Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Impacts

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 implemented during the scheme may result in an increase in vehicle emissions through idling vehicles and increased congestion. This may result in a temporary deterioration in local air quality.
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.
As works do not lie within 200m of any AQMAs, there will be no impact to those declared by South Lanarkshire Council.

Mitigation

Best practice and measures as outlined in the ‘Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction (January 2024)’ published by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM), which includes the following mitigation relevant to this scheme will be followed:
Materials that have a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, unless being re-used on site (cover or fence stockpiles to prevent wind whipping);
Cutting, grinding or sawing equipment will only be used when fitted or in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques such as water sprays or local extraction, e.g. suitable local exhaust ventilation systems;
Drop heights from conveyors and other loading or handling equipment will be minimised;
Vehicles entering and leaving the work area will be covered 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; and
When not in use, plant, vehicles and NRMMs will be switched off and there will be no idling vehicles.
Plant, vehicles and NRMM will be regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems to ensure such fuel operated equipment is not generating excessive fumes.
Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning will be undertaken prior to works.

The residual significance of effects are considered not significant and does not warrant further assessment in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 105: Air Quality

Landscape and visual effects

Impacts

There will likely be a short-term impact on the landscape character of the site as a result of the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and TM.
There will be a temporary impact upon visual receptors of the carriageway, such as residential properties along the Lindores Drive and Falkland Drive, due to cycleway construction activities occurring along the scheme extents where vegetation or topographic screening is not present.
There will be a change in landscape due to the felling of trees and construction of the new cycleway.
The removal of trees in this alignment will temporarily reduce the scenic quality, but replacement planting can help restore and enhance the visual character over time.
Users of the footpaths will experience diminished visual amenity as a result of tree removals and increased construction activity. The presence of machinery and fencing will disrupt the visual quality of these recreational areas.

Mitigation

Throughout all stages of the works, the site will be kept clean and tidy, with materials, equipment, plant and wastes appropriately stored, reducing the landscape and visual effects as much as possible.
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 of soil, grass or grass seed will be carried out.
Vegetation removal will be minimised as much as possible and only be carried out where necessary.
Replanting of trees will be carried out in order to improve the landscape visually and reinstate any lost habitats. Replacement tree planting at a 1:1 ratio to offset tree loss is proposed.

With mitigation measures and best practice in place, it is anticipated that any landscape and visual effects identified with the works are unlikely to be significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual, no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

There is potential for temporary adverse impacts on biodiversity in the area caused by increased noise level, as a result of the presence of construction vehicles and plant onsite causing disturbance to species and potential pollution of habitats.
Vegetation cutback and removal may be required to facilitate the works and there may be permanent loss of small areas of this habitat.
The proposed works may have a negative impact on birds that are nesting if vegetation clearance or tree / hedgerow cutback is required during the nesting bird season (March to August inclusive).
Tree felling may eliminate future opportunities for habitat development and decrease nesting locations for birds.
Replanting of trees will provide habitats and shelter for the local biodiversity.

Mitigation

‘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.
If works are within the main breeding birds season (March to August inclusive), nesting bird checks will be undertaken within 48 hours prior to any vegetation clearance.
In the unlikely event that protected species is noticed on site, works will be temporarily suspended until the animal has moved on. Any sightings will be reported to the ET&S Team.
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.
Vegetation cutback will be minimised through the design process where possible.
Any artificial lighting will be pointed directly at the works as to minimise impact on nocturnal species. If any protected species are discovered during works, all work will cease, and a member of the Environment Team will be contacted.
Replanting of trees will be carried out to provide shelter and habitats for the local biodiversity.

A Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) was undertaken and has concluded that there will be no Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the Inner Clyde Ramsar and SPA due to:

No reduction in habitat area, with all works confined to the existing highway boundary.
No change in the level of disturbance to key species as a result of the works.
No increased habitat or species fragmentation

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

Geology and soils

Impacts

There is potential for minor adverse impacts to soil quality as works require excavation. This can create adverse conditions, including erosion and polluted soils.
Removal of trees may disrupt the soil within the scheme extents.

Mitigation

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. 
Weather reports will be monitored prior to the works, with all construction activities temporarily halting in the event of predicted high rainfall or wind.
If any unusual odours or soil colourations are identified during the works, the works must cease, and the environmental team will be notified.
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 drip trays used appropriately and stored under any chemical or fuel containers. 
Excavated soils will not be stored on site, and will be appropriately contained/covered, and protected from the elements.

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

Material assets and waste

Impacts

The works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials.
There will be an increase in waste sent to landfill sites if waste materials are not recycled or reused.
Transportation and recovery of materials/waste will require energy deriving from fossil fuel, a non-renewable source.

Mitigation

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.
Materials will be delivered on site when required.
The Contractor will comply with all ‘Duty of Care’ requirements, ensuring that any surplus materials or wastes are stored, transported, treated, used, and disposed of safely without endangering human health or harming the environment. All waste transfer notes and/or waste exemption certificates will also be completed and retained.
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.
A SWMP will be prepared to minimise waste production and ensure the waste hierarchy is followed.

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

There may be an increase in noise levels during construction due to the use of plant and machinery used for the excavation, such as the excavators, and an increase in HGVs.
The works will not change the existing baseline noise level post construction for any sensitive receptors.
Excavation works may increase vibration levels particularly for receptors along Lindores Drive. These vibration levels are not expected to be significant.

Mitigation

Site supervisor will monitor the effects of noise and vibration levels during the works and make necessary alterations to working arrangements.
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.
Amey’s Noise and Vibration environmental briefing will be delivered to all site operatives before works start.
Due to nighttime programming, Amey’s Energy Transition & Sustainability Team has notified South Lanarkshire 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.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, and due to the works being of a minor, temporary, transient nature, no significant effects are predicted for noise and vibration. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration no further assessment is required.

Population and human health

Impacts

Access to residential properties will not be impacted by the works.
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.
Works will improve the safety of footway users therefore having an overall positive impact.
Bus laybys will be closed during construction.
Loss of some tree belts will increase exposure for adjacent properties, altering views and reducing privacy.

Mitigation

TM 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.
During footway closures, operatives will have measures in place to allow users of all abilities to safely pass by the works and access properties and use the core path. Any pedestrian diversions for the works will be clearly signed and accessible.
South Lanarkshire Council will be contacted in regard to construction activities and the installation of the new cycleway. The community opinion will be taken into consideration in the design process. Planning permission is not needed.

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

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.
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.

Mitigation

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 (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.
Prior to works commencing, all operatives will be briefed on SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP) documents (particularly GPP 1, GPP 2, GPP 5, GPP 6, GPP 8, GPP 21 and GPP 22).

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as detailed within SEPA’s GPPs, the effects on Road Drainage and the Water Environment are considered not significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 113: Road drainage and the water environment no further assessment is required.

Climate

Impacts

GHG emissions will be emitted through the use of machinery, vehicles and materials used (containing recycled and virgin materials) and transporting to and from site.

Mitigation

Local suppliers will be used as far as reasonably practicable to reduce travel time and GHG emitted as part of the works.
Vehicles/plant will not be left on when not in use to minimise and prevent unnecessary emissions.
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 considered to be neutral. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

The construction activities will be confined within the grass verges of the A726 carriageway boundary with vegetation removal, ensuring no increased risk or severity of major accidents or disasters impacting the environment. Upon completion, overall road safety will be enhanced.

All mitigation measures will be adhered to onsite which considers the vulnerability of the project to be low.

The A726 carriageway, within the scheme, has small areas identified at risk of surface water flooding. Works will be programmed as far as is reasonably practicable to avoid periods of adverse weather or heavy rainfall.

Assessment cumulative effects

According to Amey’s Current Works Schedule and the Scottish Road Works Commissioner, there are no other works scheduled to be carried out within the proposed works time and location.

South Lanarkshire Council’s Planning Portal has highlighted that the proposed plan P/25/0546 is set to take place within the scheme extents at the ‘End’ point. Set dates have not been determined but works proposed involve the redevelopment of town-centre land to provide a residential-led mixed use development.

There may be an increase in traffic congestion and an increase in journey times due to TM set up for scheduled construction within the scheme extents. Any future schemes will be programmed to take into account already programmed works, and as such any effect (such as from TM arrangements and potential construction noise) will be limited.

Overall, it is unlikely the proposed works will have a significant cumulative effect with any other proposed works in the local area. Considering the nature and scale of the maintenance works being undertaken, no in combination effects are anticipated.

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