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 1 hectare in area.

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 risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.
  • As the works will be limited to out with the trunk road boundary, 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. No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of works.

Location of the scheme:

  • The replacement of the boundary fencing and the upgrading of existing drainage within both Scottish Ministers owned land and privately owned land. Therefore, temporary land take is required for works to commence as the scheme extents are located on private property and land owned by Scottish Ministers.
  • Works cross over the Antonine Wall Scheduled Monument and World Heritage Site which is both a distinctive cultural landscape and historical landscape feature. Mitigation measures outlined by HES and WoSAS will be followed, therefore, there will be no significant impact on the above assets.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • Containment measures of the working area will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding water environment and drainage.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • Materials will be derived from recycled, secondary or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications.
  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.