Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to temporarily cause local air quality impacts. The main sources are likely to be exhaust emissions from ancillary plant and vehicles as well as sawdust and debris from felling operations. 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.
Ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM will 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.
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.

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

The works are not located within any protected cultural heritage sites, and no change will occur to nearby Listed Buildings. Although there are two cultural heritage features lying within the works area, these are undesignated and of low cultural value. In addition, both construction of the A830 trunk road and adjacent commercial forestry works are likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present within this road corridor, and no excavation is required as part of the works.

As standard, the following good practice measures will be in place to reduce the risk of impacts to undiscovered features of cultural heritage interest:

There will be no storage of vehicles, plant, or materials against any buildings, walls or fences.
Should any unexpected archaeological evidence be discovered, works will stop temporarily in the vicinity and the BEAR Scotland Environment Team contacted for advice.
Historic Environment Scotland will be consulted with as required, in the event of any discovery/exposure of suspected archaeological features.
People, plant, and materials will, as much as is reasonably practicable, only be present on areas of made / engineered ground (including forestry tracks). Access required out with these areas will be reduced as much as is reasonably practicable and will utilise as few access points/tracks as possible.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any cultural heritage effects associated with the proposed works 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. In addition, there will be a long-term visual impact upon completion of works due to the removal of trees and vegetation from the vicinity of the A830. However, these trees are being removed due to the high risk of falling during periods of high winds (which would also cause uplift of root plates, a greater visual impact) and to ensure better visibility to drivers travelling along the A830. The works are not located within any visually sensitive areas (such as National Parks or National Scenic Areas).

It is expected that all tree removal will take place within the trunk road boundary. If any tree clearance is required on third-party land, landowner consent will be obtained. If more than 5m³ of timber will be removed from third-party land, a felling licence from Scottish Forestry will be required, which is likely to include compensatory planting as a condition of the licence.

In addition, the following mitigation measures will be put in place during works:

Throughout all stages of the works, the site will be kept clean and tidy, with materials, equipment, plant and wastes appropriately stored, reducing the landscape and visual effects as much as possible.
Tree felling and vegetation clearance will be kept to the minimum amount necessary to ensure the safety of the relevant infrastructure (i.e. A830 trunk road boundary).
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.
Where applicable, upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
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 scheme lies within 2km of the Moidart and Ardgour SPA. A Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) concluded that Likely Significant Effects (LSE) could not be ruled out; however, with appropriate measures in place, the works are not anticipated to result in Adverse Effects on Site Integrity (AESI) due to the following considerations:

No works will take place within the SPA and no supporting habitats within the SPA will be affected by works.
Works are programmed for daylight hours outside of the breeding season (February to August inclusive).
The scheme is located approximately 1.24km from the nearest part of the SPA and works will be focused on low-lying woodland comprised mostly of immature or semi-mature trees within the trunk road boundary. This habitat is not suitable.
There is ample alternative foraging habitat within the SPA and wider area that will remain available outside of disturbance distance of the works.
Planned working hours will allow for a quiet period when works stops to allow undisturbed foraging time.
The risk of indirect effects due to pollution is considered to be negligible due to the distance from the SPA and limited connectivity.

Activities undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the area as a result of an increased vehicle presence and the potential for disturbance to protected species and pollution of habitats. There will also be a residual impact following the completion of works due to the felling of trees which may be used as habitat for protected species. However, a search of the NBN Atlas showed no records of any protected species within the last 10 years within 2km of the works and the site visit found no signs of protected species within the scheme extent.

Numerous injurious weeds and INNS were noted within 2km of the scheme; however, none were identified within the scheme extents during the site visit. Works will not require excavation of soil, so there is limited potential to spread or introduce INNS, invasive native perennials, or injurious flowering plant species. However, a relevant Toolbox Talk will be included within the SEMP in case any INNS are found in working areas.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. Any protected species in the area are likely to be accustomed to road noise on the A830 and the scheme is of short duration (five weeks of daytime works) and will be undertaken on a rolling programme. Works have also been programmed to take place well outside of the nesting bird season. Therefore, with the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on biodiversity are considered to be low:

Works will avoid the nesting bird season as far as is reasonably practicable.
If works are delayed and will take place during the nesting bird season (March to August inclusive), a nesting bird check will be undertaken within 48 hours prior to the works.
Vegetation clearance works will be limited to the minimum area necessary to improve road safety.
Trees to be removed will be recorded so that compensatory planting can be carried out in an appropriate area in future.
Works will be strictly limited to areas required for access and to carry out the works. Unnecessary encroachment onto terrestrial or aquatic areas will not be tolerated.
All construction operatives will be briefed through toolbox talks prior to works commencing, which will be included in the SEMP. The toolbox talks will provide information on the legislation, general ecology, and best practice measures for relevant protected species.
Site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of any protected species throughout the works period. Should a protected species be noted during construction, works will temporarily halt until the species has sufficiently moved on. Any sightings of protected species will be reported to the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team.
Artificial lighting will be directed away from areas of woodland and waterbodies as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
Personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of INNS or injurious weeds in road verges throughout the works period. Should any INNS be identified in working areas, works will be restricted to a 7m buffer of any growth where reasonably practicable.
A ‘soft start’ will be implemented on site each day. This will involve switching on vehicles and checking under/around vehicles and the immediate work 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.
Plant, machinery and equipment must be fitted with effective silencers where possible. Where fitted, and where permitted under Health and Safety requirements, white noise reversing alarms will be utilised during construction.
Where possible, inherently quiet plant will be selected for construction works.
All plant, machinery, and vehicles will be switched off when not in use

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any biodiversity effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Geology and soils

The scheme is located within the GCRS Fassfern to Loch Ailort Road Cuttings, which has been designated for earth sciences/geological features. Due to location within the GCRS boundary, there is potential for the proposed works to result in impacts to the qualifying features of the site. However, it is not anticipated that any changes to the GCRS will occur by the virtue of the following factors:

There is no requirement for land take (or resources) or excavation and the works are limited to the existing A830 carriageway verges.
Works will follow best practice and will not promote the known negative pressures on the features; no development or dumping/storage of materials will occur out with the existing engineered carriageway boundary.
Standard good practice measures, like containment measures for working near water, to prevent water and soil pollution will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.

All works are confined to the A830 carriageway boundary. Although excavation is not required, the vegetation clearance and tree felling may result in localised and minor soil exposure or disturbance. The following measures will be applied on site:

The parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment on road verges will be avoided.
Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape (i.e., damage to verges) will be reinstated.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to
Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in Road drainage and the water environment will be adhered to during construction.

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, and no changes are anticipated to the designated features of the GCRS as a result of proposed works. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Material assets and waste

There is potential for impacts as a result of resource depletion through use of machinery and transportation. However, the use of machinery will be limited to minimal required times and machinery will not be left idling when not in use.

There is potential for impacts during works as a result of the improper storage or disposal of waste. As the majority of trees will not be fit for sawn timber, they will be chipped for biomass or removed from site for shredding to be repurposed as chipboard. The following mitigation measures will also be put in place:

Felled vegetation material will be disposed of appropriately in line with the NW NMC (Schedule 5, Appendix 0/1, 3010SR Maintenance of Established Trees and Shrubs).
The waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Dispose) will be employed throughout the construction works.
The subcontractor will adhere to waste management legislation and ensure they comply with their Duty of Care.
Containment measures will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
All wastes will be removed from site in a safe and legal 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 provided to and retained by BEAR Scotland as early as possible.
All appropriate waste documentation will be present on site and be available for inspection. 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).
Re-use and recycling of waste will be encouraged, and the subcontractor will be required to fully outline their plans and provide documentary evidence for waste arising from the works (e.g., waste carrier’s licence, transfer notes, and waste exemption certificates).
Staff will be informed that littering will not be tolerated. Staff will be encouraged to collect any litter seen on site.
Where applicable, all temporary signage will be removed from site on completion of the works.

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

Activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to cause noise and vibration impacts through the use of equipment and plant for the proposed activities. The works will employ a daytime working pattern, for a period of five weeks.

Approximately eighteen residential properties lie within 300m of the scheme, the nearest of which is located 10m south of the scheme. As such, the proposed scheme is anticipated to result in temporary minor noise increases for nearby residential properties during the construction programme. However, felling works have been programmed during daylight hours and the following mitigation measures will be put in place:

The Best Practicable Means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, will be employed at all times to reduce noise to a minimum.
On-site tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to local sensitive receptors.
All site personnel will be fully briefed in advance of works regarding the need to minimise noise during works and of the site-specific sensitivities.
All plant will be operated in such a way that minimises noise emissions and will have been maintained regularly to the appropriate standards.
Where fitted, and where permitted under Health and Safety requirements, white noise reversing alarms will be utilised during construction.
Where ancillary plant such as generators are required, they will be positioned so as to cause minimum noise disturbance. Where deemed necessary, acoustic screens will be utilised.

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

During construction, activities undertaken on site have the potential to have temporary adverse impacts on local residents, vehicle travellers and NMUs. No significant congestion issues are noted during the proposed construction hours; however increased journey times may occur, but these are considered insignificant considering the low traffic counts and works being undertaken outwith the peak tourist season. No NMU facilities are present within the scheme.

With the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on population and human health is considered to be low:

The works schedule and any changes to this will be communicated to local residents prior to and throughout the programme.
Non-essential lighting will be switched off at night.
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 temporary impacts on the water environment due to operation of plant within and within proximity to various watercourses and Loch Eil, which may lead to potential changes in water quality from pollution events (either by accidental spillage of sediments, particulate matter, chemicals, fuels or by mobilisation of these in surface water caused by rain).

No in-water works will take place and there is no requirement for the abstraction or transfers of water from, or discharges to, a waterbody. As such, the potential for a direct pollution incident within a waterbody is unlikely. Experience gained from BEAR maintenance schemes elsewhere on the network has shown that where standard good working practice is adopted (e.g., adherence to SEPA good practice guidance, utilisation of drain covers or similar, etc.), water quality is protected.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place to reduce the risk of pollution incidents as a result of works:

The scheme will not entail any in-stream works.
Standard working practices to comply with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.
No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted. Appropriate containment measures will be in place to prevent any loss of construction materials into the water environment.
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 spills will be logged and reported. In the event of any spills into the water environment, all works will stop and the incident will be reported to the project manager and the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team. SEPA will be informed of any such incident as soon as possible using the SEPA Pollution Hotline.
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.
Storage of hazardous material, oil and fuel containers will be distanced more than 10m away from any watercourses.
If required, a designated refuelling area will be identified. Fuel bowsers will be stored on an impermeable area and be fully bunded. This will be distanced more than 10m from any watercourses.
During refuelling of smaller mobile plant, a funnel will be used, and drip trays will be in place. Care will be taken to reduce the chance of spillages. 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 contaminated 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 bunded then drip trays will also be supplied beneath the equipment with a capacity of 110%.
Chipping will be conducted at least 10m away from watercourses, drains and waterbodies. If left on site, chippings will remain 10m away from any watercourse, drain or waterbody.

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

Activities associated with the proposed 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, plant use, and transportation of waste from site. While works will involve cutting down a large number of trees, the majority are of a small size, and the impact on climate and local carbon storage is considered minimal. Additionally, trees to be felled will be recorded to inform future compensatory planting, which will help offset any loss of carbon storage resulting from the scheme. The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

BEAR Scotland will adhere to their Carbon Management Policy.
Local contractors and suppliers will be used as far as practicable to reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emitted as part of the works.
Where possible, waste will be repurposed for biomass or chipboard production.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any climate effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

There will be no anticipated change to the likelihood of flooding on the A830 within the scheme extents upon completion of the works.

Works are being carried out to improve road safety and to give clearer visibility to travellers on the A830.

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which includes measures to avoid or reduce disruption to road traffic, will be produced in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (Department of Transport 2009). The TMP will ensure that there is no severance of community assets, access routes or residential development.

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.

A search of the Highland Council Planning Portal (Map Search) did not identify any approved planning applications within 300m of the scheme extents over the last two years. Therefore, due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner website (Map Search) has identified that no other roadworks are currently ongoing, or noted as being planned, on the trunk road at the same time as this scheme. No other large-scale tree felling or vegetation clearance schemes are planned on the A830 in the current financial year. Although a second phase of vegetation removal is planned along the A830 at a later date, it is expected to be similar in nature to Phase 1 and will focus on removal of mainly young trees encroaching onto the carriageway boundary. Trees in both phases of works will be recorded so that compensatory planting can be carried out in an appropriate area in future. Therefore, it is unlikely to result in significant cumulative impacts to Moidart and Argdour SPA or other sensitive receptors in the area.

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 TM. 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 TM to complete multiple schemes at once. This approach allows BEAR Scotland to effectively manage the potential cumulative effects as a result of TM, resulting in minimal disruption to users of the Scottish trunk road network.

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

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