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. Activities undertaken on site may cause dust and particulate matter 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 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.
Ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM 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 risk of dust emissions exists.
Materials will be removed from site as soon as is practicable.
Good housekeeping will be employed throughout the work.

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 Record of Determination (RoD).

Cultural heritage

Although there are some features of cultural heritage interest within 300m of works, including some that lie within the footprint of works, the works comprise like-for-like renewal of the road surface and routine maintenance of the associated road drainage system. Any excavation works associated with the scheme are restricted to the already engineered ground within the carriageway boundary, and construction of the A82 road corridor is likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present, such as the old military road. As such, the potential for significant effects on these features and exposure of unrecorded cultural heritage features is considered to be low.

As standard, the following good practice measures will be in place to reduce the risk of impacts to features of cultural heritage interest:

All site personnel will be briefed on the importance of cultural heritage value within the area.
People, plant, and materials will, as much as is reasonably practicable, only be present on areas of made / engineered ground. Where access outwith these areas is required for the safe and effective completion of the scheme, it will be reduced as much as is reasonably practicable and ideally be limited to access on foot.
If there are any unexpected archaeological finds, works will stop temporarily in the vicinity, the area will be cordoned off and a member of the BEAR Environment team will be contacted for advice.
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.

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

The works lie within the boundary of the LLTNP and Loch Lomond NSA. However, the works are like-for-like general maintenance of the trunk road surface and its drainage system and as such, no change to the features of the LLTNP or NSA are expected. The LLTNP and NatureScot will be notified of the proposed works and TM arrangements prior to works commencing.

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, the works are of a short duration (6 nights), undertaken during the night-time hours (19:00-06:00) and are restricted to the A82 carriageway boundary. The scheme extent is generally screened from the wider landscape by woodland and roadside tree shelterbelts. Land use will not change as a result of the works, and the works will not result in any residual change to the visual amenity of the local landscape.

In addition, 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.
Advice from the LLTNP or NatureScot, if received, will be complied with.
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

During road resurfacing and drainage works, 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 (noise) to protected species and pollution of habitats. Although the works lie approximately 1.74km southeast of Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA and 1.63km northwest of Loch Lomond Woods SAC, the HRA concluded that the works would not result in Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the qualifying features of these sites due to the following reasons :

All works are restricted to made ground within the A82 road corridor, with only like-for-like replacement of road surface and drainage maintenance being undertaken, which will not involve any change of the natural landscape or its processes, or removal or destruction of qualifying or supporting habitats within the sites.
There is no requirement for land take (or resources) or site clearance within the SPA or SAC.
Given the rural location of the scheme, it is anticipated that foraging birds could easily avoid the works area if any disturbance was created due to noise as there is an abundance of alternative habitat present in the landscape suitable for foraging.
Any birds in the vicinity of the works are likely to be habituated to existing levels of traffic, light and noise on the A82 carriageway and in the nearby settlements.
There is very little suitable nesting habitat in proximity to the works for birds, there is the potential for the birds to use the surrounding habitat for foraging, however, the works are highly localised and of short duration.
No significant emissions sources will be introduced by the works, and standard pollution prevention measures will be in place during works.
No in-water works are required.
Aquatic and semi-aquatic species are likely to use the eastern shore over the western shore due to fewer settlements and lack of trunk road. They may still be present on the western shore and may cross the A82 within the scheme extent. However, with the standard good practice measures that will be in place during works (e.g., checking site prior to starting works),the risk of mortality during works will be low.
Indirect effects as a result of pollution are unlikely due to the distance between the area of works and the SAC and lack of in-stream works. Additionally, the standard working practices noted in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) and HRA Proforma include robust containment measures to prevent pollution events from construction works. With these measures in place during works, the risk of indirect effects on protected species and their supporting habitats and food availability as a result of pollution is limited.
Any species located in the vicinity of the works, are likely to be habituated to existing levels of traffic, light and noise on the A82 carriageway and in the nearby settlements.

Although records of INNS and injurious weeds were noted within the A82 road verges of the scheme, the works will be restricted to the carriageway and its drainage system and as such it is unlikely that any invasive weeds will be encountered during the works. Furthermore, noted INNS will be controlled/treated by cultural methods and/or chemical weed control as per the NW Annual Landscape Management Plan.

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 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 and the scheme is of short duration (6 nights) and will be undertaken on a rolling programme. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore considered to be low.

Although the majority of the scheme extents is flanked by areas of ancient woodland, no tree felling is planned for the works.

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 is considered to be low:

Works will be strictly limited to areas required for access and to carry out the 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 will be reported to the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team. If required, NatureScot will be contacted for advice.
Artificial lighting will be directed away from areas of woodland and waterbodies as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
Personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of INNS or injurious weeds in road verges throughout the works period. Should any INNS be identified in working areas, no works may take place within 7m of any growth until the BEAR Scotland NW Environment Team can provide further advice on additional mitigation measures.
A ‘soft start’ will be implemented on site each day. This will involve switching on vehicles 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 to avoid animals falling in and becoming trapped.
If fencing is utilised at any point during the works, a gap of 200mm from ground level will be provided, allowing free passage for mammals and preventing entrapment.

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.

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.
Planings will be re-used or recycled under a SEPA Paragraph 13(a) waste exemption and in line with BEAR Scotland’s procedure 126: The Production of Fully Recovered Asphalt Road Planings.
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 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 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.
Where applicable, all temporary signage will be removed from site on completion of the works.

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. The works are anticipated to take place at night on a rolling programme for 6 nights; however, if the programme changes, there may be a requirement for day works. Several residential and commercial properties lie within 50m of the scheme with limited screening from the A82. As such, there is potential for the proposed scheme 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 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 to reduce noise impacts during construction:

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.
Affected residents, business premises and the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) for relevant administrative areas will be notified of works.
All site staff will be fully briefed in advance of works regarding the need to minimise noise during works and of the site-specific sensitivities. All site staff will receive the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk.
The noisiest works (e.g. planning) and any works within 300m of residential properties will be programmed to be completed by 23:00.
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.
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 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 have the potential to have temporary adverse impacts on vehicle travellers and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of vehicle noise and delays due to TM measures. There is potential for impacts on human receptors due to A82 trunk road closures, however regular amnesties will be provided. No significant congestion issues are envisioned due to the proposed off-peak construction hours. Increased journey times may occur, but these are considered insignificant considering the relatively low traffic count during the night-time programming.

There are no pedestrian assets, core paths or national cycling routes within 300m of the scheme; furthermore, the works are to take place at night and the traveling public will be notified of works through a media release. Additionally, the following mitigation measures will be implemented:

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.
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 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 (if 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

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 within natural watercourses 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:

The scheme will not entail any in-stream works within natural waterbodies.
Standard working practices to comply with The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (as amended) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and will be 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 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.
The requirement for additional lighting will be reduced as far as reasonably practicable.
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 disposed at local landfill.

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 banks of Loch Lomond which lie in proximity to the scheme have been noted to have a high (10% chance) risk of river, surface water and small watercourses floods. Works will be programmed as far as reasonably practicable to avoid periods of adverse weather or heavy rainfall.

Works are restricted to the made ground of the A82 carriageway and its drainage system; TM will be designed in line with existing guidance. TM will consist of night-time road closures with regular amnesties. The road closures and times of amnesties will be publicised in advance. Local residents will be notified of working hours and provided with appropriate contact information. NMUs will be accommodated within the traffic management setup.

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. Due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

A search of the LLTNP Planning Portal (Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park) identified two approved planning applications with 300m of the scheme in the last 6 months. One of the applications is for the erection of marquees within specific dates, none of which lie within the dates of construction of this scheme. The other is the installation of roof solar panels.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner‘s website (Scottish Road Works Online) has identified that no other roadworks are noted as being planned on the trunk road at the same time as this scheme. There are also no local authority road networks in proximity to the scheme.

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.

< Previous | Contents | Next >