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 which is a sensitive area 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 works are required to return the slope below the A83 to a more stable condition following landslip events and severe erosion impacts.
  • The works are of short duration and will last approximately four weeks.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.

Location of the scheme:

  • Although the scheme is located within LLTNP, the works involve minor landscape modification and will reduce the appearance and continuation of current significant erosion. Therefore, works are predicted to have a minor adverse but insignificant effect on its special landscape qualities. Advice from the National Park Authority will be sought, and recommendations received will be implemented as part of the works.
  • No LSE has been identified on the qualifying feature of the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA as a result of proposed works.
  • The works area does not lie within any densely populated areas, 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:

  • Containment measures will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • Residual visual impacts will be localised to the existing A83 verge and lower slope, with the design incorporating materials (boulders, biocompatible mesh) that are sympathetic with the surrounding landscape. A minor adverse change to visual amenity of the site is anticipated until construction of the medium-term and long-term solutions is completed.
  • There is potential for an impact on water quality during construction as a result of potential spillage of concrete, grout and mobilisation of silt. However, with pollution prevention measures in place and with all relevant conditions of the EASR Registration being complied with, this risk is considered to be low.
  • Works are programmed to be of short duration and undertaken during day-time hours.
  • The SEMP will include plans to address environmental incidents.
  • 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.
  • Minor cumulative effects on visual amenity and landscape change have been identified.

Nesting bird checks will be carried out within two weeks and 48 hours of work commencing.