Ffos-y-fran is a land reclamation scheme to convert the landscape near myther into a more friendly place, it has come under much objection from the greenies as being a horrible place that will speed up global warming and no doubt leed to some polar bear somewhere coming down with a cough. anyway.... some details of the site as taken from http://www.ffos-y-fran.co.uk:
The 'Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme' will see the restoration of some 367ha of derelict land. The land will be restored to a simple landform and landscape, characteristic of this area. The majority of the land will be returned to common and agricultural land, although there would be the possibility of some further economic development at a later date.
The Scheme will involve the recovery of coal by opencast methods. During this time the land will be progressively restored as the site is worked, and will be subject to a period of 5 years aftercare as areas are released.
The proposal has been environmentally assessed including issues of landscape, land use, utilities, footpaths, urban common, traffic and transport, soils, hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, archaeology and historic landscape, ecology, visual impact, noise, waste management, air quality, blasting, alternatives and socio economics.
Whilst it is accepted and recognised that there are impacts as a result of the Scheme, it is firmly believed that the proposed mitigation works and benefits, as a result of the Scheme, far outweigh the disbenefits.
The East Merthyr Land Reclamation Scheme was originally conceived in the 1980's by the County Council (Mid Glamorgan) and the Borough (Merthyr Tydfil), in partnership with the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) to oversee the reclamation of the largest area of acutely derelict land, of its type, in Western Europe. The 'Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme' will bring about the final completion of this scheme and achieve the objectives set out in Merthyr's Local Plan.
The majority of the land will be returned to common and agricultural land, there will also be possibilities of staged release of areas of land as they are progressively restored, for public use or redevelopment.
The 'Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme' is likely to generate employment for around 600 people (200 direct and some 400 indirect jobs). And just as importantly will contribute to the continued vitality of the Welsh Coal Industry and that of Aberthaw Power Station, thus providing security for over 2350 jobs. The workforce will be predominantly from the local area. Appropriate training will be given to promote the necessary skills, along with continuous training and learning as their future progresses.
The revenue generated will pay for the reclamation of some 400ha of land, including waste tips, pay the remaining monies due to the Welsh Development Agency, contribute some ?60 million in wages, and create a community benefit fund of some ?6 million over the course of the project for local community projects.
A liaison committee will be formed to deal with any queries or complaints as the project progresses. In addition a bulletin will be regularly published to keep the community informed of progress.
A visitor centre will be created to provide schools with a facility that would encourage them to attend site to learn about the project as well as the archaeological heritage and ecological aspects of the area.
These first lot of photo's were taken June last year as the tackle was being assembled:
Click to view the bigger picture.
SB
