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) and is situated in whole within the Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI 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 EIA 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

  • Construction activities are confined to a 1,167m stretch of the A86 carriageway covering a total area of 0.723ha.
  • The works will be completed over up to 10 nights during night-time hours.
  • The works will be transient and temporary and are not expected to result in significant disturbance to nearby receptors or protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • In the event that INNS are found on site, measures to prevent potential INNS spread will be implemented.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.

Location of the scheme

  • The scheme is located within the existing A86 road boundary (carriageway) and as such, no land take will be required.
  • The scheme is located within the Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI, which is also overlapped by Glen Roy and the Parallel Roads of Lochaber GCRS. No change to local geology is expected.
  • The scheme does not lie within any sites of historical, cultural, or archaeological significance.
  • The scheme lies within a rural area with only one sensitive receptor present (residential property).
  • No site compound is required.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme

  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • Works are programmed to only take up to 10 nights to complete on a rolling programme, with the aim being to complete the noisiest works by 23:00.
  • Residual impacts are considered to beneficial for the travelling public which may use this stretch of carriageway. In addition, improved road surface will reduce the noise levels from travelling public and in turn will reduce disruption to the receptor located in proximity to the scheme.
  • The SEMP will include plans to address environmental incidents.
  • Mitigation measures detailed above and in the SEMP are put in place with the objective to prevent and, if required, subsequently control any potential impacts on sensitive receptors.
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.