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 and the Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh MPA NC, which are sensitive areas 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, undertaken in two phases.
  • Works do not require any TM and will be located off-network.
  • The works will not alter the footprint of the A87 Skye 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.
  • 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 Skye Bridge spans a waterbody which forms part of several European designated sites, the HRA assessment (in consultation with NatureScot) concluded that works would not result in AESI for any of the marine/semi-aquatic features as designated under the various sites, and that activities would not result in LSE (and therefore would also not result in AESI) on the qualifying habitat features of Kinloch and Kyleakin Hills SAC.
  • Land use will not change as a result of the works.
  • The site compound (if required) 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.
  • 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.