Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air Quality

Impacts

On site construction activities such as planing of the surface and mobile machinery, have the potential to produce airborne particulate matter and generate emissions that may have a temporary negative impact on local air quality levels.
The implementation of TM during the scheme may lead to a temporary increase in vehicle emissions due to idling vehicles and increased congestion. However, no permanent changes to air quality are anticipated.
During construction there is the potential for an increase in dust and emissions from plant and machinery. This is likely to cause a slight deterioration in air quality within the local area.

Taking into account the nature and scale of the works and the following mitigation measures below, the risk of significant impacts to air quality are considered to be low, and any impacts will be for the duration of the works only.

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:

The site layout will be planned (including plant, vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM)) so that machinery and dust causing activities are located away from receptors, as far as reasonably practicable;
All 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 if 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;
All 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.
Where possible, materials will be sourced locally.
Surfaces will be swept where loose material remains following planing.

No significant effects are anticipated upon completion of the works and no further assessment in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 105: Air Quality is required.

Cultural Heritage

Impacts

There will be a short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the area as a result of the presence of construction, plant, vehicles and traffic management. However, works are restricted to the existing A76 carriageway and the will be of short duration.
The listed buildings and conservation area are just located out with the scheme extents. No discernible impact is expected upon the listed buildings as the works are like for like resurfacing that will not impact the conservation area objectives. There are no planned works on the listed buildings.
Construction of the A76 is likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present within the trunk road boundary. Therefore, the presence of unknown archaeological remains in the study area has been assessed as low.

Mitigation

Dumfries and Galloway Heritage department has been contacted regarding the works being located adjacent to a Conservation area and next to Category B and C listed buildings. No response has been received at the time of this report being published.
All site staff will be made aware that the buildings located adjacent to the A76 at either side of the carriageway are listed buildings.
No materials or wastes will be stored within the conservation area or the boundary of the listed buildings.

In accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 116: Cultural Heritage, no further assessment is required.

Landscape and Visual Effects

Impacts

Views of, and from the road will be temporarily affected during construction due to the presence of works, traffic management and plant. The works will be undertaken during night-time hours therefore the impacts on the views will be minimal.
As the works are minor, short duration, operate on a like-for-like basis and are confined to the existing A76 carriageway boundary, no permanent changes to landscape features and views are anticipated including no impact on the ancient woodlands located along the A76.

Mitigation

During construction 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.
Works will be confined to necessary areas and will avoid encroaching on land and areas where work is not required including for general operations, equipment/containers storage and parking.

In accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects, no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

Activities undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the area as a result of an increased vehicle presence and the potential for disturbance to protected species, and pollution of habitats.
During night-time programming, misdirected site lighting from construction activities could cause disturbance to any surrounding protected species.

Any protected species in the area are likely to be accustomed to road noise on the A76 and the scheme is of relatively short duration. Therefore, with the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on biodiversity are considered to be low.

Mitigation

Due to night-time programming, where lighting is required, hoods will be used to direct light at the works and away from ecological receptors, including watercourses, to minimise disturbance to nocturnal species.
If any protected species are discovered during works, all activity will cease immediately and be reported to Amey’s environmental 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.
‘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.
As part of the Network Management Contract (NMC), Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, has been asked to keep a record of various target species, including Rosebay willowherb and Common ragwort. Works will not cause the spread of this species, if works are likely to result in the spread of this species through disturbance, the landscaping team will be consulted.

With the above mitigation measures and best practice being adhered to, the residual effect on biodiversity is considered not significant.

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 108: Biodiversity, no further assessment is required.

Material Assets and Waste

Impacts

Transportation and recovery of materials or waste will require energy deriving from fossil fuel, a non-renewable source. Fossil fuels are finite resources, and their extensive use for energy-intensive processes like transportation accelerates their depletion.
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, which will reduce the need for further materials and wastes.
Use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources thus reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
The works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials.
Non-recycled construction waste often ends up in landfills. Without recycling, the demand for virgin materials increases, putting pressure on natural reserves.
Landfills have limited capacity, and construction waste can quickly overwhelm them, creating a need for new landfill sites and reducing available land for other uses.

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.
Where possible, materials will be obtained locally, and operatives deployed from the local depot to reduce haulage and scheme associated journeys, reducing associated Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions.
Where possible all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally.
The contractor will adhere to waste management legislation and ensure they comply with waste management Duty of Care.
Uncontaminated road planings arising from the works will be fully recycled under a SEPA Paragraph 13(a) Waste exemption in accordance with guidance on the Production for Fully Recovered 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.
In the event that Coal Tar is present on site, all special waste will be transport by suitable licenced contractor and will be accompanied by 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 activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to cause noise and vibration impacts to nearby noise sensitive receptors, through the use of paver planers and roller wagons during night-time hours.
TS2010 road surfacing is shown to have superior durability and noise reducing features compared to standard road surfacing mixes.
There are no anticipated impacts on noise and vibration following the completion of works.
There will be an increase in noise levels during construction to residential properties and receptors located along the A701 and A702 due to the large diversion route.
Due to the absence of noise screening along the A76, residents in proximity to the works may experience some level of noise impact.

Mitigation

Dumfries and Galloway Council has been notified of the works due to the nighttime programming.
The works are not located within a CNMA, however it is anticipated that the noisiest works (planing) will be completed before 23:00 where feasible.
A soft start to the works will be implemented, whereby plant/machinery is turned on sequentially as opposed to simultaneously.
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.
No plant, vehicles or machinery will be left idling when not in use. 
Amey’s environmental briefing on Noise and Vibration will be delivered to all site operatives before works start.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on Noise and Vibration as the works will be transient.

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration no further assessment is required.

Population and Human Health

Impacts

Thornhill Circular Core path will remain open during the works due to the works only being undertaken within the carriageway boundary.
Construction site lighting during night-time hours could cause disturbance for residential properties in close proximity, and for the nearby amenity users.
There is no requirement for temporary or permanent land take as the works will take place all within the carriageway boundary.
Vehicle travellers and nearby receptors will benefit from the improved road surfacing due to reduced road noise as a result of the scheme.
Nearby residents of surrounding settlements such as Thornhill may experience travel disruption due to presence of TM, which may lead to increased journey times.
Access to the agricultural field located adjacent to the A75 may be impacted due to the TM, however due to nighttime programming this is unlikely.
Access to and from Thornhill Fire Station will not be impacted by the works. Access will be granted through the works area.

Mitigation

TM restrictions/arrangements and any expected travel delays will be publicised within the local and wider area via radio and letterbox drop, in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers and agricultural businesses in the local area.
Temporary site lighting used throughout the scheme will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.
Site specific control measures regarding noise and vibration and air quality can be found in the relevant sections (above).

With 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 drainage systems. In the event of a flooding incident, 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.
There are not anticipated to be any permanent impacts on road drainage or the water environment following the completion of works.

Mitigation

Debris and dust generated as a result of the works will be prevented from entering the drainage system. This will 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. There will be no fuel stored onsite.
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 both during and following the works.
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.
The Amey control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur (24 hours, 7 days a week).
Prior to works commencing, all operatives will be briefed on and adhere to SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP) (Particularly GPP 1, GPP 6, GPP 8, GPP 21 and GPP 22).

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s GPPs noted above, the residual effect on the local water environment during construction is considered to be not significant.

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 generated through the use of machinery, vehicles and materials (both recycled and virgin) required for the scheme, as well as through transportation to and from the 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.

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

As the works will be limited to the like-for-like replacement of the carriageway surface, there will be no change in vulnerability of the road to risk, or in severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.

It has been determined that the project is not expected to alter the vulnerability of the existing trunk road infrastructure to risk of major accidents or disasters

Assessment Cumulative Effects

The Scottish Road Works Commissioner's Interactive Map and Ameys Current Programme of works has not highlighted any works during the proposed timescale and at the location of the proposed works.

A search on Dumfries and Galloway Planning Portal does not identify any works that will conflict with the proposed works. As there are no other works being undertaken within close proximity to the scheme and within the same time period, no cumulative impacts are expected to occur and therefore has been scoped out for further assessment.

The residual construction effects associated with Cumulative Impacts is considered not significant.

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