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. 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 the 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 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 Record of Determination (RoD).

Cultural heritage

Although one Listed Building and three Scheduled Monuments lie within 300m of the scheme and ‘Methven Castle’ Garden and Designed Landscape lies directly adjacent to the west end of the scheme, the works are restricted to the A85 boundary with no requirement to access land out with this trunk road corridor.

The works are like-for-like renewal of the road surface and structural maintenance. Any excavation works associated with the scheme are strictly restricted to the already engineered ground within the carriageway boundary, and construction of the A85 trunk road is likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present. As such, the potential for significant effects on these features and exposure of unrecorded cultural heritage features is considered to be low.

As standard, the following good practice measures will be in place to reduce the risk of impacts to features of cultural heritage interest:

  • All site personnel will be briefed on the importance of cultural heritage value within the area and the location and boundary of the Garden and Designated Landscape.
  • People, plant, and materials will, as much as is reasonably practicable, only be present on areas of made / engineered ground. Where access outwith these areas is required for the safe and effective completion of the scheme, it will be reduced as much as is reasonably practicable and ideally be limited to access on foot.
  • If there are any unexpected archaeological finds, works will stop temporarily in the vicinity, the area will be cordoned off, and a member of the BEAR Environment team will be contacted for advice.
  • 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 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. However, people, ancillary plant, vehicles, NRMM and materials are restricted to areas of made/engineered ground on the A85, and construction works are programmed to be of short duration (9 nights). As such, the visual impact of the works will be minimal.

Upon the completion of the works, no significant 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, and as such, any visible change is considered to be negligible.

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 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 scheme spans a watercourse which forms part of the River Tay SAC and as such, a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) was conducted. The HRA concluded in Stage 3 that the works would not result in Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the fish and aquatic vegetation based on the following reasons:

  • No in-water works are required.
  • With standard pollution prevention practices in place hydrological connectivity is highly limited.
  • Designated features are confined to the watercourse and are not expected to be present out with the water environment.
  • There are no cumulative or in-combination effects of the schemes on the designated sites.
  • The works are temporary and of short duration and restricted to the trunk road boundary and therefore, the works will not result in the removal or alteration of the SAC.
  • Qualifying features of the designated sites are likely already habituated to existing levels of light and noise on the A85 trunk road and standard good practice measures will be in place to reduce noise and direct lighting onto the works area only.
  • There is ample alternative habitat available for qualifying species of the designated site to move away from the scheme extents.

The HRA concluded that LSE on mammal species within River Tay SAC could not be ruled out in Stage 3; however, with the below mitigation measures in place, the assessment concluded that there would be no adverse effects on site integrity (AESI), and that all conservation objectives will be met:

  • Toolbox Talks will be included in the SEMP and provided to all site staff prior to works commencing.
  • Artificial lighting will be used for as short a duration as possible and will be directed on the immediate area of works and away from watercourses and suitable bankside habitat as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
  • Plant, machinery and equipment will be fitted with effective silencers where available utilised for the works. Where fitted, and where permitted under Health and Safety requirements, white noise reversing alarms will be utilised during construction.
  • Where possible, inherently quiet plant will be selected for construction works. Where appropriate, pumps and generators will be sound-reduced models with fitted, lined, and sealed acoustic covers.
  • All plant will be operated in such a way that minimises noise emissions and be switched off when not in use.
  • All ancillary plant such as generators will be positioned so as to cause minimum noise disturbance. Where deemed necessary, acoustic screens will be utilised.
  • The working area and any machinery stored on site will be checked at the start of each shift. A soft start will be implemented to ensure a gradual increase in noise and activity.
  • Any excavations, entrances to pipes/drains, or areas where an animal could be 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.
  • If fencing is used at any point during works, a gap of 200mm from ground level will be provided, allowing free passage and preventing entrapment.
  • Passage under bridges and along watercourses will be maintained for the duration of works where possible.
  • If animals are observed in the area of works prior to works starting, no works will commence until they have moved at least 50m away.
  • If animals are observed during works, all works will cease until they have moved at least 50m away

Activities associated with the resurfacing works undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the wider area as a result of an increased vehicle presence and the potential for noise and light disturbance to protected species and pollution of habitats. However, works are restricted to the A85 carriageway and the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required onsite is low given the scale and scope of the works. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A85 and the scheme is of short duration. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore considered to be low. Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will also be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.

The ECS identified no injurious weeds or INNS within the survey area. In addition no excavation or delivery of soil is required and as such, potential for disturbance and/or spread of any INNS is limited.

Two unnamed areas of woodland listed on the AWI and one TPO lie within 300m of the scheme; however, works are restricted to the existing A85 trunk road boundary and no tree felling or vegetation clearance is planned as part of the proposed works.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place to minimise impacts on biodiversity features in the area: 

  • No in-water works 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 SEMPs. 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 will be directed away from areas of woodland and waterbodies as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
  • Personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of INNS or injurious weeds in road verges throughout the works period. Should any INNS be identified in working areas, works will be restricted to a 7m buffer of any growth where 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.

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 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 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 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).
  • If any presence of coal tar is discovered the following process will be followed:
    • Any coal tar contaminated road planings will be classified as Special Waste.
    • Special waste consignment notes (SWCN) will be obtained from SEPA to allow the movement of the contaminated planings.
    • Coal tar contaminated road planings will be transported by a registered waste carrier to an appropriate waste recovery facility.
    • SEPA will be notified at least 72 hours before (and no longer than one month before) Special Waste leaving site.
  • 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 be completed on a rolling programme during night-time working hours within an urban area, however, the works are of short duration (9 nights) and the below mitigation measures will be in place. Works with the potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will also be intermittent, temporary, transient and short-lived.

The road surface is in a poor condition with a series of defects. Replacing the life-expired surface course 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:

  • Local residents that are likely to be affected by the works will be notified in advance of the works, likely by a 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 Environmental Health Officer (EHO) from Perth & Kinross Council will be notified of the works.
  • 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 have the potential to have temporary adverse impacts on local residents, vehicle travellers, and NMUs. Full road closures of the A85 are not required. Although there will be TTLs, the works will take place during nighttime hours and the ADT flow on the A85 is low; no significant congestion issues are noted during the proposed construction hours. In the event of local access restrictions to residential properties or business premises, access will be granted as requested.

A high number of residential properties lie within 300m of the scheme extents. The nearest of which lies directly adjacent to the scheme, with minimal screening present. As such, the there is potential for disturbance from noise and vibration. However, 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.
  • Any changes of schedule will be communicated to local residents and public transport operators throughout the programme.
  • Given the proximity of residential properties to the scheme extents, the Toolbox Talk TTN-042 ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ will be briefed prior to the works commencing.
  • Local access will be granted as required.
  • Any changes of schedule (e.g. change from night-time to daytime works) will be communicated to travelling public throughout the programme.
  • 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 above a watercourse, 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 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.
  • Standard working practices to comply with The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) 2018 (as amended) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and 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.
  • 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 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 its Carbon Management Policy.
  • All mitigation measures detailed within ‘Air Quality’ and ‘Material Assets and Waste’ will be adhered to.
  • The works will utilise Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) for binder layer in favour of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA).
  • 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.