A video by the Welsh Government: Our programme of work on coal tip safety.
<p>Background
In February 2020, the impact of climate change saw increased winter storms with extreme rainfall. This caused a landslip at a disused coal tip in Tylorstown, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
</p><p>Coal tips are a legacy of Wales’ mining past. The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring our communities are safe.
</p><p>In response to the Tylorstown landslide, the Welsh and UK Governments set up a joint Coal Tip Safety Taskforce. This was set up to assess the immediate status of disused coal tips in Wales.
</p><p>Programme of work
The Welsh Government and its partners are delivering a programme of work. This includes inspection and maintenance of coal tips. It also includes developing new policy and legislation.
</p><p>Risk categories
Disused coal tips are being given interim risk categories. The categories show how often tips need inspecting. Higher-risk tips have a C or D category. These tips need more frequent inspections to assess drainage and stability.
</p><p>Inspections and maintenance
A lot of work has taken place since February 2020 to know the status of each tip and to carry out maintenance.
</p><p>The Coal Authority or relevant local authority are inspecting all higher-risk tips. Further inspections will take place on a regular basis. Regular inspections help to identify any signs of tip movement and any maintenance work needed.
</p><p>Local authorities are carrying out maintenance work identified by the inspections. The Welsh Government has provided funding for the maintenance programme.
</p><p>Regular inspections of C and D rated tips are being undertaken by the Coal Authority and local authorities.
</p><p>Technology trials
The Welsh Government is funding technology trials at suitable higher-risk coal tips. These aim to identify technologies that could be used to monitor tips. Such technologies could also give an early warning of any tip movement.
</p><p>The first technology trial began in March 2021. It is taking place at Wattstown National tip in Rhondda Cynon Taf. 
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|author=<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqLR2NQK4a7P6dwsn02srng">Welsh Government / Llywodraeth Cymru</a>
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