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

This is a relevant project in terms of section 55A(16) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 as it is a project for the improvement of a road and the completed works (together with any area occupied by apparatus, equipment, machinery, materials, plant, spoil heaps, or other such facilities or stores required during the period of construction) are situated in whole or in part in Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC which is a sensitive area within the meaning of regulation 2(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999.

The project has been subject to screening using the Annex III criteria to determine whether a formal Environmental Impact Assessment 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.

The project will not have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as:

Characteristics of the scheme:

  • The total working area is less than 1 ha.
  • The works will be temporary, localised, and short-term.
  • Works are currently programmed to be completed during night-time hours, when the traffic count is at its lowest levels.
  • The works will not damage or alter the footprint of the A87 Carrich Bridge.
  • Containment 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.
  • A pre-construction survey will be undertaken and pre-construction nesting bird checks will be undertaken if works will commence during the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive).
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.

Location of the scheme:

  • Although the works lie within the boundary of Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC, and also have connectivity to other designated sites, the HRA concluded that the proposed activities will not result in LSE on the qualifying habitats of Kinloch and Kyleakin Hills SAC, and would also not result in AESI on 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.
  • The scheme is located in a relatively rural area distant from businesses and residential properties.
  • Land use will not change as a result of the works.
  • The site compound will be located on made ground.
  • The works will not result in altered views from the A87, and minor impacts to view during the construction phase will be temporary and short-term.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, and limited to the construction phase.
  • A 10 year marine licence (MS-00011008) for A87 Carrich Bridge was granted by Marine Directorate in April 2025 which permits the ducting works, in addition to the maintenance works included in the original marine licence. This licence remains valid until April 2035.
  • 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.

Good practice measures detailed above and, in the SEMP, will ensure no significant negative impacts on sensitive receptors.