Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Construction activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to temporarily cause adverse local air quality impacts. Activities undertaken on site may cause dust and particulate matter to be emitted to the atmosphere. However, considering 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, and 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 risk of dust emissions exists.
Materials will be removed from site as soon as is practicable.
Good housekeeping will be employed throughout the works.

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

Two listed buildings lie within 300m of the scheme extents, the closest of which lies directly adjacent to the A85 trunk road. However, this is not located within the trunk road boundary and will not be affected by proposed works; the location of this listed building will be highlighted within the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) to make operatives aware. No other significant cultural heritage sites are located in proximity to works. As such, the works are not considered likely to affect either listed building, or any other cultural heritage sites, and no consultation is required. Additionally, works will be restricted to the trunk road boundary (where construction of the A85 road corridor is likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present) and the following mitigation measures will be implemented for proposed works:

In the event of any unexpected archaeological finds, all works will cease immediately, the area will be cordoned off, and a member of the BEAR Environment Team will be contacted for advice. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will be contacted as required.
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 temporary, short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the site due to the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and traffic management measures. The installing of the new DDA compliant pedestrian crossing point (at the Willow Brae/A85 junction), replacement of kerbing, and resurfacing of the pedestrian footway and carriageway, which will all be consistent with the existing character of the A85 trunk road. Furthermore, consultation with LLTNP Authority is ongoing, with any recommendations from the National Park Authority to be implemented. Upon completion of the works, the use of the land will remain unchanged, with the only physical changes comprising the new pedestrian crossing point at the Willow Brae/A85 junction and the renewed footway/kerbing.

In addition, the following mitigation measures will be implemented during the works:

LLTNP Authority have been notified of the works and any additional mitigation measures or recommendations, if received, will be adhered to.
Throughout all stages of the works, the sites will be kept clean and tidy, with materials, equipment, plant and wastes appropriately stored, reducing the landscape and visual effects as much as possible.
All works will be strictly within the trunk road boundary. If access to land out with the trunk road boundary is required, BEAR Scotland NW Environment team will be consulted. This includes general works, storage of equipment/containers and parking.
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 sites 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 extents lie approximately 100m south of the River Tay SAC and 4km northeast of the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA, at their closest points. Ecological connectivity exists between the above SAC/SPA and proposed works; and as such, an HRA was completed. This assessment concluded that there would be no adverse effects on site integrity on the qualifying features of the designated sites.

Site activities could potentially result in temporary adverse effects on biodiversity through increased vehicle movements, disturbance to protected species, and the risk of pollution affecting surrounding habitats. However, no tree felling is required for works and no protected species resting places were identified during the ECS within their respective survey buffers. Additionally, the ECS did not record any injurious weeds or invasive plant species within the survey area. No further surveys are deemed necessary prior to works commencing.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to onsite throughout the duration of works. Works will be temporary and undertaken during both daytime and nighttime working hours over a period of up to five weeks total. Standard containment measures will be in place to reduce the risk of pollution incidents to the surrounding environment. In addition, the following mitigation measures will be put in place to minimise impacts on biodiversity features in the area:

HRA Mitigation:

Toolbox Talks will be included in the SEMP and provided to all site staff prior to works commencing.
The working area and any machinery stored on site will be checked at the start of each shift for the presence of resting animals. 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 to avoid animals becoming trapped.
If excavations (e.g., trenches) cannot be covered, escape ramps will be installed to allow trapped animals to escape.
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. Artificial lighting is to 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 watercourses or habitats 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.

General Mitigation:

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.
No tree-felling or in-stream works will be permitted.
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.

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

Although works will include excavation, this will be restricted to made ground within or adjacent to the A85 carriageway. Furthermore, the scheme is not located within a GCRS or SSSI designated for geological features, and no earth works are planned. Due to this, the proposed works are not anticipated to have an adverse impact on geology and soils. With the following mitigation measures in place, the likelihood of significant impacts on the geology and soils is low:

Excavations will be restricted to the A85 trunk road boundary, with all machinery operating from man-made ground.
Excavated material will be kept to a minimum and reused and/or redistributed within the scheme extents where possible.
Excavation works will avoid heavy rainfall where possible.
Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much and as soon as is practicable.
The parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment on verges will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
Additional pollution prevention 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 soils 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.
Any concrete or mortar washout will not be discharged on to the ground, drains or watercourses. After any concrete works, any residual concrete wash water will be collected and removed from site as contaminated water.
Containment measures will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
All planings will be managed in line with SEPA Position Statement WAS-PS-07 (Low Risk Waste Activity (LRWA) 3) and be recycled in line with SEPA's WAS-G-DEF-05 Guidance for End-of-Waste for Recycled Aggregates.
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 will 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 undertaken where possible, 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 works have the potential to cause adverse noise and vibration impacts for local receptors through the use of equipment and construction vehicles.

However, the works are not located within a CNMA, and the proximity of existing road space suggests that residents within the local area will have a degree of tolerance to noise and disturbance. Furthermore, footway improvement works are to be undertaken by utilising daytime working pattern and as such disturbance from construction activities to the local noise sensitive receptors are expected to low, with carriageway resurfacing works to be completed over a night-time working programme (7 nights total) on a rolling programme, with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00. Due to the relatively short duration and localised nature of the works, the proposed schemes are anticipated to result in temporary minor noise impacts during the construction programme.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

Where possible, the noisiest work operations (e.g., cold milling, using breakers (jackhammers), chipping hammers, use of rollers, etc.) will be completed before 23:00.
The Environmental Health Officers (EHO) from Argyll and Bute Council will be notified of the respective works.
Local residents (i.e., those within 300m) 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 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.
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.
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.
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.

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 may have temporary adverse impacts on vehicle travellers, and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence, and associated delays due to TM measures. Road users will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times. A Pedestrian Management Plan will be in place to direct users of the existing footpath. The resurfacing of the footpath and installation of a DDA compliant crossing point will result in positive residual impacts for NMUs.

Numerous (approximately 20) residential properties and various commercial properties (police/fire stations, schools, shops etc) lie within 300m of the works; most of which face directly onto the A85 carriageway. Considering the daytime working hours for the footway improvement works; potential for significant disturbance from noise, vibration and construction lighting or noise is reduced. Similarly, nightworks will take place over a relatively short duration (7 nights total) on a rolling programme, with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00.

No significant congestion issues are noted during the respective proposed construction hours; however increased journey times may occur, but these are considered insignificant considering the relatively low traffic counts. Additionally, daytime works will run on reduced hours (09:00-15:00) to accommodate the start and end of the school day due to the proximity of the local school.

With the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on population and human health is considered to be low:

Construction lighting will consider the need to avoid illuminating surrounding environment and properties to avoid a nuisance at night, and non-essential lighting will be switched off at night.

Pedestrians will be accommodated within the TM due to works on the pedestrian footway temporary restricting access.
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. Information will provide contact details (office phone number and e-mail address) for the Project Engineer as well as a 24-hour contact number for the BEAR Scotland Control Room.

Given the proximity of the works to residential properties, the toolbox talk ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ will be briefed prior to works commencing.

Local access will be granted as required.
Any changes of schedule will be communicated to travelling public throughout the programme.
Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the TM 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.

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

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 2018 (EASR) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and will be 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.
Appropriate measures will be implemented during footpath resurfacing operations to limit the potential for wastes (i.e. road planings) and materials (i.e. new asphalt, concrete) to enter any gullies present on site. On completion of resurfacing operations, any gullies present on site will be visually checked to ensure they have not become blocked as a result of the scheme.
Concrete batching (if required on site) will be undertaken on an impermeable surface and 10m away from watercourses.
Any concrete wash-out will be contained and removed off-site for appropriate treatment/disposal. Disposal of wash water into waterbodies or road drainage is not permitted.
Concrete pouring equipment and formwork will be inspected prior to release of any concrete. Piped distances for concrete will be limited to the minimum distance required.
During concrete works, wet cement will not be allowed to discharge into drains, watercourses or waterbodies.
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 will 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 contaminated 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 such 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 their Carbon Management Policy.
Warm mix asphalt will be used where possible.
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 and any waste which cannot be re-used or remain on-site will be disposed at local waste management facilities, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials movement.

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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