Some are happy to see the snow fall
Nov 30 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
A WHITE blanket is covering what was previously a no-snow area for the first time in more than 40 years.
The snow is proving to be cold comfort for experts behind a complex £7m land reclamation scheme, who faced the task of excavating and extinguishing mining spoil which had been burning underground since the late 1960s.
Temperatures underground had reached 1,000C in some areas, with the heat transferring to the surface meaning that no snow had ever settled in that time.
Now the fact snow has remained on the site over the last few days is the final proof the operation has been a success.
Coal mining at the neighbouring Fenwick, Eccles and West Holywell collieries ended in the 1980s, leaving behind contaminated land and underground combustion in spoil heaps.
A regeneration project led by North Tyneside Council and the Homes and Communities Agency found uncontrolled combustion of colliery waste, making it impossible for snow to settle .
When the current snowfall set in, the project’s partners came together to witness it blanket on the newly-landscaped country park which now occupies the 87-scre site. North Tyneside mayor Linda Arkley said: “It’s fantastic to see snow returning to this site for the first time. For years this whole area was out of bounds to the public due to contamination, and now we have a safe, green area which can provide a recreational space for local families.”
Martin Boys, investment and regeneration manager at the Homes and Communities Agency said: “The reappearance of snow right across the site shows just how thoroughly this land has been transformed.”
The reclamation project saw engineers excavate over 120,000 cubic metres of burning waste.
The 15-month project saw contractors Carillion Civil Engineering and lead consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff work on a range of projects, including stabilising huge lagoons of slurry by installing cement columns.
Excavated spoil material was cooled, compacted and covered with a layer of glacial clay, to prevent future burning.
Further remediation work was required on the site of the nearby Eccles pit – formerly known as Backworth Colliery – including removal of industrial contaminants and remaining building foundations.
A collapsed culvert was also removed, making it possible to reinstate Brierdene Burn as an open watercourse.
In addition, the area has been extensively landscaped, with a new network of footpaths added.
Other works included the capping of two shafts and removal of a former motor yard close to the site of West Holywell pit.
The former waggonway, once used to transport coal from the mines, was also upgraded with an additional layer of clay, a whinstone path and new hedgerow planting.
“This project has transformed a significant health and safety hazard into a place local people can enjoy safely,” said Mr Boys.
