Residents of Gwaelod-y-Garth, on the outskirts of Cardiff, have suffered flooding caused by a planned blast at Breedon's Taff's Well quarry.
Residents report hearing a loud blast coming from the direction of Taff's Well quarry last week before seeing "huge amounts of water" rushing down the hillside.
Located approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) north of Cardiff city, the quarry has been in operation since the 1920s. Breedon took over the operation in 2020 from previous owners Cemex UK.
There a history of conflict with the local community over the quarry's impact on its surroundings. In 1987, the then owners, Steetley, planned to expand the site. This was successfully challenged by campaigners who opposed the partial destruction of an adjacent wood and the significant increase in traffic the project would entail.
Emergency services were called and roads shut with about 40 people "directly affected" according to the city's council leader Chris Weaver. Cardiff council later confirmed that 15 properties had been affected and 13 homes evacuated. Roads have also been significantly damaged, due to mud, silt, debris and other obstructions created by the flood water.
One resident said "the whole house shook like a bomb had gone off", while another estimated the effects of the blast had been like three times the usual "mini earthquake".
A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed it also investigate in collaboration with South Wales Police.
Mike Pearce, CEO of Breedon GB, said: "Following the incident, which occurred following one of our planned blasts at Taffs Well Quarry, our absolute priority is to support those affected.
"Our team on the ground is working with the authorities and local community to ensure everyone has safe and suitable accommodation, along with any other assistance required.
"We will support the authorities with their investigation and will be carrying out our own investigation to understand what has happened."
