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. 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.
When not in use, plant and vehicles will be switched off; there will be no idling vehicles.
All plant, machinery and vehicles associated with the works will be maintained in order to minimise emissions, as per manufacturing and legal requirements. No significant dust, particulate matter, and exhaust emissions sources will be introduced by the works.
Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning will be undertaken prior to works.
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.
Activities involving cutting/planing will be appropriately managed to reduce the potential for dust creation. This will involve use of measures such as dampening down or on tool extraction where required.
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.
Drop heights to haulage vehicles and onto conveyors will be minimised.

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.

Landscape and visual effects

The scheme is located within the CNP, however, the works are like-for-like general maintenance of the trunk road surface and such the works will not result in any residual changes to the landscape character and special qualities associated with the CNP.

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 this will be restricted to the construction duration only. Following the works, renewed road surface and reset road gullies will be the only change. Land use will not change as a result of the works. No residual change is anticipated.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place during works:

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 is 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 scheme is located within proximity to the River Spey SAC, Insh Marshes SAC, River Spey – Insh Marshes SPA and River Spey – Insh Marshes Ramsar.

It was assessed that ecological connectivity between the works area and the designated sites is present due to the mobile nature of their qualifying features, and suitable connected habitat in proximity to the scheme. The work activities have been assessed within the “Roads and Bridges Maintenance Activities within the River Spey and River Spey – Insh Marshes and Insh Marshes European Sites, Highland Region Habitats Regulation Assessment - 2023” which has been completed for the noted European Sites and covers a variety of maintenance activities, including resurfacing and road drainage maintenance schemes and concluded no likely significant effects (LSE).

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 and pollution of habitats. Works are, however, restricted to the A86 carriageway 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. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore considered to be low.

There are no records of invasive non-native species (INNS) of plants within the footprint of the works. Furthermore, works are restricted to the A86 carriageway and will not involve in-stream works, vegetation clearance, or earthworks. As no land-take, site clearance, or material import is required, the risk of spreading invasive non-native or injurious plant species is low. However, operatives may encounter such species within adjacent verges, so relevant toolbox talks will be included in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) to raise awareness.

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. 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 resurfacing 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 potentially unrecorded instances of invasive plants or injurious weeds in road verges throughout the works period; should any be identified in working areas, no works will take place within 7m of these areas until the BEAR Scotland Environment Team can provide further advice on additional mitigation measures.
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 Environment Team.
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.
Any artificial lighting used during periods of low light levels will be directional and will avoid spilling into sensitive areas and nearby habitat where possible.
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 is not located within a Geological Conservation Review Site (GCRS) or a geological SSSI. The proposed works involve the resurfacing of the existing carriageway.

As such, there is minimal risk of impacts to geology or soils. Standard good practice measures outlined in the SEMP as follows:

Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much 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 grass will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
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 road planings will treated in line with SEPA Low Risk Waste Activities (LRWA) 3 and be recycled in line with SEPA's WAS-G-DEF-05 Guidance for End-of-Waste for Recycled Aggregates under the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018.
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.
Coal tar will be appropriately processed in line with Transport Scotland’s Guidance Note on Dealing with Coal Tar Bound Arisings (Coal Tar Guidance). This will include:
Coal tar contaminated road planings will be classified as a Special Waste.
Special waste consignment notes (SWCN) will be obtained from SEPA to allow the movement of the contaminated planings.
All waste will be appropriately segregated, with coal tar contaminated planing being kept separate from uncontaminated planings.
Coal tar contaminated road planings will be transported by a registered waste carrier and be accompanied by a SEPA-issued consignment note or code. SEPA will be notified, at least 72 hours before and no longer than one month before, prior to Special Waste leaving site where the waste is being transported outwith Scotland. It will be sent to a facility that holds suitable EASR authorisations. Copies of consignment notes will be retained for a period of three years.
Waste will be transported in a safe and secure manner to prevent the release of contaminated material en-route.

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 scheme have the potential to generate noise and vibration through the use of plant, machinery, and construction vehicles. The closest residential property is located approximately 5m from the A86 with minimal existing acoustic screening. However, the works are not located within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA). The A86 River Spey Works will be completed over 3 nights on a rolling programme, with the A86 resurfacing being done over 7 nights along with civil works being conducted during 3 daytime shifts with the aim being to complete the noisiest works (e.g. planing) by 23:00. Works with the potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will also be intermittent, temporary, transient and short-lived. Due to the short duration 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 poor condition, with a series of defects. Replacing the life‑expired surface course with new surfacing will provide two positive benefits: improved road condition and a reduction in noise generated by vehicle movements once the works are complete.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

Local residents which are affected by the works will be notified in advance of the works, likely by a letter drop, which will contain details of the proposed timings and duration of the works, in addition to contact details for the Site Supervisor.
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.
The local authority (Highland Council) Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will be notified of the works.
On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to the local area.
All site staff will receive the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk.
Where possible and where works will take place within 300m of residential properties and other sensitive receptors, the noisiest work operations (e.g., cold milling, using breakers (jackhammers), chipping hammers, use of rollers, etc.) will be completed before 23:00.
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 have the potential to have temporary adverse impacts on local residents, vehicle travellers, and NMUs. TM for the A86 River Spey will consist of full A86 road closure with convoy amnesties accommodated by 2‑way TTL, along with junction control where required. TM for A86 MacPherson will consist of full A86 road closure with diversion via the A9 & A889 along with control of junctions where required. There are NMU facilities located within the scheme extent. However, access for NMUs within the scheme extents will be maintained and majority of the works are being undertaken at night when footfall and cyclist count is likely to be at its lowest.

Several residential properties are found within 300m of the scheme. The closest of these is located approximately 5m off the A86 northbound carriageway with no visual or acoustic screening. Although part of the works is being undertaken at night, potential for disturbance from noise, vibration and the additional construction lighting is limited. Disturbance to residents will be mitigated by the following measures; with these in place the risk of significant impacts on population and human health is considered to be low:

Notification will be issued to 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.
Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the TM to allow the safe passage of NMUs of all abilities through the site as 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:

No work has been identified that would require entering any surface waterbodies. If such a need were identified onsite, BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team will be contacted (before the works commence) to allow consideration of potential environmental effects.
Standard working practices to comply with Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and 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 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.
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 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 scheme 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 their Carbon Management Policy.
The works will utilise the use of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) for binder layer in favour of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA).
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 removed to a local waste management 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.

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