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 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 within the LLTNP 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 the like-for-like replacement of worn road surface and associated structural maintenance with all works restricted to made ground of the A85 trunk road.
  • All construction activities restricted to an area of 0.6ha along a 833m stretch within the A85 Ardchyle to Old Flax Mill and 1.0ha along a 1.4km stretch of the A85 East of Crianlarich.
  • The works will be temporary, transient, localised and completed during daytime hours on a rolling programme by utilising a two-way traffic light system with convoy between 08:00 and 17:00.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • 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.
  • Removal of the carriageway defects 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.

Location of the scheme

  • The works will be carried out within the existing A85 road boundary and as such, no land take will be required.
  • As the scheme is located within LLNTP, consultation with LLTNP was carried out, which confirmed that no additional mitigation measures are required due to the like-for-like nature of the proposed works.
  • An HRA was undertaken due the scheme’s proximity and ecological connectivity with the River Tay SAC, which concluded that works would not result in AESI on the designated site.

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.
  • No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of works. The works are expected to result in positive impacts on road users and human receptors during the operational phase.
  • As the works will be limited to the like-for-like resurfacing and associated structural maintenance, there will be no change to the vulnerability of the road to the risk or severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.
  • The SEMP will include plans to address environmental incidents.
  • 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.
  • In the event that INNS presence is located on site, measures to prevent potential INNS spread will be implemented