Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Impacts

The use of vehicles, plant and generators during construction will result in emissions which will temporarily impact local air quality.
On site construction activities carry the potential to produce airborne particulate matter and generate emissions that will have a temporary impact on local air quality.
TM implemented during the scheme may result in an increase in vehicle emissions through idling vehicles and increased congestion. This may result in a temporary deterioration in local air quality.

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:

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.

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

Biodiversity

Impacts

An HRA has been undertaken and concluded that there will be no Likely Significant Effect (LSE) to the River Spey SAC or the Lower River Spey – Spey Bay SAC and Moray and Nairn Coast SPA and Ramsar. The proposed scheme involves works to the bridge and will not directly impact the European Sites. There will be no long-term disturbance to key species, no habitat or species fragmentation, no reduction in species density, no change in the key indicators and the habitat area of the designated sites will not be reduced as a result of the works. Site specific best practice will ensure no LSE to the European Sites.
Increase in night-time noise may result in temporary disturbance/nuisance for nocturnal species if active in proximity.
Temporary lighting for the works may affect the foraging or commuting routes of nocturnal protected species which may be active in the surrounding area.
In the absence of mitigation, work within woodland could have a potential effect on the root protection zones (RPZ) of the ancient woodland or through pollution.
Works within 7m of Himalayan balsam, 5m of giant hogweed and 1m of montbretia and white butterbur could cause the unintentional spread of these species on and off site.
Disturbance of the rosebay willowherb and their roots and rhizomes may cause the spread of this species within Transport Scotland land and land adjacent to the proposed works.
The proposed works have the potential to impact the river embankment habitat if scaffolding surrounding the bridge structure is required for access or if pollution from the works reaches this habitat..
While there is no vegetation clearance planned in this scheme birds may still be impacted in the absence of mitigation if they are nesting on the bridge structure or from noise disturbance.

Mitigation

If a protected species is seen on or near the scheme, all works will be stopped until the animal passes by. The E&S team will be contacted for any guidance if required, and the control room will be contacted for environmental record.
When in use, any artificial light will be directional and directed at the area of works as far as reasonably practicable, reducing any light spill into the wider surroundings, and potentially sensitive habitat (e.g. woodland/structures).
No vehicles, machinery or materials will be parked/stored on any soft verges.
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.
Operatives will avoid extraneous noise whilst on site and will be briefed using Noise and Vibration briefing.

Woodland

Works within the woodlands will be kept to a minimum wherever possible. As the planned activities primarily focus on the underside of the bridge, the woodlands are unlikely to face significant damage or disturbance. Nonetheless, caution will be exercised in these habitats, particularly to avoid harm to tree root protection zones if construction vehicles are present to access the works area.

Invasive Plant Species

The following buffers will be put in place to refrain from causing the spread of invasive non-native plant species on and off site:

Montbretia- 1m
Himalayan balsam- 7m
White butterbur- 1m
Giant hogweed- 5m

If this is not possible works will only proceed with a method statement which details the best practice guidance for limiting the spread of these species.

On site operatives will be given a toolbox talk for invasive non-native species Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed.

Contractual Target Species

Rosebay willowherb was recorded within the scheme extents. As these are target species and have the potential to spread, the works will avoid stands of this species. Should works be anticipated to impact upon this species, Amey’s landscaping team will be consulted to ensure the relevant management plan is followed.

Birds

The proposed underside works (concrete repairs) will be delayed until after breeding bird season (March to August inclusive) to protect birds nesting in the bridge. Due to the underside works taking place later in the year, nest checks will not be required, however if the works are to proceed within nesting bird season, then nest checks are required every 48 hours prior to works commencing.

Mammals

Attempts will be made to avoid working in the vicinity of the woodlands during nighttime hours and within two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset (1st March to 31st October). As night works are expected, this will avoid unnecessary disturbance by ensuring that the height of lighting columns are as low as possible. Lighting hoods, cowls and shields will be utilised to focus light into the working areas and away from the surrounding environment and particularly away from watercourses.

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 mammals that may become trapped to escape. All excavations will be checked each morning to ensure no animals have become trapped overnight ad an ecologist contacted for advice should any animals be encountered.
Consideration will be given to where spoil is stored, mammal fencing will be considered if spoil is to be stored on site for long periods of time.
No equipment will be stored within suitable habitat.

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 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.
The works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials.
Greenhouse gas (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.
Any non-contaminated road planings arising from the works will be fully recycled in accordance with SEPA’s guidance on the Production for Fully Recovered Asphalt Road Planings.
Any tar-contaminated planings will be taken off site as special waste for treatment/disposal at a licenced waste facility.
All waste metals will be removed from site and sent to a licensed facility where they will undergo recycling as far as practicable.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on material assets and waste is considered to be neutral. 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 will be utilised, which will reduce mid to high frequencies of traffic noise levels. Nearby receptors may benefit from reduced noise as a result of the scheme.
Works may be undertaken during night-time programming. As such, residential properties within 300m of the works may experience temporary disturbance due to an increase in noise levels.

Mitigation

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.
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.
Plant and machinery will be switched off when not in use to reduce noise disruptions to the surrounding environment.
Engine exhaust and vent silencers will be used where possible.
The noisiest works will be scheduled for before 11:00pm where feasible.
‘Soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to avoid disturbance.
The delivery of materials to the scheme extents will be made during daytime and early evening hours where reasonably practicable, to reduce noise associated by traffic.
Operatives will avoid extraneous noise whilst onsite and will be briefed using the Amey Noise and Vibration environmental briefing.
Moray Council Environmental Health Team has been notified of the works due to the night-time programming.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on noise and vibration is considered to be neutral. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration no further assessment is required.

Population and human health

Impacts

TM has potential to cause slight levels of disruption to road users (i.e., congestion and increased travel times).
Construction site lighting during night-time hours could cause disturbance for residential properties within view of the works.
There is potential for the pedestrian footway within the scheme to be impacted during the works with potential restriction of use/access.
Potential for bus stops to be closed during the works.
The core path and cycleway within 300m of the works will not be impacted due to sufficient distancing and works restricted to the A96 carriageway boundary.

Mitigation

Advance traffic signs will be placed prior to works in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers, and will inform road users of expected duration, timings, and any temporary TM arrangements/restrictions and Bus Stop closures.
Artificial site lighting will be directional and pointed away from residential properties.
In case of footway closures, operatives will have measures in place to allow pedestrians of all abilities to safely pass by the works. Any pedestrian diversions for the works will be clearly signed and accessible.
If closure of the bus stop is required, a temporary bus stop and clear signage will be put in place.

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.
There is potential of discharge from hydro-demolition to contaminate the River Spey below.
There is potential for watercourses to be polluted by concrete works which can affect the pH balance of the watercourse and harm aquatic life.
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.

Mitigation

Best practice, as detailed by SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP5 and GPP6), will always be followed onsite. This will ensure that any potential debris/spills are not allowed to enter road drainage unchecked.
Works will adhere to SEPA’s General Binding Rules (GBR) GBR-6, GBR-9 and GBR-10A
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 oils and fuels will be returned to storage area after use.
During concrete repairs the bridge will be encapsulated as part of standard practice during this type of work.
Storage and mixing of concrete will take place at least 10m away from watercourses.
No washout from concrete mixing will be allowed to enter the water environment and will be taken off site for appropriate treatment.
Effective containment measures (e.g., bunds, temporary barriers, sheeting) will be implemented to collect and control the wastewater generated during hydro-demolition.
Sediment traps, filters, or settlement tanks will be used to remove suspended solids and debris from the wastewater before discharge or treatment.
Precautions will be taken to prevent any debris, wastewater, or other contaminants from entering nearby water bodies (rivers, streams, lakes). This may involve using silt fences, cofferdams, or other protective measures.
A waste management plan will be implemented for the removed concrete debris and any other waste generated. This includes segregation, storage, transportation, and disposal at licensed facilities. Concrete will be re-used or recycled where possible.
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.
Site staff will be briefed using the Water Pollution Prevention Toolbox Talk.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s GPPs the residual significance of effect on the water environment is considered to be neutral. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 113: Road drainage and the water environment no further assessment is required.

It has been determined that the proposed project will not have direct or indirect significant effects on the water environment.

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.

It has been determined that the proposed scheme will not have direct or indirect significant effects to climate.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

As the works will be limited to the resurfacing of the carriageway and repairs of the bridge structure, there will be no change in vulnerability of the road to risks, or in severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.

It has been determined that the proposed scheme will not alter the vulnerability of the existing trunk road infrastructure to risk of major accidents or disasters.

Assessment of cumulative effects

The Scottish Road Works Commissioner's Interactive Map does not highlight any other works in the area at the time of construction.

The data collated from the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) will not have a cumulative significant effect on the air quality within the scheme extents. The SPRI’s identified are not releasing any significant pollutants that will have a detrimental impact on the local air quality and overall effect of the scheme.

Moray Council’s Planning Portal does not highlight any proposed developments or planning applications on the A96 carriageway within 2km of the scheme.

Amey’s current programme of works has not highlighted any other works on the A96 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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