Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Construction activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to temporarily cause local air quality impacts. The main sources are likely to be dust generated by excavation for installation of the VRS and bridge parapets, as well as exhaust emissions from ancillary plant and vehicles. As a result, there is potential for dust, particulate matter, and exhaust emissions to be emitted to the atmosphere. However, taking into account the nature and scale of the works and the following mitigation measures, the risk of significant impacts to air quality are considered to be low.

Materials that have potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, and vehicles that remove waste from site will have sheeted covers.
Ancillary plant, vehicles, and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) will have been regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems.
Ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM will 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.
Regular monitoring (e.g., engineer or Clerk of Works) will take place when activities generating air pollution are occurring. In the unlikely event that unacceptable 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 operating hours, (c) changing the method of working, etc.
All delivery vehicles carrying material with dust potential will be covered when travelling to or leaving the site, preventing the spread of dust beyond the work area.
Material stockpiles will be reduced as far as is reasonably practicable by using a ‘just in time’ delivery system. All material will also be stored on made ground.
Any stockpiled material on site will be monitored daily to ensure no risks of dust emissions exists.
Materials will be removed from site as soon as is practicable.
Good housekeeping will be employed throughout the work.

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

Cultural heritage

No works are required adjacent to or within the footprint of the noted scheduled monument or listed building. As standard, the following good practice measures will be in place to reduce the risk of impacts to existing and undiscovered features of cultural heritage interest:

There will be no storage of vehicles, plant, or materials against any buildings, walls or fences.
Should any unexpected archaeological evidence be discovered, works will stop temporarily in the vicinity and the BEAR Scotland Environment Team contacted for advice.
Historic Environment Scotland will be consulted with as required, in the event of any discovery/exposure of suspected archaeological features.
People, plant, and materials will, as much as is reasonably practicable, only be present on areas of made / engineered ground. Access required out with these areas will be reduced as much as is reasonably practicable and will utilise as few access points/tracks as possible.

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

Landscape and visual effects

There will be a short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the site as a result of the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and TM. However, people, ancillary plant, vehicles, NRMM and materials are restricted to areas of made/engineered ground on the A9, and the works are programmed to be of short duration (4 weeks). As such, the visual impact of the works will be minimal.

Upon completion of the works, replaced VRS and bridge barriers will be the only change, which is expected to have a positive impact on the local landscape.

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

Throughout all stages of the works, the site will be kept clean and tidy, with materials, equipment, plant and wastes appropriately stored, minimising 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 site 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 A9 spans the River Almond which forms part of the River Tay SAC; therefore, a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) was produced to assess the risk of potential effects on the SAC. The HRA concluded that the proposed works will not result in Adverse Effects on Site Integrity (AESI) on the qualifying features.

Activities undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the area as a result of potential for disturbance to protected species and pollution of habitats. However, works are restricted to the A9 carriageway and its immediate verges which is considered to be of low intrinsic biodiversity value, and no signs of protected species were noted during pre-construction ecological surveys. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A9 and the scheme is of a short duration. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore considered to be low. Furthermore, a pre-works checks will be undertaken.

No INNS have been noted within the scheme extent and its disturbance buffers. Furthermore, noted INNS of plants will be controlled/treated by cultural methods and/or chemical weed control as per the NW Annual Landscape Management Plan.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will be detailed in the Site Environment Management Plan (SEMP) and adhered to on site. Therefore, with the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on biodiversity are considered to be low:

No in-water works will be permitted. Works will be strictly limited to areas required for access and to carry out the works. Unnecessary encroachment onto terrestrial or aquatic areas will not be tolerated.
All construction operatives will be briefed through toolbox talks prior to works commencing, which will be included in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP). The toolbox talks will provide information on the legislation, general ecology, and best practice measures for relevant protected species.
Site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of any protected species, throughout the works period. Should a protected species be noted during construction, works will temporarily halt until the species has sufficiently moved on. Any sightings of protected species will be reported to the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team. If required, NatureScot will be contacted for advice.
Artificial lighting (where required) will be directed away from areas of woodland and waterbodies as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
If an active bird nest (e.g., eggs or young present, adult sitting on nest) is identified on site, all works within 30m of the nest will stop until the BEAR Scotland NW Environment Team can provide advice.
A ‘soft-start’ will be implemented on site each day. This will involve switching on vehicles and checking under/around vehicles and the immediate work area for mammals prior to works commencing to ensure none are present and that there is a gradual increase in noise.
Any excavations, exposed pipes/drains, or areas where an animal could become trapped (e.g. storage containers) will be covered over when not in use, at the end of each shift, and following completion of the works to avoid animals falling in and becoming trapped.
If fencing is utilised at any point during the works, a gap of 200mm from ground level will be provided, allowing free passage for mammals and preventing entrapment.

Taking into account the nature and scale of the works and the good site practice mitigation measures which will be adopted during the works, it is anticipated that any biodiversity effects associated with the proposed works will not be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Geology and soils

The scheme is not located within a GCRS or geological SSSI. Although the works will entail minor excavation, this will be within the trunk road boundary and to facilitate installation of VRS posts. The works will not entail any permanent change to the geology or soils within the scheme extents. In addition, any excavations will be carried out with good practice measures detailed in the SEMP as follows:

Excavated material will be reused and/or redistributed within the scheme extents.
Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
The parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment on grass will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in the ‘Road drainage and the water environment’ section will be adhered to during construction.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any geology and soil 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 impacts 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 the 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.
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 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 produced 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

Construction activities associated with the proposed scheme have the potential to cause noise and vibration impacts through the use of equipment and construction vehicles for the proposed activities. However, the works are not located within a CNMA or CQA and the proximity of road space suggests that residents within the local area will have a degree of tolerance to noise and disturbance. Works will be completed over four weeks by utilising daytime hours avoiding noise sensitive times. Works with the potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will also be intermittent, temporary, transient and short-lived.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

Local residents and commercial premises which are affected by the works will be notified in advance of the works, likely by a letter drop, which will contain details of the proposed timings and duration of the works, in addition to contact details for the Site Supervisor.
The Best Practicable Means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1874, 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 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 construction, activities undertaken on site have the potential to have temporary adverse impacts on local residents, vehicle travellers, and non-motorised users (NMUs). Traffic management will utilise inside lane closures which will ensure that the trunk road stays operational during the works. Although there are no NMU facilities within the scheme extents, NMU access will be maintained.

Although, one residential property is found 140m west of the scheme, this is suitably screened by intervening woodland. Furthermore, the works will be undertaken during daytime hours avoiding disturbance during noise sensitive times.

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

The works schedule and any changes to this will be communicated to local residents prior to and throughout the programme.
Given the proximity of residential and commercial properties to the scheme extents, the Toolbox Talk TTN-042 ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ will be briefed prior to the works commencing.
Appropriate provisions / measures shall be implemented within the traffic management to allow the safe passage of NMUs of all abilities through the site.
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.

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

Road drainage and the water environment

There is potential for temporary impacts on the water environment due to operation of plant upstream of watercourses and/or drainage systems, which may lead to potential changes in water quality from pollution events (either by accidental spillage of sediments, particulate matter, chemicals, fuels or by mobilisation of these in surface water caused by rain). 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. 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 good working practice is adopted (e.g., adherence to SEPA good practice guidance, utilisation of drain covers or similar, etc.), water quality is protected.

The works may result in potential direct or indirect effects on surrounding waterbodies, although considering the minimal and non-hazardous materials required, the risk is low. The following mitigation measures will be put in place to reduce the risk of pollution incidents as a result of works:

No work has been identified that would require entering any surface waterbodies. If such a need were identified onsite, BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team will be contacted (before the works commence) to allow consideration of potential environmental effects.
Standard working practices to comply with The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (as amended) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.
No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted. Appropriate containment measures will be in place to prevent any loss of construction materials into the water environment.
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.
Any concrete washwater will be transported off site and disposed off appropriately.
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 contaminated 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 shall also be supplied beneath the equipment with a capacity of 110%.

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

During the works there is potential for impacts such as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of equipment, vehicles, material use, and production and transportation of materials and wastes. However, considering the nature, short-term duration, size and scale of the scheme, and the mitigation detailed below, the risk of significant impacts to climate are considered to be low.

Proposed climate mitigation measures:

BEAR Scotland will adhere to their Carbon Management Policy.
All mitigation measures detailed within ‘Air Quality’ and ‘Material Assets and Waste’ will be adhered to.
Where possible, materials will be sourced locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials movement, and waste will be disposed at local landfill, where required.

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.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

The works will be programmed as far as is reasonably practicable to avoid periods of adverse weather heavy rainfall events. There will be no change to the likelihood of flooding on the A9 within the scheme extents upon completion of the works.

Works are restricted to areas of engineered ground on the A9 trunk road and TM will be designed in line with existing guidance. TM will consist of inside lane closures. Local residents will be notified of working hours and provided with appropriate contact information. Pedestrians or other NMUs will be accommodated within the TM setup where applicable.

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which includes measures to avoid or reduce disruption to road traffic, will be produced in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (Department of Transport 2009). The TMP will ensure that there is no severance of community assets, access routes or residential development.

These measures along with mitigation measures and standard working practices will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. The vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and disasters is considered to be low.

Assessment cumulative effects

The proposed works are not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects. Due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

A search of the Perth & Kinross Council Planning Portal (Perth & Kinross Council Planning Portal) identified three approved planning applications within 300m of the scheme. All of these are confined to the Inveralmond industrial estate without direct access from the scheme extents. Although there is potential for cumulative effects to arise from overlapping construction periods with other developments, due to a number of factors - such as the timing and nature of the works and mitigation committed to for the proposed scheme (SEMP) - the assessment concluded that no significant cumulative effects are anticipated during the construction phase. No cumulative effects on people or property receptors are anticipated during operation given there will be no change to the existing road conditions.

A search of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner website (Scottish Road Works Online) identified low-impact Scottish Water works on the foot/cyclepath below the bridge that may overlap in timing. However, this has no connectivity to the trunk road and due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

BEAR Scotland programme all of their proposed works in line with appropriate guidance and contractual requirements. All schemes are programmed to take into account existing and future planned works, with a view of limiting any cumulative effects or will utilise existing TM to complete multiple schemes at once. This approach allows BEAR Scotland to effectively manage the potential cumulative effects as a result of TM, resulting in minimal disruption to users of the Scottish trunk road network.

Overall, it is unlikely that the proposed works will have a significant cumulative effect with any other future works in the area.

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