Harpur Hill Quarry
| Far Hill Quarry | |
|---|---|
| Location | Harpur Hill |
| Coordinates | 53°14′49″N 1°51′07″W / 53.247°N 1.852°W |
| Lake type | artificial |
| Primary inflows | groundwater |
| Primary outflows | evaporation, seepage |
| Basin countries | England |
| First flooded | c. 2005 |
| Max. length | 308 ft (94 m) |
| Average depth | 20 m (66 ft) |
| Max. depth | 40 m (130 ft) |
| Settlements | King Sterndale, Buxton |
Far Hill Quarry is a disused quarry on Harpur Hill, Derbyshire. It has flooded and became known locally as "The Blue Lagoon".[1] The attractive blue colour is from caustic chemicals in the stone. The quarry lake is a popular swimming spot, despite pollution and its pH level being 11.3, which is highly alkaline (ammonia is 11.5).[2]
A proposal in August 2012 to fill in the quarry was rejected.[3] In 2013 the water was dyed black to deter swimmers,[4] but as of 2015 the water had clarified and the lagoon has its natural blue appearance again.[5] The water remained a lush blue until it was again dyed black in April 2016.[citation needed]
References
- ^ "Police identify quarry death boy". BBC. 1 June 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
- ^ Dolan, Andy (12 August 2012). "The poison Blue Lagoon: It might look inviting, but the water is almost as toxic as bleach". MailOnline. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ "Ryan Walker quarry death: Plans to fill Far Hill rejected". BBC. 30 August 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ "Toxic Derbyshire 'Blue Lagoon' dyed black". BBC. 10 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
- ^ [1]