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) exceed 1 hectare in area, and are situated in whole or in part in the Inner Clyde Ramsar and SPA which are sensitive areas within the meaning of regulation 2(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999.

The projects have 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:

  • All works are restricted to the existing structure of Erskine Bridge.
  • The works seek to maintain the structural integrity of the Bridge and improve its safety to prevent future deterioration of the structure. Thus, minimising the extent of future works required to the Bridge.
  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, not significant and limited to the construction phase.
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be low.

Location of the scheme:

  • The works are taking place above the Inner Clyde Ramsar, SPA and SSSI. An AA has been undertaken for the works.
  • The Bridge is recorded as a ‘Category A’ listed building. As the works will not result in any material or significant visual changes to the structure and as such Listed Building consent is therefore not required prior to works commencing.
  • Land use will not change as a result of the works.
  • The works do not require any private land acquisition.
  • The scheme does not lie within any sites designated for geology or soils.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

  • The waste hierarchy will be followed to reduce waste to landfill. Measures will also be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • Any potential impacts to walkers or cyclists will be temporary, short-term, and limited to the duration of each works activity.
  • There is no change to the vulnerability of the road to the risk or severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.
  • No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of the works.