Devon Great Consols Mine: A Critical Human Health Risk Assessment of Contaminated Land

As an environmental management professional, my recent consultancy report on the Devon Great Consols Mine represents a comprehensive investigation into the long-lasting environmental and human health impacts of historical mining activities in Southwest England.

Background of the Study

The Devon Great Consols Mine, located in the Tavistock district, stands as a testament to the region’s rich mining history. During the 1870s, this mine was a global leader in copper and arsenic production, contributing to nearly half of the world’s arsenic output. However, the environmental legacy of these mining operations has left a significant mark on the local ecosystem.

Research Objectives

My human health risk assessment, conducted as part of my MSc Environmental Management at the University of Reading, focused on:

• Performing a detailed human health risk assessment of mine soils and tailings
• Understanding the geographical and environmental characteristics of the site
• Determining the presence and concentration of contaminants
• Analyzing the environmental impact on local vegetation and biodiversity

Methodology and Key Findings

Using a rigorous scientific approach, I collected 30 soil samples from both old and new mine heaps, employing:

• Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) testing
• Comprehensive soil texture analysis
• Strategic sampling across different site locations

Contamination Highlights

The most alarming discovery was the arsenic contamination. All 30 soil samples significantly exceeded safety limits, with arsenic concentrations ranging from 9,413.53 to 28,921.26 mg/kg – dramatically higher than the recommended 170 mg/kg threshold.

Implications and Recommendations

The study revealed critical pathways of contamination, including:

• Water runoff affecting local water bodies
• Soil deposition leading to heavy metal accumulation
• Potential groundwater contamination
• Airborne dust posing respiratory risks

To address these challenges, I recommended:

1. Bioaccessibility testing
2. Ecotoxicological studies
3. Comprehensive vegetation surveys
4. Water sample testing
5. Detailed chromium contamination analysis

Conclusion

This human health risk assessment of the Devon Great Consols Mine underscores the long-term environmental consequences of historical mining practices. The research provides crucial insights for future remediation efforts and highlights the importance of systematic environmental management.

PDF Document

Note: This consultancy report was prepared as part of my MSc Environmental Management module at the University of Reading, representing a comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating environmental contamination.