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 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 risks 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 RoD.

Cultural heritage

One minor cultural heritage site lies within 300m of proposed works; ‘Dubh Lochain’ milestone lies within the A82 verge 2m from the carriageway. However, the works are restricted to the resurfacing of the carriageway and 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) if applicable.

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 Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA. Due to the proposed works comprising of carriageway resurfacing within the existing trunk road boundary and involving the like-for-like replacement of the carriageway surface, no permanent effects on the landscape character or scenic qualities of the NSA are anticipated. Therefore, consultation with NatureScot regarding the works impact on the scenic value was not identified to be 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, works will be restricted to the A82 carriageway boundary and will be carried out over a short duration (14 nights total; 9 and 5 nights respectively). Any visual impacts during construction will be temporary and localised in nature.

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.

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 sites 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 shall be reinstated as much as is practicable.
The sites 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 the road resurfacing, 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.

BEAR Scotland produced an HRA to assess potential effects of the proposed resurfacing works on the qualifying features of the European Sites discussed above. The HRA concluded that the works would not result in any Adverse Effects on Site Integrity.

Although a portion of the scheme extents lie within the Rannoch Moor SSSI; no proposed works meet any operations requiring consent (ORCs) listed by NatureScot. As such, no consultation, or SSSI consent is required from NatureScot.

All works will be restricted to the A82 carriageway surface and will not entail any in-stream works or vegetation clearance. There are no significant earthworks associated with the scheme, and 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. Additionally, no invasive plant species or injurious weeds were identified on site during either site visit. As such, there is limited potential to spread or INNS.

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. 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 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 (14 nights in total) 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.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place to minimise impacts on biodiversity features in the area:

HRA Mitigation:

Toolbox Talks will be included in the 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 to avoid animals becoming trapped.
If excavations (e.g., trenches) cannot be covered, escape ramps will be installed to allow trapped animals to escape.
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 for mammals under bridges and along watercourses will 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 will be directed on the immediate area of works and away from watercourses and suitable bankside habitat as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
The best practicable means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and BS5228-1:2009+A1:2014 Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites will be employed to reduce noise produced during works as much as possible.
Plant, machinery and equipment fitted with effective silencers where available will be 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.
Planned working hours will allow for a quiet period each day when construction stops, which will allow for undisturbed foraging time for birds.

General Mitigation:

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.
No tree-felling or in-stream works will be permitted.
All construction operatives will be briefed through toolbox talks prior to works commencing, which will be included in the SEMPs. 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.

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

Excavation of the carriageway is required as part of works; however, this will be restricted to the A82 trunk road boundary. Some localised soil exposure/disturbance will likely occur along carriageway verges; however this will not result in any change to local soil make-up, and standard working practices will highly limit any potential pollution to soils. To mitigate any adverse impacts on geology and soils, the following measures will be in place:

The parking of machinery/personnel and storage of equipment on road verges will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape (i.e. 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.

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 road planings will be managed in accordance with SEPA Position Statement WAS-PS-07 (LRWA 3) and recycled in line with SEPA Guidance WAS-G-DEF-05 on End-of-Waste for Recycled Aggregates. 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 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 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 there are no human receptors present within proximity to the scheme. Resurfacing works will be completed over a night time working programme (14 nights in total) 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.

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:

Where possible, the noisiest work operations (e.g., cold milling, using breakers (jackhammers), chipping hammers, use of rollers, etc.) will be completed before 23:00.
The Environmental Health Officers (EHO) from Argyll and Bute Council and the Highland Council will be notified of the respective works.
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.
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 vehicle travellers, and NMUs as a result of construction presence, and associated noise and delays due to traffic management measures. Road users will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates/times and TM arrangements.

No significant congestion issues are noted during the proposed construction hours; however, increased journey times may occur, but these are considered insignificant considering the relatively low traffic counts.

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 night-time works to daytime works) will be communicated to the 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 proximity to watercourses, 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:

The scheme will not entail any in-stream works.
Standard working practices to comply with The Water Activities Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) 2018 for works in or near water are 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 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

During the works there is potential for impacts such as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of equipment, vehicles, material use, and production and transportation of materials and wastes. However, considering the nature, short-term duration, size and scale of the scheme, and the mitigation detailed below, the risk of significant impacts to climate are considered to be low:

BEAR Scotland will adhere to their Carbon Management Policy.
Warm mix asphalt will be used where possible.
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 and any waste which cannot be re-used or remain on-site will be disposed at local landfill, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials movement.

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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