Statement of case in support of a Determination that a statutory EIA is not required

Both schemes are relevant projects in terms of section 55A(16) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, as they are projects for the improvement of a road safety and are both located within 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.

These projects have 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.

These projects will not have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as:

Characteristics of the scheme:

  • Construction activities are restricted to the approximate 1.28ha combined area of existing carriageway boundary.
  • The works will be temporary, localised, and completed during day-time hours.
  • The works will be like-for-like in nature and will be restricted to the existing A86 carriageway, and as such there will be no residual change to the local landscape as a result of the works.
  • Changes to the local landscape during the construction phase will be minor, temporary and not considered significant. In addition, no operational impacts are anticipated.
  • Containment measures of the working area will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.
  • By removing the carriageway defects this will provide this part of the A86 carriageway with another life cycle, and significantly improve the ride quality, which will result in safer conditions for road users.

Location of the scheme:

  • The works will be restricted to the upper layers of the existing A86 carriageway and as such will have no impact to the features for which the Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI or Glen Roy and the Parallel Roads of Lochaber GCRS is designated.
  • The scheme will be confined within the existing carriageway boundary and as a result will not require any land take or alter any local land uses.
  • The site compound (if required) will be located on made ground.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • NatureScot have confirmed that the 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
  • Any potential adverse 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.
  • The SEMP will include plans to address environmental incidents.
  • No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of works. The works are expected to result in residual beneficial effects for NMUs in the area in the operational phase, due to improved safety features of the crossing.
  • 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.