Water Quality Benefits Assessment

RPA has undertaken a benefit assessment for the Mining Remediation Authority.  

The study provided analysis of the water quality related impacts that could potentially occur from three identified mine water management options. The assessment covered both groundwater and surface water: 

• For the groundwater dimension, the benefits assessment considered the value of upholding the WFD principle of “no deterioration” in waterbody status, recognising that declines in quality can affect licensed abstractors including those supplying public water and supporting agricultural uses.   

• For the surface water dimension, the assessment examined the loss of benefits that would arise from the uncontrolled discharge of untreated mine water, including potential impacts on water quality, ecosystems, and associated human uses of the relevant waterbodies. 

The assessment applied a replacement cost approach to value the potential impacts on abstraction. The surface water calculations used a mixture of market and non-market values to monetise several impact categories.  

The results will aid the Mining Remediation Authority’s decision making on the best way to manage rising mine water at the former coal mine.  

This report adds to RPA’s extensive footprint in the fields of Water & Natural Capital.