Below is Press Release from Vincent Pitt – Area General Manager –
“While we have no control over the recent dry weather, we are aware of the low water levels impacting Whatley Brook and are working hard to help restore flow.
Whatley quarry, like all quarries in the East Mendips, routinely pumps water from the quarry floor. The water is removed to enable safe operations and some is used for on-site dust suppression measures. Excess water is allowed to flow into the local river system – in line with the quarry’s operating conditions.
This means that some local intermittent limestone streams, such as Whatley Brook, that would otherwise dry up in summer, are only kept flowing by quarry discharge. However, the recent combination of hot days, little rain fall and reduced quarry discharge from us and other nearby quarries have, unfortunately, meant its flows sank to groundwater.
While we are required to maintain discharge flows to the Mells River, this is not the case with Whatley Brook. Nevertheless, as soon as we became aware of its low levels we took steps to help alleviate the situation in conjunction with another nearby quarry. Flows are now returning to Whatley Brook, nevertheless, these are temporary measures and are not sustainable in prolonged dry weather.
We take our responsibility to local communities and the environment very seriously and understand local concern. It is important to stress that our operations, including our water discharge obligations remain in line with Whatley quarry’s permitted conditions. We’ll continue to work with neighbouring quarries and the regulators to see what measures can be taken to find a workable solution long-term.“
Regards,
Vincent Pitt – Area General Manager
Mendips & Masters / Aggregates
