Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has set out plans for temporary scour protection works as part of the Nant y Mwyn Metal Mine Project.
The site is located near the village of Rhandirmwyn, around 10km north of Llandovery.
The project’s main aim is to reduce the level of metals entering the Nant y Mwyn and Nant y Bai streams, and eventually the Afon Tywi.
The Afon Tywi currently fails Water Framework Directive standards for metals.
The Clean-up plan, as per the Public Notice Portal (https://publicnoticeportal.uk/) will see short-term solutions installed at eight locations along the Nant y Bai.
Measures include scour protection along approximately 98 metres of the stream using rock bags, rock rolls, geotextile matting, timber stakes, and grassland translocation.
In addition, four brash sediment traps and a 28-metre plastic pipe will be installed to carry water discharge across spoil.
Natural Resources Wales has described the works as temporary measures ahead of a future permanent solution.
The site includes spoil heaps along the bank of the Nant y Bai channel, which are being eroded and contributing to metal loading in the stream.
Natural Resources Wales said the proposed works would reduce the amount of contaminated water and sediment entering the stream.
As part of the process, the organisation has made a public announcement that it does not intend to prepare an Environmental Statement in respect of the works.
This follows a determination that the temporary improvement measures are not likely to have significant effects on the environment.
The scheme design has taken into account environmental factors associated with the site with an Environmental Action Plan (EAP) having been prepared.
Appropriate consents are being sought for work within the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The decision not to prepare an Environmental Statement relates only to the temporary works.
The organisation is now inviting views on the likely environmental effects of the proposed improvement works.
Representations can be made in writing within 30 days of the date of publication of the public notice.
Further details, as well as copies of the Environmental Action Plan and scheme design information, can be obtained from Tom Williams, Welsh Government Offices, Natural Resources Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ, or via email at tom.williams@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.