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. 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 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 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 Record of Determination (RoD).

Cultural heritage

Although the works are not located within the footprint of, or within 300m of, known cultural heritage features, excavation may unearth previously unrecorded artefacts. Accordingly, the following mitigation measures will be implemented:

In the event of any unexpected archaeological finds, all works will cease immediately, the area will be cordoned off, and a member of the BEAR Environment Team will be contacted for advice. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will be contacted as required.
Laydown areas will be sensitively located (e.g., on areas of made ground) to avoid areas of cultural heritage interest where possible.
There will be no storage of plant, materials or equipment against buildings, bridges, walls or fences.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any cultural heritage effects associated with the proposed scheme 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 site due to the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and traffic management measures. The installation of the filter drain will remain within the trunk road boundary and will be consistent with the character of the A84 carriageway. Furthermore, the works are not located within an area designated for landscape significance, and the land use will remain unchanged.

In addition, the following mitigation measures will be implemented during the works:

Throughout all stages of the works, the sites 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 sites 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 River Teith SAC lies approximately 40m south of the scheme with the scheme extents hydrologically connected to the SAC. Accordingly, an HRA has been undertaken to assess the works’ Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the designated species of the SAC. The HRA concluded that the works will not result in LSE for the following reasons:

The works are confined to the road drainage system, which was assessed during the ECS on 12^th May 2026 as not being suitable habitat for fish species.
Standard pollution prevention mitigation measures will be implemented, which are considered sufficient to ensure that the SAC is not affected by the works.
The works are appropriately screened from the SAC to prevent noise or light disturbance to the species of concern.

Site activities could potentially have temporary adverse effects on biodiversity due to increased vehicle presence and the risk of disturbance to protected species or pollution of habitats. However, no protected species resting places were identified during the ECS. The river is set below the level of the works and screened by intervening woodland, minimising potential impacts on foraging animals. The works are restricted to the A84 carriageway, which is already subject to high levels of noise and disturbance due to traffic, and noise produced during works is not expected to differ significantly from baseline conditions. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A84. The scheme is of short duration (20 days) and will be undertaken during daylight hours. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore considered to be low.

The ECS did not record any injurious weeds, invasive native plants or INNS within the scheme extent.

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. Therefore, with the following mitigation measures in addition to the ones detailed in the HRA, will be put in place to minimise impacts on biodiversity features in the area:

No in-water works within a natural watercourse 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.

Pre-construction bird checks will be undertaken prior to any vegetation management if works are to be undertaken during bird breeding season (March to August inclusive).

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 (if required) will be directed away from areas of woodland and waterbodies as far as is safe and 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.

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

Tynaspirit SSSI, designated for its Quaternary of Scotland features, overlaps the scheme extents. Consultation with NatureScot via InformedDECISION has been undertaken to determine whether consent is required to carry out works within the SSSI. Based on the nature of the works and the submitted method statement, NatureScot concluded that the works are not likely to damage the protected features of Tynaspirit SSSI, and therefore consent is not required.

The SSSI is overlapped by Tynaspirit GCRS, however the GCRS is not statutory protected and does not require separate consent.

Excavation is required for the installation of the filter drain, which will result in temporary soil exposure and disturbance along the carriageway verge. However, adherence to standard working practices will minimise the risk of soil contamination. To mitigate any adverse impacts on geology and soils, the following measures will be implemented:

Excavations will be restricted to the A84 trunk road corridor with all machinery operating from road without entering the soft verge of the A84.
Excavated material will be kept to a minimum and reused and/or redistributed within the scheme extents where possible.
Multiple handling of excavated soil will be minimised.
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 verges will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
All relevant soil management toolbox talks will be included in the SEMP and sediment control measures will be in place to prevent soil erosion and loss of containment.
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 soils effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Material assets and waste

Removed planings from the layby surface course, will be treated in line with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) Low Risk Waste Activity (LRWA) 3 and be recycled in line with SEPA's WAS-G-DEF-05 Guidance for End-of-Waste for Recycled Aggregates.

The verge proposed for excavation has undergone a WCA, which included material testing for a range of potential contaminants and the provision of the corresponding waste codes for the verge materials. Non-hazardous waste material from excavations will be re-used on site in line with SEPA’s Low Risk Waste Activity 9 (LRWA9) ‘Deposit non-hazardous waste dredging materials from inland waters, or sustainable urban drainage systems, on land near to where the dredging takes place’.

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:

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 road planings will 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.

If any non-hazardous waste material from excavations will to be re-used on site, all conditions of SEPA’s LRWA9 will be adhered to.

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.
All appropriate waste documentation will be present on site and will 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 undertaken where possible, 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 works have the potential to cause adverse noise and vibration impacts for local receptors 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 existing road space suggests that residents within the local area will have a degree of tolerance to noise and disturbance. The only residential property lies 120m from the works and is screened by raised roadside embankment and tree belts. The works are undertaken by utilising daytime working pattern and as such disturbance from construction activities to the local noise sensitive receptors are expected to low.

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.
Affected local residents will be notified of works.
All site staff will receive the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk.
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.
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.
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 vehicle travellers, and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence, and associated delays due to traffic management measures. Road users will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times.

Only one residential receptor lies within 300m of the works, however, this is set-back 120m from the works and suitably screened. Considering the screening and the daytime working, potential for significant disturbance from noise, vibration and construction lighting is reduced.

No significant congestion issues are noted during the proposed construction hours; however increased journey times may occur, but these are considered insignificant considering the relatively low traffic counts.

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 travelling public throughout the programme.
Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the TM to allow the safe passage of NMUs of all abilities through the site (if required).
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

The works involve drainage improvements within the A84 carriageway. As per the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR), authorisation from SEPA is not required for ‘construction and maintenance of land drainage works (including road drains and field drains) that do not affect a natural watercourse’.

There is potential for temporary impacts on the water environment due to operation of plant within and 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 within a natural watercourse 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 works may result in potential direct or indirect effects on surrounding waterbodies. 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 within a natural watercourse.
Standard working practices to comply with the EASR 2018 for works in or near water will be 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.
Appropriate measures will be implemented during resurfacing operations within the layby to limit the potential for wastes (i.e. road planings, ditching waste) 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 they have not become blocked as a result of the scheme.
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 will 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%.

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. However, 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 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.
Warm mix asphalt will be used if possible.
Where possible, materials will be sourced locally and any waste which cannot be re-used or remain on-site will be disposed at local waste management facilities, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials movement.

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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