Description of Main Enviromental Impacts and Proposed Mitigation

Air Quality

Impacts

On site construction activities carry a potential to produce airborne particulate matter 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.
The impacts identified will be temporary for the duration of the works only and therefore no change is predicted on air quality.
Post construction there will be no change to the traffic volume, speed or road alignment.

Mitigation

The following best practice as outlined in the Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction (2024) published by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM), which includes the following mitigation relevant to this scheme will be followed:
All vehicles will switch off engines when stationary; there will be no idling vehicles.
All plant and fuel-requiring equipment utilised during construction will be well maintained in order to minimise emissions.
Planing operations will be wetted to reduce dust arising.
Drop heights to haulage vehicles will be minimised where practicable.
Lorries will be sheeted when carrying dry materials.
Surfaces will be swept where loose material remains following planing
Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning will be undertaken prior to works.

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

Biodiversity

Impacts

A Habitats Regulations Appraisal has been undertaken for the works and concluded that there will be no Likely Significant Effects (LSE) to Loch Flemington SPA for the following reasons:
- The habitat area of the designated site will not be reduced as a result of the scheme.
- There will be no long-term disturbance to key species as a result of the scheme.
- No habitat or species fragmentation will occur as a result of the scheme.
- There will be no reduction in species density as a result of the scheme.
- There will be no change in the key indicators of conservation value.
- The scheme works will not reduce the ability of the designated site to cope with climate change.
In the absence of control, the construction works could result in some indirect noise, water and air pollution impacts, as well as disturbance of protected species. However, these risks are appropriately minimised and mitigated through standard pollution and noise controls, and recommendations for protected species, which are part of the standard control measures for the proposed scheme.
Due to the night-time programming, site lighting and additional noise from construction could temporarily disturb any surrounding habitats where nocturnal or protected species may be active within the local surrounding area.
Due to the works being undertaken within the carriageway, there will be no impacts on the INNS located along the verge.

Mitigation

A ‘soft start’ will be implemented on site each day. This involves switching on plant/vehicles sequentially, as opposed to simultaneously to ensure a gradual increase in noise for minimal disturbance.
Site lighting will be directional and aimed away from sensitive ecological receptors including watercourses.
Should a protected species be encountered or move on site, works will be temporarily halted until the animal has moved on, or until Amey’s Environmental Team can provide advice.
Plant, vehicles and materials will be contained within areas of engineered ground and not stored on grass verges as far as reasonably practicable. If required, reinstatement of any damaged areas will be undertaken upon completion of the scheme.
Amey’s Environmental Team will be contacted if:
There are any sightings of protected species on, or within close surroundings of the active works area;
Unforeseen site clearance, or additional construction activities are required; or
INNS are found within the work area.
Where lighting is required, hoods will be used and lights directed at works and away from ecological receptors, to minimise disturbance to nocturnal species.
In the event that protected species is noticed on site, works will temporarily be suspended until the animal has moved on. Any sightings will be reported to the sustainable solutions team.
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.
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.
All site workers will have received adequate training relevant to their role prior to working on the site, including specific environmental inductions and ‘toolbox talks’.

On the condition that the above mitigation measures and best practice are adhered to, the residual effect on local biodiversity is considered not significant.

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 108: Biodiversity, no further assessment is required.

Material Assets and Waste

Impacts

The works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials.
Transportation and recovery of materials/waste will require energy deriving from fossil fuel, a non-renewable source.
GHG emissions will be generated by material production and transportation to and from site.
Potential tar-bound materials could be identified during the investigation coring.

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 at the time of being used.
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 (if required) will also be completed and retained.
Use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources thus reducing GHG emissions.
Where possible all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally.
Uncontaminated road planings arising from the works will be fully recycled under a SEPA Paragraph 13(a) Waste exemption in accordance with guidance on the Production for Fully Recovered Asphalt Road Planings.
Tar generated as a result of the works will be classed as special waste and will be removed to a suitable licenced 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

Noise heavy works using plant and machinery such as the roller wagon and paver planer are required during night-time hours for both aspects of the works, which could cause disturbance for the nearby amenity users as there is little to no screening between the properties and the carriageway.
TS2010 road surfacing is shown to have superior durability and noise reducing features compared to standard road surfacing mixes.
Construction effects on noise and vibration will be localised, and the works are temporary and like-for-like in nature.
There will be temporary adverse construction impacts due to noise/disruption, however, the scheme will improve safety and quality for road users and pedestrians which will benefit road users in the long-term. There are not anticipated to be any permanent impacts on noise and vibration following the completion of works.

Mitigation

The noisiest works will be completed before 23:00 where feasible.
Plant/machinery will be fitted with silence/mufflers.
Residential properties within 300m that are likely to be impacted by the works will be notified via a letter drop and a communications strategy for road users will be implemented.
The local authority environmental health team will be notified prior to the works commencing.
The noise & vibration briefing will be delivered to all site operatives before works start and the contractor will assess the effectiveness of noise mitigation while on site.
‘Soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery to minimise disturbance.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual construction effects associated with Noise and Vibration is considered not significant.

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration no further assessment is required.

Population and Human Health

Impacts

Core paths and the pedestrian access and cycleways surrounding the scheme will be unaffected and will remain open during the works.
Assess and egress to properties that border the scheme may be affected.
There is no requirement for temporary or permanent land take as the site works take place all within the carriageway boundary.

Mitigation

TM restrictions/diversions and any expected travel delays will be publicised within the local and wider area, in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers.
When in place, TM will be monitored to ensure it is effectively managing traffic flow.
Site specific control measures regarding noise and vibration and air quality can be found in the relevant sections.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual construction effects associated with Population and Human Health is considered not significant.

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 drainage systems and surrounding surface watercourses. In the event of a flooding incident, 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.
There are not anticipated to be any permanent impacts on road drainage or the water environment following the completion of 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.
The control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur.
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.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, 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

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.
Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is being utilised for this project, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional hot mix asphalt. By allowing production and paving at significantly lower temperatures, WMA reduces the energy required during manufacturing and application. This results in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced carbon footprint, thereby contributing to a diminished overall impact on the climate.

Due to the limited scale and defined scope of the proposed works, which are confined to structural repairs and resurfacing of the existing road infrastructure, no significant effects on the climate are anticipated.

Vulnerability of the Project to Risks

As the works will be limited to the like-for-like replacement of the carriageway structure, there will be no change in vulnerability of the road to risk, or in severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.

The Traffic Management Plan ensures that there is no severance of community assets, access routes or residential developments.

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

It has been determined that the project is not expected to alter the vulnerability of the existing trunk road infrastructure to risk of major accidents or disasters.

Assessment Cumulative Effects

The Highland Council granted planning to be undertaken at Brackley House, Gllanfield, Inverness for change of use to Class 4 and Class 6; erection of commercial building, formation of car park, siting of portable building (part in retrospect) and erection of security fencing.

Located approximately 200m southwest of the planned the planned works on the A96, any activities at Brackley House are restricted to normal working hours between 08:00 and 19:00 from Monday to Friday, 08:00 and 13:00 on Saturdays and no work should occur on Sundays or Bank Holidays in Scotland.

As the structural maintenance and resurfacing works on the A96 are to be undertaken at night, no significant or in-combination effects are anticipated with the above listed works at Brackley House.

The Scottish Road Works Commissioner's Interactive Map has not highlighted any works during the proposed timescale and at the location of the proposed works.

Amey’s Currently Programme of works has not highlighted any other works during the proposed timescale at the location of the proposed works and surrounding area.

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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