Welsh Government Introduces New Legislation to Address Safety Concerns Over Coal Tips
The Welsh Government has recently unveiled new legislation aimed at addressing safety issues stemming from Wales’ mining legacy. The Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill is set to establish an organization tasked with managing the numerous disused coal and non-coal tips across the country. This groundbreaking bill was presented by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Cabinet, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, in Tylorstown, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on December 9.
With 2,573 disused coal tips and over 20,000 other disused tips in Wales, the need for effective management is evident. Each disused coal tip is classified into categories ranging from R to D, with the latter posing a significant threat to public safety. The impetus for this legislation can be traced back to the Tylorstown landslide in 2020 and the subsequent joint initiative by the Welsh and UK Governments to assess the status of disused coal tips in Wales.
Following the recent landslide in Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent, the Welsh Government has emphasized the importance of addressing safety concerns surrounding coal tips in Wales. Currently, there is no public body directly accountable for disused tip safety, highlighting the necessity for a proactive approach to mitigate risks and ensure community well-being. The proposed bill seeks to rectify this by establishing an authority dedicated to overseeing disused tips.
Under the new legislation, the authority will undertake various crucial functions, including implementing a new regulatory framework, maintaining a register of disused tips, conducting assessments to identify potential risks, and carrying out inspections and necessary maintenance activities. The authority is expected to be operational by April 2027 and will have powers to enforce compliance and take corrective actions where needed.
Moreover, the bill incorporates provisions for penalties in cases of non-compliance, underscoring the importance of adherence to safety protocols. Owners of disused tips will remain responsible for their sites, with the authority ensuring that guidelines are followed rigorously. The legislation also includes mechanisms for appeals, cost recovery, and compensation to safeguard the rights of all stakeholders involved.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies stressed the significance of this bill in ensuring the safety of communities living near disused coal tips. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to managing these sites effectively and preventing potential risks. Stakeholders and MSs are encouraged to engage with the bill’s proposals in the forthcoming months to further refine the safety protocols.
In response to the bill’s introduction, campaigners like Daniel Therkelsen from the Coal Action Network have emphasized the importance of incorporating preventative measures to enhance the long-term safety of disused tips. They advocate for stringent regulations to mitigate risks associated with climate change effects and deter the sale of coal from these sites.
The Welsh Government’s proactive stance towards ensuring the safety of disused tips reflects a commitment to protecting communities and preserving Wales’ mining heritage. The proposed legislation heralds a new era of stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight, underscoring the government’s dedication to safeguarding public welfare and mitigating potential hazards associated with disused coal tips.