Assessments of the environmental effects

Air quality

Construction activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to temporarily cause local air quality impacts. The main sources are likely to be dust generated by excavation, as well as exhaust emissions from ancillary plant and vehicles. As a result, there is potential for dust, particulate matter, and exhaust emissions to be emitted to the atmosphere. However, taking into account the nature and scale of the works and the following mitigation measures, the risk of significant impacts to the air are considered to be low.

  • When not in use, plant and vehicles will be switched off; there will be no idling vehicles.
  • All plant, machinery and vehicles associated with the works will be maintained in order to minimise emissions, as per manufacturing and legal requirements.
  • No significant dust, particulate matter, and exhaust emissions sources will be introduced by the works.
  • Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning to be undertaken prior to works.
  • All delivery vehicles carrying material with dust potential will be covered when travelling to or leaving site, preventing the spread of dust beyond the work area.
  • Activities will be appropriately managed to reduce the potential for dust creation. This will involve use of measures such as dampening down or on tool extraction where required.
  • Material stockpiles will be reduced as far as is reasonably practicable by using a ‘just in time’ delivery system. All material will also be stored on made ground.
  • Any stockpiled material on site will be monitored daily to ensure no risks of dust emissions exists.
  • Materials will be removed from site as soon as is practicable.
  • Good housekeeping will be employed throughout the work.
  • Drop heights to haulage vehicles and onto conveyors will be minimised.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any air quality effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Cultural heritage

The works are not located within nor have connectivity to a cultural heritage feature; however, the works involve excavation along the trunk road verge within a rural area and as such there is potential for undiscovered cultural features and/or features of a recent origin to be unearthed.

However, due to the relatively recent construction of the A82 carriageway the chance of undiscovered cultural heritage features is low. As standard, the following good practice measures will be in place to reduce the risk of impacts to undiscovered features of cultural heritage interest:

  • There will be no storage of vehicles, plant, or materials against any buildings, walls or fences.
  • Should any unexpected archaeological evidence be discovered, works will stop temporarily in the vicinity and the BEAR Scotland Environment Team contacted for advice.
  • The Local Authority and Historic Environment Scotland will be consulted with as required, in the event of any discovery/exposure of suspected archaeological features.
  • People, plant, and materials will, as much as is reasonably practicable, only be present on areas of made / engineered ground. Access required out with these areas will be reduced as much as is reasonably practicable and will utilise as few access points/tracks as possible.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any cultural heritage effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Landscape and visual effects

The works are located within the NSA; however, the works are minor in nature and restricted to a 100m long section of the A82 trunk road. Following the completion of the works the local landscape will be largely unchanged with the excavated ditch along the trunk road and redirected waterbody 1 being the only visual changes. Therefore, consultation with NatureScot regarding the landscape impact on the NSA is not required.

There will 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; however, this will be restricted to the limited construction duration only. Upon completion of the works, no residual impacts are anticipated, as the visual appearance of the trunk road corridor will remain largely unaffected with drainage ditch and redirected waterbody 1 being the only changes.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place during works:

  • 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.
  • Works will avoid encroaching on land and areas where work is not required or is not permitted. This includes general works, storage of equipment/containers and parking.
  • Where applicable, upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
  • The site will be left clean and tidy following construction.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any landscape and visual effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Biodiversity

The scheme fully lies within Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA and within 2km of Rannoch Moor SAC and as such a HRA has been undertaken to assess the works Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the features of the designated sites. The HRA concluded that the works will not have LSE on the qualifying habitat features of Rannoch Moor SAC due to the following:

  • No works will take place within the boundaries of the Rannoch Moor SAC and works are located downstream of the SAC with no hydrological connectivity (works to SAC direction) present.
  • The works are set-back at least 2km from the SAC and there is no suitable habitat within the works disturbance buffers present.
  • There is limited hydrological and ecological connectivity between the scheme extents and the designated sites.
  • Best practice measures will be in place for working near water.
  • Robust containment measures will be in place to prevent pollution events from construction works.
  • There are no cumulative or in-combination effects of the schemes on the designated site.

HRA has been undertaken to assess the works LSE on Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA and concluded that the works will not result in LSE due to the following factors:

  • Although the works are fully within the SPA, all works are restricted to the A82 and its verges for a length of 100m only. The area along the scheme extents has been assessed to be not suitable for breeding sites. This was confirmed by a site visit undertaken on 4th March 2025.
  • The works are not noisy in nature, are short term and will be undertaken during the daytime working hours and as such will not disturb breeding sites further afield via light or noise pollution.
  • It is expected that birds foraging in the area are habituated to the disturbance associated with the trunk road.
  • The works impact on foraging habitat will be maintained by utilising standard working practices, which will include robust containment measures to prevent pollution events from construction works.
  • The works will restrict the flow of the water downstream of the waterbody 1, however the area affected following the realignment works is insignificant (in total 30m downstream of the culvert 1 will be dewatered) considering the ample alternative foraging habitat within the wider SPA and surrounding area outside of proximity to the proposed working area, which would be available.

Activities undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the area as a result of an increased vehicle presence and the potential for disturbance to protected species and pollution of habitats. The works are not noisy in nature and will utilise a daytime working pattern with no requirement for artificial lighting and as such impact on nocturnal species will be avoided. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A82. Therefore, the potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is considered to be low.

The ecological site visit undertaken on 4th March 2025 confirmed no presence of protected species within the works disturbance area. The area was also assessed to lack places of shelter negating habitat for mammal species associated with the nearby European sites. No presence of other protected species was noted within the works disturbance area.

The works will require in-water works and dewatering of waterbody 1 downstream of the outlet at A82, however the area affected following the realignment works is insignificant (in total 30m downstream of the culvert 1 will be dewatered) considering the ample availability of similar habitat within the wider area. Therefore, the change in the local habitat is negligible and will not negatively impact overall habitat within the area. Consultation with Lochaber District salmon fishery board (DSFB) confirmed that the watercourse at the scheme is above the migratory limit for salmon and sea trout and as such watercourses do not provide suitable habitat for critical aquatic species.

No INNS or invasive plant species were noted during the desktop study or during the PEA and, as such, potential disturbance and/or spread of INNS during the works is negligible. The scheme does not require permanent (or temporary) land-take, accommodation works, site clearance or locally gained resources, and there is no requirement to import topsoil. As such, there is limited potential to spread or introduce INNS plant species.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will be detailed in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) and adhered to on site. Therefore, with the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on biodiversity are considered to be low:

  • Works will be strictly limited to areas required for access and drainage works. Unnecessary encroachment onto terrestrial or aquatic areas will not be tolerated.
  • All construction operatives will be briefed through toolbox talks prior to works commencing, which will be included in the SEMP. The toolbox talks will provide information on the legislation, general ecology, and best practice measures for relevant protected species.
  • Site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of any protected species throughout the works period. Should a protected species be noted during construction, works will temporarily halt until the species has sufficiently moved on. Any sightings of protected species shall be reported to the BEAR Scotland Environment Team.
  • A ‘soft start’ will be implemented on site each day. This will involve switching on vehicles consecutively and checking under/around vehicles and the immediate work area for mammals prior to works commencing to ensure none are present and that there is a gradual increase in noise.
  • Any excavations, exposed pipes/drains, or areas where an animal could become trapped (e.g. storage containers) will be covered over when not in use, at the end of each shift, and following completion of the works.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any biodiversity effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Geology and Soils

The scheme is not located within a site designated for geology features. However, the soil either side of the A82 at the scheme extents is noted as ‘Class 2’, which is characterised as deep peat. During the site visit undertaken on 4th March 2025, it was confirmed that the soil either side of the A82 at the scheme does indeed consist of peat. It is therefore expected that peat soils will be encountered during the excavation of the roadside ditch. However, the works will be confined to the A82 and its direct verges with no requirement entering areas beyond immediate roadside verges. The construction of the A82 has involved infill of aggregate material to provide a stable condition within the carriageway. Therefore, it is expected that the verges along the A82 carriageway will have a relatively thin layer of peat with deep peat located further afield. With the following measures in place, impact on peat is not expected:

  • All machinery will operate from the road level without entering grounds outside the man-made surface of the A82 carriageway.
  • Excavated vegetation turves will be placed carefully within the further edge of the ditch, avoiding compaction and ensuring (as far as reasonably practicable) that turves are kept in solid blocks with the vegetated side up.
  • Excavated material will be kept to a minimum and spread evenly within the embankment of the drainage ditch along the scheme extents.
  • Multiple handling of excavated soil or turves will be minimised.
  • The extent and duration of exposed soil will be kept to the minimum required for the works.
  • Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
  • No parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment within the land outside the man-made ground of A82 will be allowed.
  • Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
  • All relevant soil management toolbox talks will be included in the SEMP and sediment control measures will be in place to prevent soil eroding into the unnamed waterbody and travelling downstream.
  • Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in Road drainage and the water environment will be adhered to during construction.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any geology and soils effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD

Material assets and waste

There is potential for impacts as a result of resource depletion through use and transportation of new materials. However, materials will be sourced locally where possible and the following mitigation measures will be put in place:

  • Materials will be sourced from recycled origins as far as reasonably practicable within design specifications.
  • Care will be taken to order the correct quantity of required materials to prevent the disposal of unused materials.
  • Where possible, minimal packaging will be requested on required deliveries to reduce unnecessary waste and production of packaging materials.

There is potential for impacts during works as a result of the improper storage or disposal of waste. The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

  • The waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Dispose) will be employed throughout the construction works.
  • The subcontractor will adhere to waste management legislation and ensure they comply with their Duty of Care.
  • Containment measures will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
  • All wastes and unused materials will be removed from site in a safe and legal manner by a licensed waste carrier upon completion of the works. The appointed waste carrier will have a valid SEPA waste carrier registration, a copy of which will be provided to and retained by BEAR Scotland as early as possible.
  • All appropriate waste documentation will be present on site and will be available for inspection. A copy of the Duty of Care paperwork must be provided and filed appropriately in accordance with the Code of Practice (as made under Section 34 of Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended).
  • Re-use and recycling of waste will be encouraged and undertaken where possible, and the subcontractor will be required to fully outline their plans and provide documentary evidence for waste arising from the works (e.g., waste carrier’s licence, transfer notes, and waste exemption certificates).
  • Staff will be informed that littering will not be tolerated. Staff will be encouraged to collect any litter seen on site.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any material assets and waste effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Noise and vibration

Construction activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to cause noise and vibration impacts through the use of equipment and construction vehicles for the proposed activities. However, the works will employ a day-time working pattern over up to 3 weeks (15 days). The scheme lies within a rural area with no properties in vicinity to the works present. In addition, the wildlife in proximity to the scheme is highly limited due to the absence of suitable places of shelter. The works will be of a short duration, localised and undertaken during the daytime hours; therefore the proposed scheme is anticipated to result in temporary minor noise impacts during the construction programme. The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

  • The Best Practicable Means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, will be employed at all times to reduce noise to a minimum.
  • On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to the local area.
  • All site personnel will be fully briefed in advance of works regarding the need to minimise noise during works and of the site-specific sensitivities.
  • All plant will be operated in such a way that minimises noise emissions and will have been maintained regularly to the appropriate standards.
  • Where fitted, and where permitted under Health and Safety requirements, white noise reversing alarms will be utilised during construction.
  • Where ancillary plant such as generators are required, they will be positioned so as to cause minimum noise disturbance. Where deemed necessary, acoustic screens will be utilised.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any noise and vibration effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Population and human health

During construction, activities undertaken on site may have temporary adverse impacts on vehicle travellers, and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence, and associated noise and delays due to TM measures. Road users and local service providers (i.e. bus operators) will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times.

No significant congestion issues are noted at the scheme location. Increased journey times may occur during construction; however, due to use of traffic lights, any delays are not expected to be significant. There are no junctions or dedicated NMU facilities located within the scheme extents and, NMUs will be provided with safe passage through/around the works (if required).

With the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on population and human health is considered to be low:

  • Notification will be issued to local public transport operators prior to commencement of the works, advising of any proposed works and expected restrictions.
  • Any changes of schedule (e.g. change from daytime to night-time working) will be communicated to travelling public throughout the programme.
  • Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the TM to allow the safe passage of NMUs of all abilities through the site as required.
  • Journey planning information will be available for drivers online at the trafficscotland.org website. Journey planning information will also be available for drivers online through BEAR’s social media platforms.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any population and human health effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Road drainage and the water environment

The works entail redirection of a minor waterbody (referred to as waterbody 1 and is not shown on the 1:50,000 scale Ordnance Survey maps) and as such consultation with SEPA was undertaken to identify the need for consents and/or licences. SEPA confirmed that waterbody 1 is not depicted as a natural waterbody on their maps and is likely attributed to the historical road drainage. The scheme entails ‘construction and maintenance of road drains that do not affect a natural watercourse’, and the works are able to proceed under General Binding Rules (GBRs) The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (as amended).

During drainage works, there is potential for temporary adverse impacts on the water environment due to the requirement for in-stream works and the risk of pollution incidents. Potential changes in water quality from pollution events (either by accidental spillage of sediments, particulate matter, chemicals, fuels or by mobilisation of these in surface water caused by rain/flooding) during works have the potential to have a direct or indirect effect on the surrounding waterbodies. These measures include the following:

  • Standard working practices to comply with The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (as amended) including relevant SEPA Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and will be adhered to on site.
  • A toolbox talk on silt and sediment containment will be delivered to all site staff as part of the site induction.
  • No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted. Appropriate containment measures will be in place to prevent any loss of construction materials into the water environment (e.g. dust, debris, wet concrete). Any dust, concrete debris, or other materials produced during works will be contained and removed from site to be disposed of appropriately.
  • Works will not result in the impediment of substrate movement from upstream of the culvert to downstream.
  • Concrete batching will be carried out on an impermeable surface at least 10m away from drains and water bodies.
  • Concrete and other materials will not be stored within the dry working area. Site staff will take only the minimum amount necessary to carry out works in the dry working area during each work period.
  • An incident response (contingency) plan will be put in place to reduce the risk from pollution incidents or accidental spillages. All necessary containment equipment, including suitable spill kits (for oil and chemicals) will be available on site, quickly accessible if needed, and staff trained in their use.
  • All spills will be logged and reported. In the event of any spills into the water environment, all works will stop, and the incident will be reported to the project manager and the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team. SEPA will be informed of any such incident as soon as possible using the SEPA Pollution Hotline.
  • All plant and equipment will be regularly inspected for any signs of damage and leaks. A checklist will be present to make sure that the checks have been carried out.
  • Storage of hazardous material, oil and fuel containers will be distanced more than 10m away from any watercourses.
  • If required, a designated refuelling area will be identified. Fuel bowsers will be stored on an impermeable area and will be fully bunded. This will be distanced more than 10m from any watercourses.
  • During refuelling of smaller mobile plant, a funnel will be used, and drip trays will be in place. Care will be taken to reduce the chance of spillages. Spill kits will be quickly accessible to capture any spills should they occur. The ground / stone around the site of a spill will be removed, double bagged and taken off site as special contaminated waste.
  • Generators and static plant may have the potential to leak fuel and / or other hydrocarbons and will have bunding with a capacity of 110%. If these are not bunded then drip trays must also be supplied beneath the equipment with a capacity of 110%.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any road drainage and the water environment effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Climate

Construction activities associated with the proposed scheme works have the potential to cause local air quality impacts as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of vehicles and machinery, material use and production, and transportation of materials to and from site. The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

  • BEAR Scotland will adhere to their Carbon Management Policy.
  • Local contractors and suppliers will be used as far as practicable to reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emitted as part of the works.
  • Where possible, materials will be sourced locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials movement, and waste will be removed to a local waste management facility.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any climate effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

The A82 at the scheme extents has not been noted as having flooding issues and the works will avoid being undertaken during the heavy rain events where possible.

The works will take place on made ground of the A82 carriageway as well as within the verge of the A82. TM will be designed in line with existing guidance and will consist of a single lane road closure with TTLs in operation. Where required, alternative NMU provisions/routes will be included in the TM setup, to minimise impact of the works on NMUs.

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which includes measures to avoid or reduce disruption to road traffic, will be produced in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (Department of Transport 2009). The TMP will ensure that there is no severance of community assets, access routes or residential development.

These measures, along with mitigation measures and standard working practices, will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. The vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and disasters is considered to be low.

Assessment cumulative effects

The proposed works are not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects.

A search of the Highland Council Planning Portal (Map Search) did not identify any approved and ‘under consideration’ planning applications within 300m of the scheme extents in the last year.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner website (Map Search) has identified that no other roadworks are currently ongoing, or noted as being planned, on the trunk road at the same time as this scheme. Due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

BEAR Scotland programme all of their proposed works in line with appropriate guidance and contractual requirements. All schemes are programmed to take into account existing and future planned works, with a view of limiting any cumulative effects relating to TM. As a result of this exercise, where a potential for cumulative impacts is identified, BEAR will reprogramme schemes to avoid / limit any cumulative effects or will utilise existing TM to complete multiple schemes at once. This approach allows BEAR Scotland to effectively manage the potential cumulative effects as a result of TM, resulting in minimal disruption to users of the Scottish trunk road network.

Overall, it is unlikely that the proposed works will have a significant cumulative effect with any other future works in the area.