Pollution of surface waters can occur as a result of rainfall run-off from the land area around a quarry or mine, hydrocarbon or herbicide spills, excess herbicide or fertiliser applications and runoff from soil and spoil heaps which may contain toxic metals and phosphates. Pollution of surface waters can also occur indirectly due to pollutants being transported in groundwater.
Programme of Measures - Diffuse and Point Source Pollution - Quarries and Mines, including Oil and Gas Exploration - 2015