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 a project for the 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 1ha in area, and are also situated in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park which is 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

  • The works are restricted to removal of young trees and vegetation along the A82 carriageway including its associated SuDS.
  • Construction activities are restricted to 1.3km long sections along A82 with working area of 1.45ha.
  • The works will be transient, localised, and completed during daytime hours over 4 weeks in total.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • TM will prioritise verge working where possible with lane closures utilised by temporary traffic lights where this is not possible.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • No significant environmental impacts are anticipated during the operational phase as a result of the works. The works are expected to provide a positive impact for road users by improving visibility along the trunk road and associated infrastructure.
  • As the works will be limited to removal of young trees and vegetation along the A82 carriageway, there is no change to the vulnerability of the road to the risk or severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact the environment.

Location of the scheme

  • The River Tay SAC lies 100m north of the scheme at its nearest point. No other European designated sites lie within 2km of scheme extents. An HRA was completed and concluded that the works will not result in AESI with appropriate mitigation measures in place.
  • The scheme will be located within the existing trunk road boundaries and as such, no land take will be required.
  • The scheme extent is located with LLTNP. However, LLTNP will be notified of works and any advice provided will be followed.
  • There are no Cultural Heritage of licensable nature located within the scheme extents.
  • The scheme is not located within any areas of ancient woodland or Conservation Areas and does not require felling of trees protected by a TPO.
  • Approximately 70 properties lie within the 300m of the scheme extents. These consist of residential dwelling, business premises and community facilities, such as schools, post office and halls.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme

  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, non-significant and limited to the construction phase.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • No evidence of protected species or INNS was recorded during the site visit.
  • No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of works. The works are expected to result in positive impacts on road users and human receptors during the operational phase.
  • Mitigation measures detailed above (and in the SEMP) will be put in place with the objective to prevent and, if required, subsequently control any potential impacts on sensitive receptors.