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, including removal of the road surface, there is the potential for an increase in dust and emissions from plant and machinery and an increase in airborne particulate matter. This is likely to cause a slight deterioration in air quality within the local area.
Residents along the diversion route roads, specifically those along Lochgreen Avenue, may experience a deterioration in air quality due to the increased volume of traffic.
The impacts identified will be temporary for the duration of the works only and therefore no permanent change is predicted on air quality.
Post construction, there will be no change to the traffic volume, vehicle speeds or road alignment as the works are like-for-like resurfacing.

Mitigation

Mitigation measures will follow best practice from the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM), from the ‘Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction (2024)’,including:

Site layout will be planned (including plant and vehicles) so that machinery and dust causing activities are located away from receptors, as far as reasonably practicable;
Materials that have a potential to produce dust, such as excavated material, will be removed from site as soon as possible, unless being re-used on site;
Drop heights from conveyors and other loading or handling equipment will be minimised;
Vehicles entering and leaving the work area will be covered/sheeted 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.

The following additional mitigation measures will be implemented:

Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning undertaken prior to works.
Plant, vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) will be regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems to ensure such fuel operated equipment is not generating excessive fumes.

No significant effects are anticipated and therefore no further assessment in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 105: Air Quality is required.

Cultural heritage

Impacts

There are no designated cultural heritage features within the scheme extents, and no land acquisition is required.
The non-designated assets listed in Table 1 are not expected to be impacted, as the works involve like-for like resurfacing with a transient short construction duration. Additionally, the original construction of the A78 is likely to have removed any archaeological remains. Overall, the potential for uncovering new assets is considered low.

Mitigation

The following mitigation measures will be in place throughout the period of works:

All plant and machinery will be stored within the carriageway boundary where practicable.
If any archaeological finds are discovered, the works will be suspended, and the relevant stakeholders will be contacted.

No significant effects are anticipated to cultural heritage. Therefore, in line with DMRB Guidance document LA 106: Cultural Heritage, no further assessment is required.

Landscape and visual effects

Impacts

There will likely be a short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the site as a result of the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and TM.
Views from the carriageway will be temporarily affected during construction due to the presence of works, TM and plant.

Mitigation

Throughout all stages of the works, 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.
Plant, vehicles, and materials will be contained to hardstanding areas within the carriageway boundary (as far as reasonably practicable). Should damage to the landscape occur, reinstatement will be carried out.

With mitigation measures and best practice in place, it is anticipated that any landscape and visual effects associated with the works will not be significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects, no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

Works will be confined to the carriageway boundary and immediate verges. As such, there is potential to spread or introduce INNS or target species.
The ponds located within proximity to the extents of the scheme pose a potential pathway to pollute aquatic habitats, particularly during milling operations and periods of heavy rainfall (see Road Drainage and the Water Environment section for further details).
Any misdirected temporary lighting and increased noise from construction activities may impact species present in the area.
An increase in noise levels and misdirected site lighting has the potential to disturb any protected species nearby.
Protected species may be impacted by the works in the absence of mitigation measures.

Mitigation

If protected species are encountered, works will be paused and advice sought from Amey’s Environmental Team.
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. Verge works will be undertaken; however, they will be limited in extent as far as reasonably practicable to prevent the spread of INNS and target species and limit disturbance.
Due to night-time programming, where lighting is required, hoods will be used and lights directed at works and away from ecological receptors including any woodland areas and watercourses, to minimise disturbance to nocturnal species.
‘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.
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.
As works are to commence during breeding bird season (March to August inclusive) any activities which are to occur within 5m of vegetation will require a suitably qualified/experienced ecologist to assess whether a nesting bird check is required prior to works commencing. If it is deemed that a nesting bird check is required, nesting bird checks will be undertaken within 48 hours prior to any vegetation clearance works taking place.

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.

Geology and soils

Impacts

All works are contained to the engineered layers of the existing carriageway and immediate verges, resulting in limited potential for soil disturbance.
There is a potential for soils from accidental spills or leaks of fuels and oils from construction plant and machinery. However, with mitigation in place the impact is considered minor and temporary.

Mitigation

See additional pollution mitigation measures in the Road Drainage and Water Environment section below.
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 drip trays used appropriately and stored under any chemical or fuel containers. 
Where damage to soil occurs from vehicles stored and parked on the verge of the carriageway, the reinstatement of the grass verge will be carried out. Amey’s Landscape Team will be contacted for specifications.

With mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are anticipated on geology and soils. Therefore, in line with DMRB Guidance document LA 109: Geology and Soils no further assessment is required.

Material assets and waste

Impacts

Transportation and recovery of materials/waste will require energy deriving from fossil fuel, a non-renewable source.
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.
There is potential for the works to contribute to resource depletion through use of transportation of primary materials such as aggregates.
While WMA provides energy and emissions benefits, HMA provides long-term durability, extending the design life of the carriageway and reducing the frequency of future resurfacing interventions.

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 all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally at a suitably licenced waste management facility.
Use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources thus reducing GHG emissions.
Materials will be delivered on site when required.
A SWMP will be prepared, due to the value of the scheme being greater than £350,000. This will help control and reduce the amount of waste produced, resulting in less landfilled waste.
The Contractor is responsible for the management and disposal of road planings arising from the works. All waste will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, under the relevant SEPA waste authorisation for recovery, reuse or disposal. For example, road planings will be prioritised for recovery or reuse, through recycling into new asphalt, in line with the waste hierarchy.
Waste will be transferred to SEPA-authorised facilities by carriers with valid waste carrier registration. A waste transfer note (WTN) will be completed for removal of waste from site and retained for two years, in line with statutory Duty of Care requirements.

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

Noise and vibration levels are expected to increase during nighttime construction hours for properties within 300m of the scheme. This is due to the use of heavy plant and machinery, such as rollers, and increased HGV movements. However, these levels are not anticipated to significantly exceed existing ambient conditions or cause notable disturbance.
TS2010 road surfacing offers enhanced durability and noise reducing properties compared to standard surfacing materials. As a result, both road users and nearby receptors are expected to benefit from the improved surface quality over the long term.
Post-construction, the works are not expected to alter existing baseline noise levels for any sensitive 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:

On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to local sensitive receptors. The noisiest works will be undertaken before 23:00 where possible.
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.
A ‘soft start’ to works will be in place, whereby plant/machinery/vehicles are started sequentially as opposed to simultaneously.
The site supervisor will monitor the effects of noise and vibration levels during the works and make necessary working arrangements.

The following further mitigation measures related to noise and vibration will be in place:

Amey’s Environmental Team has notified North Ayrshire Council in advance of the works.
A letter drop will be delivered to residents within 300m to notify them of upcoming works, timings and duration.
Amey’s environmental briefing on Noise and Vibration will be delivered to site operatives prior to construction.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, and due to the works being of a minor, transient nature, no significant effects are predicted for 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

TM has potential to cause temporary levels of disruption to road users (i.e. congestion and increased travel times).
Land take is not required for this scheme therefore there will be no impact as a result of permanent or temporary land acquisition from private land, businesses, agriculture, Walkers, Cyclists or Horse riders (WCH) and/or community facilities as a result of the scheme.
Access to residential properties will not be impacted by the works significantly.
As works will be contained within the carriageway boundary, the core paths mentioned above are unlikely to be impacted.
As the works are scheduled to occur during nighttime hours, the community facilities identified above are not expected to experience any significant impacts due to their limited use during this period.

Mitigation

Local residents and road users will be informed of traffic management 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.
Site specific control measures regarding noise and vibration, landscape and visual effects and air quality can be found in the relevant sections (above).

With best practice 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 the surface water. In the event of a flooding incident or heavy rainfall, 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.
The verge and resurfacing works will not increase flood risk as they are limited to the existing impermeable carriageway surface, with no alteration to drainage infrastructure or surface water runoff patterns. No other post construction impacts are anticipated.

Mitigation

The following best practice and pollution prevention measures will be in place:

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 (available 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.
Prior to works commencing, all operatives will be aware of SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP).
All storage areas (fuels, machinery, plant, materials) where required will be located/stored:
Away (>10m) from surface water drainage systems; and
Away from areas that see high vehicular movement (as far as reasonably practicable) to prevent damage by collision or extremes of weather.
Fuels stored within a drip tray, bund or other form of secondary containment with at least 110% of the maximum volume of a single container
Amey’s Water Pollution Prevention environmental briefing will be delivered to all site operatives before works start.

With mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are anticipated on the water environment. Therefore, 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 being from vehicles, machinery, material use and production, and transportation.
The use of HMA supports a longer design life compared to other SMA materials, resulting in reduced whole-life carbon impacts as there is a reduced need for repeat resurfacing, minimised material use, transport emissions and construction waste over the road asset’s lifecycle.

Mitigation

The following mitigation measures will be in place:

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.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on climate is considered to be not significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

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