Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Construction activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to temporarily cause adverse local air quality impacts. Activities undertaken on site may cause dust and particulate matter to be emitted to the atmosphere.

In addition, the waterproofing layer on the bridge deck is required to be removed and may contain asbestos within the bitumen matrix. This type of asbestos material is non-friable and bound within a bitumen matrix. If this is confirmed to be present, it is highly unlikely that asbestos material will break away or become particulate matter and dispersed into the air. If asbestos is present, licensed contractors will use small hand tools to remove the waterproofing layer with appropriate containment measures in place. Small amounts of water will be sprayed during use of hand tools to suppress any dust created during removal of the waterproofing layer before the material is removed as special waste.

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.

Removal of asbestos material (if present) will be carried out by a specialist contractor with appropriate containment measures in place. Asbestos material will be removed as special waste.
A water-assisted dust sweeper will sweep the carriageway after dust-generating activities, and waste will be contained and removed from site as soon as is practicable.
Materials that have the potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, and vehicles that remove cold-milled material from site will have sheeted covers.
Ancillary plant, vehicles and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) will have been regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems, and 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.
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 risk 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 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 minor permanent change to local landscape due to refurbishment of the bridge. However, all change is confined to the A835 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 A835 and the works will be of relatively short duration (16 weeks). Land use will not change as a result of the works. As such, the temporary visual impact of the works is unlikely to be significant and there will be no residual impacts i.e. when complete, the visual appearance will remain largely unaffected with refurbished bridge being the only change.

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.
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 A835 within the scheme extents spans the Conon Islands SAC and Lower River Conon SSSI. The scheme lies approximately 550m southwest of the Cromarty Firth SPA and Cromarty Firth Ramsar site, approximately 1.3km southwest of the Cromarty Firth SSSI, and 7.5km northwest of the Inner Moray Firth SPA and Inner Moray Firth Ramsar site. Due to the proximity of the works and ecological connectivity, BEAR Scotland completed an HRA (AA) to assess potential impacts of the works on these designated sites.

The HRA (AA) concluded that the works will not result in likely significant effects (LSE) on the qualifying features of the Conon Islands SAC, Inner Moray Firth SPA and Inner Moray Firth Ramsar.

LSE could not be ruled out for four of the qualifying features of the Cromarty Firth SPA and Ramsar. However, the works are not expected to result in adverse effects on site integrity (AESI) due to the following reasons:

The works are highly localised to the bridge and no works will take place within the SPA/Ramsar.
Species in the vicinity are likely to be accustomed to existing levels of disturbance due to traffic and agricultural activities in the area, and there is ample suitable habitat for these species within the SPA/Ramsar in the wider area.
Robust containment and pollution prevention measures throughout the works will be implemented, including full encapsulation of the working area during hydro-demolition and treatment of water used for hydro-demolition prior to discharge.
The ‘Birds’ Toolbox Talk will be included in the SEMP and provided to all staff prior to works commencing.

No cumulative or in-combination effects of the works are expected on the qualifying features of the designated sites. Similarly, no significant negative impacts have been identified on the Lower River Conon SSSI as a result of works.

Consultation has been undertaken with NatureScot who have granted consent for the proposed works to be carried out within the Lower River Conon SSSI. A copy of the consent will be kept on site, and no further consultation is required.

Although no protected species were identified in proximity to the scheme during the site visits, the environment in the vicinity of the works provides suitable habitat for a variety of protected species. Activities undertaken on site could potentially have temporary adverse impacts on biodiversity in the area as a result of increased vehicle presence and the potential for disturbance to protected species and pollution of habitats.

Himalayan balsam is present throughout the entire survey area, including beneath the bridge and above the wingwalls. Working near INNS will be avoided and strict biosecurity measures will be employed to prevent the spread of INNS. If working within 7m of INNS or removal of INNS is required, an INNS plan will be prepared prior to works, and the INNS will either be buried on site, or removed to a suitable waste disposal site.

Works are restricted to the A835 trunk road boundary and the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required on site is low given the scale and scope of works. Any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle, pedestrian and NMU movements on the A835 and nearby cycle/footpath. Furthermore, the scheme is of relatively short duration (16 weeks) and will be undertaken during a daytime working pattern. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of construction is therefore considered to be low.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of the works on the local environment will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. The following mitigation measures will be put in place to minimise impacts on biodiversity features in the area:

A pre-works check for protected species will be undertaken at least four weeks prior to the start of refurbishment works. If permanent resting sites for these species are found, additional consultation and licencing will be obtained from NatureScot prior to the works taking place.
An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will attend site regularly during works to monitor sensitive ecological receptors and mitigation measures to reduce impacts.
Works are to take place outwith the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive). If works are delayed into breeding bird season, vegetation removal at the wingwalls will be supervised by an ECoW.
Working near areas of INNS will be avoided and strict biosecurity measures will be employed to prevent the spread of INNS. If working within 7m of INNS or removal of INNS is required, an INNS plan will be prepared prior to works, and the INNS will either be buried on site, or removed to a suitable waste disposal site.
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, the 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. If required, NatureScot will be contacted for advice.
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.
Any artificial lighting required during periods of low light levels will be directed at the area of works as far as is safe and reasonably practicable. Light spillage will be reduced as much as possible (e.g. via use of shades).

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.

Material assets and waste

Wastewater created as a result of hydro-demolition is considered by SEPA to be a trade effluent and must have authorisation to be discharged to the surrounding environment (even following treatment). Details are provided in the Road Drainage and the Water Environment section below.

Investigation works have been undertaken in July 2026 to determine the road make up and presence of asbestos, however the results have not yet been determined. The waterproofing layer on the bridge deck may contain asbestos material within a bitumen matrix. This type of asbestos material is non-friable and bound within a bitumen matrix. If asbestos is confirmed to be present, licensed contractors will use small hand tools to remove the waterproofing layer. Small amounts of water will be sprayed during use of hand tools to suppress any dust created during removal of the waterproofing layer. This and any other material produced during asbestos removal will be collected and removed from site as special waste by a licensed special waste carrier.

There is potential for impacts as a result of resource depletion through use and transportation of new materials. 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.

There is potential for impacts during works as a result of the improper storage or disposal of waste. The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

A specialist contractor will carry out removal of asbestos material with appropriate containment measures in place. All asbestos material will be removed from site as special waste.
A SWMP is required due to the scheme value exceeding £350,000.
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, including full encapsulation of the working area during hydro-demolition works.
All wastes and unused materials 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.
Any felled vegetation material will be disposed of appropriately in line with the NMC (Schedule 5, Appendix 0/1, 3010SR Maintenance of Established Trees and Shrubs).
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

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 the proximity of road space suggests that residents within the local area will have a degree of tolerance to noise and disturbance. Works will also be completed over 16 weeks, and works will be conducted utilising a daytime working pattern. There is potential for noise due to the use of hydro-demolition, however due to the low number of human receptors (one property within 300m of the scheme), the potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will also be intermittent, temporary and short-lived.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

Local residents that are likely to be affected by the works will be notified of the works in advance, likely by letter drop, which will contain details of the proposed timings and duration of the works, in addition to contact details for the Site Supervisor.
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 construction 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.
Drop heights from vehicles and NRMM will be kept to a minimum to minimise noise when unloading.
All plant, machinery and vehicles will be switched off when not in use.
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 may have temporary adverse impacts on local residents, vehicle travellers, and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence, and associated noise and delays due to TM measures. TM for works will involve single lane closure with two-way temporary traffic lights. One property lies 250m southeast of the scheme and is screened by woodland. In the event of local access restrictions to residential properties, access will be granted as requested. A section of the closed cycle path will be redirected. Access to any NMU facilities located within 300m of the scheme will be maintained. 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.

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 residents and local public transport operators prior to commencement of the works, advising of any proposed works and expected restrictions.
Local access will be granted as required.
Any changes of schedule will be communicated to local residents throughout the programme.
Given the proximity of the works to a commercial property, the toolbox talk ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ will be briefed prior to works commencing.
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

During these works, there is potential for temporary impacts on the water environment. Potential changes in water quality from pollution events (either by accidental spillage of sediments, wastewater from hydro-demolition, particulate matter, chemicals, fuels or by mobilisation of these in surface water caused by rain or tidal movements) during works have the potential to have a direct or indirect effect on the surrounding waterbodies.

Although no in-water works are planned, the A835 Conon Bridge spans the MHWS boundary. As works on the bridge will be over an area seaward of MHWS and could potentially impact the marine environment, they are subject to authorisation under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, and a marine licence is required to permit the works. BEAR Scotland has applied for a marine licence, which is yet to be issued. Once granted, all conditions of the licence will be adhered to and a copy of the licence will be retained on site.

Where hydro-demolition is required, the working area will be encapsulated and the wastewater will be contained, collected and treated through a treatment system (such as a Siltbuster) before being discharged (under SEPA authorisation) to a nearby area on land. The wastewater must meet certain parameters before it can be discharged: a pH level of between 4-9, a suspended solids limit of 80mg/l and volume of discharge must not exceed 10m³ per day. Wastewater from hydro-demolition will not be discharged within areas of any of the designated sites. An EASR Permit (EAS/P/6100508) has been issued by SEPA to permit discharge of treated hydro-demolition water on site. The contractor will be responsible for providing an ECoW for water monitoring.

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

All conditions of the SEPA EASR permit (EAS/P/6100508) permit will be adhered to during works.
All conditions of the marine licence and variation will be complied with. A copy of the licence will be present and kept on site for inspection.
Standard working practices to comply with EASR for works near water are detailed in the SEMP and will be 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.
A toolbox talk on silt and sediment containment will be delivered to all site staff as part of the site induction.
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 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%.

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

During the works there is potential for impacts such as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of equipment, vehicles, material use, and production and transportation of materials and wastes. Considering the nature, short-term duration, size and scale of the scheme, and the mitigation detailed below, the risk of significant impacts to climate are considered to be low.

Proposed climate mitigation measures:

BEAR Scotland will adhere to its Carbon Management Policy.
Local contractors and suppliers will be used as far as practicable to reduce fuel use and greenhouse gases emitted as part of the works.
Warm mix asphalt will be used as standard for resurfacing.
Where possible, materials will be sourced locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials movement, and waste will be disposed at local facilities.

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.

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