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 and particulate matter generated by resurfacing operations, as well as exhaust 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.

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 a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, and vehicles that remove waste 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.
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., 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) minimising cutting and grinding on-site, (b) reducing 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 the 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 exist.
Materials will be removed from site as soon as is practicable.
Good housekeeping will be employed throughout the works.

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 temporary, short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the sites as a result of the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and TM.

However, people, ancillary plant, vehicles, NRMM and materials are restricted to areas of made/engineered ground on the A835, and construction works are programmed to be of short duration (10 days in total), undertaken between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 and will be conducted on a rolling programme. There are no residential or commercial properties, bus stops or paved pedestrian footpaths located within 300m of the scheme. As such, the visual impact of the works will be minimal. Upon completion of the works, no residual impacts are anticipated e.g., when complete the visual appearance will remain largely unaffected, with a renewed road surface being the only discernible 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, minimising 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 shall 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

Due to ecological connectivity between the A835 Loch Droma Viewpoint and the Finnach Hills SAC, Beinn Dearg SAC and associated SSSIs; a HRA was produced. The HRA concluded that there would be no Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the qualifying features of the designated sites as a result of the proposed works based on the following factors:

No works will take place within the boundary of the designated sites and no in-water works are required
Works are restricted to the A835 trunk road boundary and of short duration
Standard working practices to prevent pollution events from construction works will be in place
The qualifying features of the SACs are immobile habitat features and, as such, there is limited connectivity present.

In general, the habitat surrounding the schemes indicate the potential for presence of protected mammal species. 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 an increase in noise and visual disturbance. However, works are restricted to the A835 carriageway and the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required onsite is low given the scale and scope of works. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A835 and the scheme is of short duration and will be conducted during daytime hours on a rolling programme. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore considered to be low.

A search of Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Performance System (AMPS) identified no records of any INNS. No vegetation clearance is required, and works are restricted to the trunk road boundary. Furthermore, the works will also be restricted to the surfaced area of the carriageway with no or minimal access to road verges required, and as such it is unlikely that any injurious or invasive plant species will be encountered during the works.

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

No in-water works or discharges into the water environment will be permitted. 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. If required, NatureScot will be contacted for advice.
Artificial lighting (where required) will be directed away from areas of woodland and waterbodies as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
If an active bird nest (e.g., eggs or young present, adult sitting on nest) is identified on site, all works within 30m of the nest will stop until the BEAR Scotland NW Environment Team can provide 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.

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 scheme is not located within a GCRS or geological SSSI, and all works are restricted to the A835 trunk road boundary and therefore will not impact on designated sites in the wider area. Although the works will entail minor excavation as part of the resurfacing works, this will be on engineered ground and restricted to the trunk road boundary. To mitigate any adverse impacts on geology and soils, the following measures will be in place:

Excavation will be restricted to the made ground of the A835 carriageway.
Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
The parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment on grass will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in the ‘Road drainage and the water environment’ section will be adhered to during construction.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any geology and soil effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. 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 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 shall 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:

The waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Dispose) will be employed throughout the construction works.
All waste stored on site will be adequately protected against the elements.
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 road planings will be treated in line with LRWA 3 and be recycled in line with SEPA’s WAS-G-DEF-05 Guidance for End-of-Waste for Recycled Aggregates.
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 must 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 produced 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 or CQA and there are no residential or commercial properties, bus stops or paved pedestrian footpaths located within 300m of the schemes. Additionally, works will be of short duration and conducted during daytime hours (07:00 and 19:00).

The road surface is in a poor condition, with a series of defects. Replacing the life-expired surface course with TS2010 road surfacing affords the benefits of a reduction in mid-to-high frequency traffic noise and a reduction in ground vibrations. As a result, upon completion of the work, noise associated with the movement of vehicles on the trunk road should decrease post construction.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

The Best Practicable Means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1874, 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

While there are no residential or commercial properties, bus stops or paved pedestrian footpaths located within 300m of the scheme, during construction, activities undertaken on site have the potential to have temporary adverse impacts on vehicle travellers, visitors to the area, and NMUs as a result of construction presence and associated delays due to the TM measures.

However, no significant congestion issues are noted during the proposed construction hours; however, increased journey times may occur due to TM measures. However, these are considered insignificant considering the relatively low traffic counts in the area. Road users will also be informed of the works through media release which will provide details of construction dates and times. Additionally, local access will be granted as required.

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.
Local access will be granted where required.
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 proximity to watercourses and/or drainage systems, 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:

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 in-water works or discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems are permitted.
Appropriate containment measures will be in place to prevent any loss of construction materials into the water environment.
Appropriate measures will be implemented during resurfacing operations to limit the potential for wastes (i.e. road planings) and materials (i.e. new asphalt) to enter any gullies present on site. On completion of resurfacing operations, any gullies present on site will be visually checked to ensure that they have not become blocked as a result of the works.
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 shall 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 shall also be supplied beneath the equipment with a capacity of 110%.
All storage of hazardous materials 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.

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 works have the potential to cause local air quality impacts 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. However, considering the nature, short-term duration, size and scale of the schemes, 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.
All mitigation measures detailed within ‘Air Quality’ and ‘Material Assets and Waste’ will be adhered to.
If appropriate, warm mix asphalt will be used.
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, materials will be sourced locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials movement, and waste will be disposed at local facilities, where required.

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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