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, particularly on routes impacted by diversions.

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 carrying wastes and materials 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.
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.

Cultural heritage

Impacts

No potential direct impacts to designated features have been identified as a result of the scheme due to works being contained within the carriageway boundary. Residual impacts from noise and vibration are possible regarding the Listed Building adjacent to the carriageway boundary, although noise and vibration levels during the works is likely to be similar to that during original carriageway construction.
No potential direct impacts have been assessed to non-designated features identified due to the like-for-like scope of works.
The potential for the presence of unknown archaeological remains within the scheme extents unlikely as original construction of the A96 carriageway would likely have removed any features of archaeological significance, and works are to be restricted to the existing pavement boundary.

Mitigation

Should the nature of the works change, or additional excavation works be required, the Amey ET&S team will be contacted prior to works commencing.
During construction, plant, vehicles, personnel, materials etc. will be contained to hardstanding areas within the carriageway boundary at all times. All areas of storage will be at a minimum 20m distance from the listed building.
All site operatives will be made aware of the culturally significant assets identified within proximity to the scheme.
The Amey ET&S Team have contacted Aberdeenshire Council regarding the category C listed building present within proximity to the scheme extents requesting any potential mitigations/restrictions that they may recommend for the scheme. Aberdeenshire Council confirmed that no additional mitigations/restrictions were required having reviewed Amey’s proposed mitigation measures.

With mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on cultural heritage. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 106: Cultural Heritage, no further assessment is required.

Landscape and visual effects

Impacts

There will be no operational impacts for visual receptors as works entail the like-for-like resurfacing of the A96 carriageway within the scheme extents.
Residential properties within proximity to the scheme extents will have sight of the works which will temporarily impact the tranquillity of the area.

Mitigation

Spill kits will be available on site and all operatives fully trained in spill response.
Plant and machinery will be regularly maintained in order to reduce the risk of leaks of oil and fuel.
Works will be contained within the A96 carriageway boundary.
Asset installation will be of a minimal visual impact and will be in keeping with the current setting of the A96 carriageway within the scheme extents.

The residual effect on landscape and visual effects is deemed to be neutral. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

During night-time programming, misdirected site lighting and additional noise could cause temporary disturbance to any surrounding nocturnal species.
There is potential for protected species to be active within the surrounding area and for the works to result in disturbance to these species.
Works have the potential to cause the spread of Transport Scotland target species including Rosebay willowherb, Spear thistle, Creeping thistle and Broad-leaved dock.
There is the potential for INNS including Rhododendron and Giant hogweed to be present within the verge adjacent to the scheme extents.
Due to the scheme being contained within the pavement boundary, the ancient woodland identified within 500m of the scheme extents will not be impacted by the works.

Mitigation

As part of NMC, Amey, on behalf of transport Scotland, have been asked to keep a record of various target species, including Rosebay willowherb, Spear thistle, Creeping thistle and Broad-leaved dock. Works will not cause the spread of these species, if works are likely to result in the spread of these species through disturbance, the appropriate Amey landscaping team will be consulted.
In the event that protected species are sighted, works will temporarily be suspended and sightings will be reported to the Amey ET&S team. who will provide guidance if required, and the control room will be contacted for environmental record.
All works and storage of plant, machinery, vehicles and equipment will be restricted to the boundaries of the carriageway.
All site lighting will be directed away from sensitive ecological receptors such as woodland and watercourses.
Noise mitigation measures as outlined in the Noise and Vibration section and pollution control mitigations as outlined in the Road Drainage and the Water Environment section will be adhered to during the works.
Amey’s environmental briefing on protected species will be delivered to operatives prior to the start of construction.
Due to the containment of the scheme within the pavement boundary, no impacts are anticipated with regards to Giant hogweed and Rhododendron, however, should works be required within the verge, the Amey ET&S Team will be contacted in the first instance and works within 7m of Giant hogweed and within 1m of any recorded strands of Rhododendron will be avoided through the design process. If this is not possible then works may proceed under a method statement prepared by a suitably competent ecologist.

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.
GHG emissions will be generated by material production and transportation 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 reuse is not feasible, waste material will be removed to a licenced waste facility.
Where possible, different waste streams will be separated at the source.
Waste will be stored in suitable containers and covered.
A SWMP will be completed for the scheme.
Following on-site coring investigations and testing, no coal-tar was identified within the surfacing of the carriageway within the scheme extent. As such, road planings generated as a result of the works will be recovered in accordance with the criteria stipulated within SEPA document ‘Guidance on the Production of Fully Recoverable Asphalt Road Planings’ .

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on Material Assets and Waste. 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 is shown to have superior durability and noise reducing features compared to standard road surfacing mixes. Vehicle travellers and nearby local amenity users will benefit from improved road surfacing as a result of the scheme.
Noise heavy works will likely be required during night-time hours, which could cause disturbance for nearby sensitive receptors (such as residential properties within 300m).
There may be noise disturbance from vehicle traffic along potential night-time diversion routes as a result of the TM being implemented.

Mitigation

The noisiest works will be completed before 23:00 where feasible.
Plant/machinery will be fitted with silencers/mufflers.
No plant, vehicles or machinery will be left idling when not in use.
There will be a soft start to the works, whereby plant/machinery is turned on sequentially as opposed to simultaneously.
Amey’s environmental briefing on noise and vibration will be delivered to operatives prior to the start of construction.
Amey’s ET&S team has contacted Aberdeenshire Council’s Environmental Health Team to notify of the works and to discuss potential diversion routes due to night-time programming.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, and due to the works being of a minor, temporary, transient nature, no significant effects are predicted for noise and vibration. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration and no further assessment is required.

Population and human health

Impacts

Construction site lighting during night-time hours could cause disturbance for residential properties in close proximity, and for the nearby amenity users.
TM for the works will involve road closures and a night-time diversion route:
Nearby residents of surrounding settlements may experience travel disruption due to presence of TM, which may lead to increased journey times.
There will be no impact on land take from private land, community facilities or agricultural land as a result of the scheme as all works will be contained within the carriageway boundary.
Access roads to properties and fields within or surrounding the scheme extents are likely to be impacted by the scheme.
The bus stop (and access to it) within the scheme extents has the potential to be impacted by the scheme.
Layby closures may be required to facilitate the works.

Mitigation

TM restrictions/arrangements and any expected travel delays will be publicised within the local and wider area, in an effort to minimise disturbance to vehicular travellers.
When in place, TM will be monitored to ensure it is effectively managing traffic flow.
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, landscape and visual effects and air quality can be found in the relevant sections (above).
Due to night-time programming, properties within 300m of the scheme extents will be notified in advance of the works. Pre-notification will include details of proposed timings, duration of the works and alternative access/egress routes for those affected by temporary roadblocks/closures.
Field and property single access points will be maintained at all times.
Layby closures will be advertised in advance of the works, and on approach.
Bus stop closures and required relocations will be discussed with local transport providers and Aberdeenshire Council’s Public Transport Department.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects on 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

If not adequately controlled, debris and runoff from the works could enter surrounding surface water environment. In the event of a flooding incident, this debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage system, thus having a detrimental effect on the surrounding local water environment.
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 negatively affect the surrounding water environment.
Should flooding occur, this may delay the scheduled works.
Due to the schemes containment within the carriageway boundary, and given the pollution prevention measures that will be in place, the works will not impact the Moray, Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan NVZ.
The scheme has the potential to impact the Gadie Burn and River Urie watercourses.

Mitigation

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 both during and following the works.
Debris and dust generated as a result of the works will be prevented from entering the drainage system. This will be via the use of drain covers or similar.
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 spill kits being present onsite at all times, and the use of funnels and drip trays when transferring fuel etc.
- The Amey control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur (24 hours, 7 days a week).
Visual pollution inspections of the working area will be conducted frequently, especially during heavy rainfall and wind.
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.
All storage of materials/fuel and any refuelling activities will be more than 10m away from any drainage inlet at all times and placed on a hardstanding surface.
Storage areas will be located away from areas that see high vehicular movement to prevent accidental damage.
All oils and fuels will be returned to storage area after use.
Amey’s environmental briefing on water pollution prevention will be delivered to operatives prior to the start of construction.
All site operatives will be made aware of the location of the Gadie Burn, River Urie and adjacent drainage assets prior to works commencing.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs), no significant effects are predicted on the water environment. 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 distance 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 mitigation for this scheme are detailed in the above Material assets and waste section.

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.

Assessment cumulative effects

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

Aberdeenshire Council’s Planning Portal has not highlighted any planning applications within the scheme extents at the time of the works in question.

Amey’s current programme of works has not highlighted any other works on the A96 carriageway 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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