Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Impacts

On site construction activities carry a potential to produce airborne particulate matter, dust and generate emissions that may have a temporary impact on local air quality levels and act as a nuisance to nearby residents.
TM being implemented during the scheme may result in an increase in associated vehicle emissions through idling vehicles and increased congestion. This may result in a temporary deterioration in local air quality.
The use of vehicles, plant and generators will result in emissions which will temporarily impact local air quality.

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 will be used 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 clean up spillages 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.

Other mitigation that will be adhered to include:
- 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 predicted on air quality. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 105: Air Quality no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

It is considered possible that protected species may be present within the proposed works extents and could be adversely impacted by the noise disturbance from the works in the absence of mitigation.
Due to all works restricted to the carriageway boundary, it is unlikely that giant hogweed, common ragwort or rosebay willowherb will be disturbed.

Mitigation

If a protected species is seen on or near the scheme, all works will be stopped and the Environment team will be contacted for any guidance if required, and the control room will be contacted for environmental record.
When in use, any artificial light will be directional and directed at the area of works as far as reasonably practicable, reducing any light spill into the wider surroundings, and potentially sensitive habitat (e.g. woodland/structures).
No vehicles, machinery or materials will be parked/stored on any soft verges.
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.
Operatives will avoid extraneous noise whilst on site and will be briefed using Noise and Vibration briefing.
In the unlikely event that an INNS is identified on site, all works will temporarily stop and the Environment Team contacted.
As part of the NMC contract, Amey, on behalf of transport Scotland, have been asked to keep a record of various target species, including rosebay willowherb and common ragwort. Works will not be carried out in the carriageway verge. If this is not possible and works are likely to result in the spread of this species through disturbance, the Amey’s Landscaping Team will be consulted.

With mitigation measures in place, 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 design life for the TS2010 surfacing proposed is estimated to be 20 years. This will reduce the requirement for maintenance to this section of road over the period.
The works will result in contribution to resource depletion through use of virgin materials.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be generated by material production and transporting to and from site.
Transportation and recovery of materials/waste will require energy deriving from fossil fuel, a non-renewable source.

Mitigation

Materials will be derived from recycled, secondary or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions.
It is Amey policy to reuse or recycle as much waste material as possible. Where recycling is not feasible, waste material will be removed to a licenced waste facility.
Materials will be delivered on site at the time of being required.
Any non-contaminated road planings arising from the works will be fully recycled in accordance with SEPA’s guidance on the Production for Fully Recovered Asphalt Road Planings.
The Contractor will comply with all ‘Duty of Care’ requirements, ensuring that any surplus materials or wastes are stored, transported, treated, used, and disposed of safely without endangering human health or harming the environment. All waste transfer notes and/or waste exemption certificates (if required) will also be completed and retained.

Temporary impact during construction is considered negligible adverse, with residual impact considered no change.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on material assets and waste is considered to be neutral. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 110: Material Assets and Waste, no further assessment is required.

Noise and vibration

Impacts

TS2010 road surfacing will be utilised, which will reduce mid to high frequencies of traffic noise levels. Nearby receptors may benefit from reduced noise as a result of the scheme.
Works will be undertaken during night-time programming. As such, residential properties within 300m of the works and luxury lodges may experience temporary disturbance due to an increase in noise levels.
There are no anticipated permanent impacts on noise and vibration following the completion of works.

Mitigation

Perth and Kinross Environmental Health Department has been notified of the works by the E&S Team, due to night-time programming.
Residential properties within 300m and luxury lodges will be notified in advance of the works via letter drop, providing details of timings, nature, and duration of the works.
Impacts 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.
Plant and machinery will be switched off when not in use to reduce noise disruptions to the surrounding environment.
Engine exhaust and vent silencers will be used where possible.
The noisiest works will be scheduled for before 11:00pm where feasible.
The delivery of materials to the scheme extents will be made during daytime and early evening hours were reasonably practicable, to reduce noise associated by traffic.
Operatives will avoid extraneous noise whilst onsite and will be briefed using the Amey Noise and Vibration environmental briefing.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on noise and vibration is considered to be neutral. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration no further assessment is required.

Population and human health

Impacts

TM will consist of lane closures and a contraflow system (with night-time working). TM has potential to cause temporary levels of disruption to road users (i.e. congestion and increased travel times).
Construction site lighting during night-time hours could cause disturbance for residential properties in close proximity.
The core path mentioned above will not be impacted by the works due to all works restricted to the carriageway boundary.

Mitigation

Advance traffic signs will be placed prior to works in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers, and will inform road users of expected duration, timings, and any temporary TM arrangements/restrictions.
Artificial site lighting will be directional and pointed away from residential properties and lodges.

Road drainage and the water environment

Impacts

Potential for spills, leaks or seepage of fuels and oils associated with plant to escape and reach drainage systems if not controlled, which may impact the water environment.
If not appropriately controlled, debris and runoff from the works has the potential to enter nearby drains and watercourses and could detrimentally impact water quality.
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.

Mitigation

Best practice, as detailed by SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP5 and GPP6), will always be followed onsite. This will ensure that any potential debris/spills are not allowed to enter road drainage unchecked.
Appropriate measures will be implemented onsite to prevent any potential pollution to the natural water environment (e.g. debris, dust and hazardous substances). This will include, but will not be limited to, spill kits being present onsite at all times, and the use of funnels and drip trays when transferring fuel, and utilisation of drain covers/shielding boards.
Any pollution incidences will be reported to the Amey control room.
Operatives will conduct regular checks of the work site, especially in periods of heavy wind and rainfall.
All debris which has the potential to be suspended in surface water and wash into the local water environment will be cleaned from the site following the works.
All plant and fuel storage at the site compound will be located on hardstanding and sited more than 10m from any watercourse.
All plant and fuel storage areas will be located away from areas that see high vehicular movement to prevent accidental damage.
Storage and mixing of concrete will take place at least 10m away from watercourses.
No washout from concrete mixing will be allowed to enter the water environment and will be taken off site for appropriate treatment.
All oils and fuels will be returned to storage area after use.
No refuelling will take place within 10m of any watercourse, including field drains and road drainage.
Weather reports will be monitored prior to and during all construction activities. In the event of adverse weather/flooding events, all activities will temporarily stop, and only reconvene when deemed safe to do so, and when run-off/drainage can be adequately controlled to prevent pollution.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s GPPs the residual significance of effect on the water environment is considered to be neutral. Therefore, 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 emitted through the use of machinery, vehicles and materials used (containing recycled and virgin materials) and transporting to and from 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.
Further actions and considerations for this scheme are detailed in the above Material assets and waste section.

It has been determined that the proposed scheme will not have direct or indirect significant effects to climate.

Vulnerability of the project to risks

As the works will be limited to the resurfacing of the carriageway, 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 proposed scheme will not 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 does not highlight any other works in the area at the time of construction.

Perth and Kinross Council’s Planning Portal does not highlight any proposed developments or planning applications on the A95 carriageway within 2km of the scheme.

Amey’s current programme of works has not highlighted any other works on the A9 that will be undertaken in conjunction with the scheme.

No other nearby schemes which may result in a combined effect on nearby receptors have been identified.

Any future schemes will be programmed to take into account already programmed works, and as such any effect (such as from TM arrangements and potential construction noise) will be limited.

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