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 the works are likely to be dust generated by excavation and 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 earth 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 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.
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 RoD.

Cultural heritage

Although there are no recorded Cultural Heritage features within the footprint of the scheme, the works will involve earthworks which may uncover unrecorded historical artifacts. However, all works are confined to the verge adjacent to the A86 carriageway where construction of the A86 road corridor is likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present. 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:

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.
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 works are located within the CNP, consequently CNP will be notified prior to the works and any advised mitigation measures will be noted in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP).

There is potential for minor, temporary adverse visual impacts to the local landscape during the construction phase due to presence of vehicles and machinery, material storage or obstructed views. However, the works are of a short duration with all machinery confined to the immediate works location situated within man-made ground on the A86 trunk road boundary where possible.

The works will also result in permanent changes associated with the construction of the new pedestrian footpath section. However, these changes are anticipated to be positive, as the verge is currently used informally by pedestrians as a walking route between two existing sections of footway. The provision of a formal footpath will improve pedestrian safety, accessibility, and user comfort, while reducing the risk of trampling and ongoing disturbance to the verge. Overall, the proposed works are considered to represent a beneficial and appropriate improvement to existing site use.

Although Laggan Road TPO lies adjacent to the scheme, no vegetation or branch trimming is required for the proposed works, therefore, there is no risk to the TPO.

In addition, the following mitigation measures will be put in place during works to reduce impacts on the local landscape:

CNP will be notified of the works and any additional mitigation measures, if received, will be adhered to.
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.
All works will be strictly within the trunk road boundary. If access to land out with the trunk road boundary is required, BEAR Scotland NW Environment team will be consulted. This includes general works, storage of equipment/containers and parking.
The working area and site compound location will be appropriately reinstated following works.
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 works are located within 2km of the River Spey SAC, River Spey – Insh Marshes Ramsar site, River Spey – Insh Marshes SPA, and Insh Marshes SAC. However, there is a lack of ecological connectivity between the River Spey SAC and Insh Marshes SAC and the area of works due to the distance from the scheme and nature of the qualifying features. No impacts on these sites are expected as a result of works.

Ecological connectivity was identified between the area of works and the River Spey – Insh Marshes Ramsar site and the River Spey – Insh Marshes SPA due to the mobile nature of the qualifying features. Therefore, an HRA Proforma was undertaken to assess the potential impacts of the works on the designated features of these sites. The HRA Proforma concluded that the risk of impacts on the qualifying features was low due to the distance from the sites, lack of supporting habitat within the area of works, minor nature of the works, and lack of in-water works in addition to employment of standard good practice measures to reduce noise on site. Consequently, no LSE were identified on the designated features of the SPA and Ramsar site as a result of proposed works.

In general, activities associated with the works could potentially result in temporary adverse effects on biodiversity in the wider area, primarily due to increased vehicle movements and the potential for noise, light disturbance, and accidental pollution affecting surrounding habitats and protected species. However, the works are located within an urbanised area within the village of Newtonmore, which is subject to high levels of human activity, including dog-walkers. Although there may be some habitat suitable for protected species in the wider area, permanent sheltering, breeding, or resting places for such species are unlikely to be present in the vicinity of the scheme due to the urban and residential surroundings. Additionally, works are restricted to the A86 trunk road boundary and the number of construction vehicles and operatives required on site is low given the small scale and duration (two weeks) of the works. Furthermore, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle, pedestrian and non-motorised user (NMU) movements on the A86 carriageway. Considering the above, and with appropriate standard mitigation measures in place to reduce noise on site, significant adverse effects on biodiversity are not anticipated.

Pollution control and good practice measures to minimise potential impacts on the local environment will be detailed within the SEMP and adhered to throughout the works. Works will be temporary and undertaken during daylight hours over a period of up to two weeks. Standard containment measures will be in place to reduce the risk of pollution incidents to the surrounding environment. Therefore, with the mitigation measures set out below in place, the risk of significant impacts on biodiversity is considered to be low.

Works will be strictly limited to areas required for access and 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. The toolbox talks will provide information on the legislation, general ecology, and best practice measures for relevant protected species.
No tree-felling or in-stream works will be permitted.
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 shall be reported to the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team.
Artificial lighting used during low light levels will be directed away from road verges, woodland, and waterbodies as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
Site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of potentially unrecorded instances of INNS or injurious weeds in road verges throughout the works period. Should any INNS be identified in working areas, no works will take place within 7m of these areas until the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team can provide further advice on additional mitigation measures.
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

Although works will include excavation, construction activities are restricted to a short strip of verge on engineered ground adjacent to the A86 which currently is used as an unofficial footpath between two existing sections of footway. Furthermore, the scheme is not located within a GCRS or SSSI designated for geological features. Due to this, the proposed works are not anticipated to have an adverse impact on geology and soils. With the following mitigation measures in place, the likelihood of significant impacts on the geology and soils is low.

Excavated soil material will be reused within the scheme extents where possible.
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.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in Road drainage and the water environment 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.
Containment measures will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
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 shall 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.

The works are programmed to take place during daytime working hours over a two-week period. As such, the proposed scheme is anticipated to result in temporary minor adverse noise impacts for local receptors. 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.
Local properties will be notified in advance of works, and notification will include details of proposed timings and durations of the works.
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, 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.

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 NMUs as a result of vehicle noise and delays due to traffic management measures. Although, the section of the A86 at the scheme extents does not have a formal footpath, a Pedestrian Management Plan will be in place to direct users of the verge section. Additionally, the current grass verge that is being utilised by pedestrians is currently unsafe to the public, as such the works will result in a positive impact for NMUs due to the provision of a new, safer footway.

Road users will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times. 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. Information will provide contact details (office phone number and e-mail address) for the Project Engineer as well as a 24-hour contact number for the BEAR Scotland Control Room.
Local access will be granted as required.
Where ancillary plant such as generators are required, they will be positioned so as to cause minimum noise disturbance.
Given the proximity of the works to residential properties, the toolbox talk ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ will be briefed prior to works commencing.
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

During the works, there is potential for temporary impacts on the water environment. 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) during works have the potential to have a direct or indirect effect on the 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 (as amended) 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 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.
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.
All hazardous material utilised on site will undergo assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. These assessment(s) will contain a section on environment which highlights any precautions and storage requirements.
Storage of hazardous materials, 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 risk 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 works 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 its Carbon Management Policy.
Any artificial lighting will be limited to only the amount required to carry out the works, and any plant will be switched off when not in use.
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 disposed at a local licenced waste facility.

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

Weather reports will be monitored and the works will not be undertaken during heavy rain events.

Works are restricted to the A86 carriageway boundary, and any TM will be designed in line with existing guidance. TM will consist of single lane closure facilitated by two-way traffic lights. Where required, alternative pedestrian/cyclist measures of passage will be included in the traffic management setup, to minimise impact of the works on NMUs.

The works will not result in any change in vulnerability of the A86 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 impacts.

A search of the Highland Council Planning Portal (Map Search) identified that there is one planning application within 300m of the scheme that was approved within the last 6 months. The planning application is for an erection of a replacement porch 180m south of the scheme (Reference: 25/02793/FUL). However, due to the distance and the nature of the works, it is not anticipated that this will cause any in-combination or cumulative effects on the surrounding environment.

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.

Due to the minor nature of the proposed works, 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 a significant cumulative effect with any other future works in the area.

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