Statement of case in support of a Determination that a statutory EIA is not required

This is a relevant project in terms of section 55A(16) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 as it is a project for the improvement of a road and the completed works (together with any area occupied by apparatus, equipment, machinery, materials, plant, spoil heaps, or other such facilities or stores required during the period of construction) exceed 1 hectare in area and are situated in whole or in part over the River Tay SAC which is a sensitive area within the meaning of regulation 2(1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999.

The project has been subject to screening using the Annex III criteria to determine whether a formal Environmental Impact Assessment is required under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017). Screening using Annex III criteria, reference to consultations undertaken and review of available information has not identified the need for a statutory EIA.

The project will not have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as:

Characteristics of the scheme

  • Construction activities are restricted to the existing box girders and designated hard-standing areas within the structure and as such there will be no residual change to the local landscape as a result of the works.
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.
  • Works are not expected to result in significant disturbance to protected species that may be present in the wider area.
  • The risk of major accidents or disasters is considered to be
  • As the works will be limited to the changes within the box girders, there is no change to the vulnerability of the road to the risk or severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment. No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of
  • By improving the walkways within the box girders, this will provide this part of the M90 Friarton Bridge structure with another life cycle, and significantly improve the safety aspects for operatives, and enhance the potential for internal improvements/maintenance works within the structure.

Location of the scheme

  • Whilst the scheme is present over the River Tay SAC, works are internal within the M90 Friarton bridge box girders and designated hard standing areas and therefore; will not impact the sensitive area below.
  • The scheme will be confined within the existing box girders and designated hard-standing areas and as a result will not require any land take or alter any local land uses or habitats.
  • No impacts to the local landscape during the construction phase are anticipated. In addition, no operational adverse impacts are anticipated.
  • An HRA has been undertaken regarding the scheme’s presence above the River Tay SAC. This document has concluded that there will be no likely significant effects on the qualifying features of the site as a result of the scheme.

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme

  • Containment measures of the working area will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
  • Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.
  • Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.
  • No in-combination effects have been identified.