Senedd urged to unite behind calls to make polluters pay

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In a motion debated today, the Blaeneau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni MS pointed to the recent documentary by actor Michael Sheen detailing the dangers posed by about 45,000 sites of land contamination in Wales alone, including Ty Llwyd Quarry, Ynysddu, where substances were dumped by US chemical giant Monsanto in the 1960s and ’70s.

Ms Salkeld’s motion called on the Welsh government to create a national framework to test and assess potentially contaminated land and support local authorities to fulfil their statutory responsibilities, as well as work with UK ministers to recover costs of remediation from those responsible.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Ms Salkeld said: “For many people across Wales and in communities like Ynysddu — our industrial past is not simply something we remember. Its legacy is something that they continue to live alongside every single day.

“Historic industrial activity means substance is left to seep into our land or waters for decades, and in the case of some chemicals, for generations — posing severe risks to human health, animal health and to the wider environment.

“While communities still face the consequences today, too often, polluters have been let off the hook.

“This member debate isn’t just about making sure that the legacy of our industrial past is managed properly — it’s an opportunity for the Senedd to unite for the sake of our communities.

“Together, we can ensure a clearer national picture of contaminated land, prioritising the sites where there is greater risk, support local authorities, and urge the UK government to hold polluters responsible and contribute to putting it right.”

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