Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Impacts

On site construction activities carry the potential to produce airborne particulate matter, and dust, and generate emissions that may have a temporary impact on local air quality levels and act as a nuisance to nearby residents.
TM being implemented during the scheme may result in an increase in associated vehicle emissions through idling vehicles and increased congestion, particularly on diversion routes.
The impacts identified will be temporary for the duration of the works only and therefore no permanent change is predicted on air quality.
Post construction there will be no change to the traffic volume, speed or road alignment.

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:
The site layout will be planned (including plant, vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM)) so that machinery and dust causing activities are located away from receptors, as far as reasonably practicable;
Materials that have a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, unless being re-used on site (stockpiles will be covered or fenced to prevent wind whipping);
Cutting, grinding or sawing equipment will be fitted or used 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 carrying wastes and materials will be covered when entering and leaving the work area to prevent escape of materials during transport;
Equipment will be readily available on site to clean any dry spillages and spillages will be cleaned up 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.
Where possible, materials will be sourced locally.
Surfaces will be swept where loose material remains.

No significant effects are predicted on air quality. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 105: Air Quality no further assessment is required.

Cultural Heritage

Impacts

There is potential for impact to cultural heritage assets within the scheme extents, however due to the minor nature of the works and works taking place on already engineered ground, no impacts on cultural heritage have been identified as a result of the works.

Mitigation

Should the nature of the works change, the Amey ET&S team will be contacted prior to works commencing.
Should works encounter any materials of archaeological interest (i.e. discoloured soils or material finds such as ceramics or bone) works should cease and the Amey E&S Team should be contacted.
All plant, machinery and materials will be stored within the carriageway boundary at all times.

No significant effects are predicted on Cultural Heritage. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 106: Cultural Heritage Assessment, no further assessment is required.

Landscape and visual effects

Impacts

There will be no operational impacts on visual receptors as works entail the replacement of filter drains with slight enlargement on the A90 carriageway within the scheme extents.
Visual receptors identified have the potential to be visually impacted by the scheme during construction due to the presence of TM, plant, vehicles, machinery and operatives.
The general setting of the area may be impacted during construction due to the presence of TM, plant, vehicles, machinery and operatives.
Due to sufficient distancing there will be no impact to any areas of ancient woodland or TPOs.
Misdirected site lighting could cause temporary disturbance to any surrounding visual receptors.
Plant, vehicles, machinery and operatives operating within the verge have the potential to visually impact the soft-state ground and vegetation present, thus altering it visually.

Mitigation

Asset installation will be of a minimal visual impact (if any due to the like-for-like nature of the scheme) and will be in keeping with the current setting of the A90 carriageway within the scheme extents.
Visual screening will be used where possible to minimise visual impacts on surrounding receptors.
Where possible, vehicles, plant and machinery will be stored out of sight from nearby visual receptors. All site areas will be well-kept and tidy.
Temporary site lighting will be directional and pointed at the works area only.
Vegetation cutback (where required) will be kept to a minimum.
Where any damage to the soft state verge occurs, reinstatement will take place in line with the current surroundings to limit any potential lasting visual impact. Plant, machinery and vehicles will be contained within the pavement boundary where possible to avoid such impact on the surrounding soft-state verge.

The residual effect on landscape and visual effects is deemed to be not significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

During night-time programming, misdirected site lighting and additional noise could cause temporary disturbance to any surrounding nocturnal species.
Due to the scheme being contained within the highway boundary, the ancient woodlands identified within 500m of the scheme extents will not be impacted by the works.
Works within 5m of rhododendron or 1m of buddleia or Japanese rose may result in further spread of these species.
In the absence of mitigation, any vegetation clearance required to facilitate the works may negatively impact any nesting birds.

Mitigation

Operatives will remain vigilant for the presence of protected species within or near the works. If a protected species is seen in or near the scheme, all works will be stopped until the animal passes by. The protected species will not be approached and the area will be temporarily isolated until the animal has moved on. Any sightings will be reported to the E&S Team.
Directional lighting will be used for all construction activities where works are required at night to minimise the impact of temporary lighting on foraging and commuting nocturnal species. This will include avoiding light spill onto watercourses and adjacent woodland parcels.
Impacts 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.
Hand tools will be used when excavating within route protections zones (RPZs).
No vehicles, machinery or materials will be parked/stored on any soft verges.
Works within 5m of rhododendron or 1m of buddleia or Japanese rose will be avoided. Where works cannot avoid these buffers, an Invasive Species Method Statement will be in place to prevent the spread of these species.
As works are due to take place within the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive) a suitably qualified/experienced ecologist will carry out a nesting bird check before works can proceed. Nesting bird checks will be undertaken within 48 hours prior to any vegetation clearance works taking place. If works are delayed such that more than 48-hours has passed since the nesting bird check took place, then an updated nesting bird check will be undertaken.
If any active nests are identified, then a 5m buffer (or as defined by the site ecologist, depending on the species present and site conditions) will be set around the nest and vegetation clearance works stopped within this buffer until an ecologist has determined that the nest has become inactive (which may take up to six weeks depending on the bird species present).
General construction safeguards will also be followed and will include as a minimum:
There will be a slow start up of equipment if required to gradually increase levels of noise and vibrations onsite, as sudden noises can be more disturbing;
Where equipment can be used with hoods, doors or sleeves to reduce noise levels, these will be used wherever possible;
Open excavations will be fenced off and/or covered to avoid animals becoming trapped or injured. A mammal ladder (e.g. wooden plank) will be erected to allow any animals that may become trapped to escape. All excavations will be checked each morning to ensure no animals have become trapped overnight and an ecologist contacted for advice will any animals be encountered;
An Amey briefing on Protected Species will be provided to all on-site operatives and will include any site-specific requirements.
Additional mitigation measures in Noise and Vibration and Road drainage and the water environment sections will be implemented.

With mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on biodiversity. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 108: Biodiversity, no further assessment is required.

Geology and soils

Impacts

Excavation of filter drain material will result in soil disturbance within the verge, which can create adverse conditions, including localised erosion and polluted soils.
There is potential for spills, leaks or seepage of fuels and oils associated with machinery to escape if not controlled which may negatively affect the soil environment.
An upgrade to the drainage assets within the scheme extents will reduce soil degradation via surface runoff via a reduction in flooding of the A90 carriageway.
The generation of concrete dust 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, reinstatement will be undertaken.
Pollution prevention measures outlined in the Road Drainage and the Water Environment section will be followed during construction.
In the event of a major spill, SEPA will be contacted.
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.
After the works have been completed, excavations will be backfilled with soils/materials and reinstated to the original ground level (where relevant/required). The area will be left level and free from debris.
Dust suppression systems, such as dampening down or use of collection vacuums, will be used when cutting concrete.

With mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are anticipated on geology and soils. Therefore, in line 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.
GHG emissions will be generated by material production and transporting to and from site.
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.
All waste will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, under the relevant SEPA waste authorisation for recovery, reuse or disposal.
Waste will be transferred to SEPA-authorised facilities by carriers with valid waste carrier registration. A waste transfer note (WTN) will be completed for removal of waste from site and retained for two years, in line with statutory Duty of Care requirements.
For vegetation removal waste, SEPA’s guidelines on Low risk waste activities will be followed.
- Waste plant matter will be treated at the place where it is produced to make it easier to transport or to produce mulch for use at the place of production. Further, in forestry maintenance work brash will be cut, chipped or shredded and left on the ground at the place where it is produced.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on material assets and waste is considered to be not significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 110: Material Assets and Waste, no further assessment is required.

Noise and vibration

Impacts

Noise heavy works will likely be required during night-time hours, which could cause disturbance for nearby sensitive receptors (such as residential properties within 300m).
Those living alongside diversion routes will be impacted by the scheme with increased traffic levels on local roads generating additional noise.

Mitigation

Mitigation measures follow Best Practicable Means as outlined in British Standard (BS) 5228:2009+A1:2014. The standard provides specific detail on suitable measures for noise control in respect to construction operations, for example:
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.
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.
A ‘soft start’ to works will be in place, whereby plant/machinery/vehicles are started sequentially as opposed to simultaneously.
The site supervisor will monitor the effects of noise and vibration levels during the works and make necessary working arrangements.

The following further mitigation measures related to noise and vibration will be in place:

Amey’s environmental briefing on Noise and Vibration will be delivered to operatives prior to the start of construction.
Amey’s ET&S team has contacted Aberdeenshire Council’s Environmental Health Team to notify of the works and discuss any noise related concerns.
Residential properties within 300m will be notified in advance of the works via letter drop, providing details of timings, nature, and duration of the works.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, and due to the works being in accordance of BS 5228:2009+A1:2014, no significant effects are predicted for noise and vibration. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration and no further assessment is required.

Population and human health

Impacts

Construction site lighting during night-time hours could cause disturbance for residential properties in close proximity, and for the nearby amenity users.
TM for the works will involve diversion routes and the re-routing of traffic. Nearby residents of surrounding settlements may experience travel disruption due to presence of TM, which may lead to increased journey lengths and times.
There will be no permanent or temporary impacts on land take from private land, community facilities or agricultural land as a result of the scheme as all works will be contained within the carriageway boundary.
Potential for restricted access to farmland adjacent to the works, laybys and residential property Burnside.

Mitigation

TM will be advertised upon approach and in advance of the scheme. When in place, TM will be monitored to ensure it is effectively managing traffic flow.
Temporary site lighting used throughout the scheme will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.
Site specific control measures regarding noise and vibration, landscape and visual effects and air quality can be found in the relevant sections (above).
Due to night-time programming, properties within 300m of the scheme extents will be notified in advance of the works. Pre-notification will include details of proposed timings, duration of the works.
Single access points to properties and private land will be maintained at all times throughout the scheme.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects on 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

Potential for spills, leaks or seepage of fuels and oils associated with plant to escape and reach drainage systems if not controlled, which may impact the water environment.
If not appropriately controlled, debris and runoff from the works has the potential to enter nearby drains and watercourses and could detrimentally impact water quality.
In the event of a flooding incident, debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage having a detrimental effect on the surrounding local water environment.
The Strathmore and Fife NVZ will not be impacted by the scheme due to the nature of the works (e.g. minor, transient etc.) combined with the relevant pollution control measures detailed below.
The drainage works will improve the carriageway drainage at this location, improving road conditions and reducing surface water flooding.

Mitigation

Best practice, as detailed by SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP5 and PPG6), will always be followed onsite. This will ensure that any potential debris/spills are not allowed to enter road drainage unchecked.
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, but will not be limited to, spill kits being present onsite at all times, and the use of funnels and drip trays when transferring fuel, and utilisation of drain covers/shielding boards.
Any pollution incidences will be reported to the Amey control room.
Operatives will conduct regular checks of the work site, especially in periods of heavy wind and rainfall.
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.
Bunds will be provided around drums up to 205 litres with a buffer of 25% of their capacity, and around bulk storage to a capacity of 110% of the stored fuel/oil.
All plant and fuel storage at the site compound will be located on hardstanding and sited more than 10m from any watercourse.
All plant and fuel storage areas will be located away from areas that see high vehicular movement to prevent accidental damage.
All oils and fuels will be returned to storage area after use.
No refuelling will take place within 10m of any watercourse, including field drains and road drainage.
Weather reports will be monitored prior to 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 when run-off/drainage can be adequately controlled to prevent pollution.
All workers will be briefed using the Amey Water Pollution Prevention Briefing.
If the mixing of concrete/ postcrete 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 must be taken off site for appropriate treatment.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs), no significant effects are predicted on the water environment. 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 not significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

< Previous | Contents | Next >