Funding secured to improve safety at Ty Llwyd, a former quarry with toxic waste, addressing community concerns.
It contains harmful PCBs dumped long ago. PCBs are now known to cause cancer. They are persistent organic pollutants still there. Heavy rains concern local people. They fear contaminated water is flowing outwards. It could reach Pantyffynnon woodland and homes nearby.
The council owns the land. It will get up to £775,000 for safety. This money will tackle the leachate risk. The Welsh Government provides the needed funding.
They said all work may not finish within the year. Documents say funding will help improve Ty Llwyd. Work reduces off-site environmental impacts there. Funding supports future site management needs well.
Funding covers surveys and boreholes work. It also pays for fencing and bank retention too. Caerphilly Council will do more feasibility work. This includes “capping” the site if it’s possible.
A council spokesperson said they welcome the funding. It will help them manage surface water on the site. Borehole installation will also be part of the work. They will do a geophysical survey to understand waste impact. This would also clarify groundwater effects.
The government knows all work may not happen. This is due to the short amount of time available. Two local councillors want the quarry cleaned. They want the council to be open with everyone. They discussed planned works publicly.
The councillors asked for a meeting. They wanted to meet at the quarry site. They wanted to include residents. They wanted to see the planned work. Council officers told them they were too busy. One councillor awaits a consultant’s report.
Another councillor thought the refusal was sad. She indicated the council mistreated nearby residents. She stated the council cannot discharge leachate now. Land is expected to be newly enclosed in the woods.
The leachate has been there for years already. Residents walked dogs and had picnics at that site. Their children also played there previously. She said the council knew about this stuff. Yet, the council did not warn residents to keep away. The council recently gave people a warning. People should stay away, as it’s “private land”.