Abandoned Coal Mines

Near the headwaters of the Colne and its tributaries there are several significant discharges from long abandoned mines at Craggs Moor and Clough Foot near Todmorden, and at Jackson Bridge on the River Holme. This manifests itself as staining with ochre. As many more mines in the region have been closed and abandoned over recent years minewater pollution could become more of a problem.

At present minewaters are exempt from control but the Environment Agency is seeking powers and funds to deal with them.