Coal Authority to coordinate tip safety work in Wales
Following the unprecedented rainfall and flooding brought by recent storms, the Welsh and UK Governments have asked the Coal Authority to coordinate vital public safety work.
The Coal Authority is undertaking an urgent review of all coal tips throughout Wales to assess any risk posed to people or property.
We are working closely with the Welsh Local Government Association, local authorities and Natural Resources Wales and good progress is being made.
Lisa Pinney, Chief Executive at the Coal Authority, said:
We’re working quickly to collect data from our partners and, based on the information assessed and categorised so far, we’ve drawn up an inspection schedule for the coal tips in Wales.
These inspections are already taking place and drone flights have also been arranged for some of the high-priority sites.
Collating more information about the surrounding areas enables us to compile a comprehensive spatial database on Welsh coal tips.
We’ll be able to use this to ensure a consistent approach is applied to understanding and managing risk at these historical coal mining sites in the future.
We’re pleased that all relevant agencies are working together to share resources and we are, as always, happy to help and support others wherever we can.
We also understand the concerns of the local communities affected in Wales and we want to assure them that the key focus of this work is to keep people safe and provide peace of mind.
Read more about the review of historical spoil tip sites in Wales
Coal tip safety team
Coal Authority
200 Lichfield Lane
Mansfield
Nottinghamshire
NG18 4RG
Email tips@coal.gov.uk
Telephone 0800 021 9230
This team holds information and can offer safety advice about historical coal tip sites in Wales.
Monday to Thursday: 8:45am to 5pm
Friday: 8:45am to 4:30pm
You can call us 24/7 to report a coal mining hazard or to get safety advice on 0800 288 4242.