whn[25] - truly "OrangeHaven" in June 2025 {3 of 3}

The least polluted corner ! --- The state of Queen's Dock in mid-June 2025, a few days after heavy rain had induced Bransty Beck to scour out it's bed / culvert of the ferric oxide [Iron Ochre] that has accumulated there, especially since November 2022. Apparently, even the discharged water was discoloured and it brought with it a lot of floating debris, most of which is now wandering around Queen's Dock, at the mercy of the wind. The dock walls, and boats, are now quite heavily stained orange.
.
The source has been determined to be mine-water coming out of former coal mine[s] flooding into Corkickle Tunnel, into Bransty Beck and then the harbour. Network Rail are planning a three week blockade to relay the live-expired rail in the tunnel from 30th August 2025, although they are denying responsibility for the pollution, I am of the opinion that replacing the ballast will allow it to re-start "filtering" the floodwater, the affect might not be seen immediately, but I do expect the Beck to clear eventually. Getting the harbour "clean" might take longer, as the marina will [probably] need a permit to discharge the "dirty" water if they want to do it quickly. Currently the practice of having the sea-lock fully open for long periods over high tide seems to be avoided.