Environmental Management of Minining and Quarrying

Mineral extraction works can have significant environmental impacts upon groundwater, surface water and waste management. Planning Advice Note 50 Controlling the Environmental Effects of Surface Mineral Workings (PAN 50) requires information to be submitted in support of planning applications detailing how the proposals will impact upon groundwater, surface water and waste management (Paragraphs 52 to 57). Paragraphs 55 to 57 also require details of how mineral wastes will be minimised and managed to prevent pollution.

We advise that the applicant, through the EIA process or planning submission, should systematically identify all aspects of site work that might impact upon the environment, potential pollution risks associated with the proposals, and identify the principles of preventative measures and mitigation. This should include an environmental checklist to monitor and plan the timing of works to avoid potentially polluting activities during periods of high rainfall. This information is necessary in order to assess the environmental impact of the proposals prior to determination, and this could usefully form the basis of an environmental management plan which we are likely to require by planning condition.

We encourage submission of Environmental Statements which focus on the key issues for the development proposal and scope down (giving justification) less relevant material, to provide a more targeted assessment of the main environmental impacts with proposed mitigation measures.

Scottish Planning Policy

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) paragraphs 225 to 247 provides detailed planning policy in relation to mining and quarrying.

Planning Advice Notes

Planning Advice Notes (PANS) provide advice on good practice and information including PAN 50 Controlling the Environmental Effects of Surface Mineral Workings , PAN 79 Water and Drainage and PAN 63 Waste Management ..

SEPA policy and guidance

Standing advice for Planning Authorities on Extractive Waste Management Plan consultations submitted under the Management of Extractive Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2010 (74k).
Surface water drainage guidance (52kb)
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) guidance leaflet (113k)
Ponds, Pools and Lochans (3.82mb) provides advice on creation and management of small waterbodies including specific advice on SUDS
Guidance and information can also be found within the SUDS and Construction and Pollution section of our website
An introduction to waste planning. Further guidance for developers can be found within the Waste Regulation section of the website. Our Regulatory Position Statement – Developments on Peat (8.56mb) and Guidance on the Assessment of Peat Volumes, Reuse of Excavated Peat and Minimisation of Waste (2.6MB) may also be of help. This includes reference to guidance Developments on Peatland: Site Surveys and Best Practice (96k). Regulatory and best practice advice

The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR) provides regulation under General Binding Rules (GBRs) 10 and 11 for surface water and SUDS. Details of the requirements of these GBRs can be found in the CAR Practical Guide to the Water Environment (590k). Further guidance for developers on waste can be found within the Waste Regulation section of the website.

Further guidance on the design of SUDS systems can be found within CIRIA's C697 manual entitled The SUDS Manual .