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).

Landscape and visual effects

There will be a short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the site as a result of the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and TM. However, works will be restricted to the A86 carriageway boundary and will be limited to the like-for-like replacement of the carriageway surface, reflective bollards, and ditching. Resurfacing works will be carried out during night-time hours, over 10 nights, with the civils works likely to be directly after resurfacing (to be confirmed).

No change to land use, or to the designated features of the CNP, will occur as a result of the works, and the works will not result in any obvious residual change to the visual amenity of the local landscape. The CNP authority will be notified of the proposed works and advised of the design in advance.

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

  • CNP authority advice, if received, will be complied with.
  • 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 proposed works are restricted to the resurfacing and civils works of the A86 trunk road boundary. The works are minor in nature and will move progressively along the scheme extent. Additionally, the scheme does not lie in proximity to, or have connectivity with, any European sites, or locally/nationally designated sites for biodiversity.

Activities undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the area as a result of an increased vehicle presence and the potential for disturbance to protected species. However, works are restricted to the A86 boundary and the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required onsite is low given the scale and scope of works. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A86 and the resurfacing works are of short duration (10 nights on a rolling programme, civils works are likely to be directly after resurfacing however this is to be confirmed). The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore considered to be low.

An area of ancient woodland is located adjacent to the eastbound carriageway, however, no tree felling is planned during works.

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. Therefore, with the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on biodiversity are considered to be low:

  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 scheme lies partly within the Kinlochlaggan Boulder Beds SSSI which is designated for Dalradian (earth sciences). The following relevant operations requiring consent (ORC) are given for this SSSI by NatureScot:

  • 21: Construction, removal or destruction of roads, tracks, walls, fences, hardstands, banks, ditches or other earthworks, or the laying, maintenance or removal of pipelines and cables, above or below ground.
  • 22: Undertaking or engineering works, including drilling, or the erection of permanent or temporary structures.

Consultation is ongoing with NatureScot to assess whether SSSI consent is required for the proposed works, prior to the start of works. If SSSI consent is determined to be required; this will be obtained from NatureScot prior to works commencing and all conditions followed throughout works, with a copy to be kept on-site.

Excavation is required as part of the resurfacing works; however, this will be restricted to the A86 trunk road boundary. Some highly localised and small scale soil exposure/disturbance will occur along carriageway verges, due to minor excavation to facilitate the replacement of reflective bollards and ditching works. However, this will not result in any change to local soil make-up, and standard working practices will limit any potential pollution to soils. To mitigate any adverse impacts on geology and soils, the following measures will be in place:

  • If deemed necessary by NatureScot; SSSI consent will be in place for works and all conditions will be met, with a copy to be kept on site.
  • 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.
  • Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.

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.
  • All road planings will be managed in accordance with SEPA Position Statement WAS-PS-07 (LRWA 3) and recycled in line with SEPA Guidance WAS-G-DEF-05 on End-of-Waste for Recycled Aggregates. The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with these requirements.
  • 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.
  • The following LRWA 9 conditions will be adhered to for all ditching works where the waste is not being removed from site:
    • Waste will be produced by a dredging activity that is authorised by a General Binding Rule (GBR), Registration, or Permit.
    • Waste will be deposited at the same site where it was produced.
    • Waste will not be left on the banks such that its placement heightens the banks of any river, burn, ditch or loch.
    • Large items, litter, or fly-tipped waste will be removed from the dredged materials and transported to a suitably authorised site by a registered transporter of waste.

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. The works will employ a mix of nighttime and daytime working, with the noisiest works (e.g. planning) completed by 23:00 where practicable and will move progressively along the A86 carriageway. Due to the short duration of resurfacing works (10 nights, with the civils works likely to follow directly after (to be confirmed)) and localised nature of the works, the proposed scheme is anticipated to result in temporary minor noise impacts during the construction programme.

The road surface is in a poor condition with a series of defects. Replacing the life-expired surface course 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:

  • 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 and the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) for the Highland Council will be notified of works.
  • All site staff will receive the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk.
  • The noisiest works (e.g. planing) will be programmed to be completed by 23:00 where possible.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 (EASR) 2018 for works in or near water are detailed in the SEMP and will be adhered to on site.
  • No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems are 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 resurfacing operations to limit the potential for wastes (i.e. road planings, ditching waste) 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.
  • 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.
  • Where possible, materials will be sourced locally and any waste which cannot be re-used or remain on-site will be disposed at local landfill, 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.