The Local Government Association Coastal Special Interest Group (Coastal SIG) has welcomed the publication of Defra’s latest work on Historic Coastal Landfills (HCLs), describing it as an important step forward in understanding a complex and long-standing challenge facing many coastal communities.
The report represents significant progress in strengthening the evidence base around Historic Coastal Landfill sites and their potential vulnerability to Flooding and coastal change.
Cllr Derek Bastiman, Chair of the LGA Coastal SIG, told us:
“As a Group we have been shouting about the significant concerns we have around Historic coastal landfill sites for over 20 years and are grateful these have finally been recognised through this important work. However, we’re now seeing coastal change accelerate the risks posed by a combination of coastal erosion, flooding and ageing or absent infrastructure, meaning that addressing some of these sites is becoming increasingly pressing.
Without the financial means available to tackle the challenge, the question remains: how are these sites going to be dealt with? We are now calling for the next step – a fully costed and funded national strategy to respond to this threat.”
The Coastal SIG believes that a key priority is establishing a clearer understanding of the potential national liability associated with HCL sites. At present, there remains no comprehensive assessment of the financial implications of managing, monitoring, protecting or remediating sites that may be affected by coastal change in future decades. Through research previously delivered by the Group, local authorities have suggested that new defences to protect such sites in situ could cost upwards of £30 million whole life costs, and with over 1300 known sites nationally, the finance required is significant.
Mark Stratton, Historic Coastal Landfill Officer Lead for the LGA Coastal SIG, told us:
“The Coastal SIG has been closely involved in this work through representation on the Steering Group, and we warmly welcome the publication of this report and the progress it represents in improving our understanding of these sites and the challenges they present.
The report provides an important evidence base and demonstrates the value of collaboration between Government, local authorities, and academia. However, it is equally important that the recommendations are now taken forward by Government and that the gaps highlighted through the research are addressed.
A key next step must be a comprehensive financial review of historic coastal landfill sites. We need a clearer understanding of the potential long-term liabilities and investment requirements associated with managing sites at risk from coastal change, and an improved understanding of how to value and quantify the damages avoided in doing so.
This should include a robust national assessment using a consistent priority matrix and risk-based framework, enabling resources to be targeted towards those sites where the potential environmental, community and economic consequences are greatest. Without a clearer picture of future costs and liabilities, it will be difficult to develop the long-term strategic response that coastal communities need.”
Alongside calls for a financial review, the Coastal SIG continues to support research that strengthens the national evidence base and helps improve understanding of local authority experiences and concerns.
Rebecca Lofts, Lead Officer at the LGA Coastal SIG, told us:
“We are particularly keen to support further research in this area and are currently collaborating with Queen Mary University of London to better understand the experiences, concerns and priorities of coastal local authorities furthering our previous research.
“We are grateful to Defra for commissioning this research and to Minister Hardy for recognising the importance of this issue and for her continued engagement. We look forward to working constructively with others to help identify practical, evidence-based solutions.
Historic coastal landfill sites present a complex long-term challenge that no single organisation can address alone. Coastal councils stand ready to support by contributing evidence and helping develop a coordinated national response.”
Cllr Derek Bastiman concluded:
“Coastal councils are ready to play their part but addressing a national challenge cannot be tackled by us alone. Many councils have inherited these sites and the risks they pose. If we are serious about fixing this problem to protect our communities and the natural environment, we must now match our understanding with a coordinated national approach supported with appropriate funding and practical action.”
For further information on the work of the LGA Coastal SIG in relation to Historic Coastal Landfill please visit our dedicated workstream page: Coastal Landfill Working Group
To read the full Defra Report please visit their science item: Flooding and Erosion of Historical Coastal Landfills – National Assessment and Prioritisation
Notes to editors
· The LGA Coastal Special Interest Group represents coastal local authorities and champions the interests of coastal, estuarine and maritime communities.
· The Coastal SIG has worked for many years to raise awareness of the challenges associated with Historic Coastal Landfill sites.
· Previous research undertaken by the Coastal SIG and Coastal Group Network identified significant financial and resource pressures associated with managing affected sites.
· The Coastal SIG is calling for a comprehensive national financial assessment of Historic Coastal Landfills, supported by a consistent risk and priority framework.
· The Coastal SIG is currently working with Queen Mary University of London to further understand local authority experiences, concerns and priorities.
· The Coastal SIG welcomes continued engagement with Government, agencies, academia and other partners to develop practical, evidence-based solutions.
For media enquiries please contact lgacoastalsig@southtyneside.gov.uk