Methane and Other Gases from Disused Coal Mines : The Planning Response - Technical Report and Summary Report

Under certain circumstances, hazardous mine gases can seep to the surface from abandoned underground coal workings.

Such emissions have affected reclamation and construction sites, residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Where emissions have ocurred, mainly affecting existing development rather than new sites, they have caused concern among residents and within the local authorities involved.

Mine gases may, therfore, be locally regarded as a problem meriting a specific response.

This study is aimed at identifying a suitable planning response to reduce mine gas emission risks in respect of new development, without placing unnecessary constraints on land use.

The study also has relevance to the detection, investigation and treatment of mine gas emissions affecting existing development.