Muir Dean Surface Mine Annﬁ eld Extension€¦ · basis, it is anticipated that the Muir Dean Surface Mine, including the Annﬁ eld Extension, would be fully restored by the end

Purpose of this Non-Technical SummaryThis report presents, in non-technical language, the fi ndings of a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment that has been undertaken in connection with the proposed Annfi eld Extension to the Muir Dean Surface Mine (hereafter referred to as the Annfi eld Extension). The full report, known as an Environmental Statement, has been submitted with the planning application.

LocationThe existing Muir Dean Surface Mine Site and the proposed Annfi eld Extension are located ~1km east of the stretch of M90 motorway between junctions 2 and 2A, and ~3 km north of Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay on the northern side of the Firth of Forth. The nearest settlement is the small town of Crossgates, which is situated more than 0.5 km to the north of the existing site. Otherwise, the existing site and its proposed extension are fringed by a small number of farmsteads and individual / small groupings of properties.

The Site and Development ProposalsThe proposed Annfi eld Extension consists of two small and separate parcels of land that border the western and southern boundaries of the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine. The western parcel of land covers an area of approximately (~) 20.9 ha, whilst the southern parcel of land covers an area of ~19.6 ha. The proposed layout of the Annfi eld Extension and how this fi ts in with existing and future operations within the main Muir Dean Surface Mine is shown over the page. It is proposed that the western area would be worked fi rst, with mining anticipated to commence in spring 2012. This would be achieved by advancing the existing mining operations in a southerly direction through the current site boundary that is formed by the Quaw Burn. The excavation would then progress across the eastern part of Broomieside Lane and past Annfi eld Farm. Towards the end of operations within the western extension area, operations would commence in the southern extension area, which is located to the south of the Craiganet Burn and mining in the two areas would continue

Site

Location

Muir Dean Surface MineAnnfi eld ExtensionNon Technical Summary

Annfi eld Extension - Non Technical Summary

simultaneously. Soils stripped from the fi elds to be worked would be temporarily stockpiled in adjacent mounds, which would be strategically positioned to provide both visual and noise screening of the site operations.

The Annfi eld Extension would involve the working of ~335 000 tonnes of coal, approximately 90% of which would be recovered from the western extension. The coal would be processed on site by the existing coal preparation area and dispatched at the same average rate of ~10 000 tonnes per week as the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine. Based upon how much coal has already been removed from the main Muir Dean site and what has yet to be extracted, it is anticipated that the removal of coal from the combined mining operations would be completed by the end of May 2013. The entire site would then undergo a period of fi nal restoration, which would take a total period of 18 months, before a 5 year period of land aftercare begins. On this basis, it is anticipated that the Muir Dean Surface Mine, including the Annfi eld Extension, would be fully restored by the end of November 2014. Since the existing permission was for a total period of 6 years (or 72 months) and the existing Muir Dean site commenced operations in April 2008, the Annfi eld Extension would result in an overall extension of the project timescale of only 8 months.

As with the existing Muir Dean site, the proposed Annfi eld Extension would be worked within normal daytime hours only (i.e. 7am to 7pm) during weekdays, and 7am to 1pm on Saturdays. No operations would take place on Sundays or bank holidays. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the additional coal from the site would continue to serve a number of markets, including both power generation (presently via Longannet Power Station) and the industrial sector.

Site RestorationA holistic approach has been taken to designing a restoration plan for the proposed Annfi eld Extension. It is in this context that consideration has been given as to how the restored extension would ultimately fi t in with the permitted restoration plan for the wider Muir Dean Surface Mine site.

Overall, the restoration design for the proposed extension (as with the existing Muir Dean site) seeks to replicate the best of the existing landscape, whilst also providing landscape enhancement. The design therefore includes a wide range of vegetation that includes native broadleaf woodland, hedgerows, wetland and productive agricultural fi eld units. Specifi cally, the proposed native woodland

Site Layout Plan

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Annfi eld Extension - Non-Technical Summary

planting would cover approximately 0.9 ha (a direct replacement for that which would be lost to the east of Drum House), with improved hedgerows across the extension area extending to 1.8 km from the current 0.8 km. Additionally, enhanced public access facilities have been included in the restoration design. Most notably, an existing 490 m stretch of the Fordell Mineral Railway (FMR) would be reinstated along its original route, as too would the part of the east-west access from the B981 to the FMR that falls within the boundary of the proposed extension.

AlternativesCoal can only be worked where it occurs and signifi cant quantities are potentially available from the proposed Annfi eld Extension. The only alternative to the extraction of coal from this site is therefore the provision of coal resources from other surface mining sites, the limited number of remaining deep mines located in England, or most likely from coal imported from overseas.

Coal continues to be a very important source of energy (and particularly power generation) in the UK, with coal consumption in 2009 reaching almost 50 million tonnes. Most of the coal demand (around 65%) was supplied by

imports from overseas, with UK coal production falling to one of its lowest recorded level in 2009 of just under 18 million tonnes. Around 50% of the imported coal is sourced from Siberia and travels by rail over a distance of 4 000 km before being loaded onto ships at the Baltic Ports for onward shipment to the UK. By sourcing the UK’s coal requirements from domestic supplies, the environmental (and fi nancial) implications of transporting coal over such large distances are negated.

Planning Context and Environmental Impact AssessmentBecause of the scale and nature of the development, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken in respect of the proposed Annfi eld Extension. The purpose of the EIA is to identify how people and environmental resources (collectively known as receptors) could be affected by the mining proposals and to put forward measures (often referred to as mitigation) that would avoid, minimise or offset any negative effects. To achieve this, an Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared following a consultation (or scoping) exercise, involving the planning department of the Fife Council and other key organisations. Details of the proposals were widely circulated to these

Site Restoration Plan

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Annfi eld Extension - Non Technical Summary

bodies and their responses used to inform the scope and content of the EIA. Experts in a wide range of disciplines carried out the environmental studies, and the fi ndings are summarised below. A Public Information Exhibition (PIE) was also held at Crossgates Community Hall in July 2010 to give members of the public an opportunity to comment on the draft proposals for the scheme and the feedback that was received has been used to inform the EIA.

Site GeologyThe geology of the additional land to be mined as part of the Annfi eld Extension areas is similar to that of the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine. Indeed the western extension area would enable most of the remaining coals from the localised geological syncline to be removed. As such, with the exception of the highest seam (Glassee), six of the seven seams present within the existing site would be recovered from Annfi eld Extension (see below). The new proposals would also enable a deeper seam in the coal sequence (Smithy) to be extracted from two shallow excavations that are located on the southern side of the Annfi eld Fault within both the western and southern extension areas.

GroundwatersPrior to the commencement of dewatering operations within the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine, the underground water system (hydrogeology) in the locality of the site was controlled by the Fordell Day Level (FDL). This is an old mine drainage tunnel that was constructed in the 18th Century to provide drainage to the collieries of the time in the surrounding coalfi eld. This drain started to the north of Crossgates and fl ows beneath the centre of the existing site at a depth of 50-60 m below the ground surface, before emptying into the Fordell Burn within the Fordell Estate to the south of the site.

Although groundwater began to be encountered within the operational voids of the existing site since November 2008 and has been pumped at rates of 463 litres per second since February 2009, the FDL was only fi nally exposed in the northern face of the main excavation area in April

2010. The groundwater is currently collected in sumps at the base of the excavation voids and is then pumped to the Minewater Treatment Facility (MTF) which is located at the northern end of the site. The MTF treats the groundwater, which is mainly contaminated with iron, by initially passing it down an aeration cascade. This encourages the iron that is dissolved in the water to oxidise and turn into a solid material (known as iron ochre), which then settles to the bottom of the oxidation lagoons that provide the next stage

of the treatment process. The partially treated groundwater then fl ows through two reed beds which act as fi lters to remove most of the remaining iron content within the water, before the clean water is discharged to the Muir Row Burn. When the MTF fi rst became operational, the treated water was initially discharged to the original course of the Muir Row Burn, but since August 2010, the temporary diversion channel of the burn has been receiving the treated fl ows.

As part of the existing planning commitments for the Muir Dean Surface Mine, the effects on hydrogeological receptors from the operational dewatering are monitored and reported on a quarterly basis to a forum known as the Technical Review Panel (TRP). This body comprises representatives from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), The Coal Authority and Fife Council, together with ATH Resources and its technical consultants – Entec UK. The receptors considered include the many

Geological Cross Section from West to East through the Western Area of the Annfi eld Extension and the Existing Muir Dean Surface Mine.

The Exposed FDL Discharging into the Muir Dean Operational Void


springs and watercourses that are located in the vicinity of the site, together with local non statutory Wildlife Sites and the statutory Site of Special Scientifi c Interest (SSSI) at Otterston Loch, which is located ~1.5 km to the southeast of the site. This monitoring has confi rmed that none of these features have been signifi cantly adversely affected by site dewatering.

Since the development proposals would involve the extension to the west of the existing operational voids, together with the creation of two shallow excavations in the southern extension area, detailed consideration has been given to the effects on selected groundwater receptors. However, although the proposals would involve an extension of the period of time when dewatering is taking place from the operational voids, and a corresponding delay to when it would be carried out from the proposed pumping shaft that would be constructed within the backfi ll of the existing site, it has been concluded that there would be no change to the conclusions of the original assessment. This means that the effects from dewatering would be not signifi cant. This is unsurprising because dewatering from the proposed extension areas would be undertaken from shallower depths than is currently the case at the Muir Dean Surface Mine. Furthermore, it has been determined by the hydrogeological investigations that have been undertaken in recent years, that a large proportion of the fl ows within the FDL are related to surface water infi ltration to the groundwater system upstream from the site.

In addition, and in common with the existing mining scheme, consideration has been given to groundwater conditions following the backfi lling and restoration of the site. However, since the rock to be excavated from Annfi eld Extension has the same or similar characteristics to that of the neighbouring Muir Dean Surface Mine, the same

outcome has been predicted. Consequently, it is anticipated that much of the backfi lled rock within Annfi eld Extension would be located above the level to which groundwater would return following completion of site operations and the installation of the pumping shaft. Furthermore, it has been determined following detailed assessment and the design of a backfi ll risk strategy, that the backfi lled rock would be able to neutralise the small quantities of acidic water that might be generated from the excavated and subsequently backfi lled overburden.

Surface Waters

The Muir Row Burn, which fl ows through the centre of the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine between it northeast and southwest corners, together with the fi nal 71 m long straight stretch of its tributary - the Quaw Burn, have been temporarily diverted since August 2010 to facilitate coal extraction operations. In autumn 2011, works will commence on the permanent reinstatement of the Muir Row Burn to a new alignment. The design of the restored watercourse includes provision for numerous improvements that will include additional natural watercourse features, including meanders and several clusters of off line ponds, which will enhance the valley’s habitat value. The diversion works and the burn restoration proposals have been carried out in accordance with the appropriate legislation and in consultation with SEPA. Since the temporary diversion channel of the Muir Row Burn, together with the additional section of the Quaw Burn and the lower reach of the existing Muir Row Burn are located between the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine and the western area of the Annfi eld Extension, it would be necessary to remove these watercourses to facilitate the development. However, this

MTF Reedbeds

MTF Aeration Cascade


would only take place from spring 2012, once the restored Muir Row Burn is receiving upstream surface water fl ows.

Throughout most of the operational life of the Annfi eld Extension, it would be necessary to collect the Quaw Burn water and pump it to the upstream Muir Row Burn for discharge. The Quaw Burn would then be reinstated during the fi nal phase of site restoration to once again connect to the Muir Row Burn. The downstream reach of the reinstated Quaw Burn would be 189 m longer and much more sinuous than the watercourse that it would replace.

The construction of the new sections of watercourse that have already been agreed with SEPA, together with those that are proposed as part of the Annfi eld Extension development, would lead to longer-term improvements in the characteristics and performance of the burns, and from the reduced risk of leakage into the underlying geology. It is therefore concluded that any adverse effects that arise from the proposals would be offset by the benefi ts that would be realised following restoration.

The risk of contamination from surface water run-off mainly relates to the erosion of fi ne soil particles, which can discolour or cloud the water. During times of heavy rainfall this effect can be dramatic and without control, and this water can wash into downstream watercourses and deposit quantities of sediment along the riverbed, thereby affecting the appearance and ecology of the river. To deal with this problem at Annfi eld Extension, the two additional water treatment areas would be provided. The run-off would be subject to fl ow balancing during periods of heavy rainfall and then directed to settlement lagoons, where the fi ne particles have time to settle, before the clean treated water is discharged to the receiving watercourses in accordance with limits laid down by SEPA. Fuel storage on the site would also continue to be carefully controlled and each treatment area would be equipped with oil traps to provide additional protection of downstream contamination from chemicals.

SoilsThe land which makes up the proposed Annfi eld Extension is primarily agricultural land (arable and pasture), with a very small amount of woodland. These include the normal divisions of topsoil and subsoil, but also incorporate other differences including soils of varying quality. The land has also been classifi ed in terms of its suitability for agricultural use, with approximately 13% (5.2 ha) being designated as prime quality agricultural land.

As with the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine, the design of the proposed extension includes provision for the separate stripping and storage of the various soil types and this, together with handling when dry, would both preserve quality and enable the site to be used for an appropriate after use.

In terms of restoration, the design includes provision for restoring an equivalent amount of the productive best agricultural land, whilst including other benefi ts such as reinstated broadleaved woodland planting, hedgerows, other grassland/ pastureland and wetland areas. Taking all these factors into account, it has been concluded that the site could be developed without causing any signifi cant adverse effects on soil quality.

Temporary Diversion of the Muir Row Burn


BiodiversityThe assessment of biodiversity at the proposed extension has involved consultation with all of the key organisations, including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Scottish Executive Rural and Environment Directorate and Fife Environmental Recording Network (FERN).

Whilst there are no important nature conservation sites located within the boundary of the proposed Annfi eld Extension, one nationally signifi cant Site of Special Scientifi c Interest (SSSI) and three local Wildlife Sites are located within 2 km of the proposed development. However, none of these have been predicted to be signifi cantly affected by the proposed site operations.

Several ecological surveys have also been carried out with respect to the Annfi eld Extension. These commenced with an overall survey, known as a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, which was subsequently followed by detailed otter, water vole, badger, bat and breeding bird surveys. These surveys have been used to describe the existing situation within the site and to identify the potentially sensitive ecological receptors, both in terms of plant (fl ora) and animal (fauna) life.

Although a small area of long established semi-natural broadleaved woodland located in the garden of Drum House would be lost as part of the proposals, in the longer term this would be compensated for by its replacement with woodland comprising an enhanced species mix, incorporating locally native trees such as oaks, birch (hazel (Corylus avellana), aspen, ash, rowan and Scots pine. Furthermore, since bluebell is identifi ed as a Fife Local Biodiversity Action Plan priority species, bluebells would be included in the ground fl ora.

The advanced survey work concluded that, as with the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine, the Annfi eld Extension land provides suitable habitat for bats and badgers. Two badgers setts have been identifi ed within the proposed excavation limit of the site, but their loss would be mitigated by the creation of at least one artifi cial badger sett. This would be positioned in a suitable location as far away as practicable from active site operations. Similar works have already been undertaken within the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine (see insert). Extensive bat mitigation measures have already been undertaken at the Muir Dean Surface Mine and these include the erection of a ‘bat house’ (a place where bats can roost and/or hibernate) in the southwest corner of the site, together with 10 bat boxes on nearby mature trees. Further mitigation is planned within the proposed Annfi eld Extension and the measures include the retention of mature trees along the FMR and Craiganet Burn, the erection of additional 12 bat boxes, enhanced landscape planting near to the bat house and the provision of a range of habitats of benefi t to foraging and commuting bats, including fi eld boundaries, woodland and water features within the restoration proposals.

There is little evidence that the Annfi eld Extension is used by other protected species. With respect to otters and water voles, the existing burns do not provide particularly suitable habitat. However, the designs of the restored Muir Row and Quaw Burns would provide more suitable habitats for these species, and it is also proposed to construct an artifi cial otter holt at a suitable location along the Muir Row Burn within the existing site.

Existing Bat Box Erected on Mature Tree Along the FMR

Artifi cial Badger Sett


Although evidence of red squirrels was found within the woodland at the existing site, there are no signs that the species is present within the Annfi eld Extension. Despite this, the restored site would provide improved connectivity to the woodland in the wider areas, including woodland created as part of the restoration of the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine, which would be of benefi t to red squirrels.

Cultural HeritageThere are a small number of recorded features of cultural heritage interest within the application boundary. Specifi cally, historic mapping dating from the mid eighteenth century shows the presence of possible agricultural buildings in one location in the southern extension area and two within the western area. These features are of potential local importance and with this in mind, and given the potential for previously unrecorded remains to exist within small areas of the site, development would be preceded by a programme of archaeological investigation and recording. This would comprise targeted trial trenching, with provision for subsequent excavation and recording of remains if required. It has been confi rmed by Fife’s Archaeologist that this approach would be acceptable.

In addition, as the southern part of the proposed extension falls within the Fordell Castle Historic Garden and Designed Landscape (HGDL), consideration has been given to the effect that the proposed extension would have on the historic value of this designation. It has been concluded that whilst there would be a loss of some features (i.e. some fi eld boundaries; and an air shaft of the Fordell Day Level), these are peripheral to the overall designation, and as such, do not contribute signifi cantly to its historical value. It has therefore been concluded that the proposed extension would not have signifi cant adverse effects on the HGDL.

LandscapeLandscape is defi ned as ‘the whole of our external environment’, and for the purposes of the Environmental Assessment of the landscape effects of the proposed Annfi eld Extension, it has been related to three kinds of receptor. The fi rst of these relates to landscape character, which is determined by experts through the allocation of geographical areas at a regional or local level. In respect of the Annfi eld Extension, the assessment has focussed at a regional level on the landscape character type known as ‘Lowland Hills and Valleys’ and at a more local level on landscape character unit ‘Fordell LH36’. The other receptors include landscape designations, in this case the Fordell Castle HGDL, and the physical landscape features

that exist within (or in close proximity) to the site. Five landscape features have been identifi ed as receptors and these include existing woodland, watercourses, farmland, fi eld boundaries and the Fordell Mineral Railway.

In respect of landscape character types/ units, the assessment has concluded that the proposed development would not have any signifi cant adverse effects. This is because the incremental changes associated with the Annfi eld Extension alongside the main Muir Dean Surface Mine are not considered to be of suffi cient scale to signifi cantly affect the existing character. Furthermore, although the southern part of the proposed extension includes land within the Fordell Castle HGDL, given the characteristics of the fi elds affected; their relative position to the Fordell Estate, and the fact that they only represent a small proportion (6%) of the HGDL, it has been concluded that the effects on this designation would be not signifi cant.

The assessment has also concluded that the small area of broadleaved woodland to the east of Drum House, which would be removed by working of the western extension area, would be signifi cantly adversely affected. This is due to the woodland being long established, with 82% of the total area to be felled. Furthermore, it is acknowledged that it would be some time before any replacement planting would reach a similar level of maturity, although in compensation this woodland would be reinstated with an enhanced species mix as part of the restoration proposals.

View Across Reedbed to Operational Site


Finally, although adverse effects would also occur with respect to the other landscape features identifi ed, the assessment has concluded that these are considered to be not signifi cant. All of these losses would be compensated for by the implementation of the restoration plan, which would lead to an enhancement of the landscape within the site boundary as individual elements gradually establish and mature.

Views of the Annfi eld ExtensionAn assessment of where the proposed development can be seen from within a maximum radius of 5 km from the proposed extension (based on existing and predicted features such as soil mounds) has been carried out. This is known as a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) and is shown shaded yellow on the plan above.

A total of six viewpoints have been selected and agreed with Fife Council and SNH, and these are also highlighted on the plan. These have been chosen to be representative of the residential receptors and public places which are most likely to experience adverse visual effects. In addition, the assessment has evaluated views from thirteen other close

residential properties, together with four nearby settlements, the main transportation links and local tourist destinations. With the exception of the residential properties at Annfi eld, the owners of which are participating in the scheme, any adverse visual effects would not be signifi cant. Where signifi cant adverse effects have been predicted, these would be short term and reversible, and that the restoration proposals would provide a visually enhanced landscape over time.

NoiseThe assessment of the proposed Annfi eld Extension has focussed on six representative residential locations in the immediate vicinity of the development. However, as some of these locations comprise groupings of properties, effectively the noise assessment has been extended to cover a total of twenty individual residential properties. These, together with the basis of the assessment, have been agreed with Fife Council’s Environmental Health Department (FCEHD).

As the proposed extension would work from 0700 to 1900 during the week and from 0700 to 1300 on Saturdays (i.e. on the same basis as the existing Muir Dean site), it has

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Key

Application boundary

Annfield Extension area

5km radius study area

Area from which surveyed landform (2010) is theoretically visible

Viewpoint location

1. Annfield Cottages2. Fordell Castle HGDL3. Overpass on the M904. Minor road near chapel5. Hill of Beath6. North Duloch

5km Zone of Theoretical Visibility

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been assumed that the maximum daytime noise limit of 55 dB(A), given in current Scottish planning guidance, would be applied. To put this into context, 50 dB(A) is what would be experienced in a normal offi ce environment, whilst 60 dB(A) is equivalent to a normal conversation. However, some properties have been set lower noise limits to refl ect their quieter existing noise environment.

Noise predictions have been carried out for all the noise receptors at each working phase and these have been based on worst-case assumptions in respect of machine location, actual operating time and weather conditions. The predictions have been generated by bespoke computer software that enables the site design and phasing to be refi ned with the objective of minimising the levels of noise that would be experienced by receptors. It has therefore been used to inform the mitigation requirements, notably along the western boundary near to the Annfi eld group of properties, and has demonstrated that the proposed Annfi eld Extension would be able to operate within the relevant noise limits for normal daytime working at all nearby receptors.

Blasting and Vibration

Because of the nature of the rocks to be excavated, it is proposed to carry out blasting in the proposed Annfi eld Extension. A total of nine representative residential vibration sensitive receptors at seven locations have been considered in the assessment. It has been predicted that when the recommended maximum levels of explosive material is used and good blast design techniques are adopted, vibration levels at all of these properties would be less than the recommended thresholds set out in the appropriate British Standards. Consideration has also been given to the vibration effects at the water tower at Pitadro Craigs, which is located ~700 m south east of the proposed excavation area. This is partly in response to consultation feedback from a member of the public. As an industrial receptor, this structure is less sensitive to vibration than residential properties, although the proposed mitigation measures that have been incorporated into the proposals would ensure that vibration levels would be well below those needed to ensure signifi cant adverse effects do not arise.

Predicted Noise Levels for the First Working Phase of Annfi eld Extension

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DustThe main air quality issue that the public associates with surface mining is the generation of dust. This is because the method of mining involves large-scale excavation and the handling of potentially dry materials. In addition to operations involving the excavation and processing of rock and coal, dust generation at surface mining sites is mainly associated with the transportation of materials by dump trucks on unsurfaced haul roads. However, the overall potential for dust effects from the proposed extension is dependant upon distance from the main potentially dust generating activities and whether a property (or receptor) is located downwind of the activity for a signifi cant proportion of time.

At the Annfi eld Extension, the potential for dust effects is low due to the small number of sensitive receptors located in close proximity to the main site operations. Indeed, there are only three groups of potentially sensitive dust receptors located within 500 m of the proposed Annfi eld Extension (properties at Annfi eld, Vantage and North Dulloch). However, it is important to note that each of these receptors is generally located upwind of the site. This factor, together with the use of water spray systems on haul roads and on working faces, means that the risk of dust effects at these receptors has been assessed as not signifi cant.

Consideration has also been given to the risk of site generated dust having an adverse effect on potentially sensitive vegetation, most notably at the Moss Easy Wildlife Site, which is located approximately 500 m to the east of the southern part of the proposed extension. However, the risk of dust affecting this site is not considered to be signifi cant because of its position relative to the proposed extension, presence of intervening screening vegetation and the dust control measures that would be implemented.

Mineral TransportationCoal would be transported internally from the proposed extension areas to the coal preparation area already located in the northern part of the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine site. Following processing, the coal would then be loaded into lorries with ~29 tonnes capacity, for transportation to market via the existing road network. In terms of the number of vehicle movements associated with the proposed extension, the site would continue to operate at the existing average weekly output levels of ~10 000 tonnes per week.

Mineral traffi c associated with the proposed Annfi eld Extension would continue to leave the site from the existing site access onto the B981. From there, vehicles would travel south towards Inverkeithing on the agreed haulage route. At a double roundabout junction with the A921, HGVs would turn right to travel west and continue along the A921 for less than 1 km before reaching Junction 1 of the M90. From here it is proposed that coal destined for Longannet would use the A985(T) through Rosyth and beyond, with coal destined for other markets joining the M90 motorway. This is the route that is currently used by all HGVs despatching coal from the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine.

A detailed assessment of the transportation related effects of the proposed development has been carried out, with the focus being on HGV traffi c. In so doing, detailed consideration has been given to a range of points that were raised by members of the public during the consultation event that was held in Crossgates in July 2010. This has resulted in the evaluation of the accident history along the haulage route; the investigation of concerns relating to speeding vehicles on the B981; and the review of existing road conditions to identify whether measures could be taken to deal with a reported problem relating to the noise disturbance caused by lorry wheels dropping into existing road gulleys on the inside corner of a bend in the road

Water Bowser

Loading of Coal HGV


near the entrance to the Fordell Estate. In addition, since the A985(T) did not form part of the originally envisaged haulage route for coal from the existing site, its suitability has been considered in terms of its capacity to deal with site HGV traffi c, and it has also been assessed in terms of the environmental effects on other highway users, including pedestrians. An assessment of the cumulative effects with other similar developments has also been undertaken.

The assessment has confi rmed that in all respects the development proposals would not lead to any signifi cant adverse effects. Furthermore ATH Resources is prepared to agree to revisions to the existing legal agreement with Fife Council to confi rm the proposed measures relating to the condition and maintenance of the B981.

CommunityThe proposed Annfi eld Extension has the potential to affect the community in a number of ways. Over and above the effects on amenity, (which have been covered by other sections of this Non-Technical Summary), the other key ways that the extended surface mining operations can affect the local community relate to issue surrounding socio-economics and recreation.

In terms of socio-economics, it is predicted that the Annfi eld Extension would directly and indirectly lead to the continued sustenance of the 70 direct jobs that were created by the Muir Dean Surface Mine - 30 more jobs than was originally envisaged at the time of the main Muir Dean application in 2005. Furthermore, another 88 jobs are estimated to have been generated indirectly in the wider economy, and these too would be sustained for longer by the proposed development. Although it is recognised that the jobs to be safeguarded are only for a limited period of time, given the fact that most are locally based (84% within 25 km of the site), they are nevertheless important in the context of Fife. The proposed development would also continue to benefi t a wide range of businesses that would serve the site and its employees.

Regarding recreation, the focus of the assessment has been on two stretches of existing and proposed footpath that for health and safety reasons would be temporarily closed and diverted during surface mining operations:

Proposed Coal Haulage Route

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• The Fordell Mineral Railway (an additional stretch of approximately 500 m, which runs in a north south direction from Broomieside Lane to the point where the Muir Row Burn becomes the Fordell Burn); and

• An approximate 200 m length of Broomieside Lane between Drum House and its junction with the FMR.

To compensate for the temporary closure of these short stretches of path, an alternative route would be way marked, which would take advantage of a route already recommended by Fife Council in their draft Core Paths Plan. This would follow an existing route that runs southwards, parallel to the western side of the B981, which then links into a network of existing paths and tracks that pass through the Fordell Estate to ultimately connect with the southern stretches of the FMR, near Vantage. In the longer term, the length of Broomieside Lane that would be removed would be replaced and a new improved quality (surfaced) path would be provided along the affected length of the FMR. Taken together, all of these measures would ensure that any adverse effects would not be signifi cant.

In addition, ATH Resources has set up a Fife Minerals Trust Fund as part of the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine project. This Trust Fund was launched in October 2009 and involves ATH pledging 25p for every tonne of coal extracted. To date ~£200 000 has been paid into the fund and on the basis that the existing permission is for the extraction of ~2 million tonnes of coal, a further £300 000 is expected to be paid over the next 3 years. If the proposed Annfi eld Extension is permitted, more than £80 000 of additional funds would be made available for community projects.

Cumulative Effects

Consideration has been given to whether any of the individual effects of the proposed development would combine to create a cumulative effect that is greater than the sum of the individual effects. This has mainly been done by looking at the cumulative effects on settlements and individual properties, although other environmental receptors have also been assessed. The effects of an operational Annfi eld Extension, working at the same time as other minerals (and waste) site on settlements in the locality, have also been considered.

In the context of cumulative effects, nine separate receptors have been assessed – the settlement of Crossgates; residential properties / groupings of properties at Annfi eld, North Dulloch and Vantage; Otterston Loch SSSI; three wildlife sites in the immediate vicinity of the proposed extension and the Fordell Castle HGDL.

Regarding the potential for the effects from the working of the Annfi eld Extension to combine to cause cumulative adverse effects, in terms of the human receptors, it has been concluded that none of these would experience signifi cant cumulative effects. A similar conclusion has been reached in respect of the other environmental receptors.

In respect of the settlement of Crossgates, existing planning policy also requires that an overall assessment of how the proposed development would combine with the effects of existing minerals and waste operations within 5 km of this small town be carried out. Specifi cally, this has focused on the cumulative effect of the proposed Annfi eld Extension with a total of six other minerals sites, although only three of these were considered to have the potential to lead to signifi cant cumulative effects. These are St Ninians/ Thornton Wood Surface Mine to the northwest of the site, together with Goat Quarry and Easter Bucklyvie Quarry, which are located to the east. However, it has been concluded that the Annfi eld Extension could operate alongside these other minerals sites without giving rise to substantial adverse cumulative effects.

Mining Relic at Entrance to Crossgates


ConclusionsThe development proposals have been assessed in respect of relevant planning policy and it has been predicted that the proposed development would lead to many environmental effects, both adverse and benefi cial. However, only a handful of these are considered to be signifi cant in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 and therefore important enough to infl uence the decision as to whether planning permission should be granted based on a balance of the effects. In respect of the Annfi eld Extension, the EIA has concluded that signifi cant adverse effects are only predicted to occur in respect of receptors at Annfi eld, i.e. in landscape terms in relation to the loss of broadleaved woodland at Drum House, and in visual terms in relation to Annfi eld Cottages, Drum House, and Annfi eld Farmhouse.

These signifi cant effects need to be balanced against the fact that the proposed Annfi eld Extension would only extend existing operations for 8 months and also that the owners of the affected properties at Annfi eld are participating in the proposed scheme. Furthermore, all adverse effects would be mitigated in the longer term, once the site has been restored and the proposed landscape enhancement measures have been realised.

In addition, although not signifi cant in the context of the Environmental Statement, benefi cial effects are predicted to arise from the proposed extension. The most important of

these relates to the continued and extended management of the long-term minewater pollution problems associated with the Fordell Day Level. This would lead to further improvements (over and above those already achieved in the context of the existing Muir Dean Surface Mine) in both groundwater quality and the condition of the Fordell and Keithing Burns.

In overall terms, on the basis of the detailed assessments of the environmental effects that have been carried out, it is concluded that the proposed development is environmentally acceptable and that there is no substantive reason why it should not be permitted.

What Happens Next?Prior to making a decision on the planning application, Fife Council will seek advice from the SEPA, Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage other consultees and will make the full Environmental Statement available for examination by members of the public. Copies may also be purchased from ATH Resources at a cost of £200.00. Alternatively, electronic versions of the application documentation are available on CD at a cost of £5.00. Copies of the Non-Technical Summary are available free of charge.

For more information, please contact Stuart Ray or Lee Weatherall at

ATH Resources, Aardvark House, Sidings Court, Doncaster, DN4 5NU - Tel: 01302 760462 or e-mail: [email protected] or

[email protected]

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Muir Dean Surface Mine Annﬁ eld Extension€¦ · basis, it is anticipated that the Muir Dean Surface Mine, including the Annﬁ eld Extension, would be fully restored by the end