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 excavation and drilling, and emissions from transportation of materials, the presence of construction traffic and vehicles idling. 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.

Ancillary plant, vehicles and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) will have been regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems. These will also 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.
Cement bags will remain closed when not in use to prevent cast off to the surrounding environment.

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

It is assessed that the planned works will not adversely impact any nearby sites of cultural heritage interest as the works are not located within the footprint or direct proximity to any designated or undesignated cultural heritage sites. Although some excavation is required, this is limited to removing loose surface material for the installation of the concrete facing and therefore it is unlikely that any unrecorded artefacts will be encountered. The following mitigation measures will be included in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) to address any potentially unforeseen impacts on cultural heritage during construction:

Should any unexpected archaeological evidence be discovered, works will stop temporarily in the vicinity and the BEAR Scotland NW Environment Team contacted for advice. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will be notified as required.
People, plant, and materials will, as much as is reasonably practicable, only be present on areas of made / engineered ground. Where access out with 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.
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

During construction of the proposed works at Channel 3A, 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. This will be localised to the existing A83 carriageway and downhill slope around Channel 3A which is less visible from the carriageway. The works will be of short duration (approximately four weeks) and will be within an area of ongoing construction; therefore, any temporary visual changes are not considered to be significant for local receptors.

The works are located within the boundaries of LLTNP and will result in a localised, medium to long-term change to visual amenity at this channel due to the installation of concrete scour protection and flexible facing. However, while there will be minor alteration to landscape character, works are required to prevent further erosion and protect the integrity of the trunk road, with landslides and slope regression also resulting in long-term visual effects if left unmitigated.

Flexible mesh material has been selected to blend into the surrounding area and allow natural revegetation on the current bare face. Incorporating existing boulders into the concrete bed reinforcement will also align more with the look of other nearby channels and the wider slope. The area occupied by the concrete facing and apron has been limited to the minimum area necessary to provide adequate bed reinforcement and prevent further scour. As such, any visual changes will be in keeping with the character of the road and will blend in with the surrounding topography and vegetation as much as possible.

The proposed works form part of several phases of temporary remediation works being carried out to protect the A83 until proposed medium-term and long-term solutions can be constructed. The medium-term and long-term solutions are currently being designed as major projects separate from the trunk road contract. As BEAR Scotland is not involved in these major projects, full details of these designs are not known at this stage. However, it is expected that the medium-term and long-term solutions will involve significant areas of works that are likely to encompass most of the temporary remediation works that have been constructed at RaBT and will result in a wider area of impact. Our understanding is that the medium-term and long-term solutions are being designed with input from LLTNP and will include assessment and mitigation of visual landscape impacts at appropriate scales for those schemes.

The works at Channel 3A will be carried out in line with good practice measures for managing the construction environment as outlined in the SEMP as follows:

Throughout all stages of the works, the site will be kept clean and tidy, with materials, equipment, plant and wastes appropriately stored, minimising the landscape and visual effects.
Where applicable, upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape (movement of rocks, displacement of vegetation) will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
The area will be left to naturally revegetate, however if this provides insufficient cover after six months, the area will be reseeded.
Excavation and installation of new concrete will be limited to the minimum amount possible to facilitate installation of the proposed solution.
LLTNP will be notified of the proposed works and any advice, 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.
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

The works area is located approximately 2.7km south of the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA. Ecological connectivity was identified between the area of works and the SPA due to the highly mobile nature of the designated feature. A Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) was completed to assess potential impacts of the works on the SPA. The HRA concluded that likely significant effects (LSE) would not occur on the qualifying feature of this site based on the following factors:

The works are of short duration (approximately four weeks).
The works will be localised to the existing A83 engineered verge and lower slope, which is already subject to moderate traffic and construction movement.
There is no requirement for helicopter flights as part of the works.
There is an ample supply of alternative foraging opportunities in the wider area.
Suitable nesting habitat has not been identified within proximity to works.
As standard, good practice pollution prevention and noise reduction measures will be in place during construction.

During works, activities undertaken on site have the potential to result in adverse impacts on species that may be active within proximity of the proposed works. However, no signs of protected mammals have been identified during recent surveys of the area and there is limited suitable habitat to support protected species in the vicinity of works. As works are currently programmed during the main breeding bird season (March to August inclusive) and the area has suitable habitat for nesting birds, pre-works nesting bird checks will be carried out within two weeks and 48 hours prior to works. No injurious or invasive plant species have been noted in previous surveys at this site and are not expected within scheme extents. Further measures to be included in the SEMP are as follows:

Site personnel will be instructed not to approach or touch any animals seen on site.
Site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of protected species throughout the works period. Should a protected species be noted during construction, works will temporarily halt, until such time that the species has sufficiently moved on.
Measures to be implemented to protect the aquatic environment are detailed in the Road Drainage and Water Environment section below.
No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted.
All construction operatives will be briefed through toolbox talks prior to works commencing using the toolbox talks for protected species and nesting birds. The talks will specifically cover ecology, field signs of protected species, and legislation. Briefings will be clear and unambiguous, with all staff informed to stop works where a concern is raised. Works will not recommence until advice from an appropriately qualified ecologist is sought and appropriate mitigation is in place, where required.
A ‘soft start’ will be implemented on site each day. This will involve switching on vehicles and checking under/around vehicles and the immediate works 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.
Artificial lighting used during hours of darkness will be restricted to the immediate working area and will be directed away from areas of suitable habitat (e.g. watercourses, woodland, shrubs) as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
Pre-works nesting bird checks will be carried out within two weeks and 48 hours prior to works commencing during the main breeding bird season (March to August inclusive).
If an active bird nest is found in the vicinity of works, all works within 30m of the nest will not commence/stop until the BEAR Scotland Environment Team can provide advice.
If nesting birds are found during works, consultation with NatureScot will be carried out and a licence will be sought if advised by NatureScot. If required, all conditions of any licences will be adhered to.

Taking into account the nature and scale of the works and the good site practice mitigation measures which will be adopted during the works, it is anticipated that any biodiversity effects associated with the proposed works will not be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Geology and soils

The works are required to return the slope below the A83 to a more stable condition following landslip events and severe erosion impacts. Although some minor excavation is required, it will be shallow and limited to removal of loose material to facilitate installation of the apron with disturbance to bedrock limited to anchor points. The works are not located in a GCRS or SSSI designated for geological features, and frequent landslips in this area over the past several years have resulted in material deposits on the lower slopes of RaBT, including in the area of works. Therefore, removal of loose material and the addition of a surface layer of concrete is not expected to have significant impacts on local soils or geology.

In addition, any excavations will be carried out with good practice measures detailed in the SEMP as follows:

Excavated soil and rock will be stored in a designated area on level ground where practicable.
Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape (i.e. damage to verges and slope vegetation) will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in the ‘Road drainage and the water environment’ section will be adhered to on site.
Excavated loose material will be removed from site by a licensed waste carrier as there is no scope to reuse this on site.

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

During construction, there will be a temporary impact as a result of material consumption and waste production. 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.
The solution has been designed with materials (Tecco mesh and Macmat R, existing in stream boulders) that will allow revegetation and reduce the requirement for concrete.
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.

Provided the following mitigation measures are followed during works, impacts during construction are not anticipated to be significant:

The waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Dispose) will be employed throughout the construction works.
Bulk material will be delivered to site without packaging where possible.
Supplies will be requested to minimise all packaging where possible.
Materials will be re-utilised where possible.
Facilities on site will be provided in a designated area to enable the correct segregation of waste, maximising recycling on site. These will be clearly marked and labelled.
Wastes not suitable for reuse or recycling will be sent to landfill or special waste treatment facilities, depending on the nature of the waste.
All waste stored on site will be adequately protected.
All appropriate waste documentation will be present on-site and be available for inspection.
All wastes and unused materials will be removed from site in a safe 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 retained by BEAR Scotland. A copy of the waste transfer will be provided to BEAR Scotland as early as practicably feasible and retained.
During the site induction, all staff will be informed that littering will not be tolerated. Staff will also be encouraged to collect any litter seen on site.
Where applicable, all temporary signage will be removed from site on completion of the works.
All hazardous material will be stored in line with the Road Drainage & Water Environment section.
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).
Any contaminated ground as a result of the works will be removed and transferred off site as special waste.
Any special waste (if generated) will be removed from site by a licenced waste carrier. Special waste will not be mixed with general waste and/or other recyclables.

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 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 commercial or residential properties within 300m of scheme extents. Works will be completed during daylight hours over a short duration (four weeks) in a highly localised area close to the A83 trunk road. Noise is not likely to be a defining feature of the works based on the proposed working activities, with soil nailing generally considered a low-noise and low-vibration method for slope stabilisation works. Any potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will also be intermittent, temporary and short-lived.

With the implementation of the following mitigation, noise and vibration impacts during the construction phase are not predicted to be significant:

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 always be employed to reduce noise to a minimum.
Where possible, inherently quiet plant will be selected for construction works.
All plant, machinery and tools will be well maintained, including parts relating to noise minimisation.
All plant, machinery, and vehicles will be switched off when not in use.
Where ancillary plant such as generators are required, they will be positioned so to cause minimum noise disturbance.
Movement of plant onto and around the site will have regard to minimising noise and will not be left running if not required for immediate use.
All plant will be operated in a mode that minimises noise emissions and will have been maintained regularly to comply with relevant national and international standards.

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

There are no residential properties within 300m of scheme extents. Therefore, there is no potential for disturbance from noise and vibration to nearby residential properties.

During construction, activities undertaken on site may have temporary adverse impacts on vehicle travellers, and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence, and associated noise and delays due to traffic management measures. However, the scheme has been programmed to make use of the existing TM measures along this section due to ongoing works in this area. Although increased journey times may occur, these are considered insignificant considering the relatively low traffic count on this section of the road.

However, 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 will be communicated throughout the programme.
Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the traffic management to allow the safe passage of NMUs of all abilities through the site.
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 direct impacts on the water environment due to operation in and adjacent to a watercourse with connectivity to various water bodies, as works may lead to potential changes in water quality from pollution events (e.g. loss of containment, particulate matter, chemicals, fuels, or by mobilisation of these in surface water caused by rain). Standard pollution prevention measures will be in place, in addition to relevant authorisation granted by SEPA, all conditions of which will be adhered to during the works. Appropriate mitigation measures for the containment of silt and concrete (such as silt fences or dry working areas) will also be in place and are to be confirmed by the subcontractor during procurement.

Installation of the concrete apron with boulders in the 3A watercourse is classed as an authorised activity under EASR. Consultation with SEPA has confirmed that an EASR Registration is required to permit this activity, but authorisation is not required for installation of the flexible facing with ground anchors. No works requiring authorisation will commence until the Registration is in place and all conditions of the Registration will be adhered to during works.

Provided the following mitigation measures are adhered to throughout the works, impacts during the construction phase are not predicted to be significant:

No works requiring authorisation will commence until the Registration is in place and all conditions of the Registration will be adhered to during works.
SEPA’s Water General Binding Rules (GBRs) 7 and 9 will be adhered to throughout works.
SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs), as well as other good practice measures for working in or near water, will also be adhered to on site to prevent sediment or other materials entering the water environment.
Any dust, concrete debris, or other materials (including concrete washout) produced during the works will be contained and removed from site to be disposed of appropriately.
No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted.
Appropriate measures (e.g., silt fencing, dry working area) will be implemented by the subcontractor to control loss and spillage of grout at the slope face and prevent spillage from entering the 3A channel watercourse.
Pollution prevention measures will be checked daily and more regularly during periods of heavy rainfall to ensure they remain effective.
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 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.
All hazardous material utilised on site is required to undergo assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. These assessment(s) will contain a section on environment which highlights any precautions and mitigation requirements for storage.
All hazardous material will be stored in line with COSHH data within a designated COSHH storage area at least 10m from watercourses, drains, or waterbodies. Oils and chemicals will be stored in appropriately bunded storage cabinets. The COSHH store will be locked with only appropriate personnel having access and an inventory register being maintained.
The designated storage area will be on impermeable ground and fully bunded.
Where applicable and practicable, bio-degradable hydraulic fluids and oils will be utilised in machinery.
Where fuel is stored on site and refuelling actives are undertaken, the following will apply:
Only suitably bunded fuel bowser(s) or tank(s) in line with General Binding Rules and the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 will be utilised on site.
The fuel bowser(s) and/or tank(s) will be stored at least 10m away from any watercourses, waterbodies or drains and away from being struck by plant and machinery.
All distribution and fuelling nozzles will be fitted with a shut-off valve.
All refuelling activities will be undertaken in a designated site with a drip tray positioned underneath the nozzles when not in use.
All fuel containers and nozzles will be secured, for example with a lock when not in use.
All staff undertaking refuelling actives will be appropriately trained and undertake these activities in line with site refuelling procedures.
During refuelling of smaller mobile plant, a funnel and drip trays will be used.
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 available, then drip trays with a capacity of 110% will be placed beneath the equipment.
All spills will be logged and reported. In the event of any spills into the water environment, all works will stop, and the incident reported to the project manager and the BEAR Scotland Environment Team. SEPA will be informed of any such incident as soon as possible using the SEPA Pollution Hotline.
Mitigation detailed in the ‘Biodiversity’ section will be strictly adhered to.

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:

Local contractors and suppliers will be used as far as practicable to reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emitted as part of the works.
BEAR Scotland will adhere to its Carbon Management Policy.

Where possible, materials will be sourced locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials movement, and waste will be disposed at local facilities, where required.

< Previous | Contents | Next >