Silvermines

Rehabilitation of Silvermines Historic Mine Sites

Background

On the 4th August 2005 the Minister for Communication, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D. announced the provision of €10.6m funding by the State for the rehabilitation of the old mining sites at the Silvermines, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

North Tipperary County Council is responsible for having the rehabilitation scheme executed and the project will be carried out in accordance with the revised SRK Consulting Conceptual Plan for the Management and Rehabilitation of the Silvermines Area.

Consultation Process

A Local Consultative Committee was selected at a public meeting on the 1st December, 2005 and comprises of representatives from the Silvermines Community and from individual sites in the project area. Regular meetings are being held with this Group.

The Inter Agency Group (IAG) was re-established and held its first meeting in the Civic Offices on 17th February, 2006. This Group comprises representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Health Services Executive, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Geological Survey of Ireland, the Central Fisheries Board, North Tipperary County Council and the local community. It is envisaged that the expertise and experience of this group will play an important advisory role as the project is advanced and meetings will be held as required.

Work Programme

Golder Associates Ireland was appointed Design Consultants for the project on 19th June, 2006. It is anticipated that this major rehabilitation project will be phased over a three to four year period and that site work will commence in 2007. The sites where works will be carried out are Gortmore, Garryard, Shalee, Magcobar, Gorteendiha and Balllygowan. SRK Consultants (UK) Ltd. were appointed project consultants in Feb. 2009 to complete the Silvermines Rehabilitation Project.

Project Works Update

Remediation works contract signed with the Silvermines Project

Gortmore Tailings Management Facility (TMF) Rehabilitation of the TMF has been successfully completed:-

Phase 1 completed December 2008 by Priority Construction Ltd

Phase 2 completed June 2010 by SIAC Construction Ltd.

Minor Remediation Works

16th August commencement of Works-Site headquarters located at Macobar.

Works will generally include:

Demolition; Shaft safety works; Safety fencing (open pits etc);Drainage improvement / diversion works; Earthworks.

Garryard Passive Treatment System (PTS) will initially accept mine influenced waters from Knight Shaft and Mogul Yard and subsequent discharge from Garryard Mine Waste Management Facility once development is completed. PTS will comprise: Attenuation pond, Settlement ponds, Two wetlands cells, Two anaerobic cells, Mixing pond.

Part 8 planning granted on 17th May 2010
Section 4 Discharge licence application submitted in May 2010.
7 No. Contractors invited to tender following shortlisting. 6 No. tenders received on 9th July 2010.
Tender assessment on-going.

It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded late 2010 with commencement early Spring 2011 and will involve a six month construction phase.

Garryard Mine Waste management Facility (MWMF) Detailed design and environmental impact assessment is currently underway for the development of an engineered mine waste facility at Garryard (behind rail track by the old Mogul buildingsEIS submitted to ABP 12th February 2010, NTCC is planning applicant.

· Waste Licence application is awaiting submission to EPA.

· Assume approximately 12 month statutory process period

· Contractor Pre-qualification Process to commence in late 2010

· Contractor tenders to be invited in mid 2011

· Anticipate site commencement mid/late 2011

· Anticipate site completion mid to late 2012

View the Rehabilitation Plan particulars online

Further information/Related Documentation:

Silverines Report - Pdf Document 4.2MB)

Garryard Passive Treatment System (PTS) & Other Remediation Works - Part 8 Planning Application North Tipperary County Council gives notice of its intention to carry out developments at Silvermines in conjunction with the overall Silvermines Rehabilitation Project. Garryard PTS & Other Works Notice 48KB)

Garryard PTS & Other Remediation Works (Description of Proposed Development) - Zip File (31MB)

Garryard PTS & Other Remediation Works (Plans & Drawings) - Zip File (30MB)

Garryard EIS Public Consultation North Tipperary County Council gives notice of an application to An Bord Pleanala for approval for a Strategic Infrastructure Development at Garryard Tailings Lagoon Garryard EIS Notice - Pdf Document 8KB) An amended newspaper notice is issued in February 2011 at the request of An Bord Pleanala (244KB). There are no other changes to the application.