Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air Quality

Impacts

Construction

On site construction activities, such as the presence of plant, machinery and vehicles, carry a potential to generate emissions of NO₂ and Particulate Matter (PM₁₀) that may have a temporary impact on local air quality levels and act as a nuisance to sensitive receptors.
TM implemented during the scheme may result in an increase in vehicle emissions through idling vehicles. This may result in a temporary deterioration in local air quality.
The release of dust and particulate matter from materials handling and onsite movements during construction has the potential to cause an increase in dust related nuisance, with associated risks of health impacts at nearby sensitive receptors.

Operation

Post construction there will be no change to the traffic volume, speed or road alignment.
The impacts identified will be temporary for the duration of the works only and therefore no change is predicted on air quality.
Signalisation at crossings may introduce effects on air quality due to the increased volume of traffic idling at these crossing locations.

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 (where they will be covered or stockpiles fenced to prevent wind whipping);
Cutting, grinding or sawing equipment will be fitted with or used 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 spillages will be cleaned up 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 signalised crossings will not alter traffic flow and have been designed to reduce the amount of time vehicles spend idling at the roundabout.

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

No impacts are predicted as the works are to be restricted to the existing boundary and immediate verges and the potential for the presence of unknown archaeological remains within scheme extents is unlikely as original construction of the carriageway would likely have removed any features of archaeological significance.

Operation

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

Mitigation

During construction, plant, vehicles, personnel, materials etc. will be contained to hard standing areas within the carriageway boundary at all times.
Excavations will be kept to a minimum on site.
If any unusual odours, soil colourations, ceramics or potentially significant artifacts are identified during the works, the works will cease as this may indicate the presence of archaeological features, and the environmental team will be notified.

No significant effects are anticipated to cultural heritage. Therefore, in line with DMRB Guidance document LA 106: Cultural Heritage, 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 proposed 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.
Works within, and the storage of plant and vehicles on soft verges may result in damage to the landscape.
Users of the A76 and A75 carriageway will be temporarily visually impacted for the duration of the works due to construction activities.

Operation

Removal of vegetation, which includes trees, to improve visibility will alter the views of the surrounding landscape.
Construction activities including traffic signal assets, widening the carriageway and construction of new footways will cause permanent landscape changes. The finalised works will be in keeping with the existing trunk road environment and will not result in the introduction of drastic new visual features.
Installation of new streetlighting will enhance visibility along the path during operation, improving safety for walkers and cyclists. However, increase in streetlighting may disturb visual receptors during nighttime hours due to increased light in the area.
Although the upgraded signs do not present notable operational implications, they will modify the carriageway’s overall layout and look of the area.

Mitigation

Plant, vehicles, and materials will be contained to hardstanding areas within the existing carriageway boundary (as far as reasonably practicable).
No unnecessary storage of materials or parking of vehicles will be permitted on soft ground or grassy areas, 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.
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.
Vegetation cutback (where required) will be minimal and only where necessary. Where practicable, and not in conflict with the primary purpose of the scheme: to improve visibility and safety for road users; replanting may be undertaken to facilitate screening of nearby receptors.

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

As part of the Network Management Contract (NMC), Amey, on behalf of transport Scotland, has been tasked with recording various target species, including common ragwort. Works carried out in the carriageway verge, have potential to result in the spread of this species 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.
Works in the verge may cause the spread of any INNS or target species that may present along the verge such as cotoneaster, cherry laurel, Japanese barberry, snowberry and Japanese rose.
Vegetation clearance could negatively impact nesting birds through vibrational, auditory and physical disturbance.

Operational

Vegetation clearance will reduce potential habitats for biodiversity within the surrounding area.

Mitigation

If a protected species is encountered, works will be paused and advice sought from Amey’s Environmental Team.
Works within 1m of any stand of INNS will be avoided. Where works within 1m cannot be avoided, an Invasive Species Method Statement will be produced prior to works commencing by Amey’s Ecology 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.
Vegetation removal will be minimised wherever reasonably practicable in order to reduce any habitat loss. Ecological connectivity will be maintained with the surrounding area where vegetation cutback is required.
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.
Works within the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive) will require a qualified/experienced ecologist to carry out a nesting bird check before works can proceed.
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.
If any active nests are identified, then a 5m buffer (or as defined by the site ecologist, depending on the species present and site conditions) will be set around the nest and vegetation clearance works stopped within this buffer until an ecologist has determined that the nest has become inactive (which may take up to six weeks depending on the bird species present).

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.
Removing vegetation and topsoil can reduce organic matter in the area.
Plant, vehicles, and machinery on the soft-verge have the potential to impact soils.
The generation of concrete dust from excavation can raise the pH of soil resulting in erosion and soil infertility.
Full stump removal may lead to minor soil instability.

Operation

No operational 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 be permitted, 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 will 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 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.
Tree stump removal will be undertaken in collaboration with Amey’s Landscaping team, and in accordance with the recommendations of BS 3998:2010. This approach will help minimise soil disturbance and reduce the potential for ground destabilisation.
See additional pollution mitigation measures in the Road Drainage and Water Environment section below.

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

There will be an increase in waste to landfill sites if waste materials are not recycled or reused therefore by reusing any excavated material the volume of waste sent to landfill will be reduced.
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.

Operation

High‑performance thermoplastic markings will provide improved longevity of these markings. These road studs are widely used and are standard within construction. Biogenic markers will not be used as this is a high stress site where durable marking is required to ensure the visibility of markings endures.

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. Once works are complete, all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally.
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.
Vegetation will be stacked and/or chipped and re-distributed on site where possible however, it has been noted that silt and vegetation waste will be disposed of off-site.
Some waste activities do not require authorisation, however, the Contractor will comply with all ‘Duty of Care’ requirements and waste regulations, 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.
Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) classes waste asphalt (uncontaminated) as a Low-Risk Waste Activity (LRWA) under ‘LRWA 3 - Treating asphalt road planings in a milling machine’. This means that uncontaminated road planings arising from the works do not require authorisation and will be fully recycled in accordance with SEPA’s guidance on asphalt road planings.
All waste leaving the site will be removed from site by a licence waste carrier. All waste documentation will be provided when requested.
All special waste (such as paint from old road markings) will be transported by a suitable licenced contractor and will be accompanied by correctly completed special waste consignment note (SWCN) providing information about the waste source, hazardous properties and disposal/treatment facility. The SWCN will be retained for three years with the Site Responsible Manager is responsible for ensuring these are retained on site. Special waste will be segregated from general waste and other recyclables.

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

There will be an increase in noise levels during construction from activities, such as concrete, verge, and footway excavation for the signposts and new footway, due to the use of heavy plant and machinery and an increase in HGVs.
Increased vibration levels are not predicted to be significant and therefore significant impact is not predicted.

Operation

Vibration levels may be reduced as a result in slower traffic along the A76 and A75 carriageway as road-tyre impact is minimised.
A minor operational change of noise and vibration may occur surrounding the scheme. The magnitude of change is expected to be minimal, and no significant operational effects are anticipated.

Mitigation

The contractor will comply with BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014 regarding noise and vibration mitigation measures. If the Contractor considers alternative authoritative guidance and procedures are more suitable, they will submit proposals to the Project Manager for approval before deviating from BS5228; and ensure that all vehicles, equipment and noise control measures are in good and efficient working order and operated in accordance with the Manufacturer’s instructions to minimise noise emissions.
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. The noisiest works will be undertaken before 23:00 where possible.
Operations will be sequenced to minimise simultaneous use of high-noise equipment, and a ‘soft start’ to works will be in place, whereby plant/machinery/vehicles are started sequentially as opposed to simultaneously.
Plant and machinery will be regularly maintained to prevent excessive noise from worn parts or inefficient operation.
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 scheme manager will ensure the design of the signalised crossings will not alter traffic flow and will be designed in such a way to reduce the amount of time vehicles spend idling at the roundabout.

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 as works will be contained within Scottish Government (SG) land, 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.
Footways may be closed during construction activities.
Bus stops located north of the works may be impacted by construction in the form of temporary bus stop closures and delayed bus journeys.

Operation

The upgrading of signage will enhance intervisibility and reduce the potential for driver misjudgement while maintaining compliance with current standards. This will in turn enhance health and safety at this roundabout.
The refreshed markings will reinforce give‑way priorities, strengthen the clarity of the right‑turn facility and improve road safety by ensuring consistent visibility in both daytime and low‑light conditions.
By reducing the speed limit, the street environment becomes more inviting and perceived as safer for active travellers, encouraging healthier lifestyles as fast-moving vehicles in residential areas often discourage people from walking and cycling. The construction of the new footway and signalised crossings will also encourage active travellers and reduce community severance.
Reducing the speed limit may lead to a decrease in road traffic collisions as drivers have more time to react to hazards.
The proposed carriageway widening will result in residential properties being positioned slightly closer to the road boundary. However, as the widening is limited to a maximum of 1 metre, the impact is expected to be minimal, with no discernible change to the overall character or setting of the properties.

Mitigation

See additional Landscape and Visual Effects mitigation measures, Noise and Vibration mitigation measures and Air Quality mitigation measures in the appropriate sections above.
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.
Bus companies will be informed of the works to allow for increased journey times.
Should footways be closed, 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.

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.
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.

Operation

Upgrading of existing drainage systems will decrease the probability of flooding within the area.

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 Amey control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur to ensure appropriate action and reporting is undertaken
Visual pollution inspections of the working area will be conducted in frequency, especially during heavy rainfall and wind.
Weather reports will be monitored prior to 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 6, GPP 8, GPP 21 and GPP 22).
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 taken off site for appropriate treatment.

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 GHG emissions from vehicles, machinery, material use and production, and transportation.

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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