Dalkeith update: 29 January 2026
Update to our works at Old Fordell Tunnel
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue our essential work to manage the underground mine water levels.
The pumping equipment is now fully installed and is safely transferring mine water to the River South Esk via the temporary pipeline, helping to lower levels in the underground workings as planned.
You may notice orange‑coloured water being discharged from the temporary pipe. This was expected and is the same mine water that previously reached the river before our work began. The temporary pipeline simply allows the water to return to the river in a controlled way while our investigations continue. We are doing this in line with guidance from SEPA, who are fully aware of the current arrangement.
We are pleased to confirm that plans are in place to improve pedestrian access to James Lean Avenue, with these improvements expected early next week. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary pipeline and continue to work with Midlothian Council to minimise disruption.
Public meeting
We would like to invite all residents to attend a public meeting, where we will provide an update on our current works and share further information about our works going forward.
This is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and stay informed.
Please see details of the date and venue below:
Date: Monday 9 February
Time: 6pm
Venue: The Miners Welfare Club, 8 Woodburn Road, Dalkeith, EH22 2AT
Community Liaison Officer
To ensure residents have dedicated support, our Community Liaison Officer, Sarah McDaid, is now available to meet with residents and help with any questions or concerns they may have.
Sarah will be available Monday 1-5pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9-2pm.
You can make an appointment to meet Sarah in person by contacting her on: 07392 318280 or email Sarah.McDaid@miningremediation.gov.uk. If you need assistance at other times, please contact our customer service team at customerservice@miningremediation.gov.uk or call 01623 637000.
Key Contacts
You can find further information about the current road closures on Midlothian Council’s website.
For questions about bin collections please contact Midlothian Council on 0131 561 5284 or by email at contactcentre@midlothian.gov.uk.
If you notice anything unusual, like water collecting where it shouldn’t, dips in the ground, or odd noises coming from underground, please call our 24-hour hazard line straight away on 0800 288 4242.
If you have any questions or concerns, would like to share feedback, or would like more information, please email our customer services team at customerservice@miningremediation.gov.uk or call 01623 637000.
To report an emergency, please contact: 0800 288 4242 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For more information about the Mining Remediation Authority, please visit www.gov.uk/mining-remediation-authority.
Key contacts
Please contact us if there is anything you wish to discuss. The reference number for this project is I-391638.
Customer Services Team
If you have any questions about our work please call our customer services team on 0345 762 6848 or 01623 637 000 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or email us at customerservice@coal.gov.uk.
To report an emergency, please contact: 0800 288 4242 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For more information about the Mining Remediation Authority, please visit www.gov.uk/mining-remediation-authority.