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, taking into account 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

Layby 4 is located within the St Fillans Conservation Area. The proposed works consist of minor, like-for-like improvements within the existing trunk road corridor, including the installation and renewal of signage. As such, the works are not considered likely to affect the character or appearance of the conservation area. However, consultation with the LLTNP Authority and the local Community Council regarding the works at Layby 4 is currently ongoing. Any feedback, recommendations, or mitigation measures arising from this engagement will, where practicable, be incorporated into the final design and implementation of the works.

Although Layby 7 is not located within the footprint of known cultural heritage features, excavation may unearth previously unrecorded artefacts. However, the potential for this is low due to engineered nature of the scheme extents. The following mitigation measures will be implemented for works at both laybys:

Should the scope of works at Layby 4 change, or if tree felling becomes necessary, consent will be sought from the LLTNP Authority, which is responsible for the management of the Conservation Area.
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 installation of the pedestrian footpath along Layby 7 will remain within the trunk road boundary and will be consistent with the character of the A85 carriageway. Furthermore, consultation with LLTNP has been undertaken, which identified that the proposed works are supported by the National Park Authority. Upon completion of the works, the use of the land will remain unchanged, with the only physical changes comprising renewed road markings, updated signage, and the provision of a footway at the layby.

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

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.
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

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.

No bird nests were recorded within the works disturbance buffers. No vegetation removal is programmed to be undertaken; however, if this changes, a pre-works nesting bird checks will be conducted if the works are carried out during the breeding bird season (March to August, inclusive).

The ECS did not record any injurious weeds, invasive native plants or INNS within the scheme extent.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. In addition, the following mitigation measures will be put in place to minimise impacts on biodiversity features in the area:

No in-water works will be permitted. 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.
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.

Pre-construction nesting bird checks will be undertaken prior to any vegetation management if works are to be undertaken during bird breeding season (March to August inclusive).
If any trees are to be identified requiring felling, appropriate surveys will be undertaken prior to works where required.

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.
Artificial lighting (if required) will be directed away from areas of woodland and the loch and waterbodies as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
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

The works will require some excavation for construction of a paved pedestrian footpath at Layby 7, which will result in temporary soil exposure and disturbance along the carriageway verge. However, the scheme is not located within a site designated for its geological significance and adherence to standard working practices will minimise the risk of soil contamination. To mitigate any adverse impacts on geology and soils, the following measures will be implemented:

Excavations will be restricted to the A85 trunk road corridor with all machinery operating from man-made ground within the layby without entering the soft verge of the A85.
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.
Multiple handling of excavated soil will be minimised.
Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much and as soon as is practicable.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
The parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment on verges will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
All relevant soil management toolbox talks will be included in the SEMP and sediment control measures will be in place to prevent soil erosion and loss of containment.
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 road planings (if produced during the construction of a footpath) will treated 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.

If any non-hazardous waste material from excavations will to be re-used on site, all conditions of SEPA’s LRWA 9 will be adhered to.

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 for the proposed activities. 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, residential properties in proximity to the scheme are generally screened from the work activities by tree belts. The works are undertaken by utilising daytime working pattern and as such disturbance from construction activities to the local noise sensitive receptors are expected to low.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

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.
Affected local residents will be notified of works.
All site staff will receive the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk.
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. 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 vehicle travellers, and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence, and associated delays due to traffic management measures. Road users will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times.

Six residential properties and one hotel lie within 300m of the works. However, these are screened by intervening tree belts. Considering the screening and the daytime working, potential for significant disturbance from noise, vibration and construction lighting is reduced.

Public toilets are located within Layby 4 and are anticipated to remain open for public use throughout the works. However, should temporary closure become necessary, the travelling public will be notified in advance.

No significant congestion issues are noted during the proposed construction hours; however increased journey times may occur, but these are considered insignificant considering the relatively low traffic counts.

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 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

There is potential for temporary impacts on the water environment due to operation of plant within and within proximity to watercourses and/or drainage systems, 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 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) 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.
Local contractors and suppliers will be used as far as practicable to reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emitted as part of the works.
Warm mix asphalt will be used as standard.
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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