Environ Earth Sci
DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-2117-x
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Coal mining impacts on water environs around the Barapukuria
coal mining area, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
M. Farhad Howladar
Received: 1 April 2012 / Accepted: 4 November 2012
Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012
Abstract The present research makes an effort towards
awareness of the impact of underground coal mining on
water environment around the Barapukuria coal mining area,
Dinajpur by direct field investigation, questionnaire survey
and laboratory analysis. For this research, the three foremost
errands have been mulled over which are the water level data
analysis for 10 years from 2001 to 2011, ground water major
parametric analysis and the questionnaire survey on the
availability of ground water before and after coal mining
operation. The results of field and laboratory analysis show
that the characteristics and concentrations of all the major
physical and chemical parameters such as pH, EC, Tem-
perature, HCO3-, NO3-, SO42-, Cl-, Na?, K?, Mg2?, Ca2?
and Fe(total) are still tolerable for all purposes and also within
the standard limit. On the other hand, the questionnaire
survey and water level data analysis confirm almost similar
results regarding the depletion of water level. The water level
has depleted more than 5 m from 2001 to 2011. Therefore,
currently the availability of ground water is normal in the
rainy and winter seasons but is slight problematic in the dry
season where ground water was available at all times prior to
coal mining in the area. From these scenarios, it is compre-
hensible that the ground water level moves downwards than
earlier because of the excess pumping of water from the mine
area. Besides the natural recharge condition is not enough
and somewhere breaks off while some of the mines out areas
are subsided, consequently the upper part of the water
bearing formations (aquifer) loses its porous and permeable
properties resulting water recharging problem which is
M. F. Howladar (&)
Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering,
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology,
Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
e-mail: dmfh75@yahoo.com
directly responsible for depleting the ground water level over
the area. Moreover, the water levels will also decline relative
to the location, depth, recharge, and discharge conditions of
the mine both aerially and vertically while there is a typical
relationship between the depth of mining and static water
level which is water levels will decline more as the mine goes
deeper. Therefore, taking into account the current ground
water condition and the depth of Barapukuria coal mine, this
research implied that the water level will deplete more in day
coming and the water crisis will be more for future. Thus, this
research recommends a sustainable guideline for long-term
planning and also suggests that regular monitoring with time
to time more detail qualitative and quantitative assessments
of water bodies in the area.
Keywords Barapukuria coal mine  Water level data
analysis  Water qualitative analysis  Questionnaire survey 
Mine impact
Introduction
Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Limited (BCMCL) is
the first developed coal mine in Bangladesh, which lies
between the latitudes 23310 4500 and 23330 0500 N and the
longitudes 88570 4800 and 88580 5300 E (Fig. 1). Primarily in
1985, the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) reported
about existence of the Gondwana coal at shallower depth
(129.57 m) in Barapukuria Basin. Following this report,
the other research conducted detailed seismic survey in
1989 for the exploration of coal from this basin (Wardell
Armstrong 1991). Consequently, the 12 boreholes were
drilled in 1994 and based on these data, the Barapukuria
Coal Mine was commenced its construction works in June
1996 and finally commercial coal production was started in
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Fig. 1 Location map of the
Barapukuria Coal Mine area,
Parbatipur Upazila, Dinajpur,
Bangladesh modified after
(CMC 1999)
September 2005 (Islam and Hayashi 2008). The total in situ
coal reserve of this basin is about 377 Mt (Imam 2005)
from where the initial target of coal production was 1 Mt/
year but the current output has yet to reach the planned
extraction rate (Muller 2009). During the early phases of
the development and construction works, the mine faced
severe water flooding problem and finally divested of this
condition through forced pumping activities, which are
drained into the nearby agricultural field (CMC 1994). In
terms of dewatering, the Tertiary sequence (Upper Dupi
Tila and Lower Dupi Tila Formations) are of primary
interest (EIA 2006). Currently the dewatering volume of
water is about 1,5001,600 m3/h which is carrying out by
forced pumping and this dewatering process consists of
several stages such as primarily the seeping water in face or
anywhere in the tunnel drained into sump at -430 m level
depth, secondly at -260 m level depth, thirdly in the water
treatment plant at the surface and finally in the surrounding
area. As we know, any mining maneuvers modify the
stability of ground and surface water scheme, which has an
immense impact on the hydrologic milieu in the area. In
fact, the character and status of hydrologic impacts fluc-
tuate in the midst of the degree of function, the manner of
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Environ Earth Sci
mining, and the approach in which the site is domesticated.
The impacts of mining on water resources are well reported
by Norton 1996; Steve Blodgett et al. 2002; EIA 2006;
Alam et al. 2011; Mazziotti-Tagliani et al. 2012; Li et al.
2012; Schellenbach and Krekeler 2012; Zhao 2012 and so
on.
The impact on ground water altitudes possibly is more
distinct as mining operations are as a matter of course
deeper with bigger aerial coverage than open pits (Steve
Blodgett et al. 2002). Ground water level might deplete
because of underground mining operations (Grmela 1997).
Moreover, if one knows on the subject of environmental
consequences beforehand, it is possible to minimize the
consequences but it is quite difficult to characterize, assess,
and predict the environmental consequences of tunneling
(Li et al. 2012; Raposo et al. 2010). From these scenarios, it
is unambiguous that the underground coal or any other
mining operations might have the direct impact on water
environs, and that is why the assessments of such conse-
quences are necessary. Thus, the objectives of the present
research are to assess the magnitude of water quality
degradation and understand the nature of water level
depletion due to mining activity by direct field
Environ Earth Sci

investigation, laboratory analysis and questionnaire survey
on the availability of ground water before and after coal
mining operation. Finally, compare these results with pre-
vious and depict the conclusions on the impact of coal
mining on the water environs in the area.
Hydrology of the mine area
Regionally, the South Asian monsoon dominates the natu-
ral hydrology of the Bengal Basin (Michael and Voss
2009). From May to October each year, an average of
5004,000 mm of rainfall, the highest averages occurring
along the foothills of the Shillong Plateau in the northeast,
and the lowest occurring in the western part of West Bengal,
India (WARPO 2000; Michael and Voss 2009). The study
area, Barapukuria Coal mine is a part of Bengal Basin located
in the Dinajpur Shield of Bangladesh (Khan and Chouhan
1996; Khan 1991). This mine is an independent Gondwana
coal-bearing basin, which is controlled by half-fault graben
and unconformably laid on the denuded Archean Basement
Complex (Alam et al. 2003). As to the drilling records of this
basin, the lithological strata divided into four distinct units,
such as Basement complex, Gondwana Group, Dupi Tila
Formation and Barind Residium Clay (CMC 1999). The
lithological characteristics of different strata and correlation
of stratigraphy with aquifer natures has been shown as a
hydrostratigraphic succession in Table 1. The coal basin is
overlain by sandy clay layers of Quaternary, which have a
thickness of 4 to 16 m and limited infiltration of rainfall and
surface water above the coal seam. An aquiclude of the
Lower Dupi Tila Formation (LDT, Fig. 2) clay, which has a
significant thickness, varies up to 80 m in the south.
The basement of the seams is also water-resisting layer.
Thus, the coal mine area could be described as an incom-
plete syncline hydrogeological unit (CMC 1994; Uddin
2003). The seam roof is unswervingly water-bearing for-
mation, which is poorly permeable (Fig. 2). The lower
sands of Upper Dupi Tila Formation (UDT, Fig. 2) are also
water bearing formation but well permeable which is
confined by LDT clay aquiclude (Bakr et al. 1987). Rain-
fall is the main source of recharge to each aquifer (CMC
1999) in the area.
In Barapukuria Coal Mine area, the permeable properties
of different aquifers become poor downwards. According to
Wardell Armstrong (1991), the upper sand horizon of UDT is
well permeable while the lower is moderate. This research
specifically noted from pumping test analysis, the elevation
of water level and specific discharge values are ?23.55 and
7.65 l/s, respectively, indicating relatively well permeable
condition. The hydraulic gradients, average transmissivity,
permeability, storage coefficient and specific yield values
of UDT are 0.00040.0006, 12,000 m2/day, 0.004 and
2530 %, respectively (CMC 1994). The pumping test
analysis of sandstones of seam-VI roof and floor also reveals
that the transmissivity of the aquifer is good; storage quan-
tities and recharging source are available which shows a
good hydraulic relationship between the lower section of
UDT and the sandstone of seam-VI roof whereas in the case
of LDT, the horizontal and vertical permeability values are

Table 1 Hydrostratigraphic succession of the Barapukuria Coal Mine area (CMC 1994)
Age Lithologic unit Hydrostratigraphic Lithology Average
units thickness
(m)

Pleistocene Barind Clay Aquiclude Clay and sandy clay 10

Residium
Upper Dupi Tila Aquifer Medium sand interbedded with fine sand, pebbly grit and thin clay 104
Pliocene Lower Dupi Tila Aquiclude Weathered residual clay, clay silts, sandstone interbedded with silty 80
mudstone and coarse grain quartz
Gondwana Aquifer Medium to coarse-grained sandstone and Pebbly sandstone, interbedded 156
with coal Seam I to V; also siltstone and mudstone
Permian (I) Sandstone of Aquifer Medium to coarse grained Sandstone, Grit stone, interbedded with thin 140
seam VI Roof medium to fine grained Sandstone, Siltstone and Mudstone are some
times
(II) Sandstone of Aquifer Fine grained sandstone, Medium to fine grained sandstone interbedded 67
Seam VI Floor with siltstone, carbonaceous mudstone and 2/3 beds of tuffy siltstone
Archean Basement complex
(a) Upper section Relatively Sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks with sandy and muddy 53
aquiclude fragments interbedded with fine grained sandstone, Carbonaceous
mudstones and molted mudstones at bottom
(b) Lower Aquifuse Granodiorite, Quartz Diorite and Diorite gneiss 31
Section

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 Environ Earth Sci

Fig. 2 The location map of Bore Holes, Geological Drill Holes and LDT) within different lithological units (modified after Wardell
different cross sections in the mine area. The cross sections a, b and Armstrong 1991; Islam and Hayashi 2008)
c shows the existence of different coal seams with aquifers (UDT and

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Environ Earth Sci

5.15 9 10E-4 to 9.5 9 10-5 m/day, and 2.0 9 10-5,
respectively, indicating aquiclude and poor porous nature.
The nature of hydrology and aquifer characteristics also
directly or indirectly influences by numerous faults existed in
the mine area (Wardell Armstrong 1991). However, the
presence of poor permeable base rocks, less or no apparent
fracture zone, good lithology and degree of cement have
reduced the transmissivity and poorly developed the water-
filled spaces along the faults in the mine area (CMC 1994;
Mostofa 2002). Nonetheless, based on the existence of any
discontinuities like faults and their nature with the extraction
of coal from underground, it can be implied that faults might
act as a conduit in the future.
Method of analysis and results
The methods of this research work are mainly the review of
literature, direct field investigation, collection of data and
their laboratory analysis. During the research possession,
several field investigations have been carried out to have
information about the overall geological and hydrological
condition around the mining area. Fourteen ground water
samples have been collected from different locations around
the mine shown in Table 2. The samples were collected and
stored in acid cleaned, high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
bottles (1,000 ml), which were carefully rinsed three times
before use. The use of HDPE bottles minimizes container
pollution and promotes sample preservation (Bhardwaj and
Shing 2011, Hall 1998). Then the samples transferred to the
laboratory for analyses. The conductivity was determined
using Conductivity/TDS meter. The temperature and pH was
determined using a pH meter. The results of such parameters
measured in field and also other major parameters analyzed
in the laboratory shown in Table 2. The water level data for
seven wells (DOB-6, DOB-7, DOB-11, DOB-13, CSE-14,
CSE-15, and P11/2) have been collected from the Bara-
pukuria Coal mine authority (CMC 2012). The water level of
the area is calculated using a simple empirical relationship
which is Water level = Reference Water level - Depth of
water (WL = RWL - WD). Following this equation, the
water levels have been calculated from 2001 to 2011 for each
well and finally the results have been presented in a tabular
form for each case but here shown only two representative
wells (DOB 6 and 7) data for viewing the nature of water
level around the area. The calculated data of these wells are
shown in the Table 3. The questionnaires survey have also
been conducted to understand the availability of ground
water before and after mining operation in the area which
results are presented in the representative Table 4.
Discussions
Coal mining and present water environs around the area
The surface water quality characteristics could be affected
by various ways such as construction of different mine

Table 2 Physicochemical characters of water in area and their comparison with WHO (2011), EU (2008) and EQS (1991) limits
Sample PH EC in lS/ Temperature in Na? K? Mg2? Ca2? Fe(total) Cl- SO42- HCO3- NO3-
No. cm Degree Unit of parameters are in Mg/l

SS(CL)1 6.76 93.2 29.3 3.5 2.45 8.5 8.1 0.8 5.3 1.2 50.1 1.8
SS(CL)2 6.50 75.0 29.0 3.2 2.4 8.3 8.1 0.8 5.8 1.1 50.1 1.7
SS(CL)3 6.28 136.1 29.2 3.1 2.80 8.0 8.2 0.8 5.3 1.2 50.0 1.7
SS(p)4 5.92 45.5 29.6 4.5 2.75 7.6 9.1 0.63 4.2 1.5 55.3 1.5
SS(p)5 6.25 85.5 29.3 4.5 2.65 6.9 9.0 0.82 4.5 1.1 50.3 1.25
SS(p)6 6.5 62 29.1 7.5 2.9 3.3 6.5 0.92 15.5 2.3 46 1.55
SS(p)7 6.8 79 29.3 6.3 2.85 32.0 15.6 0.85 4.5 2.5 164.5 3.5
S(STW)8 5.71 37.5 27.5 6.5 3.0 44.0 8.5 0.21 12 40.1 42 3.3
S(STW)9 5.77 70.0 26 8.2 3.1 57 29.5 2.5 8.9 38.5 45 3.5
S(STW)10 7.1 80 29.8 6.5 3.4 43 26.3 0.45 9.5 8 65 3.8
S(STW)11 7.5 102 29 7.8 3.5 5.5 7.7 0.65 7.4 5.8 50 0.7
S(UMF)12 5.45 66.2 34.6 3.4 0.66 3.3 5.1 0.25 3.9 2.2 30.1 3.3
S(UMF)13 6.40 74.3 36.4 3.65 2.2 3.0 4.3 0.21 3.2 2.9 61 3.9
S(UMF)14 4.95 42.5 35.6 3.92 1.35 3.5 4.8 0.18 3.7 2.0 133 3.2
WHO 6.58.5 250 * 200 150 50 75 0.30 250 500 100 50
EU 6.58.5 250 * 200 * * * 0.20 250 250 * 50
EQS 6.58.5 250 *Not mentioned * 50100 3050 * 0.31 150600 100200 200250 10
SS (CL) surface water sample (cultivated land), SS (p) surface water sample (pond), S (STW) water sample (shallow tube well), S (UMF) water
sample (underground mine face)

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Table 3 Monthly average water level data of Deep Observation Well-6 (DOB-6) and Well-7 (DOB-7)
Time Water level (m) Time Water level (m) Time Water level (m) Time Water level (m)

Deep Observation Well-6 (DOB-6)

Jan-01 18.16775 Apr-05 8.80350 Jul-07 9.52050 Oct-09 10.42125
Feb-01 14.79650 May-05 9.49000 Aug-07 10.40700 Nov-09 10.49200
Mar-01 13.74825 Jun-05 10.27025 Sep-07 11.27325 Dec-09 12.10025
Apr-01 13.56575 Jul-05 11.27400 Oct-07 12.14500 Jan-10 12.14825
May-01 13.98200 Aug-05 12.85950 Nov-07 12.20400 Feb-10 11.52425
Jun-01 12.75300 Sep-05 14.04650 Dec-07 11.41650 Mar-10 10.51300
Jul-01 12.87425 Oct-05 15.28625 Jan-08 11.34700 Apr-10 9.95550
Aug-01 13.47950 Nov-05 15.39000 Feb-08 10.62650 May-10 10.35200
Sep-01 14.59825 Dec-05 14.45550 Mar-08 9.28950 Jun-10 10.59750
Oct-01 16.33500 Jan-06 13.29325 Apr-08 8.41650 Jul-10 10.86925
Nov-01 17.09150 Feb-06 10.37050 May-08 8.29775 Aug-10 11.39975
Dec-01 17.79500 Mar-06 9.97175 Jun-08 8.67050 Sep-10 12.11300
Jan-03 15.76700 Apr-06 8.54625 Jul-08 9.42225 Oct-10 12.80175
Feb-03 13.39875 May-06 8.78675 Aug-08 10.23050 Nov-10 13.09975
Mar-03 12.23500 Jun-06 8.96150 Sep-08 11.33250 Dec-10 13.21975
Apr-03 13.19150 Jul-06 9.37650 Oct-08 11.79825 Jan-11 13.10700
May-03 12.39950 Aug-06 9.47500 Nov-08 11.71325 Feb-11 12.36925
Jun-03 14.06400 Sep-06 9.70425 Dec-08 11.28625 Mar-11 11.79325
Jul-03 16.17575 Oct-06 10.72075 Jan-09 11.24875 Apr-11 11.45525
Aug-03 17.45850 Nov-06 10.61850 Feb-09 9.92600 May-11 11.36100
Sep-03 17.19975 Dec-06 9.88125 Mar-09 9.21475 Jun-11 11.54900
Oct-03 17.37750 Jan-07 9.35050 Apr-09 8.68800 Jul-11 12.10000
Nov-03 17.24525 Feb-07 9.57925 May-09 9.05925 Aug-11 12.27925
Dec-03 16.54125 Mar-07 9.07125 Jun-09 9.68000 Sep-11 12.66875
Jan-05 12.22450 Apr-07 8.43675 Jul-09 10.07400 Oct-11 13.22425
Feb-05 9.67050 May-07 8.38125 Aug-09 10.08900 Nov-11 13.33025
Mar-05 9.01575 Jun-07 8.69600 Sep-09 10.33975 Dec-11 13.82200
Deep Observation Well-7 (DOB-7)
Jan-01 21.224 Apr-05 10.919 Jul-07 10.717 Oct-09 10.672
Feb-01 18.349 May-05 11.434 Aug-07 11.488 Nov-09 11.46
Mar-01 16.609 Jun-05 12.224 Sep-07 12.354 Dec-09 11.204
Apr-01 16.274 Jul-05 12.994 Oct-07 12.819 Jan-10 11.249
May-01 16.461 Aug-05 14.464 Nov-07 10.562 Feb-10 11.314
Jun-01 15.979 Sep-05 16.159 Dec-07 12.564 Mar-10 9.404
Jul-01 16.418 Oct-05 16.902 Jan-08 12.01 Apr-10 8.977
Aug-01 16.384 Nov-05 17.199 Feb-08 10.894 May-10 8.642
Sep-01 17.209 Dec-05 16.3 Mar-08 9.327 Jun-10 8.929
Oct-01 19.329 Jan-06 15.206 Apr-08 8.869 Jul-10 9.472
Nov-01 20.409 Feb-06 12.314 May-08 8.012 Aug-10 10.047
Dec-01 20.799 Mar-06 10.434 Jun-08 8.342 Sep-10 10.509
Jan-03 19.189 Apr-06 9.594 Jul-08 9.179 Oct-10 11.184
Feb-03 17.229 May-06 10.074 Aug-08 9.974 Nov-10 11.75
Mar-03 14.939 Jun-06 10.474 Sep-08 10.874 Dec-10 11.884
Apr-03 15.542 Jul-06 11.1 Oct-08 11.566 Jan-11 11.909
May-03 15.849 Aug-06 11.532 Nov-08 11.642 Feb-11 11.9
Jun-03 16.399 Sep-06 11.367 Dec-08 11.317 Mar-11 10.094
Jul-03 18.149 Oct-06 12.602 Jan-09 10.924 Apr-11 9.304

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Environ Earth Sci

Table 3 continued
Time Water level (m) Time Water level (m) Time Water level (m) Time Water level (m)

Aug-03 20.079 Nov-06 12.47 Feb-09 10.364 May-11 9.2

Sep-03 20.164 Dec-06 12.279 Mar-09 8.254 Jun-11 9.427
Oct-03 19.869 Jan-07 12.062 Apr-09 7.454 Jul-11 10.084
Nov-03 20.127 Feb-07 10.056 May-09 7.465 Aug-11 10.514
Dec-03 19.518 Mar-07 9.356 Jun-09 8.184 Sep-11 11.259
Jan-05 15.739 Apr-07 8.629 Jul-09 8.734 Oct-11 11.69
Feb-05 12.284 May-07 9.042 Aug-09 9.108 Nov-11 13.482
Mar-05 11.084 Jun-07 9.804 Sep-09 9.442 Dec-11 12.389

Table 4 The representative table of questionnaires survey on the availability of ground water before and after coal mining operation in the
mining area
Name of local inhabitants Availability of ground water Availability of ground water after coal mining operation
before coal mining operation

Mr. Mosharoff Hossain, Vill.
Chouhati, P.S. Parbatipur
Md. Abdus Salam, Vill.
Chouhati, P.S. Parbatipur
Mr. Suvo, Officer of Coal Mine
Md. Shohidul Islam, A van
rider around the coal mine
Md. Jalil Mia, A man of Coal
mine Bazar
Md. Abul Kalam, A man of
Coal mine Bazar
Md. Kabir Hossain, Vill.
Chouhati, P.S. Parbatipur
Md. Atair Rahman, Vill.
Chouhati, P.S. Parbatipur
Mr. Dinens, A man of Phulbari
Bazar
Md. Kashem, A van rider
Available from all sources in all Primarily no problem, presently 2010 facing very great problem
seasons in a year regarding ground water from shallow tube well in dry season
Available from all sources in all Presently 2010 facing very great problem regarding ground water from
seasons in a year shallow tube well in dry season
No answer No problem at all
Available from all sources in all Facing slight problem for ground water in dry season but okay
seasons in a year
Available from all sources in all Facing slight problem for ground water but okay
seasons in a year
Available from all sources in all Some time problem but tolerable
seasons in a year
Available from all sources in all Facing very great problem during dry season
seasons in a year
Available from all sources in all Presently 2010 facing very great problem regarding ground water from
seasons in a year shallow tube well in dry season
Available from all sources in all Facing very great problem during dry season
seasons in a year
Available from all sources in all Facing slight problem for ground water but okay
seasons in a year

structures; loss of water catchment areas; diversion of
watercourses; and off-site discharge of excess treated
dirty water from the mine site (EIA 2006). In order to
visualize these effects on the present water condition
around the area, this research directly conducted the field
investigation and found that the mine posed slight threat to
the surface water. The surface water in ponds, small
channel and cultivated land has changed their color from
natural state to light gray and dark color (Fig. 3a, b). In the
area, the drainage water from mine carries a considerable
amount of slush, silt, coal spoil and coal fines which are
spreading over different reservoir of water resulting the
changing of water color and ultimately losing its quality
standards for different crops and aquatic life. Throughout
the field investigation, experience also gathered from
farmers around the mine where agricultural land receiving
the Mine Drainage Water (MDW) from mine and result
shows that rice production is reduced of about 4050 %
when they are using MDW than that of ground water from
deep tube well (DTW) or shallow tube well (STW). For
example, the production of rice by DTW irrigation varies
4.95.7 and 2.62.8 metric ton/hector, respectively, and
those of MDW irrigation varies 33.7 and 12 metric ton/
hector, respectively (Uddin 2003). From this observation, it
is cleared that the irrigation with the help of MDW, growth
of crop is good but the rice production is low because of
becoming bushy type plants at their growing stage. Thus,
the quality of surface water and ground water affected both
within a mine and in the surrounding areas which suggests
that the strict environmental regulations might have to

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Fig. 3 a, b Coal mining
impacts on ground water
occurrences in the nearby areas
introduce to control mining activities and mine closure, so
as to minimize damage to the water environment.
Impact of coal mining on water quality
The impacts on surface and ground water from under-
ground coal mining operations have been reported by many
authors (e.g. Mazziotti-Tagliani et al. 2012; Li et al. 2012;
Alam et al. 2011; EIA 2006; Steve Blodgett et al. 2002;
Marcus 1997; Norton 1996; Park 1987 and others). The
Underground mining water quality may be adversely
affected by the increased exposure of fresh rock that pro-
vides a larger surface area for interaction of water and the
rock geochemistry (Steve Blodgett et al. 2002; Temple and
Koehler 1954). By exposing fresh rock surfaces to contact
with ground water, underground adits have the potential for
impacting water quality. Mining also exposes fresh surface
areas to oxygen, and if reactive materials such as pyrite are
present, acid drainage can result in decreased pH and
increased soluble metals loading (Marcus 1997). The soil,
water, air, socioeconomic condition can be affected by
mine operation around the mine (Alam et al. 2011). Thus
from these discussions, it is apparent that the coal mining
operation might have a considerable impact on water
quality and quantity around the mining field. The surface
and ground water interpretation of the present mining area
shows that the highest average electric conductance in the
surface water of cultivated land. PH of this water is higher
than pond water and underground mine water. Potassium,
magnesium, iron, calcium and chloride concentration of the
water is larger than those of underground mine water
(Fig. 4ad).
Except pH and EC, all other parameters have larger
concentration in pond water than in surface water of cul-
tivated land. Pond water have lower nitrate and sulfate
concentration than underground mine water but all other
parameters have higher concentration in pond water than in
underground mine water (Fig. 4). Shallow tube-well water
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Environ Earth Sci
has the highest concentration for all parameters except EC,
bi-carbonate and nitrate. Bi-carbonate concentration of
shallow tube-well water is lower than pond water and
nitrate ion of this water is less than underground mine
water (Fig. 4). Shallow tube-well water of the study area is
iron rich. From Fig. 4, it is found that underground mine
water has the lowest pH, EC, Potassium, Magnesium,
Calcium, Iron and Chloride concentration when compared
to the other samples. It has the highest nitrate concentra-
tion. Sodium concentration of this water has been found
larger than in surface water of cultivated land. When
compared these present laboratory analyzed results of dif-
ferent parameters with the standard acceptable limit rec-
ommended by WHO (2011), EU (2008) and EQS (1991), it
be seen that concentration of all parameters except iron are
within acceptable limit (Fig. 4) and in the other case not
much deviation occurred in the area. From the field
observation, it should be noted here that the mine drainage
water in the areas are in gray to black color because of they
contained coal fine even after the purification of MDW in
the water treatment plant in the mine which might have the
negative impact on the production of the crops in the area.
Besides from this analysis, it can be implied that the impact
of mining activity on the quality of water body is slight
noticeable but still in tolerable state for any purpose around
the mine.
Impact of coal mining on ground water level
The hydrology of aquifer is almost entirely controlled by
the excessive abstraction of water and the pattern of water-
level change largely follows the patterns of change in
ground water abstraction (Hoque et al. 2007). Currently
most of the area of Bangladesh, the water table in the
aquifer is declining because withdrawals are exceeding
recharge (Shamsudduha et al. 2011) which are the general
situation in Bangladesh but mining operation and its impact
on lowering the water level is something typical which
Environ Earth Sci
Fig. 4 The intensity of different physicochemical parameters of
unlike water samples around the mine area such as a Physicochemical
characters of cultivated land water. b Physicochemical characters of
have been explained by many researchers such as: ground
water quantity is affected by depletion of the aquifer when
dewatering from underground mining acts as a drain and
lowers the water level (Steve Blodgett et al. 2002); when
underground mines extend into saturated ground, the
seeping water creates a hydraulic gradient and induces flow
to the mine, which results in depressed water levels (Hoehn
and Sizemore 1977); water levels will decline more as the
mine goes deeper, it will also decline relative to the loca-
tion of the mine both aerially and vertically relative to
recharge/discharge sources (Grmela 1997). Thus from
these discussions, it is comprehensible that the coal mining
operation equally interrupt local as well as regional water
supply chain by lowering the water level from its normal
stage.
The present situation regarding the availability of water
around the Barapukuria coal mine is that the water is
normally available in rainy and winter season but difficult
in dry season (Table 4; Fig. 5a, b, representative wells)
besides, the ground and surface water was very much
available in all seasons in a year before the underground
coal mining operation in the area. Moreover, from Figs. 5
and 6, it is cleared that the water level has already
pond water. c Physicochemical characters of shallow Tube-well
water. d Physicochemical characters of mine face water
depleted about 5 m or more from it reference state which
matched with the results reported in recent studies in
India and Bangladesh by Rodell et al. (2009); Sham-
sudduha et al. (2009, 2011), and Tiwari et al. (2009). In
these studies, they mentioned that the declining trends in
ground water levels (0.10.5 m/year) which indicate
reductions in aquifer storage from unsustainable ground
water abstraction for both irrigation and urban water
supplies. Particularly, Fig. 6a and b themselves a two-
dimensional contour map of the water level along with
the specific boreholes location which clearly shows the
lowering tendency of water level in the area. For exam-
ple, the comparison between the state of water level in
2001 (Fig. 6a) with the state of water level in
2011(Fig. 6b), shows that the water level was much
thicker in 2001 than in 2011. Therefore considering these
scenario, this research point toward that the recharge and
discharge conditions are imbalanced and the water level
depleted in dry season as a result the local inhabitant are
facing problem to extract water for drinking, irrigation
and industrial use as before mining operation and which
probably the direct impact of mining practice on the
depletion of water level in the area.
123

Fig. 5 a Lowering the state of
water level from 2001 to 2011
in the mining area. b Lowering
the state of water level from
2001 to 2011 in the mining area
Future mining operation and plan for managing
the water environment in the area
In the case of any mining operation, it is crucial to boast an
unambiguous outset in relation to the hydrogeological
condition of the area, for a safe and sound and triumphant
mine construction as well as mine development. The
principal constraints to the design of the Barapukuria Coal
Mine Project relates to the great thickness of the coal seam
and the presence of massive Gondwana sandstones and
unconsolidated Dupi Tila Formation (Wardell Armstrong
1991; Uddin 2003). The later Formation represents a major
aquifer over the whole mine area and for many thousands
of square kilometres aerial extent. It is at least 100 m in
thickness reaching 185 m in the southern part of the mine
and extends from beneath a shallow covering of Barind
clay residuum to its geologically unconformable contact
with the Ground water measures. The Dupi Tila Formation
and Gondwana Sandstone that is known to be hydraulic
continuity with the coal seam-VI, represents a major
potential hazard to the mine from water inflow (Islam and
Islam 2005; Mostofa 2002; CMC 1999). The water
123
Environ Earth Sci
associated hazards such as water flooding/inrushing within
and above the mine area, water quality degradation, water
level lowering and so on are the common harms and which
might be occurred during and after the mining operations.
Considering these situations, it should be noted here that
there is huge valuable coal resource remains mostly
unexplored in Bangladesh while still no practicing mining
professional in mine sector, any sustainable mining policy
or strategy as a result facing enormous problems to extract
this natural resource properly. Thus this research deems
that we might have a strict and sustainable mining strategy
including water environments where the following points
can be considered: to regulate future underground coal
mining activities in anywhere, a comprehensive and timely
evaluation of the mining impacts on ground water aquifers
and surface water should properly acquired; mitigation
measures must be planned to prevent damage of the
hydrologic system; financial assurance could also be to
account for the cost of hydrologic reclamation; detailed
plans and baseline monitoring must be required to develop
a hydrologic control plan and meet performance standards;
the areas are deemed unsuitable for mining should be
Environ Earth Sci
Fig. 6 The comparisons between the states of water level contour map (a) in 2001 with the state of water level contour map (b) in 2011
unscathed and protected; water supplies must be specifi-
cally protected; a far-sighted set of regulations that can be
applied to the inimitable conditions at each mining stage
would allow for ample environmental management.
Concluding remarks
Barapukuria underground coal mine itself a first and pro-
spective coal mine in Bangladesh while the successful
mining operation and extraction of coal from this mine
would be the mainstay for the future mining operation in
other coal fields and subsequently using this high quality
coal, the electricity will generate in the country. In prin-
ciple, the underground and open cuts both of these mining
operations are very much sensitive and sometime create an
adverse effect on their surrounding environment. In the
case of Barapukuria coal mine, the noticeable mining
effects are observed on the land subsidence, geology,
hydrology and so on around the area. From these points of
view, the current research mainly covenanted with the
impact of mining activity on water environs which have
been clarified based on two main parameters such as
parametric analysis of water and understanding the present
situation of water level in the area. In order to have such
observation, the direct field investigation, laboratory anal-
ysis and questionnaires surveys have been performed and
the result shows that the pH, EC, temperature, HCO3-,
NO3-, SO42-, Cl-, Na?, K?, Mg2?, Ca2? and Fe(total)
values of water are almost in normal condition for all
purposes, besides presently the availability of ground water
are customary in rainy and winter seasons but convoluted
in dry season which was very much accessible during all
times whenever the coal mining activity was not in the
area. From these features, it is apparent that the impact of
mining bustle is not so much yet on water quality and
slightly on the lowering of water level since the water level
has lowered about 5 meters or more from 2001 to 2011.
Thus, this research suggests that the proper long term
planning including artificial recharge plan, probable
hydrologic consequences determination, cumulative
hydrologic impact assessment, hydrologic reclamation
plan, and surface water and ground water monitoring
activities must be performed as part of having present and
future sound mining operation. Moreover, more detail
research is very much indispensable for perceptive the
impact of mining commotion on water and hydrological
environment management in the area.
123

Acknowledgments Firstly, the author is very grateful to Dr. Gunter
Doerhoefer, Editor-in-Chief for his kind co-operation regarding the
encouraging review processes, advice and publication of the research.
Secondly, he is cordially thankful to the anonymous four reviewers
for their suggestions, critical comments and criticism in improving the
quality of the research. Thirdly, He also equally thankful to the
University Grants Commission (UGC) and Ministry of Science and
Technology, Bangladesh for supporting financially this research
project otherwise it was completely impossible.
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