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 whole in the LLTNP and Beinn an Lochain SSSI which are both 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

  • The proposed scheme involves embankment works in the vicinity of an existing road (A83). The scale of the works is therefore considered to be small and will involve minor alteration of local embankment areas that have been identified to be failing and require remediation works to avoid further damage.
  • Construction activities are restricted to an area of 0.7ha along a 350m stretch of embankment adjacent to the A83 carriageway.
  • The works are expected to last up to six weeks depending on the local geotechnical conditions and prevailing weather.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.

Location of the scheme

  • While located within LLTNP, the works do not involve any significant changes to the landform or vegetation, and they are predicted to result in a negligible change to its special landscape qualities. LLTNP Authority also confirmed they were happy with the schemes design provided a follow up visit is scheduled to check on the re-seeding progress on the bank.
  • While located within the Beinn an Lochain SSSI; NatureScot were consulted and concluded that the SSSI’s features would not be negatively impacted by the proposed works and that no further consultation or SSSI consent was required.
  • The HRA concluded no potential for LSE on the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA, which is located approximately 760m north of scheme extents. As such, no further assessment or consultation with NatureScot was required
  • The works area does not lie within a densely populated area, any sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance, or sites designated for their geology or soils.
  • The site compound will be located on made ground within TM.

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.
  • There is potential for an impact on water quality during construction as a result of potential spillage of fuels, oils and mobilisation of silt. However, with pollution prevention measures in place, this risk is considered to be low.
  • No impacts on breeding birds are anticipated; works are located at a sufficient distance from the Glen Etive and Fyne SPA and all works are localised and ground based.
  • With pollution prevention measures in place, there are no risks to human health from water contamination or air pollution.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • No change in land use is anticipated, but a minor loss of low-quality hillside grazing land, ubiquitous to the wider area, is expected.
  • No impacts on geology and soils are anticipated.
  • During construction, there will be a temporary impact as a result of materials and waste.