Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air Quality

Impacts

  • 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 which may impact the residential properties in close proximity to the sea wall. These impacts will last for the duration of the works only.
  • 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 works will not further impact the SPRI located within 1km of the works.

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;
  • Remove materials that have a potential to produce dust from site as soon as possible, unless being re-used on site (cover or fence stockpiles to prevent wind whipping);
  • Only use cutting, grinding or sawing equipment fitted or in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques such as water sprays or local extraction, e.g. suitable local exhaust ventilation systems;
  • Minimise drop heights from conveyors and other loading or handling equipment;
  • Ensure vehicles entering and leaving the work area are covered to prevent escape of materials during transport; and
  • Ensure equipment is 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:

  • 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.

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

Landscape and Visual Effects

Impacts

  • Due to the lack of screening, short-term impacts on landscape character and visual amenity for nearby visual receptors may occur during construction due to the presence of TM, plant, vehicles and artificial lighting.
  • All areas affected by the works will be reinstated to their original condition, and the repair of the sea wall is expected to provide a minor positive enhancement to the local landscape due to improved structural appearance and condition.
  • As the works are minor, require no vegetation clearance, are of short duration, and will be carried out on a like-for-like basis, no permanent changes to landscape features or views are anticipated.

Mitigation

  • The design and look of the current landscape will remain the same as much as possible to retain the current landscape.
  • Plant/machinery/materials will be stored in unobtrusive areas when not in use.
  • 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.

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

Biodiversity

Impacts

  • Site activities have the potential to cause temporary, localised impacts on biodiversity, including disturbance to protected species, as well as a risk of minor pollution to nearby marine habitats.
  • The works will not have an impact on the target species identified along the A77 carriageway.

Mitigation

  • Works, plant, and equipment will be kept well above the MHWS level at all times, ensuring a protective buffer that minimises any risk of impacts to the intertidal or marine environment.
  • ‘Soft start’ techniques will be implemented daily with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to avoid disturbance to any potential noise sensitive species present in the area.
  • If a protected species is encountered, works will be paused and advice sought from Amey’s Environmental Team.
  • A toolbox talk will be delivered to all site operatives prior to the start of works.
  • As part of the NMC contract, Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, has been asked to keep a record of various target species, including species such as Broad-Leafed Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and Common Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris). Works will not cause the spread of these species, if works are likely to result in the spread of these species through disturbance, the landscaping team will be consulted.
  • Additional pollution prevention measures are detailed in the Road Drainage and the Water Environment section.

With the above mitigation measures and best practice being adhered to, the residual effect on local biodiversity is considered not significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 108: Biodiversity, no further assessment is required.

Geology and Soils

Impacts

  • Construction works, including the sea wall repair, will be contained entirely within the carriageway boundary and the sea platform. In the absence of any excavation requirements, the works are assessed to pose no potential for direct or indirect effects on the underlying geological strata or soils.

Mitigation

  • No specific mitigation measures are required. However, good practice will be applied during the works such as:
  • 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.
  • If any unusual odours or soil colourations are identified during the works, the works must cease, and the environmental team will be notified.
  • Pollution prevention measures outlined in the Road Drainage and the Water Environment section will be followed during construction.

On the condition that the above mitigation measures and best practice are adhered to, the residual effect on geology and soils is considered not significant.

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 109: Geology and Soils, 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 works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials such as the timber, stone and concrete.

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 impact of associated Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions on climate change.
  • Where possible all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally.
  • Wastewater generated during power‑washing will comply with SEPA General Binding Rule (GBR) direct discharge of pollutants into groundwater from construction or maintenance works. In Scotland this GBR authorises the discharge into a surface water drainage system. It is a mandatory rule under the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) which provides the regulatory framework for water discharges and other activities affecting the water environment.
  • The Contractor is responsible for the management and disposal of any construction waste arising from the works. All waste will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2025, under the relevant SEPA waste authorisation for recovery, reuse or disposal.
  • All waste will be disposed of at SEPA-licenced facilities by carriers with valid waste licences. A waste transfer note (WTN) will be completed every time waste is removed from the site and retained for two years.
  • A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will be required due to the scheme value exceeding £350,000. This will detail how resource use and waste arising from the works will be managed throughout the scheme. This will help control and reduce the amount of waste produced, resulting in less landfilled waste. 

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

  • Drilling and cutting activities associated with the wall repairs may result in short‑term noise and vibration; however, levels are not expected to exceed ambient conditions nor cause disturbance to nearby NSRs, given the elevated baseline noise and daytime working.
  • The presence of TM will temporarily impact traffic speed and flows however, the scheme is of a minor, temporary nature thus this impact will be minimal.
  • Post-construction, no adverse noise or vibration impacts are anticipated
  • Due to the nature of the works, noise and vibration levels throughout the duration of the scheme will be temporary and localised therefore, reducing impacts on local receptors.

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:
    • Quiet working methods will be employed, including use of the most suitable plant, reasonable hours of working for noisy operations, and economy and speed of operations.
    • 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.
    • 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 and 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.
  • Engagement and pre-notification of the works through social media will be undertaken prior to commencement of the works, to make road users and local residents aware of the upcoming works.

No significant effects on noise and vibration are predicted. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration no further assessment is required.

Population and Human Health

Impacts

  • The presence of TM will temporarily impact traffic speed. However, the scheme is of a minor, temporary nature thus this impact will be minimal. No changes to traffic speed or flows will occur post construction.
  • No temporary or permanent land take is required, as all works will occur within the carriageway boundary.
  • Local residents may experience travel disruption due to presence of TM, which may lead to temporarily increased journey times.
  • The Lochryan Coastal Path located next to the sea wall will be temporarily closed during construction.

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.
  • Alternative pedestrian access will be implemented to allow pedestrian access at all times.
  • Please see the Landscape and Visual Effects section above for an assessment of the visual impacts to visual receptors.
  • Further population and human health mitigations can be found within the Noise and Vibration, Air Quality section.

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.

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.
  • Visual pollution inspections of the working area will be conducted in frequency, especially during heavy rainfall and wind.
  • 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, but not be limited to, spill kits being present onsite at all times, and the use of funnels and drip trays when transferring fuel, and utilisation of drain overs/shielding boards.
  • The Amey control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur (24 hours, 7 days a week).
  • Weather reports and high tides 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
  • All operatives will be aware of SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP) documents.
  • In the event of a pollution incident, SEPA will be notified without delay.
  • Where refuelling on site is required, there will be designated refuelling areas, located more than 10m from surface water drainage systems, and within hard standing and bunds to prevent leaks or spills escaping.
  • Concrete curing and mortar will be protected/covered from precipitation to prevent runoff contamination.
  • Mixing of concrete and mortar on site will be undertaken >10m from watercourses and surface water drainage systems.
  • No washout from concrete mixing will enter the water environment and will be taken off site for appropriate treatment.
  • Amey’s Water Pollution Prevention environmental briefing will be delivered to all site operatives before works start.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s GPPs, 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

  • Construction activities may result in GHG emissions from vehicles, machinery, material use and production, and transportation. However, given the nature of the scheme, the volume of materials required to be imported on site is low, reducing the overall impact.

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.

Vulnerability of the Project to Risks

As the works will be limited to the like-for-like repair of the sea wall, 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 Currently 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.