Severe sewage pollution in Youds Level again

[pwhole]

In that case I might consider a trip just spent in the top section sometime and go back up the shaft. It would be nice to have a better look at the pipe workings up in the roof etc., as that's easily my favourite section of the trip. Some of the mineralisation is stunning, and being able to free-climb much of it is much more fun, if a little edgey in places. But a shaft-based though trip in either direction would also definitely appeal to me sometime.

I've done enough coffin levels now to get the general idea 

 

[Jenny P]

Just out of interest, has anyone used the 81m Deep (Day) shaft as an entrance/exit to the system recently? I know it lies on Greenhills Farm land, but have never been up there. Presumably you just go and ask permission?

The top of Day Shaft was capped by Orpheus C.C. about 10 years ago, with the permission of the farmer, so that it now has an accessible metal lid which is cattle proof and bat friendly.  AFAIK it is done as a straight drop from the surface but someone else may know better.  It is a question of simply ask the farmer, who is a friendly guy.

Incidentally, Day Shaft does not get a mention in CoPD except under the Youd's Level entry on p.165 but it definitely does go through to Youd's and it is possible to do a through trip.  Also mentioned under the Youd's section are Railway Shaft and Overseer Shaft, also on Greenhills Farm, and I'm assuming these are still covered with concrete sleepers so I don't know whether a through trip might have been possible.

There is no mention in CoPD of Queens Shaft, which I think pwhole mentioned as a connection to Youd's.  It would be helpful to have a complete list of shafts which connect with Youd's and which are still accessible.

 

[Pipster]

Yeah, it's a straight drop down, from a scaff bar.  I know we asked for permission when I did it a few years ago. I can't give precise details on how to get to the shaft other than it being in the middle of a field. It was summer time and was somewhere within a thick bush of brambles, and (I think) near a small tree. It should be a lot easier to find it now that the undergrowth has died back for winter. I think I might have some pics somewhere; will see if I can find them...

 

[Jenny P]

The entrance to Day Shaft is in the middle of a small group of trees and bushes on a slight mound so it isn't obvious until you are almost on top of it.  The grid reference given in CoPD is pretty accurate but I guess the farmer might direct you when you ask permission.

 

[mcrtchly]

Any update on the sewage problem as I'm thinking of doing the downhill through trip next month

Martin

 

[Jenny P]

The source of the pollution has been identified - it's a new site which has appeared since the earlier problem was identified and fixed, which is very disappointing for all concerned who have worked so hard to deal with this unpleasant situation. 

Action will be taken to deal with this new source but it may take a while for the work to be started so, at present, the pollution is almost certainly still there.  I will keep a check on the situation and will let folks know if and when it's sorted but, for the time being, Youd's is a place to avoid.

Jenny Potts,
DCA Hon. Sec.

 

[Jenny P]

I have just received the following from an Environment Agency officer:

I have been informed by the Environment Officer for the area that the Environment Agency have worked closely with Severn Trent Water and Derbyshire Caving Association to locate and rectify the sewage issue at Youds Level Mine, Matlock. A number of visits were made to the mine by both the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water to identify the source of the sewage. This was eventually found to be a blockage in the sewerage system and unrelated to previous pollution problems in the mine. The blockage has been removed and a camera survey undertaken to determine if further maintenance  work is required on the sewer. A further visit to the mine has been carried out and  the work appears to have been successful. There are still a few signs of sewage litter but these predate the remedial work and should be degrade shortly.

On behalf of the Environment Agency, I would like to thank the caving community for reporting this pollution. If cavers observe further problems, please report them immediately to our incident line 0800 80 70 60 (Freephone, 24 hour service)

Jenny Potts
Hon. Sec. Derbyshire Caving Association

 

[al]

No shit! Nice one. 

 

[pwhole]

A group of us did this trip today, including a couple of relative newbies who absolutely loved it, despite the bruises and exhaustion - after being one of the party who reported the last stinky episode, I was overjoyed to find the final section clean, smell-free and actually pleasant to be in. Not even the smell of laundry water. As we exited, the usual baffled folks assembled around us, including a family with one particularly interested young girl of about seven, who insisted on being allowed to climb down the ladder, with a helmet on (with me down below spotting her), and take a peek up the tunnel. If it had smelled like it did before she would have been sick, so that felt like a double result. We may have a future caver there, as her dad said he'd check out the videos of the trip on YouTube. Actually, on reflection, maybe not...

 

[Jenny P]

Thanks for reporting that all's clear still.  That is a good result and encouraging to hear after all the effort that was put in by so many people to solve the problem last time.  Hope folks will keep and eye (and nose!) alert on this and let DCA know at once if there is any further trouble ever again so it can be dealt with straight away.

Amazing where you find possible new cavers isn't it - this youngster sounds really keen so well done for encouraging her.

Jenny Potts
DCA Hon. Sec.