Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air Quality

Impacts

  • On site construction activities such as planing of the surface and mobile machinery, have the potential to produce airborne particulate matter and generate emissions that may have a temporary negative impact on local air quality levels.
  • The implementation of TM during the scheme may lead to a temporary increase in vehicle emissions due to idling vehicles and increased congestion. However, no permanent changes to air quality are anticipated.
  • Taking into account the nature and scale of the works and the following mitigation measures below, the risk of significant impacts to air quality are considered to be low, and any impacts will be for the duration of the works only.

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 that have a potential to produce dust will be removed from site as soon as possible, unless being re-used on site (cover or fence stockpiles to prevent wind whipping);
  • Cutting, grinding or sawing equipment will be fitted or used in conjunction with suitable dust suppression techniques such as water sprays or local extraction, e.g. suitable local exhaust ventilation systems;
  • Drop heights from conveyors and other loading or handling equipment will be minimised;
  • Vehicles entering and leaving the work area will be covered to prevent escape of materials during transport;
  • Equipment will be readily available on site to clean any dry spillages, and spillages will be cleaned up as soon as reasonably practicable after the event using wet cleaning methods; and
  • When not in use, plant, vehicles and NRMMs will be switched off and there will be no idling vehicles.
  • Plant, vehicles and NRMM will be regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems to ensure such fuel operated equipment is not generating excessive fumes.
  • Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning will be undertaken prior to works.
  • Where possible, materials will be sourced locally.
  • Surfaces will be swept where loose material remains following planing.

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

Landscape and Visual Effects

Impacts

  • Views of, and from the road will be temporarily affected during construction due to the presence of works, traffic management and plant. The works will be undertaken during night-time hours therefore the impacts on the views will be minimal.
  • As the works are minor, short duration, operate on a like-for-like basis and are confined to the existing A75 carriageway boundary, no permanent changes to landscape features and views are anticipated. No residual impacts of the visual appearance on the Drumlin pastures.

Mitigation

  • During construction 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 be confined to necessary areas and will avoid encroaching on land and areas where work is not required including for general operations, equipment/containers storage and parking.

In accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects, no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

  • 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 A75 carriageway boundary and the number of construction vehicles and construction operatives required onsite is low.
  • Any protected species in the area are likely to be accustomed to road noise on the A75 and the scheme is of relatively short duration. Therefore, with the following mitigation measures in place, the risk of significant impacts on biodiversity are considered to be low.
  • During night-time programming, a temporary short-term noise increase and misdirected site lighting from construction activities could cause disturbance to any surrounding protected species.

Mitigation

  • Site personnel will remain vigilant for the presence of any protected species, throughout the works period. In the unlikely event that protected species is noticed on site, works will be temporarily suspended and sightings will be reported to the Energy Transition & Sustainability Team.
  • Where lighting is required, hoods will be used and lights directed at works and away from sensitive ecological receptors, to minimise disturbance to nocturnal and protected species.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • All operatives will be briefed through a toolbox talk for protected species prior to works commencing.

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

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 108: Biodiversity, no further assessment is required.

Material Assets and Waste

Impacts

  • The use of virgin aggregates in the scheme will contribute to the depletion of natural and finite resources, as well as the loss of biodiversity.
  • Energy requirements for the scheme, including the use of non-renewable fossil fuels for materials and personnel transport, as well as plant operation will contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  • The TS2010 surfacing proposed for the scheme has an estimated design life of 20 years, reducing the maintenance on this section of road over that period.

Mitigation

  • Due to the scale and cost of the proposed scheme, a SWMP will be required to effectively manage waste generated during these works.
  • The Contractor is responsible for the disposal of road planings and this has been registered in accordance with a Paragraph 13(a) waste exemption issued by SEPA, as described in Schedule 3 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 2011.
  • All waste will be transported by a suitable licenced contractor and will be accompanied by correctly completed waste transfer note.
  • Where possible, materials will be obtained locally, and operatives deployed from the local depot 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 recycled locally.
  • 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 TS2010 surface course will prolong the period before future resurfacing is required, compared to other types of road surface. Future repairs can be able to be carried out easily via inlay.

With mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted as a result of the material assets required and the wastes being produced.

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 110: Material Assets and Waste, no further assessment is required.

Noise and Vibration

Impacts

  • Due to the transient nature of the works, noise and vibration levels throughout the duration of the scheme will be temporary and localised therefore, reducing impacts on local receptors.
  • TS2010 road surfacing is shown to have superior durability and noise reducing features compared to standard road surfacing mixes.
  • There are no anticipated impacts on noise and vibration following the completion of works.

Mitigation

  • The Amey Environment team has contacted Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Environmental Health Team to notify of the works due to night-time programming.
  • The noisiest works (planing) will be completed before 23:00 where feasible.
  • The use of a soft start to the works, whereby plant/machinery is turned on sequentially as opposed to simultaneously will be implemented.
  • The drop height of materials will be minimised.
  • 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.
  • No plant, vehicles or machinery will be left idling when not in use. 
  • Amey’s environmental briefing on noise and vibration will be delivered to all site operatives before works start.

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

  • Construction site lighting during night-time hours could cause disturbance to residential properties in close proximity, and for the nearby amenity users.
  • No temporary or permanent land take is required, as all works will occur within the carriageway boundary.
  • Vehicle travellers and nearby receptors will benefit from reduced road noise due to the improved road surfacing delivered by the scheme.
  • Nearby residents of surrounding settlements may experience travel disruption due to presence of TM and a large diversion route, which may lead to increased journey times.
  • Access to the agricultural field adjacent to the A75 may be temporarily impacted by TM; however, this is unlikely due to the nighttime scheduling of the works.
  • Access to the residential property located along the A75 within the scheme extents may be temporary impacted during construction hours.
  • No impacts are anticipated on the bus stop located within the scheme extents as they will remain open during daytime hours.

Mitigation

  • TM restrictions/arrangements and any expected travel delays will be publicised within the local and wider area via radio and letterbox drop, in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers and agricultural businesses in the local area.
  • Temporary site lighting used throughout the scheme will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.
  • Site specific control measures regarding noise and vibration and air quality can be found in the relevant sections (above).
  • Local access will be granted at all times to properties using the A75 as access points within the scheme extents.

With 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

  • In the event of a flooding incident, debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage having a detrimental effect on the surrounding local water environment.
  • There is not anticipated to be any permanent impacts on road drainage or the water environment following the completion of works.
  • 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 adversely impact the water environment.

Mitigation

  • Appropriate measures will be implemented onsite to prevent any potential pollution to the natural water environment including debris, dust, and hazardous substances, including
  • spill kits will be available at all times.
  • funnels and drip trays will be used when transferring fuel etc.
  • no fuel will be stored onsite.
  • Any debris that could potentially be suspended in surface water and wash into the local water environment will be removed from the site during and after the works.
  • Visual pollution inspections of the working area will be conducted regularly, especially during heavy rainfall and wind conditions.
  • Weather reports will be monitored before and during all construction activities. In the event of adverse weather/flooding events, all activities will temporarily stop, and only resume when safe to do so, ensuring that run-off/drainage can be adequately controlled to prevent pollution.
  • The Amey control room will be contacted immediately if any pollution incidents occur (24 hours, 7 days a week).

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s GPPs noted above, the residual effect on the local water environment during construction is considered to be not significant.

In accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 113: Road drainage and the water environment, no further assessment is required.

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.

Mitigation

  • Local suppliers will be used as far as reasonably practicable to reduce travel time and GHG emitted as part of the works.
  • Vehicles/plant will not be left on when not in use to minimise and prevent unnecessary emissions.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on climate is considered to be neutral.

Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

Vulnerability of the Project to Risks

As the works will be limited to the like-for-like replacement of the carriageway structure, there will be no change in vulnerability of the road to risk, or in severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment.

It has been determined that the project is not expected to alter the vulnerability of the existing trunk road infrastructure to risk of major accidents or disasters

Assessment Cumulative Effects

The Scottish Road Works Commissioner's Interactive Map and Ameys Currently Programme of works has not highlighted any works during the proposed timescale and at the location of the proposed works.

A search on Dumfries and Galloway Planning Portal does not identify any works that will conflict with the proposed works.