Satement 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) span 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 the worn / damaged bridge deck and abutment, with all works restricted to the A68 Townfoot bridge.
  • 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.
  • By refurbishing the bridge deck, this will reduce the rate of the delamination process to the concrete and will provide this section of the A68 carriageway with another life cycle, and significantly improve the ride quality, which will result in safer conditions for road users.
  • 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 is located within Jedburgh Conservation Area, however, consultation with the Scottish Borders Heritage and Design Officer confirmed there were no concerns with the proposed works.
  • The scheme is located approx. 6.7m south of Bridge Street, Townfoot Bridge Listed Building.
  • The works do not require any private land acquisition.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • The waste hierarchy will be followed to reduce waste to landfill.
  • Land use will not change as a result of the works.
  • The scheme is located within a densely populated area, the centre of Jedburgh.
  • Deck refurbishment works are programmed to take approx. six weeks as day works (08:00 – 16:00).
  • With good practice pollution prevention measures implemented onsite, there is a negligible risk of a pollution event e.g., compliance with the SEMP.