Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation
Air quality
During the construction phase, activities undertaken on site could potentially have some minor, localised, and short-term air quality impacts in proximity to the proposed scheme. The construction phase will, for example, require the use of plant, machinery, vehicles and site compounds, which have the potential to increase emissions of particulate matter. There is also the potential for an increase in dust due to the movement and cutting of materials.
Taking into account the nature and scale of the proposal and the following mitigation measures the likelihood of significant impacts to air quality is considered to be low.
- When feasible, construction operatives will be encouraged to car-share, use pre-arranged company transport or public transport, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- All plant, machinery and vehicles associated with the scheme will be properly maintained to the appropriate standards and will turn their engines off when not in use.
- The movement of dusty materials will be limited by appropriately planning material movements around the site.
- All vehicles which carry dusty materials around the site will be covered when traveling in and out of the site, to reduce the spread of dust beyond the work area.
- Material stockpiles will be reduced as much as reasonably practicable by using a ‘just in time’ delivery system. All materials will be stored on made ground, stored away from any potential pollution pathways such as drains and watercourses in the surrounding area.
- Any materials that are stockpiled on site will be monitored daily to ensure no risk of dust emissions are present. Where a risk of dust emission exists from stockpiles, these are to be dampened down. This is likely to require the use of water bowsers.
- Cutting, grinding, and sawing equipment (where necessary) will also be fitted or used in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques e.g., water spray or local exhaust ventilation system that fits directly onto the tool.
- Unused materials will be removed from the site as soon as practicable.
- Plant, machinery and vehicles will be regularly serviced.
- Plant, machinery and vehicles associated with the proposed scheme will switch off engines when not in use to reduce the emissions.
- Good housekeeping measures will be utilised throughout the works.
With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any air quality effects associated with the proposed scheme are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this Record of Determination (RoD).
Cultural heritage
As there are no cultural heritage assets identified within the proposed site extents, it is anticipated that there will be no physical impacts to assets. However, the assets located within 300m of the site extents may experience temporary visual impacts due to a change in setting caused by noise and visual intrusion from vehicles and construction machinery.
The proposed scheme at the existing riverbank (partly engineered) is not anticipated to uncover any unknown archaeological remains that may have been present along the riverbank, however this can’t be confirmed until the proposed scheme has been constructed.
The following good practice measures will be put in place:
- No vehicles, plant, or materials will be stored against any buildings, walls or fences.
- People, plant and materials will, as much as reasonably practicable, be present on areas of made/engineered ground, i.e. carriageways, lay-bys, etc. Where access out with these areas is necessary for the safe and effective completion of the scheme, it will be minimised as much as reasonably practicable and ideally limited to access on foot.
- All site personnel will be briefed on the importance of archaeological finds and are instructed, as part of the site induction, to inform the site supervisor where potential finds are made.
- Should the unexpected archaeological evidence be rediscovered, works will stop temporarily in the vicinity and the BEAR Scotland NW Environmental Team contacted for advice.
With mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any cultural heritage effects associated with the proposed scheme are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.
Landscape and visual effects
There is potential for temporary landscape and visual impacts during the construction phase as a result of obstructed views due to vehicles, short-term traffic management and machinery.
The proposed scheme involves the installation of permanent river bank protection measures and the removal of the temporary works which had been put in place to prevent further erosion of the riverbank. The proposed permanent retaining wall will be constructed along the eastern bank of the River Tummel, at the toe of the existing earthworks slope which will also be partly reconstructed as part of the works. As the proposed scheme mainly comprises works to replace the existing wall and embankment infrastructure, and reinstatement of the farm access track, it is anticipated that any landscape and visual effects of the proposed scheme in the operational phase are unlikely to be significant.
The following mitigation measures will be put in place:
- The site will be kept clean and tidy at all times, with all materials and waste stored in a suitable manner.
- Where necessary, upon on completion of works, any damaged landscape (i.e. damage to grass verges or hardstanding of the trunk road) will be reinstated as much as reasonably practicable.
- Works will avoid encroaching on land and areas where work is not required or permitted. This includes general works, the storage of equipment/containers and parking.
With the above mitigation in place, it is anticipated that any landscape and visual effects associated with the proposed scheme are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.
Biodiversity
A temporary short-term increase in noise levels may cause disturbance to local wildlife. The works will, for example, require a range of ancillary equipment, vehicles and machinery which will emit noise and create potential disturbance. The works will also require the presence of personnel to facilitate the works.
In-stream works are required during construction which will encroach on the River Tay SAC. This means there is potential for likely significant effects on the conservation objectives. The HRA concludes that, with mitigation proposed, there will be no adverse effect on site integrity for the qualifying interests on the River Tay SAC or the Shingle Islands SAC.
Any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A9 and surrounding land and presence of construction vehicles and construction operatives required onsite will be temporary and localised to the scheme. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of likely construction disturbance is therefore considered to be low.
The use of night-time lighting during works could have the potential to cause a disturbance to any protected species near the site.
Himalayan balsam has been recorded on the northeast bank of the River Tummel near to where the works will be undertaken. It is not envisaged that there will be any interactions between the works and this area of Himalayan balsam.
The removal of materials from site could have the potential to transfer INNS if the proper mitigation measures are not enforced.
The following mitigation measures will be put in place:
- An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will be present on site for 16 hours per week for the duration of the works.
- Works will be strictly 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. Pollution prevention measures will be implemented to protect the surrounding aquatic environment.
- Pre-work checks will be undertaken for protected mammals no more than four weeks prior to the commencement of works. The ECoW will also assess the site for nesting birds or the potential for nesting birds.
- Pre-works checks will be undertaken for breeding birds immediately prior to works (within 48 hours of works starting). There are suitable habitats for breeding birds throughout the works areas. The core breeding bird season is March – August inclusive, however for some species, nesting can occur throughout the year.
- In-channel works including piling will be undertaken from July to mid-October (inclusive) to avoid the sensitive period, as agreed with TDSFB.
- Thirty minute ‘soft or ramp start’ procedures will be used to deter fish from the works area. These procedures work by gradually increasing the piling intensity over a period of time giving species a chance to naturally retreat from the area before the full disturbance levels are reached. Where technically feasible, percussive piling will use noise/vibration reduction devices such as cushion block pile caps or a neoprene dolly to reduce impact noise.
- Placement of construction compounds, storage areas, and temporary access tracks, will be at least 10m from watercourse banks. Compound sites and storage areas will also be sited above the 1 in 100-year flood level or be provided with flood protection such that should such an event occur there will be no run-off into the River Tay SAC.
- Excavated material will be removed from site or temporarily stored away from riverbank if capable of being reused. Material will be stored sufficiently far, and a minimum 10m, from the watercourse, adequately protected and in a location where any silt run-off is mitigated before being able to enter the watercourse/road drainage.
- As the works will be undertaken within and above the River Tummel, compliance with EASR is required. To comply with these regulations, it will be ensured that the works do not cause any pollution to the River Tummel and that the guidance included in SEPA EASR Guidance: Fish Protection WAT-G032 is adhered to.
- All site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of any protected species during the works period. Should a protected species be noted during the construction, works will temporarily halt, until such a time as that the species has sufficiently cleared the area. Any sightings of protected species will be reported to the ECoW / BEAR NW Environmental Team.
- All construction operatives will be briefed through the toolbox talks prior to the works commencing which can are included within the Site Environmental Management Plan. The toolbox talks provide information of the legislation, general ecology, and best practice measures for relevant protected species/INNS. Briefings will be clear and unambiguous, with all staff notified to cease works where concerns are raised. Works will not commence until an appropriately qualified ecologist is sought out and appropriate mitigation measures are put in place, where required.
- Night-time works will be avoided where possible. Night-time works will be undertaken for short periods only when necessary due to network restrictions. Artificial lighting used during night works will be restricted to the minimum necessary and directed away from watercourses, banks, woodland, verges, and any other suitable habitats as far as reasonably practicable.
- If an active bird nest (e.g. eggs or young present, adult sitting on nest, birds entering any burrow) is found within the vicinity of the works, all works within 30m of the nest will stop until the ECoW / BEAR Scotland NW Environmental Team can provide suitable advice.
- If any protected species are discovered, an exclusion zone could be necessary, and/or consultation with NatureScot will be carried out prior to works restarting.
- Where protected mammals are encountered or move within 50m of the active works, works will cease until the animal(s) have moved at least 50m from the construction site or until the ECoW / BEAR Scotland NW Environment Team can provide advice on how to proceed.
- All material, machinery, and equipment will be subject to checks for resting mammals on a daily basis, prior to any works commencing to avoid entrapment or injury to any mammals.
- A ‘soft start’ will be utilised on site each day. This will involve switching on vehicles and checking under/around vehicles and the immediate works area for mammals prior to any works commencing to ensure that none are present and that there is 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.
- The proposed scheme is not permitted to disturb or operate within the immediate proximity to any INNS (or injurious weeds). If INNS are identified onsite that are required to be disturbed by the proposed scheme, then contact will be made with BEAR Scotland’s NW Environmental Team. No works will take place within 7m of any INNS until the NW Environment Team can advise on any additional mitigation requirements. Himalayan balsam has previously been identified within 50m of the Tummel Bridge on both the west and east banksides.
With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any biodiversity effects associated with the proposed scheme are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.
Geology and soils
The removal of topsoil from the laydown area will be necessary to establish the site. The Sub-contractor is to remove excavated topsoil from site or store it within the existing laydown area field if it is able to be reused. It is not anticipated that a topsoil strip will be required for the site compound area, but if it is, the sub-contractor will repeat this method for the area where the compound is proposed.
Although works will involve excavation, these works are highly localised to the scheme area and material will be retained on site and reused where possible. As such, the works are anticipated to have a negligible adverse impact on geology and soils. There is potential for local soil exposure and pollution events to occur during construction, however with the following mitigation measures in place, the likelihood of significant negative impacts on the geology and soils is low.
The following mitigation measures will be put in place:
- The parking of machinery/personnel and storage of equipment on verges will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
- Personnel presence on soft land/verges will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
- Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape (i.e., damage to grass verges) will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
- Mitigation measures which are in place to prevent the contamination of soils will be detailed under Road Drainage and Water Environment – will be strictly adhered to.
With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any geology and soils effects associated with the proposed scheme are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.
Material assets and waste
The proposed scheme will require the use of a variety of materials and give rise to several waste streams. Minimising impacts arising from construction materials are focussed upon making the most efficient use of materials onsite to reduce the need for imported primary materials and minimise the creation and disposal of waste through (i) reduction, (ii) re-use, and (iii) recycling. Potential impacts have been assessed for both the construction and operational phases of this scheme. It is anticipated that most material impacts are likely to arise during construction, though long-term residual impacts could occur post construction during the operational phase e.g., during the disposal of materials arising from routine maintenance operations.
There is potential for impacts during works as a result of the improper storage or disposal of waste. It is considered unlikely that material consumption and waste generation will result in significant impacts as all waste will be removed from site and disposed of safely and legally by a licensed waste carrier. Additionally, relevant good practice guidelines are included in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) and adhered to on site. A Site Waste Management Plan will be completed by BEAR Scotland to outline waste-specific measures to be adhered to when on site.
The works will require the use of virgin materials which will likely contribute to the depletion of resources.
The following mitigation measures will be put in place:
- The subcontractor will adhere to waste management legislation and ensure compliance with their Duty of Care.
- The waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Dispose) will be employed throughout the construction works.
- All wastes and unused materials will be removed from site in a safe manner by a licensed waste carrier upon completion of the works, unless otherwise stipulated within the SEMP. The appointed waste carrier will have a valid SEPA waste carrier registration, a copy of which will be retained by BEAR Scotland. A copy of the waste transfer is also to be provided to BEAR Scotland as early as practicably feasible and retained.
- During the site induction, all staff will be informed that littering will not be tolerated. Staff are also encouraged to collect any litter seen on site.
- Where applicable, all temporary signage will be removed from site on completion of the works.
- All materials and wastes will be suitably stored on-site, with appropriate protection from the elements. All hazardous material will be stored in line mitigation measures outlined under Road Drainage & Water Environment.
- Any contaminated ground as a result of the works will be removed and transferred off site as special waste.
- 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).
- All hazardous material 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.
- Any COSHH waste and special waste will be removed from site by a specialised waste carrier. COSHH waste will not be mixed with general waste and/or other recyclables.
- Waste will be transported in a safe and secure manner to prevent the release of contaminated material enroute.
- Any other waste generated will be removed from site and either recycled or disposed of in the appropriate manner.
- All litter wastes and unused materials will be removed from site in a safe manner on completion of the works.
- All temporary road signs and traffic cones will be removed from site on completion of works.
The contractor is responsible for the management and disposal of all waste that is created from the works. All the waste will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, under the relevant SEPA waste authorisation for recovery, reuse or disposal. With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any material assets and waste effects associated with the proposed scheme are unlikely to be significant. The receptor is not considered further in this RoD.
Noise and vibration
The proposed scheme will have the potential to generate localised short-term noise and vibration impacts to sensitive receptors (e.g. residential and ecological) during the construction period. This would be as a result of vehicle, plant and tool use.
Additionally, traffic management may result in an increase in road noise along potential diversion routes. However, this is anticipated to be minor in terms of noise levels along the A9.
During operation there is likely to be no change to the current noise levels, so there is no potential for significant long-term impacts as a result of the works.
The following mitigation measures will be put in place:
- The best practicable means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and BS5228-1:2009+A1:2014 Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites will always be employed to reduce noise to a minimum for construction working and piling.
- Use of ‘soft-start’ piling techniques to reduce the vibration impacts generated by start-up and ramp down of the piling rig; pre-augering or pre-excavation of the pile route to remove obstructions and reduce the potential for high vibration events.
- Where possible and where works will take place within 300m of residential properties, the noisiest works will be completed by 23:00.
- Where appropriate, a communication strategy (e.g., social media, consultation with local authority and other stakeholders, letter drop (for night-time works), etc.) will be initiated to keep local residents and/or businesses informed of the proposed working schedule, particularly the times and durations of noisy construction activities. The communication strategy will also provide a 24-hour contact number for the BEAR Scotland Control Room.
- All site personnel will be fully briefed in advance of works regarding the need to minimise noise of the site-specific sensitivities. Where applicable, residents, and businesses will be kept informed of the proposed working schedule, particularly the times and durations of noisy construction activities, and will be provided with a 24-hour contact number for the BEAR Scotland Control Room.
- 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.
- On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption.
- 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.
- Temporary compound/laydown area will be located as far as is practicable from sensitive receptors.
With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any noise and vibration effects associated with the proposed scheme 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 measures will comprise of the closure of the A9 northbound off-slip road. The southbound on slip will remain open throughout the duration of the works.
No core paths, National Cycle Networks, or Public Rights of Way (PRoW) will be impacted by the proposed scheme.
The proposed scheme is expected to result in safer conditions for road users and will facilitate the reinstatement of the private farm access track and the A9 slip road including verges and VRS located above the bank.
The following mitigation measures will be put in place:
- Access for farm traffic to the fields south of the site (accessed along the currently closed lane of the off slip and farm access track) will be maintained throughout the duration of the works. The Contractor will arrange and agree access to the fields with the landowner/tenant and allow safe passage through the works as required.
- Notification will be issued to residents that may face access restrictions during the works.
- Construction lighting will consider the need to avoid illuminating surrounding properties to avoid a nuisance at night, and non-essential lighting will be switched off.
- Any Traffic Management or lane restrictions will be fully signed on approach.
- 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.
- 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 Scotland’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 scheme are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.
Road drainage and the water environment
Due to the proposed works partially taking place within the River Tummel watercourse, there is a risk of runoff of debris and pollution into the River Tummel if there is not adequate mitigation to prevent this. There is the potential for spills, leaks or seepage of fuels and/or oils associated with the plant machinery which could reach drainage channels or watercourses if not properly controlled, which could cause an adverse effect to the local water environment.
Construction works in the floodplain and within the channel may result in localised changes to flood risk downstream. There is the potential for works areas to become inundated, result in a loss of floodplain storage and result in changes to flow paths caused by construction activities. This could lead to increased flood risk.
The left riverbank is subject to erosion pressure due to hydraulic action. Previous protection works put in place have been degrading, allowing erosion of the left riverbank to continue. Implementation of the proposed riverbank stabilisation / protection works to the left riverbank upstream is unlikely to trigger any significant changes to sediment availability and/or erosion any more than any other modified section of the River Tummel.
The likely impact of the proposed works will result in continued stabilisation of the riverbank at this location over a similar extent to previous riverbank stabilisation works. However, this alone is unlikely to significantly impact identified morphology trends or lead to significant adverse effects during operation.
The nature of the proposed stabilisation works compared to the original gabion basket / mattress system is unlikely to significantly impact channel morphology, as this is more likely influenced by existing channel morphological features and planform. It is also unlikely that the proposed works will result in increased scour risk in-channel or elsewhere given that scour mechanisms are influenced by changes to in-channel features as scour of the riverbed is always likely to occur at this location.
Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts during construction and operation include:
- The contractor will develop a detailed method statement for all works, including site management.
- An Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) permit will be required prior to any works commencing. All permit conditions will be followed during the proposed works.
- No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted and appropriate containment measures will be in place to prevent any loss of construction materials into the water environment (e.g., dust, debris). Any dust, concrete debris, or other materials produced during the works will be contained and removed from site to be disposed of appropriately.
- Pollution prevention measures will be implemented onsite with Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs) being strictly adhered to.
- A spillage control procedure will be in place and all staff will be trained on how to deal with spillages. Suitable spill kits will be present on site and staff will know how and when to use them.
- All spills will be logged and reported. In the event of any spills into the water environment, all works will stop, and the incident be reported to the project manager and the BEAR Scotland NW Environmental Team. SEPA will be informed of any such incident as soon as possible using the SEPA Pollution Hotline and within 24 hours at the latest.
- 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.
- The designated storage area will be on impermeable ground and fully bunded.
- All hazardous material will be stored in line with COSHH date within a designated COSHH storage area at least 10m from watercourses, drains, and waterbodies. Oils and chemicals will be stored in appropriately bunded storage cabinets. The COSHH store will be locked with only appropriate personnel having access and an inventory register being maintained.
- Where applicable and practicable, bio-degradable hydraulic fluids and oils will be utilised in machinery.
- Where fuel is stored on site and refuelling actives are undertaken, the following will apply:
- Only suitably integrally bunded fuel bowser(s) or tank(s) in line with EASR will be utilised on site;
- The fuel bowser(s) and/or tank(s) will be stored away at least 10m from any watercourses, waterbodies or drains and away from being struck by plant and machinery;
- All distribution and fuelling nozzles will be fitted with a shut-off valve;
- All refuelling activities will be undertaken in a designated site with a drip tray positioned underneath the nozzles when not in use;
- All fuel containers and nozzles will be secured, for example with a lock when not in use; and
- All staff undertaking refuelling actives will be appropriately trained and undertake these activities in line with site refuelling procedures.
- During refuelling of smaller mobile plant, a funnel and drip trays will be used.
- An incidence response (contingency) plan will be put in place to minimise the risk from pollution incidents or accidental spillages. All necessary containment equipment, including suitable spill kits (for oil and chemicals) and floating booms (designed to retain oil) will be available on site, quickly accessible if needed, and staff trained in their use.
- 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 internal bunding where possible. A secondary containment system will also be in place during use to catch leaks or spills. For example, plant nappies or drip trays with a capacity of 110% will be placed beneath the equipment.
- The following mitigation measures will be implemented during construction, when working within the functional floodplain:
- Met Office Weather Warnings and the SEPA Floodline alert service will be routinely checked for potential storm events (or snow melt), flood alerts and warnings relevant to the area of the construction works.
- During periods of heavy rainfall or extended periods of wet weather (in the immediate locality or wider river catchment) river levels will be monitored using, for example, SEPA Water Level Data when available/visual inspection of water features. The Contractor will assess any change from base flow condition and be familiar with the normal dry weather flow conditions for the water feature, and be familiar with the likely hydrological response of the water feature to heavy rainfall (in terms of time to peak, likely flood extents) and windows of opportunity to respond should river levels rise.
- Should flooding be predicted, works close or within the water features will be immediately withdrawn (if practicable) from high-risk areas (defined as: within the channel or within the bank full channel zone – usually the 50% (2-year) Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood extent). Works will retreat to above the 10% AEP (10-year) flood extent with monitoring and alerts for further mobilisation outside the floodplain should river levels continue to rise.
With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any road drainage and the water environment effects associated with the proposed scheme are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.
Climate
Greenhouse gas emissions will be generated by the use of machinery, vehicles and materials (both recycled and virgin) which are required for construction, as well as the associated transportation emissions.
The following mitigation measures will be implemented:
- BEAR Scotland will adhere to its Carbon Management Policy.
- The requirement for additional lighting will be reduced as far as reasonably practicable.
- Avoid/reduce principles will be implemented in the use of greenhouse gas intensive materials and processes.
- Contractor requirements with standards for substitution and/or replacement of greenhouse gas intensive materials will be set out.
- Quantities of waste materials generated and sent to landfill will be minimised by applying the waste hierarchy.
- Distances over which materials and wastes are transported will be minimised. 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 disposed at local waste management facilities.
- The use of low emission plant and machinery (e.g. hybrid or electric vehicles) will be considered.
With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any climate effects associated with the proposed scheme are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.