Description of local environment
Air quality
The immediate scheme extents are bordered by areas of woodland localised in small sections along the carriageway. In locations where such vegetation is absent, the landscape is characterised predominantly by arable land. The wider area consists of the town Laurencekirk to the north and open space in the form of agricultural fields to the south.
There are approximately 30 residential properties located within 200m of the scheme extents, the closest being 112m northwest along Cairn Cardons. Laurencekirk Main Cemetery is located 200m from the carriageway.
The primary factor affecting baseline air quality is traffic along the A90 road network combined with residential and agricultural activities within the surrounding area of Laurencekirk. Manual count point 80049, located along the A90, shows that in 2024, the Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) for all motor vehicles was 18,656 with 2,304 (12%) of these being Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
Aberdeenshire Council has not declared any Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). There are no sites registered on the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) within 1km of the proposed works area.
There are no real-time Air Quality Monitoring Stations (Air Quality in Scotland) located within 200m of the works area.
Cultural heritage
A desk-based assessment has been undertaken using Pastmap online mapping tool. The study area covered a 300m radius for designated cultural heritage assets and a 200m radius for non-designated cultural heritage assets.
There are no Conservation Areas located within 200m of the scheme extents.
Full details of designated and non-designated assets can be found in Table 1 and Table 2 below.
Table 1: Designated Cultural Heritage Assets within 300m
|
Name |
Reference Number |
Description |
Distance from Scheme |
|
Johnston Lodge - Beattie Lodge |
LB37234 |
Listed Building – Cat B |
Approx. 110m north of the scheme extents |
Table 2: Non-Designated Cultural Heritage Assets within 200m
|
Name |
Reference Number |
Description |
Distance from Scheme |
|
Laurencekirk, War Memorial and Gardens |
338632 |
National Record of Historic Environment (NRHE) - War Memorial (20th Century) |
Approx. 120m northwest of the scheme extents |
|
Beattie Lodge |
36532 |
NRHE - Cairn (Bronze Age), Cremation(S) (Bronze Age), Cinerary Urn (Bronze Age) |
Adjacent to the A90 carriageway |
|
Laurencekirk, Beattie Lodge |
36563 |
NRHE - Dower House (Post Medieval) |
Approx. 130m north of the scheme extents |
|
Laurencekirk Memorial Park |
NO77SW0092 |
Historic Environment Record (HER) – Parks |
Approx. 130m north of the scheme extents |
|
Laurencekirk War Memorial |
NO77SW0046 |
HER – Memorials |
Approx. 130m north of the scheme extents |
|
Laurencekirk Cemetery |
NO77SW0174 |
HER – Cemeteries |
Adjacent to the A90 carriageway |
|
Beattie Lodge |
NO77SW0024 |
HER - Burials, Cairns, Points, Pyres, Urns |
Adjacent to the A90 carriageway |
|
Beattie’s Lodge |
NO77SW0005 |
HER - Foundations, Houses, Stones |
Approx. 130m north of the scheme extents |
Landscape and visual effects
Landscape
The immediate scheme extents are bordered by areas of woodland localised in small sections along the carriageway. In locations where such vegetation is absent, the landscape is characterised predominantly by arable land. There are no distinctive cultural landscape or historical landscape features within the scheme extents.
The wider area consists of the town Laurencekirk to the north and open space in the form of agricultural fields to the south. Please see Road drainage and the water environment section for details.
According to Scotland’s Environment Web, the following Ancient Woodlands can be found within 500m of the scheme extents:
- Unnamed Ancient Woodland (ID: 45) borders either side of the A90 carriageway within the extent of the scheme;
- Unnamed Ancient Woodland (ID: 52) borders either side of the A90 carriageway within the extent of the scheme, and;
- Denlethen Wood Ancient Woodland (ID: 40) is located approximately 490m northwest of the scheme extents.
There are approximately 50 Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) located within 500m of the scheme extents, the closest being TPO T34 (ID: AC TPO 39) located 360m north of the proposed works area.
No National Scenic Areas (NSAs) or any Gardens and Designed Landscapes were identified within 500m of the works.
According to Scotland’s Landscape Character Type (LCT) Map, the LCT within the scheme extents can be classed as ‘22 - Broad Valley Lowlands - Aberdeenshire’ characterised by broad and generally gently undulating strath with some flatter basins with predominantly intensive agriculture with distinctive patchwork of large open fields divided by ditches and fences interspersed with small conifer woodlands.
Scotland’s Historic Land Use Assessment (HLA) Map has identified that the land within the scheme extents has been previously used as ‘Motorway and Major Roads’. This modern transport systems have focussed on the construction and extension of multi-laned motorways, with their associated service stations. Providing links between major cities, they cover considerable areas of land.
Visual
It is anticipated that several residential properties will have sight of the works due to the absence of vegetative and topographic screening. Residents along Garvocklea Gardens are likely to experience the greatest visual impact. In addition, visitors to Laurencekirk Main Cemetery may also be exposed to views of the works, depending on the timing of both construction activities and visitation.
Transient visual receptors include road users (motorists, public transport users) travelling along the A90, who will experience brief and intermittent views of the scheme. Typically, the views from the carriageway are pockets of woodland, with community area in the wider surroundings.
The only core path located within 300m of the scheme extents is Core Path ECPP (Laurencekirk: Beattie Lodge) which is located approximately 130m north of the scheme extents.
Users of these core paths are not expected to have significant views of the works.
Biodiversity
Protected Areas
A desktop study using NatureScot’s online research tool, Sitelink, has not identified any European designated sites that have connectivity or lie within 2km of the works area. This resource has not identified the presence of national designations (such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or Local Nature Reserves) within 200m of the scheme extents.
There are approximately 50 Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) located within 500m of the scheme extents, the closest being TPO T34 (ID: AC TPO 39) located 360m north of the proposed works area.
Watercourses
Please see Road drainage and the water environment section for details.
Field survey
As all works will be contained within the carriageway boundary on a like-for-like basis and transient nature, a competent Amey ecologist has scoped out the requirement for a field survey, indicating a low likelihood of significant ecological impact.
Invasive plants
A desktop study using the NBN Atlas has identified that the following target species and injurious weeds have been previously found within 500m of the works:
- Rosebay willowherb (Jacobaea vulgaris);
- Common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), and;
- Broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius).
Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Performance System (AMPS) has not highlighted any historic records of any Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or target species located along the verge of the A90 with the extents of the scheme.
Geology and soils
Geology
There are no Geological Conservation Review Sites (GCRS), Local Geodiversity Sites or any Geological SSSIs that have connectivity or are within 200m of the scheme extents as noted by NatureScot’s Sitelink.
According to Britain’s Geology Viewer, the geology along the A90, within the scheme extents, consists of the following:
Bedrock Geology
- Cromlix Mudstone Formation - Mudstone. Sedimentary bedrock formed between 407.6 and 393.3 million years ago during the Devonian period.
Superficial Deposits
- Mill Of Forest Till Formation - Diamicton. Sedimentary superficial deposit formed between 116 and 11.8 thousand years ago during the Quaternary period.
Soils
Scotland’s Soils Map has highlighted that the local soil type within the scheme extents can be classed as ‘Brown earths with humus-iron podzols’ which can be found on undulating lowlands with gentle and strong slopes.
Land use
There are no operational landfill sites located within 1km of the proposed scheme extents.
Material assets and waste
Materials
Materials required are detailed within Table 3 below.
Table 3: Key Materials Required for Activities
|
Activity |
Materials Required |
Sources |
|
Construction |
· TS2010 (hot-mix asphalt) · AC Binder · AC Base · Fuel · Road Paint · Road Studs |
· TS2010 Surface Course allows a wider array of aggregate sources to be considered when compared to typical Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA). As a result, the use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources. · A proportion of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is used in asphalt production. Typical RAP values for base and binder are 10% -15% with up to 10% in surface course. · Some material may be derived from primary resources, such as the road paint. · The use of Super-Low Carbon materials are being considered for this scheme, which is an asphalt solution that integrates biogenic materials into the bitumen to retain carbon. |
Hot-mix Asphalt provides long-term durability, extending the design life of the carriageway and reducing the frequency of future resurfacing interventions.
Materials will be obtained from recycled, secondary, or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions. For example, the binder and base courses used for resurfacing will contain a percentage of recycled material.
Wastes
Coal tar was not identified during investigation stages. Anticipated wastes from the proposed works are listed in Table 4 below.
Table 4: Waste Material Produced
|
Activity |
Waste Produced |
Disposal |
|
Construction |
· Asphalt planings · Road Paint · Road studs |
· All waste will be disposed of in accordance with the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR). · However, where planings meet SEPA’s criteria, they will be fully recycled. |
A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will be prepared prior to the works which will detail how resource use and waste arising from the works will be managed throughout the scheme. This is required due to the scheme exceeding £350,000 in value and will help control and reduce the amount of waste produced, resulting in less landfilled waste.
Noise and vibration
There are approximately 50 residential properties located within 300m of the scheme extents, the closest being 112m northwest of the scheme along Cairn Cardons. Other sensitive noise and vibration receptors include the following:
- Laurencekirk Main Cemetery is positioned adjacent to the A90 carriageway;
- Laurencekirk Primary School is located approximately 217m northwest of the scheme extents;
- Kinnear Square Playground is located approximately 254m north of the scheme extents;
- Memorial Park Playground is located approximately 208m northwest of the scheme extents, and;
- Laurencekirk Skate Park is located approximately 202m northwest of the scheme extents.
The primary factor affecting baseline noise and vibration is traffic along the A90 road network combined with residential and agricultural activities within the surrounding area of Laurencekirk. Manual count point 80049, located along the A90, shows that in 2024, the AADF for all motor vehicles was 18,656 with 2,304 (12%) of these being HGVs.
According to Scotland’s Noise Map, modelled day-time noise levels (Lday) in the areas surrounding the carriageway show levels of around 50-56dB and within the proposed works between 70-75dB. Nighttime noise level (Lnight) in the areas surrounding the carriageway show levels of around 47-53dB and within the proposed works 58-67dB.
The works do not fall within a Candidate Noise Management Area (CNMA) as highlighted by Transport Scotland’s Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP) (2019-2023).
Population and human health
The A90 carriageway within the proposed scheme extents is located south of Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire. This section of the A90 carriageway links to towns such as Brechin and Fordoun prior to linking settlements with cities such as Aberdeen and Dundee. The primary land use within the surrounding area is predominantly used for agricultural, residential and community activities.
There are approximately 50 residential properties located within 300m of the scheme extents, the closest being 112m northwest of the scheme along Cairn Cardons. It is anticipated that several residential properties will have sight of the works due to the absence of vegetative and topographic screening. Residents along Garvocklea Gardens are likely to experience the greatest visual impact.
There are multiple access/egress points that lead into the town of Laurencekirk within the scheme extents. Whilst these points are not sole access area to residential dwellings and community assets, they are primary routes. Key community assets within 300m include the following:
- Laurencekirk Main Cemetery is positioned adjacent to the A90 carriageway;
- Laurencekirk Primary School is located approximately 217m northwest of the scheme extents;
- Kinnear Square Playground is located approximately 254m north of the scheme extents;
- Memorial Park Playground is located approximately 208m northwest of the scheme extents, and;
- Laurencekirk Skate Park is located approximately 202m northwest of the scheme extents.
There is one layby located adjacent to the scheme extents along the A90 at approximately NGR NO 70999 70247. There are no bus stops, footpaths or any Public Rights of Way (PRoWs) located within the scheme extents.
The only core path located within 300m of the scheme extents is Core Path ECPP (Laurencekirk: Beattie Lodge) which is located approximately 130m north of the scheme extents.
There are no National Cycle Network Routes or any bridleways located within 300m of the proposed works area.
Road drainage and the water environment
Surface water
Road drainage within the scheme extents along the A90 consists of both filter stones and gullies.
According to SEPA’s Water Classification Hub, there are no classified watercourses located within 500m of the scheme extents. The following unclassified watercourses are situated within 500m of the works:
- Gaugers Burn flows through the scheme extents by culvert at NGR NO 71277 70387 within the extents of the scheme, and;
- Kirk Burn is located 52m northeast of the scheme extents.
There are no ponds located within 250m of the works.
Flood risk
SEPA’s Flood Risk Map indicates that certain localised areas within the scheme extents are expected to face a medium to high probability (0.5–10%) of surface water flooding each year. Gaugers Burn and Kirk Burn also have a medium to high probability of flooding each year.
Groundwater
Groundwater within the scheme extents can be classed as Laurencekirk groundwater (ID: 150653) which has been recorded to have an overall good quality in 2024 according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD).
The A90 carriageway within the proposed scheme extents is located within the Scottish Government’s Strathmore and Fife (including Finavon)Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). NVZs are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution. Areas such as the Strathmore and Fife (including Finavon) NVZ either result or would likely result in a concentration equal or exceeding 50mg/l of nitrates in either surface or groundwater as a result of agriculture.
Climate
Carbon Goals
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, as amended by the Scottish Carbon Budgets Amendment Regulations 2025 sets out the statutory framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Scotland. The prior annual and interim targets have been replaced by five-year carbon budgets, which sets limits on the amount of GHGs that can be emitted in Scotland.
The proposed carbon budgets are aligned with advice from the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) and calculated in accordance with the 2009 Act. The 2025 Regulations define the baseline years for emissions reductions as 1990 for greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and 1995 for others such as hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride (as set out in Section 11 of the Act). The budgets are as follows:
- 2026 - 2030: Average emissions to be 57% lower than baseline.
- 2031 - 2035: Average emissions to be 69% lower than baseline.
- 2036 - 2040: Average emissions to be 80% lower than baseline
- 2041 - 2045: Average emissions to be 94% lower than baseline.
These budgets are legally binding and will be supported by a new Climate Change Plan, which will outline the specific policies and actions required to meet the targets.
Transport Scotland remains committed to reducing carbon across Scotland’s transport network, this commitment is being enacted through the Mission Zero for Transport. Transport is the largest contributor to harmful climate emissions in Scotland, and Transport Scotland are committed to reducing their emissions by 75% by 2030 and to a legally binding target of net-zero by 2045.
Amey’s Company Wide Carbon Goal is to achieve Scope 1 and 2 net-zero carbon emissions, with a minimum of 80% absolute reduction on our emissions by 2035. Amey is aiming to be fully net-zero, including Scope 3 emissions, by 2040.
Amey are working towards a contractual commitment to have carbon neutral depots on the North East Network Management Contract (NE NMC) network by 2028. Amey have set carbon goals for the NE NMC as a whole to be net-zero carbon by 2032.
Policies and Plans
This Record of Determination (RoD) has been undertaken in accordance with Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (RSA EIA Regulations) along with Transport Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance (Guidance – Environmental Impact Assessments for road projects (transport.gov.scot)). Relevant guidance, policies and plans accompanied with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB)) LA 101 and LA 104 were used to form this assessment.