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.

  • 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 scheme will be maintained in order to minimise emissions, as per manufacturing and legal requirements.
  • 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 out 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 much 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.

Landscape and visual effects

There is potential for minor, temporary adverse visual impacts to the local landscape during the construction phase due to presence of vehicles and machinery, littering, or obstructed views. However, proposed works will be restricted to A86 carriageway and land use will not change as a result of the works. In addition, 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.
  • The working area and site compound location will be appropriately reinstated following works.
  • Works will avoid encroaching on land and areas where work is not required or 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

Activities undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity as a result of an increased vehicle presence and the potential for disturbance to protected species and pollution of habitats.

The works are located within Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI, which is designated for geomorphological features. Refer to the Geology and Soils section below for assessment.

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. Any protected species in the area are likely to be accustomed to road noise on the A86 and the scheme is of a temporary nature with works undertaken during night-time hours. Therefore, with the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on biodiversity are considered to be low:

  • No significant dust, particulate matter, and exhaust emissions sources will be introduced by the works, and standard pollution prevention measures will be in place during works.
  • Works will be strictly limited to areas required for access and works. Unnecessary encroachment onto terrestrial or aquatic areas will not be tolerated.
  • Works undertaken within the SSSI will be highly localised, and will not involve any operations that are likely to damage the designated features of this site, as confirmed by NatureScot.
  • 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 will be reported to the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team.
  • Artificial lighting 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

The works are located within Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI, which is designated for geomorphological features. Operations requiring consent (ORC) for this site include the following:

  • 7: Dumping, spreading or discharge of any materials (except fertilisers, lime and manure).
  • 20: Extraction of minerals including sand and gravel, topsoil or sub-soil.
  • 21: Construction, removal or destruction of tracks, walls, fences, hardstands, banks, ditches, or other earthworks, or the laying, maintenance or removal of pipelines and cables, above or below ground.
  • 24: Modification of natural or man-made features.

The proposed construction works involve cutting of drainage material and discharge of this material onto the nearby verges. Consultation was undertaken via email with NatureScot which confirmed that works are not likely to damage the protected natural features of Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI, and therefore do not require consent from NatureScot to be carried out.

Although works include excavation, construction activities are restricted to the already engineered layers of the A86 carriageway and are not anticipated to have an adverse impact on geology and soils, or on the designation features of either Glen Roy and the Parallel Roads of Lochaber GCRS or Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI.

With the following mitigation measures in place, the likelihood of significant impacts on the geology and soils is low.

  • Clearance of drainage ditches will occur in existing channels only. Any new drainage grip excavation will be undertaken only as requried.
  • 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.
  • 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 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 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.
  • If the works encounter coal tar, then this 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.
  • All waste will be appropriately segregated, with coal tar contaminated planings 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 no less than three working days (72 hours) before and no longer than one month before, prior to Special Waste leaving site. Special Waste will be sent to a facility that holds suitable pollution prevention and control permits and waste management licences. 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 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 day-time working hours and will be temporary and only for a limited duration. 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.
  • 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 non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of vehicle noise and delays due to traffic management measures.

Works will be restricted to the A86 trunk road carriageway. Road users will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times. The works will be of short duration and will move progressively along the full individual scheme extents. With the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on population and human health is considered to be low:

  • Local residents will be notified in advance of any works; notification will include details of duration, timings, and any access restrictions likely to occur. Notification will include 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.
  • Where ancillary plant such as generators are required, they will be positioned so as to cause minimum noise disturbance.
  • 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 or tidal movements) 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:

  • Standard working practices to comply with The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (as amended) for works in or near water are detailed in the SEMP and will be adhered to on site.
  • The works will not entail any in-stream works outwith specific road drainage channels.
  • 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 mitigation requirements.
  • Storage of COSHH 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 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 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 the 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 removed to a local 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.

Major Accidents and Disasters

No risk of surface or river water flooding has been highlighted on the A86 carriageway within the area of works.

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 closures with a convoy system. Where required, alternative pedestrian/cyclist measures of passage will be included in the traffic management setup, to minimise impact of the works on NMUs.

These measures, along with mitigation measures and standard working practices, will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.

As the works will be limited to carriageway resurfacing with an improvement element, there will be no change in vulnerability of the road to risk, or in severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment. The vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and disasters is considered to be low.

Assessment of cumulative effects

The proposed works are not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects. Due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

A search of the Highland Council Planning Portal (Highland Council Planning Portal) identified no planning applications within 300m of the scheme.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner website (Scottish Road Works Online) has identified that no other roadworks are currently ongoing, or noted as being planned, on the A86 trunk road in proximity at the same time as this scheme.

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.