Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

During ducting works, there is potential for short-term negative impacts on air quality. Activities undertaken on site may cause emissions and particulate matter to be emitted to the atmosphere. However, considering the nature and small scale of the works as well as the following good practice measures, the risk of significant impacts to air quality is considered to be low.

All plant, machinery and vehicles associated with the scheme will be maintained to the appropriate standards and will switch engines off when not in use.
Material stockpiles will be reduced as much as reasonably practicable by using a ‘just in time’ delivery system. All material will also be stored on made ground (e.g. within the A87 carriageway boundary) and, where feasible, 10m away from potential pollution pathways such as drains and watercourses.
Materials will be removed from site as soon as is practical.
Good housekeeping will be employed throughout the work.

With the above good practice measures in place, the risk of significant effects on air quality during the construction phase is considered to be low and this receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Cultural heritage

The A87 Carrich Bridge itself is the only feature of cultural heritage within 200m of works. The A87 Carrich Bridge is listed on HER and NHRE databases but does not receive statutory protection. The risk of significant impacts to cultural heritage as a result of ducting works is considered to be low provided that the following good practice measures are in place.

There will be no parking of construction vehicles, placement of plant, or storage of materials adjacent to walls, buildings, or fences.
Should any unexpected archaeological evidence be discovered, works will stop temporarily in the vicinity and the BEAR Scotland Environment Team contacted for advice.
People, plant, and materials will, as much as is reasonably practicable, only be present on areas of made/engineered ground. Where access outwith these areas is required for the safe and effective completion of the scheme, it will be reduced as much as possible and ideally be limited to access on foot.

With the above good practice measures in place, the risk of significant effects on cultural heritage features during the construction phase is considered to be low and this receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Landscape and visual effects

Land use will not change as a result of the works, and no land take is required. However, there is potential for minor, temporary adverse impacts during ducting works as a result of damage to roadside verges, littering, or obstructed views due to vehicles and machinery. Considering the nature and small scale of works and with the following good practice measures in place, the risk of significant impacts to land is considered to be low.

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 not permitted. This includes general works, storage of equipment/containers and parking.
The site will be left clean and tidy following construction.

With the above good practice measures in place, the risk of significant effects on land during the construction phase is considered to be low and this receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Biodiversity

The proposed ducting works will take place on A87 Carrich Bridge, which spans Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh NC MPA and the Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC. The bridge is also adjacent to Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs SAC and Loch Carron NC MPA and lies approximately 2km north of Kinloch and Kyleakin Hills SAC. A HRA Proforma for various works on the A87 Carrich Bridge (which included these ducting works) was completed as part of the 10 year Marine Licence, and consultation with NatureScot was taken into account.

The HRA concluded that the proposed activities will not result in Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the qualifying habitats of Kinloch and Kyleakin Hills SAC. Although LSE on the qualifying feature within Kinloch and Kyleakin HIlls SAC and the qualifying features of Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC, Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs SAC, Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh MPA NC, and Loch Carron MPA NC could not be ruled out, it has been concluded that the proposed works will not result in Adverse Effects on Site Integrity (AESI) on these features provided that relevant mitigation measures are in place. The assessment considered standard working practices to comply with relevant legislation in the above conclusion.

There is suitable habitat for nesting birds present on site. If works will commence during the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive), checks for nesting birds will be carried out prior to works. All site staff will receive a toolbox talk on nesting birds prior to works commencing and will be informed to stop works if an active bird nest is identified in the nearby area. With these and the below good practice measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on nesting birds as a result of works is considered to be low.

A pre-construction survey will be carried out prior to works to identify any new active resting places in the vicinity of the bridge.
Toolbox talks will be provided to all site staff prior to works commencing.
Checks for nesting birds will be carried out prior works commencing.
If an active bird nest (e.g., eggs or young present, adult sitting on nest) is identified in the vicinity of works, all works within 30m must stop until the BEAR Scotland NW Environment Team can provide advice.
Where protected mammals are encountered or move within 50m of the active works, works will cease until the animal(s) move at least 50m away from the construction site or until the BEAR Scotland NW Environment Team can provide advice.
All material, machinery, and equipment will be subject to checks for resting mammals daily prior to any works commencing to prevent entrapment or injury of any mammals.
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 works to avoid mammals falling in and becoming trapped.
Suitable passage under the bridge will be maintained for the duration of works.
If fencing is utilised at any point during works, a gap of 200mm from ground level will be provided, allowing free passage for mammals and preventing entrapment.
Artificial lighting will be directed away from water bodies, coastline, vegetation, or other suitable habitat as much as is safe and reasonably practicable.

Based on the above consultation with NatureScot and survey data and provided that the above good practice measures and any additional mitigation measures identified (detailed in the SEMP) are adhered to during works, any impacts on the ‘Biodiversity’ receptor resulting from the proposed ducting works at A87 Carrich Bridge are expected to be minor, temporary, and not significant. This receptor is not considered further in the 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. With the following good practice measures in place, significant impacts on material assets are not anticipated as a result of works:

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.

During ducting works, there is potential for impacts as a result of the improper storage or disposal of waste. However, provided the following good practice measures are in place, the risk of significant impacts as a result of the works is considered to be low.

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.
Any special waste will be removed from site by a licenced waste carrier. Special waste will not be mixed with general waste and/or other recyclables.

With the above good practice measures in place, the risk of significant effects on the environment due to use of materials and waste produced during the construction phase is considered to be low and this receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Noise and vibration

During ducting works, activities undertaken on site may have temporary adverse impacts on road users as a result of vehicle noise and delays due to traffic management measures. The works are currently anticipated to take place overnight; however, the programme has not been finalised and works may be carried out during daylight hours. Considering the nature and small scale of the works and with the following good practice measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on population and human health is considered to be low.

There are no properties located within 300m of the scheme and the works will facilitate electricity provision to Otter Cottage, located 400m from the works.
The Best Practicable Means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and BS5228-1:2009+A1:2014 Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites, will be employed at all times during works.
If night works are required, the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) for Highland Council will be notified of works. Residents in the holiday cottage on Eilean Ban will also be consulted and provided with a 24-hour contact number for the BEAR Scotland Control Room.
On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to local sensitive receptors.
Good practice measures to reduce noise and vibration disturbance from works will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.

With the above good practice measures in place, the risk of significant effects on population and human health during the construction phase is considered to be low and this receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Population and human health

During ducting works, activities undertaken on site may have temporary adverse impacts on road users as a result of vehicle noise and delays due to traffic management measures. However, the works will be publicised to inform road users of construction dates and time. In addition, the works will move progressively along the full scheme extent.

Loss of electricity for Otter Cottage will likely occur during supply switch-over, however this will be temporary and highly limited, only occurring after completion of the ducting works. Residents will be notified in advance to further limit any disruption.

Considering the nature and small scale of the works and with the following good practice measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on population and human health is considered to be low.

There are no properties located within 300m of the scheme and the works will facilitate electricity provision to Otter Cottage, located 400m from the works.
Residents with affected electricity supply (i.e. Otter Cottage) will be notified in advance of any planned disruption to power supply.
A traffic management plan will be developed in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual (UK Government) to reduce disruption to vehicle travellers. Traffic management is required for safe access to the site and is expected to consist of a single lane closure that will be removed/reinstated at the end/start of each work shift.
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.
Traffic management will include appropriate provisions for non-motorised users (NMUs) of the road such as pedestrians and cyclists who may take longer than motorised vehicles to travel the length of the traffic management.
Good practice measures to reduce noise and vibration disturbance from works will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.

Road drainage and the water environment

Ducting works will not entail any in-water works; however, the A87 Carrich Bridge spans an area seaward of MHWS. A 10-year marine licence was granted by Marine Directorate in April 2025 (MS-00011008) which permits the ducting works, in addition to other anticipated maintenance works. This licence remains valid until April 2035.

As ducting works will not entail any in-water works, the potential for impacts on the water environment is limited to pollution due to loss of containment of the working area. However, works will either be carried out using a MEWP with underbridge extension capabilities or via a portable scaffold unit suspended over the side of the bridge. Both of these options will have containment measures in place (e.g., debris netting, sheeting) to prevent any loss of construction materials into the water environment. The new ducting will be bolted to existing channels in the soffit of the footway using mechanical fixings. Therefore, drilling into the concrete of the bridge is not required and concrete dust or other particular matter will not be created during works.

Standard working practices to comply with Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. These measures include the following:

All conditions of the marine licence (MS-00011008) issued by Marine Scotland will be complied with. A copy of the marine licence and variation will be retained on site and made available for inspection as required.
All conditions of SEPA’s General Binding Rules (GBRs) 7 and 9 will be adhered to during works (scot).
Pollution control measures will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site to prevent materials or pollutants entering the water environment.
The scheme will not entail any in-water works.
No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted and appropriate containment measures will be in place to prevent any loss of construction materials or pollutants into the water environment.
The subcontractor is required to produce an incident response plan for dealing with spills or environmental incidents. The incident response (contingency) plan will be put in place to minimise 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.
Standard good practice measures for working in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site for the duration of works.

With the above good practice measures and licences in place, the risk of significant effects on road drainage and the water environment during the construction phase is considered to be low and 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.
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 local waste management facilities.

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

The works will be programmed to avoid periods of adverse weather and heavy rainfall events as far as is reasonably practicable. There will be no change to the likelihood of flooding on the A87 within the scheme extents upon completion of the works.

Works are restricted to the hardstanding and structure of the A87 trunk road and Carrich bridge and TM will be designed in line with existing guidance. TM will consist of single lane closures with temporary traffic lights. Local residents will be notified of working hours and provided with appropriate contact information. Pedestrians or other NMUs will be accommodated within the TM setup where applicable.

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which includes measures to avoid or reduce disruption to road traffic, will be produced in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (Department of Transport 2009). The TMP will ensure that there is no severance of community assets, access routes or residential development.

These measures along with mitigation measures and 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

A search of the Highland Council Planning Portal showed two planning applications for minor changes (change of use, and erection of a roof porch) to properties within the settlements of Kyle of Lochalsh (approximately 1km east of the scheme) and Kyleakin (approximately 1km south of the scheme) (Highland Council Planning Portal). No other planning applications have been noted.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner website (Map Search) has identified that no other roadworks are currently ongoing, or noted as being planned, on the A87 trunk road at the same time as this scheme. Due to the 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.

Considering the small scale of the proposed ducting works at A87 Carrich Bridge, the risk of in-combination or cumulative impacts on environmental receptors in regard to the above proposed projects is low.

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