Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Impacts

On site construction activities carry the potential to produce airborne particulate matter, 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.

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 following planing.

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

Landscape and visual effects

Impacts

There will be no operational impacts on visual receptors as works entail the like-for-like resurfacing of the A96 carriageway within the scheme extents and siding out of the pavement.
The residential 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.

Mitigation

Works will be contained within the A96 carriageway extents.
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 A96 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.

The residual effect on landscape and visual effects is deemed to be neutral. 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.
There is potential for protected species to be active within the surrounding area and for the works to result in disturbance to these species.
Due to the scheme being contained within the pavement boundary, the ancient woodland identified within 500m of the scheme extents will not be impacted by the works.

Mitigation

In the event that protected species are sighted, works will temporarily be suspended until the animal has moved on. Any sightings will be reported to the Amey ET&S team. The ET&S team will be contacted for any guidance if required, and the control room will be contacted for environmental record.
All works and storage of plant, machinery, vehicles and equipment will be restricted to the boundaries of the carriageway.
All site lighting will be directed away from sensitive ecological receptors such as woodland and watercourses.
Noise mitigation measures as outlined in the Noise and Vibration section and pollution control mitigations as outlined in the Road Drainage and the Water Environment section will be adhered to during the works.

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

Siding out may result in soil disturbance, 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.

Mitigation

All works and plant, machinery and vehicles will be contained within the carriageway boundary at all times to prevent damage to soils present on the verge areas.
See additional pollution mitigation measures in the Road Drainage and Water Environment section below.
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 dip trays used appropriately and stored under any chemical or fuel containers.
Weather reports will be monitored prior to the works, with all construction activities temporarily halting in the event of predicted high rainfall or wind.

With mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on geology and soils. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 10: Geology and Soils, no further assessment is required.

Material assets and waste

Impacts

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 this period.
The works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials.
GHG emissions will be generated by material production and transportation to and from site.
Transportation and recovery of materials/waste will require energy deriving from fossil fuels, 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.
It is Amey policy to reuse or recycle as much waste material as possible. Where reuse is not feasible, waste material will be removed to a licenced waste facility.
Where possible, different waste streams will be separated at the source.
Waste will be stored in suitable containers and covered.
The waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Dispose) will be employed throughout the construction works. Waste contractors on-site will adhere to the duty of care with regards to the disposal of removed materials.
Following on-site coring investigations and testing, no coal-tar was identified within the surfacing of the carriageway within the scheme extent. As such, road planings generated as a result of the works will be recovered in accordance with the criteria stipulated within SEPA document ‘Guidance on the Production of Fully Recoverable Asphalt Road Planings’ where possible.
All waste will be transported by a suitable licenced contractor and will be accompanied by correctly completed waste transfer note.
Soil removed from the pavement boundary will be placed within the A96 carriageway verge.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on Material Assets and Waste. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 110: Material Assets and Waste, no further assessment is required.

Noise and vibration

Impacts

TS2010 road surfacing is shown to have superior durability and noise reducing features compared to standard road surfacing mixes. Vehicle travellers and nearby local amenity users will benefit from improved road surfacing as a result of the scheme.
Noise heavy works will likely be required (temporarily) during night-time hours, which could cause disturbance for nearby sensitive receptors (such as residential properties within 300m).

Mitigation

The noisiest works will be completed before 23:00 where feasible.
Plant/machinery will be fitted with silencers/mufflers.
No plant, vehicles or machinery will be left idling when not in use.
A soft start to the works will be undertaken, whereby plant/machinery will be turned on sequentially as opposed to simultaneously.
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.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, and due to the works being of a minor, temporary, transient nature, 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 lane closures and temporary traffic lighting. 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.
Single access points to fields, residential properties and forest areas and laybys identified within the scheme extents will be impacted by TM and the scheme.

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.
Layby closures will be advertised in advance of the scheme and on approach.
Single access points to residential properties, fields and forest land will be maintained at all times throughout the scheme.
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 and alternative access/egress routes for those affected by temporary roadblocks.

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

If not adequately controlled, debris and runoff from the works could enter surrounding surface water environment. In the event of heavy rainfall or a flooding incident, this debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage system, thus 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 negatively affect the surrounding water environment.
Should flooding occur, this may delay the scheduled works.
The Moray, Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan NVZ will not be impacted by the scheme due to the nature of the works (e.g. works are of a transient nature and are contained to the pavement boundary etc.) combined with the relevant pollution control measures detailed below.

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 both during and following the works.
Debris and dust generated as a result of the works will be prevented from entering the drainage system. This will 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 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
Visual pollution inspections of the working area will be conducted frequently, especially during heavy rainfall and wind.
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.
All storage of materials/fuel and any refuelling activities will be more than 10m away from any drainage inlet at all times and placed on a hardstanding surface.
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.
Amey’s environmental briefing on water pollution prevention will be delivered to operatives prior to the start of construction.

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 distance 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 neutral. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

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.

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

Aberdeenshire Council’s Planning Portal has not highlighted any planning applications within the scheme extents at the time of the works in question.

Amey’s current programme of works has not highlighted any other works on the A96 carriageway that will be undertaken in conjunction with the scheme.

No other nearby schemes which may result in a combined effect on nearby receptors have been identified.

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.

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