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) is situated 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:

  • Works are restricted to like-for-like replacement of worn road surface and routine ditch clearance; with all works restricted to the A85 trunk road boundary.
  • Construction activities are restricted to a length of 978m and 0.587ha.
  • Works will be temporary, transient, localised and completed during nighttime hours on a rolling programme, with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to nearby receptors or protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • A pre-construction survey will be conducted prior to works commencing.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.
  • By removing the carriageway defects this will provide this part of the A85 carriageway with another life cycle, and significantly improve the ride quality which will result in safer conditions for road users.
  • No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of the works. The works are expected to result in positive impacts on road users during the operational phase.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.

Location of the scheme:

  • The scheme is located within the existing A85 trunk road boundary and, as such, no land take is required.
  • The scheme lies wholly within LLTNP however works entail like-for-like resurfacing and recutting and clearing of grips and ditches. No change to the visual landscape or adverse impacts are expected.
  • There are no sites designated for biodiversity features with ecological connectivity to the scheme.
  • There are no sites designated for geology features within 300m of the scheme.
  • There are no features of cultural heritage importance within 300m of the scheme.
  • There is no requirement for a site compound, with materials and plant stored within TM.
  • Local access will be granted as much as reasonably practicable.

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.
  • A pre-construction survey will be conducted prior to the commencement of works and any further consultation and/or licencing will be completed prior to works. Any additional mitigation measures will be detailed in the SEMP.
  • Measures to mitigate the introduction and/or spread of INNS will be detailed in the SEMP.
  • No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of the works. The works are expected to result in positive impacts on road users, ecological and human receptors during the operational phase.
  • It is not anticipated that there will be any residual visual impacts as a result of the works.
  • As the works are restricted to like-for-like replacement, there is no change to the vulnerability of the road or the risk or severity of major accidents/ disasters.
  • Works are programmed to be of short duration and undertaken during night time working hours.
  • The SEMP will include plans to address environmental incidents.
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.