Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

The impacts and mitigation below cover both the A3 and A4 sites as they are the same at each location.

Air quality

Impacts

The following activities associated with the proposed works may temporarily impact local air quality:

The works (including breaking ground and excavating) may emit dust and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
Increased HGV and construction plant presence may also contribute to short-term emissions. TM will likely cause congestion and elevated traffic-related emissions during the works.

The completed scheme will not result in any changes to traffic flow characteristics post-construction (composition, speed or flows), with any quality impacts expected to be localised, and short-term and limited to the construction period.

Mitigation

The following best practice as outlined in the Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction (2024) published by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM), which includes the following mitigation relevant to this scheme will be followed:
The site layout will be planned (including plant, vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM)) so that machinery and dust causing activities are located away from receptors, as far as reasonably practicable;
Materials that have a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, unless being re-used on site (stockpiles will be covered or fenced to prevent wind whipping);
Cutting, grinding or sawing equipment will be fitted or used in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques such as water sprays or local extraction, e.g. suitable local exhaust ventilation systems;
Drop heights from conveyors and other loading or handling equipment will be minimised;
Vehicles carrying wastes and materials will be covered when entering and leaving the work area to prevent escape of materials during transport;
Equipment will be readily available on site to clean any dry spillages and spillages will be cleaned up as soon as reasonably practicable after the event using wet cleaning methods; and
When not in use, plant, vehicles and NRMMs will be switched off and there will be no idling vehicles.
Plant, vehicles and NRMM will be regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems to ensure such fuel operated equipment is not generating excessive fumes.
Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning will be undertaken prior to works.
Where possible, materials will be sourced locally.
Surfaces will be swept where loose material remains following planing.

The residual significance of effects is not considered significant and does not warrant any further assessment in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 105: Air Quality.

Landscape and visual effects

Impacts

No constant visual receptors of the scheme have been identified, due to mature vegetation providing natural screening and the general landscape arrangement also providing natural screening.

Transient visual receptors include road users (motorists and public transport users) travelling along the scheme extents who will experience brief and intermittent views of the scheme.

No residual landscape or visual impacts are anticipated post-construction, including the National Park as the replacement of VMS and associated infrastructure will not introduce any new landscape changes, or alter the distinctiveness, quality or character of the surrounding landscape.

Mitigation

All areas impacted by the works will be fully reinstated to their original condition, ensuring no long-term visual effects on the surrounding landscape and National Park.
Plant/machinery/materials will be stored in unobtrusive areas when not in use and will not be stored on grass verges.
The site will be left clean and tidy throughout, and following the works, with appropriate storage and stockpiling of materials and waste to minimise the potential visual impact.

In accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects, no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

An HRA has been undertaken and concluded that there will be no Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the River Spey SAC, and the Kinveachy Forest SAC and SPA. There are no direct impacts or significant effect pathways anticipated for the qualifying interest of the European Sites. The qualifying interest is confined to the extents of the European sites, and there is a physical separation where the works are to be confined within the extents of the existing carriageway boundary. Air pollution risks will be appropriately minimised by standard pollution and noise and vibration controls. As well as no long-term disturbance to key habitats, no habitat or species fragmentation will occur and no reduction in species density as a result of the scheme.

The proposed works have the potential to disturb foraging and/or commuting mammals within the area. Works will not impact nesting birds within the area as works are taking place out with bird nesting season. If for any reason works are delayed then there is potential for nesting birds to be impacted.

Increase in nighttime noise could potentially result in temporary disturbance for nocturnal species if active in proximity of the works. Temporary lighting for the works may affect the foraging or commuting routes of nocturnal protected species which may be active in the surrounding area.

Mitigation

If a protected species is seen in or near the scheme, all works will be stopped until the animal passes by. The Environment team will be contacted for any guidance if required, and the control room will be contacted for environmental record.
If works are required within nesting bird season and are expected to damage any tree or scrub species, then nesting bird checks are required. Nesting bird checks will be undertaken within 48 hours prior to any vegetation clearance works taking place. If works are delayed such that more than 48 hours has passed since the nesting bird check took place, then an update nesting bird check will be required. If any active nests are identified, then a 5m buffer (or as defined by the site ecologist, depending on the species present and site conditions) will be set around the nest and vegetation clearance works stopped within this buffer until an ecologist has determined that the nest has become inactive (which may take up to six weeks depending on the bird species present).
When in use, any artificial light will be directional and directed at the area of works as far as reasonably practicable, reducing any light spill into the wider surroundings, and potentially sensitive habitat (e.g. woodland/structures).
No vehicles, machinery or materials will be parked/stored on any soft verges.
Effects from noise will be kept to a minimum through the use of appropriate mufflers and silencers fitted to machinery. All exhaust silencers will be checked at regular intervals to ensure efficiency.
The noisiest works will be scheduled for before 11:00pm if feasible.
Operatives will avoid extraneous noise whilst on site and will be briefed using Noise and Vibration briefing.
General mammal protection measures will be implemented throughout the scheme extents to safeguard mammals that may be using the proposed works sites:
- Equipment will be started up gradually to slow increase levels of noise and vibrations onsite, as sudden noises can be more disturbing.
- Where equipment can be used with hoods, doors or sleeves to reduce noise levels, these will be used wherever possible.
- Consideration will be given to where spoil is stored, mammal proof fencing will be considered if spoil is to be stored on site for long periods of time.
- No equipment will be stored in suitable mammal habitat.

On the condition that the above mitigation measures and best practice are adhered to, the residual effect on local biodiversity is considered not significant.

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 108: Biodiversity, no further assessment is required.

Geology and soils

Impacts

Excavation works have the potential to result in minor, localised soil disturbance. Exposed soils may be vulnerable to accidental pollution incidents through spillage of fuels or oils. The use of plant and machinery within the verge such as excavators may result in limited soil compaction, affecting soil structure and permeability within the immediate working area.

No deep excavations are proposed; however, shallow ground disturbance associated with foundation reuse, minor excavation, and installation of cabinets, ducting or posts may interact with previously disturbed ground.

No operational impacts on geology and soils are anticipated as the scheme will not have any ongoing effects or disturbance to geology or soils.

Mitigation

Vehicles and materials will not be stored or parked on grass verges where possible. Where damage occurs, the reinstatement of the grass verge will be carried out.
Excavation of soils will be kept to a minimum and only where necessary, with any excavated soils being re-used on site as far as reasonably practicable. 
Excavated soils if stored on site will be appropriately contained/covered and protected from the elements. 
Spill kits will be present on site, and all operatives will be fully trained in their use.
Any fuel, oil and other chemicals required for use will be stored securely with drip trays used appropriately and stored under any chemical or fuel containers.
If any unusual odours or soil colourations are identified during the works, the works will cease, and the environmental team will be notified.

On the condition that the above mitigation measures and best practice are adhered to, the residual effect on geology and soils is considered not significant.

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 109: Geology and Soils, no further assessment is required.

Material assets and waste

Impacts

The scheme will require relatively small quantities of materials, which is not anticipated to put pressure on regional material supply chains or resource availability.

Excavation works will generate small volumes of soil, and where this is not possible to be used as backfill, it will require appropriate off-site disposal.

The improper handling of waste may result in localised impacts such as contamination of verges and soil.

Mitigation

The Contractor will comply with all ‘Duty of Care’ requirements, ensuring that any surplus materials or wastes are stored, transported, treated, used, and disposed of safely without endangering human health or harming the environment. All waste transfer notes and/or waste exemption certificates will also be completed and retained.
Materials will be derived from recycled, secondary or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions.
All waste will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, under the relevant SEPA waste authorisation for recovery, reuse or disposal.
Waste will be transferred to SEPA-authorised facilities by carriers with valid waste carrier registration. A waste transfer note (WTN) will be completed for removal of waste from site and retained for two years, in line with statutory Duty of Care requirements.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on material assets and waste is considered to be not significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 110: Material Assets and Waste, no further assessment is required.

Noise and vibration

Impacts

Construction activities, including excavation, breaking ground and the use of excavators and other plant and vehicles may generate temporary increases in noise and vibration, affecting surrounding NSRs. TM may also contribute to short-term increases in noise associated with congestion, however, such effects will be brief and limited to the construction period.

Post-construction, no adverse noise or vibration impacts are anticipated. The works will not change traffic speed or flows, and ambient noise levels are expected to return to pre-construction conditions.

Mitigation

Impacts from noise will be kept to a minimum through the use of appropriate mufflers and silencers fitted to machinery. All exhaust silencers will be checked at regular intervals to ensure efficiency.
Plant and machinery will be switched off when not in use to reduce noise disruptions to the surrounding environment.
Engine exhaust and vent silencers will be used where possible.
The noisiest works will be scheduled for before 11:00pm where feasible.
‘Soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to avoid disturbance.
The delivery of materials to the scheme extents will be made during daytime and early evening hours were reasonably practicable, to reduce noise associated by traffic.
Operatives will avoid extraneous noise whilst onsite and will be briefed using the Amey Noise and Vibration environmental briefing.
Pre-notification of the works through appropriate signage, and/or social media to inform local residents and road users of the upcoming works.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, and due to the works being of a minor, temporary, transient nature, no significant effects are predicted for noise and vibration. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration and no further assessment is required.

Population and human health

Impacts

Construction activities may cause short-term disruption to road users through temporary TM, noise, and delays. Impacts are not anticipated to be significant, and furthermore, no full road closures or diversion routes will be required to facilitate the works.

Human health determinants such as noise, and air quality will likely experience temporary increases, however, due to the nature and scale of the works no discernible health impact is expected.

Mitigation

Local residents and road users will be informed of the proposed working schedule, in particular the times and durations of the works through a pre-construction notice of the works and journey planning via social media and/or on approach to scheme extents.
Artificial site lighting will be directional and pointed away from residential properties.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects associated with Population and Human Health are predicted.

Road drainage and the water environment

Impacts

Potential impacts on the water environment are anticipated to be limited, temporary and managed through best practice measures as all works are to occur within the carriageway boundary and involve replacements to existing VMS and associated infrastructure to kerbing and a footway.

There is potential for short-term risk of accidental pollution from fuels, oils and other contaminants associated with plant, machinery and materials entering surface runoff, drainage systems and eventually surface watercourses. However, as there are no in-water works, no abstraction or transfers of water from, or discharges to a waterbody. The scheme lies within a groundwater DWPA, however, as the works are limited to existing engineered layers, involving and shallow excavations within the grass verge, the potential for impacts on groundwater quality or mobilisation of contaminants is limited.

In the event of a flooding incident, debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage having a detrimental effect on the surrounding local water environment.

Mitigation

Best practice, as detailed by SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP5 and PPG6), will always be followed onsite. This will ensure that any potential debris/spills are not allowed to enter road drainage unchecked.
Appropriate measures will be implemented onsite to prevent any potential pollution to the natural water environment (e.g. debris, dust and hazardous substances). This will include, but will not be limited to, spill kits being present onsite at all times, and the use of funnels and drip trays when transferring fuel, and utilisation of drain covers/shielding boards.
Any pollution incidences will be reported to the Amey control room.
Operatives will conduct regular checks of the work site, especially in periods of heavy wind and rainfall.
All debris which has the potential to be suspended in surface water and wash into the local water environment will be cleaned from the site following the works.
Bunds will be provided around drums up to 205 litres with a buffer of 25% of their capacity, and around bulk storage to a capacity of 110% of the stored fuel/oil.
All plant and fuel storage at the site compound will be located on hardstanding and sited more than 10m from any watercourse.
All oils and fuels will be returned to storage area after use.
Weather reports will be monitored prior to and during all construction activities. In the event of adverse weather/flooding events, all activities will temporarily stop, and only reconvene when deemed safe to do so, and when run-off/drainage can be adequately controlled to prevent pollution.
Concrete curing for foundations will be protected/covered from precipitation to prevent runoff contamination.
Mixing of concrete on site will be undertaken >10m from watercourses and surface water drainage systems.
No washout from concrete mixing will enter the water environment and will be taken off site for appropriate treatment.
Site staff will be briefed using the Water Pollution Prevention Toolbox Talk.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs), no significant effects are predicted on the water environment. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 113: Road drainage and the water environment no further assessment is required.

Climate

Impacts

GHG emissions will be generated through the use of machinery, vehicles, and materials (both recycled and virgin) required for the scheme, as well as through transportation to and from the site.

Mitigation

Local suppliers will be used as far as reasonably practicable to reduce travel time and GHG emitted as part of the works.
Waste disposal will be directed to local licensed facilities.
Vehicles/plant will not be left on when not in use to minimise and prevent unnecessary emissions.
Further actions and considerations for this scheme are detailed in the above Material Assets and Waste section.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are anticipated on Climate. Therefore, in line with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

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