The effects of limestone quarrying on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales National Park

Abstract

Over the past century, quarrying has become more prominent in the British Isles; however, there has been little focus on the effects of water quality from potential added quarry discharge, especially in the Yorkshire Dales. This research will aim to provide detailed water quality analysis whilst exploring reasons behind the effects of the Horton Quarry in the Yorkshire Dales.
The methods used within this study look at both physical and chemical parameters of the River Ribble. The physical parameters such as width, depth, wetted perimeter, flow and slope angle were measured by entering the River Ribble and using a metre rule, tape measure and flow meter. After which cross-sectional area, velocity and discharge were calculated. The chemical factors such as TDS, TSS, pH, temperature and conductivity, were measured using a combination of both field and laboratory methods. In the field TDS, pH, temperature and conductivity were collected by inserting a probe into collected water samples and obtaining an average value. For TSS, the water samples were filtered and then the residue was weighed once the filter papers were dry.
The study found that quarrying does have effects on water quality along the River Ribble especially concerning chemical parameters. However, it was also found that farming has an effect along the river too. After compiling results, it was found that agriculture has a greater effect on the River Ribble than quarrying possibly due to regulations and laws the Horton Quarry must adhere to in order to extract limestone within the National Park.