitigate the potential adverse impact during the

operational phase on nesting birds, reptile species and great crested newts (GCNs).

Works to restore Bow Rake/High Rake are to be undertaken under Reasonable

Avoidance Measures which have been designed within a Precautionary Working

Method Statement (PWMS) in order to mitigate the potential adverse impacts on

GCNs and reptiles. A PWMS may be subject to detailed design alternations over the

course of the operational phase but is likely to include measures such as; mowing

routes prior to their use by machinery, the briefing of site operatives by a licenced

ecologist and onsite searches for any potential refuges immediately prior to (no

more than 24hrs before) commencement of each working period either by a licenced

ecologist or a member of site staff trained by a licenced ecologist.

Restoration works should avoid the breeding bird season in order to avoid causing

disturbance to bird species using quarry walls for nesting purposes. Should works be

required to take place during the breeding bird season then it will be necessary to



LE12451/REP-003

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undertake nesting bird checks a maximum of 24 hours prior to each working period

considered likely to cause disturbance within the quarry area. A Natural England

licenced ecologist or a member of the onsite staff, trained by a Natural England

licenced ecologist, will undertake such checks. Should nesting birds be recorded

within (or in close proximity to) works areas then appropriate mitigation will be

designed and implemented. Mitigation measures associated with nesting birds will

depend upon species recorded however is likely to include (but not be limited to)

one of the following options:

1) Postpone works until September when the breeding bird season is

complete.

2) Postpone works and monitor the nest site, recommencing works once

chicks have fledged and birds have left their nest site.

3) Establish an appropriate buffer around the nest site and continue to work

around this buffer. No works would take place within the buffer zone until

chicks have fledged and all birds have left their nest.

Although no bat roosts were recorded within Watersaw Mine during the summer

active season, this structure is considered likely to provide suitable autumn

breeding/winter hibernation roosts. In order to fully assess the potential for this

mine to be used by breeding bats establishing winter hibernation roosts detailed

swarming surveys are recommended at the appropriate time of year (August –

September, inclusive). The results of this survey will allow a detailed impact

assessment of the proposed works on breeding/hibernating bats to be undertaken

and will inform any necessary mitigation requirements.

Invertebrate surveys are scheduled to continue during August 2015. The completed

baseline report will be submitted upon completion of all surveys. This will include a

revision to conservation evaluation and impact assessment if considered necessary.

Provided the above mitigation measures are adhered to, it is considered that there

will be no significant residual adverse effects on ecological receptors on site.

In the long term, the restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake quarry will result in a net

gain in biodiversity interests in a timescale of 10-20 years as the site naturally

revegetates.



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Landscape and Visual Impact

A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment was undertaken in accordance with the

Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 2013, Third Edition.

Longstone Edge lies within the north east corner of the National Character Area3;

White Peak and the Landscape Character Area (LCA); Limestone Hills and Slopes.

The site and the study area (a radius of approximately 5km surrounding the site) are

located within the Peak District National Park landscape designation. Other

designated landscapes within the 5km study area, include Longshaw Country Park

and the Longstone Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Longstone Edge has been subject to mining and quarrying operations relating to vein

mineral and limestone since the 1950s. Both the Watersaw Mine compound and the

Bow Rake/High Rake quarry have the character of an industrial working landscape,

as does the 2.4km temporary haul road which connects the quarry with Cavendish

Mill to the north. The remainder of the wider site at Longstone Edge has a more

natural character with land occupied by pastoral grazing land, limestone grassland,

heathland and some smaller woodland areas and includes the successfully restored,

former quarries.

With the restoration plan for Bow Rake/High Rake following an east-west trend,

views of the Bow Rake/High Rake from the lower ground both to the north and

south are limited. However, the site is more visually prominent when viewed from

the higher ground to the east and from Longstone Edge itself. Woodland and the

topography of the landscape respectively screen/obstruct views of the quarry from

the southeast, and the northwest, west and southwest. In addition, the northern

face of the quarry is higher than the southern face of the quarry, this means the

northern ridge of the quarry acts as a visual screen from locations to the north of the

quarry.

The Watersaw Mine compound is very well screened from the surrounding area,

with the entrance to the site designed to screen the compound. Site visits have

confirmed that it is not possible to see the compound except from the higher ground

3 NCAs divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity, history, and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-

character-area-profiles-data-for-local-decision-making)



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on Longstone Moor immediately to the west of the site. The compound is not visible

from the north, east or south.

The principal of mitigation commences with the design of the restoration scheme

and is an iterative process, in that measures are taken, wherever possible, to adjust

the proposals to minimise adverse effects. The final lower level landform will enable

the retention of an attractive cliff feature and will still be sympathetic to the

surrounding landform in terms of slope gradients of the rest of the site. The site will

be allowed to naturally regenerate, as is already happening in some areas of the

wider Longstone Edge site, and thereby reduce the need to bring in restoration

materials from off site.

The overall direct impact of the operations on the character of the site is considered

to be moderate adverse (not significant). However, following restoration, this is

considered to be moderate to substantial beneficial (significant) due to the

improvement of the landscape and removal of operational works.

The proposed operations will not be visible over the full area of the Limestone Hills

and Slopes LCA. The local landform means that visibility of the site is limited to

localised areas immediately adjacent to the sites and also from Curbar Edge 4.5km to

the east (and in a different LCA). The overall impact on the Limestone Hills and

Slopes LCA, is considered to be slight adverse (not significant) during operations and

slight beneficial (not significant) following restoration.

The quarry and compound will not be perceptible from the majority of other LCAs

within the zone of theoretical visibility4 and 5km study area. The exception to this is

a small area around Curbar Edge on the boundary of Slopes and Valleys Woodland

LCA and Open Moors LCA; where the indirect impact of the proposals upon these

LCAs is assessed as slight adverse (not significant).

There will be a direct impact on the landscape resource of the Peak District National

Park (PDNP), where the site is located, however due to the lack of perceptibility of

the quarry and compound from the majority of the PDNP this has been assessed as

slight adverse (not significant) during operations and slight beneficial (not significant)

following restoration.

4 The Zone of Theoretical Visibility identifies land that, theoretically, is visually connected with the proposal. This is refined by site survey to confirm extent of visibility. (Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment,

2013, 3rd edition)



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There will be a moderate adverse (not significant) impact on views from the

Longstone Moor SSSI, due to the prolonged presence of the Watersaw Mine

Compound and its infrastructure of sheds and portacabins. Longstone Moor is the

only location where views of the compound are possible. Once restoration of the

compound has commenced and the infrastructure removed, there will be a

moderate to substantial (significant) beneficial impact on the visual amenity from

Longstone Moor towards the compound.

No other designated or sensitive receptors will experience anything more than slight

adverse to imperceptible impacts (not significant) as a result of the proposals.

No roads, major cycleways or railways will experience anything more than slight


No settlements or individual properties will experience anything more than slight


Public Rights of Way (PRoWs) immediately to the west of the Watersaw Mine

Compound and to the immediate south and east of the Bow Rake/High Rake Quarry

will experience the greatest magnitude of impacts.

Although the visual impact will not worsen, the negative visual intrusion of the

quarry and compound infrastructure will remain in place for an extended period of

time. This will result in up to a moderate to substantial (significant) adverse visual

impact for up to 20 years for sections of just two PRoW – GLRB22 and GLF44.

However, the eventual restoration will provide a moderate to substantial beneficial

(significant) visual impact on these same receptors.

The extension of the operational time period of the quarry does result in some minor

cumulative impacts. Whilst the extension of time does not add to the existing

baseline of quarries within the area, the quarry retention does increase the

perceptibility of a working/industrial landscape from a small number of receptors, in

particular the view westwards from Curbar Edge contains a number of other

quarries, particularly to the north and east of the site. However, the view remains

predominantly one of a rural landscape. Consequently, overall, the cumulative

impact of the extended lifetime of the quarry is assessed being slight adverse (not

significant).

Overall, the scheme will promote significant improvements and will both enhance

the landscape and biodiversity value of the site and surrounding areas.



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Cultural Heritage

The cultural heritage and archaeology assessment provides an evaluation of the

significance of known and potential heritage assets within the area surrounding

Watersaw Mine. Potential impacts through the proposed works to known and

potential heritage assets are established, their significance assessed and appropriate

mitigation measures for reducing these potential impacts are proposed where

relevant. The methodology was agreed with the Senior Conservation Archaeologist

at the Peak District National Park Authority.

There are no designated heritage assets within the boundary of the site. There is,

however, part of one Scheduled Monument, Cackle Mackle and Stadford Hollow

Lead Mines on Longstone Moor, located within the 1km search radius, with a Bowl

Barrow of Bronze Age date located just on the edge of the search radius. There are

11 non-designated heritage assets recorded within the 1km search radius.

The environmental appraisal that formed part of the preceding application (ref:

NP/DDD/0804/0947) concluded that the proposed works at Watersaw Mine would

have no direct impact on any nationally protected or recorded archaeological sites.

At present, the proposals in relation to the possible continuation of underground

working at Watersaw Mine have not been confirmed as the continuation of works is

only a possibility at this time. However, should BFL take the decision to resume

work, proposals will be developed further and the potential impact on archaeological

and cultural heritage will be assessed in accordance with the Scoping Opinion, prior

to the commencement of works. The current Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

assessment focuses on the proposals related to Watersaw Mine, as per the Scoping

Opinion, and is based on the information available regarding the proposals to date.

In respect of buried archaeological remains, the baseline assessment undertaken as

part of this report has indicated that whilst there is no evidence for historic lead

mining at Watersaw Mine itself, there is evidence for activity within the 1km search

radius. There is therefore the potential for below-ground archaeological remains

associated with lead mining to be revealed during modern mining operations. These

remains would be of local significance.

The assessment concludes that depending on the nature of future works at

Watersaw Mine, there would be a slight adverse impact to below ground

archaeological remains. There would be no physical impact to designated heritage



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assets which have been identified within a 1km radius of Watersaw Mine through

any above-ground works, as these will not form part of the proposals. The setting of

the designated heritage assets would also not be impacted.

Traffic and Transport

A Transport Statement (TS) relating to the proposals at Longstone Edge has been

undertaken by Curtins Consulting Ltd. The scope of the assessment was formulated

in consultation with Highways Officer at Derbyshire County Council.

The visibility splays in relation to the following routes; Watersaw Mine to Cavendish

Mine, from the mill to Bow Rake/High Rake quarry and Watersaw Mine to the mill

via the quarry, are considered acceptable and appropriate. Current and proposed

hours of operation are as specified in the current planning consent (see section 4).

Total number of lorry/dumper truck movements per day do not exceed 154, in line

with the current consent. There are no recorded collisions over the most recent five

year period available; 1st February 2010 to 31st January 2015.

The maximum number of vehicle movements likely to be generated by the proposals

at both Bow Rake/High Rake and Watersaw Mine, would signify a reduction in the

volume of traffic associated with operations at the site, compared to permitted

vehicle movements. It is therefore considered that the proposals would not have a

negative impact on the existing situation.

In light of the finding that there are no recorded collisions over the most recent five

year period available, it is not considered that there is an existing safety issue likely

to be exacerbated by the proposed operations.

The proposed haul routes will not change from the existing routes, and therefore

there would be no new access points. It is considered that the existing achievable

visibility splays are sufficient as vehicles will be travelling at reduced speed due to

topography and existing traffic calming warning signs. In addition, no additional

Public Rights of Way (PRoW) will be affected. As a result, it is considered that the

proposals would not have a significant impact on PRoW in the vicinity of the site.

As operations have proceeded without any recorded collisions and there will be a

reduction in vehicle movements as a result of the proposals, it is considered that

they would not have a significant impact on other users of the adopted highway and

haul road network.



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Although any environmental impact as a result of the continued operations would be

negligible, mitigation measures are proposed to minimise any adverse impacts that

might occur. These include but are not limited to; the onsite cleaning of vehicle

wheels and chassis before they enter the public highway, maintenance of access

points to ensure visibility splays are maximised and, the control of operational traffic

via a planning condition as per condition 31 of the existing consent

(NP/DDD/0804/0947).

The Transport Statement concluded that there are no reasons why the proposals

should not be granted planning approval from a traffic and transportation

perspective.

Air Quality and Dust

The air quality and dust assessment considers the potential air quality impacts

arising from road traffic emissions in relation to the proposals. A qualitative

assessment has also been undertaken of the potential nuisance dust effects resulting

from emissions from restoration works on site and vehicle movements along public

roads and private haul roads. The assessment focuses on the effects of dust from

these activities at existing human and ecological receptors, and also provides

information on the existing dust situation within the vicinity of the site.

The annual mean air quality objective for both NO2 and PM10 concentrations is

40μg/m3. The background pollutant concentrations at existing sensitive locations;

Bleaklow Farm, Longstone Moor Farm and 2 Bungalow at Cavendish Mill, are well

below these objectives. The total number of lorry/dumper truck movements per day

does not and will not exceed 154, in line with the current consent.

It is not anticipated that there will be any impacts associated with the operations

from road traffic emissions largely because background pollutant concentrations at

existing receptor locations are well below the annual mean air quality objective. In

addition, there will be no increase in the number of vehicle movements compared to

the permitted vehicle movements as per the current planning consent. In fact, as

shown in Table 2, the operations to restore Bow Rake/High Rake in conjunction with

the possible continuation of underground mining at Watersaw Mine represent a

reduction in vehicle movements compared to current operations undertaken within

the parameters of the current consent.



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It is predicted that the impact of dust on sensitive human and ecological receptors,

as a result of the proposals, will be not significant.

The effective implementation of dust mitigation measures in line with conditions 50

and 51 of the current planning consent, will ensure that dust generated at the site

will have an insignificant effect on Bleaklow Farm and Longstone Moor Farm.

It is not anticipated that either Bleaklow Farm or Longstone Moor Farm will

experience a cumulative impact in the event that both Bow Rake/High Rake and

Watersaw Mine are operational simultaneously.

Noise and Vibration

The noise and vibration assessment identifies and assesses the significance of the

likely noise and vibration impact of the proposals upon existing sensitive receptors

within the surrounding area as a result of the operational and restoration phases.

Bow Rake/High Rake is currently in the extractive phase, thus the proposal to

subsequently restore the quarry represents a continuation in operations, rather than

a new operation. The potential impacts associated with the proposed restoration

and underground mining, at existing sensitive receptors, was assessed in relation to

statutory noise limits that are set based on background noise levels. Potential noise

and vibration impacts are not predicted to exceed noise limits.

Sources of noise are likely to include vehicle and mobile plant movements, together

with the operation of any fixed plant.

Prior to the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, the noise generated

by the restoration operations at Bow Rake/High Rake may have a minor adverse

impact at the sensitive receptors located in the immediate vicinity of the quarry.

This would also be the case for Watersaw Mine, if underground working resumed.

Should blasting be employed at Watersaw Mine, the vibration generated from this

will have a negligible/not significant impact at the sensitive receptors located in the

immediate vicinity of the quarry/mine. In addition, this would occur for only limited

periods during the works.

Specific noise mitigation measures should not be required to attenuate noise as a

result of the proposals. However, the following mitigation measures are proposed to

ensure best practice:



LE12451/REP-003

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All plant and machinery will be regularly maintained to control noise

emissions, with particular emphasis on lubrication of bearings and the

integrity of silencers;

Adherence to any time limits imposed on noisy works by the MPA; and

A further measure to reduce noise levels at the sensitive receptors would

include, as far as possible, the avoidance of two noisy operations occurring

simultaneously in close proximity to the same sensitive receptor.

With appropriate mitigation measures in place, the restoration operations at Bow

Rake/High Rake will result in a negligible to minor adverse noise impact, which is

considered to be acceptable in the context of the site.

Vibration mitigation measures for blasting operations will be incorporated into a

monitoring scheme and will be controlled to at or below existing consented vibration

levels. Therefore vibration from blasting is not considered to be significant. The

vibration impacts of activities, other than blasting, will be negligible.

Without mitigation, cumulative noise levels from Cavendish Mine and restoration at

Longstone Edge will not exceed the noise limit at any existing sensitive receptors.

In conclusion, it is anticipated that there will be no significant adverse noise or

vibration impacts from the proposals either with or without the implementation of

the proposed mitigation measures.

Hydrology and Hydrogeology

The hydrology and hydrogeology assessment considered the impact of the proposals

on surface water levels and quality and groundwater levels and quality. The

activities and potential sources that may impact on these are identified as; the

emplacement of tailings and natural revegetation of the site, and fuel, oil and

chemical spills associated with the presence of restoration vehicles.

There is potential for localised effects on surface drainage following restoration and

the replacement of the quarry void with tailings and natural revegetation of the site.

However, rainfall does not tend to pond naturally and overland flow is extremely

limited away from the valleys, minor changes to local drainage will not cause any

significant impact on surface water flows or surface water quality.



LE12451/REP-003

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Seepage will occur from the tailings backfill to the water table5 during and following

completion of restoration. Crucial to determining the impact is the comparison

between the background water quality of the underlying aquifer and the quality of

the water draining from the tailings. Groundwater quality reported by the

Environment Agency for local soughs6 demonstrates high lead and zinc

concentrations and that current groundwater quality is influenced by historical mine

operations. A record from a nearby borehole, however, suggests that lower

concentrations of lead and zinc might be typical in areas unaffected by mining.

The impact of seepage from the deposited tailings on the local water environment

where the pathways include old mine workings is likely to be low to insignificant.

In summary, the proposed restoration works of High Rake and Bow Rake open cast

workings will have an insignificant effect on both surface water and groundwater

levels and quality. All the potential hazards carry a low significance of impact,

therefore no mitigation measures are required for the next 20 years and beyond.

Sallet Hole adit, a local sough, discharges to the Coombs Dale SSSI. Although there is

no conclusive evidence for a connection between underground workings at

Longstone Edge and the adit, the absence of water quality data from the adit and

adjacent springs is a gap in baseline data. Water quality monitoring from the Sallet

Hole adit and nearby springs is highly recommended prior to the commencement of

restoration and a monitoring plan should also be established for the duration of the

restoration.

Drainage and Flood Risk

The drainage and flood risk assessment assess the potential direct and indirect

impacts of the proposals on drainage and flood risk.

The site is located within Flood Zone 1, which is a low probability flood zone

classification. The proposed quarry restoration and re-commencement of

underground mining are classed as a ‘Less Vulnerable’ developments and therefore

the proposed works are considered appropriate within Flood Zone 1, in accordance

with national planning policy.

The Bow Rake/High Rake quarry and Watersaw Mine are not considered at risk of

flooding from the sea, sewers or other artificial sources. The risk of flooding to the

5 A water table is the level below which the ground is completely saturated with water. 6 A sough is an underground channel for draining water out of a mine.



LE12451/REP-003

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site from rivers, groundwater and overland flow has been assessed as low at both

locations.

During the operational phase, vehicle movements associated with the backfilling of

Bow Rake/High Rake are considered to have a negligible adverse impact at the site

as a whole, due to the short term duration of any compaction effects that may lead

to increased surface water runoff. In addition, all vehicles will follow agreed and

established haul roads in the quarry area, and there will be no risk of additional

ground being compacted in this location. With regards to the Watersaw Mine

compound area, this will not be modified should mining recommence, all haul roads

remain from previous mining activity and no further roads will be constructed.

There will therefore be no impact.

The impact from the ongoing backfilling and re-profiling of Bow Rake/High Rake on

the surface water drainage regime and flood risk is considered to be adverse, but

negligible, as any additional surface water runoff will not be directed off-site during

re-profiling and thus off-site flood risk will not be increased. The mine compound

area will not be modified should mining recommence, and there will be no impact.

Subsequent to the restoration of Bow Rake/High Rake, there will be an increase in

the area of land draining off site to the east, therefore the impact is considered to be

adverse and moderate. However, the natural revegetation of the Bow Rake/High

Rake will mitigate any long-term changes to overland flow drainage from the re-

profiling of the topography. The residual impact on drainage and flood risk is

therefore considered to be negligible.

A rock filled drainage trench will be constructed in the tailings material at the low

point in the north of the quarry where the majority of surface water will flow, to

assist with the drainage of any surface water in this location.

It is considered that the proposed works will be appropriate and will not negatively

impact upon the drainage of, or flood risk to and from, the application site.

Geotechnical

A geotechnical appraisal has been undertaken to determine which excavations and

tips represent a “Significant Hazard”, in line with the Quarries Regulations (1999),

the.

The geotechnical appraisal have identified that the majority of the slopes and tip

areas in Longstone Edge as significant hazards due to the height of the faces typically



LE12451/REP-003

Page 34

being greater than 15m, and the risk to quarry operators and plant if a rock fall

should occur. As progressive backfilling has taken place the overall height of the

faces has significantly reduced. However, with the exception of the eastern end the

faces are still recorded as significant hazards.

The geotechnical assessment is a detailed assessment of the stability of the currently

existing and proposed slopes. The assessment noted that while the faces pose

significant hazards, overall there are no signs of significant large scale deterioration

or instability.

Mitigation measures such as the formation of rock catch bunds and buttresses have

been incorporated into the restoration plans in order to ensure that no significant

hazards remain.

The final restoration levels will result in maximum slope heights of less than 15m and

as such the remaining slopes would not classify as a significant hazard under Quarry

Regulations (1999). It is considered that the proposed restoration scheme will

generate a stable environment which will not require any monitoring, maintenance

or inspection post closure. It is anticipated that only small scale rock falls, due to

seasonal variations and natural weathering of the rock mass, may occur after the

closure of Bow Rake/High Rake, and that these will not pose a threat to the stability

of the surrounding area, roads or endanger people in the vicinity.

In conclusion, no significant hazards will remain, subsequent to the implementation

of the restoration plans as proposed.



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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

British Fluorspar Limited is seeking planning permission to amend or remove

planning conditions of planning permission; NP/DDD/0804/0947. In essence, the

amendments to these conditions would extend the period of restoration of the

remaining opencast workings at Bow Rake/High Rake by 20 years to November 2035,

amend the final restoration levels of the quarry and allow the continuation of

underground mining at Watersaw Mine over the same period.

In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact

Assessment) Regulations 2011, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was

carried out to assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed

development on the site and its immediate surroundings.

The EIA and planning process has been accompanied by a comprehensive

programme of stakeholder consultation to keep them informed of the proposals and

to offer opportunities to express views and put forward recommendations.

The potential impacts have been considered according to several distinct topic areas,

and associated technical assessments undertaken. As far as is possible, the potential

significant adverse environmental impacts have been designed out of the proposals.

Any potential impacts that cannot be adequately designed out will be mitigated to

minimise impact.

In conclusion, there are no adverse individual or cumulative environmental impacts

of significance associated with the proposals at Longstone Edge. The operations to

restore Bow Rake/High Rake represent a reduction in the current level of activity

associated with the present extraction works. The restoration of Bow Rake/High

Rake is expected to result in a net gain in biodiversity interests in the long term and

enhance the landscape value of the site and the surrounding area.

The Environmental Statement, its supporting environmental assessments and the

Planning Supporting Statement have demonstrated the proposed development can

be undertaken within acceptable environmental limits and that the Peak District

National Park Authority can be satisfied.

LE12451/REP-003

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Documents

BRITISH FLUORSPAR LIMITED LONGSTONE EDGE WEST, GREAT ... · BRITISH FLUORSPAR LIMITED Longstone Edge West, Great Longstone Non-technical Summary LE12451/REP-003 Page 3 EIA APPROACH