Coal Authority - Tip management program NPTCBC - Phase 1

Understanding your needs Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPTCBC) have selected 7 former colliery tip sites to be inspected based on high risks identified, with the possibility of further inspections for medium risk and 3rd party ownership sites. The Coal Authority have also been asked to provide training for staff to allow NPTCBC to undertake inspections of the identified low risk sites. Managing NPTCBCs high risk portfolio The Coal Authority are well placed to deliver this work, managing our own portfolio of large disused colliery tips, managing Natural Resources Wales Tip portfolio and also disused non-coal tips and tailings dams for the Lake District National Park Authority. Prior to the site inspections, a review of current and historical inspection reports will be undertaken in order to familiarise ourselves with each site. Following this desk top review, the inspections will commence with a walkover of each site, comparing the current conditions with previous reports and identifying areas for concern. The Coal Authority will use their standard inspection forms for each site visit and the paper records to be returned as PDF documents every time an inspection is completed. The inspection form will be backed up with photos of any issues and a simple map showing the location and details of any work which is required. NPTCBC will be notified by email and all work resulting from inspections would be arranged by NPTCBC.

If any issues have arisen we can provide a site design solution and if NPTCBC require the Coal Authority to provide this service then we can provide a quotation based on the time required and will be charged on a daily rate. Inspections will be undertaken using the Coal Authority’s inspection form and reference will also be made to the Coal Authority’s ‘Code of Practice for the Management of Disused Tips’. Inspections will focus on, but not be limited to: • the external facing slope of each tip • the effectiveness of any surface drainage • inspection of previously identified surface features • identification of new surface features • the general condition and safety of sites • the general condition of buildings and other structures where required Should an inspection identify an issue of significant immediate concern, then NPTCBC will be notified before the inspector leaves site or as soon as practicably possible.