Summary of the chalk mine review of Hatfield

Following the discovery of chalk mines in Briars Lane, Hatfield, it was agreed by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council to undertake a study to review the possibility of chalk mining elsewhere in Hatfield.

Working with project managers Mace Ltd and with specialist consultants Hyder, the study looked at historical information and geotechnical data such as the composition of the ground and the natural landscape.

The study systematically pulled together data, often some of it indirect, to indicate the relative likelihood of chalk mining activity. The result was a map that shows area of evidence and a risk assessment model for council services to use.

The result of the study will allow us to proactively investigate areas, either to rule out the risk of any subsidence or to put in place measures to minimise any risk.

The information has been added to both councils internal geographical systems for monitoring and use.

If you are a resident or business owner in Hatfield, the map may be of interest to you.

A committee report on the review was presented to Cabinet on Tuesday 6 November 2007. The recommendation was to continue working on establishing more authoritative information on the possibilities of chalk mines in the Hatfield area. If you are interested to know what’s going to happen next, view the project plan page.