Project Outline:

Winter storms in the Rhondda Valley in South Wales led to a significant landslip at a former coal tip site in Tylorstown, resulting in a requirement for the disused tip to be stabilised and the slipped spoil removed from the adjacent river.

The aim of the remediation scheme for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council was to make the area safe and remove the risk of further detriment to wildlife and fishing grounds and to ensure the future of this rich wildlife habitat.

Project Delivery:

Walters installed block stone walls and reinstated the riverbank in the areas where storm scour had released colliery spoil into the river. To access these areas Walters constructed temporary access tracks and ramps which included undertaking repairs to four existing culverts to manage water flows in the area.

Tracked dumpers were utilised on site to navigate the challenging terrain and gradients and to avoid disturbance to shallow services in the vicinity of the works.

All works were controlled in accordance with Flood Risk Assessments and implemented via a Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) agreed in advance with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Walters implemented measures to ensure the protection of rare plants and trees in the rural and biodiverse site for the duration of the project. 

Added Value & Client Partnerships:

Walters established Social Value Partnership’s with two local secondary schools - Ysgol Cwm Brombil & Ysgol Bro Dur - providing sports kit and sponsorship to local sports teams. We were also able to employ local candidates and support local charities by providing resources and materials.

The historic Coal Tip Memorial Tower was also cleaned and restored as part of the project, and four information panels were installed in this Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.