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 A835 and will be completed over a short duration during day-time hours.
  • The works are restricted to the like-for-like replacement of worn road surface and reinstatement of road markings, with all works restricted to the made ground of the A835.
  • The works will be temporary, transient, localised and completed on a rolling programme during day time hours.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to nearby receptors or protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • No INNS have been recorded within the scheme extents.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • Removing the carriageway defects will provide these sections of the A835 with another life cycle, and significantly improve the ride quality, which will result in safer conditions for road users.

Location of the scheme:

  • The schemes will be restricted to the existing A835 road boundary (carriageway surface) and as such, no land take will be required.
  • The A835 Loch Droma Viewpoint scheme is located adjacent to two SAC’s and two SSSI’s; however, no LSE or adverse impacts on these sites has been identified.
  • The site compound will be located on made ground within TM.
  • No residential properties or other sensitive receptors lie within 300m of the schemes.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • Works are programmed to only take 10 days in total to complete on a rolling programme during day time hours.
  • Residual impacts are considered to be beneficial for the travelling public which may use this stretch of carriageway. In addition, improved road surface will reduce the noise levels from travelling public and in turn will reduce disruption to the receptor located in proximity to the scheme.
  • The SEMP will include plans to address environmental incidents.
  • Mitigation measures detailed above and in the SEMP are 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.