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) is situated wholly or partially within Rannoch Moor SAC/SSSI, Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA and Ben Nevis and Glen Coe 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 EIA 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 the like-for-like replacement of worn road surface and the reinstatement of road markings, with all works restricted to made ground on the A82.
  • Construction activities are restricted to areas of 0.57ha and 0.62ha, along 950m and 975m stretches of the A82 respectively.
  • The works will be temporary, transient, localised, and completed during night-time hours on a rolling programme.
  • 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.
  • Removing the carriageway defects 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.

Location of the scheme

  • The schemes are located wholly within Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA; however, no permanent visual impacts on the NSA or local landscape will result from the works. Temporary visual impacts during construction will be minor, highly localised, and of short duration.
  • The schemes are located within the existing A82 road boundary and as such, no land take is required.
  • The schemes lie within Rannoch Moor SAC and Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA. The schemes also lie within 1.8km of Rannoch Lochs SPA and River Tay SAC at their closest points. The HRA (including Appropriate Assessment) carried out did not identify any Adverse Effects on Site Integrity.
  • The schemes also lie partially within the Rannoch Moor SSSI. However, no negative effects are anticipated on the sites qualifying features as a result of proposed resurfacing works.
  • No residential properties or other sensitive receptors lie within 300m of the scheme.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme

  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • 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.
  • Works are programmed to be of short duration. Night-time resurfacing works will be completed on a rolling programme, with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00.

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.