Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Impacts

TM and HGV usage implemented during the scheme may result in an increase in vehicle emissions through idling vehicles and increased congestion along the A95 (and along proposed diversion routes). This may result in a temporary deterioration in local air quality.

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.

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); 
• 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 A95 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.

The listed building (and nearby HERs/NHREs) located 25m from the carriageway is separated from the carriageway by amenity grounds within Tormore Distillery and a fenceline. Consequently, construction is unlikely to directly impact the listed building however, there is the potential for noise and vibration impacts as a result of the scheme.

Works involve a direct replacement of existing road surface that is contained within the carriageway boundary with no verge works and no excavation being undertaken in proximity to any cultural heritage assets, ensuring no impact to the listed building, HERs or NHREs mentioned 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 A95 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.

Plant, vehicles, and machinery will be stored out with the general area of the listed buildings, HERs and NHREs to assist in avoiding the impacting of the setting of these assets. Noise and vibration mitigation (see relevant sections below) will also be adhered to in order to limit the noise/vibration impacts on these assets during construction.

Photographs of the assets will be taken prior to works commencing to evidence their visual condition should any vibration impacts arise as a result of the scheme.

If archaeological remains (ceramics, coins, bones, etc) or areas of discoloured soil are encountered during construction, the Amey Environment team will be contacted, and works will cease until advice can be provided. Additionally, if the nature of the works changes, including specific works in the verge change, 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

Due to the like-for-like nature of the works, there will be no permanent change to the existing landscape character. However, the presence of traffic management measures and construction activities will result in a temporary visual impact on the surrounding landscape for the duration of the works. Areas of ancient woodland will not be affected, as all activities will be confined within the carriageway boundary. Any site lighting, plant, machinery, or vehicles required during night-time operations may also give rise to temporary landscape and visual impacts. Tormore Distillery and its associated buildings may have views of the works while construction activities are taking place.

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.

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.

If works take place during nighttime, 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

As the scheme location falls within 2km of and is hydrologically connected to the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), an HRA Stage 1 was undertaken. The HRA concluded that the scheme does not carry the potential to cause Likely Significant Effects to the SAC. This is due to the distance of the works from the designated sites and their relatively minor nature (like-for-like, no excavation, and contained to carriageway boundary with minimal verge works). Furthermore, the HRA states that any impacts on water, air, and noise will not occur as a result of standard control measures such as those found below.

• If there is any disturbance to the verge, works have the potential to cause the spread of INNS and Transport Scotland target species including common ragwort and rosebay willowherb.
• There is potential for protected species to be active within the surrounding area and for the works to result in disturbance to these species. During night-time programming, additional noise from construction activities and misdirected site lighting could cause temporary disturbance to any surrounding nocturnal species.
• Reduced traffic noise can lessen acoustic disturbance for wildlife. Resurfacing will reduce road noise from traffic and vehicles on the A95.

Mitigation

If works occur during nighttime, 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 Environment 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.

Amey’s environmental briefings will be given to all site operatives before construction works will commence.

As part of the NE NMC, Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, has been asked to keep a record of various target species including rosebay willowherb and common ragwort. Works will not cause the spread of these species, if works are likely to result in the spread of these species through disturbance, Amey’s Landscaping Team will be consulted. Additionally, removal of any vegetation/habitats will not occur without prior notification to Amey’s Environment team where 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.

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) provides energy and emissions benefits and is thus used as standard. When warm-mix asphalt (WMA) is used, 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.

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.

Mitigation

As this scheme has an estimated bid less than £350,000, a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) is not required. However, if the scheme value unexpectantly exceeds £350,000, a SWMP will be 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.

Where practical, all materials will comply with Transport Scotland’s amendment to the Specification for Highway Works, Clause 908TS Warm Mix Asphalt, which sets out performance requirements for WMA mixtures. WMA requires less heat, reducing energy use, making it more environmentally friendly in comparison to hot mix asphalt.

All special waste will be transported by a suitable licenced contractor and will be accompanied by a correctly completed special waste consignment note (SWCN) providing information about the waste source, hazardous properties and disposal/treatment facility. The SWCN will be retained for three years with the Site Responsible Manager is responsible for ensuring these are retained on site. Special waste will be segregated from general waste and other recyclables.

Furthermore, the recycling of Asphalt Waste Containing Coal Tar (AWCCT) will be undertaken in line with SEPA’s position statement on AWCCT (document ref WAS-PS-06). This includes ex-situ recycling which will always be considered as an option, particularly when there is AWCCT present.

All waste leaving the site will be removed from site by a licenced 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 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 works have the potential to generate noise and vibration at nearby sensitive receptors, including residential properties located with proximity to the A95. 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. Noise baseline is likely to increase on diversion routes as a result of more traffic from road closures within the scheme extents .

Works may increase vibration levels as well as noise levels, particularly for receptors along the A95. However, this will be for the duration of the works only.

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.
• Moray Council and Highland Council need to be consulted prior to works. This has been carried out by the Amey Environment Team on 11/08/2026.

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

If works occur at nighttime, construction site lighting during nighttime hours could cause disturbance for residential properties in close proximity to the scheme.

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 access roads located adjacent to the carriageway will be temporarily and minorly impacted due to the works or the presence of TM. Furthermore, TM has potential to cause temporary levels of disruption to road users (including those living along diversion routes) (i.e. congestion and increased travel times). Traffic Management (TM) will likely entail overnight closures during the works (with amnesties for vehicles such as Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and local access, therefore the bus service will not be impacted by works.

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.

Should temporary site lighting be used, it will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.

Appropriate signage will be in place to inform road users and nearby residents with access via the A95 of alternative access routes.

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 the works are within proximity to multiple watercourses, 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, and 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.

Although the works are located within the Aberlour Drinking Water Protection Zone, with appropriate mitigation measures in place there will be no impact to surrounding watercourses.

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 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 Carbon dioxide due to the 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 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.