Mine Water Discharges in Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Poland)

Abstract The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) is the largest of the Polish coalfields and one of the largest in Europe. The subject of current study is mine water impact on water bodies, various impacts on soils in relation to the surface, and water protection as well as management concepts. Most mining companies discharge mine waters with high concentrations of chlorides and sulfates, and the level of salinity makes it impossible to achieve the environmental objectives. In this study the key parameters of mine water quality and quantity from 53 coal mines (active and abandoned) in the USCB from a period of 11 consecutive years are reported. The impact of mining on the status of water bodies (as defined in the Water Framework Directive) is analyzed. Management options for decreasing the impact of saline mine water disposal into surface waters are considered.