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) are situated in whole within the 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:

  • Resurfacing activities are restricted to an area of 0.893 ha along the A85 for a length of 1374m; with embankment works restricted to an area of 0.86ha and a length of 1425m.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to nearby receptors or protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • Works will be temporary, localised and of short duration, with embankment works completed during day time hours.
  • Localised pockets of INNS were identified during the site visit and measures to mitigate the potential for disturbance/spread of INNS will be detailed in the SEMP.
  • Ecological surveys to date have identified several trees and structures with PRF’s in proximity to the scheme and further assessment of these will be undertaken as required. No other protected species shelters were identified. Nesting bird checks will be undertaken prior to vegetation management works (if deemed to be necessary) if works are to be undertaken during bird breeding season (March to August inclusive).
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.
  • Residual impacts are considered to be beneficial for the travelling public which may use this stretch of carriageway. In addition, improved road surface will reduce the road noise levels and in turn will reduce disruption to the receptor located in proximity to the scheme. Furthermore, embankment works will provide lateral restraint to the A85 carriageway and deter cracking of the road surface.

Location of the scheme:

  • The scheme will be located within the existing A85 trunk road boundary (carriageway surface and verge).
  • The scheme is located within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Resurfacing works entail like-for-like resurfacing and no change to the visual landscape is expected. Furthermore, following the embankment works local landscape will largely remain the same with reduced height of the verge being the only visual change. The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority will be consulted on the works.
  • The site compound will be located on made ground within TM.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • Containment measures will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • Residual visual impacts will be localised to the existing A85 and WB verge and are not considered to be significant.
  • Works are programmed to be of short duration and embankment works will be carried out during the day. Night time resurfacing works will be completed on a rolling programme, with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00.
  • The SEMP will include plans to address environmental incidents.
  • Mitigation measures detailed above and in the SEMP will be put in place with the objective to prevent and, if required, subsequently control any potential impacts on sensitive receptors.
  • INNS management measures will be implemented to prevent potential INNS spread.
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.