Wales proposes new authority to prevent disasters at abandoned coal tips

Wales is facing challenges surrounding the safety of disused coal tips, prompting a legislative proposal from the Welsh government aimed at preventing potential disasters linked to such sites. The proposed authority, known as the Disused Tips Authority for Wales, is set to manage the assessment, monitoring, and safety measures associated with these abandoned tips. This initiative comes in response to the growing concerns over the stability of coal tips, especially after incidents like the major landslide in Tylorstown during Storm Dennis in 2020, which endangered local communities by sending thousands of tons of debris into nearby rivers. The urgency of this proposal is underscored by tragic historical events like the Aberfan disaster in 1966, where a collapsing coal tip resulted in the loss of many lives, primarily children. The recent history of landslides in Tylorstown and Cwmtillery has rekindled fears of similar disasters occurring in the present day due to rising extreme weather patterns that increase the likelihood of instability at these coal tips. The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, emphasized the importance of a structured approach to ensuring community safety against such risks tied to the mining heritage of Wales. In addition to the new authority's establishment, the Welsh government has tasked the Law Commission to review existing laws regarding disused coal tips in an effort to strengthen safety measures and responses. This review is necessary to formulate comprehensive strategies that effectively address both current risks and the legacy of neglected coal sites across the country. Despite calls for adequate funding from the UK government to support these efforts, only a fraction of the costs needed for remediation has been promised. Plaid Cymru, a political party in Wales, has stressed the importance of securing the necessary funds to tackle the estimated £600 million required for comprehensive coal tip remediation efforts. The party’s spokesperson has highlighted that legislative measures alone will not suffice in preventing future disasters, especially in light of the increasing risks posed by extreme weather events that threat communities vulnerable to the instability of such tips.