The cause of Whitehaven Harbour’s orange water remains unknown almost a year on from its first appearance.
Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners have been spearheading an investigation into the cause of the colour change since November 2022 – and recently called the situation ‘dire’ and ‘unacceptable’.
The water has been intermittently changing between running a normal colour and turning a bright burnt orange all year, often changing after periods of heavy rain.
Pollution is entering the central harbour area via a culvert in Queen’s Dock but the source is still unknown despite tests being carried out by the Environment Agency, Coal Authority and Network Rail.
Deanne Shallcross, CEO of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: “It’s almost a year since the issue first came to light – yet despite ongoing investigations, and numerous tests having been carried out, we remain not much further down the line.
“The discharge of what is believed to be mine water drainage has been entering Queen’s Dock via the culvert there, which has been confirmed to connect to the Bransty rail tunnel drainage system. However, to our knowledge the actual source has not been identified.
“The results of a recent hydrological and mining study apparently undertaken by Network Rail were due mid-September but so far we’ve heard nothing.
“We Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and Whitehaven Marina Limited will continue to press those agencies who have the power to stop this constant discharge of contaminated water into the harbour.”
Network Rail have since confirmed that the pollution is not coming from a nearby railway tunnel. A spokesman added: “Sampling and non-intrusive investigations are underway to find the source of the discolouration.
“Once these have been completed and analysed, we will share the results with all relevant parties to plan and implement next steps.”
Deanne said that the commissioners felt more needed to be done to address the situation.
She said: “Despite all parties with an interest coming together earlier in the year, there remains a lack of action on the ground, and this cannot go on.
“Just last week we met with senior team members at Cumberland Council to reiterate the dire situation. We were reassured by their initial response and are working with them to bring all the agencies together, yet again, to ensure remedial action is finally taken.
“Neither Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners nor Whitehaven Marina Limited control what is discharged through the culvert into Queen’s Dock, we are merely the “end user”, which is incredibly frustrating.
“The ongoing pollution is impacting negatively on our businesses, the wider harbour estate and the community as a whole.
“It is completely unacceptable that this has been going on for close to a whole year. It’s causing both reputational and financial damage and has to stop.”
Testing conducted by the Environment Agency back in December 2022 found increased levels of metals in the water but it is not thought to be harmful.
