Residents of the Wilczyn region of Poland claim lignite (brown coal) Historically one of the driest regions in Poland, rainfall has been particularly low in recent years and the fall in Lake Wilczyńskie waters and other nearby lakes is clearly visible. mining practices are depleting the local lake system, drying out farmland, and reducing revenues from agriculture and tourism. Although recognised as one of Poland's driest areas, locals, environmental NGOs, and scientists insist three water-intensive lignite mines are the reason Lake Wilczyńskie's water levels have fallen five metres in as many years and continue to lose 4cm per week. Water has reportedly been drained for the open-pit mines and dumped in the river system, rather than cleaned and returned to the lakes, which would cost more. The Polish government is currently considering a plan that could see up to 1,000 hectares of land cleared by coal mining, with an estimated £1bn spent on compensation over 30 years.
Residents of the Wilczyn region of Poland claim lignite (brown coal) mining practices are depleting the local lake system, drying out farmland, and reducing revenues from agriculture and tourism. Although recognised as one of Poland's driest areas, locals, environmental NGOs, and scientists insist three water-intensive lignite mines are the reason Lake Wilczyńskie's water levels have fallen five metres in as many years and continue to lose 4cm per week. Water has reportedly been drained for the open-pit mines and dumped in the river system, rather than cleaned and returned to the lakes, which would cost more. The Polish government is currently considering a plan that could see up to 1,000 hectares of land cleared by coal mining, with an estimated £1bn spent on compensation over 30 years.