Inwatco - Integrated Water Management in former coal mining regions in the UK and Romania

The objective of the project was to demonstrate and evaluate innovative techniques and procedures for integrated management of groundwater resources in former coal mining areas. Ways identified to minimise public and environmental risk in such areas include: (1) internal balancing of system flows to ensure optimum dilution of contaminated water and controlled discharge to receiving waters; (2) identification of hydrological trends related to underground drainage system instability; (3) establishment of integrated management and response systems that allow real-time control oversystem flows; (4) coordination with water management systems at river basin scale to optimise opportunities to support low river flows and alleviate flooding. The demonstration test plan at the UK site included: long-term wastewater quality and flow monitoring throughout the catchment area; large-scale pumping tests at Hope Shaft and Woolley Shaft; tracer testing to determine key flow paths within the system; and analytical studies based on monitoring data.