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 ancillary plant and vehicles. 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 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.
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., 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 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 RoD.

Landscape and visual effects

There will be a temporary, 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 will be restricted to areas of made/engineered ground on the A85, and construction works are programmed to be of a short duration and will be conducted on a rolling programme. As such, the visual impact of the works will be minimal and, on completion of the works, no residual impacts are anticipated as a renewed road surface, cleared ditches and re-cut grips will be the only discernible change. The LLTNP Authority will be notified of the proposed works and, if required, additional mitigation measures will be included in the SEMP and adhered to on site.

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, 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 should 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 does not have any ecological connectivity with any European, national or local designated sites.

Ecological surveys identified the INNS, rhododendron and Himalayan balsam in proximity to the scheme; however, no vegetation clearance is required and mitigation measures to avoid the spread of INNS will be detailed in the SEMP.

In general, activities undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the area as a result of increased vehicle presence and the increase in noise and artificial lighting during the night. However, works are restricted to the A85 trunk road boundary and the number of construction vehicles and operatives required on site is low. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A85. Therefore, the potential for significant species disturbance within the area is considered low.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will be detailed in the Site Environmental 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:

A pre-construction survey will be conducted in advance of the works.
No in-water works or discharge 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 and INNS.
Artificial lighting used during night works will be used for as short a duration as possible and directed on the immediate area of works. Artificial lighting will avoid being directed onto nearby woodland habitat and watercourses as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
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.
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.
If an active bird nest is found in vicinity of the works, all works within 30m of the nest will stop until the BEAR Scotland Environment Team can provide advice.
If protected species are found during the pre-works surveys, additional consultation and/or licences may be required.
Site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of INNS in road verges throughout the works period. Should any INNS be identified in working areas, no works will take place within 7m of these areas until the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team can provide further advice.

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

The scheme is not located within a GCRS or SSSI designated for geological features.

Excavation is required as part of the resurfacing works; however, this is restricted to the A85 trunk road boundary. Some localised soil exposure/ disturbance may occur during ditch clear out and grip re-cutting; however, this will be minor in nature and no verge excavation is required. Additionally, this will not result in any change to local soil make-up and standard working practices will limit any potential pollution of soils. 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 A85 carriageway and all machinery will operate from road level without entering the ground outside the man-made surface of the A85.
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 where required.
Additional pollution prevent 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 during works 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 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 are 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.
Management of waste from ditching works is covered by LRWA 9: ‘Depositing non-hazardous waste dredging materials from inland waters, or sustainable urban drainage systems, on land near to where the dredging takes place’. The following LRWA9 conditions will be adhered to for any ditching works, where waste is not being removed from site:
Waste must be produced by a dredging activity that is authorised by General Binding Rule (GBR), Registration or Permit.
Waste must be deposited at the same site where it was produced.
Waste must not be left on the banks such that its placement heightens the banks of any river, burn, ditch or loch.
Large items, litter, or fly-tipped waste must be removed from the dredged materials and transported to a suitably authorised site by a registered transporter of waste.
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 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 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 adverse 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 the proximity of existing road space suggests that residents within the local area will have a degree of tolerance to noise and disturbance from the A85 trunk road. There are three residential properties located within 300m of the works, with the closest of these located 15m south; however, there is visual and acoustic screening present in the form of a tree shelterbelt. The works will employ a night-time pattern with the noisiest works (e.g. planing) completed by 23:00 where practicable. Additionally, works will move progressively along the scheme extent and will of a short duration. Therefore, works with the potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will be intermittent, temporary, transient and short-lived.

The road surface is in poor condition with a series of defects. Replacing the life-expired surface course affords 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 Stirling Council Environmental Health Officer will be informed of night-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 staff will receive the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk.
The noisiest works (e.g. planing) will be programmed to be completed by 23.00 where possible.
Where possible, inherently quiet plant will be selected for construction works.
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 as a result of construction presence and associated noise and delays due to TM measures.

There are three residential properties located within 300m of the scheme; the closest of which lies 15m south. However, there is visual and acoustic screening present between the area of works and residential properties; therefore, potential for significant disturbance from noise, vibration and construction lighting is reduced. Additionally, there are four local access points and one layby within the scheme extent, and there is potential that access to these may be restricted during works.

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 and the night time working hours. Road users will be informed of the works through media release which will provide details of construction dates and times.

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 the commencement of works, advising of any proposed works and expected restrictions.
Local access will be granted where required.
Construction lighting will consider the need to avoid illuminating the surrounding environment and properties to avoid a nuisance at night; and non-essential lighting will be switched off when not required.
The works are currently programmed as night-works. The works schedule and any changes to this will be communicated to local residents and the Local Authority prior to and throughout the programme.
Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the works area 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.

Taking into account the nature and scale of the works and the good site practice measures to be adopted during the works (outlined in the SEMP), it is anticipated that any population and human health effects associated with the works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Road drainage and the water environment

During the works, there is potential for temporary impacts on the water environment due to the operation of plant within proximity to watercourses and/or drainage systems. Potential changes in water quality from pollution events (either by accidental sediments, particulate matter, chemicals, fuels or by mobilisation of these in surface water caused by rain/flooding) during works have the potential to have a direct or indirect effect on the surrounding water bodies.

No in-water works are required and there is no abstraction or transfers of water from, or discharges to, a water body. As such, the potential for a direct pollution incident within a water body is unlikely. Experience gained from BEAR maintenance schemes elsewhere on the network has shown that, where good working practice is adopted (e.g. adherence to SEPA good practice guidance, appropriate containment measures, 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 the works:

No in-water works or discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems are permitted.
Standard working practices to comply with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) 2018 for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.
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 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%.
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 scheme works have the potential to cause local air quality impacts as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of vehicles and machinery, material use and production, and transportation of materials to and from site. However, considering the nature, short-term duration, size and scale of the works, and the mitigation measures detailed below, the risk of significant impacts to climate are considered to be low:

BEAR Scotland will adhere to their Carbon Management Policy.
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 removed to local waste management facilities.

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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