In early summer, the Wielkopolska region in western Poland looks like a scene from “The Hobbit” with intense green fields and lakes surrounded by dense forest and pretty cottages. 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 four water-intensive lignite mines are the reason Lake Wilczynskie water levels have fallen 4cm 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 mines are operated by Lake Wilczyńskie , an arm of ZE PAK , the first largest lignite energy producer in Poland , which admits to using ground water but denies responsibility for any environmental damage.
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 four water-intensive lignite mines are the reason Lake Wilczynskie water levels have fallen 4cm 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 mines are operated by Lake Wilczyńskie , an arm of ZE PAK , the first largest lignite energy producer in Poland , which admits to using ground water but denies responsibility for any environmental damage.