Statement of case in support of a Determination that a statutory EIA is not required

This is a relevant project in terms of section 55A(16) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 as it is a project for the improvement of a road and the completed works (together with any area occupied by apparatus, equipment, machinery, materials, plant, spoil heaps, or other such facilities or stores required during the period of construction) are situated in whole or in part in the River Tweed SAC which is a sensitive area within the meaning of regulation 2(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999.

The project has been subject to screening using the Annex III criteria to determine whether a formal Environmental Impact Assessment is required under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017). Screening using Annex III criteria, reference to consultations undertaken and review of available information has not identified the need for a statutory EIA.

The project will not have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as:

Characteristics of the scheme:

  • Works are restricted to like-for-like refurbishment of the bridge deck at the A68 Galadean Bridge
  • The works will improve safety on the bridge and protect against future deterioration of the structure. Consequently, carrying out these works now will reduce the likelihood of a failure in the bridge structure requiring major works at a future date. This in turn will minimize the extent of work required on the A68 Galadean Bridge. In doing so, the service life of the structure is also extended.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, not significant, and limited to the construction phase.

Location of the scheme:

  • The scheme spans the River Tweed SAC. However, a HRA has been undertaken which has confirmed that the works will not result in AESI on the qualifying features of the SAC.
  • The scheme does not lie within any sites of historical, cultural, or archaeological significance.
  • The scheme is not located within any areas designated for landscape interests.
  • Land use will not change as a result of the works.
  • The works do not require any private land acquisition.
  • The scheme does not lie within any sites designated for geology or soils.
  • The scheme is not located within a densely populated area.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • The waste hierarchy will be followed to reduce waste to landfill.
  • Works are programmed to take approximately thirty nights to complete on a rolling programme, with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00

With good practice pollution prevention measures implemented onsite, there is a negligible risk of a pollution event e.g., compliance with the SEMP.