Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

During the construction phase of works, activities undertaken on site have the potential to cause minor localised and temporary air quality impacts in proximity to the works. The primary sources of pollutants are likely to be dust generated by the road planing works, in addition to exhaust emissions from vehicles and ancillary plant. Subsequently, there are potential emissions of dust, particulate matter and exhaust emissions into the atmosphere.

However, taking into account the following mitigation measures, the risk of significant air quality impacts is considered to be low.

  • A water-assisted dust sweeper will sweep the carriageway after dust-generating activities, and waste will be contained and removed from site as soon as is practicable.
  • Materials that have a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible.
  • Ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM will have been regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems and be switched off when stationary to prevent exhaust emissions (e.g., there will be no idling vehicles).
  • Cutting, grinding, and sawing equipment (if required) will be fitted or used in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques e.g., local exhaust ventilation system that fits directly onto tools.
  • Where practicable, if powered generators are required, the use of mains electricity or battery powered ancillary plant will be considered in place of diesel or petrol alternatives.
  • Regular monitoring (e.g., by engineer or Clerk of Works) will take place when activities that can generate air pollution are occurring. In the unlikely event that high levels of air pollution are emanating from the site, the operation will, where practicable, be modified and re-checked to verify that the corrective action has been effective. Actions to be considered include: (a) minimising cutting and grinding on-site, (b) reducing the operating hours, (c) changing the method of working, etc.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any effects to air quality associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Landscape and visual effects

There will be a temporary, short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the site due to the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and TM. However, works will be restricted to the A9 carriageway boundary and will be limited to the like-for-like replacement of the carriageway surface. Following completion of the works, the new road surface will be the only discernible changes. The works are of short duration and will be undertaken on a rolling programme.

Land use will not change as a result of the works, and no obvious residual change to the visual amenity of the local landscape is anticipated. However, the National Park Authority will be notified, and additional mitigation measures will be incorporated where required.

In addition, the following mitigation measures will be put in place during works:

  • Throughout all stages of the works, the sites 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.
  • Where applicable, upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
  • The sites will be left clean and tidy following construction.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any landscape and visual effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Biodiversity

The ‘Roads and Bridges Maintenance Activities within the Drumochter Hills, River Spey and River Spey - Insh Marshes European Sites, Highland Region’ HRA has been completed in 2023 which covers a variety of maintenance activities, including resurfacing schemes.

In line with the HRA, the proposed maintenance activities are not expected to result in Likely Significant Effects on the qualifying features of the Drumochter Hills SAC or Drumochter Hills SPA. The works would be highly localised to the section of the A9, with the works taking two nights to complete. No works are proposed within the SAC or the SPA boundaries, which are separated from the A9 by a buffer of undesignated land. Consequently, no direct effects are anticipated on the qualifying habitats or typical species of the SAC, nor on the qualifying features, their supporting habitats, or food resources within the SPA.

Additionally, The HRA covers the River Spey SAC, concluding that there is no potential for the proposed works to result in Likely Significant Effects on its qualifying features. No works will take place within the boundary of the SAC and no in-water works are required; as such, no direct impacts will occur. Given the minor and localised nature of the works, the lack of requirement for in-water works and adherence to good practice measures for pollution prevention, no risk of significant pollution impacts to the watercourse or nearby feeding grounds was identified. During the construction phase, there will be a temporary use of artificial lighting and localised increase in noise. This is unlikely to significantly impact the qualifying features of the SAC due to the short-term nature of the works and the implementation of best practice measures.

The habitat surrounding the works indicates the potential for presence of protected mammal species. However, works are restricted to the A9 carriageway and the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required onsite is low given the scale and scope of works.

The ECS completed in August 2026 identified rosebay willowherb and common ragwort along the A9 verges within the scheme. There are no earthworks or vegetation clearance associated with the scheme and the scheme does not require permanent (or temporary) land-take, accommodation works, site clearance or locally gained resources, with no requirement to import topsoil. Additionally, as per the NW Annual Landscape Management Plan, any invasive or injurious flowering plant species within the trunk road corridor is treated by cultural methods and/or chemical weed control. As such, there is limited potential to spread or introduce INNS, invasive native perennials, or injurious flowering plant species. 

Taking into account the following mitigation measures, the risk of significant impacts to Biodiversity is considered to be low.

  • No in-water works will be permitted. Works will be limited to areas required for access and works. Unnecessary encroachment onto terrestrial or aquatic areas will not be tolerated.
  • No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted. Measures will be implemented to protect the aquatic environment and are detailed in Section: Road Drainage and the Water Environment.
  • All site workers will have received adequate training relevant to their role prior to working on the site, including specific environmental inductions and ‘toolbox talks’ as required, which will be included in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP).
  • Site personnel will remain vigilant for protected species and will not approach or touch any animals seen on site. Any sightings of protected species will be reported to BEAR’s Environmental Team. Should a protected species be encountered or move within 50m of the active works (including laydown areas), works will be temporarily halted until the animal(s) move at least 50m away from the construction site, or until BEAR’s Environmental Team can provide advice.
  • The Contractor will employ ‘soft-start’ techniques for all noisy activity to avoid sudden and unexpected disturbance during works. Each time the activity is started up after a period of inactivity, the noise levels will be gradually increased over a period of 30 minutes to permit animals (including birds) to move away from the disturbance.
  • Where possible, artificial lighting used during low light levels will be sufficiently screened and aligned so as to ensure that there is no direct illumination of neighbouring habitat (e.g., locations adjacent to tree shelterbelt, woodland, waterbody etc.) to ensure minimal impact on nocturnal species.
  • All equipment stored onsite will be checked at the start of each workday to ensure mammal species are not present. Any storage containers/plant will also be secured when not in use to prevent exploration by mammal species. Any areas where an animal could become trapped (e.g., storage containers) will also be covered when not in use, to avoid mammals falling in.
  • People, ancillary plant, vehicles, NRMM and materials will be restricted to areas of made/engineered ground (as much as is reasonably practicable). If during works unforeseen access to the surrounding environment is required, works will cease in this area and BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team will be contacted to allow consideration of potential environmental effects.
  • BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team will be contacted to allow consideration of potential environmental effects if:
    • Unforeseen site clearance is required.
    • Unplanned works must be undertaken out with the carriageway boundary.
    • There is any deviation from the agreed plan, programme and/or method of working.
  • BEAR Scotland’s Control Room will be contacted if there is a pollution incident.
  • Guidance on working with INNS will be detailed in the SEMP and followed by all on-site personnel.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any biodiversity effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Geology and soils

The scheme extents lies within 30m of the Drumochter Hills SSSI (Site code: 541), which is designated for Fluvial Geomorphology of Scotland. During the construction phase, there is a potential for accidental pollution incidents for example, fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, or bitumen spills.

Additionally, the construction phase will require a range of ancillary plant, vehicles and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) which present the potential to compact soils if placed outside engineered ground. However, works are confined to the existing A9 carriageway and do not involve disturbance of geological strata, superficial deposits, or geomorphological features due to their nature, particularly considering the lack of ditching or excavation works.

Taking into account the following mitigation measures, the risk of significant impacts to Geology and Soils is considered to be low.

  • The parking of machinery/ vehicles and storage of equipment on road verges/un-made ground will be minimised as far as reasonably possible.
  • Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much as is possible.
  • Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
  • Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in ‘Road Drainage and the Water Environment’ will be adhered to during construction.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any geology and soils effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Material assets and waste

There is potential for adverse impacts to material assets and waste during the construction phase as a result of resource depletion through use and transportation of new materials. However, materials will be sourced locally where possible and the following mitigation measures will be put in place:

  • 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 disposal of unused materials.
  • Where possible, minimal packaging will be requested on required deliveries to reduce unnecessary waste and production of packaging materials.

There is potential for impacts during works as a result of the improper storage or disposal of waste. The following mitigation measures will be put in place: 

  • The waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Dispose) will be employed throughout the construction works.
  • All waste stored on site will be adequately protected against the elements.
  • 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 road planings will be managed in accordance with SEPA Position Statement WAS-PS-07 (LRWA 3) and recycled in line with SEPA Guidance WAS-G-DEF-05 on End-of-Waste for Recycled Aggregates. The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with these requirements.
  • 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.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any material assets and waste effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Noise and vibration

Activities undertaken on site could potentially have some localised and short-term noise impacts in proximity to the works. The road works will, for example, require a range of ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM for cold milling in preparation for carriageway resurfacing. Noise may also be generated by using breakers (jackhammers), chipping hammers, use of rollers, etc. As a result, there is potential for adverse noise and vibration impacts. There are no residential or commercial properties located within 300m of the scheme and it is not located within a CNMA. Additionally, works will move progressively along the scheme extent and will be of a short duration. Therefore, works with the potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will be intermittent, temporary, transient and short-lived.

The current conditions of the A9 within the scheme extents is in poor condition with a series of defects. Replacing the life-expired surface course introduces benefits of reduced mid-to-high frequency traffic noise and reduced ground vibrations. Consequently, post-works, noise associated with the movement of vehicles on the A9 should decrease.

With the following mitigation measures in place the impact is expected to be low.

  • The Highland Council Environmental Health Officer will be informed of night-works.
  • The Best Practicable Means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, will be employed at all times to reduce noise to a minimum.
  • On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to local sensitive receptors.
  • All site staff will receive the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk.
  • The noisiest works (e.g. planing) will be programmed to be completed by 23.00 where possible.
  • Where possible, inherently quiet plant will be selected for construction works.
  • All site personnel will be fully briefed in advance of works regarding the need to minimise noise during works and of the site-specific sensitivities.
  • Drop heights from vehicles and NRMM will be kept to a minimum to minimise noise when unloading.
  • All plant, machinery and vehicles will be switched off when not in use.
  • All plant will be operated in such a way that minimises noise emissions and will have been maintained regularly to the appropriate standards.
  • Where fitted, and where permitted under Health and Safety requirements, white noise reversing alarms will be utilised during construction.
  • Where ancillary plant such as generators are required, they will be positioned so as to cause minimum noise disturbance. Where deemed necessary, acoustic screens will be utilised.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any noise and vibration effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Population and human health

During the construction the phase, site activities have the potential to have temporary adverse impacts on vehicle travellers and Non-Motorised Users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence and associated noise and delays associated with TM measures. The works will require a single lane closure and operate a convoy system with three-way TTLs to allow the flow of traffic. The medium-to-high average daily traffic count on the A9 at the scheme extent, suggest the potential for temporary (but minor) adverse impacts to the vehicle travellers and access to Dalwhinnie via the A889. However, the works will be undertaken at night time (19:00 – 06:00), when traffic is at its lowest.

No significant congestion issues are noted during the proposed construction hours; however, increased journey times may occur due to TM measures. Road users will be informed of the works through a media release which will provide details of construction dates and times.

There is no requirement for land take or and / or use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

With the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on population and human health is considered to be low:

  • Notification will be issued to local residents and local public transport operators prior to the commencement of works, advising of any proposed works and expected restrictions.
  • Local access will be granted where required.
  • Construction lighting will consider the need to avoid illuminating the surrounding environment to avoid a nuisance at night; and non-essential lighting will be switched off when not required.
  • The works are currently programmed as night-works. The works schedule and any changes to this will be communicated to local residents and the Local Authority prior to and throughout the programme.
  • Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the works area to allow the safe passage of NMUs of all abilities through the site (if required).
  • 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.

Taking into account the nature, duration and scale of the works and the good site practice measures to be adopted during the works (outlined in the SEMP), it is anticipated that any population and human health effects associated with the works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Road drainage and the water environment

During the construction phase of works, there is potential for temporary adverse impacts on the water environment. Potential changes to water quality e.g. from pollution events (either by accidental spillage of sediments, particulate matter, chemicals, fuels or by mobilisation of these in surface water caused by rain) present the potential for direct or indirect impacts to nearby watercourses, particularly given the works proximity to the River Spey SAC (NatureScot Site Code: 8365).

No in-water works will take place and there is no requirement for the abstraction or transfers of water from, or discharges to, a waterbody. In addition, standard containment measures will be in place. As such, the potential for a direct pollution incident within a waterbody is unlikely; experience gained from BEAR maintenance schemes elsewhere on the network has shown that where standard best working practice is adopted (e.g., adherence to SEPA good practice guidance), water quality is protected.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place to reduce the risk of pollution incidents as a result of the works:

  • No in-water works or discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted.
  • Standard working practices to comply with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) 2018 for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.
  • Appropriate containment measures will be in place to prevent any loss of construction materials into the water environment.
  • Appropriate measures will be implemented during resurfacing operations to limit the potential for wastes (i.e. road planings) and materials (i.e. new asphalt) to enter any gullies present on site. On completion of resurfacing operations, any gullies present on site will be visually checked to ensure that they have not become blocked as a result of the works.
  • An incident response (contingency) plan will be put in place to reduce 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.
  • All spills will be logged and reported. In the event of any spills into the water environment, all works will stop and the incident will be reported to the project manager and the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team. SEPA will be informed of any such incident as soon as possible using the SEPA Pollution Hotline.
  • All plant and equipment will be regularly inspected for any signs of damage and leaks. A checklist will be present to make sure that the checks have been carried out.
  • Storage of hazardous material, oil and fuel containers will be distanced more than 10m away from any watercourses.
  • If required, a designated refuelling area will be identified. Fuel bowsers will be stored on an impermeable area and be fully bunded. This will be distanced more than 10m from any watercourses.
  • During refuelling of smaller mobile plant, a funnel will be used, and drip trays will be in place. Care will be taken to reduce the chance of spillages. Spill kits will be quickly accessible to capture any spills should they occur. The ground / stone around the site of a spill will be removed, double bagged and taken off site as special waste.
  • Generators and static plant may have the potential to leak fuel and / or other hydrocarbons and will have bunding with a capacity of 110%. If these are not bunded then drip trays will also be supplied beneath the equipment with a capacity of 110%.
  • All storage of hazardous materials utilised on site is required to undergo assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. These assessment(s) will contain a section on environment which highlights any precautions and mitigation requirements.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any road drainage and the water environment effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Climate

Construction activities associated with the proposed scheme works have the potential to cause localised air quality impacts as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases by vehicles and machinery, material use and production and transportation of materials to and from site. However, considering the nature, short-term duration, size and scale of the works, the risk of significant impacts to climate are considered to be low.

The mitigation measures detailed below will be put in place.

  • BEAR Scotland will adhere to its Carbon Management Policy.
  • If appropriate, warm mix asphalt will be used.
  • Local contractors and suppliers will be used as far as practicable to reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions 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.