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) are situated in the LLTNP and Loch Lomond NSA which are sensitive areas 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

  • Works are restricted to like-for-like replacement of worn road surface and maintenance of road drainage system, with all works restricted to the man-made ground within the A82 carriageway boundary.
  • Construction activities are restricted to a 575m-long section along the A82 trunk road with a working area of 0.345ha.
  • The works will be temporary, transient, localised, and completed during night-time hours on a rolling programme over 6 nights.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • By removing the carriageway defects this will provide this part of the A82 carriageway with another life cycle, and significantly improve the ride quality, which will result in safer conditions for road users.
  • 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 during the operational phase.
  • As the works will be limited to the like-for-like replacement of the structural components, 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.

Location of the scheme

  • The scheme will be located within the existing A82 road boundary and as such, no land take will be required.
  • The works will not result in any change to the qualifying features of the LLTNP or Loch Lomond NSA in which the scheme is situated.
  • The HRA concluded that the works will not result in LSE on the qualifying features of Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA and Loch Lomond Woods SAC.
  • The works are not expected to result in any alteration to existing features or exposure of potential undiscovered features of cultural heritage.
  • Any impacts to the local landscape during the construction phase will be minor, temporary, and are not considered significant. In addition, no operational impacts are anticipated.

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.
  • The works are transient, temporary, short duration and undertaken during night-time working hours negating impact on travelling public.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • In the event that INNS are found within working areas, measures to prevent potential spread of INNS will be implemented.
  • 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, ecological 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.