Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

During the construction phase, activities undertaken on site could potentially have some minor localised and short-term air quality impacts in proximity to the works. The construction phase will, for example, require a range of ancillary plant, vehicles, and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) which will contribute to local dust and air pollutants. The main sources are likely to be dust generated by cold milling in preparation of carriageway resurfacing, as well as exhaust emissions from ancillary plant and vehicles. As a result, there is potential for impacts to local air quality.

However, considering the nature and duration of the scheme, along with implementation of mitigation detailed below, the proposed works’ impacts on local air quality levels during the construction period are assessed to be non-significant.

Upon completion of the works, no residual air quality impacts are anticipated.

Air quality mitigation measures:

A water-assisted dust sweeper will sweep the carriageway after dust-generating activities, and waste will be contained and removed from site as soon as is practicable.
Materials that have a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, and vehicles that remove cold-milled material from site will have sheeted covers.
Ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM will have been regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems.
Ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM will be switched off when stationary to prevent exhaust emissions (e.g., there will be no idling vehicles).
Cutting, grinding, and sawing equipment (if required) will be fitted or used in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques e.g., local exhaust ventilation system that fits directly onto tools.
Regular monitoring (e.g., by engineer or Clerk of Works) will take place when activities that have the potential to impact local air quality are occurring. In the unlikely event that unacceptable dust or exhaust emissions are emanating from the site, the operation will, where practicable, be modified and re-checked to verify that the corrective action has been effective. Actions to be considered include: (a) minimizing cutting and grinding on-site, (b) reducing the operating hours, (c) changing the method of working, etc.

Cultural heritage

The scheme is located on Factory/Highmill Bridge, which is a Category B Listed Building. As such, there is potential for impacts to the bridge and features of the bridge which are relevant to its status as a cultural heritage asset. However, the works are restricted to like-for-like replacement of the carriageway surface to the existing boundary and depth, and are not permitted to leave the carriageway at any time. As such, there is no requirement for alterations to the Listed Building and therefore Listed Building Consent is not required. Given the mitigation measures detailed below, the impacts to Factory/Highmill Bridge are considered to be not significant.

Considering the nature, duration, size, and scale of the scheme, and with implementation of mitigation detailed below, impacts to features of cultural heritage are assessed to be non-significant.

Upon completion of the works no residual impacts on features of cultural heritage are anticipated e.g., when complete, Factory/Highmill Bridge will remain largely unchanged, with a renewed road surface being the only discernible change.

Cultural heritage mitigation measures:

Site operatives will be made aware of the location and sensitivity of Factory/Highmill Bridge prior to the commencement of the works.
Care will be taken during the works to ensure that no damage occurs to the bridge e.g. stone parapets.
Access outwith the existing carriageway will be limited as far as practicable. No plant, equipment or materials will be stored on the bridge, and equipment and tools may not be rested against the bridge.
People, ancillary plant, vehicles, NRMM and materials will be restricted to the areas of made/engineered ground on the A7 carriageway.

Landscape and visual effects

There will be a short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the site as a result of the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and TM. However, people, ancillary plant, vehicles, NRMM and materials are restricted to areas of made/engineered ground on the A7, and construction works are programmed to be undertaken at night (five nights). As such, the visual impact of the works will be somewhat reduced.

Considering the nature, duration, size, and scale of the scheme, and with implementation of mitigation detailed below, impacts on landscape and visual effects are assessed to be non-significant.

Upon completion of the works, no residual impacts on landscape and visual effects are anticipated e.g., when complete the visual appearance will remain largely unaffected, with a renewed road surface being the only discernible change.

Landscape and visual effects mitigation measures:

The site will be monitored regularly for signs of litter and other potential contaminants, and litter will be removed before and after works take place.
The site will be left clean and tidy following construction.
Where possible, construction vehicles will not be left in places where soil or vegetation can be damaged. If damage to road verge occurs this will be lightly cultivated or graded (upon completion of the works) to allow natural recolonization by local species and promote integration with existing landscape character.

Biodiversity

A Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) screening has been undertaken which ruled out Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the qualifying features of the Langholm – Newcastleton Hills SPA, Solway Firth SPA and SAC, and Upper Solway Flats and Marshes Ramsar Site due to the restriction of the works to the A7 carriageway, as well as the relatively minor nature of the works. As such, an Appropriate Assessment (AA) was not required.

Also identified within the survey were a large stand of Japanese knotweed, and several stands of giant hogweed within the banks of the River Esk adjacent to the scheme, with large numbers of rhododendron, Himalayan balsam, and both of the above species identified in the wider Langholm area. Of lesser concern, one instance of the invasive native perennial rosebay willowherb has been identified within the verge within the scheme extents. As such, unmitigated, there is potential for impacts relating to invasive and injurious plant species. However, given the restriction of the works to the A7 carriageway, and the mitigation measures detailed below, no impacts relating to invasive plant species are expected.

A temporary short-term increase in noise levels may cause disturbance to local wildlife if present in the vicinity of the works. Disturbance to local wildlife may occur through the use of plant, vehicles and NRMM which will emit noise and create vibrations. In addition, the works will also require delivery of materials and the presence of personnel to facilitate the improvements to the road surface, which could result in disturbance. However, the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required onsite is low given the scale and scope of works. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A7, furthermore, the scheme is of short duration (five nights) and will be undertaken on a rolling programme. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore somewhat diminished.

Considering the nature, duration, size, and scale of the scheme, and with implementation of mitigation detailed above, the proposed works impacts on biodiversity throughout the construction period are therefore assessed to be non-significant.

Upon completion of the works, no residual impacts are anticipated in relation to biodiversity.

Toolbox Talks will be briefed to all site operatives prior to the commencement of the works.
Numerous instances of INNS have been identified within the banks of the River Esk adjacent to the A7 carriageway within the scheme extents, and within the wider area outside of the scheme. As such, Toolbox Talk TTN-009 Working with Injurious Weeds and Invasive Plants will be briefed to all site operatives prior to the commencement of the works, and site operatives will remain vigilant for any INNS adjacent to the A7 carriageway.
Where possible, artificial lighting used during night works will be sufficiently screened and aligned so as to minimise the potential for direct illumination of neighbouring habitat (e.g., Ewes Water, woodland etc.) to ensure minimal impact on nocturnal species. Lighting will also be screened from the south parapet of Factory/Highmill Bridge.
The works are not permitted to disturb or destroy any active birds’ nests. If an active birds’ nest is identified onsite that will be impacted by works, the Environmental Team will be contacted.
Site personnel will remain vigilant for protected species and will not approach or touch any animals seen on site. Any sightings of protected species will be reported to BEARs Environmental Team. Should a protected species be encountered or move within 50m of the active works (including compounds), works will be temporarily halted until the animal(s) move at least 50m away from the construction site, or until BEAR’s Environmental Team can provide advice.
The Contractor will employ ‘soft start’ techniques for all noisy activity to avoid sudden and unexpected disturbance during works. Each time the activity is started up after a period of inactivity, the noise levels will be gradually increased over a period of 30 minutes to permit animals to move away from the disturbance.
All equipment stored onsite, if necessary, will be checked at the start of each workday to ensure mammal species are not present. Any storage containers/plant within the compound will also be secured overnight to prevent exploration by mammal species. Any areas where an animal could become trapped (e.g., storage containers) will also be covered at the end of each working day.
People, ancillary plant, vehicles, NRMM and materials will be restricted to areas of made/engineered ground (as much as is reasonably practicable). If during works unforeseen access to the surrounding environment is required, works will cease in this area and BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team will be contacted to allow consideration of potential environmental effects.
BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team will be contacted to allow consideration of potential environmental effects if:
unforeseen site clearance is required,
unplanned works must be undertaken out with the carriageway boundary,
there is any deviation from the agreed plan, programme and/or method of working,
nesting birds are found onsite.
BEAR Scotland’s Control Room will be contacted if there is a pollution incident.

Material assets and waste

Minimising impacts arising from construction materials are focussed upon making the most efficient use of materials onsite to reduce the need for imported primary materials and minimise the creation and disposal of waste through (i) reduction, (ii) re-use, and (iii) recycling. Potential impacts have been assessed for both the construction and operational phases of this scheme. It is anticipated that most material impacts are likely to arise during construction, though long-term residual impacts could occur post construction during the operational phase e.g., during the disposal of materials arising from routine maintenance operations.

However, the detailed design will reduce the requirements for primary materials e.g., the carriageway surfacing, and subbase will be carefully considered to minimise the requirements for importing primary material. Materials will also be derived from recycled, secondary, or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion. Specifying TS2010 surface course also allows a wider array of aggregate sources to be considered when compared to typical stone mastic asphalt (SMA). As a result, the use of TS2010 should reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources. The design life for the TS2010 surfacing is also estimated to be 20 years. The enhanced durability of TS2010 therefore reduces reoccurring routine maintenance and associated levels of traffic disruption to this section of road over the period. In addition, the re-use of coal tar bound materials within a separate BEAR Scotland site will see a reduction in the volume of materials going to landfill.

Considering the nature, duration, size, and scale of the scheme, and with implementation of the mitigation detailed below, the proposed works impacts on material assets and waste throughout the construction period are therefore assessed to be non-significant. Upon completion of the works, no residual impacts are anticipated on materials or waste.

Material assets and waste mitigation measures:

Good materials management methods (e.g., ‘just-in-time’ delivery) will be implemented wherever possible.
All non-hazardous road planings will be treated in line with LRWA 3 and be recycled in line with SEPA's WAS-G-DEF-05 Guidance for End-of-Waste for Recycled Aggregates.
BEAR Scotland’s subcontractor Tarmac will gain any necessary permissions under EASR from SEPA prior to the storage or re-use of coal tar bound materials.
The re-use of the coal tar bound planings will be undertaken in line with SEPA’s Position Statement on Cold Recycling – Treatment Storage and Use of Asphalt Waste Containing Coal Tar WAS-PS-06.
A SWMP will be completed by the Designer and Contractor as required. The SWMP will provide details of the following:
The quantity and type of waste that will be produced.
How waste will be minimised, reused, recycled, recovered, or otherwise diverted from landfill.
How materials that cannot be reused, recycled, or recovered will be removed from site and consigned, transported and disposed of in full accordance with all relevant UK legislation.
The Contractor will comply with all ‘Duty of Care’ requirements, ensuring that any surplus materials or waste are stored, transported, treated, used, and disposed of safely without endangering human health or harming the environment. Waste transfer notes and/or waste exemption certificates (if required) will also be completed and retained.
Designated areas will be identified within which all materials and personnel, including construction compounds, where necessary, will be contained to limit environmental disturbance during construction works. This will include a designated area (if required) for segregation and reuse of waste materials.
The selection of areas for materials stockpiling will avoid sensitive locations such as road drainage. Stockpiled materials with leachate potential, for example, will be stored away from road drainage to prevent cross-contamination with other materials, wastes, or groundwater.
Materials will be stored with the appropriate security to prevent loss, theft, or vandalism.
All temporary road signs and traffic cones will be removed from site on completion of works.
Wastewater from welfare facilities (if required) will be subject to effluent treatment followed by tanker removal.
If hazardous substances are used onsite, each substance will be subject to assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. Hazardous substances will also be clearly labelled, and disposed of, in line with the relevant waste regulations. Special waste will also not be mixed with general waste and/or other recyclables.

Noise and vibration

Activities undertaken on site could potentially have some localised and short-term noise impacts in proximity to the works. The road works will, for example, require a range of ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM for cold milling in preparation for carriageway resurfacing. Noise will also be generated by using breakers (jackhammers), chipping hammers, use of rollers, etc. As a result, there is potential for noise and vibration effects to commercial and residential properties in the area, the closest of which is a residential property located adjacent to the scheme extents. However, the works are not located within a CQA, and works will also be completed over five nights on a rolling programme with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00.

The road surface is in a poor condition, with a series of defects. Replacing the life-expired surface course with TS2010 road surfacing affords the benefits of a reduction in mid-to-high frequency traffic noise and a reduction in the ground vibrations. As a result, upon completion of the work, noise associated with the movement of vehicles on the trunk road should decrease post construction.

Considering the likely sources of noise and vibration, with the nature, duration, size, and scale of the scheme, and with implementation of the mitigation detailed below, it is unlikely that noise and vibration associated with the works will lead to significant impacts, disruption and/or complaints. The proposed scheme is therefore anticipated to result in non-significant noise impacts.

Noise and vibration mitigation measures:

The local authority environmental health department will be notified of nighttime working by BEAR Scotland’s design engineer.
Where possible, the noisiest work operations (e.g., cold milling, using breakers (jackhammers), chipping hammers, use of rollers, etc.) will be completed before 23:00.
If unacceptable noise is emanating from the site the operation will, where possible, be modified and re-checked to verify that the corrective action has been effective. Actions to be considered include (a) minimizing cutting and grinding on-site, (b) reducing the operating hours, (c) repositioning equipment, (d) changing the method of working etc. Corrective actions will be actioned through the non-conformance reporting procedure, which ensures a root-cause analysis is carried out on each incident. The non-conformance procedure also ensures that appropriate corrective and preventative action measures are agreed and implemented in a timely fashion with all parties, and are recorded and actioned through to closeout, and fully auditable and traceable.
Ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM with directional noise characteristics will (where practical) be shut down in intervening periods between site operations.
The use of paving breakers (jackhammers), chipping hammers, etc. will be avoided (except where there is an overriding justification), and if used will be fitted with mufflers or silencers of the type recommended by the manufacturer.
Drop heights from vehicles and NRMM will be kept to a minimum to minimise noise when unloading.
All ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM used onsite will have been regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of silencers and acoustic enclosures.
All compressors will be ‘sound-reduced’ models fitted with properly lined and sealed acoustic covers which will be kept closed when in use.
HGV, site vehicles and NRMM will be switched to the minimum setting required by HSE and, where possible, will utilise ‘broadband non-tonal’ or ‘directional sound reversing’ alarms. Speed limits will also be reduced through the works

Population and human health

During construction, activities undertaken on site have the potential to have temporary adverse impacts on local residents and road users. However, TM will only be in place for five nights (when traffic flows will be at a minimum), as such no congestion issues are predicted during the proposed construction hours.

There are residential and commercial properties located adjacent to the A7 carriageway within the scheme extents which receive no screening from the A7. As such there is potential for impacts to these residents and businesses. However, the proximity of the properties to the A7 suggest a tolerance to road traffic disturbance for the residential properties, and the works will be undertaken outside of normal business hours. As such, with the mitigation measures detailed below, the potential for impacts to local residents is considered to be reduced, and the impacts to local businesses is considered non-significant.

Two bus stops are located immediately to the south of the scheme extents. Given the requirement for a full road closure and diversion, there is potential for impacts to local residents in the form of disrupted public transport routes. However, the final bus at the southbound bus stop is scheduled for 17:35, and the final bus for the northbound bus stop is scheduled for 19:26, with the earliest bus at either stop scheduled for after 07:00. As such, given the works are scheduled to start at 19:30, the likelihood of impacts to local public transport is considered minimal. With the mitigation measures detailed below, the likelihood of impacts is further reduced.

A footpath is present adjacent to the northbound side of the A7 carriageway at the southern side of the scheme extents. As such there is potential for impacts to local residents and non-motorised users (NMUs) who are utilising the footpath. However, the works will be undertaken at night, when foot traffic is likely to be reduced. With the mitigation measures detailed below, the likelihood of impacts relating to the footpath is considered to be minimal.

Considering the nature, duration, size, and scale of the scheme, and with implementation of the mitigation described above, impacts on population and human health are assessed to be non-significant.

Upon completion of the works, there will be a positive impact in relation to population and human health due to the improvement of usability and safety provided by the new carriageway surface.

Population and human health mitigation measures:

Given the proximity of residential properties to the scheme extents, Toolbox Talk TTN-042 “Being a Good Neighbour” will be briefed to all site operatives prior to the commencement of the works.
Provisions will be made to allow safe passage of buses through the site. This will involve an escort of the bus through the site by a TM vehicle.
Provisions will be made to allow the safe passage of local residents with property access within the scheme extents to access their properties and to allow NMUs to safely utilise the footpath located at the south side of the scheme. If the footpath must be closed, then an alternate route to properties located along the footpath will be arranged.
Where appropriate, a communication strategy (e.g., social media, consultation with local authority and other stakeholders, letter drop (for night-time works), etc.) will be initiated to keep local residents and/or businesses informed of the proposed working schedule, particularly the times and durations of noisy construction activities. The communication strategy will also provide a 24-hour contact number for the BEAR Scotland Control Room.
Advanced signage will be strategically placed on the trunk road to notify stakeholders of the road closure and diversion.
A Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which includes measures to avoid or reduce disruption to road traffic, will be produced in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (Department of Transport 2009). The TMP will ensure that there is no severance of community assets, access routes or residential development.

Road drainage and the water environment

During resurfacing works, there is potential for temporary adverse impacts on the water environment e.g., Ewes Water, Near Whitshiels Cleuch, and nearby drainage waterbodies. Potential changes in water quality e.g., from pollution events (either by accidental spillage of sediments, particulate matter, chemicals, fuels or by mobilisation of these in surface water caused by rain) during works have the potential to have a direct or indirect effect on surrounding waterbodies such as the minor drainage channels found in proximity.

However, considering the relatively minor nature of the resurfacing works, the short duration and with implementation of the mitigation detailed below, the proposed works impacts on the road drainage and water environment are assessed to be non-significant.

Upon completion of the resurfacing works, no residual impacts are anticipated in relation to the road drainage and water environment.

Road drainage and the water environment mitigation measures:

Site operatives will be informed of the location and proximity of Ewes Water, Near Whitshiels Cleuch, Drain 1, and Drain 2 prior to the commencement of the works.
If any works are identified that would require entering a waterbody, BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team will be contacted (before works commence) to allow consideration of potential environmental effects.
The abstraction or transfers of water from, discharges to, or the washing of tools in surface waterbodies identified will not be permitted.
Appropriate measures will be implemented during resurfacing operations to limit the potential for wastes (i.e. road planings) and materials (i.e. new asphalt) to enter any gullies present on site. On completion of resurfacing operations, any gullies present on site will be visually checked to ensure they have not become blocked as a result of the scheme.
All site personnel will be made aware of site spillage response procedures and in the event of a spill, all works associated with the spill will stop, and the incident reported to the Site Supervisor. Small spills that did not leave the site boundary and are cleaned up without material environmental harm or residual environmental impact would most likely not be required to be notified to SEPA or other authorities. However, all such incidents will be recorded and reported to BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team. In the event of a ‘serious incident’, SEPA will be notified without delay. Such notification will include: (i) the time and duration of the incident, (ii) a description of the cause of the incident, (iii) any effect on the environment as a result of the incident, and (iv) any measures taken to minimise or mitigate the effect and prevent a recurrence.
All waste, vehicles, ancillary plant, NRMM and fuels will be stored in the compound(s) or laydown area and will be secured and located, if space is available, at least 10m from drainage entry points, in order to comply with GPP 5 ‘works and maintenance in or near water’. Refuelling will only be undertaken at designated refuelling areas (e.g., on hardstanding, with spill kits available, and >10m from drainage entry points, where practicable). Spill kits will also be available within all site vehicles and spill kits will be replenished onsite when required. Only designated trained and competent operatives will be authorised to refuel plant. Generators, and other ancillary plant and NRMM, where there is a risk of leakage of oil or fuel, will have internal bunding or will have a secondary containment system placed beneath them that meets 110% capacity requirements. Containment systems will also be emptied regularly. All waste, vehicles, ancillary plant, NRMM and fuels will also be stored in a manner that ensures they are protected from damage by collision or extremes of weather.
Regular visual pollution inspections of the designated laydown area and work site (particularly near road drainage entry points) will be conducted (e.g., site walkover by engineer or Site Supervisor), especially during periods of heavy rain.
All vehicles and NRMM onsite will have been regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of oil tanks, coolant systems, gaskets etc. A checklist will be present to make sure that the checks have been carried out.

Climate

BEAR Scotland, working on behalf of Transport Scotland, undertakes carbon monitoring of major projects and operational activities. Emissions from activities are recorded using Transport Scotland’s Carbon Management System. BEAR Scotland also undertakes resource efficiency activities to manage and reduce emissions contributing to climate change. The works will also extend the maintenance intervals required for future works. In doing so, the service life of the trunk road is also extended.

During each of the schemes there is potential for impacts as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of equipment, vehicles, and NRMM, material use and production, and transportation of material/waste. However, considering the nature, size and scale of the individual schemes, and the mitigation detailed below, the impacts to climate are considered to be non-significant.

Upon completion of the proposed schemes no residual impacts are anticipated on the climate.

Climate mitigation measures:

Warm mix asphalt will be used as standard
Local contractors and suppliers will be used as far as practicable to reduce fuel use and greenhouse gases emitted as part of the works.
BEAR Scotland will adhere to its Carbon Management Policy.
Where possible, waste will be removed to local waste management facilities.

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