Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation
Air quality
Impacts
TM implemented during the scheme may result in an increase in vehicle emissions through idling vehicles and increased congestion along the A92. This may result in a temporary deterioration in local air quality. However, as works are overnight, the volume of traffic along the A92 at this time will be relatively minimal.
On site construction activities such as planing of the surface and mobile machinery movement have the potential to produce an increase in dust, emissions, and airborne particulate matter. This is likely to cause a slight and temporary deterioration in air quality within the local area.
The resurfacing activities are scheduled to occur during nighttime hours and will be of a relatively short duration. As such, any emissions of dust or vehicle exhaust will be temporary and localised. Given the limited scope and timescale of the works, no significant change in ambient air quality is predicted.
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 (cover or fence stockpiles to prevent wind whipping);
- Only cutting, grinding or sawing equipment fitted or in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques such as water sprays or local extraction will be used, e.g. suitable local exhaust ventilation systems
- Drop heights will be minimised from conveyors and other loading or handling equipment;
- 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.
In addition, 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 also be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning will be undertaken prior to works. Finally, where possible, materials will be sourced locally, and surfaces will be swept where loose material remains following planing.
No significant effects are anticipated upon completion of the works, and no further assessment is required in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 105: Air Quality.
Cultural heritage
Impacts
Construction of the A92 carriageway is likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present within the trunk road boundary. Therefore, the presence of unknown archaeological remains in the study area has been assessed as low.
Works involve a direct replacement of existing road surface that is contained within the carriageway boundary with no verge works, ensuring no impact to the cultural heritage assets listed above.
Works will temporarily impact the heritage setting of the area due to the presence of TM, plant, and machinery; however, this will only be for the duration of the works.
Mitigation
During construction, plant, vehicles, personnel, materials etc. will be contained to the hardstanding areas of the A92 carriageway as far as possible. Furthermore, the site will be kept clean and tidy throughout all stages of the works, with appropriate storage of materials, equipment, plant and waste.
If archaeological remains (ceramics, coins, bones, etc) or areas of discoloured soil are encountered during construction, the Amey Environmental team will be contacted, and works will cease until advice can be provided. Additionally, if the nature of the works changes, including if verge works become required, the Amey Environment team will be contacted prior to works commencing.
Provided control measures are adhered to, there are no cultural heritage assets within the surrounding area that are likely to be impacted. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 106: Cultural Heritage Assessment, no further assessment is required.
Landscape and visual effects
Impacts
Users of the two overbridges adjacent to the scheme extents, and the residential properties located 250m south of the A92 are likely to experience views of traffic management, plant, and construction machinery. Furthermore, two out of the eight Core Paths in proximity to the site will have a view of the works (R437 and R434). As the works are scheduled to take place during nighttime hours, pedestrian activity along the pathways surrounding the scheme is expected to be minimal at this time. As a result, any transient receptors are anticipated to experience a negligible visual impact.
Due to nighttime programming, temporary construction lighting may result in short-term disturbance for residential properties in close proximity to the works and users of the pathways. However, as the works are relatively minor, short in duration, and undertaken on a like-for-like basis, no permanent alterations to landscape features and views are anticipated
There will be no impact on the ancient woodland or TPO in proximity to the scheme as the works do not require any vegetation clearance and will be contained to the carriageway boundary where no trees are present.
Mitigation
The scheme has been designed to retain the existing landscape character as far as possible, ensuring that the overall appearance of the area remains unchanged.
Temporary site lighting used throughout the scheme will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.
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.
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. Furthermore, as the majority of works within view of sensitive receptors are like for like, no permanent impact is expected. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects, no further assessment is required.
Biodiversity
Impacts
Increased noise levels and potential light spill from construction lighting have the potential to disturb any protected species in the vicinity. However, as the works are short‑term and transient in nature and given the low likelihood of protected species being present within the carriageway boundary, any impact is expected to be minimal.
No excavation or vegetation clearance is planned, and all materials and equipment will be stored on hardstanding areas. Therefore, there is limited potential to introduce or spread Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or target species including rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium).
Mitigation
Due to nighttime programming any artificial lighting required will be hooded and directed specifically at the work area to minimise light spill and disturbance to nocturnal species. In the event that any protected species are encountered during the works, all activity will cease immediately, and a member of Amey’s Environmental Team will be contacted for further guidance. Furthermore, ‘soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to avoid disturbance to any potential noise sensitive species present in the area.
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.
Toolbox talks will be given to all site operatives before construction works will commence.
As part of the NMC, Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, has been asked to keep a record of various target species, including rosebay willowherb. Works will not cause the spread of these species, if works are likely to result in the spread of these species through disturbance, the landscaping team will be consulted. Additionally, removal of any vegetation/habitats will not occur without prior notification to Amey’s Environmental team where the appropriate method statements will be drafted.
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.
Material assets and waste
Impacts
Transportation and recovery of materials or waste will require energy deriving from fossil fuel, a non-renewable source. Fossil fuels are finite resources, and their extensive use for energy-intensive processes like transportation accelerates their depletion.
The design life for the TS2010 surfacing proposed is estimated to be 20 years. This will reduce the requirement for maintenance to this section of road over the period, which will reduce the need for further materials and wastes. The use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources thus reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Furthermore, the use of TS2010 Surface Course will prolong the period before future resurfacing is required, compared to other types of road surface. Future repairs can be able to be carried out easily via inlay
The works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials. Without recycling, the demand for virgin materials increases, putting pressure on natural reserves.
Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) will be used as it reduces fuel and energy consumption and reduces GHG production during mixing and installing phases. WMA also increases the laying window and compaction of the material.
Mitigation
All schemes with an estimated bid greater than £350,000, which includes these works, will have a Site Waste Management Plan developed. This will detail how resource use and waste arising from the works will be managed throughout the scheme. This will help control and reduce the amount of waste produced, resulting in less landfilled waste.
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.
Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) classes waste asphalt (uncontaminated) as a Low-Risk Waste Activity (LRWA) under ‘LRWA 3 - Treating asphalt road planings in a milling machine’. This means that uncontaminated road planings arising from the works do not require authorisation and will be fully recycled in accordance with SEPA’s guidance on asphalt road planings.
All waste leaving the site will be removed from site by a licence waste carrier. All waste documentation will be provided when requested.
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. Furthermore, where possible, materials will be obtained locally, and operatives deployed from the local depot where possible to reduce haulage and scheme associated journeys, reducing impact of associated Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions on climate change. Once works are complete, all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally.
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
Construction activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to generate noise and vibration at nearby sensitive receptors, including residential properties located with proximity to the A92. This may occur through the use of pavers, planers, roller wagons and other plant during nighttime working hours.
TS2010 road surfacing is shown to have superior durability and noise reducing features compared to standard road surfacing mixes.
There are no anticipated impacts on noise and vibration following the completion of works.
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:
- Quiet working methods will be employed, including use of the most suitable plant, reasonable hours of working for noisy operations, and economy and speed of operations.
- 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.
- Operations will be sequenced to minimise simultaneous use of high-noise equipment, and a ‘soft start’ to works will be in place, whereby plant, machinery and vehicles are started sequentially as opposed to simultaneously. Additionally, No plant, vehicles or machinery will be left idling when not in use
- Plant and machinery will be regularly maintained to prevent excessive noise from worn parts or inefficient operation.
- On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to local sensitive receptors. Where night-works are to be undertaken, the noisiest works will be undertaken before 23:00 where possible.
In addition to the above, Fife Council’s Environmental Health Department and residential properties within 300m have been notified of the works due to the nighttime programming. Amey’s environmental briefing on Noise and Vibration will also be delivered to all site operatives before works start.
With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on Noise and Vibration as the works will be transient. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration no further assessment is required.
Population and human health
Impacts
Construction site lighting during nighttime hours could cause disturbance for residential properties in close proximity as well as users of the Core Paths surrounding the scheme. The Core Paths will remain open during the works.
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.
The laybys located adjacent to the carriageway will be temporarily impacted due to the works or the presence of TM. Furthermore, TM has potential to cause temporary levels of disruption to road users (i.e. congestion and increased travel times).
Vehicle travellers and nearby receptors will benefit from the improved road surfacing due to reduced road noise as a result of the scheme.
Mitigation
A letter drop will be undertaken for properties within 300m of the scheme, to notify all residential properties of the works. TM restrictions/arrangements and any expected travel delays will also be publicised within the local and wider area via radio and letterbox drop, in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers and agricultural businesses in the local area.
The laybys will remain open and accessible throughout all stages of the works and any layby closures will be advertised in advance.
Temporary site lighting used throughout the scheme will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.
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
As a section of the works is directly above a watercourse, construction activities may pose short-term pollution risks to the water environment through accidental spills of fuels, oils, chemicals, or road planings which could enter surface runoff, drainage systems and nearby surface watercourses. However, as the works involve resurfacing only, with no in-water works, no abstraction or transfers of water from, or discharges to a waterbody, the potential for a pollution incident within a waterbody is unlikely.
Additionally, 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, this debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage having a negative effect on the surrounding local water environment. Should flooding occur within the scheme extents, 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. Furthermore, 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 Amey control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur (available 24 hours, 7 days a week).
Weather reports will be monitored prior and during all construction activities and visual pollution inspections of the working area will be conducted in frequency, especially during heavy rainfall and wind. 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.
All operatives will follow of SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP) documents and the delivery of Amey’s Water Pollution Prevention environmental briefing will be given to all site operatives prior to the works.
Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s GPPs, the residual effect on the local water environment during construction is considered to be not significant. In accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 113: Road Drainage and the Water Environment, no further assessment is required.
Climate
Impacts
Due to the small scale and short duration of the works, the scheme impacts are not expected to have significant effect on climate in the context of national carbon budgets.
However, construction of the scheme will result in the emission of GHGs. The use of fuel for plant and machinery during construction will require the exploitation of fossil fuels, while some materials required for the scheme will be from primary sources and require transportation to site. The nature of the proposed scheme requires HGVs resulting in local air quality degradation and GHG emissions, combined with combustion fuel usage.
Energy will be required for the scheme in the form of non-renewable fossil fuels for transport of materials and personnel, and for plant operation. The use of non-renewable fuels to power plant and machinery will be a contributing factor to GHG emissions.
The use of WMA will lead to a decrease in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission due to the lower heating requirements, compared to HMA.
Mitigation
Local suppliers will be used as far as reasonably practicable to reduce travel time and GHG emitted as part of the works, and vehicles/plant will not be left on when not in use to minimise and prevent unnecessary emissions.
The full extent of carbon emissions relating to these works is unknown until construction is complete. However, as the proposed scheme is of a relatively minor nature with minor associated emissions, it has been determined that the scheme will not significantly influence Scotland’s ability to meet its carbon budgets.
Consequently, 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.