Assessments of the environmental effects

As detailed in the Description of Main Environmental Impacts and Proposed Mitigation section, there are no significant effects anticipated on any environmental receptors as a result of the proposed works.

A HRA was undertaken as part of the 10-year Marine Licence Application for works on the A87 Skye Bridge, due to the bridge location within and within proximity to several European designated sites: Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC, Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh MPA NC, Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs SAC, Loch Carron MPA NC, and Kinloch and Kyleakin Hills SAC.

The HRA concluded that the proposed activities within the Marine Licence (including these bentonite works) will not result in LSE on the qualifying habitats of Kinloch and Kyleakin Hills SAC. Although LSE on the qualifying feature within Kinloch and Kyleakin HIlls SAC and the qualifying features of Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC, Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs SAC, Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh MPA NC, and Loch Carron MPA NC could not be ruled out, it has been concluded that the proposed works will not result in AESI on these features provided that relevant mitigation measures (as outlined within the HRA, and noted in the relevant section above) are in place.