Colliery waste on the Durham coast. A study of the effect of tipping colliery waste on the coastal processes (EX 521)

This investigation has been undertaken with the object of providing information on the transport of colliery waste from tipping points on the Durham Coast and on the despoliation of the adjacent beaches, with particular reference to Crimdon. The geology of the Durham Coast is briefly described, followed by notes on the past and present tipping rates, the constituents of the waste and its general effect on the coast. The coastline changes since 1858 are also discussed; the area has changed from one of general erosion to accretion, which has been rapid in places. The areas of accretion consist mostly of colliery waste and are found close to the tipping points. The transport of colliery waste both on the beach and on the offshore sea bed is described; this is based on the evidence of a site investigation undertaken by Easington R.D.C., the National Coal Board and the Hydraulics Research Station between April 1969 and April 1970.