Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

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 breaking out of materials or cold milling in preparation of carriageway resurfacing, 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 air quality are considered to be low.

A water-assisted dust sweeper will sweep the carriageway after dust-generating activities, and waste will be contained and removed from site as soon as is practicable.
Materials that have a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, and vehicles that remove cold-milled material from site will have sheeted covers.
Ancillary plant, vehicles and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) will have been regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems and will be switched off when stationary to prevent exhaust emissions (e.g., there will be no idling vehicles).
Cutting, grinding, and sawing equipment (if required) will be fitted or used in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques e.g., local exhaust ventilation system that fits directly onto tools.
Regular monitoring (e.g., by engineer or Clerk of Works) will take place when activities generating air pollution are occurring. In the unlikely event that unacceptable levels of air pollution are emanating from the site, the operation will, where practicable, be modified and re-checked to verify that the corrective action has been effective. Actions to be considered include: (a) minimizing cutting and grinding on-site, (b) reducing the operating hours, (c) changing the method of working, etc.
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.
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

Although there are cultural heritage sites (including two listed buildings) within 300m of proposed works, the works are restricted to engineered ground within the A82 carriageway boundary and will entail like-for-like replacement of the road surfacing. Construction of the A82 is likely to have removed archaeological artefacts present within the scheme extent. However, the following mitigation measures will be implemented:

In the event of any unexpected archaeological finds, all works will cease immediately, the area will be cordoned off, and a member of the BEAR Environment Team will be contacted for advice. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will be contacted as required.
Laydown areas will be sensitively located (e.g., on areas of made ground) to avoid areas of cultural heritage interest where possible.
There will be no storage of plant, materials or equipment against buildings, bridges, walls or fences; especially areas surrounding listed buildings adjacent to scheme extents which will all be highlighted within the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP).

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

Landscape and visual effects

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, people, ancillary plant, vehicles and materials will be restricted to areas of made/engineered ground on the A82, and the works will be undertaken at night on a rolling programme over six nights. As such, the visual impact of the resurfacing works will be reduced and there will be no residual impacts (i.e., when complete, the visual appearance will remain largely unaffected, with a renewed road surface being the only discernible change).

The works are located within the LLTNP. LLTNP have been notified of the works and did not have any additional mitigation measures to add. Additionally, due to the temporary and like-for-like nature of the works, no change to these areas designated for landscape quality/character will occur.

To mitigate any potential impacts as much as possible, the following 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 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 is located in proximity to Loch Lomond Woods SAC, Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA and Glen Falloch Woods SSSI and an HRA (including Appropriate Assessment (AA)) was conducted to assess impacts of the works on the qualifying features of these sites. The HRA concluded that the works would not result in likely significant effects (LSE) based on the following reasons:

No works will take place within the boundary of the SAC, SPA or SSSI and no in-water works are required.
The works are temporary and of short duration and restricted to the trunk road boundary.
The combination of distance and dilution effects significantly limits hydrological connectivity between the area of works and the SAC.
The qualifying woodland habitat is immobile in nature and as such, is confined to the footprint of the SAC.
Bird species in the area are likely habituated to existing levels of noise and light due to traffic on the A82, reducing sensitivity to temporary disturbance, with ample alternative foraging habitat further away from the trunk road boundary.
Standard good practice measures to prevent pollution will be implemented during construction.

The HRA concluded that LSE on the qualifying species within Loch Lomond Woods could not be ruled out; however, due to the lack of resting places identified during surveys, and with the below mitigation measures in place, the assessment concluded that there would be no adverse effects on site integrity (AESI), and that all conservation objectives will be met:

Toolbox Talks will be included in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) and provided to all site staff prior to works commencing.
The working area and any machinery stored on site will be checked at the start of each shift. A soft start will be implemented to ensure a gradual increase in noise and activity.
Any excavations, entrances to pipes/drains, or areas where an animal could be 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.
If fencing is used at any point during works, a gap of 200mm from ground level will be provided, allowing free passage and preventing entrapment.
Passage under bridges and along watercourses must be maintained for the duration of works where possible.
If animals are observed in the area of works prior to works starting, no works will commence until they have moved at least 50m away.
If animals are observed during works, all works will cease until they have moved at least 50m away.
If artificial lighting is required, it will be used for as short a duration as possible and must be directed on the immediate area of works and away from watercourses and suitable bankside habitat as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
Plant, machinery and equipment will be fitted with effective silencers where available utilised for the works. Where fitted, and where permitted under Health and Safety requirements, white noise reversing alarms will be utilised during construction.
Where possible, inherently quiet plant will be selected for construction works. Where appropriate, pumps and generators will be sound-reduced models with fitted, lined, and sealed acoustic covers.
All plant will be operated in such a way that minimises noise emissions and be switched off when not in use.
All ancillary plant such as generators will be positioned so as to cause minimum noise disturbance. Where deemed necessary, acoustic screens will be utilised.

Activities associated with the resurfacing works undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the wider area as a result of an increased vehicle presence and the potential for noise and light disturbance to protected species and pollution of habitats. However, works are restricted to the A82 carriageway and the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required onsite is low given the scale and scope of the works. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A82. The scheme is of short duration (six nights) and will be undertaken on a rolling programme. Given existing traffic-related noise and visual disturbance, the risk of ecological disturbance is considered to be low.

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

No in-water works will be permitted. Works will be strictly limited to areas required for access and resurfacing works. Unnecessary encroachment onto terrestrial or aquatic areas will not be tolerated.
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 will be reported to the BEAR Scotland Environment Team.
Site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of potentially unrecorded instances of invasive plants or injurious weeds in road verges throughout the works period; should any be identified in working areas, no works will take place within 7m of these areas until the BEAR Scotland Environment Team can provide further advice on additional mitigation measures.

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 GCRS or a geological SSSI. The proposed works are limited to the resurfacing and structural maintenance of the existing A82 carriageway. As such, there is minimal risk of impacts to geology or soils. Standard good practice measures outlined in the SEMP as follows:

Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape (e.g. damage to grass verges) will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
The parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment on grass will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in ‘road drainage and the water environment’ section below 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.
A SWMP will be completed during construction to monitor waste production and determine appropriate disposal routes in line with the waste hierarchy.
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 road planings will be managed in accordance with SEPA Position Statement WAS-PS-07 (LRWA 3) and reused in line with SEPA Guidance WST-G-68. The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with these requirements.
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 be available for inspection. A copy of the Duty of Care paperwork will 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 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.
Where applicable, all temporary signage will be removed from site on completion of the works.
Waste will be transported in a safe and secure manner to prevent the release of contaminated material en-route.

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 scheme have the potential to cause disturbance via noise and vibration impacts through the use of equipment and construction vehicles for the proposed activities. However, the works are not located within a CNMA, and the proximity of road space suggests that residents within the local area will have a degree of tolerance to noise and disturbance. Resurfacing and general maintenance works will be completed at night (six nights) on a rolling programme, with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00. Works with the potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will also be intermittent, temporary, transient and short-lived. Due to the short duration and localised nature of the works, the proposed scheme is anticipated to result in temporary minor noise impacts during the construction programme.

The road surface is in a poor condition, with a series of defects. Replacing the life-expired surface course with TS2010 road surfacing affords the benefits of a reduction in mid-to-high frequency traffic noise and a reduction in ground vibrations. As a result, upon completion of the work, noise associated with the movement of vehicles on the trunk road should decrease post construction.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

Where possible, the noisiest work operations (e.g., cold milling, using breakers (jackhammers), chipping hammers, use of rollers, etc.) within 300m of residential properties will be completed before 23:00.
The Environmental Health Officer (EHO) from Argyll and Bute Council will be notified of works.
Local residents (i.e., those within 300m) will be notified in advance of the works, likely by a letter drop, which will contain details of the proposed timings and duration of the works, in addition to contact details for the Site Supervisor.
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 local sensitive receptors.
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.
Operatives will be briefed using the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk prior to commencement of the works.
Drop heights from vehicles and NRMM will be kept to a minimum to minimise noise when unloading.
All plant, machinery and vehicles will be switched off when not in use.
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 local residents, vehicle travellers, and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence, and associated noise and delays due to traffic management measures.TM will involve road closure with hourly amenities during overnight working hours. Though no designated NMU facilities are located within the scheme extent, works are being undertaken at night when footfall and cyclist counts are likely to be at its lowest.

Road users will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times. Full road closures will be required and the works will be of limited duration and will move progressively along the full scheme extent.

One property is located within 300m of the scheme. This property lies approximately 15m east of the scheme and is partly screened by a line of trees and stone wall. Despite screening being present, works are being undertaken at night; therefore, there is potential for a level of disturbance from noise, vibration and the additional construction lighting. 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 residents and local public transport operators prior to commencement of the works, advising of any proposed works and expected restrictions.
Construction lighting will consider the need to avoid illuminating surround environment and properties to avoid a nuisance at night, and non-essential lighting will be switched off at night.
Local access will be granted as required.
Any changes of schedule (e.g. change from night-time works to daytime works) will be communicated to local residents throughout the programme.
Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the traffic management to allow the safe passage of NMUs of all abilities through the site.
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

There is potential for temporary impacts on the water environment due to operation of plant within and within proximity to watercourses and/or drainage systems, which may lead to 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).

No in-water works will take place and there is no requirement for the abstraction or transfers of water from, or discharges to, a waterbody. As such, the potential for a direct pollution incident within a waterbody is unlikely. Experience gained from BEAR maintenance schemes elsewhere on the network has shown that where standard good working practice is adopted (e.g., adherence to SEPA good practice guidance, utilisation of drain covers or similar, etc.), water quality is protected.

The works may result in potential direct or indirect effects on surrounding waterbodies. The following mitigation measures will be put in place to reduce the risk of pollution incidents as a result of works:

No work has been identified that would require entering any surface waterbodies. If such a need were identified onsite, BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team will be contacted (before the works commence) to allow consideration of potential environmental effects.
Standard working practices to comply with Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.
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.
Appropriate measures will be implemented during resurfacing operations to limit the potential for wastes (i.e. road planings) and materials (i.e. new asphalt) to enter any gullies present on site. On completion of resurfacing operations, any gullies present on site will be visually checked to ensure they have not become blocked as a result of the scheme.
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 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 will 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.
If appropriate, the works will utilise the use of warm mix asphalt (WMA) for binder layer in favour of hot mix asphalt (HMA).
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 local waste management facilities.

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.

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