Statement of case in support of a Determination that a statutory EIA is not required

This is a relevant project in terms of section 55A(16) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 as it is a project for the improvement of a road and the completed works (together with any area occupied by apparatus, equipment, machinery, materials, plant, spoil heaps, or other such facilities or stores required during the period of construction) are situated in whole or in part Barhoisie Burn which is within the River Bladnoch SAC which is a sensitive area within the meaning of regulation 2(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999.

The project has been subject to screening using the Annex III criteria to determine whether a formal Environmental Impact Assessment is required under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017). Screening using Annex III criteria, reference to consultations undertaken and review of available information has not identified the need for a statutory EIA.

The project will not have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as:

Characteristics of the scheme:

  • At end of life, components will be recycled where possible, reducing waste to landfill.
  • The design option conveys sustainability benefits by significantly reducing the quantity of maintenance interventions required at the location.
  • The successful completion of the scheme will provide several benefits, including prolonging the lifespan of the culvert, enhancing road user safety, and repairing scour on both sides of the culvert.

Location of the scheme:

  • The scheme is situated in whole or in part in a “sensitive area” as listed under regulation 2 (1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (as amended).
  • The works are located both upstream and downstream within Barhoisie Burn which is within the River Bladnoch SAC. A Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) has been undertaken which concluded that with mitigation measures implemented, there will be no Adverse Effects on Site Integrity.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • Containment measures of the working area will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding water environment.
  • Materials will be derived from recycled, secondary or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications.
  • Measures to minimise the potential disturbance to protected species including fish species will be implemented.
  • Works within the river channel will be limited to between 1 May and 30 September to avoid time sensitive periods, as per SEPA best practice guidelines.
  • The risk to major accidents or disasters is considered low.
  • The works will be temporary and localised and completed with traffic management in place during daytime hours.

Consultations with relevant bodies SEPA, NatureScot, and Galloway Fisheries Trust undertaken by the Amey Sustainability Solutions Team in May/July 2025.