Preventing pollution in the River South Esk

Currently the mine water discharges directly into the River South Esk from Junkies Adit. From the point of discharge, the river flows downstream for approximately 2 miles towards the confluence of the River South Esk and the River North Esk and then continues to flow, as the River Esk, to the Firth of Forth estuary through Musselburgh.

The high level of iron becomes more diluted by the course of the river water, however the damage to the watercourse and ecology is still significant enough to warrant treatment.

View from New Cows Bridge in October 2023

By intercepting the discharge at the source, and removing the unwanted iron and other minerals from the mine water, the Coal Authority will be able to prevent the River South Esk and the River Esk from continued discolouration, further damage to the watercourse, and allow species of fish to return to its waters.