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 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) exceed 1 hectare in area.

This scheme is not situated in 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 successful completion of the scheme will provide several benefits, including prolonging the lifespan of the sea wall, enhancing safety and repairing scour.
  • Construction activities are restricted to the sea wall boundary within made ground and as such there will be no residual change to the local landscape as a result of the works.
  • No disturbance is anticipated to protected species within the wider area.
  • As the works will be limited to the like-for-like repair of the structural components, there is no change to the vulnerability of the road to the risk or severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.

Location of the scheme

  • The scheme will be confined within the existing sea wall boundaries and as a result will not require any land take and will not alter any local land uses.
  • Although the works are located adjacent to Mean High Water Springs (MHWS), all activities will be carried out solely on the existing sea wall structure and confined mainly to the footpath side, ensuring no works extend below MHWS.
  • The scheme is not situated in whole or in part within a sensitive area.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme

  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.
  • The risk to major accidents or disasters is considered low.
  • 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 will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • The works will be temporary, localised and completed during daytime hours with traffic management in place.