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Tackling the metal pollution legacy of Britain’s mining history

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency
Photograph showing contaminated water flowing out of an old mine entrance built more than one hundred years ago.

Metal mines played a major part in Britain’s history, but these abandoned mines are the largest source of metals to our rivers and seas which can seriously harm aquatic life such as fish and river-flies. Hugh Potter, the Environment Agency’s Water and Abandoned Metal Mines lead, looks at the action being taken to address the legacy.

A whiter smile, a greener environment: cleaning up with China clay

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Fisheries and biodiversity, Greener business, Regulated industry, Waste, Water

When travelling down on holiday to Cornwall many of my friends ask me "What are those white hills we can see near St Austell?" My reply often shocks them when I explain that that those 'hills' are in fact the …

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The Environment Agency’s work helps to protect and improve the environment. We also manage flood risk and encourage sustainable development. This blog gives an insight into our work. Find out more.

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