Cwmystwyth Mine Water Pollution Reduction Project

The principle, long term objective of the Cwmystwyth project is the reduction of metal loadings entering the Afon Ystwyth from the Cwmystwyth site.

The proposed works aim to significantly reduce (by up to 50% immediately downstream) concentrations / loadings of dissolved lead and zinc in the Ystwyth, as well as a significant (but currently unquantifiable) reduction in the amount of fine grained, metal rich sediment newly entering the main river system through erosion of exposed spoil and in channel deposits at Cwmystwyth (and associated dissolved phase contamination from leaching).

The works aim to directly improve a stretch, estimated at 7km, of the river downstream of Cwmystwyth. Project objectives are to: • Deliver water quality betterment in the receiving waterbody that will achieve wider environmental benefits. • Maintain and enhance the natural environment and the well-bring of the community. Helping to achieve NRW Well-Bring Objectives and Environment (Wales) Act duties.

• Engage the community and internal and external stakeholders to deliver an acceptable solution. • Minimise impacts to ecology and heritage - the site has numerous high value and sensitive environmental receptors and has 5 formal environmental designations and linked hydraulically to three more designated sites.