Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air Quality

Impacts

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.
During construction there is the potential for an increase in dust and emissions from plant, machinery and site activities. This is likely to cause deterioration in air quality within the local area. These impacts will last for the duration of the works only.
An increase in the use of HGVs during construction will likely have a temporary impact on air quality within the local area.
The impacts identified will be temporary for the duration of the works only and therefore no change is predicted on air quality.
Post construction there will be no change to the traffic volume, speed or road alignment.

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;
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; 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.

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

Cultural Heritage

Impacts

The works all located within the carriageway are therefore unlikely to result in any physical alteration to the designated and non-designated heritage assets identified, there no impacts on Cultural Heritage are anticipated.
There will be no impacts on the Inverkip Conservation Area as works will be confined to the A78 carriageway.

Mitigation

During construction, plant, vehicles, personnel, materials etc. will be contained to hardstanding areas within the carriageway boundary at all times.
If any archaeological finds, including coins, pottery are found, these must not be removed and Amey’s Environment team will be contacted for further advice.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, no significant effects are predicted on cultural heritage.

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

Landscape and Visual Effects

Impacts

Works will be restricted to the existing carriageway boundary and will not impact upon the surrounding landscape during and after construction.
The works will have a temporary impact on the visual receptors during construction such as additional lighting, presence of works, traffic management and plant being present.
There will be no impacts to the Ardgowan Garden & Designed Landscape as works are confined to the A78 carriageway boundary.

Mitigation

Plant/machinery/materials will be stored in unobtrusive areas when not in use and will not be stored on grass verges.
Temporary site lighting used throughout the scheme will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.

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

During night-time programming, misdirected site lighting could cause disturbance to any surrounding nocturnal species in the general area.
An increase in noise levels has the potential to disturb any protected species nearby.
There will be no impacts to the target species identified along the verge of the A78 as the works will remain within the carriageway boundary.

Mitigation

Any artificial lighting will be pointed directly at the works as to minimise impact on nocturnal species.
If the event that protected species are discovered during works, all work will cease, and a member of Amey’s Environmental Team will be contacted.
On site light sources will be kept to a minimum and only used as required.
‘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 NMC contract, Amey, on behalf of transport Scotland, have 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.
Amey’s Environmental Team will be contacted to allow consideration if potential effects if unplanned works are to be undertaken beyond the carriageway boundary, any change to the programme or unforeseen vegetation clearance is required.

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.

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 use of TS2010 Surface Course will prolong the period before future resurfacing is required, compared to other types of road surface. Future repairs can be able to be carried out easily via inlay
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.

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 where possible 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. Not all materials will be able to be reused/recycled and will require landfilling.
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.
From November 2025 these exemptions will be phased out in favour of Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR). However, where planings meet SEPA’s criteria, they will be fully recycled.
All waste leaving the site will be removed from site by a licence waste carrier. All waste documentation will be provided when requested.
If any tar is identified onsite the following will be undertaken:
Coal tar will be classified as a Special Waste
Special waste consignment notes (SWCN) will be obtained from SEPA to allow the movement of the contaminated planings.
All waste will be appropriately segregated from uncontaminated planings
Coal tar contaminated road planings will be transported by a registered waste carrier to an appropriate waste recovery facility and accompanied by a SEPA-issued consignment note or code. Copies of consignment notes will be retained for a period of three years
SEPA will be notified at least 72 hours before (and no longer than one month before) Special Waste leaving site.

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

TS2010 road surfacing is shown to have superior durability and noise reducing features compared to standard road surfacing mixes. Vehicle travellers and nearby receptors will benefit from the improved road surfacing as a result of the scheme.
Noisy works such as the use of heavy machinery such as pavers and rollers are required during night-time hours, which could cause disturbance for the close residents and amenity users.
The works are not likely to change the existing baseline noise level post construction for any noise sensitive receptors.

Mitigation

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.
Avoid unnecessary revving of engines and switch off equipment when not in use.
‘Soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to avoid disturbance.
The noisiest work operations will be completed before 23:00 where feasible.
Drop heights from vehicles used on site will be kept to a minimum to minimising noise when unloading.
Due to nighttime programming, Inverclyde Council have been notified of the works.
A letter drop will be undertaken to notify residential properties close to the scheme.
All site operatives will be briefed with a Noise and Vibration Toolbox Talk before works commence.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, there are no significant effect predicted on Noise and Vibration.

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

Population and Human Health

Impacts

Construction site lighting during nighttime hours could cause disturbance to residential properties in close proximity, and for the nearby amenity users.
No temporary or permanent land take is required, as all works will occur within the existing carriageway boundary.
All Wheelchair users, Cyclists, and Horse riders (WCH) users including the Core paths and any pedestrian footways will not be impacted by the works due to the works being contained within the carriageway boundary.
Bus stops and bus routes will not be impacted by the works.

Mitigation

TM restrictions/arrangements and any anticipated travel delays will be publicised within the local and wider area through radio announcements and letterbox drops, aimed at minimising disruption to vehicular travellers.
Advanced signage will be strategically placed on the trunk road to notify stakeholders of the road closure and diversion at least seven days in advance

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are anticipated on Population and Human Health.

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 the surface water. 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 negatively affect the distant water environment.
No ‘in-water’ works are required, therefore there will be no change in the hydrological regime or water quality within the surrounding 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.
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 control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur on 0800 042 0188 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
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.
All waste, vehicles, ancillary plant, NRMM and fuels will be stored in the compound(s) or laydown area and will be secured and located, if space is available, at least 10m from drainage entry points, in order to comply with GPP 5 ‘works and maintenance in or near water’.
Generators, and other ancillary plant and NRMM, where there is a risk of leakage of oil or fuel, will have internal bunding or will have a secondary containment system placed beneath them that meets 110% capacity requirements.
Refuelling will only be undertaken at designated refuelling areas (e.g., on hardstanding, with spill kits available, and >10m from drainage entry points, where practicable).
Prior to works commencing, all operatives will be briefed on SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP) documents.

Climate

Impacts

GHG emissions will be generated through the operation of machinery, vehicles, and the use of materials (both recycled and virgin) required for the proposed scheme. Additional emissions will arise from transportation to and from the site. However, considering the nature, duration, and scale of the proposed activities, and taking into account the mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on climate is assessed to be low.
Post construction no residual impacts are anticipated.

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.

There will be no change to the likelihood of flooding on the A78 within the scheme extents upon completion of the works.

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 Inverclyde Council Planning portal on does not identify any works that will conflict with the proposed works.

Overall, the proposed works are not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects. Due to the nature of the works, no in-combination effects are expected.

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