Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Construction activities associated with the proposed works have the potential to temporarily cause local air quality impacts. Activities undertaken on site may cause dust and particulate matter to be emitted to the atmosphere. However, taking into account the nature and scale of the works and the following mitigation measures, the risk of significant impacts to the air are considered to be low.

Materials that have a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, and vehicles that remove waste from site will have sheeted covers.
Ancillary plant, vehicles, and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) will have be regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems and switched off when stationary to prevent exhaust emissions (e.g., there will be no idling vehicles).
Cutting, grinding, and sawing equipment (if required) will be fitted or used in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques e.g., local exhaust ventilation system that fits directly onto tools.
Regular monitoring (e.g., engineer or Clerk of Works) will take place when activities generating air pollution are occurring. In the unlikely event that unacceptable levels of air pollution are emanating from the site, the operation will, where practicable, be modified and re-checked to verify that the corrective action has been effective. Actions to be considered include: (a) minimising cutting and grinding on-site, (b) reducing operating hours, (c) changing the method of working, etc.
Good housekeeping will be employed throughout the work.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any air quality effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this Record of Determination (RoD).

Landscape and visual effects

The works are located within the boundary of the LLTNP. However, as the works comprise localised vegetation maintenance of young trees along the trunk road, they are not anticipated to affect the landscape character of the National Park. Upon completion, visual amenity is expected to be enhanced through removal of overgrown vegetation. The National Park Authority will be notified prior to commencement of the works.

There will be a short-term impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the site as a result of the presence of construction plant, vehicles, and TM. However, the works are of a relatively short duration (up to four weeks) and restricted to the A82 carriageway boundary and land use will not change as a result of the works.

In addition, the following mitigation measures will be put in place during works:

Throughout all stages of the works, the site will be kept clean and tidy, with materials, equipment, plant and wastes appropriately stored, minimising the landscape and visual effects as much as possible.
LLTNP advice, if received, will be complied with.
Tree felling and vegetation clearance will be kept to the minimum amount necessary to ensure the safety of the relevant infrastructure (i.e. A82 trunk road boundary).
Works will avoid encroaching on land and areas where work is not required or not permitted. This includes general works, storage of equipment/containers and parking.
Where applicable, upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
The site will be left clean and tidy following construction.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any landscape and visual effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Biodiversity

The scheme is located in proximity to the River Tay SAC; consequently, a HRA has been undertaken. Due to Likely Significant Effects (LSE) not being ruled out at the screening stage, an Appropriate Assessment (AA) was undertaken.

No works will take place within the boundary of the SAC and the works will be conducted during daytime hours. Furthermore, there is limited connectivity via suitable watercourses between the SAC and the works area. Therefore, no direct habitat loss or impacts on resting places will occur. Although there is a risk of disturbance, the works will be temporary, short-term, highly localised, and will move progressively along the full scheme extent. Additionally, protected species in the area are likely to be habituated to noise from the A82/A85 trunk roads and adjacent railway line. The AA concluded that, considering the nature and scale of the works and the implementation of mitigation measures during construction, the proposed works will not result in Adverse Effects on Site Integrity (AESI) on the qualifying features within the River Tay SAC.

Vegetation clearance will be restricted to the trunk road corridor and associated SUDS features, where woodland edge habitat is already present along this section of the A82. The proposed works will push the edge of the woodland back from the road, but it will remain a feature of the road corridor in this area. Furthermore, areas of woodland and connectivity corridors (e.g., tree lines) will be retained in the wider landscape, so vegetation clearance will not result in fragmentation or loss of connectivity to surrounding woodland habitat.

Activities undertaken on site could potentially have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the area as a result of an increased vehicle presence and the potential for disturbance to protected species and pollution of habitats. However, works are restricted to the carriageway boundary and the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required onsite is low given the scale and scope of the works. In addition, any species in the area are likely to be accustomed to noise and visual disturbance pertaining to vehicle movements on the A82. The scheme is of relatively short duration (up to four weeks), will be completed progressively along the full scheme extent, and will be undertaken during the daytime working hours, negating requirement for artificial lighting. The potential for significant species disturbance within the area of construction is therefore considered to be low. In addition, the site survey undertaken by BEAR Scotland NW Environment team did not identify any signs of protected species within disturbance buffers of the works.

No INNS were identified during the site survey. There are no earthworks associated with the scheme, the scheme does not require permanent (or temporary) land-take, and there is no requirement to import topsoil. As such, there is limited potential to spread or introduce INNS on site. Rosebay willowherb will be treated as per NW Landscape Management Plan.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will be detailed in the Site Environment Management Plan (SEMP) and adhered to on site. Therefore, with the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on biodiversity are considered to be low:

No in-water works will be permitted. Works will be strictly limited to areas required for access and to carry out the works. Unnecessary encroachment onto terrestrial or aquatic areas will not be tolerated.
Vegetation clearance works will be limited to the minimum area necessary to improve road safety.
Trees to be removed will be recorded so that compensatory planting can be carried out in an appropriate area in future.
All construction operatives will be briefed through toolbox talks prior to works commencing, which will be included in the SEMP. The toolbox talks will provide information on the legislation, general ecology, and best practice measures for relevant protected species.
Site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of any protected species, throughout the works period. Should a protected species be noted during construction, works will temporarily halt until the species has sufficiently moved on. Any sightings of protected species will be reported to the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team.
Artificial lighting (where required) will be directed away from areas of woodland and waterbodies as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
Works will avoid the main breeding bird season (March to August inclusive) as far as possible. If works are delayed and will be carried out during this period, a nesting bird check will be conducted two weeks and no more than 48 hours prior to commencement of the works.
If an active bird nest (e.g., eggs or young present, adult sitting on nest) is identified on site, all works within 30m of the nest will stop until the BEAR Scotland NW Environment Team can provide advice.
A ‘soft-start’ will be implemented on site each day. This will involve switching on vehicles and checking under/around vehicles and the immediate work area for mammals prior to works commencing to ensure none are present and that there is a gradual increase in noise.
Any excavations, exposed pipes/drains, or areas where an animal could become trapped (e.g. storage containers) will be covered over when not in use, at the end of each shift, and following completion of the works to avoid animals falling in and becoming trapped.
If fencing is utilised at any point during the works, a gap of 200mm from ground level will be provided, allowing free passage for mammals and preventing entrapment.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any biodiversity effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Geology and soils

The scheme is not located within a GCRS or geological SSSI. Although excavation is not required, the vegetation clearance and tree felling may result in localised and minor soil exposure or disturbance. The following measures will be applied on site:

Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
The parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment on grass will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
Additional pollution prevention measures as outlined in Road drainage and the water environment will be adhered to during construction.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any geology and soils effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Material assets and waste

The main waste will consist of vegetation arisings which are to be left within the scheme extents and reused/recycled where it is not possible. However, there is potential for impacts as a result of resource depletion through use and transportation of new materials used to facilitate the works, such as fuels and oils. Though, materials will be sourced locally where possible.

There is potential for impacts during works as a result of the improper storage or disposal of waste. The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

Felled vegetation material will be disposed of appropriately in line with the NW NMC (Schedule 5, Appendix 0/1, 3010SR Maintenance of Established Trees and Shrubs).
The waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Dispose) will be employed throughout the construction works.
The subcontractor will adhere to waste management legislation and ensure they comply with their Duty of Care.
Containment measures will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment.
All wastes and unused materials will be removed from site in a safe and legal manner by a licensed waste carrier upon completion of the works. The appointed waste carrier will have a valid SEPA waste carrier registration, a copy of which will be provided to and retained by BEAR Scotland as early as possible.
All appropriate waste documentation will be present on site and be available for inspection. A copy of the Duty of Care paperwork will be produced and filed appropriately in accordance with the Code of Practice (as made under Section 34 of Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended).
Re-use and recycling of waste will be encouraged, and the subcontractor will be required to fully outline their plans and provide documentary evidence for waste arising from the works (e.g., waste carrier’s licence, transfer notes, and waste exemption certificates).
Staff will be informed that littering will not be tolerated. Staff will be encouraged to collect any litter seen on site.
Where applicable, all temporary signage will be removed from site on completion of the works.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any material assets and waste effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Noise and vibration

Construction activities associated with the proposed scheme have the potential to cause noise and vibration impacts through the use of equipment and construction vehicles for the proposed activities. However, the works are not located within a CNMA and the proximity of road space suggests that residents within the local area will have a degree of tolerance to noise and disturbance. Works will be completed up to four weeks by utilising daytime working (avoiding antisocial hours) on a rolling programme. Works with the potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will also be intermittent, temporary, transient and short-lived. Furthermore, the majority of the properties are suitably screened from the works extent by intervening vegetation and fencing. Due to the short duration and localised nature of the works, the proposed schemes are anticipated to result in temporary minor noise impacts during the construction programme.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

Local residents which are affected by the works will be notified in advance of the works, likely by a letter drop, which will contain details of the proposed timings and duration of the works, in addition to contact details for the Site Supervisor.
The Best Practicable Means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1874, will be employed at all times to reduce noise to a minimum. On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to local sensitive receptors.
All site staff will receive the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk.
All site personnel will be fully briefed in advance of works regarding the need to minimise noise during works and of the site-specific sensitivities.
Drop heights from vehicles and NRMM will be kept to a minimum to minimise noise when unloading.
All plant, machinery and vehicles will be switched off when not in use.
All plant will be operated in such a way that minimises noise emissions and will have been maintained regularly to the appropriate standards.
Where fitted, and where permitted under Health and Safety requirements, white noise reversing alarms will be utilised during construction.
Where ancillary plant such as generators are required, they will be positioned so as to cause minimum noise disturbance. Where deemed necessary, acoustic screens will be utilised.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any noise and vibration effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Population and human health

During construction, activities undertaken on site have the potential to have temporary adverse impacts on local residents, vehicle travellers, and NMUs. TM will utilise lane closures with temporary traffic lights or verge working where possible. Access to NMU facilities which lie within 300m of the schemes will be maintained.

Properties nearest to the scheme lie 10m from the works and have a level of screening provided by wooden flat fencing. However, the works are undertaken during the daytime hours and will move progressively along the full scheme extents.

With the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on population and human health is considered to be low:

The works schedule and any changes to this will be communicated to local residents prior to and throughout the programme.
Construction lighting (if required) will consider the need to avoid illuminating surrounding environment and properties to avoid a nuisance at times of low light levels, and non-essential lighting will be switched off.
Local access will be granted as required.
Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the traffic management to allow the safe passage of NMUs of all abilities through the site.
Journey planning information will be available for drivers online at the trafficscotland.org website. Journey planning information will also be available for drivers online through BEAR’s social media platforms.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any population and human health effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Road drainage and the water environment

There is potential for temporary impacts on the water environment due to operation of plant within and within proximity to watercourses and/or drainage systems, which may lead to potential changes in water quality from pollution events (either by accidental spillage of sediments, particulate matter, chemicals, fuels or by mobilisation of these in surface water caused by rain).

No in-water works will take place and there is no requirement for the abstraction or transfers of water from, or discharges to, a waterbody. As such, the potential for a direct pollution incident within a waterbody is unlikely. Experience gained from BEAR maintenance schemes elsewhere on the network has shown that where standard good working practice is adopted (e.g., adherence to SEPA good practice guidance, utilisation of drain covers or similar, etc.), water quality is protected.

The works may result in potential direct or indirect effects on surrounding waterbodies. The following mitigation measures will be put in place to reduce the risk of pollution incidents as a result of works:

No work has been identified that would require entering any surface waterbodies. If such a need were identified onsite, BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team will be contacted (before the works commence) to allow consideration of potential environmental effects.
Standard working practices to comply with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) for works in or near water will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site.
No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems will be permitted. Appropriate containment measures will be in place to prevent any loss of construction materials into the water environment.
Chipping will be conducted at least 10m away from watercourses, drains and waterbodies. If left on site, chippings will remain 10m away from any watercourse, drain or waterbody
Appropriate measures will be implemented during vegetation removal works to limit the potential for wastes and materials (i.e., vegetation arisings) to enter any gullies present on site. On completion of works, any gullies present on site will be visually checked to ensure they have not become blocked as a result of the scheme.
An incident response (contingency) plan will be put in place to reduce the risk from pollution incidents or accidental spillages. All necessary containment equipment, including suitable spill kits (for oil and chemicals) will be available on site, quickly accessible if needed, and staff trained in their use.
All spills will be logged and reported. In the event of any spills into the water environment, all works will stop, and the incident will be reported to the project manager and the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team. SEPA will be informed of any such incident as soon as possible using the SEPA Pollution Hotline.
All plant and equipment will be regularly inspected for any signs of damage and leaks. A checklist will be present to make sure that the checks have been carried out.
Storage of hazardous material, oil and fuel containers will be distanced more than 10m away from any watercourses.
If required, a designated refuelling area will be identified. Fuel bowsers will be stored on an impermeable area and be fully bunded. This will be distanced more than 10m from any watercourses.
During refuelling of smaller mobile plant, a funnel will be used, and drip trays will be in place. Care will be taken to reduce the chance of spillages. Spill kits will be quickly accessible to capture any spills should they occur. The ground/stone around the site of a spill shall be removed, double bagged and taken off site as special contaminated waste.
Generators and static plant may have the potential to leak fuel and/or other hydrocarbons and will have bunding with a capacity of 110%. If these are not bunded then drip trays will also be supplied beneath the equipment with a capacity of 110%.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any road drainage and the water environment effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Climate

Activities associated with the proposed scheme works have the potential to cause local air quality impacts as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of vehicles and machinery, material use and production and transportation of materials to and from site. Although works will involve removal of a large number of trees, the majority are of a small size, and the impact on climate and local carbon storage is considered minimal. Additionally, trees to be felled will be recorded to inform future compensatory planting, which will help offset any loss of carbon storage resulting from the scheme. The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

BEAR Scotland will adhere to their Carbon Management Policy.
All mitigation measures detailed within ‘Air Quality’ and ‘Material Assets and Waste’ will be adhered to.
Local contractors and suppliers will be used as far as practicable to reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emitted as part of the works.
Where possible, materials will be sourced locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials movement, and waste will be removed to a local facility, where required.

With the above mitigation measures in place, it is anticipated that any climate effects associated with the proposed works are unlikely to be significant. This receptor is not considered further in this RoD.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

Areas within the scheme extents are recorded as being at medium to high likelihood (e.g., each year this area has 0.5% to 10% likelihood of flooding) of river and surface water (and small watercourse) flooding each year. Works will be programmed as far as is reasonably practicable to avoid periods of adverse weather or heavy rainfall. There will be no increase to the likelihood of flooding on the A82 within the scheme extents upon completion of the works.

Works are restricted to areas of engineered ground of the A82 trunk road and traffic management will be designed in line with existing guidance. Full road closures are not required, and verge working will be prioritised where deemed suitable. Local residents will be notified of working hours and provided with appropriate contact information. Pedestrians or other NMUs will be accommodated within the traffic management setup.

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which includes measures to avoid or reduce disruption to road traffic, will be produced in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (Department of Transport 2009). The TMP will ensure that there is no severance of community assets, access routes or residential development.

These measures along with mitigation measures and standard working practices will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. The vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and disasters is considered to be low.

Assessment cumulative effects

The proposed works are not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects.

A search of the LLTNP Planning Portal was undertaken to identify any recent or proposed developments within the vicinity of the scheme that could result in cumulative environmental effects. However, the portal was out of service at the time of the search, and therefore no planning records were available for review. Notwithstanding this, given the limited scale and short-term nature of the proposed works, in conjunction with the low traffic volumes and sparse urban development within the surrounding area, it is considered unlikely that the scheme will give rise to significant cumulative or in-combination effects with other existing or future developments.

A search of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner website (Scottish Road Works Online) has not identified any other roadworks that are programmed to overlap with the proposed scheme start date. Although another scheme to remove trees with ash dieback disease is planned near Dalmally (approximately 20km west of this scheme), it will focus on removal of diseased trees posing a risk to the carriageway boundary, which will limit the spread of ash dieback disease in the region and reduce the risk of impacts on other areas of woodland in the region. The total quantity of trees to be removed from the trunk road corridors in the region has been assessed as negligible in the context of both the local and wider landscape, with woodlands still remaining a dominant feature near these trunk road corridors.

BEAR Scotland programme all of their proposed works in line with appropriate guidance and contractual requirements. All schemes are programmed to take into account existing and future planned works, with a view of limiting any cumulative effects or will utilise existing TM to complete multiple schemes at once. This approach allows BEAR Scotland to effectively manage the potential cumulative effects as a result of TM, resulting in minimal disruption to users of the Scottish trunk road network.

Overall, it is unlikely that the proposed works will have a significant cumulative effect with any other future works in the area.

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