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 excavations, 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 are considered to be low.

  • 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., by 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) minimizing cutting and grinding on-site, (b) reducing the 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 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.
  • Cement bags will remain closed when not in use to prevent cast off to the surrounding environment.

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

Although there are several features of minor cultural heritage interest within 300m of the scheme; any excavation works associated with the proposed works are restricted to the already engineered carriageway boundary, and as such, the potential for exposure of unrecorded cultural heritage features is considered to be negligible. Construction of the A9 road corridor, and recent dualling of the A9 at this location, is likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present.

As standard, the following good practice measures will be in place to reduce the risk of impacts to 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 NW Environment Team contacted for advice. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will be notified as required.
  • People, plant, and materials will, as much as is reasonably practicable, only be present on areas of made / engineered ground. Where access out with these areas is required for the safe and effective completion of the scheme, it will be reduced as much as is reasonably practicable and ideally be limited to access on foot. There will be no storage of vehicles, plant, or materials against any buildings, walls or fences.

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 this RoD.

Landscape and visual effects

The works are not located within a National Park, National Scenic Area or any other site designated for its visual character. 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. There will be permanent change to local landscape due to installation of new VRS. However, all change is within the A9 trunk road boundary and will be within the character of the road, tying in with existing VRS. In addition, people, ancillary plant, vehicles and materials will be restricted to areas of made/engineered ground on the A9 and the works will be of short duration (2 weeks) and will move progressively along the scheme extent. As such, the temporary visual impact of the works will be somewhat reduced and there will be no residual impacts i.e. when complete, the visual appearance will remain largely unaffected with new VRS being the only change.

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, 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 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 Tay SAC at the scheme extent. Due to the proximity of the works to the SAC, a HRA was produced. The HRA concluded that with best practice and mitigation measures implemented, there will be no Adverse Effects on Site Integrity.

Large pockets of the invasive non-native species, Himalayan balsam, were recorded within the survey area along the Ordie Burn watercourse and the pond. However, no INNS or injurious weeds were recorded on the verges of the A9 trunk road. As works do not require importing soils or vegetation clearance or accessing areas of noted INNS, there is minimal risk of spread or introduction of INNS or invasive perennials within the scheme extent.

Although no other protected species were identified in proximity to the scheme during the survey, habitat close to the works does provide foraging opportunities for a variety of species. Activities undertaken on site could potentially have temporary adverse impacts on biodiversity in the area as a result of increased vehicle presence and the potential for disturbance to protected species and pollution of habitats. However, works are restricted to the A9 trunk road and adjacent active travel route and the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required on site is low given the scale and scope of the works. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A9. Furthermore, the scheme is of short duration (2 weeks) and will move progressively along the 2.5km scheme extent. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore considered to be low.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. The following mitigation measures, in addition to the ones detailed in the HRA, will be put in place to minimise impacts on biodiversity features in the area:

  • 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 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.
  • Personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of INNS or injurious weeds in road verges throughout the works period. Should any INNS be identified in working areas, works will be restricted to a 7m buffer of any growth where reasonably practicable.
  • 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.

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 works will involve minor excavations within the trunk road verge in preparation for the installation of new VRS and excavated material will be reused on site where possible. Therefore, the works are not anticipated to have an adverse impact on geology and soils. However, the following mitigation measures will be adhered to on site:

  • Excavations will be restricted to the engineered ground of the A9 carriageway, and all machinery will operate from road level without entering ground outside the man-made surface of the A9.
  • Excavated material will be kept to a minimum and reused on site where possible.
  • The parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment on road verges will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
  • 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.
  • All relevant soil management toolbox talks will be included in the SEMP and sediment control measures will be in place to prevent soil erosion and loss of containment.
  • Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in the ‘Road drainage and the water environment’ section will be adhered to on site.

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 shall 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

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 also be completed over 2 weeks and move progressively along the 2.5km stretch of A9 carriageway. Works will be conducted utilising a nighttime working pattern. Noise is not likely to be a defining feature of the works based on the proposed working activities and potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will also be intermittent, temporary and short-lived.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

  • Local residents that are likely to be affected by the works will be notified of the works in advance, likely by 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 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 personnel will be fully briefed in advance of works regarding the need to minimise noise during works and of the site-specific sensitivities.
  • Operatives will be briefed using the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk prior to commencement of the works.
  • 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 may have temporary adverse impacts on local residents, vehicle travellers, and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of construction presence, and associated noise and delays due to traffic management measures. Road users and users of the active travel route will be informed of the works through media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times. The active travel route will remain open throughout works and a pedestrian management plan will be implemented.

There are approximately 20 residential properties in total in proximity to the scheme, with the closest being 30m west of the A9 with limited visual and acoustic screening. Therefore, there is potential for disturbance from noise and vibration.

However, 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 commencement of the works, advising of any proposed works and expected restrictions.
  • Local access will be granted as required.
  • Any changes of schedule will be communicated to local residents throughout the programme.
  • Construction lighting used during night-works will be directed onto the area of works and avoid direct illumination of surrounding properties where possible.
  • Given the proximity of the works to residential properties, the toolbox talk ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ will be briefed prior to works commencing.
  • Appropriate provisions / measures will 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

The proposed works entail the installation of new VRS adjacent to the A9 trunk road and active travel route. There is potential for temporary impacts on the water environment due to operation of plant within proximity to watercourses, 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 are required and there is no requirement for abstraction or transfer of water from, or discharges to, a water body. As such, the potential for a direct pollution incident within a water body is unlikely. Experience gained from BEAR maintenance schemes elsewhere on the network have 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.

However, the following mitigation measures will be put in place, in addition to those outlined in the HRA, to reduce the risk of pollution incidents as a result of works:

  • The scheme will not entail any in-stream works.
  • 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.
  • 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%.

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 local air quality impacts as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of vehicles and machinery, material use and production, and transportation of materials to and from site. The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

  • BEAR Scotland will adhere to their Carbon Management Policy.
  • Local contractors and suppliers will be used as far as practicable to reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emitted 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.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

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

Works are restricted to areas of made ground of the A9 trunk road boundary with access to the scheme gained via the A9. TM will involve temporary Lane 1 closures on the relevant side of the dual carriageway and NMUs will be accommodated within the TM set up. 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 if required. The active travel route will remain open throughout works and a pedestrian management plan will be implemented.

The works will not result in any change in vulnerability of the A9 carriageway or active travel route to risk, or in severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment. The installation of new VRS is designed to protect the active travel route from the A9 trunk road and will have a beneficial impact on road users.

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 and Kinross Council Planning Portal identified no approved planning applications within 300m of the scheme within the last six months.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner website (Map Search) has identified that there are no roadworks planned for the same period as the proposed works and 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 relating to traffic management. As a result of this exercise, where a potential for cumulative impacts is identified, BEAR will reprogramme schemes to avoid / limit any cumulative effects or will utilise existing traffic management to complete multiple schemes at once. This approach allows BEAR Scotland to effectively manage the potential cumulative effects as a result of traffic management, resulting in minimal disruption to users of the Scottish trunk road network.

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