Statement of case in support of a Determination that a statutory EIA is not required

This is a relevant project in terms of section 55A(16) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 as it is improvement of a road and the completed works (together with any area occupied by apparatus, equipment, machinery, materials, plant, spoil heaps, or other such facilities or stores required during the period of construction) exceed 1 hectare in area.

The project has been subject to screening using the Annex III criteria to determine whether a formal Environmental Impact Assessment is required under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017). Screening using Annex III criteria, reference to consultations undertaken and review of available information has not identified the need for a statutory EIA.

The project will not have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as:

Characteristics of the scheme:

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

·       The successful completion of the scheme will afford benefits to carriageway users and residential properties in proximity, due to improved condition and ride quality of the carriageway surface.

·       Construction activities are restricted to the existing carriageway boundary within made ground and as such there will be no residual change to the local landscape as a result of the works.

·       No significant effects on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of works.

·       The use of TS2010 road surfacing affords the benefits of a reduction in mid to high frequencies of traffic noise and a reduction in ground vibrations. As a result, ambient noise levels will decrease post construction.

·       No disturbance is anticipated to protected species within the wider area.

·       At end of life, components can be recycled, reducing waste to landfill.

·       The design option conveys sustainability benefits by significantly reducing the quantity of maintenance interventions required at the location.

Location of the scheme:

·       The scheme will be confined within the existing carriageway boundaries and as a result will not require any land take and will not alter any local land uses.

·       Works are not located within an area designated for its specific landscape character or quality.

·       The scheme is not situated in whole or in part within a sensitive area

Characteristics of potential impacts of the scheme:

·       The works will be temporary, transient and localised and completed during nighttime hours with traffic management in place

·       Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, non-significant, and limited to the construction phase.

·       The risk to major accidents or disasters is considered low.

·       Containment measures of the working area will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding water environment.

·       Any uncontaminated road planings will be recycled in accordance with Guidance on the Production for Fully Recovered Asphalt Road Planings.

·       Materials will be derived from recycled, secondary or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications. Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.

·       No in-combination effects have been identified.