Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Impacts

TM implemented during the scheme, particularly during construction activities such as excavation of signs, may result in an increase in vehicle emissions through idling vehicles and increased congestion. This may result in a temporary deterioration in local air quality.
Construction activities, including installation of new signs and crossings, carry potential to produce airborne particulate matter, dust and generate emissions.
The impacts identified will be temporary for the duration of the works only and therefore no change is predicted on air quality.
Due to the nature of the works, there will be no impact to Dundee AQMA.

Mitigation

Best practice and measures as outlined in the ‘Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction (January 2024)’ published by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM), which includes the following mitigation relevant to this scheme will be followed:
Materials that have a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, unless being re-used on site (cover or fence stockpiles to prevent wind whipping);
Cutting, grinding or sawing equipment will only be used when fitted or in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques such as water sprays or local extraction, e.g. suitable local exhaust ventilation systems;
Drop heights from conveyors and other loading or handling equipment will be minimised;
Vehicles entering and leaving the work area will be covered to prevent escape of materials during transport;
Equipment will be readily available on site to clean any dry spillages, and clean up spillages as soon as reasonably practicable after the event using wet cleaning methods; and
When not in use, plant, vehicles and NRMMs will be switched off and there will be no idling vehicles.
Plant, vehicles and NRMM will be regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems to ensure such fuel operated equipment is not generating excessive fumes.
Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning will be undertaken prior to works.

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

Landscape and visual effects

Impacts

There will likely 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, particularly during construction activities.
During nighttime programming, misdirected site lighting could cause disturbance to any surrounding residential properties.
Vegetation cutback may alter the landscape visually and disturb the Blackmuir Wood Ancient Woodland, as cutback is required within this woodland. This vegetation cutback will cover a length of 104m. Ancient Woodlands are classified as priority habitats, however, vegetation cutback in this area does not require permission or consent in Scotland.

Mitigation

Temporary site lighting used during construction, throughout the scheme, will be directional and pointed only at the area of 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.
Plant, vehicles, and materials will be contained to hardstanding areas within the carriageway boundary (as far as reasonably practicable). Should damage to the landscape occur, reinstatement will be carried out.
Vegetation cutback will only be undertaken where necessary ensuring that there is still ecological connectivity to the surrounding area.

With mitigation measures and best practice in place, it is anticipated that any landscape and visual effects identified with the works are unlikely to be significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual, no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

Due to nighttime programming, misdirected site lighting and additional noise from construction could cause disturbance to any surrounding nocturnal species or protected species.
Vegetation cutback may have impacts on all protected species if mitigation is not followed. For example, the cutback may result in the loss of habitats or foraging areas.
The proposed works may have a negative impact on birds that are nesting if vegetation clearance is required during the nesting bird season (March to August inclusive).
Verge works may cause disturbance to common ragwort and rosebay willowherb which may lead to the spread of these species.

Mitigation

Any artificial lighting will be pointed directly at the works as to minimise impact on nocturnal species. If any protected species are discovered during works, all work will cease, and a member of the Environment Team will be contacted.
Vehicles and materials will not be stored or parked on grass verges where possible. Where damage occurs, the reinstatement of the grass verge will be carried out.
‘Soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to deter any potential noise sensitive species present in the area. This technique will act as a deterrent to the recipients and allows for any potential harm to the recipients to be mitigated as incremental increases in noise levels are made.
Vegetation cutback will be minimised through the design process where possible.
Ecological connectivity will be maintained with the surrounding area where vegetation cutback is required.
Nesting bird checks will be undertaken within 48 hours prior to any vegetation cutback if works are to be carried out within nesting bird season (March – August). Prior to works starting, a suitably competent ecologist will identify if any nests found on site during the time of the survey are active.
If any active nests are identified on site, a buffer, as defined by the site ecologist, dependent on species and site conditions, will be set around the nest and vegetation clearance works stopped within this buffer.
In the event that an INNS is identified on site, all works will temporarily stop, and the environment team contacted.
All site operatives will be briefed on the INNS toolbox talk before the works commence.

On the condition that the above mitigation measures and best practice are adhered to, no significant effects on biodiversity are predicted. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 108: Biodiversity, no further assessment is required.

Geology and soils

Impacts

Excavation works for signposts, VRS barrier posts and terminals have the potential to result in minor soil disturbance, with exposed soils having the potential to become polluted, for example through accidental pollution from fuel spillage.
The generation of concrete dust from excavation can raise the pH of soil resulting in erosion and soil infertility.

Mitigation

Vehicles and materials will not be stored or parked on grass verges where possible. Where damage occurs, the reinstatement of the grass verge will be carried out. 
Excavation of soils will be kept to a minimum and only where necessary, with any excavated soils being re-used on site as far as reasonably practicable (e.g., to backfill removed trial holes etc.). 
Excavated soils will not be stored on site, and will be appropriately contained/covered, and protected from the elements. 
Spill kits will be present on site and all operatives will be fully trained in their use. Any fuels or chemicals required for use will be stored securely with drip trays used appropriately and stored under any chemical or fuel containers.
If any unusual odours or soil colourations are identified during the works, the works will cease, and the environmental team should be notified.
Weather reports will be monitored prior to the works, with all construction activities temporarily halting in the event of predicted high rainfall or wind.

With mitigation measures in place there is no significant effect anticipated on geology and soils. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 109: Geology and Soils no further assessment is required.

Material assets and waste

Impacts

The works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials.
There will be an increase in waste sent to landfill sites if waste materials are not recycled or reused, such as concrete and studs.
Transportation and recovery of materials/waste will require energy deriving from fossil fuel, a non-renewable source.

Mitigation

Materials will be derived from recycled, secondary or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions.
Materials will be delivered on site when required.
The Contractor will comply with all ‘Duty of Care’ requirements, ensuring that any surplus materials or wastes are stored, transported, treated, used, and disposed of safely without endangering human health or harming the environment. All waste transfer notes and/or waste exemption certificates will also be completed and retained.
Where possible all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally at a suitably licenced waste management facility.

It has been determined that the proposed project will not have direct or indirect significant effects on the consumption of material assets or creation of waste. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 110: Material Assets and Waste, no further assessment is required.

Noise and vibration

Impacts

The works are not likely to change the existing baseline noise level post construction for any sensitive receptors.
There will be an increase in noise and vibration levels, for properties within 300m, during works due to the use of plant and machinery and an increase in HGVs.
Noise heavy works may be required during nighttime hours, which could cause disturbance for the nearby amenity users. It is also anticipated that noise heavy works could cause day-time disturbance.

Mitigation

A ‘soft start’ to works will be in place, whereby plant/machinery/vehicles are started sequentially as opposed to simultaneously.
Effects from noise will be kept to a minimum through the use of appropriate mufflers and silencers fitted to machinery. All exhaust silencers will be checked at regular intervals to ensure efficiency.
On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to local sensitive receptors. The noisiest works will be undertaken before 23:00 where possible.
Site supervisor will monitor the effects of noise and vibration levels during the works and make necessary working arrangements
Due to nighttime programming, Amey’s Energy Transition & Sustainability Team has notified Dundee City and Angus Council in advance of the works.
A letter drop will be delivered to residents within 300m to notify them of upcoming works, timings and duration.
Amey’s Noise and Vibration environmental briefing will be delivered to all site operatives before works start.

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

Population and human health

Impacts

Land take is not required for this scheme therefore there will be no impact as a result of permanent or temporary land acquisition from private land, businesses, agriculture, Walkers, Cyclists or Horse riders (WCH) and/or community facilities as a result of the scheme.
TM has potential to cause temporary levels of disruption to road users (i.e. congestion and increased travel times).
Access to residential properties and amenities may be temporarily impacted by the works during construction.
Due to nighttime programming, construction site lighting during nighttime hours could cause disturbance for residential properties in close proximity, and for the nearby amenity users.
Footways may be temporary obstructed during construction activities.

Mitigation

TM restrictions/arrangements and any expected travel delays will be publicised within the local and wider area, in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers.
Temporary site lighting used throughout the scheme will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.
Access to residential properties will be left un-obstructed where this is reasonably practicable. Where obstruction occurs, any local access to properties will be granted as required.
During footway closures, operatives will have measures in place to allow residents of all abilities to safely pass by the works. Any pedestrian diversions for the works will be clearly signed and accessible.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects associated with Population and Human Health are predicted. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 112: Population and Human Health no further assessment is required.

Road drainage and the water environment

Impacts

If not adequately controlled, debris and run off from the works could be suspended in the surface water. In the event of a flooding incident or heavy rainfall, this debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage having a detrimental effect on the surrounding local water environment.
Potential for spills, leaks or seepage of fuels and oils associated with plant to escape and reach drainage systems and watercourses if not controlled, which may adversely impact the water environment.
Should flooding occur, this may delay the scheduled works.

Mitigation

All debris which has the potential to be suspended in surface water and wash into the local water environment will be cleaned from the site following the works.
Debris and dust generated as a result of the works will be prevented from entering the drainage system. This can be via the use of drain covers or similar.
Appropriate measures will be implemented onsite to prevent any potential pollution to the natural water environment (e.g., debris, dust, and hazardous substances). This will include spill kits being present onsite at all times, and the use of funnels and drip trays when transferring fuel etc.
The control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur (24 hours, 7 days a week).
Visual pollution inspections of the working area will be conducted in frequency, especially during heavy rainfall and wind.
Weather reports will be monitored prior and during all construction activities. In the event of adverse weather/flooding events, all activities will temporarily stop, and only reconvene when deemed safe to do so, and run-off/drainage can be adequately controlled to prevent pollution.
Prior to works commencing, all operatives will be briefed on SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP) documents (particularly GPP 1, GPP 2, GPP 6, GPP 8, GPP 21 and GPP 22).

If the mixing of concrete on site is required, site operatives will apply suitable controls to prevent the mixture escaping to the surrounding environment:

All mixing will take place a minimum of 10m away from watercourses and drains where possible.
All drains within proximity to any mixing will be securely covered or sealed off.
No washout from concrete mixing will be allowed to enter the water environment and will be taken off site for appropriate treatment.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as detailed within SEPA’s GPPs, the effects on Road Drainage and the Water Environment are considered not significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 113: Road drainage and the water environment no further assessment is required.

Climate

Impacts

GHG emissions will be emitted through the use of machinery, vehicles and materials used (containing recycled and virgin materials) and transporting to and from site.

Mitigation

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

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on climate is considered to be neutral. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

The construction activities will be confined within the highway boundary with vegetation removal, ensuring no increased risk or severity of major accidents or disasters impacting the environment. Upon completion, overall road safety will be enhanced.

All mitigation measures will be adhered to onsite which considers the vulnerability of the project to be low.

The A90 carriageway, within the scheme, has small areas identified at risk of surface water flooding. Works will be programmed as far as is reasonably practicable to avoid periods of adverse weather or heavy rainfall.

Assessment cumulative effects

Amey’s Northeast Current Works Schedule and the Scottish Road Works Commissioner has not highlighted any works that are set to take place within the proposed works location or timeframe.

Angus Council and Dundee City Council’s Planning Portal also does not identify any scheduled works that are set to take place within the scheme extents, within the same timeframe, of the proposed works.

Any future schemes will be programmed to take into account already programmed works, and as such any effect (such as from TM arrangements and potential construction noise) will be limited.

Overall, it is unlikely the proposed works will have a significant cumulative effect with any other proposed works in the local area. Considering the nature and scale of the maintenance works being undertaken, no in combination effects are anticipated.

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