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 during resurfacing works are likely to be dust generated by breaking out of materials or cold milling in preparation of carriageway resurfacing. During the embankment works, the main sources are likely to be from dust generated by excavation and vegetation management if deemed to be required. For both schemes, there is also the potential for air quality impacts from 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 quality 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 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 Record of Determination (RoD).

Cultural heritage

Although two Listed Buildings lie within proximity to the scheme, there will be no works carried out on or near the Listed Buildings and no impacts are expected.

A number of HERs and NRHEs are recorded within the footprint of the scheme extents, however none of these records hold statutory protection. Furthermore, all works are confined to previously engineered ground with minimal excavation required. Therefore, the likelihood of encountering historical artifacts associated with these records is considered to be low.

It is assessed that the planned works will not adversely impact the value of cultural heritage interests with the following mitigation measures in place:

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

The overlapping schemes are located wholly within LLTNP. The works will create a short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity during the construction period 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.

The resurfacing works will be undertaken at night time on a rolling programme and, therefore, the visual impact of the resurfacing works will be somewhat reduced. Following the works no residual impacts are expected, the visual appearance will remain largely unaffected, with a renewed road surface being the only discernible change.

The embankment works will be undertaken during the day time and there is potential for some minor vegetation clearance associated with the verge works. However, these works are of a highly localised scale, restricted to the A85 trunk road boundary and will be limited to the minimum area and amount required for the construction of the concrete beam. Although the works require construction of a concrete beam within the A85 WB verge and minor reduction of the verge height and potential of vegetation management, the verge will be top soiled and grass seeded creating no significant visual changes following the completion of the works (i.e. when complete, the visual appearance will remain largely unaffected with minor reduction of the verge height and potential for vegetation cut back being the only discernible changes).

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

LLTNP will be notified of the works and any additional mitigation measures, if received, will be adhered to.
Vegetation clearance and verge excavations will be limited to the amount necessary to complete the embankment stabilisation 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 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 is not situated within a ‘sensitive area’ designated for biodiversity features e.g., Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, Ramsar, SSSI, etc.

In general, activities associated with the 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. There is also the potential for additional adverse impacts associated with the embankment works, which involves verge working and excavation with potential for minor vegetation clearance.

A PEA and PRA were conducted to assess the ecological features present, or potentially present, within the site boundary and its surrounding disturbance buffers. Although a number of signs of mammal species were noted within the survey area, no permanent resting places were identified. Further surveys and mitigation measures, ensuring compliance with wildlife legislation and regulatory requirement, will be undertaken as required prior to the works commencing.

Although no evidence of nesting birds was identified during the PEA, nesting bird checks will be undertaken in instances of vegetation management. If nesting birds are found during the pre-works checks, further consultation and/or licences will be sought and adhered to as required.

The PEA identified several pockets of rhododendron and Himalayan balsam, an INNS of plant, within the works area; these will be managed as per NW Landscape Management plan and disposed of accordingly if required. Mitigation measures will be detailed within the SEMP.

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.

To mitigate impacts on biodiversity features throughout works, the following measures will be put in place:

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.

A pre-works nesting bird check will be conducted no more than 48 hours prior to vegetation management works commencing. If nesting birds are found, further consultation and/or licences will be sought if required. If required, all conditions of any licences will be adhered to.

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.

Vegetation clearance will be limited to the minimum amount necessary and restricted strictly to the trunk road boundary.
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.
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.
Artificial lighting during night works/ low light levels 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.
If works within 7m of Himalayan balsam and rhododendron growth are required, INNS will be managed as per SEPA ‘Control of Plants in or near to Water’ and biosecurity measures will be followed.
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.

Geology and soils

Resurfacing works will be restricted to the A85 carriageway, and as such are not anticipated to result in change to or have an adverse impact on geology and soils. The schemes are not located within a site of geological significance and all works are restricted to the trunk road boundary and verge. Although, the embankment works include excavation, verge works and potential for minor vegetation clearance, the works are confined to the engineered ground of A85 trunk road. In addition, any excavations will be carried out with good practice measures detailed in the SEMP as follows:

Excavated soil and debris will be stored in a designated area on level ground where practicable.
If excavated soil from embankment works is to be re-used on site, then it will be wetted (if necessary) during periods of dry weather to prevent drying out.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
The parking of machinery/personnel and storage of equipment on road verges will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape (i.e. damage to grass verges) will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
Topsoil and subsoil reused on site will be spread evenly in a single layer <200mm in height to ensure the soil profile is maintained across the works location and grass seeded.
Multiple handling of soil derived from excavations will be minimised.
Topsoil reused on site will not be traversed by heavy machinery.
The Silt Toolbox Talk will be included in the Site Environmental Management Plan and delivered on site.
The extent and duration of exposed soil will be kept to the minimum required for the works.

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.
Containment measures will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
Excavated material generated from embankment works will be re-used on site where possible.
Road planings generated from resurfacing works will be re-used or recycled under a SEPA Paragraph 13(a) waste exemption and in line with BEAR Scotland’s Procedure 126: The Production of Fully Recovered Asphalt Road Planings.
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 works 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. Embankment works will be carried out during a daytime working pattern; and resurfacing works undertaken over 9 nights on a rolling programme, with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00. 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 with TS2010 road surfacing 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:

Where possible, the noisiest work operations during resurfacing works (e.g., cold milling, using breakers (jackhammers), chipping hammers, use of rollers, etc.) will be completed before 23:00.
The Environmental Health Officers (EHO) for LLTNP and Stirling Council will be notified of resurfacing night 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. 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.
Operatives will be briefed using the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk prior to commencement of the works.
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 may have temporary adverse impacts on local residents, vehicle travellers, and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence, and associated noise and delays due to traffic management measures. There are 4 access points located within the scheme extent; however local access will be granted where required.

A number of properties lie within 300m of the scheme, with the nearest of these located directly adjacent to the EB carriageway and therefore there is potential for disturbance from noise and vibration.

TM for both schemes will be designed in line with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual and will accommodate non-motorised road users and all construction activities will operate in line with good practice measures as outlined in the SEMP.

Road users will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times. The works will be of limited duration and will move progressively along the full scheme extent.

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.
Local access will be granted as required.
Any changes of schedule (e.g. change from night-time works to daytime works or vice versa) will be communicated to local residents 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 embankment works and the operation of plant within proximity to watercourses and freshwater bodies 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 Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (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.
Felled vegetation material (where necessary) will be disposed of appropriately in line with the NW NMC Contract (Schedule 5, Appendix 0/1, 3010SR Maintenance of Established Trees and Shrubs).
Any vegetation cuttings will not be disposed of in the watercourse. Where cuttings do not contain any invasive species, they will be left to compost in piles at a suitable area on-site at least 10m away from any watercourses or surface water drains.
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

Construction activities associated with the proposed schemes 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. The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

BEAR Scotland will adhere to their Carbon Management Policy.
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.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

There will be no change to the likelihood of flooding on the A85 within the scheme extents upon completion of the works. Works will be programmed as far as is reasonably practicable to avoid periods of adverse weather or heavy rainfall.

Works are restricted to areas of made and engineered ground (including road verge) of the trunk road, with access to both schemes gained via the A85. TM for the resurfacing works will involve night time road closures with regular amnesties. TM for embankment works will involve WB lane closures with two-way temporary traffic lights. Local residents will be notified of working hours and provided with appropriate contact information. There are no pedestrian facilities located within the scheme extents, however, pedestrians or other NMUs will be accommodated within the TM setup where required.

The works will not result in any change in vulnerability of the A85 carriageway, or in severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.

These measures, along with standard working practices, will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. The vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and disasters is considered to be low.

Assessment cumulative effects

The proposed works are not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects. Due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

A search of the LLTNP Planning Portal identified no approved planning applications within 300m of the scheme within the last six months.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner website (Map Search) has identified that there are no roadworks planned for the same period as the proposed works and no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

BEAR Scotland programme all of their proposed works in line with appropriate guidance and contractual requirements. All schemes are programmed to take into account existing and future planned works, with a view of limiting any cumulative effects relating to traffic management. As a result of this exercise, where a potential for cumulative impacts is identified, BEAR will reprogramme schemes to avoid / limit any cumulative effects or will utilise existing traffic management to complete multiple schemes at once. This approach allows BEAR Scotland to effectively manage the potential cumulative effects as a result of traffic management, resulting in minimal disruption to users of the Scottish trunk road network.

Overall, it is unlikely that the proposed works will have significant cumulative effects with any other future works in the area.

< Previous | Contents | Next >