Wednesday 11 June,
10.00, Grimond, House of
Commons
On Wednesday 11 June, the Welsh Affairs
Committee will hear from local authorities in Wales on
the environmental legacy of former industrial activity.
The session will explore the ongoing challenges and opportunities
coal tip safety and contaminated land present. Leakage of toxic
chemicals and the threat of landslips continue to pose risks to
human health, property, ecosystems and water quality.
MPs are likely to ask witnesses about their respective councils'
current approach to managing some of the 2,573 disused coal tips
across Wales. In particular, what steps they are taking to
protect local communities and those living near high-risk tips
from further landslips.
They may also ask about the infrastructure challenges coal tip
remediation presents, as well as the long-term cost of managing
disused coal tips.
The Committee is also likely to examine the management of
contaminated land across Wales. MPs may ask how local authorities
are ensuring consistency and best practice, and how funding
constraints have impacted site inspections. According to data
provided by 11 Welsh Councils, 698 high-risk sites have been
identified, of which 586 have not yet been inspected.
Witnesses
From 10.00:
· Rachael
Davies, Contaminated Land Officer, Flintshire County
Council
· Jacqueline
Mynott, Head of Infrastructure Asset Management, Rhondda
Cynon Taf County Borough Council
· Mark S. , Executive Director -
Corporate and Regeneration, Caerphilly County Borough
Council
· Robert
Hartshorn, Director of Environment and Regulatory
Services, Caerphilly County Borough Council
· Nicola
Pearce, Director Environment and Regeneration, Neath
Port Talbot Council
