Will the Minister state how much funding has been allocated to trial sensor equipment in coal tips, how many tips are in the trial, and outline any findings?
In the last financial year we provided over £180,000 to support coal tip monitoring trails. An example project for these trials is at National Tip, Wattstown, Rhondda Cynon Taff, where real-time telemetric monitoring systems have been installed to monitor both ground movement and ground water levels. Live data, available 24 hours a day, provides a detailed insight into the tips condition and any developments, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall.
We are providing further support this financial year and are continuing to work with local authorities, strategic partners and industry specialists in developing further proposals to enable a greater number of tips to be included within these trials.
I will be happy to provide further information when these trials have been confirmed.