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 such as planing, 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 will 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.

Cultural Heritage

Impacts

The resurfacing works are like-for-like and construction of the M74 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 verge works are unlikely to affect any of the non-designated assets identified within the study area due to sufficient distancing and being restricted to the replacement of existing filter stones within already made ground.

Mitigation

Should the nature of the works change, the Amey Environment team will be contacted prior to works commencing.
Should works encounter any materials of archaeological interest (i.e. discoloured soils or material finds such as ceramics or bone) works will cease and the Amey Environment Team will be contacted.
All plant, machinery and materials will be stored within the carriageway boundary at all times.
Site operatives will be made aware of cultural heritage assets within 300m of the works.

In accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 106: Cultural Heritage Assessment, no further assessment is required.

Landscape and Visual Effects

Impacts

The works will result in temporary changes to the surrounding landscape, primarily due to the implementation of short-term traffic management measures and the presence of plant and machinery during construction.
Given the scheme’s location within a landscape characterised by motorway infrastructure, major roads, and other transport features, the presence of construction activities will be consistent with the existing land uses identified.
The character of the surrounding Plateau Farmland Landscape Character Type will remain unchanged, as the scheme does not affect key landscape elements, that define the wider area.
Due to nighttime programming, construction site lighting during nighttime hours could cause disturbance for residential properties in close proximity.

Mitigation

The works have been designed to minimise landscape and visual impacts by retaining the existing form, appearance, and materials of the M74 carriageway and its immediate surroundings where practicable.
Temporary site lighting used throughout the scheme will be minimised and directional and pointed only at the area of works.
All areas impacted by the works will be fully reinstated to their original condition, ensuring no long-term visual effects on the surrounding landscape.
Plant/machinery/materials will be stored in unobtrusive areas when not in use and will not be stored on grass verges.

In accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects, no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

An HRA has been undertaken and concluded that there will be no Likely Significant Effect (LSE) to the Coalburn Moss SAC. The proposed scheme involves works to the existing carriageway and will not directly impact the European Site. There are no direct impacts or significant effect pathways anticipated for the qualifying interest of the European Sites. The qualifying interest is confined to the extents of the European sites, and there is a physical separation where the works are to be confined within the extents of the existing highway boundary. Air pollution risks will be appropriately minimised by standard pollution and noise and vibration controls. As well as no long-term disturbance to key habitats, no habitat or species fragmentation will occur and no reduction in species density as a result of the scheme.
Increase in nighttime noise could potentially result in temporary disturbance/nuisance for nocturnal species if active in proximity of the works.
Temporary lighting for the works may affect the foraging or commuting routes of nocturnal protected species which may be active in the surrounding area.
The proposed works has the potential to cause the spread of INNS cherry laurel.
The bird nests identified are not expected to be impacted as works are confined to the existing road and filter stones. The presence of construction vehicles has the potential to cause increased disturbance to nesting birds in the area.

Mitigation

If a protected species is seen on or near the scheme, all works will be stopped until the animal passes by. The Environment 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.
The noisiest works will be scheduled for before 11:00pm if feasible.
Operatives will avoid extraneous noise whilst on site and will be briefed using Noise and Vibration briefing
No works within 5m of cherry laurel will be undertaken during the works. If this is not possible an ecologist will be contacted as a method statement and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will be required.
Works are not expected to take place within the woodland where nests were identified, however, they are expected to be within the bird nesting season (March to August inclusive). If works change, and there is to be vegetation removal impacting the woodlands within nesting bird season, nesting bird checks will be required.
As verge works are required further surveys will be undertaken, as well as consultation with NatureScot to assess mitigation and licencing requirements.
General mammal construction safeguards will be implemented within the scheme extents to protect mammals which could be using the proposed works area:
- There will be a slow start up of equipment 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.
- Consideration will be given to where spoil is stored, mammal proof fencing will be considered if spoil is to be stored on site for long periods of time.
- No equipment will be stored in suitable mammal 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.

Geology and Soils

Impacts

Resurfacing works will be confined to the existing carriageway boundary and previously engineered layers.
The verge filter drain works could potentially result in minor soil disturbance, which can create adverse conditions, including erosion and polluted soils.

Mitigation

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.
Excavation of soils will be kept to a minimum and only where necessary, with any excavated soils being re-used on site as far as reasonably practicable. 
Excavated soils if stored on site will be appropriately contained/covered and protected from the elements. 
Spill kits will be present on site, and all operatives will be fully trained in their use.
Any fuel, oil and other chemicals required for use will be stored securely with drip trays used appropriately and stored under any chemical or fuel containers.
If any unusual odours or soil colourations are identified during the works, the works will cease, and the environmental team will be notified.

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

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 109: 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 the period.
The works will result in a 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

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.
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.
All waste will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, under the relevant SEPA waste authorisation for recovery, reuse or disposal. For example, road planings will be prioritised for recovery or reuse, through recycling into new asphalt, in line with the waste hierarchy.
Waste will be transferred to SEPA-authorised facilities by carriers with valid waste carrier registration. A waste transfer note (WTN) will be completed for removal of waste from site and retained for two years, in line with statutory Duty of Care requirements.
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.
All special waste such as coal tar will be transported by a suitably licenced contractor and be accompanied by correctly completed special waste consignment note (SWCN) providing information about the waste, the producer and the person the waste is being handed to; the SWCN will be kept for three years, the Site Responsible Manager is responsible for ensuring these are retained onsite.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on material assets and waste is considered to be not significant. 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 will benefit from reduced noise as a result of the scheme.
Works will be undertaken during nighttime programming. As such, residential properties within 300m of the works could experience temporary disturbance due to an increase in noise levels.
The scheme will not result in changes to traffic speed, flow or composition, and operational ambient noise levels are expected to remain consistent with pre‑construction conditions.

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 were 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.
South Lanarkshire Council Environmental Health Team has been notified of the works due to the nighttime programming.

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

TM has potential to cause slight levels of disruption to road users (i.e., congestion and increased travel times).
Construction site lighting during nighttime hours could cause disturbance for residential properties within view of the works.
The resurfacing works are expected to provide health benefits by improving road surface quality and reducing vehicle noise through smoother surfacing, which may support better sleep and help reduce noise-related health issues, while also enhancing road safety and lowering the risk of accidents
The scheme is located entirely within the existing M74 carriageway boundary, as such there will be no impact on land take from private land and/or community facilities as a result of the scheme.

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.
Artificial site lighting will be directional and pointed away from residential properties.

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

Potential for spills, leaks or seepage of fuels and oils associated with plant to escape and reach drainage systems and culverts if not controlled, which may impact the water environment.
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 PPG6), will always be followed onsite. This will ensure that any potential debris/spills are not allowed to enter road drainage unchecked.
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.
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 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 generated through the use of machinery, vehicles, and materials (both recycled and virgin) required for the scheme, as well as through transportation to and from the site.

Mitigation

Local suppliers will be used as far as reasonably practicable to reduce travel time and GHG emitted as part of the works.
Waste disposal will be directed to local licensed facilities.
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, no significant effects are anticipated on Climate. Therefore, in line with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

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