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 air are considered to be low.

Ancillary plant, vehicles, and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) will be regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems.
Ancillary plant, vehicles and NRMM will be switched off when stationary to prevent exhaust emissions (e.g., there will be no idling vehicles).
Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning will be undertaken prior to works.
All delivery vehicles carrying material with dust potential will be covered when travelling to or leaving site, preventing the spread of dust beyond the work area.
Material stockpiles will be reduced as far as is reasonably practicable by using a ‘just in time’ delivery system. All material will also be stored on made ground.
Any stockpiled material on site will be monitored daily to ensure no risks of dust emissions exists.
Materials will be removed from site as soon as is practicable.
Good housekeeping will be employed throughout the work.
Drop heights to haulage vehicles and onto conveyors will be minimised.
Surfaces will be swept where loose material remains.

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 RoD.

Landscape and visual effects

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. In addition, there will be a long-term, permanent visual impact upon completion of works due to the removal of trees and vegetation from the vicinity of the A835. However, these trees are being removed due to the high risk of falling during periods of high winds (which would also cause uplift of root plates, a greater visual impact) and to ensure better visibility to drivers travelling along the A835. Works also do not lie within any visually sensitive areas (such as National Parks or National Scenic Areas).

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

Tree felling and vegetation clearance will be kept to the minimum amount necessary to ensure the safety of the relevant infrastructure (i.e. A835 trunk road and railway).
Throughout all stages of the works, the site will be kept clean and tidy, with materials, equipment, plant and wastes appropriately stored, reducing the landscape and visual effects as much as possible.
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

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. There will also be a residual impact following the completion of works due to the felling of trees which may be used as habitat for protected species.

As the scheme lies within 2km of the Glen Affric and Strathconon SPA, a HRA Proforma was completed and concluded that there would be no Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the qualifying feature of the SPA as a result of the works due to the following considerations:

No works will take place within the SPA.
There is a lack of suitable breeding habitat in proximity to the scheme, and there is a large amount of intervening topography, providing acoustic and visual screening between the works and the SPA.
No in-water works will take place and potential for a pollution incident is limited.

Rhododendron, an INNS, was recorded on site and as such, site operatives will also be advised to avoid any instances of INNS or injurious weeds found within the verges. Relevant biosecurity measures and a Toolbox Talk on INNS will be included within the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP). As the works will not require any excavation of soil, there is limited potential to spread or introduce INNS, invasive native perennials, or injurious flowering plant species.

The scheme lies partially within areas of ancient woodland. However, tree felling in these areas will be limited to the trunk road boundary, which is at the edge of the ancient woodland. Furthermore, trees growing in the trunk road boundary are likely subject to sub-optimal habitat conditions due to the proximity of the trunk road and exposure to salt and other runoff from the road. Therefore, felling of trees along the edge of ancient woodland areas is unlikely to significantly affect the overall woodland.

Tree felling outside of the trunk road boundary (i.e., on FLS or Network Rail land) which will result in 5m³ or more of timber being removed from third-party land, is expected to be subject to a felling licence from Scottish Forestry and compensatory planting will likely be required as a condition of the licence. Consultation with Scottish Forestry regarding licensing was undertaken and FLS will apply for the felling licence. Felling on third-party land will not commence until any required licensing is in place.

Pollution controls and good practice measures to reduce impacts of works on the local environment will be detailed in the 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:

Any requirement for licences and/or consents from NatureScot will be sought prior to works commencing and any additional mitigation measures advised by NatureScot will be adhered to on site.
Works will avoid the nesting bird season as far as is reasonably practicable. If works are delayed into nesting bird season (i.e. March to August inclusive), pre-construction nesting bird checks will be undertaken prior to felling.
Any habitat piles left on site will be situated over 10m from any watercourses and will not block any potential mammal or reptile holes or shelters found on site.
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.
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 and INNS.
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 shall be reported to the BEAR Scotland Environmental Team.
Artificial lighting will be directed away from areas of woodland and waterbodies as far as is safe and reasonably practicable.
Personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of INNS or injurious weeds in road verges throughout the works period. Works and access routes will avoid INNS growth where reasonably practicable and biosecurity measures will be detailed in the SEMP.
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 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 works do not require any excavation within the roadside verges and tree stumps will be left in place. Therefore, the works are not anticipated to have an adverse impact on geology and soils. With the following mitigation measures in place, the likelihood of significant impacts on geology and soils is low.

Works will be strictly limited to areas required for access and vegetation management works. Unnecessary encroachment onto terrestrial or aquatic areas will not be tolerated.
The parking of machinery/vehicles and storage of equipment on road verges will be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable.
Upon completion of the works, any damage to the local landscape (i.e., damage to embankment, woodland areas) will be reinstated as much as is practicable.
Mitigation measures to prevent contamination of soils through loss of containment will be strictly adhered to.
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 proposed works will include the removal of trees along the verges of the A835 and no materials will be introduced as a result of the works. Felled trees will be chipped or cut into removal logs to be reused as firewood. Habitat piles may be left on site if safe to do so, and out of sight of the A835. 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).
Any felled material left on site as habitat piles will be left out of site of the A835 and over 10m from any watercourses.
Felled material not left as habitat piles will be removed from site and disposed of appropriately via chipping and taken for reuse as firewood.
The waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Dispose) will be employed throughout the construction works.
Site staff will adhere to waste management legislation and comply with 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 provided 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 contractor 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 or CQA, 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 also be completed on a rolling programme, with the majority of works taking place on the scheme where no properties are present within 300m. The noisiest works and any works within 300m of residential properties will be completed by 23:00. Works with the potential to induce worst-case scenario noise and vibration will also be intermittent, temporary, transient and short-lived.

The following mitigation measures will be put in place:

The Best Practicable Means, as defined in Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, will be employed at all times to reduce noise to a minimum.
Where possible, the noisiest works and works within 300m of residential properties will be completed before 23:00.
The Environmental Health Officer from Highland Council will be notified of night-time working.
Operatives will be briefed using the ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ toolbox talk prior to the commencement of works.
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.
Local residents will be notified of the impending works. Information will provide contact details (office phone number and e-mail address) for the Project Engineer as well as a 24-hour contact number for the BEAR Scotland Control Room.
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 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 may have temporary adverse impacts on vehicle travellers and non-motorised road users (NMUs) as a result of vehicle noise and delays due to traffic management measures. Road users will be informed of works through a media release, which will provide details of construction dates and times. The duration of works is still to be confirmed however it is anticipated that works will take 2-3 weeks and be conducted on a rolling programme, moving progressively along the full scheme extent. Some works will be completed at night to reduce impacts on road users.

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

Local residents will be notified of the impending works. Information will provide contact details (office phone number and e-mail address) for the Project Engineer as well as a 24-hour contact number for the BEAR Scotland Control Room.
Any changes of schedule will be communicated to local residents throughout the programme.
Local access will be retained within the scheme extent. Pedestrian footways and NMU routes will remain open and users of these will be facilitated throughout the scheme.
Appropriate provisions / measures will be implemented within the traffic management to allow the safe passage of NMUs of all abilities through the site (if required).
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 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 scheme will not entail any in-stream works.
Standard working practices to comply with the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) for works in or near water will be detailed in the Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) and adhered to on site.
No discharges into any watercourses or drainage systems are permitted. Appropriate containment measures must 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 they will remain 10m away from any watercourse, drain or waterbody. Trees must be felled directionally away from any watercourses and habitat piles will be placed at least 10m away from any watercourse, drain or waterbody.
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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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

During the works there is potential for impacts such as a result of the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of equipment, vehicles, material use, and production and transportation of materials and wastes. Although works involve removal of a large number of trees, the majority are of a small size; therefore, the impact on climate and local carbon storage is considered to be low. 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. Considering the nature, short-term duration, size and scale of the scheme, and the mitigation detailed below, the risk of significant impacts to climate are considered to be low.

Proposed climate mitigation measures:

BEAR Scotland will adhere to their Carbon Management Policy.
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 disposed at local landfill.
Trees removed from the trunk road boundary will be recorded to inform future compensatory planting.

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

There will be no change to the likelihood of flooding on the A835 within the scheme extents upon completion of the works. Although the trees along the verges participate in flooding reduction by slowing down the flow of rainwater, absorbing rainwater and reducing erosion, it is not expected that removal of the trees will significantly impact local flooding due to the presence of drainage and additional vegetation. Additionally, tree stumps will be left in place to reduce erosion. Works will also be programmed as far as is reasonably practicable to avoid periods of adverse weather or heavy rainfall.

Works are restricted to the embankment along the A835 carriageway and small sections of hedge near the Garve railway station/railway crossing. Traffic management will consist of a mixture of overnight closures and daytime working with the exact method still to be confirmed. 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.

Removal of unsafe trees in the woodland belt will improve road safety standards at this section of the A835 and to local properties. As such, the proposed works will result in beneficial impact for road users of the A835 and local residents.

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 Highland Council Planning Portal (Map Search) identified one planning application within 300m of the scheme, however this has not yet been approved and is unlikely to be carried out concurrently with the proposed works.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner website (Map Search) has identified that no other roadworks are currently ongoing, or noted as being planned, on the trunk road at the same time as this scheme. Due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity.

The following vegetation clearance/tree felling schemes are currently programmed by BEAR Scotland on the A835:

A835 Brahan Wood Maryburgh
A835 Garve-Silverbridge
A835 Tore-Ullapool Storm Clear Up

Trees to be removed are located along the A835 road corridor and within falling distance of the A835. The majority are of a small size, unstable, diseased, or otherwise defective. Trees to be removed across the various schemes conflict with the trunk road infrastructure and/or have a likelihood to fall due to high wind events. A number of self-sown trees within the trunk road corridor will also be removed from areas that are not suited for tree growth, such as where they block visibility splays, encroach on signage, overhand the carriageway, etc. Furthermore, they will be removed from areas where it has been assessed that their growth will be detrimental to existing woodland assets. Tree removal will be limited to the minimum number required to ensure the safety of road users and will be focused on the trunk road corridor, which is likely to provide sub-optimal habitat for adjacent trees due to the proximity of the trunk road and exposure to salt and other runoff from the road. The total quantity of trees to be removed from the A835 trunk road has been assessed as negligible in the context of both the local and wider landscape, with woodland remaining a dominant feature along the trunk road corridor for much of the extent between Tore and Ullapool. In addition, the cumulative number of trees/vegetation to be removed will be considered and recorded for future compensatory planting in appropriate locations. Suitable locations for replanting are highly limited within the trunk road boundary in proximity to these schemes; therefore, BEAR Scotland will seek to identify alternative suitable locations for compensatory planting, in discussion and consultation with Transport Scotland.

The above schemes are due to start between December 2025 and February 2026, with durations between 10 days and 5 weeks. 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 relating to traffic management. As a result of this exercise, where a potential for cumulative impacts is identified, BEAR will reprogramme schemes to avoid / limit any cumulative effects or will utilise existing traffic management to complete multiple schemes at once. This approach allows BEAR Scotland to effectively manage the potential cumulative effects as a result of traffic management, 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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