Environmental Sciences Commons^™

Recreational Use Of Acidic Pit Lakes—Human Health Considerations For Post Closure Planning, Andrea Hinwood, Jane Heyworth, Helen Tanner, Clinton Mccullough

Research outputs 2012

Pit lakes may form in mining voids that extend below groundwater level after mining ceases and many have been found to have elevated metals concentrations and low pH through acidic and metalliferous drainage (AMD). Pit lakes are often used for recreational activities including swimming, fishing and boating and poor water quality may present health risks to recreational users. Pit lakes also provide the opportunity for additional water resource uses. The Collie Coal Basin in south-western Australia currently has a number of pit lakes with moderate AMD effects which are also used for recreational pursuits. Twelve hundred questionnaires were mailed to …