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 proposed works involve a suite of drainage improvement works, including the installation of four new chambers.
• Construction activities are restricted to a 960m stretch of carriageway.
• The works will last approximately 2 weeks.
• 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 have a negligible effect on its special landscape qualities.
• No LSE will occur on the qualifying feature of the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA.
• 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 and drainage system and are not considered to be significant.
• Works are programmed to be of short duration and undertaken during day-time hours; the works will also move progressively along the scheme
• 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.
• In the event that INNS are found on site, measures to prevent potential INNS spread will be implemented.
• No in-combination effects have been identified.