Colliery reclamation work to start soon

A contractor has been appointed to carry out the first phase of works necessary for the completion of the reclamation of the former Aberaman Colliery site.

Working in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has appointed Dyer and Butler Ltd., a national civil engineering contractor, as the Principal Contractor for the advanced works scheme.

It is expected that construction work, which will take approximately 10 weeks to complete, will start towards the end of November 2009.

The advanced contract will prepare the way for the main reclamation scheme and will include the following work:

• Removal and crushing of the concrete slab that covers the former coal stocking area followed by the re-profiling and grass seeding of the stocking area.
• The construction of new tracks using the crushed concrete
• The construction of a large diameter pipeline for track crossings.
• The improvement to the existing drainage outfall pipe adjacent to North View Terrace
• The construction of lined drainage channels
• The construction of a series of new wetland ponds.

The removal of the former coal stocking concrete slab and the re-profiling of the area will enhance the appearance of the area.

The construction of the wetland ponds will not only enhance the area but also create a location where future ecological mitigation works can be carried out. The main reclamation scheme will require protected species of flora and fauna present on the site to be moved to a different location – hence the need for the advanced construction of the wetlands area to provide alternative habitats.

As this site is extensively played on by children, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is requesting parents and guardians to remind children in their care not to attempt to enter the contractor’s working area for their own safety.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Housing Cllr Paul Cannon explained: “The Aberaman Colliery Reclamation Scheme is of massive importance to residents in this area of the Cynon Valley and I am pleased that we have now appointed a contractor and that the first phase of work can begin.

“The widespread vision for this area is exemplary and will transform a former industrial site into a lush green section of wildlife to be enjoyed by residents and visitors of Rhondda Cynon Taf alike. I look forward with great enthusiasm at the progress made in Aberaman and am certain the finished product will undoubtedly add considerably to this area of the county borough.”