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) are situated wholly within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park which is a sensitive area within the meaning of regulation 2(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999.

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

  • The proposed scheme has been designed to minimise impacts on the landscape and visual receptors in the construction and operational phase.
  • Containment measures of the working area will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.

Location of the scheme

  • The scheme is located within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNP) and the LLTNP have been consulted during the design of the proposed works. In summary, LLTNP considered that the soil nailing solution proposed for the replacement of the retaining wall would be preferred and recommended that whichever proposal is progressed would require consideration of the surrounding landscape and habitats and species to minimise the natural heritage impacts of the proposal. LLTNP confirmed that the proposal for the facing of the replacement structure which involved localised increases in depth over the anchor heads would be acceptable.
  • Loch Lairig Cheile SSSI is located approximately 1.56km to the north-west of the proposed works. There is no connectivity between the SSSI and the scheme extents, and therefore no potential for the works to result in significant negative impacts on the designated features of this site.
  • The proposed scheme is not located within an area designated for its geology.
  • There are no residential, agricultural and commercial properties located within 300m of the scheme.
  • The scheme is not located within any sites of historical, cultural or archaeological importance.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme

  • The SEMP includes plans to address environmental incidents.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • 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.
  • No significant cumulative effects are anticipated.