Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air Quality

Impacts

Construction

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:
Construction activities, including excavation, carry a potential to produce airborne particulate matter, dust and generate emissions;
Various plant, vehicles, and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) will contribute to local dust, particulate matter and exhaust emissions.
TM measures will likely cause congestion and elevated traffic related emissions during the works.
Residents located along any diversion routes, may experience a temporary reduction in local air quality due to the increased volume of traffic.

Operation

The impacts identified will be temporary for the duration of the works only and therefore no change is predicted on air quality.
Post construction there will be no change to the traffic volume, speed or road alignment.

Mitigation

Mitigation measures will follow best practice from the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM), from the ‘Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction (2024)’, including:

Site layout will be planned (including plant and vehicles) so that machinery and dust causing activities are located away from receptors, as far as reasonably practicable;
Materials that have a potential to produce dust, such as excavated material, will be removed from site as soon as possible, unless being re-used on site;
Drop heights from conveyors and other loading or handling equipment will be minimised;
Vehicles entering and leaving the work area will be covered/sheeted to prevent escape of materials during transport;
Equipment will be readily available on site to clean any dry spillages and clean up spillages as soon as reasonably practicable after the event using wet cleaning methods.

The following additional mitigation measures will be implemented:

Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning undertaken prior to works.
Plant, vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) will be regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems to ensure such fuel operated equipment is not generating excessive fumes.

No significant effects are anticipated and therefore no further assessment in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 105: Air Quality is required.

Cultural Heritage

Impacts

Construction

Original construction of the A701 and associated infrastructure likely removed any archaeological remains. As such, the potential for unknown archaeology is considered low.
In the absence of mitigation measures, there may be a minor impact to the milestone adjacent to the carriageway as it is relatively hidden within grasses.
Due to the close proximity of the Listed Buildings, impacts from increased vibration may occur.

Operation

No operational impacts with regard to cultural heritage have been identified as a result of the proposed scheme.

Mitigation

The following mitigation measures will be in place throughout the period of works:

All plant and machinery will be stored within the carriageway boundary where practicable.
Site operatives will take photographs before and after of listed buildings to evidence no damage.
All storage of plant, vehicles and machinery will be at least 50m from designated assets.
If any archaeological finds are discovered, the works will be suspended, and the relevant stakeholders will be contacted.
Site staff will be made aware of the milestone located adjacent to the carriageway. Plant and machinery will not be stored within close proximity to the milestone and fencing will be installed around the feature.
Should any discoloured soils be present within the verges, Amey’s Environment Team will be contacted.

Consultation with the Milestone Society will be undertaken should the milestone be altered or removed in any way. If possible, the milestone will be retained and protected in situ.

Where protection in situ is not feasible:

The milestone will be recorded prior to removal (photographic record, dimensions, condition).
Removal will be undertaken by competent personnel to avoid damage.
The milestone will be securely stored for the duration of the works.
Following completion of works, the milestone will be reinstated to its original location and orientation, or to an agreed alternative location, and checked for damage.
Any damage or risk to the milestone will be reported immediately to the Site Manager and Environmental Advisor, and works in the affected area halted if necessary.

No significant effects are anticipated to cultural heritage. Therefore, in line with DMRB Guidance document LA 106: Cultural Heritage Assessment, no further assessment is required.

Landscape and Visual Effects

Impacts

Construction

Temporary visual impacts will be experienced by nearby receptors (such as residential receptors) during construction due to plant, vehicle, machinery and operatives present throughout the works.
Construction activities will introduce a temporary change to the local landscape from the presence of construction plant, materials and traffic management. All landscape effects will be temporary and reversible.
The landscape may be damaged should plant and vehicles be stored on soft verge.
Users of the A701 carriageway will be temporarily visually impacted for the duration of the works due to construction activities.
As works will be contained within the carriageway boundary and immediate verges, no impact to the Ancient Woodlands are predicted.
As works will be like-for-like in nature and contained within the carriageway boundary and immediate verges, no impact is predicted on Raehills Garden and Designed Landscape, however, consultation with Dumfries and Galloway Council has been undertaken as best practice.
Misdirected site lighting may disturb receptors within visual proximity.

Operation

Once complete, the works will be in-keeping with existing road infrastructure and will not introduce significant new visual elements, the only visual change will be an improved road surface, with no significant visual effects anticipated.

Mitigation

The following mitigation measures will be in place:

The site will be kept clean and tidy throughout all stages of the works, with appropriate storage of materials, equipment, plant and waste.
Works will avoid encroaching on land and areas where work is not required or not permitted, including for storage and parking.
Plant, vehicles, and materials will be contained to hardstanding areas within the carriageway boundary (as far as reasonably practicable). Should damage to the landscape occur, reinstatement will be carried out.
Directional site lighting will be used to minimise visual impacts to the identified visual receptors.

As works fall within the Raehills Garden and Designed Landscape, consultation with Dumfries and Galloway Council has been undertaken. Dumfries and Galloway Council have no comments in regard to works within the Garden and Designed Landscape.

With mitigation measures and best practice in place, it is anticipated that any landscape and visual effects associated with the works will not be significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects, no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

Construction

Works carried out in the carriageway verge, have potential to result in the spread of INNS or target species, such as cotoneaster, rosebay willowherb, pampas grass, broad-leaved dock and rhododendron, through disturbance.
An increase in noise levels from construction activities and misdirected site lighting has the potential to disturb any protected species within the scheme surroundings.
The watercourses nearby pose a potential pathway to pollute aquatic habitats, particularly during milling operations and periods of heavy rainfall (see Road Drainage and the Water Environment section for further details).

Operational

No operation impacts on biodiversity are anticipated as the scheme will not have any ongoing effects or disturbance to the surrounding habitats.

Mitigation

The following mitigation measures will be in place:

If a protected species is encountered, works will be paused and advice sought from Amey’s Environmental Team.
Due to night-time programming, where lighting is required, hoods will be used and lights directed at works and away from ecological receptors including any woodland areas and watercourses, to minimise disturbance to nocturnal species.
‘Soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to avoid disturbance to any potential noise sensitive species present in the area.
Vehicles and materials will not be stored or parked on grass verges where possible. Where damage occurs, the reinstatement of the grass verge will be carried out.
Verge works will be undertaken; however, they will be limited in extent as far as reasonably practicable to prevent the spread of INNS and target species and limit disturbance to protected species that may be present along the carriageway.
Open excavations will be fenced off and/or covered to avoid animals becoming trapped or injured. Where covering any excavations overnight is not practical, the edges of the excavation will be graded, or a mammal ladder (e.g. wooden plank) will be erected.
If the works are delayed to the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive) then a suitably qualified/experienced ecologist will be required to carry out a nesting bird check before works can proceed during the breeding bird season. Nesting bird checks must be undertaken within 48 hours prior to any vegetation clearance works taking place. If works are delayed such that more than 48 hours has passed since the nesting bird check took place, then an update nesting bird check will be required.
Amey’s Environmental Briefing on protected species will be given to site operatives prior to each shift.

With the above mitigation measures and best practice being adhered to, no significant effects on biodiversity are anticipated. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 108: Biodiversity, no further assessment is required.

Geology and Soils

Impacts

Construction

The works may result in minor soil disturbance, which can create adverse conditions, including erosion and polluted soils.
There is potential for spills, leaks or seepage of fuels and oils associated with machinery to escape if not controlled which may negatively affect the soil environment.
Plant, vehicles and machinery on the soft-verge have the potential to impact soils.
The generation of concrete dust can raise the pH of soil resulting in erosion and soil infertility.

Operation

No operation impacts on geology and soils are anticipated as the scheme will not have any ongoing effects or disturbance to geology or soils.

Mitigation

No unnecessary storage of materials or parking of vehicles on soft ground or grassy areas will take place, as this may destroy the soil structure and damage grass. Hardstanding will be provided. If damage occurs proper re-instalment will be carried out as specified.
Excavation of soils will be kept to a minimum and only where necessary, with any excavated soils being re-used on site as far as reasonably practicable (e.g., to backfill removed trial holes etc.). 
Excavated soils will not be stored on site, and must be appropriately contained/covered, and protected from the elements. 
Spill kits will be present on site and all operatives will be fully trained in their use. Any fuels or chemicals required for use will be stored securely with dip trays used appropriately and stored under any chemical or fuel containers. 
Any fuel, oil and other chemicals required for use will be stored securely with drip trays used appropriately and stored under any chemical or fuel containers.
Weather reports will be monitored prior to the works, with all construction activities temporarily halting in the event of predicted high rainfall or wind.
Dust suppression systems, such as dampening down or use of collection vacuums, will be used when breaking or cutting concrete.

With mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are anticipated on geology and soils. Therefore, in line with DMRB Guidance document LA 109: Geology and Soils no further assessment is required.

Material Assets and Waste

Impacts

Construction

The use of virgin aggregates within the scheme will contribute to the depletion of natural and finite geological resources.
Transportation and recovery of materials/waste will require energy deriving from fossil fuel, a non-renewable source.
Use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates as it will prolong the period before future resurfacing is required and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources thus reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
HMA provides long-term durability, extending the design life of the carriageway and reducing the frequency of future resurfacing interventions.

Operation

The design life for the TS2010 surfacing proposed is estimated to be 20 years. This will reduce the requirement for maintenance to this section of road over the period. Furthermore, as the surrounding infrastructure (bollards and filter stones) will be repaired or replaced, this will reduce the need for maintenance in the immediate future.

Mitigation

The following mitigation measures will be in place:

A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will be prepared prior to the works which will detail how resource use and waste arising from the works will be managed throughout the scheme. This is required due to the scheme exceeding £350,000 in value and will help control and reduce the amount of waste produced, resulting in less landfilled waste.
Materials will be derived from recycled, secondary or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions. Where possible all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally at a suitably licenced waste management facility.
Use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources thus reducing GHG emissions.
Materials will be delivered on site when required.
The Contractor is responsible for the management and disposal of road planings arising from the works. All waste will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, under the relevant SEPA waste authorisation for recovery, reuse or disposal. For example, road planings will be prioritised for recovery or reuse, through recycling into new asphalt, in line with the waste hierarchy.
Waste will be transferred to SEPA-authorised facilities by carriers with valid waste carrier registration. A waste transfer note (WTN) will be completed for removal of waste from site and retained for two years, in line with statutory Duty of Care requirements.
All special waste, such as Asphalt Waste Containing Coal Tar (AWCCT) will be disposed of at a licenced facility. Consequently, AWCCT will be transport by a suitably licenced contractor and accompanied by a correctly completed special waste consignment note (SWCN) providing information about the waste, the producer and the person the waste is being handed to; the SWCN will be kept for three years, the Site Responsible Manager is responsible for ensuring these are retained onsite.

It has been determined that the proposed project will not have direct or indirect significant effects on the consumption of material assets or creation of waste. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 110: Material Assets and Waste, no further assessment is required.

Noise and Vibration

Impacts

Construction

Noise and vibration levels are expected to increase during nighttime construction hours for properties within 300m of the scheme, particularly those directly adjacent to the carriageway such as The Dale and Ross Cottage. This is due to the use of heavy plant and machinery, such as rollers, and increased HGV movements.
During the works, increased traffic associated with the diversion route is expected to result in elevated noise and vibration levels.

Operation

The works are not likely to change the existing baseline noise level post construction for any sensitive receptors. TS2010 road surfacing is shown to have superior durability and noise reducing features compared to standard road surfacing mixes. Vehicle travellers and nearby residential properties will benefit from improved road surfacing as a result of the scheme.
As there are no changes to traffic volumes, speed, or any changes to road infrastructure it is anticipated that no permanent impacts on noise and vibration are anticipated upon completion of works.

Mitigation

Mitigation measures follow Best Practicable Means as outlined in British Standard (BS) 5228:2009+A1:2014. The standard provides specific detail on suitable measures for noise control in respect to construction operations, for example:

On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to local sensitive receptors. The noisiest works will be undertaken before 23:00 where possible.
Effects from noise will be kept to a minimum through the use of appropriate mufflers and silencers fitted to machinery. All exhaust silencers will be checked at regular intervals to ensure efficiency.
A ‘soft start’ to works will be in place, whereby plant/machinery/vehicles are started sequentially as opposed to simultaneously.
The site supervisor will monitor the effects of noise and vibration levels during the works and make necessary working arrangements.

The following further mitigation measures related to noise and vibration will be in place:

Amey’s Environmental Team has notified Dumfries and Galloway Council in advance of the works.
A letter drop will be delivered to residents within 300m to notify them of upcoming works, timings and duration.
A media press release will be undertaken to inform residents of the proposed works. Traffic management restrictions/arrangements will also be publicised within the local and wider area.
The delivery of Amey’s Noise and Vibration environmental briefing to all site operatives prior to the works.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects on noise and vibration are predicted. Therefore, in line with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and vibration no further assessment is required.

Population and Human Health

Impacts

Construction

TM has potential to cause temporary levels of disruption to road users (i.e. congestion and increased travel times).
Land take is not required for this scheme therefore there will be no impact as a result of permanent or temporary land acquisition from private land, businesses, agriculture, Walkers, Cyclists or Horse riders (WCH) and/or community facilities as a result of the scheme.
Access to residential properties, businesses and farms will likely be impacted by the works.
Human health determinants such as noise, and air quality will likely experience temporary increases, however, due to the nature and scale of the works no discernible health impact is expected.
Access to the Annandale Way Core Path may be temporarily restricted at the point of carriageway cross over due to the construction activities on that area.
Bus stops and laybys may be temporarily closed during construction therefore causing disturbance to users and travellers.

Operational

As works will be of a like-for-like nature, no operational impacts are anticipated.

Mitigation

Local residents and road users will be informed of traffic management restrictions/arrangements and any expected travel delays will be publicised within the local and wider area, in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers.
Site specific control measures regarding noise and vibration, landscape and visual effects and air quality can be found in the relevant sections (above).
Temporary site lighting used throughout the scheme will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.
Access to residential properties, business and farms will be maintained as far as reasonably practicable. Where this is not possible, local access will be granted.
Should the Annandale Way Core Path be closed during the works; a pedestrian diversion will be installed which will re-route pedestrians onto the opposite footway for the length of the works site. Any temporary set-up will be accessible by persons of all abilities.
Bus companies will be informed of the works to allow for increased journey times.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects associated with Population and Human Health are predicted. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 112: Population and Human Health, no further assessment is required.

Road Drainage and the Water Environment

Impacts

Construction

If not adequately controlled, debris and run off from the works could be suspended in the surface water. In the event of a flooding incident or heavy rainfall, this debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage having a detrimental effect on the surrounding local water environment such as Kinnelhall Burn.
Potential for spills, leaks or seepage of fuels and oils associated with plant to escape and reach drainage systems and watercourses if not controlled, which may adversely impact the water environment.
Should flooding occur, this may delay the scheduled works.
Works will involve the use of concrete. On-site mixing (if required) has potential to contaminate nearby watercourses through wash-off if not effectively managed. Concrete wash out is highly alkaline and contains chromium which can cause water pollution.

Operational

As works will be of a like-for-like nature, no operational impacts are anticipated.

Mitigation

The following best practice and pollution prevention measures will be in place:

All operatives will follow of SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP)
All debris which has the potential to be suspended in surface water and wash into the local water environment will be cleaned from the site following the works.
Debris and dust generated as a result of the works will be prevented from entering the drainage system. This can be via the use of drain covers or similar.
Appropriate measures will be implemented onsite to prevent any potential pollution to the natural water environment (e.g., debris, dust, and hazardous substances). This will include spill kits being present onsite at all times, and the use of funnels and drip trays when transferring fuel etc.
The control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur on (available 24 hours, 7 days a week).
Visual pollution inspections of the working area will be conducted in frequency, especially during heavy rainfall and wind.
Weather reports will be monitored prior and during all construction activities. In the event of adverse weather/flooding events, all activities will temporarily stop, and only reconvene when deemed safe to do so, and run-off/drainage can be adequately controlled to prevent pollution.
If the mixing of concrete on site is required, site operatives will apply suitable controls to prevent the mixture escaping to the surrounding environment:
All mixing will take place a minimum of 10m away from watercourses and drains where possible.
All drains within proximity to any mixing will be securely covered or sealed off.
No washout from concrete mixing will be allowed to enter the water environment and will be taken off site for appropriate treatment.
All storage areas (fuels, machinery, plant, materials) where required will be located/stored:
Away (>10m) from surface water drainage systems; and
Away from areas that see high vehicular movement (as far as reasonably practicable) to prevent damage by collision or extremes of weather.
Fuels stored within a drip tray, bund or other form of secondary containment with at least 110% of the maximum volume of a single container
Amey’s Water Pollution Prevention environmental briefing will be delivered to all site operatives before works start.

With mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are anticipated on the water environment. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 113: Road Drainage and the Water Environment no further assessment is required.

Climate

Impacts

Construction activities may result in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions being from vehicles, machinery, material use and production, and transportation.
HMA production relies on burning fossil fuels such as natural gas and fuel oil to heat aggregates and bitumen. Extracting and using these fuels further increases lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable resources.

Mitigation

The following mitigation measures will be in place:

Where possible, materials and suppliers will be sourced locally to reduce GHG emissions associated with travel distance.
Waste disposal will be directed to local licensed facilities.
Plant, machinery and vehicles will not be left idling when not in use.
Further actions and considerations for this scheme are detailed in the above Material Assets and Waste section.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on climate is not considered to be significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

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