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A new supervisory body should be created to oversee coal tip safety in Wales, the Welsh Government has recommended.
The body would ensure management arrangements are in place for the highest-category tips, as well as create a new register of tips.
A new national approach to the categorisation of tips would be led by the body, which would arrange tailored hazard assessments for each coal tip site to determine the risks a tip might pose, with the view to agreeing a management plan.
The Welsh Government also wants to address the lack of enforcement powers within the existing legislation, with a view to allowing rights of access for inspection, upkeep or remedial works – with sanctions imposed when the new rules are not complied with.
The proposals come following a report recently published by the Law Commission, which formed the basis of a white paper released on Thursday, May 12.
The White Paper consultation on the Welsh Government’s proposals for coal tip safety is now open and will run for 12 weeks.
The Welsh Government’s Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, said: “Wales has a proud mining heritage, but I understand the nervousness felt by those living in the shadow of coal tips. Due to increased risks from the climate emergency, it’s clear the current coal tip safety law is no longer fit-for-purpose.
“The Welsh Government is committed to introducing legislation during this Senedd to ensure people can feel safe and secure in their own homes, within communities that were vital in firing up the industrial revolution.
“We have put these people at the heart of our proposals for a whole new regime, while ensuring we protect critical infrastructure and continue to care for our environment.”
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