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 breaking out, 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. The following mitigation measures will be included in the 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 vehicles, plant, or materials against any buildings, walls or fences.
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

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. There will be negligible permanent change to local landscape due to installation of new road drainage system. However, any changes will be within the A83 trunk road boundary and will be in-keeping with the character of the road. In addition, people, ancillary plant, vehicles and materials will be restricted to areas of made/engineered ground on the A83 and associated drainage systems; and the works will be of short duration (approximately 2 weeks). As such, the temporary visual impact of the works will be somewhat reduced and there will be no residual impacts i.e. when complete, the visual appearance will remain largely unaffected with new and/or renewed drainage being the only change. LLTNP will be notified of the proposed works and advised of the design in advance.

Works 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 will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
LLTNP 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 2.3km to the south of the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA. A HRA Proforma was completed due to proximity and the mobile nature of the designated feature. The proforma concluded that no LSE would occur on the qualifying feature of this site given the scale/short duration of the works, localisation to the existing A83 trunk road boundary, the ample supply of alternative foraging opportunities in the wider area, the absence of suitable nesting habitat in proximity to works, and the standard good practice measures that will be in place during construction. As such, no further assessment was required.

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. Due to the nature and location of works and the short duration of works (2 weeks); no further surveys are recommended for any protected species. 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. 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 must 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 if the works are undertaken within the nesting bird season (assumed to be 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 will have a negligible adverse impact on geology and soils based on the fact that the scheme is not located within a GCRS and excavation works will entail the minimal amount required to facilitate drainage works. 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.
If the soil is to be re-used on site, then it will be wetted (if necessary) during periods of dry weather to prevent drying out.
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.
Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in the ‘Road drainage and the water environment’ section will be adhered to 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.
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 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.
If required, an exemption from SEPA will be secured to allow for the reuse of materials.
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 also be completed over a short duration (2 weeks) and move progressively along the 960m stretch of A83 carriageway. Works will be conducted utilising a day time working pattern. Noise is not likely to be a defining feature of the works based on the proposed working activities and 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, no significant congestion issues are noted during the proposed construction hours and, although increased journey times may occur, these are considered insignificant considering the relatively low traffic count on this section of the road. Access to any NMU facilities located within 300m of the scheme will be maintained.

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 indirect impacts on the water environment due to operation within the drainage system with connectivity to various water bodies which 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).

Works are not required within the watercourses, and as such no authorisation under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR) is required. SEPA General Binding Rules (GBRs) will be adhered to.

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

SEPA’s GBRs will be adhered to throughout works.
No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted.
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 on-site activities will operate in accordance with relevant SEPA Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs).
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 Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (as amended) 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.
A spillage control procedure will be in place in which all staff are to be trained.
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.
Drainage pipes will be capped during works to stop water flow before it reaches the new drainage chambers; water will outflow from the pre-existing culverts behind the cut-off points which will minimise water and material build up during works.

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 landfill, where required.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

It is expected that the risk of flooding on the A83 at the scheme extent will be reduced following the works, by improvement of drainage and the clearing of existing culverts. Works will be programmed as far as is reasonably practicable to avoid periods of adverse weather or heavy rainfall.

Works are restricted to areas of made ground on the A83 trunk road boundary and its drainage system, with access to the scheme gained via the carriageway. TM will involve single lane closures with two-way temporary traffic lights. NMUs will be accommodated within the TM setup where required.

The works will not result in any change in vulnerability of the A83 carriageway to risk and/or in severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.

These measures, along with mitigation measures and standard working practices, will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. The vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and disasters is considered to be low.

Assessment cumulative effects

The proposed works are not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects. Due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

A search of the LLTNP Planning Portal identified no approved planning applications within 300m of the scheme within the last six months.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner website (Scottish Road Works) identified roadworks involving a single lane closure for slope inspection/remediation works in the same area as the proposed works. These roadworks were estimated to finish in June 2025, however, are currently ongoing. The proposed works will not commence until this road space becomes available (currently estimated to be October 2025). As such, no cumulative effects are anticipated with these roadworks or any other developments in the vicinity.

BEAR Scotland programme all of their proposed works in line with appropriate guidance and contractual requirements. All schemes are programmed to take into account existing and future planned works, with a view of limiting any cumulative effects relating to traffic management. As a result of this exercise, where a potential for cumulative impacts is identified, BEAR will reprogramme schemes to avoid / limit any cumulative effects or will utilise existing traffic management to complete multiple schemes at once. This approach allows BEAR Scotland to effectively manage the potential cumulative effects as a result of traffic management, resulting in minimal disruption to users of the Scottish trunk road network.

Overall, it is unlikely that the proposed works will have significant cumulative effects with any other future works in the area.

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