Environment Statistics
The main industry of Sunderland for many decades has been coal mining which has a serious effect on the environment, as coal mining usually involves disturbing vast quantities of land and can cause, water pollution, noise, dust, soil erosion and can seriously impact biodiversity. Today there are many steps taken to minimise the effect on the environment from coal mining such as good planning and environmental management. However a lot of damage has been caused from decades ago when coal mining was a huge industry, though today coal mining has virtually stopped in Sunderland.
Damage that would have been caused in the area as a result of coal mining include, Mine Subsidence where the land actually lowers as a result of coal mines, Water Pollution where acid mine drainage is caused by the reaction of water and rocks which contain sulphur, Dust & Noise Pollution caused by trucks, coal crushing ops, drilling ops, and wind blowing over the mining areas.
Today computer simulations can be created to show how a mine will impact the local environment. The findings can then be used to gain an award for a mining permit from the local authorities.
Both local and large businesses can also use environmental consultants to advise where damage to the environment can be managed properly.
Sunderland University was the first University to create a yearly green report showing the cities environmental strengths and weaknesses. This was the idea of PhD student Julia Walton.