GEOLOGICAL & MINING APPRAISAL

FOR
GERRARD PLACE, SKELMERSDALE,
LANCASHIRE
FOR
HILLS SALVAGING & RECYCLING
LIMITED

REPORT NO. C1183

NOVEMBER 2011

ENGINEER: SUB SURFACE CONSULTANTS LIMITED

CARR FAULKNER ASSOCIATES 3 PEEL STREET
1 ST MARYS WALK PRESTON
CHORLEY LANCASHIRE
LANCASHIRE PR2 2QS
PR7 2RT Tel: (01772) 561135
CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Site Location and Description

1.2 Proposed Development and
Purpose of the Appraisal

2. APPRAISAL 2.1 Geological Appraisal

2.2 Mining Appraisal
2.3 General

APPENDICES Coal Authority Mining Report

Figures

C1183 – Gerrard Place, Skelmersdale

Sub Surface Consultants Limited
3 Peel Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2QS
Tel: 01772 561135 Fax: 01772 204907 Email: preston@subsurface.co.uk
 1

GEOLOGICAL & MINING APPRAISAL FOR GERRARD PLACE,

SKELMERSDALE, LANCASHIRE

CLIENT: HILLS SALVAGING & RECYCLING LIMITED

ENGINEER: CARR FAULKNER ASSOCIATES

1. INTRODUCTION

This report has been prepared in accordance with an email, dated 4 November 2011,
from the Engineer on behalf of the Client.

The brief was set out in our estimate, ref. 8719 and dated 4 November 2011, and
comprises a geological and mining appraisal, including a Coal Authority Mining
Report.

1.1 Site Location and Description

The site is located at the Clients premises at the western end of Gerrard Place in the
south western part of Skelmersdale, Lancashire, as indicated on Figure 1. The
approximate National Grid Reference of the centre of the site is SD. 4747 0545.

The site comprises a rectangular area of about 90 by 20 metres immediately to the

west north west of the Clients existing Works building, as shown on Figure 2.

1.2 Proposed Development and Purpose of the Appraisal

We understand that it is proposed to construct an extension to the existing Works

building, details of which were not available at the time of writing this report.

The purpose of the report is to undertake a geological and mining appraisal to

determine the geological structure, including the depth and thickness of coal and any
other mineral seam horizons, to determine the potential for mineworkings in these
horizons and to assess the implications for the proposed development.

C1183 – Gerrard Place, Skelmersdale

Sub Surface Consultants Limited
3 Peel Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2QS
Tel: 01772 561135 Fax: 01772 204907 Email: preston@subsurface.co.uk
 2

2. APPRAISAL

2.1 Geological Appraisal

The geological appraisal is based upon published British Geological Survey (BGS)
Sheet 48 solid edition at 1:50,000 scale dated 1977 and BGS sheet ref. Lancashire
92.NE solid and drift edition at 1:10,560 scale, dated 1932, extracts of which are
given as Figure 3 and Figure 4 respectively. BGS sheet ref. SD.40.NE at 1:10,000
scale, is not available.

It should be understood that the site location has been determined based on
published data and comparison with plans published at various scales. The site
position and therefore the depths and positions of the determined seams and
features may therefore have some inherent inaccuracies built in.

The Lancashire 92.NE sheet shows the southern half of the site to be underlain by
drift deposits; these being Shirdley Hill Sands. Both geological surveys then show the
site to be underlain by Carboniferous Westphalian A (or Middle) Coal Measure strata,
just above the Prescott Five Foot Coal seam.

The Shirdley Hill Sands are, according to the BGS memoir for the Pennines and
Adjacent Areas, thin sporadic and featureless post glacial wind blown sands

Coal Measures strata normally comprise interbedded mudstones, siltstones and

subordinate sandstones with occasional economically important mineral seams of
coal.

On Sheet 48 the bedded Coal Measures strata are shown to down dip to the west at
7 o (1 in 8.1). However, the Lancashire 92.NE sheet shows strata down dipping to
the south west at 1 in 7 to 1 in 8.

About 50 metres to the south west of the site boundary strata are also shown to be
displaced by the Blaguegate Fault (a major geological fault) which trends from the
north west to the south east on the approximate alignment indicated on Figures 3
and 4. The fault, which hades (slopes) steeply to the north west, is expected to
displace strata down about 304.8 metres (1000 feet) to the north east such that the
depth to any specific horizon will be greater to the north east of the fault.

It should be noted that minor parallel sympathetic faults associated with the
Blaguegate Fault may pass through the site.

The Lancashire 92.NE sheet indicates that the Prescott Five Foot Coal seam crops
out at or close to the north east corner of the site and due to the dip of strata the
seam should be anticipated to be at an increasing depth towards the south west.

C1183 – Gerrard Place, Skelmersdale

Sub Surface Consultants Limited
3 Peel Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2QS
Tel: 01772 561135 Fax: 01772 204907 Email: preston@subsurface.co.uk
 3

The anticipated succession of strata beneath the centre of the site is tabulated below.
The approximate thicknesses and depths given are the best that can be determined
from the above information.

TABLE 1 STRATIGRAPHICAL SUCCESSION

Strata Maximum Vertical Depth of

Unworked Interval Base below
Thickness Rockhead
(m approx.) (m approx.) (m approx.)
SHIRDLEY HILL SANDS ?

CARBONIFEROUS COAL MEASURES:

measures 5
Prescott Five Foot Coal 5
measures 80
Skelmersdale Yard Coal 85
measures 15
Skelmersdale Five Foot Coal 100
measures 20
Skelmersdale Four Foot Coal 120
measures 65
Skelmersdale Seven Foot Coal 185
measures 35
Skelmersdale Albert Coal 220
measures 85
Skelmersdale Dam Coal 305
measures 30
Blaguegate Yard Coal 335
measures 25
Skelmersdale Earthy Delf Coal 360
measures 60
Ravine (or Plodder) Coal 420
measures 20
Park (or Yard) Coal 440
measures 50
Rushy Park (or Smith) Coal 490
measures 60
Arley Coal 550
measures

C1183 – Gerrard Place, Skelmersdale

Sub Surface Consultants Limited
3 Peel Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2QS
Tel: 01772 561135 Fax: 01772 204907 Email: preston@subsurface.co.uk
 4

2.2 Mining Appraisal

The presence of mineral seams, including coal, which might have been mined
beneath the site has been determined from the published geological sheet and the
Coal Authority Mining Report, ref. 00067963-11 and dated 10 November 2011, a
copy of which is appended.

The Coal Authority’s Mining Report indicates that according to their limited, and
probably incomplete, records the site is in the likely zone of influence from
mineworkings in 5 seams of coal at 90 to 500 metres depth, the last mineworkings
being in 1928.

In addition the Coal Authority indicate that they believe there is coal at or close to the
surface, which may have been worked at some time in the past, for which they have
no record.

In our opinion, it is possible that shallow coal seams beneath the site were worked
prior to the Mines (Coal) Regulations Act of 1872, before which there was no
statutory requirement to maintain and preserve plans of abandoned mines. Of those
plans which were made it is likely that not all will have survived with time and hence
shallow mine workings may be present for which there is no record.

The Coal Authority also indicates that there is no current mining or proposals to mine
coal beneath the site, although reserves of coal exist which could be mined in the
future subject to feasibility, licences and planning consents.

The Coal Authority are not aware of any recorded old abandoned mine entries within
the site or within 20 metres of the site boundary. However, the Coal Authority
records may be incomplete and hence mine entries may be present for which the
Coal Authority have no knowledge.

In any old mining area such as this, where records are generally incomplete, the
existence of additional unrecorded mine entries should not be discounted and
appropriate precautions should be taken during all earthworks. Should a mine entry
be suspected appropriate action would need to be taken in the light of the
established condition and location as determined by inspection and investigation.

C1183 – Gerrard Place, Skelmersdale

Sub Surface Consultants Limited
3 Peel Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2QS
Tel: 01772 561135 Fax: 01772 204907 Email: preston@subsurface.co.uk
 5

2.3 General

Given the findings of the appraisal we recommend that a ground investigation is

undertaken to determine the depth of the anticipated shallow coal seam, and any
associated mineworkings, in order to assess the risk to near surface ground stability.
In addition the ground investigation should establish the load bearing characteristics
of the near surface strata so that a foundation assessment can be made.

A ground investigation by cable percussive and rotary boreholes would be

appropriate on this site. In addition it would be advisable to take out hand dug trial
pits to determine details of the existing buildings foundations.

We trust that this report fulfils your present requirements but if you have any queries
or we can be of further assistance please contact the undersigned at our Preston
office.

SUB SURFACE CONSULTANTS LIMITED

REPORT No. C1183
NOVEMBER 2011

A. J. Parker B.Sc.(Hons.), C.Geol., F.G.S.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer
For and on behalf of
Sub Surface Consultants Limited

O. J. Stevens B.Sc.(Hons.), M.Sc., C.Eng, C.Phys, C.Sci, C.Geol., MInstP, F.G.S., Eur.Geol., MRICS.
Director
For and on behalf of
Sub Surface Consultants Limited.

C1183 – Gerrard Place, Skelmersdale

Sub Surface Consultants Limited
3 Peel Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2QS
Tel: 01772 561135 Fax: 01772 204907 Email: preston@subsurface.co.uk
COAL AUTHORITY MINING REPORT
 Issued by:
The Coal Authority, Mining Reports Office, 200 Lichfield Lane, Berry Hill, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4RG
ON-Line Service: www.groundstability.com - Phone: 0845 762 6848 - DX 716176 MANSFIELD 5

Person dealing with this matter: Eric Fretwell

Our reference: 00067963-11
CUSTOMER SERVICES,
Your reference: 36612076
LANDMARK INFORMATION GROUP LIMITED,
ABBEY COURT UNIT 5/7, Electronic Ref: EME_00016892250004_005
EAGLE WAY, RRUID: 005.00016892250004
SOWTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, Date of your enquiry: 04 November 2011
EXETER, Date we received your enquiry: 04 November 2011
DEVON, Date of issue: 10 November 2011
EX2 7HY

This report is for the property described in the address below and the attached plan.

Non-Residential Coal and Brine Report

Site At Hills Salvage & Recycling Ltd, Gerrard Place, Skelmersdale, Lancashire

This report is based on and limited to the records held by, the Coal Authority, and the Cheshire Brine
Subsidence Compensation Board's records, at the time we answer the search.

Coal mining Yes

Brine Compensation District No

Information from the Coal Authority

Underground Coal Mining
Past
The property is in the likely zone of influence from workings in 5 seams of coal at 90m to 500m depth,
and last worked in 1928.

Any ground movement from these coal workings should have stopped by now.
In addition the property is in an area where the Coal Authority believe there is coal at or close to the
surface. This coal may have been worked at some time in the past.

Present
The property is not in the likely zone of influence of any present underground coal workings.

Future
The property is not in an area for which the Coal Authority is determining whether to grant a licence to
remove coal using underground methods.

All rights reserved. You must not reproduce, store or transmit any part of this document unless you have our written permission.

© The Coal Authority

CON29M Non-Residential 00067963-11 Page 1 of 4 Printed: 10 Nov 2011
 The property is not in an area for which a licence has been granted to remove coal using underground
methods.
The property is not in an area that is likely to be affected at the surface from any planned future
workings.
However reserves of coal exist in the local area which could be worked at some time in the future.
No notice of the risk of the land being affected by subsidence has been given under section 46 of the
Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991.
Mine entries
There are no known coal mine entries within, or within 20 metres of, the boundary of the property.
Records may be incomplete. Consequently, there may exist in the local area mine entries of which the
Coal Authority has no knowledge.
Coal-mining geology
The Authority is not aware of any evidence of damage arising due to geological faults or other lines of
weakness that have been affected by coal mining.
Opencast Coal Mining
Past
The property is not within the boundary of an opencast site from which coal has been removed by
opencast methods.

Present
The property does not lie within 200 metres of the boundary of an opencast site from which coal is
being removed by opencast methods.

Future
The property is not within 800 metres of the boundary of an opencast site for which the Coal Authority
is determining whether to grant a licence to remove coal by opencast methods.

The property is not within 800 metres of the boundary of an opencast site for which a licence to remove
coal by opencast methods has been granted.
Coal-mining subsidence
The Coal Authority has not received a damage notice or claim for the property since 31 October 1994.
There is no current Stop Notice delaying the start of remedial works or repairs to the property.
The Authority is not aware of any request having been made to carry out preventive works before coal
is worked under section 33 of the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991.
Mine gas
There is no record of a mine gas emission requiring action by the Coal Authority within the boundary of
the property.
Hazards related to coal mining
The property has not been subject to remedial works, by or on behalf of the Authority, under its
Emergency Surface Hazard Call Out procedures.

Withdrawal of Support
The property is not in an area for which a notice of entitlement to withdraw support has been published.

© The Coal Authority

CON29M Non-Residential 00067963-11 Page 2 of 4 Printed: 10 Nov 2011
 The property is not in an area for which a notice has been given under section 41 of the Coal Industry
Act 1994, revoking the entitlement to withdraw support.
Working Facilities Orders
The property is not in an area for which an Order has been made under the provisions of the Mines
(Working Facilities and Support) Acts 1923 and 1966 or any statutory modification or amendment
thereof.
Payments to Owners of Former Copyhold Land
The property is not in an area for which a relevant notice has been published under the Coal Industry
Act 1975/Coal Industry Act 1994.
Comments on Coal Authority information
In view of the mining circumstances a prudent developer would seek appropriate technical advice
before any works are undertaken.

Therefore if development proposals are being considered, technical advice relating to both the
investigation of coal and former coal mines and their treatment should be obtained before beginning
work on site. All proposals should apply good engineering practice developed for mining areas. No
development should be undertaken that intersects, disturbs or interferes with any coal or mines of coal
without the permission of the Coal Authority. Developers should be aware that the investigation of coal
seams/ former mines of coal may have the potential to generate and/or displace underground gases
and these risks both under and adjacent to the development should be fully considered in developing
any proposals. The need for effective measures to prevent gases entering into public properties either
during investigation or after development also needs to be assessed and properly addressed. This is
necessary due to the public safety implications of any development in these circumstances.

Information from the Cheshire Brine Subsidence Compensation Board

The property lies outside the Cheshire Brine Compensation District.
Additional remarks
This report is prepared in accordance with the Law Society's Guidance Notes 2006, the User Guide
2006 and the Coal Authority and Cheshire Brine Board's Terms and Conditions 2006. The report is
compliant with Home Information Pack requirements.

The Coal Authority owns the copyright in this report. The information we have used to write this report
is protected by our database right. All rights are reserved and unauthorised use is prohibited. If we
provide a report for you, this does not mean that copyright and any other rights will pass to you.
However, you can use the report for your own purposes.

© The Coal Authority

CON29M Non-Residential 00067963-11 Page 3 of 4 Printed: 10 Nov 2011
Location map

Approximate
position
of property

Enquiry boundary
These maps are reproduced from Ordnance Survey material
with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the
Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown
copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown
copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
The Coal Authority. Licence number: 100020315. [2006]

Key

Approximate position of enquiry boundary shown

© The Coal Authority

CON29M Non-Residential 00067963-11 Page 4 of 4 Printed: 10 Nov 2011
FIGURES