Welsh Government Identifies 350 Higher Risk Coal Tips, Notifies 600 Households
Concerns over the safety of coal tips in Wales have resurfaced after a 60,000-tonne landslide at a disused site in Rhondda Cynon Taf last year. In response, the Welsh government has published the locations of 350 higher risk coal tip sites and has made £44m available for safety work. Approximately 600 households living in close proximity to these tips will receive letters informing them of the potential risk.
To address the issue, a new specialist team, including engineer Beth Jones, has been established to prevent future disasters. The team aims to minimize the risk of landslides caused by coal tips. Beth, who grew up in Aberdare, understands the impact of these tips firsthand and is determined to protect her community.
The scale of the challenge is significant, with many disused tips still present in south Wales. Rhondda Cynon Taf council, in particular, has almost twice the amount of the highest risk Category D tips compared to other areas. Although the tips do not pose an immediate risk of sliding, the consequences would be severe if they did, as they are located near homes, schools, and hospitals. Engineers like Beth are working diligently to monitor the tips using innovative techniques such as creating 3D maps, installing motion detecting sensors, and utilizing remote cameras for drainage monitoring.
The team’s inspections focus on identifying potential water-related issues, as water is often the trigger for landslides. They also look for cracks, bulging, and changes in vegetation during their regular assessments. While minor incidents may not pose an immediate risk, the team remains vigilant, considering the lessons learned from the tragic Aberfan disaster in 1966. This disaster claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults when a colliery spoil tip collapsed in Aberfan village.
Wales holds approximately 40% of the UK’s disused coal tips, and until the 2020 landslide, there was no national database to monitor them. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Welsh government has requested financial assistance from Westminster to ensure long-term safety. It is estimated that £600 million will be required over the next 10 to 15 years to protect the tips from the increasing threat of climate change.
Jacqueline Mynott, who leads the Coal Tip Safety Team at Rhondda Cynon Taf council, highlights the prioritization of work to safeguard communities. However, complications arise from the fact that many of the 340 coal tips in the area are privately owned. Some individuals were unaware of their ownership until approached, often due to inheriting the land following a family member’s death. The Welsh government has allocated £44m to fund the necessary safety work, even for privately owned tips.
Wales’ Climate Change Minister, Julie James, acknowledges the monumental task of categorizing and documenting all disused coal tips in a central database for the first time. The government aims to ensure the safety of communities and protect them from potential landslides caused by the changing climate.
The identification and notification of higher risk coal tips in Wales demonstrate the government’s commitment to prevent future disasters and prioritize the safety of its citizens. By addressing the challenges associated with these disused tips, Wales takes significant steps towards safeguarding its communities and ensuring a more secure future.
