Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air Quality

Impacts

On‑site construction activities, including surface preparation works and the operation of mobile plant and machinery, have the potential to generate airborne particulate matter and emissions. During the construction phase, there may therefore be a temporary increase in dust and exhaust emissions, which could result in a minor, short‑term deterioration in local air quality.
No likely significant effects are anticipated due to the nature and scale of the works. All air quality effects will be temporary, limited to the construction phase and localised.
The implementation of traffic management measures during the works will result in temporary traffic diversions, including the rerouting of vehicles from the M74 onto alternative local roads. This will introduce additional traffic, including HGVs, to routes that typically experience lower traffic volumes, which may lead to a short‑term localised increase in vehicle emissions and noise along the diversion corridor. However, the works are programmed to take place during night‑time periods when overall traffic flows are significantly reduced, and the diversions will be in place for a limited duration only. As a result, any impacts on local air quality are expected to be temporary and minor, with no long‑term or permanent effects anticipated.

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 with the potential to generate dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, unless they are to be reused on site .
Cutting, grinding and sawing activities will be undertaken using equipment fitted with, or operated in conjunction with, appropriate dust suppression systems such as water sprays or local exhaust ventilation.
The drop height of materials from conveyors and during loading or handling will be minimised.
Vehicles entering and leaving the work area will be appropriately covered to prevent the escape of materials during transport.
Equipment will be made available on site to address any dry spillages, which will be cleaned as soon as reasonably practicable using wet cleaning methods.
When not in use, plant, vehicles and NRMM will be switched off, and vehicle idling will be avoided.
Plant, vehicles and NRMM will be regularly maintained, with particular attention given to exhaust systems to prevent excessive emissions.

The following additional mitigation measures will be implemented:

Green driving techniques will be adopted, supported by effective route planning prior to the commencement of works.
Materials will be sourced locally where practicable to reduce transportation distances.
Following planing works, affected surfaces will be swept to remove any remaining loose material.

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

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 will not affect any of the designated and non-designated assets identified within the study area.

Mitigation

The following mitigation measures will be in place:

Plant and machinery will be stored within the carriageway boundary where practicable.
Any access beyond the carriageway will be minimised and ideally limited to foot access.
If any archaeological finds, such as coins or pottery, are discovered during the works, they will not be removed from the site. Any such discoveries will be reported immediately to the appropriate authority.

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 existing land uses identified.
The character of the surrounding Broad River Valley Landscape Character Type will remain unchanged, as the scheme does not affect key landscape elements, that define the wider River Clyde valley.
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

During nighttime programming, misdirected site lighting from construction activities could cause disturbance to any commuting protected species.
Site activities may temporarily impact local biodiversity due to increased vehicle presence, potential disturbance to protected species, and the risk of habitat pollution.
The proposed works will result in no impacts to INNS and identified target species identified, as construction activities will be limited to the existing carriageway boundary.
The Clyde Valley Woods SAC is located approximately 1.5km west of the scheme extents. The resurfacing works are confined to the existing M74 carriageway and hard shoulder and will not result in land take, habitat loss, or changes to the SAC.
It is not anticipated that there will be any significant or direct impacts on the designated site (Clyde Valley Woods - SAC) due to the physical separation between the designated site and work area, being more than 1.7km, in addition to the works being localised to the existing M74 carriageway. There is no connectivity between the site via hydrology.
The proposed works do not require vegetation clearance and are restricted to the existing carriage boundary and proximal verges. The snowberry sighted lies approximately 9m north of proposed works and will therefore not impact upon this species.
While the proposed works are not expected to result in the loss of nesting habitat, they may still have the potential to negatively affect nesting birds if undertaken during the bird nesting season (March to August inclusive).

Mitigation

Due to nighttime programming, any artificial lighting required will be hooded and directed specifically at the work area to minimise light spill and disturbance to nocturnal species, including those near ecological receptors such as dense woodland. In the event that any protected species are encountered during the works, all activity will cease immediately to allow the species to pass by.
On site light sources will be kept to a minimum and only used as required.
When not in use, light sources will be switched off to reduce impact on nocturnal species.
‘Soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to avoid disturbance to any potential noise sensitive species present in the area.
In the unlikely event that protected species is noticed on site, works will be temporarily suspended until the animal has moved on.
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.
As part of the NMC, Amey, on behalf of transport Scotland, has been asked to keep a record of various target species. Works will not cause the spread of this species, if works are likely to result in the spread of this species through disturbance, the landscaping team will be consulted.
No works within 1m of snowberry will be undertaken during the proposed works. If this is not possible, an ecologist will be contacted, and a method statement and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will be required.
A Nesting Bird toolbox talk will be given to all site operatives before works commence.

With the above mitigation measures and best practice being adhered to, no significant effects on biodiversity are anticipated.

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 works may 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

Transportation and recovery of activities will require the use of fossil-fuel derived energy which, as a finite non-renewable resource, will be subject to depletion through continued use.
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, which will reduce the need for further materials and wastes.
Use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources thus reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
The use of WMA supports reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions during production while still meeting TS2010 performance requirements for durability and long term carriageway performance.
The works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials.
Non-recycled construction waste often ends up in landfills. Without recycling, the demand for virgin materials increases, putting pressure on natural reserves.

Mitigation

In accordance with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR), asphalt road planings arising from the works are classified as a Low‑Risk Waste Activity (LRWA) under ‘LRWA 3 - Treating asphalt road planings in a milling machine’. The asphalt planings generated by the scheme are anticipated to be uncontaminated and will therefore not require environmental authorisation. These materials will be fully recycled in accordance with SEPA’s guidance on ‘Activities exempt from waste management licensing – Paragraph 13(a)’
No Asphalt Waste Containing Coal Tar (AWCCT) is expected to be encountered, and consequently recycling under SEPA’s position statements relating to coal tar is not required.
All waste leaving the site will be removed from site by a licence waste carrier. All waste documentation will be provided when requested.
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.
Where possible, materials will be obtained locally, and operatives deployed from the local depot where possible to reduce haulage and scheme associated journeys, reducing impact of associated Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions on climate change.
Where possible all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be removed to a local waste management facility.
The contractor will adhere to waste management legislation and ensure they comply with waste management Duty of Care.

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

The proposed construction works may result in noise and vibration effects on nearby noise‑sensitive receptors due to the operation of planers, pavers and roller wagons, especially during nighttime working.
TS2010 features noise‑reducing characteristics that help limit traffic‑related noise pollution, enhancing environmental conditions for surrounding communities. Its advanced material composition also improves resistance to deformation and weathering, maintaining reliable performance under varying traffic demands and climatic conditions.
The implementation of traffic management measures will result in temporary changes to traffic flow, including the diversion of vehicles onto alternative routes. This will introduce additional traffic, including HGVs, onto roads that typically experience lower traffic volumes, which may lead to a short‑term localised increase in noise levels along the diversion corridor. However, the works are programmed to take place during night‑time periods when overall traffic flows are significantly reduced, and the traffic management and associated diversions will be in place for a limited duration only. As a result, any noise impacts are expected to be temporary and localised, with no long‑term or permanent increase in baseline noise levels anticipated.
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

Pre-notification of the works through appropriate signage, and/or social media to inform local residents and road users of the upcoming works.
Notification to South Lanarkshire Council Environmental Health Team due to nighttime works.
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.
Unnecessary revving of engines will be avoided and equipment will be switched off when not in use.
The drop height of materials will be minimised during handling and placement.
‘Soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to avoid disturbance.
The noisiest works will be completed before 23:00 where feasible.
All site operatives will be briefed with a Noise and Vibration Toolbox Talk before works commence.
A letter drop to all noise sensitive receptors will be undertaken before any nightwork works commence.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on Noise and Vibration as the works will be transient.

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

Population and Human Health

Impacts

The implementation of traffic management measures will result in temporary traffic diversions, which may cause short‑term disruption to road users and bus services along the diversion route, including localised congestion and increased journey times. This diversion will introduce additional traffic onto roads that typically experience lower traffic volumes. However, the traffic management will only be in place during night‑time hours when overall traffic demand is significantly reduced. As a result, any disruption to road users and bus timetables is expected to be temporary and minor.
Construction site lighting during nighttime hours could cause disturbance to residential properties in close proximity, and for the nearby amenity users.
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.
The resurfacing works may provide minor indirect health benefits, including improved road surface quality, reduced vehicle noise from smoother surfacing, and improved road safety, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Access to residential properties within the 300 m study area, including those along Valleyfield Crescent, will be maintained at all times, with no direct severance or restriction anticipated.

Mitigation

A letter drop will be undertaken for properties located next to the scheme, detailing construction activities due to nighttime programming.
TM restrictions/arrangements and any expected travel delays will be publicised within the local and wider area, in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers.
The works are confined to the M74 carriageway and verge. Access to private property, including agricultural land, will continue to be available via the local road network throughout the duration of the works, including during the operation of traffic management and diversion routes.

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

If not adequately controlled, debris and run off from the works could be suspended in the surface water. 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 negatively affect the distant water environment.
Should flooding occur, this may delay the scheduled works.
No impact on groundwater is anticipated, as the works involve a like-for-like road surface replacement. There is no source–pathway–receptor linkage that could result in groundwater contamination or alteration.

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 etc.
The control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur (available 24 hours, 7 days a week).
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.
Prior to works commencing, all operatives will be briefed on SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP) documents.

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.
Warm Mix Asphalt is produced and compacted at temperatures 20–40°C lower than Hot Mix Asphalt. This reduces fuel consumption during heating, leading to 15–30% lower energy use and associated CO₂

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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