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) exceed 1 hectare in area.

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:

  • Construction activities are restricted to the verges within the 4.1km stretch of the A830.
  • No significant impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of works.
  • The works are expected to result in positive impacts on road users during the operational phase due to improved road safety and visibility.
  • As the works will be limited to removal of trees and shrubs/vegetation which are encroaching signage/impacting sight lines, there is no change to the vulnerability of the road to the risk or severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.
  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary and non-significant. There will be permanent visual impacts (e.g. removal of trees) however these trees are being removed to improve visibility of road users and improve road safety. Loss of suitable habitat for biodiversity is not considered significant due to the habitats at the road verges being sub-optimal for protected species.
  • The works will be temporary, localised and completed mainly using verge TM.
  • No significant cumulative or in-combination effects have been identified.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • There are no vegetation clearance/tree felling schemes currently programmed by BEAR Scotland on the A830, and so no in-combination effects have been identified.

Location of the scheme:

  • The scheme is not located within any designated protected sites. Moidart and Ardgour SPA is located within 2km of the scheme; however, the HRA concluded that the works would not result in AESI on the qualifying features of this site with the implementation of appropriate measures.
  • The scheme is not located within any areas of ancient woodland or Conservation Areas and does not require felling of trees protected by a TPO.
  • The scheme will be confined within the verges of the A830 and will not require any land take or alter any local land uses.
  • There is one pedestrian facility within the scheme extent, a railway stop located approximately 10m south of the scheme.
  • Any impacts to the local landscape during the construction phase will be minor, temporary and not considered significant. In addition, no operational impacts are anticipated.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • The SEMP will include plans to address environmental incidents.
  • Pre-works surveys were conducted to ensure any impacts on protected species which may reside within the trees are appropriately assessed and managed.
  • Measures will be in placed to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste
  • Works will reduce vulnerability of the road to the risk or severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment due to the proactive removal of potentially dangerous trees.
  • 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.