Environment Impact Assessment

The Environmental Impact Assessment and development of the design have progressed iteratively shaping the final DMRB Stage 3 design of the proposed scheme. This has been integral to avoiding or reducing potential impacts on the surrounding environment.

A range of measures have been incorporated into the design of the proposed scheme to avoid, reduce or offset significant adverse environmental effects.

Key environmental considerations have included:

• Impacts on private property and housing, community assets and land, businesses and development land during the construction and operation of the proposed scheme.
• The location of the proposed scheme within the boundaries of the River Tay (Dunkeld) National Scenic Area, Murthly Castle Garden and Designed Landscape, and the River Tay Special Area of Conservation, and the potential for impacts on these designations.
• Impacts on the operation of agricultural land holdings, including woodland and forestry.
• Impacts arising from noise and vibration during construction and operation of the proposed scheme.
• Impacts on walkers, wheelers, cyclists and horse-riders (WCH) during the construction and operation of the proposed scheme.
• The presence of habitats for protected species including otters, bats, badgers, and protected birds.
• The presence of habitats on the Ancient Woodland Inventory and the need for compensatory planting.
• Environmentally sensitive surface water features including the River Tay, River Braan, and Inchewan Burn, and ensuring there is a neutral impact on flood risk.
• Cultural heritage assets including the A-Listed Dunkeld & Birnam Railway Station and footbridge.
• The potential provision of positive effects on biodiversity.