Who is responsible for decisions regarding whether blasting can recommence at Gwaelod-y-Garth quarry?
The recommencement of blasting operations is contingent on whether, following their investigations/assessments, regulatory bodies are content the site remains in compliance with planning permissions, health and safety requirements and any applicable environmental considerations. Based on the findings of their investigations/assessments to date, regulators have not identified any substantive breaches which have required them to instruct the operator to stop blasting activities. This includes the Health and Safety Executive, which has advised that it currently has no evidence giving rise to any health and safety objections to the resumption of blasting at the quarry.
However, the Health and Safety Executive's investigation into the circumstances surrounding the flooding incident is ongoing. This involves complex technical assessments of the blasting activities associated with the incident and is expected to take several months to complete. Regulatory authorities will continue to consider the findings of that investigation and will review their positions as and when should any new evidence emerge.
My officials have recently spoken with Breedon Group, who have not yet set a date for blasting to recommence. They have advised that any future blasting will take place in a different area of the quarry and separate from the historical mine workings linked to the flooding incident.