Why is the water in Whitehaven's Queens Dock orange?

The water in Whitehaven's Queens Dock has been orange since 2022 due to iron ochre draining through a culvert from Bransty railway tunnel.

What are the chemical concerns regarding Whitehaven's orange water?

Campaigners are concerned about significantly high iron and manganese levels, which exceed European quality standards and indicate acidic mine drainage harmful to wildlife.

Who is legally responsible for the pollution in Whitehaven Harbour?

No party is legally liable or can be prosecuted for the pollution because all mines in the area closed before 2000, meaning operators had no obligation to notify or take responsibility for contaminated water entering waterways.

Home / Environment / Orange Harbour Water Sparks Chemical Concerns

Orange Harbour Water Sparks Chemical Concerns

5 Feb

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Summary

Orange water in Whitehaven's Queens Dock stems from iron ochre drainage.
Iron and manganese levels exceed European standards, campaigners state.
No party is legally liable for the pollution due to mine closures before 2000.

Orange Harbour Water Sparks Chemical Concerns

Orange-hued water in Whitehaven's Queens Dock, present since 2022, has raised significant concerns among environmental campaigners. The discoloration is attributed to iron ochre draining from Bransty railway tunnel. A FOI request revealed iron and manganese levels substantially exceeding European quality standards, leading to opposition against plans to discharge the water into the sea.

The Environment Agency suggests the chemicals originate from former mine workings. While they anticipate dilution will mitigate significant environmental impact, experts caution that iron and manganese discharge can lead to reduced oxygen levels, habitat smothering, and impaired photosynthesis, potentially necessitating remediation.

Campaign group Radiation Free Lakeland highlights acidic pH values in the water, classifying it as harmful acidic mine drainage. The Environment Agency is reviewing these findings and collaborating with partners to address the issue. Despite ongoing efforts, the plan to divert the water into the sea remains.