Comment

Representation ID: 28184

Received: 30/09/2019

Respondent: Natural Resources Wales

Table A3.1 Review of Relevant Environmental Aspects, Issues and Problems

Mineral extraction: in addition to referencing the potential to affect hydraulic pathways and landscape, consideration should also be given to the risk of potential land contamination and associated water quality.

The North Wales Coalfield comprises the Flintshire Coalfield in the north and the Denbighshire Coalfield in the south. It extends from the Pont of Ayr through Wrexham to Oswestry, and there is also a small area on Anglesey. However, it does not fall into Conwy.

Accept in Part - Rephrase the Statement
Table A3.1 forms part of Background Paper 04: SA/SEA Scoping Report August 2018, which is contained in the Generic Evidence Base which informs the preparation of the Preferred Strategy. On checking the BGS published National Resource Map of Wales for North East Wales, no part of the Carboniferous Coal Field occurs within Conwy. Within the National Park area the resources are predominantly igneous and metamorphic slates and elsewhere there is a patchwork of Peat, Sandstone, Alluvial, Glaciofluvial and Glacigenic sand and gravels. Recommend replacing the entire Baseline Key Characteristics entry for Natural Resources in Table A3.1 (8) with the following:
"A dominant feature of Conwy CBC is the Silurian mudstone and slates which form the foothills and uplands of the Denbigh Moors in the east, the major valley system of the River Conwy and its tributaries in the central area, and the Silurian Mudstones and igneous rocks of the mountainous areas within Snowdonia to the west. A band of Carboniferous Limestone defines the higher ground along the coastal strip from Abergele to the Great Orme. A number of different mineral resources are illustrated on the National Resource Map for North East Wales, including Sand and Gravel and Hard Rock suitable for aggregates, and metalliferous and slate mining. Although mining activity in Conwy has ceased, many disused mines still exist and may affect hydraulic pathways below and on the surface, and may present sources of contamination which can adversely affect land and water quality. Furthermore, some disused mines may have a detrimental effect on the landscape and visual amenity."