STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS REGIONAL TRANSPORT STRATEGY

Post-adoption statement

Report

October 2008

Prepared for: Prepared by:

HITRANS Steer Davies Gleave Building 25 68-70 George Street Inverness Airport Edinburgh Inverness EH2 2LR IV2 7JB +44 (0)131 226 9500 www.steerdaviesgleave.com

Post-adoption statement

Contents Page

1. THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS 1 Summary of the RTS and SEA 1 Evolution of the Regional Transport Strategy 2 Objectives and content of this post-adoption statement 2 2. HOW ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT 3 Environmental problems relevant to the RTS 3 Appropriate Assessment 6 Consultation 7 3. CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES 11 4. MONITORING 13 Monitoring framework 13

TABLES

Table 2.1 Environmental problems relevant to the RTS and identified in the Environmental Report

Table 4.1 SEA objectives and indicators

APPENDICES

A APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT OF THE HITRANS RTS

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Contents

Post-adoption statement

1. THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Summary of the RTS and SEA

1.1 The Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 gave legal status to Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) in Scotland. One duty of these RTPs has been to prepare a statutory Regional Transport Strategy (RTS). During 2006 - 2007, the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) prepared an RTS, which was submitted to Scottish Ministers in March 2007 for approval, and resubmitted in May 2008 following the change in government in Scotland taking on board its new focus and identified purpose. The RTS was approved by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change in July 2008.

1.2 The RTS sets out the framework by which HITRANS will encourage future investment in order to maintain and improve all of the region’s transport networks and services. It also demonstrates how the RTP has applied national transport policy and supports delivery of Government’s Purpose at a regional level, and therefore supports the co-ordination and implementation of transport policy throughout Scotland and beyond.

1.3 The Highlands and Islands RTS has been subject to a process of Strategic Environmental Assessment, as required under the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. This has included the following activities:

• taking account of the views of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Ministers (Historic Scotland) regarding the scope and level of detail that was appropriate for the Environmental Report; • preparing an Environmental Report on the likely significant effects on the environment of the draft RTS which included consideration of:
the baseline data relating to the current state of the environment;
links between the RTS and other relevant strategies, policies, plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives;
existing environmental problems affecting the area covered by the RTS;
the RTS’s likely significant effects on the environment (positive and negative);
measures envisaged for the prevention, reduction and offsetting of any significant adverse effects;
an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives chosen;
monitoring measures to ensure that any unforeseen environmental effects will be identified allowing for appropriate remedial action to be taken. • consulting on the Environmental Report; • taking into account the Environmental Report and the results of the consultation in making the final decision regarding the RTS; and • committing to monitoring the significant environmental effects of the implementation of the RTS. This will also identify any unforeseen adverse significant environmental effects and to enable the appropriate remedial action to be taken.

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Evolution of the Regional Transport Strategy

1.4 The development of the RTS commenced in early 2006 with a number of workshop meetings with key stakeholders in order to discuss and agree the issues that this strategy needed to address. The SEA process also commenced at the beginning of the strategy development process and was undertaken in parallel to the development of the strategy.

1.5 The strategy’s overarching policy is to develop a fit for purpose multi-modal transport system. It comprises a package of policies and measures under a number of horizontal themes which apply across the region and a package of priorities for investment to improve the transport network across all modes. In addition to these policies, a range of proposals were developed to deliver these priorities. These proposals are contained within the Proposed Delivery Plan.

1.6 All elements of the strategy, and the actions contained in the Proposed Delivery Plan were assessed through the SEA process. This identified any environmental constraints associated with the proposals and contributed to the sifting and development of the actions contained within the strategy.

1.7 The RTS, including the Proposed Delivery Plan was submitted to Scottish Ministers in March 2007. Since the original submission of the strategy and prior to its approval, the RTPs were requested by Scottish Ministers to remove the delivery plans from the RTS leaving just the strategy element. It is the strategy element of the RTS that has been approved by Scottish Minsters and officially adopted by HITRANS and to which this Post Adoption Statement applies.

1.8 However, the SEA of this strategy goes further than an assessment of the policies in the adopted strategy alone and assessed all elements of the delivery plan. This assessment should therefore be consulted when progressing any of these actions in the future.

Objectives and content of this post-adoption statement

1.9 This post-adoption statement sets out how the findings of the SEA process have been taken into account in the development of the final RTS. This document includes the following information:

• how environmental problems relevant to the RTS, identified at the Scoping stage have been taken into account in the development of the strategy; • results of consultation on the Draft RTS and Environmental Report and how these comments have been taken into account in the development of the final RTS; • reasons for choosing the strategy as adopted, in the light of other reasonable alternatives; and • measures that are to be taken to monitor significant environmental effects of the implementation of the strategy.

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2. HOW ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT

Environmental problems relevant to the RTS

2.1 At each stage of the process, the SEA looks at the likely environmental effects on the following, depending on the information available: noise, greenhouse gas emissions; local air quality; water; geology; soils; biodiversity; landscape, cultural heritage; and health; and the interrelationship between all these factors.

2.2 The most pertinent issues identified were those of conservation and biodiversity. There are a large number of natural heritage conservation designations, which should be respected.

2.3 Table 2.1 below shows how these issues, along with others, were integrated into the RTS.

TABLE 2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS RELEVANT TO THE RTS AND IDENTIFIED IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Environmental considerations and How these issues were addressed in the findings from Environmental Report development of the RTS

Noise – the main source of ambient noise pollution in the UK is from road traffic. Noise is not only a disturbance but also poses a threat to human health. On the whole within the HITRANS area however, although road Policies aimed at encouraging public noise may cause community annoyance in transport, and active travel through cycling built up areas, they do not exceed levels that and walking in particular are the subject of are harmful to human health and well-being. specific sub-strategies within the RTS, all aimed at reducing the negative effects of car Greenhouse gas emissions – CO 2 is emitted travel (including noise and emissions) by road vehicles through the consumption of particularly in urban centres around the carbon based fuels and is the principal region. greenhouse gas responsible for climate

change. If traffic volumes continue to The RTS Monitoring Framework provides increase, CO 2 concentrations are also likely to continue to rise. specific mechanisms for the monitoring of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Air quality is generally very good and no Air (PM10) levels. The monitoring chapter of Quality Management Areas have been the SEA also provides details on targets. declared. There are however some areas, where air quality could deteriorate and exceed targets in the future due to increases in road traffic. Water, geology and soils – Only 1% of the Environmental criteria were a key part of the region’s rivers are in ‘poor’ condition and prioritisation process, in particular any only 1% of coastal waters are potential impact on SSSIs, Nature Parks, ‘unsatisfactory’. There is a diverse variety of SCAs, SPAs, Wetland Areas or Historic soil types around the region. Gardens and Designed Landscapes. As a result of this process, a number of options Biodiversity – Due to the extent of the region on the network and in the horizontal themes that is covered by protected areas, many of were dropped, refined or packaged with the options developed in the strategy are other options. likely to have some impact on a protected area or species. Moreover, Appropriate Assessment of the

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Environmental considerations and How these issues were addressed in the findings from Environmental Report development of the RTS

Landscape and visual amenity - Landscape RTS has been carried out as a result of and townscape is at risk from change of consultation with SEA Consultation character by new developments. Authorities. This process has identified specific mitigation measures to avoid/reduce Cultural heritage – Potential risk of damage potential adverse impacts on Natura sites to or loss of heritage resources and sites of from all RTS options assessed. archaeological importance. Health and other social impacts - Although Policies aimed at encouraging public the health of the region is generally good, transport, and active travel through cycling there are low levels of physical activity and walking in particular are the subject of among the population. specific sub-strategies within the RTS, all aimed at reducing the negative effects of car travel (including noise and emissions) particularly in urban centres around the region. Policies to promote Active Travel (cycling and walking) will contribute to increases in physical activity which is health-promoting. Policies to improve the public and community transport networks will contribute to improving accessibility to health and other key services for those who do not have access to a car.

RTS Objectives and Sub-Strategies (or Horizontal Themes)

2.4 In addition to the points raised in the table above, it should be pointed out that two of the key objectives of the RTS were developed to address environmental and health related issues, as shown in the following figure.

FIGURE 2-1 STRATEGY VISION AND OBJECTIVES

Enhance the region’s viability Vision

Improving interconnectivity of the whole Delivery region to strategic services & destinations objective

Primary Economy – outcome enable the region to compete & support growth objective Enable Improve Manage the Improve impacts of Supporting people to the safety the health outcome travel on the participate and of the objectives region’s in everyday security of environmental region’s life travel assets people

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2.5 These objectives are:

• Manage the impacts of travel on the region’s environmental assets • Improve the health of the region’s people

2.6 Underneath the overarching RTS policy of developing a fit for purpose, multi-modal transport system with associated infrastructure , a package of sub-strategies and their related policies and measures has been developed by HITRANS and their partners.

2.7 These key policy areas, which form the core of the Strategy, are as follows:

• Horizontal themes which apply across the region:
Active travel.
Aviation and the region’s air network.
Community and health passenger transport.
Congestion and urban issues.
Freight transport.
Locally significant network and maintenance of the region’s roads.
Mainstream passenger transport.
Ports, ferries and waterway transport.
Cost of transport and travel.
Environmental impacts. • The strategic and regional network.

2.8 The Horizontal Themes relate to cross-cutting issues, that are best progressed at a strategic, region-wide level, particularly where benefits arise from integration and uniformity. Horizontal issues relate to the entire population of the region and / or are relevant to certain groups which share travel patterns / needs and socio-economic / socio-demographic characteristics.

2.9 In direct response to consultation on the Draft RTS and the Environmental Report, the Horizontal Sub-Strategy area of Environmental Impacts was specifically introduced to the final RTS, and is viewed as an overarching theme as the following diagram shows. The key objective of the Environmental Impacts theme is to develop ways to mitigate the climate change impact of socially and economically necessary travel across the region.

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FIGURE 2-2 RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HORIZONTAL THEMES IN THE STRATEGY

Appropriate Assessment

2.10 A major response by HITRANS to issues raised by SEA Consultation Authorities was to carry out Appropriate Assessment of all proposed options within the RTS that potentially impacted directly or indirectly on Natura sites, specifically Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar (Wetland) sites. This process has been reported upon separately, and the full report is appended to this Post Adoption Statement (Appendix A).

2.11 Overall, the Appropriate Assessment process concluded that:

• the proposed interventions within the RTS considered in this assessment would not adversely affect the integrity of the European sites in question; • the assessment identifies mitigation measures to avoid / reduce possible effects so that the integrity of the sites is not adversely affected; • project specific potential adverse impacts have been identified but have been

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considered to be capable of being satisfactorily mitigated through the detailed design and implementation of best management practices during construction.

2.12 Without prejudice to the appraisal that has been carried out HITRANS believes that more detailed assessments will be required under Regulation 48 1, if and when any of the interventions are taken forward. As such (subject to Regulation 49 1) an intervention would only be allowed to proceed if it was ascertained that there would be no adverse affect on the integrity of the site.

2.13 Project based appropriate assessments, and where necessary Environmental Impact Assessments, are the next stage to provide this more detailed approach as and when interventions progress, and these will be informed by detailed baseline ecological data. Through an iterative process these assessments should inform the final design of any scheme and its associated construction techniques.

Consultation

2.14 The draft Regional Transport Strategy was published for comment during February and March 2006. The SEA Environmental Report was published for public consultation alongside the Draft HITRANS RTS. The consultation involved running focussed workshops with key stakeholders across the region. The Draft RTS and Environmental Report were submitted to the statutory SEA consultees through the SEA Gateway.

2.15 Comments on the Environmental Report were received from the three statutory SEA consultation bodies (Historic Scotland, SEPA and SNH). In addition, SNH commented on the Draft HITRANS RTS itself. No comments directly relating to the Environmental Report were received from other stakeholders or members of the public.

Summary of key points made by Consultation Authorities

2.16 In general, the Consultation Authorities did not raise any major concerns relating to the Environmental Report or the SEA process as applied to the HITRANS RTS. Some key issues were raised, specifically relating to:

• a concern with the overall assessment in that “ there will be some negative impacts on the environment” is perhaps an over simplification. The assessment demonstrates that there will be a range of impacts on the environment, both positive and negative, however, if human and other social impacts are excluded then none of the proposals result in a significant positive impact on the environment but a number do result in a significant negative impact (it is agreed that there will be increased accessibility and connectivity); and • how any negative impacts will be mitigated.

2.17 A summary of the key points raised in the consultation responses is provided in the sections below.

1 The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) (the Habitats Regulations)

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Relationship with other plans and programmes

2.18 The consultation authorities were satisfied with the additional policies reviewed however SEPA would have liked to see the Area Waste Plans reviewed as well. Following comments at the Scoping stage, it was decided that the Area Waste Plans were not relevant to a strategic level transport strategy such as this, and this was highlighted in the response to consultation comments in Annex A of the Environmental Report.

Baseline environment

2.19 The consultation authorities were generally satisfied with the level of detail provided in the baseline section, however SEPA notes that the Indicative River and Coastal Flood Map (Scotland) has now become available and should be used to inform the final strategy. This interactive map had not been published at the time of writing the Environmental Report but has since been consulted. The strategic nature of the RTS means that this issue is more relevant and applicable when proposals are being developed and taken forward at the detailed level.

2.20 SEPA suggested that the RTS should aim wherever possible to develop on vacant and derelict land rather than on Greenfield sites, and that transportation infrastructure may be ideal development for such land. This will be considered by HITRANS and partners on a site- or proposal-specific basis. The nature of the RTS, a strategic transport planning document, means that this issue is more relevant and applicable when proposals are being developed and taken forward at the detailed level.

Environmental appraisal of alternatives

2.21 The consultation authorities are satisfied with the assessment of high level alternatives. SEPA did however query the assessment of alternatives shown in Tables 4.1 and 4.2 and state that further clarification / justification of this process may be required. Further details of the full option development and sifting process are provided in Chapter 4 of the final RTS.

2.22 The ‘without plan scenario’ - SEPA noted that in this section they would expect to see an assessment of the likely evolution of the wider environment without the implementation of the RTS. The Environmental Report focuses on the likely impacts resulting from population evolution. It is however noted that this assessment is carried out in Annex B but perhaps greater consistency in the presentation of this information would have been beneficial. This has been noted for future reference.

Assessment of Environmental effects

2.23 It was noted that greater description of the RTS component proposals would have enabled a better understanding of the possible effects. Due to the high level nature of the strategy however, this was not possible.

2.24 SEPA noted that all physical developments, such as road works, are likely to have at least a short term negative impact against water, geology and soils and that, depending on the extent of development, proposals which result in long term modifications to the water environment could be considered as significant. SEPA lists a number of

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schemes which they would expect to have a significant impact on water, geology and soils:

• Modern 2-track standard Inverness – Glasgow; • Dual carriageway options between Inverness and Perth; • Variations of the above option including schemes to provide dual carriageway sections; • Dual carriageway options on A96; • Variations of the above options, including schemes to provide dual carriageway sections; and • Fixed links on the sounds (Western Isles spinal route).

2.25 It was also identified that all such schemes could have knock-on impacts on biodiversity. SEPA was satisfied with the assessments made in relation to local air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and noise. This re-assessment was taken into consideration in the development of the final strategy. These items have all now been removed from the final adopted strategy although do remain in the Proposed Delivery Plan as key to achieving the objectives of the strategy.

2.26 In terms of Natura sites, SNH commented that it will be important to ensure that any adverse effects on these areas are identified before particular projects become ‘locked in’ to the strategy. Habitats Regulations require that there are no adverse effects on the integrity of such sites. Appropriate Assessment has been carried out for all schemes likely to impact upon Natura sites.

2.27 Historic Scotland noted that the assessment in Annex C tended to focus on the positive impacts of the historic environment through reductions in traffic. This assessment could identify more clearly the schemes that are likely to adversely impact the historic environment. Due to the high level nature of the strategy it was not possible in most cases to pin point exact locations of policies / proposals. It was therefore difficult to clearly identify schemes that would likely have an adverse impact. In instances where there was uncertainty of the assessment, this was noted and the assessment highlights that in a number of cases, more detailed Environmental Impact Assessments will be required at the project stage.

Mitigation and monitoring

2.28 SEPA note that it would have been helpful to set out all mitigation measures in a way that clearly identifies the measures that are required, when they would be required and who will be required to implement them. They suggest that this is included in the post-adoption statement and provided a suggested format for presenting this information. Historic Scotland also noted that it was not clear how the mitigation measures proposed would be implemented and suggested some additional mitigation measures for the historic environment as follows:

• The inclusion of a policy commitment in the RTS to ensure that proposal / project level mitigation measures are taken forward as the strategy is implemented. • The inclusion of more specific mitigation measures for proposals / projects taken forward through the RTS e.g.

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any schemes with the potential to affect scheduled ancient monuments and / or their settings, listed buildings and their settings and gardens and designed landscapes and their settings should be subject to formal screening to determine whether an EIA is required.
as part of the planning application process the Council should consider whether or not the scheme requires consultation under the General Development Procedure Order (GDPO).

2.29 These comments have been noted, however with the removal of the delivery plan from the strategy, there is uncertainty over who will be responsible for delivering the actions contained within it and when they are likely to be delivered. It is however agreed that more detailed screening of impacts will be required for many proposals at the project stage in order to more clearly identify potential impacts.

2.30 Some suggested alterations to the indicators were suggested by SEPA in order to make them more effective. These have been taken on board and are reflected in the updated table in Chapter 4 of this statement.

2.31 SEPA commented that one way that HITRANS may wish to consider addressing mitigation would be by including specific environmental policies in the strategy. Doing this, would clearly demonstrate how environmental considerations have been taken into account and integrated into the RTS. Historic Scotland also suggested that mitigation could be achieved through inclusion of environmental protection policies in the RTS.

2.32 These comments have been taken on board in the final strategy through the introduction of a Horizontal Theme specifically addressing environmental impacts. Environmental considerations are also integrated into the objectives for the strategy and into the option development and sifting process (see Chapter 4 of the RTS).

2.33 Appropriate Assessment has also been carried out with specific details of mitigation measures to reduce or avoid potential negative impacts from RTS options, to which HITRANS is committed. The Environmental Impacts theme introduced to the final RTS also commits HITRANS to Appropriate Assessment as schemes progress and mitigation of adverse impacts.

Consultation responses

2.34 SEPA welcomed the way in which the Consultation Authorities responses were taken into consideration when developing the Environmental Report and considers this to be good practice.

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3. CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES

3.1 The SEA Act requires the environmental effects of ‘reasonable alternatives’ to be identified described and evaluated. The Act also states that the Post-Adoption Statement should include ‘the reasons for choosing the plan or programme as adopted, in light of the other reasonable alternatives considered’.

3.2 The strategic alternatives for the HITRANS RTS emerged from an appreciation of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) requirement to consider the full range of options, from do minimum through to all possible interventions, and an understanding of the problems, constraints and opportunities which are centred around economic growth, population change, accessibility, congestion and environmental impacts. A range of high level alternative strategy options were developed based on a focus on addressing each of the key issues. The strategy alternatives were:

• Do nothing / do minimum: whereby current programmes and investment would be ongoing, yet there would be no further or targeted intervention in the transport system for the Highlands and Islands. • Passenger transport focus: whereby public transport, community transport and active travel modes are the focus, thereby securing capital and revenue support for these means of travel, with targets to reduce the reliance on the car and to reduce the amount of travel undertaken in the region. • Underpin economic competitiveness for peripheral areas: whereby connectivity improvements to peripheral areas would be targeted, thereby securing support for ongoing revenue subsidy of thin routes, with targets to reduce costs and improve journey time, integration and reliability. • Underpin economic growth for focussed development areas: whereby the focus would be on the key growth areas, especially around the Inner Moray Firth. • Improve accessibility for the socially excluded: focussing on access to key services, with a concentration on access for the socially excluded (those on low wages, the young, the elderly and those without access to a car). This would also include tackling road safety implications of disadvantage. • Minimise environmental impact: by focussing on measures to reduce greenhouse gases, reduce vehicular mileage, increasing walking and cycling, achieving modal shift and minimising aviation requirements. This would thus include a focus on improving the health outcomes of the region’s people, by increasing active travel and reducing environmental emissions. • Do all: addressing the five preceding scenarios, which will constitute a high investment scenario.

Preferred option

3.3 The preferred option consists of a complimentary mix of scenarios two, three, four, five and six. These options were deemed to have a positive impact on the objectives of the strategy and are strongly complimentary. This preferred option, which included a range of policies and actions to be delivered, was appraised against the SEA objectives in the Environmental Report.

3.4 Chapter 4 of the Environmental Report details the assessment of the seven options listed above and the selection of the preferred option. The final RTS also provides full

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details of the key strategy elements and the process by which they were derived.

3.5 The most significant change to the strategy since this assessment was undertaken has been the removal of the delivery plan from the strategy. This does not change the results of the assessment as no significant new elements have been added to the strategy.

3.6 It is however HITRANS view that although the delivery plan has been removed from the strategy, the actions contained within it are still considered necessary to meet the objectives of the strategy.

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4. MONITORING

4.1 The Environmental Report contained a monitoring framework which set out proposals for monitoring the environmental impacts of the RTS. The consultation authorities provided some comments on the proposed monitoring framework. These comments have been taken into account and a final monitoring framework is detailed below.

Monitoring framework

4.2 Monitoring the environmental effects of the RTS is an essential stage in the SEA process. The information gathered as a result of monitoring will enable HITRANS to check the environmental impacts of the strategy, measure the success of the mitigation measures, identify any unforeseen effects, take remedial action and fill any gaps in baseline data.

4.3 Table 4.1 below identifies the objectives, indicators and baseline data for each of the SEA topics.

TABLE 4.1 SEA OBJECTIVES AND INDICATORS

SEA topic Objective Indicator Baseline

Noise To ensure existing levels Prediction of road Data unavailable at present of annoyance from noise traffic noise at key caused by traffic do not locations on the road significantly increase. network.

Air quality To keep air quality of a NO 2: Annual mean No air quality management good standard and below areas PM 10 : Annual mean National Air Quality Source: Local No exceedences of air quality Standards in all areas Authority Air Quality objectives for Nitrogen Monitoring Reports Dioxide and Particulates Greenhouse To help tackle climate Predicted emissions of The Scottish Executive gas change by reducing the CO 2 from transport. estimates that transport emissions increase in CO 2 accounted for 12% of Scottish emissions from transport CO 2 emissions in 2000. during the life of the plan, Approximately 144 kilotonnes and helping to meet of Carbon Dioxide was targets to nationally emitted from road transport in reduce overall emissions Midlothian in 2003. of greenhouse gases by 12.5% by 2008-12 in comparison with a 1990 baseline. Biodiversity To avoid damage to Number of designated Ramsar sites: 2 (504ha) designated wildlife / sites affected in RTS SPAs: 2 (504ha) biodiversity sites and strategies. SACs: 1 (53ha) protected species. SSSIs: 15 (1,205ha) Nature Reserve: 1 Wildlife sites: 52 Woodland Trust sites: 2

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SEA topic Objective Indicator Baseline

Cultural To preserve historic Number of listed Conservation sites: 20 (3 are heritage buildings, archaeological buildings, scheduled nationally important) sites and their settings monuments, Historic Listed buildings: 714 and other culturally and Gardens and Nationally important historic historically important Designed Landscapes gardens and designed features. affected in LTS landscapes: 12 strategies (supported by brief description of Scheduled Ancient effect) Monuments: 79 Water To limit water pollution The quality of river, 58 stretches of freshwater from the transport coastal and estuary (193km) network to levels that do waters as monitored 21% classified as A1 not damage natural by SEPA. (Excellent) systems. Flooding events resulting from surcharged transport drainage systems. Soils To limit contamination of Number of brownfield 317 hectares of vacant or soils from the transport sites remediated as a derelict land (108 sites) network and result of their use for 55 hectares of contaminated infrastructure transport schemes. land across Edinburgh and development to levels the Lothians that do not damage natural systems. To safeguard soil quality and quantity Landscape To retain, protect and Number of landscape 4 Landscape character types enhance landscape character types 225.1km ² of Areas of Great character, local Areas protected for Landscape Value (63.4% of distinctiveness and their international, Midlothian’s total land area) scenic value. national or local landscape importance. Health To create conditions to Air quality indicators 69% of the population in improve the health of the (respiratory health) ‘good health’ areas population. The proportion of the 19.2% of the population have population feeling in a long-term limiting illness. ‘good health’.

4.4 HITRANS have also developed a monitoring framework for the strategy itself and this incorporates monitoring of environmental impacts.

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APPENDIX A

APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT OF THE HITRANS RTS

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Appendix

HighlandandIslandsRegional TransportPartnership

Appropriate Assessmentinsupport oftheHITRANSRegional TransportStrategy

October2008

Final Re port

Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership

Information for an Appropriate Assessment in Support of the HITRANS Regional Transport Strategy

October 2008

13 Coates Crescent Edinburgh EH3 7AF Telephone 0131 220 6121 Facsimile 0131 220 6131 Email [email protected]

Final Re port

Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership

Information for an Appropriate Assessment in Support of the HITRANS Regional Transport Strategy

For and on behalf of Natural Capital Ltd.

Approved by: Dr Phil Say

Signed:

Position: Director

Date: 15.10.2008

This report has been prepared by Natural Capital Ltd. with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the client, incorporating our General Terms and Conditions of Business and taking account of the resources devoted to it by agreement with the client.

We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.

In line with our company environmental policy we purchase paper for our documents only from suppliers who supply recycled and/or sustainably sourced paper.

Registered Office: Natural Capital Ltd, 3 Ormidale Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 6DY Registered in Scotland No: 185394

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 GENERAL BACKGROUND TO APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT 1 1.2 CONTEXT FOR THE HITRANS RTS 2 1.2.1 Background 2 1.2.2 Screening 2 1.3 GUIDANCE 3 1.4 APPROACH TO ASSESSMENT OF ADVERSE IMPACT ON INTEGRITY 4 2 ASSESSMENT OF THE RTS INTERVENTIONS 5 3 CONCLUSIONS 67 3.1 HYDROLOGICAL AND ASSOCIATED WATER POLLUTION RISKS 67 3.2 ECOLOGICAL RISKS – INCLUDING QUALIFYING FEATURE HABITAT AND SPECIES 67

ANNEX 1 SCREENING OF INTERVENTIONS AND EUROPEAN SITES

Appropriate Assessment

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL BACKGROUND TO APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT

The UK is bound by the terms of the EC Birds and Habitats Directives1 and the Ramsar Convention2. In the UK the European Directives have been transposed into domestic legislation through the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 19943 (as amended) (the Habitats Regulations) which provide for the protection of what are termed ‘European sites’. These sites include Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) classified under the Birds Directive.

The network of sites across the European Community is known as Natura 2000. Once established, the onus in on Member States to protect and restore the sites included in the network in accordance with the Habitat Directive’s Article 6.

Article 6(3) of the European Habitats Directive requires Appropriate Assessment of plans that are likely to have a significant effect on SPAs or SACs.

“Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives….”.

Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive goes on to discuss the alternative solutions, the test of ‘imperative reasons of overriding public interest,’ (IROPI) and compensatory measures:

“If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted.

Where the site concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type and/or a priority species, the only considerations which may be raised are those relating to human health or public safety, to beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest.”

The Habitats Directive applies the precautionary principle to SPAs and SACs. Plans and projects can only be permitted after having ascertained that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the site(s) in question and avoiding damage, deterioration and significant disturbance to the qualifying features. Plans and projects that will have an adverse affect on the integrity of a site may still be permitted if there are no alternatives to them and the IROPI test (see above)

1 Council Directive on the conservation of wild birds of 2nd April 1979 (79/409/EEC) and Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora of 21st May 1992 2 Convention on wetlands of international importance especially as waterfowl habitat, Ramsar, Iran 2nd Feb 1971 3 Statutory Instrument 1994/2716 which came into force on 30 October 1994

Natural Capital Ltd 1 HITRANS Appropriate Assessment substantiates that they should go ahead. In such cases, compensation will be necessary to ensure the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected.

Ramsar sites (so named following the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, held in Ramsar, Iran, 1971) are wetland sites of international importance. They are protected for their important habitats, in particular for water birds. For those sites that qualify for designation only under the Ramsar Convention (and not as SAC or SPA) the Scottish Executive has chosen as a matter of policy to apply the same considerations to their protection as if they were classified as SPAs4.

1.2 CONTEXT FOR THE HITRANS RTS

1.2.1 Background

In October 2005, the European Court of Justice ruled that all land-use plans should be subject to an ‘Appropriate Assessment’ of their implications for European sites. In addition as a matter of policy, the Government has chosen to apply the procedures on Ramsar sites and potential SPAs even though these are not classified as European sites as a matter of law.

HITRANS has produced a Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) setting out a vision and programme for improving the Region’s transport infrastructure, services and other facilities, over the 15 years to 2022. It has undertaken a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of this strategy.

Following consultation on the SEA and the draft RTS, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) emphasised that care would be needed in demonstrating that the stringent requirements of the European Directives that apply to Natura sites are being met. SNH was concerned that the stated aim of ‘minimising impacts’ may not be sufficient to satisfy these requirements. In response to this HITRANS and its consultants (Steer Davies Gleave – SDG) have stated that ‘If a Natura site is likely to be impacted upon, this will be highlighted’.

1.2.2 Screening

Following on from the SEA, further screening work was carried out by SDG to look specifically at European sites that could possibly be affected by any of the proposed interventions contained within the RTS delivery plan. This process was initially done at a very high level, identifying all European sites within the vicinity of any of the proposed schemes. This included for example all European sites located in the vicinity of the A9 north in relation to action ‘S9b: A9 north – bypass settlements on route’.

This process identified a large number of European and Ramsar sites within the HITRANS region that could potentially be affected by one or more of the proposed interventions. Once these sites had been identified, a more detailed screening process was carried out to ascertain in as much detail as possible, the specific nature and location of the interventions proposed. This was done in conjunction with HITRANS and its partners who were able to provide further detail on the interventions. This process enabled some interventions to be screened out of the

4 Scottish Executive (2000) Nature conservation: Implementation in Scotland of EC Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna and the conservation of wild birds (‘The Habitats and Birds Directives’). Revised guidance updating Scottish Office Circular no. 6/1995

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AA process since it was determined that the nature and location of the intervention would not have an impact on the qualifying features of any European sites.

During this process, a meeting was held between SDG, HITRANS, SEPA and SNH in order to discuss the nature of the Appropriate Assessment and level of detail required for a strategic plan such as the RTS. SNH was also provided with a list of all the sites and interventions proposed for Appropriate Assessment and given the opportunity to comment on these.

The results of the screening process and the decision to screen in / out different interventions from the Appropriate Assessment is presented in Annex 1.

At the time of this screening exercise the Scottish Executive was reviewing its position with regard to the requirement for an Appropriate Assessment to be carried out on all RTSs within Scotland. Following consultation with SNH it was decided that where reference was made to interventions within an RTS that could affect a European site (even if these were yet to be progressed and there were no detailed designs), then an Appropriate Assessment would be needed with reference to the intervention and site(s) possibly affected. It would not be adequate to refer to later project-specific Appropriate Assessments.

Natural Capital was invited by SDG on behalf of HITRANS to undertake the necessary research and provide the information so that HITRANS could, as the competent authority, carry out the Appropriate Assessment. The scope of the assessment (established following the review by the Scottish Executive and advice from SNH) was to concentrate on an assessment of those interventions highlighted in the SEA (and further considered within the screening process reported in Annex 1) where it was considered possible that they could have an effect on the integrity of a European site.

The purpose of this Appropriate Assessment is, therefore, to assess the impacts of the proposed interventions against the conservation objectives and qualifying features of the relevant European sites. The assessment should determine whether the interventions would adversely affect the integrity of any site in terms of its nature conservation objectives. If any negative effects remain after mitigation has been identified, then other options should be examined to determine whether these, in turn, would have an adverse effect on the integrity of the European site.

1.3 GUIDANCE Guidance on the content and scope of this report has been taken from consultation with SNH and publications as follows: • Scottish Executive (2000) Nature conservation: Implementation in Scotland of EC Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna and the conservation of wild birds (‘The Habitats and Birds Directives’). Revised guidance updating Scottish Office Circular no. 6/1995. • European Commission (2001) Assessment of plans and projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites: methodological guidance on the provision of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. • European Commission. Managing Natura 2000 sites. The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC. • Scottish Executive (2006) Assessing Development Plans in Terms of the Need for Appropriate Assessment, Interim guidance.

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1.4 APPROACH TO ASSESSMENT OF ADVERSE IMPACT ON INTEGRITY This assessment is at a strategy level with no detail of the proposed interventions. The approach taken is to predict the potential impacts as far as is possible and identify any limitations. This then flags up what will be needed by way of mitigation, and will ultimately direct any tender briefs for further work or project based AA, should the intervention be taken forward in the Delivery Plan for the RTS.

The integrity of a site is defined as ‘ the coherence of its ecological structure and function, across its whole area, that enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or the levels of populations of the species for which it was classified’. The potential impacts of each intervention have been assessed in the context of the ecological needs of the qualifying species/habitat, the current baseline and the relationship of these to the conservation objectives. Due to the high-level nature of the assessment there is no attempt at this stage to categorise impacts into those considered to be “negligible” and those more significant. All are being viewed as having the potential for adverse impact on site integrity and there is therefore an assessment of the required mitigation and the remaining residual effect. The results of the assessment are summarised in Table 1.

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2 ASSESSMENT OF THE RTS INTERVENTIONS

The assessment is set out in Table 1 below and includes the following information:

• The intervention in question • The European site potentially affected with qualifying features and conservation objectives listed • The assessment of possible impacts • The potential mitigation • The residual effects • The implications for the site

Table 1 Appropriate Assessment of RTS Interventions that could Impact on European Sites

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5

Scheme S1b: A82 corridor– Ballachulish to Fort William Route enhancements

Onich to North Ballachulish Woods Hydrological and Associated Water Hydrological and Associated Hydrological and Hydrological and (SAC) Pollution Risks Water Pollution Risks Associated Water Associated Water Qualifying Features • Pollution of associated burns, • Contractors required to identify Pollution Risks Pollution Risks • Alkaline fens springs, seepages and wetland appropriate control measures • The listed • No long-term adverse • Old sessile oak woods with llex and areas (chemical and particulate – (including best practice guidance mitigation effects predicted on Blechnum suspended solids and turbidity) for construction) to minimise the measures would water quality. • Tileo-Acerion forests of slopes, caused by construction activities. risk of pollution during protect water • No corresponding screes and ravines • Pollution caused by oil and fuel construction and to consult with quality (against damage to spills and leakages. the Scottish Environment chemical/oil and hydrological Habitat Conservation Objectives • Pollution from run-off and erosion. Protection Agency (SEPA) on all suspended processes and • To avoid deterioration of the • Contamination from waste temporary and permanent solids/sediment associated habitats qualifying habitats thus ensuring materials pollution control measures. contamination) predicted. that the integrity of the site is • Oil and fuel storage facilities and so safeguarding

5 The information available for the Appropriate Assessment is necessarily high-level at this stage because the intervention has not yet been defined in terms of location, design etc. Therefore the appraisal considers all features and conservation objectives at a strategic level.

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 that the integrity of the site is small static plant to be well important Ecology - General maintained and the site makes an General Ecology - including managed to minimise the risk of springs, • If all mitigation appropriate contribution to Qualifying Feature Habitat leaks to soil and groundwater. seepages and measures are taken achieving favourable conservation • Destruction of habitats caused by • Appropriate measures adopted to wetland areas there would be no status for each of the qualifying construction activities with reduce the risk of particulate or associated with adverse effects on features; and resultant habitat loss. chemical contamination from the qualifying qualifying feature • To ensure for the qualifying • Impacts on adjacent habitats site polluting the aquatic features. habitat. habitats that the following are caused by construction activities. environment (including springs, • Some loss of non- maintained in the long term: • Severance of wildlife corridors and seepages and wetland areas) Ecology - General qualifying feature o Extent of the habitat connected habitats. during construction. • The listed habitat would be likely on site • Disturbance of species frequenting • Contingency plans to be mitigation would but mitigation should o Distribution of the areas where construction taking developed for implementation in prevent impacts keep this to an habitat within site place (e.g. noise and physical the case of any spillage. on qualifying absolute minimum. o Structure and function activity). • Oil pollution prevention feature habitat • The mitigation should of the habitat equipment (booms, absorbent and help to ensure that o Processes supporting Ecology – Associated Fauna (birds pads and granules, sand bags minimise impacts appropriate the habitat and animals) etc) to be stored on site and site on non-qualifying biodiversity o Distribution of typical • Habitat destruction. staff briefed on how to use them habitats in enhancement species of the habitat • Severance of routes between in case of spillage. general. measures are o Viability of typical feeding and sheltering habitat. • Plant and vehicles used for the • Some temporary incorporated into final species as • Disturbance to habitat and damage works maintained on disturbance to restoration thus components of the to food supplies. impermeable surfaces to contain non-qualifying improving general habitat • Impacts of possible pollution as oil spills. habitat during conservation status o No significant described above either directly on • All earth bunds and spoil storage construction but and providing general disturbance of typical the species (direct toxicity) or areas well managed to minimise good site ecological benefits. species of the habitat indirectly on the food supply runoff and erosion. practices would (ingestion and bioaccumulation). • Any surface water drainage again keep this • Noise and disturbance during features affected by the to a minimum construction. proposals made good. and would not • Any new culverts to be extend beyond sensitively designed following time scale of best practice guidance. construction • All feasible wastes to be period. recovered and reused within the • Use of best works where possible. practice in • The application of full restoration environmental management should systems and planning for the compensate for

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 systems and planning for the some of the loss whole works. of non-qualifying habitat. General Ecology - including Qualifying Feature Habitat • Ecological survey and use of existing studies/surveys to inform final design of route enhancements and construction methods. • Qualifying feature habitat would be avoided thus, in this case, preventing encroachment into old sessile oakwoods. • Contractor would be briefed to avoid unnecessary incursion into habitats adjacent to the works. • Construction methods would seek to minimise impacts in areas not required for construction and maximise opportunities to enhance local biodiversity on restoration of disturbed areas. • Loss of non-qualifying habitat restricted to the minimum necessary for the works. • Construction area would be fenced during the construction period to contain site activities. • All areas affected by the construction works would be carefully restored at the end of the works. • The seedbank within the topsoil would be stripped from areas to be affected and replaced on the

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 site at the end of the works to aid vegetation growth. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents that could affect neighbouring habitats. • Requirements in the construction contract would ensure that disturbance to wildlife is kept to the minimum necessary for the works.

Scheme S1c: A82 corridor – Tarbet to Ballachulish strategy (road improvement to Tarbet to Inverannan & route enhancement Tyndrum to Ballachulish.

Rannoch Moor (SAC) Hydrological and Associated Water Hydrological and Associated Hydrological and Hydrological and Qualifying Features Pollution Risks Water Pollution Risks Associated Water Associated Water • Blanket bogs • Changes to surface water • All detailed drainage measures Pollution Risks Pollution Risks • Depressions on peat substrates of morphology through realignment, would be designed to benefit • The listed • No long-term adverse the Rhynchosporion culverting etc of watercourses and nature conservation where this is mitigation effects predicted on • European dry heaths alterations to the beds of practical and feasible taking measures would water quality. • Otter (Lutra lutra) watercourses and drains. account of the future help to protect • No corresponding • Freshwater pearl mussel • Changes to drainage maintenance requirements. The hydrological damage to (Margaritifera margaritifera) characteristics, aquatic habitats contractor would be required to regime and also hydrological • Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds and hydrology in the locality of the follow best practice guidance. water quality processes and • Northern Atlantic wet heaths with site through physical works. • All existing crossed (against associated habitats Erica tetralix • Changes to the watercourses would be culverted chemical/oil and predicted. • Oligotrophic to mesotrophic hydrogeology/hydrology of the or bridged at their current suspended standing waters with vegetation of area through physical works. location to maintain the existing solids/sediment Ecology - General the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of • Pollution of associated streams, flow path. Culverts would be contamination) • If all mitigation the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea springs, seepages and wetland provided under the road at each so safeguarding measures are taken important • Transition mires and quaking bogs areas (chemical and particulate – location and would be of there would be no springs, suspended solids and turbidity) adequate size for predicted flows adverse effects on seepages and Habitat Conservation Objectives caused by construction activities. and to minimise the risk of qualifying feature blockage. wetland areas • To avoid deterioration of the • Pollution caused by oil and fuel habitat. associated with qualifying habitats thus ensuring spills and leakages. • The detailed drainage design • Some loss of non- would ensure that there is not an qualifying qualifying feature Natural Capital Ltd 8 HITRANS

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 that the integrity of the site is • Pollution from run-off and erosion. would ensure that there is not an qualifying qualifying feature maintained and the site makes an • Contamination from waste increased risk of flooding of features. habitat would be likely appropriate contribution to materials. areas in proximity to the works but mitigation should achieving favourable conservation as a result of the scheme. Ecology - General keep this to an status for each of the qualifying General Ecology - including • Contractors would be required to • The listed absolute minimum. features; and Qualifying Feature Habitat identify appropriate control mitigation would • The mitigation should • To ensure for the qualifying • Destruction of habitats caused by measures (including best prevent impacts ensure that habitats that the following are construction activities with practice guidance for on qualifying appropriate maintained in the long term: resultant habitat loss. construction) to minimise the risk feature habitat biodiversity o Extent of the habitat • Impacts on adjacent habitats of pollution during construction and help to enhancement on site caused by construction activities. and to consult with the Scottish minimise impacts measures are o Distribution of the • Loss of hydrological continuity Environment Protection Agency on non-qualifying incorporated into final habitat within site through peat with subsequent (SEPA) on all temporary and habitats, restoration thus o Structure and function effects on habitats. permanent pollution control associated improving general of the habitat • Severance of wildlife corridors and measures. species and food conservation status o Processes supporting connected habitats. • Oil and fuel storage facilities and supplies. and providing general the habitat • Disturbance of species frequenting small static plant to be well • Some temporary ecological benefits. o Distribution of typical areas where construction taking managed to minimise the risk of disturbance to species of the habitat place (e.g. noise and physical leaks to soil and groundwater. non-qualifying o Viability of typical activity). • Appropriate measures adopted to feature habitat species as reduce the risk of particulate or during components of the Ecology – Associated Fauna (birds chemical contamination from the construction but habitat and animals) site polluting the aquatic good site o No significant • Habitat destruction. environment (including springs, practices would disturbance of typical • Severance of routes between seepages and wetland areas) again keep this species of the habitat feeding and sheltering habitat. during construction. to a minimum and would not • Disturbance to habitat and damage • Contingency plans to be Species Conservation Objectives extend beyond to food supplies. developed for implementation in time scale of • To avoid deterioration of the • Impacts of possible pollution as the case of any spillage. construction habitats of the qualifying species or described above either directly on • Oil pollution prevention period. significant disturbance to the the species (direct toxicity) or equipment to be stored on site • Use of best qualifying species, thus ensuring indirectly on the food supply and site staff briefed on how to practice in that the integrity of the site is (ingestion and bioaccumulation). use them in case of spillage. restoration maintained and the site makes an • Noise and disturbance during • Plant and vehicles used for the should appropriate contribution to construction. works maintained on compensate for achieving favourable conservation impermeable surfaces to contain some of the status for each of the qualifying Ecology - Otter oil spills. features; and habitat loss.

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 features; and • Habitat destruction. • All earth bunds and spoil storage • Severance of routes between areas well managed to minimise Ecology - Otter • To ensure for the qualifying species feeding and sheltering habitat. runoff and erosion. • The listed that the following are maintained in • Removal of safe passage up and • Any surface water drainage mitigation would the long term: down stream. features affected by the protect otter • Destruction of holts and couches. proposals made good. habitat and ensure safe • Population of the species • Disturbance to habitat and damage • Any new culverts to be passage and as a viable component of to food supplies. sensitively designed following freedom of the site • Impacts of possible pollution as best practice guidance. • All feasible wastes to be movement. Distribution of the species described above either directly on • recovered and reused within the • No significant within site the otter (direct toxicity) or indirectly on the food supply works where possible. adverse residual • Distribution and extent of (ingestion and bioaccumulation). • The application of full effects would be habitats supporting the • Noise and disturbance during environmental management predicted. species construction. systems and planning for the • Structure, function and whole works. Ecology – supporting processes of Freshwater pearl habitats supporting the General Ecology - including mussel species Qualifying Feature Habitat • No significant disturbance • Ecological survey and use of • The listed of the species existing studies/surveys to inform mitigation would protect • Distribution and viability of final design of route enhancements and construction freshwater pearl freshwater pearl mussel mussel habitat. host species methods. • Any route Structure, function and supporting • Avoidance of qualifying feature enhancements processes of habitats supporting habitat. involving freshwater pearl mussel host species • Construction methods would structures would seek to minimise impacts in be designed to Rannoch Moor (Ramsar) areas not required for avoid mussel Qualifying Features construction and maximise beds. • Blanket bogs opportunities to enhance local • Hydrological and biodiversity on restoration of water pollution Conservation Objectives disturbed areas. control • Not available • Non-qualifying feature habitat loss would be restricted to the measures would prevent adverse Glen Coe (SAC) minimum necessary for the works. effects on water Qualifying Features quality which in

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Acidic scree • The detailed design would quality which in • Alpine and subalpine calcareous ensure the integrity of the peat turn would grasslands system is maintained. protect • Alpine and subalpine heaths • Construction area would be freshwater pearl • Base-rich fens fenced during the construction mussel. • Clear-water lakes or lochs with period to contain site activities. aquatic vegetation and poor to • All areas affected by the moderate nutrient levels construction works would be • Dry heaths carefully restored at the end of • High-altitude plant communities the works. associated with areas of water • The seedbank within the topsoil, seepage together with associated peat • Montane acid grasslands and vegetation would be stripped • Mountain willow scrub from areas to be affected and • Plants in crevices on acid rocks replaced on the site at the end of • Plants in crevices on base-rich the works to aid vegetation rocks growth. • Species-rich grassland with mat- • Best site management practices grass in upland areas would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats • Tall herb communities and the risk of pollution incidents

that could affect neighbouring Conservation Objectives habitats. • To avoid deterioration of the • Requirements in the construction qualifying habitats thus ensuring contract would ensure that that the integrity of the site is disturbance to wildlife is kept to maintained and the site makes an the minimum necessary for the appropriate contribution to works. achieving favourable conservation

status for each of the qualifying Ecology - Otters features; and • Access to an updated otter • To ensure for the qualifying survey for area where road habitats that the following are widening, construction of new maintained in the long term: junctions and associated works o Extent of the habitat likely to be located to inform final on site design. o Distribution of the habitat within site • Identification of holts, couches and other potential shelters at

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 o Structure and function and other potential shelters at of the habitat earliest stages of design process o Processes supporting to enable avoidance where the habitat possible. o Distribution of typical • Locating construction site species of the habitat compounds away from potential o Viability of typical otter habitat. species as • Avoidance of night working in components of the areas where otter active. habitat • Use of fencing to exclude otters o No significant from site works areas and disturbance of typical provide safe passage. species of the habitat • Ensure that preferred otter paths not obstructed. • Culverts would be designed to facilitate otter passage with inclusion of ledges in accordance with best practice. • Reinstatement of natural habitat to provide adequate cover for otter movements.

Ecology – freshwater pearl mussel • Identification of mussel beds at earliest stages of the design process to ensure that any structures and associated construction processes avoid adverse impacts. • Hydrological and water pollution mitigation measures listed above will protect the freshwater pearl mussel from negative impacts on its aquatic environment.

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5

Scheme S1d: A82 corridor - Pinch points / junction improvements Fort William to Inverness

River Moriston at Invermoriston River Moriston - Water Pollution River Moriston - Water Pollution Water Pollution Water Pollution (SAC) Risks Risks • The listed • No long-term adverse Qualifying Features • Pollution (chemical and particulate • Contractors required to identify mitigation effects predicted on • Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) – suspended solids and turbidity) appropriate control measures measures would water quality. • Freshwater pearl mussel caused by construction activities. (including best practice guidance protect water • No corresponding (Margaritifera margaritifera) • Pollution caused by oil and fuel for construction) to minimise the quality (against damage to river spills and leakages. risk of pollution during chemical/oil and processes and Conservation Objectives • Pollution from run-off and erosion. construction and to consult with suspended associated habitats • To avoid deterioration of the • Pollution associated with concrete the Scottish Environment solids/sediment predicted. qualifying habitats thus ensuring structures (if bridge constructed). Protection Agency (SEPA) on all contamination) that the integrity of the site is • Contamination from waste temporary and permanent so safeguarding Ecology - General maintained and the site makes an materials. pollution control measures. key qualifying • If all mitigation appropriate contribution to • Oil and fuel storage facilities and features (salmon measures are taken achieving favourable conservation Ecology – General and Passage of small static plant to be well and freshwater there would be no status for each of the qualifying Qualifying Fish Species managed to minimise the risk of pearl mussel and adverse effects on features; and • Destruction of habitats caused by leaks and spills to surface water, their respective qualifying feature • To ensure for the qualifying construction activities with soil and groundwater. habitats). habitat. habitats that the following are resultant habitat loss. • Appropriate measures adopted to • The mitigation should maintained in the long term: • Smothering and coating of river reduce the risk of particulate or Ecology - General ensure that o Population of the substrate (sand and gravels) with chemical contamination from the • The listed appropriate species, including solids and polluting materials. site polluting the aquatic mitigation would biodiversity range of genetic types • Impacts on adjacent habitats environment during construction. prevent impacts enhancement for salmon, as a caused by construction activities. • Contingency plans to be on qualifying measures are viable component of • Severance of wildlife corridors and developed for implementation in features and their incorporated into final the site connected habitats. the case of any spillage. habitat and restoration thus would minimise o Distribution of the • Disturbance of species (salmon) • Oil pollution prevention improving general impacts on non- species within the site frequenting areas or passing equipment (booms, absorbent conservation status qualifying feature o Distribution and through where construction taking pads and granules, sand bags and providing general habitats in extent of habitats place (e.g. physical activities and etc) to be stored on site and site ecological benefits. general and the supporting the activities causing pollution). staff briefed on how to use them passage of species • Destruction of and/or disturbance in case of spillage. o qualifying fish No significant to freshwater pearl mussel habitat. • Plant and vehicles used for the disturbance of the species. • Toxicity effects of associated water works maintained on species • Some temporary pollution on freshwater pearl impermeable surfaces to contain oil spills. disturbance

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 o Distribution and mussel either direct or indirect via oil spills. disturbance viability of freshwater food chain. • All earth bunds and spoil storage during pearl mussel host areas well managed to minimise construction but species runoff and erosion. good site o Structure, function, • Any surface water drainage practices would and supporting features affected by the again keep this processes of habitats proposals made good. to a minimum. supporting freshwater • Any new culverts to be pearl mussel host sensitively designed following Ecology – species best practice guidance. Freshwater pearl • Concrete additives to be added mussel to all concrete placed underwater to limit separation and concrete • The listed release into the water (in case of mitigation would bridge construction). protect • All feasible wastes to be freshwater pearl recovered and reused within the mussel habitat. works where possible. • Any route • The application of full enhancements environmental management involving systems and planning for the structures would whole works. be designed to avoid mussel beds. Ecology – General, in relation to • Hydrological and Qualifying Species and Passage water pollution of Qualifying Fish Species control • Ecological survey and use of measures would existing studies/surveys to inform prevent adverse final design and construction effects on water methods. quality which in • Construction would also seek to turn would minimise nature conservation protect impacts in areas not required for freshwater pearl construction and maximise mussel. opportunities to enhance local biodiversity on restoration of

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 construction areas. • Habitat loss restricted to the minimum necessary for the works. • Construction area fenced during construction period to contain site activities. • All areas affected construction would be carefully restored at the end of the works. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents that could affect neighbouring habitats. • Requirements in the construction contract would ensure that disturbance to wildlife is kept to the minimum necessary for the works.

Ecology – Freshwater Pearl Mussel • Construction of the proposals would seek to prevent impacts on freshwater pearl mussel and its habitat. • Identification of mussel beds at earliest stages of the design process to ensure that any structures and associated construction processes avoid adverse impacts. • Hydrological and water pollution mitigation measures listed above will protect the freshwater pearl

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European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 mussel from negative impacts on its aquatic environment.

Scheme S1e: A82 corridor - A82 to A9 / A96 link road

Moray Firth (Marine SAC) River Ness - Water Pollution Risks Water Pollution – River, Marine Water Pollution Water Pollution Qualifying Features • Pollution (chemical and particulate and Coastal • The listed • No long-term adverse • Subtidal sandbanks – suspended solids and turbidity) • Contractors required to identify mitigation effects predicted on • Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops caused by construction activities. appropriate control measures measures would water quality. truncates) • Pollution caused by oil and fuel (including best practice guidance protect water • No corresponding spills and leakages. for construction) to minimise the quality (against damage to estuarine Habitat Conservation Objectives • Pollution from run-off and erosion. risk of pollution during chemical/oil and processes and • To avoid deterioration of the • Pollution associated with concrete construction and to consult with suspended associated habitats qualifying habitats thus ensuring structures (if bridge constructed). the Scottish Environment solids/sediment predicted. that the integrity of the site is • Contamination from waste Protection Agency (SEPA) on all contamination). maintained and the site makes an materials. temporary and permanent Ecology - General appropriate contribution to pollution control measures. Ecology - General • If all mitigation achieving favourable conservation Marine and Coastal Water Pollution • Oil and fuel storage facilities and • The listed measures are taken status for each of the qualifying • Pollution (chemical and particulate small static plant to be well mitigation would there would be no features; and – suspended solids and turbidity) managed to minimise the risk of prevent impacts adverse effects on • To ensure for the qualifying caused by construction activities leaks to soil and groundwater. on qualifying qualifying feature habitats that the following are and reaching vulnerable • Appropriate measures adopted to feature habitat habitat. maintained in the long term: sandbanks and coastal areas reduce the risk of particulate or and would help • Some loss of non- o Extent of the habitat within SAC. chemical contamination from the to minimise qualifying feature on site • Effects of sediments and other site polluting the aquatic impacts on non- habitat would be likely o Distribution of the materials transported into sensitive environment during construction. qualifying feature but mitigation should habitat within site marine areas. • Contingency plans to be habitats in keep this to an o Structure and function • Pollution caused by oil and fuel developed for implementation in general and on absolute minimum. of the habitat spills and leakages. the case of any spillage. the important • The mitigation should o Processes supporting • Pollution from run-off and erosion. • Oil pollution prevention sandbanks. ensure that the habitat • Contamination from waste equipment (booms, absorbent • Some temporary appropriate o Distribution of typical materials pads and granules, sand bags disturbance in biodiversity species of the habitat etc) to be stored on site and site some areas enhancement o Viability of typical Ecology – General and in relation staff briefed on how to use them during measures are species as to Qualifying Species in case of spillage. construction but incorporated into final good site components of the • Destruction of habitats caused by • Plant and vehicles used for the restoration, in practices would habitat construction activities with works maintained on particular with regard impermeable surfaces to contain again keep this to activities associated Natural Capital Ltd 16 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 o No significant resultant habitat loss. impermeable surfaces to contain again keep this to activities associated disturbance of typical • Impacts on adjacent habitats oil spills. to a minimum. with the River Ness. species of the habitat caused by construction activities. • All earth bunds and spoil storage • With avoidance This could provide • Severance of wildlife corridors and areas well managed to minimise of damage or opportunities to Species Conservation Objectives connected habitats. runoff and erosion. disturbance to improve the • To avoid deterioration of the • Disturbance of species frequenting • Any surface water drainage key feeding and conservation status in habitats of the qualifying species or areas where construction taking features affected by the roosting sites no areas around the road significant disturbance to the place (e.g. noise and physical proposals made good. significant works. qualifying species, thus ensuring activity). • Any new culverts to be adverse residual that the integrity of the site is • Destruction of feeding and roosting sensitively designed following effects predicted. maintained and the site makes an sites of bird species, which are best practice guidance. appropriate contribution to SPA Qualifying Features. • Concrete additives to be added achieving favourable conservation • Disturbance to feeding and to all concrete placed underwater status for each of the qualifying roosting sites. to limit separation and concrete features; and • Water pollution impacts on release into the water. substrates and food sources for • All feasible wastes to be • To ensure for the qualifying species waders and wildfowl. recovered and reused within the works where possible. that the following are established then maintained in the long term: • The application of full environmental management • Population of the species systems and planning for the as a viable component of whole works. the site Ecology - General • Distribution of the species • Ecological survey and use of within site existing studies/surveys to inform • Distribution and extent of final design and construction habitats supporting the methods. species • Crucial feeding and roosting sites • Structure, function and avoided and afforded protection supporting processes of from construction impacts. habitats supporting the • Construction of the proposals species. would seek to minimise nature • No significant disturbance conservation impacts in areas of the species not required for construction and maximise opportunities to Inner Moray Firth (SPA) enhance local biodiversity on restoration of construction areas.

Natural Capital Ltd 17 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 Qualifying Features restoration of construction areas. • Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa • Non-qualifying feature habitat lapponica) loss restricted to the minimum • Common tern (Sterna hirundo) necessary for the works. • Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) • Construction area would be • Curlew (Numenius arquata) fenced during the construction • Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) period to contain the site • Goosander (Mergus merganser) activities. • Greylag goose (Anser anser) • All areas affected by the • Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) construction works would be • Oystercatcher (Haematopus carefully restored at the end of ostralegus)* Red-breasted the works. merganser (Mergus serrator) • Best site management practices • Redshank (Tringa
etanus) would be adopted to minimise • Scaup (Aythya marila) intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents. • Teal (Anas crecca ) • Requirements in the construction • Wigeon (Anas penelo) contract would ensure that • Waterfowl assemblage disturbance to wildlife is kept to

the minimum necessary for the Conservation Objectives works. • To avoid deterioration of the qualifying habitats thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and • To ensure for the qualifying habitats that the following are maintained in the long term: o Population of the species as a viable component of the site o Distribution of the species within the site o Distribution and

Natural Capital Ltd 18 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 extent of habitats supporting the species o Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species o No significant disturbance of the species

Inner Moray Firth (Ramsar) Qualifying Features • Outstanding examples of wetland habitats • Regularly supporting over 20,000 waterfowl • Regularly supporting internationally important wintering bird populations

Conservation Objectives • None available

Scheme S9d: A9 road north – route action plan to provide climbing lanes

East Caithness Cliffs (SAC) East Caithness Cliffs (SAC) – no Water Pollution – River, Marine Water Pollution Water Pollution Qualifying Features direct or indirect impacts predicted for and Coastal • The listed • No long-term adverse • Vegetated sea cliffs this SAC as it is too far away from any • Contractors required to identify mitigation effects predicted on proposed work. appropriate control measures measures would water quality. Conservation Objectives (including best practice guidance protect water • No corresponding • To avoid deterioration of the Marine and Coastal Water Pollution for construction) to minimise the quality (against damage to estuarine qualifying habitat thus ensuring that • Pollution (chemical and particulate risk of pollution during chemical/oil and processes and the integrity of the site is maintained – suspended solids and turbidity) construction and to consult with suspended associated habitats and the site makes an appropriate caused by construction activities the Scottish Environment solids/sediment predicted. contribution to achieving favourable associated with new climbing Protection Agency (SEPA) on all contamination). conservation status for each of the lanes, and reaching vulnerable temporary and permanent Ecology - General sandbanks and coastal areas pollution control measures.

Natural Capital Ltd 19 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 qualifying features; and sandbanks and coastal areas pollution control measures. Ecology - General • If all mitigation within Ramsar site. • Oil and fuel storage facilities and • The listed measures are taken • To ensure for the qualifying habitat • Effects of sediments and other small static plant to be well mitigation would there would be no that the following are maintained in materials transported into sensitive managed to minimise the risk of prevent impacts adverse effects on the long term: marine areas. leaks to soil and groundwater. on qualifying qualifying feature • Pollution caused by oil and fuel • Appropriate measures adopted to feature habitat habitat. and would help • Extent of the habitat on spills and leakages. reduce the risk of particulate or • Some loss of non- to minimise site • Pollution from run-off and erosion. chemical contamination from the qualifying feature • Contamination from waste site polluting the aquatic impacts on non- habitat would be likely Distribution of the habitat • materials environment during construction. qualifying feature but mitigation should within site • Contingency plans to be habitats in keep this to an • Structure and function of Ecology – General and in relation developed for implementation in general and on absolute minimum. the habitat to Qualifying Species the case of any spillage. the important • The mitigation should • Processes supporting the • Destruction of habitats caused by • Oil pollution prevention sandbanks. ensure that habitat construction activities with equipment (booms, absorbent • Some temporary appropriate • Distribution of typical resultant habitat loss. pads and granules, sand bags disturbance in biodiversity species of the habitat • Impacts on adjacent habitats etc) to be stored on site and site some areas to enhancement staff briefed on how to use them non-qualifying measures are Viability of typical species caused by construction activities. • in case of spillage. feature habitat incorporated into final as components of the • Disturbance of species frequenting • Plant and vehicles used for the during restoration, in habitat areas where construction taking place (e.g. noise and physical works maintained on construction but particular with regard • No significant disturbance activity). impermeable surfaces to contain good site to activities associated of typical species of the • Destruction of feeding and roosting oil spills. practices would with the additional habitat sites of bird species, which are • All earth bunds and spoil storage again keep this climbing lanes. This

Ramsar, site Qualifying Features. areas well managed to minimise to a minimum. could provide East Caithness Cliffs (SPA) • Disturbance to feeding and runoff and erosion. • With avoidance opportunities to Qualifying Species roosting sites. • Any surface water drainage of damage or improve the • Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) • Water pollution impacts on features affected by the disturbance to conservation status in • Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) substrates and food sources for proposals made good. key feeding and areas around the road waders and wildfowl. • Any new culverts to be roosting sites no curtilages. • Great black-backed gull (Larus significant marinus) sensitively designed following best practice guidance. adverse residual • Guillemot (Uria aalge) • All feasible wastes to be effects predicted. • Herring gull (Larus argentatus) recovered and reused within the • Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) works where possible. • Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) • The application of full environmental management • Razorbill (Alca torda) systems and planning for the

Natural Capital Ltd 20 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) systems and planning for the whole works. Seabird assemblage •

Ecology - General Conservation Objectives • Ecological survey and use of • To avoid deterioration of the existing studies/surveys to inform habitats of the qualifying species or final design and construction significant disturbance to the methods. qualifying species, thus ensuring • Crucial feeding and roosting sites that the integrity of the site is avoided and afforded protection maintained; and; from construction impacts. • To ensure for the qualifying species • Construction of the proposals that the following are maintained in would seek to minimise nature the long term: conservation impacts in areas not required for construction and • Population of the species maximise opportunities to as a viable component of enhance local biodiversity on the site restoration of construction areas. • Distribution of the species • Habitat loss restricted to the within site minimum necessary for the works. • Distribution and extent of Construction area would be habitats supporting the • fenced during the construction species period to contain the site • Structure, function and activities. supporting processes of • All areas affected by the habitats supporting the construction works would be species carefully restored at the end of • No significant disturbance the works. of the species • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise Cromarty Firth (SPA) intrusion into adjacent habitats Qualifying Species and the risk of pollution incidents. • Requirements in the construction • Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa contract would ensure that lapponica) disturbance to wildlife is kept to • Common tern (Sterna hirundo) the minimum necessary for the works.

Natural Capital Ltd 21 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Curlew (Numenius arquata) works. • Dunlin (Calidris alpina alpina) • Greylag goose (Anser anser) • Knot (Calidris canutus) • Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) • Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)* • Pintail (Anas acuta) • Red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator) • Redshank (Tringa totanus) • Scaup (Aythya marila) • Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) • Wigeon (Anas penelope) • Waterfowl assemblage

Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and

• To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

• Population of the species as a viable component of the site • Distribution of the species within site

Natural Capital Ltd 22 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species • Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species • No significant disturbance of the species

Cromarty Firth (Ramsar) Qualifying Features • Outstanding examples of wetland habitats • Regularly supporting over 20,000 waterfowl • Regularly supporting internationally important wintering bird populations

Conservation Objectives • None available

Scheme S2a: Highland mainline – journey time and frequency improvements

River Spey SAC Hydrological and Associated Water Hydrological and Associated Hydrological and Hydrological and Qualifying Features Pollution Risks Water Pollution Risks Associated Water Associated Water • Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa • Changes to surface water • All detailed drainage measures Pollution Risks Pollution Risks and Fraxinus excelsior morphology through construction would be designed to benefit • The listed • No long-term adverse • Freshwater pearl mussel of embankments, culverting etc of nature conservation where this is mitigation effects predicted on (Margaritifera margaritifera) watercourses and alterations to the practical and feasible taking measures would water quality. • Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) beds of watercourses and drains. account of the future help to protect • No corresponding • Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) • Changes to drainage maintenance requirements. The the hydrological damage to • Otter (Lutra lutra) characteristics, aquatic habitats contractor would be required to regime and also hydrological and hydrology in the locality of the follow best practice guidance. water quality processes and Conservation Objectives site through physical works. • All existing crossed (against associated habitats • To avoid deterioration of the • Changes to the watercourses would be culverted chemical/oil and predicted. or bridged at their current suspended

Natural Capital Ltd 23 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 qualifying habitats thus ensuring hydrogeology/hydrology of the or bridged at their current suspended that the integrity of the site is area through physical works. location to maintain the existing solids/sediment Ecology - General maintained and the site makes an • Pollution of associated streams, flow path. Culverts would be contamination) • If all mitigation appropriate contribution to springs, seepages and wetland provided under the embankment so safeguarding measures are taken achieving favourable conservation areas (chemical and particulate – at each location and would be of important there would be no status for each of the qualifying suspended solids and turbidity) adequate size for predicted flows springs, adverse effects on features; and caused by construction activities. and to minimise the risk of seepages and qualifying feature • To ensure for the qualifying • Pollution caused by oil and fuel blockage. wetland areas habitat. habitats that the following are spills and leakages. • The detailed drainage design associated with • Some loss of non- maintained in the long term: • Pollution from run-off and erosion. would ensure that there is not an qualifying qualifying feature o Extent of the habitat on site • Contamination from waste increased risk of flooding of features. habitat would be likely o Distribution of the habitat materials. areas in proximity to the works but mitigation should within site as a result of the scheme. Ecology - General keep this to an o Structure and function of the General Ecology - including • Contractors would be required to • The listed absolute minimum. habitat Qualifying Feature Habitat identify appropriate control mitigation would • The mitigation should o Processes supporting the • Destruction of habitats caused by measures (including best prevent impacts ensure that habitat construction activities with practice guidance for on qualifying appropriate o Distribution of typical resultant habitat loss. construction) to minimise the risk feature habitat biodiversity species of the habitat • Impacts on adjacent habitats of pollution during construction and would help enhancement o Viability of typical species as caused by construction activities. and to consult with the Scottish to minimise measures are components of the habitat • Severance of wildlife corridors and Environment Protection Agency impacts on non- incorporated into final o No significant disturbance of connected habitats. (SEPA) on all temporary and qualifying feature restoration. This could typical species of the habitat • Disturbance of species frequenting permanent pollution control habitats in provide opportunities areas where construction taking measures. general. to improve habitats Insh Marshes (SAC) place (e.g. noise and physical • Oil and fuel storage facilities and • Some temporary and conservation

Qualifying Features activity). small static plant to be well disturbance to status along railway • Alder woodland on floodplains • Impacts of possible pollution as managed to minimise the risk of non-qualifying embankments. • Clear-water lakes or lochs with described above on important leaks to soil and groundwater. feature habitat aquatic vegetation and poor to plant species (direct toxicity). • Appropriate measures adopted to during construction but moderate nutrient levels • Noise and disturbance during reduce the risk of particulate or good site • Very wet mires often identified by construction. chemical contamination from the practices would an unstable `quaking` surface site polluting the aquatic again keep this environment (including springs, Habitat Conservation Objectives seepages and wetland areas) to a minimum • To avoid deterioration of the during construction. and would not qualifying habitats thus ensuring • Contingency plans to be extend beyond that the integrity of the site is developed for implementation in time scale of maintained and the site makes an the case of any spillage. construction

Natural Capital Ltd 24 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 maintained and the site makes an the case of any spillage. period. appropriate contribution to • Oil pollution prevention • Use of best achieving favourable conservation equipment (booms, absorbent practice in status for each of the qualifying pads and granules, sand bags restoration features; and etc) to be stored on site and site should • To ensure for the qualifying staff briefed on how to use them compensate for habitats that the following are in case of spillage. some of the non- maintained in the long term: • Plant and vehicles used for the qualifying feature o Extent of the habitat works maintained on habitat loss. on site impermeable surfaces to contain o Distribution of the oil spills. Ecology - Otter habitat within site • All earth bunds and spoil storage • The listed o Structure and function areas well managed to minimise mitigation would of the habitat runoff and erosion. protect otter o Processes supporting • Any surface water drainage habitat and the habitat features affected by the ensure safe o Distribution of typical proposals made good. passage and species of the habitat • Any new culverts to be freedom of o Viability of typical sensitively designed following movement. species as best practice guidance. • No significant components of the • All feasible wastes to be adverse residual habitat recovered and reused within the effects would be o No significant works where possible. predicted. disturbance of typical • The application of full species of the habitat environmental management Ecology – systems and planning for the Freshwater pearl Species Conservation Objectives whole works. mussel • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or General Ecology - including • The listed significant disturbance to the Qualifying Feature Habitat mitigation would qualifying species, thus ensuring • Ecological survey and use of protect that the integrity of the site is existing studies/surveys to inform freshwater pearl maintained and the site makes an final design of loop with mussel habitat. appropriate contribution to additional railway tracking, and • Any route achieving favourable conservation construction methods. enhancements status for each of the qualifying • Construction methods would involving features; and seek to minimise impacts in structures would be designed to

Natural Capital Ltd 25 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 areas not required for be designed to • To ensure for the qualifying species construction and maximise avoid mussel that the following are maintained in opportunities to enhance local beds. the long term: biodiversity on restoration of • Hydrological and disturbed areas. water pollution • Habitat loss restricted to the control • Population of the species minimum necessary for the measures would as a viable component of works. prevent adverse the site • Construction area would be effects on water • Distribution of the species fenced during the construction quality which in within site period to contain site activities. turn would • Distribution and extent of • All areas affected by the protect habitats supporting the construction works would be freshwater pearl species carefully restored at the end of mussel. • Structure, function and the works. supporting processes of • Best site management practices habitats supporting the would be adopted to minimise species intrusion into adjacent habitats • No significant disturbance and the risk of pollution incidents of the species that could affect neighbouring habitats. • Requirements in the construction contract would ensure that disturbance to wildlife is kept to the minimum necessary for the works.

Ecology - Otters • Access to an updated otter survey for area where road widening and associated works likely to be located to inform final design. • Identification of holts, couches and other potential shelters at earliest stages of design process to enable avoidance of such

Natural Capital Ltd 26 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 areas where possible. • Locating construction site compounds away from potential otter habitat. • Avoidance of night working in areas where otter active. • Use of fencing to exclude otters from site works areas and provide safe passage. • Ensure that preferred otter paths not obstructed. • Reinstatement of natural habitat to provide adequate cover for otter movements.

Ecology – Freshwater Pearl Mussel • Construction of the proposals would seek to prevent impacts on freshwater pearl mussel and its habitat. • Identification of mussel beds at earliest stages of the design process to ensure that any structures and associated construction processes avoid adverse impacts. • Hydrological and water pollution mitigation measures listed above will protect the freshwater pearl mussel from negative impacts on its aquatic environment.

Scheme S5: Inverness – Aberdeen rail line

Lower River Spey – Spey Bay (SAC) Water Pollution Risks Water Pollution – River, Marine Water Pollution Water Pollution Qualifying Features • Pollution (chemical and particulate and Coastal • The listed • No long-term adverse

Natural Capital Ltd 27 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Alder woodland on floodplains – suspended solids and turbidity) • Contractors required to identify mitigation effects predicted on • Coastal shingle vegetation outside caused by construction activities. appropriate control measures measures would water quality. the reach of waves • Pollution caused by oil and fuel (including best practice guidance protect water • No corresponding spills and leakages. for construction and river quality against damage to estuarine Conservation Objectives • Pollution from run-off and erosion. engineering works) to minimise chemical/oil and processes and • To avoid deterioration of the • Pollution associated with concrete the risk of pollution during suspended associated habitats qualifying habitats thus ensuring structures (if bridge constructed at construction and to consult with solids/sediment predicted. that the integrity of the site is Forres). the Scottish Environment contamination. maintained and the site makes an • Contamination from waste Protection Agency (SEPA) on all Ecology - General appropriate contribution to materials. temporary and permanent Ecology - General • If all mitigation achieving favourable conservation pollution control measures. • The listed measures are taken status for each of the qualifying Marine and Coastal Water Pollution • Oil and fuel storage facilities and mitigation would there would be no features; and – Inner Moray Firth SPA small static plant to be well prevent impacts adverse effects on • To ensure for the qualifying • Pollution (chemical and particulate managed to minimise the risk of on qualifying qualifying feature habitats that the following are – suspended solids and turbidity) leaks to soil and groundwater. feature habitat habitat. maintained in the long term: caused by construction activities • Appropriate measures adopted to and would help • Some loss of non- o Extent of the habitat and reaching vulnerable reduce the risk of particulate or to minimise qualifying feature on site sandbanks and coastal areas chemical contamination from the impacts on non- habitat would be likely o Distribution of the within SAC. site polluting the aquatic qualifying feature but mitigation should habitat within site • Effects of sediments and other environment during construction. habitats in keep this to an o Structure and function materials transported into sensitive • Contingency plans to be general and on absolute minimum. of the habitat marine areas. developed for implementation in the important • The mitigation should o Processes supporting • Pollution caused by oil and fuel the case of any spillage. sandbanks and ensure that the habitat spills and leakages. • Oil pollution prevention bird feeding appropriate o Distribution of typical • Pollution from run-off and erosion. equipment (booms, absorbent areas. biodiversity species of the habitat • Contamination from waste pads and granules, sand bags • Some temporary enhancement o Viability of typical materials etc) to be stored on site and site disturbance in measures are species as staff briefed on how to use them some areas incorporated into final components of the Ecology – General and in relation in case of spillage. during restoration, in habitat to Qualifying Species • Plant and vehicles used for the construction but particular with regard good site o No significant • Destruction of habitats caused by works maintained on to activities associated practices would disturbance of typical construction activities and river impermeable surfaces to contain with the River Spey. again keep this species of the habitat engineering works with resultant oil spills. This could provide to a minimum. habitat loss. • All earth bunds and spoil storage opportunities to • With avoidance Inner Moray Firth SPA • Impacts on adjacent habitats areas well managed to minimise improve the of damage or Qualifying Features caused by construction activities. runoff and erosion. conservation status in disturbance to riparian areas around • Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa • Disturbance of species frequenting • Any surface water drainage key feeding and any possible bridge lapponica) areas where construction taking features affected by the Natural Capital Ltd 28 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 lapponica) areas where construction taking features affected by the roosting sites no any possible bridge • Common tern (Sterna hirundo) place (e.g. noise and physical proposals made good. significant and road works. • Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) activity). • Any new culverts to be adverse residual • Curlew (Numenius arquata) • Destruction of feeding and roosting sensitively designed following effects predicted. • Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) sites of bird species that are SPA best practice guidance. • Goosander (Mergus merganser) Qualifying Features. • Concrete additives to be added • Greylag goose (Anser anser) • Disturbance to feeding and to all concrete placed underwater • Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) roosting sites. to limit separation and concrete • Oystercatcher (Haematopus • Water pollution impacts on release into the water. ostralegus)* Red-breasted substrates and food sources for • All feasible wastes to be merganser (Mergus serrator) waders and wildfowl. recovered and reused within the works where possible. • Redshank (Tringa
etanus) • Scaup (Aythya marila) • The application of full • Teal (Anas crecca ) environmental management systems and planning for the • Wigeon (Anas penelo) whole works. • Waterfowl assemblage

Ecology - General Conservation Objectives • Ecological survey and use of • To avoid deterioration of the existing studies/surveys to inform qualifying habitats thus ensuring final design and construction that the integrity of the site is methods. maintained and; • Crucial feeding and roosting sites

avoided and afforded protection • To ensure for the qualifying from construction impacts. habitats that the following are • Construction of the proposals maintained in the long term: would seek to minimise nature o Population of the conservation impacts in areas species as a viable not required for construction and component of the site maximise opportunities to o Distribution of the enhance local biodiversity on species within the site restoration of construction areas. o Distribution and extent of habitats • Habitat loss restricted to the supporting the minimum necessary for the species works. o Structure, function • Construction area would be and supporting fenced during the construction period to contain the site

Natural Capital Ltd 29 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 processes of habitats period to contain the site supporting the activities. species • All areas affected by the o No significant construction works would be disturbance of the carefully restored at the end of species the works. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents. • Requirements in the construction contract would ensure that disturbance to wildlife is kept to the minimum necessary for the works.

Scheme S6a: A96 corridor – Dual Carriageway Inverness – Airport

Moray Firth (Marine SAC) Marine and Coastal Water Pollution Water Pollution – River, Marine Water Pollution Water Pollution Qualifying Features and Coastal • The listed • No long-term adverse • Bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops Risks of the following to the SAC: • Contractors required to identify mitigation effects predicted on truncatus appropriate control measures measures would water quality. • Subtidal sandbanks (slightly • Pollution (chemical and particulate (including best practice guidance protect water • No corresponding covered by seawater all the time) – suspended solids and turbidity) for construction) to minimise the quality against damage to estuarine caused by construction activities. risk of pollution during chemical/oil and processes and Habitat Conservation Objectives • Pollution caused by oil and fuel construction and to consult with suspended associated habitats • To avoid deterioration of the spills and leakages. the Scottish Environment solids/sediment predicted. qualifying habitats thus ensuring • Pollution from run-off and erosion. Protection Agency (SEPA) on all contamination. that the integrity of the site is • Impacts from elevated sediment temporary and permanent Ecology - General maintained and the site makes an and solids levels affecting turbidity pollution control measures. Ecology - General • If all mitigation appropriate contribution to and sedimentation rates. • Oil and fuel storage facilities and • The listed measures are taken achieving favourable conservation • Contamination from waste small static plant to be well mitigation would there would be no status for each of the qualifying materials managed to minimise the risk of prevent impacts adverse effects on features; and leaks to soil and groundwater. on qualifying qualifying feature • To ensure for the qualifying Ecology – in relation to Qualifying • Appropriate measures adopted to feature habitat habitat. habitats that the following are Species reduce the risk of particulate or and would help • Some loss of non- maintained in the long term: • Destruction of sandbank habitats chemical contamination from the to minimise qualifying feature impacts on non-

Natural Capital Ltd 30 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 o Extent of the habitat caused by pollution and altered site polluting the aquatic impacts on non- habitat would be likely on site sedimentation from construction environment during construction. qualifying feature but mitigation should o Distribution of the activities with resultant habitat • Contingency plans to be habitats in keep this to an habitat within site loss. developed for implementation in general and on absolute minimum. o Structure and function • Water pollution impacts directly the case of any spillage. the important • The mitigation should of the habitat (through toxicity) or indirectly on • Oil pollution prevention sandbanks and ensure that o Processes supporting substrates and food sources for equipment (booms, absorbent associated appropriate the habitat dolphins. pads and granules, sand bags substrates and biodiversity o Distribution of typical • Construction related effluent etc) to be stored on site and site food sources for enhancement species of the habitat together with pollution caused by staff briefed on how to use them dolphins. measures are o Viability of typical oil/fuel spills and hazardous waste in case of spillage. • Some temporary incorporated into final species as materials have the potential to • Plant and vehicles used for the disturbance in restoration of non- components of the cause deterioration of dolphin works maintained on some areas qualifying feature habitat populations through impairment of impermeable surfaces to contain during habitat areas, where o No significant their reproductive or immune oil spills. construction but this is appropriate, disturbance of typical systems, carcinogenic effects, • All earth bunds and spoil storage good site thus improving species of the habitat increased risk of disease, or areas well managed to minimise practices would general conservation through toxic impacts on prey runoff and erosion. again keep this status and providing Species Conservation Objectives species. This would be through the • Any surface water drainage to a minimum. general ecological • To avoid deterioration of the effects of toxic effluents and / or features affected by the • With avoidance benefits. habitats of the qualifying species or nutrient enrichment, which may proposals made good. of qualifying significant disturbance to the cause subsequent changes in • Any new culverts to be feature habitat, qualifying species, thus ensuring community structure. sensitively designed following water pollution that the integrity of the site is best practice guidance. impacts and maintained and the site makes an • All feasible wastes to be contamination appropriate contribution to recovered and reused within the from hazardous achieving favourable conservation works where possible. materials, no status for each of the qualifying • The application of full adverse residual features; and environmental management effects predicted. systems and planning for the • To ensure for the qualifying species whole works. that the following are established then maintained in the long term: Ecology - General • Construction of the proposals • Population of the species would seek to avoid possible as a viable component of effects on dolphins in the SAC the site and minimise nature conservation impacts in the

Natural Capital Ltd 31 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Distribution of the species conservation impacts in the within site widest sense. • As a matter of principle habitat • Distribution and extent of loss would be restricted to the habitats supporting the minimum necessary for the species works. • Structure, function and • Construction area would be supporting processes of fenced during the construction habitats supporting the period to contain the site species activities. • No significant disturbance • All areas affected by the of the species construction works would be carefully restored at the end of the works. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents. • Requirements in the construction contract would ensure that disturbance to wildlife is kept to the minimum necessary for the works.

Scheme S6c: A96 corridor – Elgin Bypass

Loch Spynie (SPA) Ecology – Qualifying bird species Water Pollution - Indirect Water Pollution - Water Pollution - Qualifying Features that frequent or move in and • Contractors required to identify Indirect Indirect • Greylag goose around SPA into surrounding appropriate control measures • The listed • No long-term adverse farmland (including best practice guidance mitigation effects predicted on Conservation Objectives • Damage and disturbance to for construction) to minimise the measures would water quality. • To avoid deterioration of the feeding and roosting sites. risk of pollution (sediments, oils, protect against • No corresponding habitats of the qualifying species or • Destruction of feeding and roosting chemicals, waste materials) chemical/oil and damage to associated significant disturbance to the sites. during construction and to suspended habitats predicted. qualifying species, thus ensuring • Water pollution impacts on consult with the Scottish solids/sediment the integrity of the site is substrates and food sources for Environment Protection Agency contamination. Ecology maintained: and geese and any accompanying (SEPA) on all temporary and • Minimal implications

Natural Capital Ltd 32 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • To ensure for the qualifying species waders and wildfowl in feeding permanent pollution control Ecology anticipated for the that the following are maintained: areas. measures including accidental • The listed integrity of the SPA o Population of the leaks and spills. mitigation would with rigorous species as a viable • All earth bunds and spoil storage help to minimise application of component of the site areas well managed to minimise impacts on avoidance and other o Distribution of the runoff and erosion. potential feeding mitigation measures. species within the site • Any surface water drainage areas and o Distribution and features affected by the habitats of extent of habitats proposals made good. qualifying bird supporting the • Any new culverts to be species. species sensitively designed following • With avoidance o Structure, function best practice guidance. of damage or and supporting • All feasible wastes to be disturbance to processes of habitats recovered and reused within the key feeding and supporting the works where possible. roosting sites no species • The application of full significant o No significant environmental management adverse residual disturbance of the systems and planning for the effects predicted. species whole works. o Moray and Nairn Coast (Ramsar) Ecology – General and with regard to Qualifying Features • Ecological survey and use of existing studies/surveys to inform final routing, design and construction methods. • Avoidance of critical feeding and roosting sites. • Construction of the proposals would seek to minimise nature conservation impacts (in particular disturbance) in areas not required for construction and maximise opportunities to enhance local biodiversity on restoration of construction areas. • Habitat loss restricted to the

Natural Capital Ltd 33 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 minimum necessary for the works. • Construction area would be fenced during the construction period to contain the site activities. • All areas affected by the construction works would be carefully restored at the end of the works. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents, which could affect neighbouring habitats. • Requirements in the construction contract would ensure that disturbance to wildlife and in particular qualifying bird species is kept to the minimum necessary for the works.

Scheme S9a: A9 (north) – Berriedale Braes Crossings

Berriedale and Langwell Waters Berriedale and Langwell Waters - Berriedale and Langwell Waters - Water Pollution Water Pollution (SAC) Water Pollution Risks Water Pollution Risks • The listed • No long-term adverse Qualifying Features • Pollution (chemical and particulate • Contractors required to identify mitigation effects predicted on • Atlantic Salmon – suspended solids and turbidity) appropriate control measures measures would water quality. caused by construction activities. (including best practice guidance protect water • No corresponding Conservation Objectives • Pollution caused by oil and fuel for construction) to minimise the quality (against damage to river • To avoid deterioration of the spills and leakages. risk of pollution during chemical/oil and processes and qualifying habitats thus ensuring • Pollution from run-off and erosion. construction and to consult with suspended associated habitats that the integrity of the site is • Pollution associated with concrete the Scottish Environment solids/sediment predicted. maintained and the site makes an structures (if bridge crossings Protection Agency (SEPA) on all contamination) appropriate contribution to constructed). temporary and permanent so safeguarding achieving favourable conservation • Contamination from waste pollution control measures. key qualifying Ecology - General features (salmon

Natural Capital Ltd 34 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 status for each of the qualifying materials. • Oil and fuel storage facilities and features (salmon • If all mitigation features; and small static plant to be well and its respective measures are taken • To ensure for the qualifying Ecology – General and Passage of managed to minimise the risk of habitat). there would be no habitats that the following are Qualifying Fish Species leaks and spills to surface water, adverse effects on maintained in the long term: • Destruction of habitats caused by soil and groundwater. Ecology - General qualifying feature o Population of the construction activities with • Appropriate measures adopted to • The listed habitat. species, including resultant habitat loss. reduce the risk of particulate or mitigation would • Some loss of non- range of genetic types • Smothering and coating of river chemical contamination from the help to prevent qualifying feature of salmon, as a viable substrate (sand and gravels) with site polluting the aquatic impacts on habitat would be likely component of the site solids and polluting materials. environment during construction. qualifying feature but mitigation should o Distribution of the • Impacts on adjacent habitats • Contingency plans to be habitat and keep this to an species within the site caused by construction activities. developed for implementation in would minimise absolute minimum. o Distribution and • Severance of wildlife corridors and the case of any spillage. impacts on non- • The mitigation should extent of habitats connected habitats. • Oil pollution prevention qualifying feature ensure that supporting the • Disturbance of species (salmon) equipment (booms, absorbent habitats in appropriate species frequenting areas or passing pads and granules, sand bags general and biodiversity o Structure, function through where construction taking etc) to be stored on site and site passage of enhancement and supporting place (e.g. physical activities and staff briefed on how to use them qualifying fish measures are processes of habitats activities causing pollution). in case of spillage. species. incorporated into final supporting the • Toxicity effects of associated water • Plant and vehicles used for the • Some temporary restoration thus species pollution on food sources and food works maintained on disturbance improving general o No significant chain. impermeable surfaces to contain during conservation status disturbance of the oil spills. construction but and providing general species • All earth bunds and spoil storage good site ecological benefits. areas well managed to minimise practices would runoff and erosion. again keep this • Any surface water drainage to a minimum. features affected by the proposals made good. • Any new culverts to be sensitively designed following best practice guidance. • Concrete additives to be added to all concrete placed underwater to limit separation and concrete release into the water (in case of bridge construction).

Natural Capital Ltd 35 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • All feasible wastes to be recovered and reused within the works where possible. • The application of full environmental management systems and planning for the whole works.

Ecology – General, in relation to Qualifying Species and Passage of Qualifying Fish Species • Ecological survey and use of existing studies/surveys to inform final design and construction methods. • Construction would seek to minimise nature conservation impacts in areas not required for construction and maximise opportunities to enhance local biodiversity on restoration of construction areas. • Habitat loss restricted to the minimum necessary for the works. • Construction area fenced during construction period to contain site activities. • All areas affected construction would be carefully restored at the end of the works. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents that could affect neighbouring habitats.

Natural Capital Ltd 36 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Requirements in the construction contract would ensure that disturbance to wildlife is kept to the minimum necessary for the works.

Scheme R15a: Orkney internal connectivity – inter-isles ferry and air service connectivity enhancements

Hoy (SPA) Water Pollution Water Pollution Water Pollution Water Pollution Qualifying Features • Pollution (chemical and particulate • Contractors required to identify • The listed • No long-term adverse • Arctic skua – suspended solids and turbidity) appropriate control measures mitigation effects predicted on • Fulmar caused by construction activities. (including best practice guidance measures would water quality. • Great black-backed gull • Pollution caused by oil and fuel for construction) to minimise the protect water • No corresponding • Great skua spills and leakages. risk of pollution during quality (against damage to estuarine • Guillemot • Pollution from run-off and erosion. construction and to consult with chemical/oil and processes and • Kittiwake • Pollution associated with concrete the Scottish Environment suspended associated habitats • Peregine structures. Protection Agency (SEPA) on all solids/sediment predicted. • Puffin • Contamination from waste temporary and permanent contamination). pollution control measures. • Red-throated diver materials Ecology - Habitats • Oil and fuel storage facilities and Ecology - Habitats • Seabird assemblage • If all mitigation small static plant to be well • The listed Ecology – Including Qualifying measures are taken managed to minimise the risk of mitigation would Conservation Objectives Feature Habitat there would be no leaks to soil and groundwater. prevent impacts adverse effects on • To avoid deterioration of the • Destruction of habitats caused by • Appropriate measures adopted to on qualifying qualifying feature habitats of the qualifying species or construction activities with reduce the risk of particulate or feature habitat habitat. significant disturbance to the resultant habitat loss. chemical contamination from the and would help qualifying species, thus ensuring • Impacts on adjacent habitats • Some loss of non- site polluting the aquatic to minimise the integrity of the site is caused by construction activities. qualifying feature environment during construction. impacts on non- maintained: and habitat would be likely • Contingency plans to be qualifying feature but mitigation should • To ensure for the qualifying species Ecology – Including Qualifying Bird developed for implementation in habitats in keep this to an that the following are maintained: Species the case of any spillage. general. absolute minimum. o Population of the • Disturbance of species frequenting • There will be species as a viable areas where construction taking • Oil pollution prevention • New works structures scope to avoid component of the site place (e.g. noise and physical equipment (booms, absorbent may provide additional sensitive areas o Distribution of the activity). pads and granules, sand bags habitat in the longer and prevent species within the site • Destruction of feeding and roosting etc) to be stored on site and site term. impacts on o Distribution and sites. staff briefed on how to use them adjacent areas. extent of habitats • Disturbance to feeding and in case of spillage. Ecology – Birds and seals Natural Capital Ltd 37 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 supporting the roosting sites. • Plant and vehicles used for the seals species • Water pollution impacts on works maintained on Ecology – Birds • The mitigation should o Structure, function substrates and food sources for impermeable surfaces to contain and Seals ensure that there are and supporting waders and wildfowl. oil spills. • Some temporary no adverse effects on processes of habitats • Disturbance of species frequenting • All earth bunds and spoil storage disturbance the qualifying features, supporting the areas vulnerable to disturbance areas well managed to minimise during conservation species from passing ferries (e.g. noise runoff and erosion. construction but objectives and hence o No significant and physical activity). • Any surface water drainage good site site integrity. disturbance of the features affected by the practices would • It should also ensure species Ecology – Including Qualifying proposals made good. keep this to a that appropriate Features - Seals • Any new culverts to be minimum. biodiversity Calf of Eday (SPA) • Disturbance to those frequenting sensitively designed following • Avoidance of enhancement Qualifying Features areas where construction taking best practice guidance. damage or measures are • Breeding bird assemblage place (e.g. noise and physical • Concrete additives to be added disturbance to incorporated into final • Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) activity). to all concrete placed underwater key feeding, restoration. This could • Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) • Disturbance to feeding and resting to limit separation and concrete roosting and provide opportunities • Greater black-backed gull (Larus sites (rookeries). release into the water. rookery sites to improve the marinus) • Water pollution impacts on • All feasible wastes to be would result in no conservation status of • Gulliemot (Uria aalge) substrates and food sources. recovered and reused within the adverse residual non-qualifying feature • Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) • Disturbance to those frequenting works where possible. effects predicted. habitat in areas areas vulnerable to disturbance • The application of full around the works. Conservation Objectives from passing ferries (e.g. noise environmental management • To avoid deterioration of the and physical activity). systems and planning for the habitats of the qualifying species or whole works. significant disturbance to the New Structures qualifying species, thus ensuring • New structures such as Ecology - Habitats the integrity of the site is breakwaters could impact on the • Ecological survey and use of maintained: and local marine environment changing existing studies/surveys to inform • To ensure for the qualifying species turbidity, sedimentation processes final design and construction that the following are maintained: etc methods. o Population of the • Shelter and new substrate • Construction of the proposals species as a viable provided by new breakwaters and would seek to minimise nature component of the site other infrastructure could be conservation impacts in areas o Distribution of the beneficial to some species and not required for construction and species within the site offer more diverse feeding maximise opportunities to o Distribution and conditions for some of the SPA enhance local biodiversity on extent of habitats qualifying bird species. restoration construction areas.

Natural Capital Ltd 38 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 supporting the • Habitat loss restricted to the

species minimum necessary for the o Structure, function works. and supporting • Construction area fenced to processes of habitats contain site activities. supporting the • All areas affected by the species construction works would be o No significant carefully restored at the end of disturbance of the the works. species • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise East Sanday Coast (SPA and intrusion into adjacent habitats Ramsar) and the risk of pollution incidents, Qualifying Features which could affect neighbouring • Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa habitats. lapponica) • Requirements in the construction • Purple sandpiper (Calidris contract would ensure that maritime) disturbance to wildlife is kept to • Turnstone (Arenaria intepres) the minimum necessary for the works. Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the Ecology – Birds and Seals habitats of the qualifying species or • Ecological survey and use of significant disturbance to the existing studies/surveys would be qualifying species, thus ensuring used to inform final design to the integrity of the site is help avoid key low water feeding maintained: and sites, high water roosting sites, • To ensure for the qualifying species rookeries. that the following are maintained: • Best site management practices o Population of the would be adopted to minimise species as a viable intrusion into adjacent habitats component of the site and the risk of disturbing o Distribution of the feeding/roosting/resting bird and species within the site seal species and/or the o Distribution and destruction/disturbance of their extent of habitats habitat. supporting the • Construction areas managed to

Natural Capital Ltd 39 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 species avoid and /or minimise potential o Structure, function impacts on sensitive bird and supporting species. processes of habitats supporting the New Structures species • The effects of new infrastructure o No significant on sediment patterns to be disturbance of the modelled to ensure no significant species adverse effects on mudflat, Sanday SAC sandy and coastal areas etc. • New structures to be designed to Qualifying Features provide new habitats where feasible (e.g. possible roost sites • Intertidal mudflats and sandflats etc). • Reefs • Subtidal sandbanks • Common Seal

Habitat Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the qualifying habitats thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and

• To ensure for the qualifying habitats that the following are maintained in the long term: • Extent of the habitat on site • Distribution of the habitat within site

Natural Capital Ltd 40 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Structure and function of the habitat • Processes supporting the habitat • Distribution of typical species of the habitat • Viability of typical species as components of the habitat • No significant disturbance of typical species of the habitat

Species Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: • Population of the species as a viable component of the site • Distribution of the species within site • Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species

Natural Capital Ltd 41 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species • No significant disturbance of the species

Faray and Holm of Faray (SAC) Qualifying Features • Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)

Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring the integrity of the site is maintained: and • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained: o Population of the species as a viable component of the site o Distribution of the species within the site o Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species o Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species o No significant disturbance of the species

Natural Capital Ltd 42 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5

Scheme R16a: Easdale, Lismore, Luing and Islay – Jura ferry services – replacement vessels and / or infrastructure

Firth of Lorn (SAC) Water Pollution Water Pollution Water Pollution Water Pollution Qualifying Features • Pollution (chemical and particulate • Contractors required to identify • The listed • No long-term adverse • Reefs – suspended solids and turbidity) appropriate control measures mitigation effects predicted on caused by construction activities. (including best practice guidance measures would water quality. Conservation Objectives • Pollution caused by oil and fuel for construction) to minimise the protect water • No corresponding • To avoid deterioration of the spills and leakages. risk of pollution during quality (against damage to coastal qualifying habitats thus ensuring • Pollution from run-off and erosion. construction and to consult with chemical/oil and processes and that the integrity of the site is • Pollution associated with concrete the Scottish Environment suspended associated reef maintained and the site makes an structures. Protection Agency (SEPA) on all solids/sediment habitats predicted. appropriate contribution to • Contamination from waste temporary and permanent contamination). achieving favourable conservation materials pollution control measures. Ecology - Habitats status for each of the qualifying • Oil and fuel storage facilities and Ecology - Habitats • If all mitigation features; and small static plant to be well • The listed measures are taken • To ensure for the qualifying Ecology – Including Qualifying managed to minimise the risk of mitigation would there would be no habitats that the following are Feature Habitat leaks to soil and groundwater. prevent impacts adverse effects on maintained in the long term: • Destruction of reef habitats caused • Appropriate measures adopted to on qualifying qualifying feature o Extent of the habitat by construction activities with reduce the risk of particulate or feature habitat habitat. on site resultant habitat loss. chemical contamination from the and would help • Some loss of non- o Distribution of the • Impacts on adjacent habitats site polluting the aquatic to minimise qualifying feature habitat within site caused by construction activities. environment during construction. impacts on non- habitat would be likely o Structure and function • Contingency plans to be qualifying feature but mitigation should of the habitat New Structures developed for implementation in habitats in keep this to an o Processes supporting • New structures such as the case of any spillage. general and on absolute minimum. the habitat breakwaters could impact on the • Oil pollution prevention the important • New works structures o Distribution of typical local marine environment changing equipment (booms, absorbent reefs. may provide additional species of the habitat turbidity, sedimentation processes pads and granules, sand bags • There will be habitat in the longer o Viability of typical etc etc) to be stored on site and site scope to avoid term. species as • Shelter and new substrate staff briefed on how to use them sensitive areas components of the provided by new breakwaters and in case of spillage. and prevent habitat other infrastructure could be • Plant and vehicles used for the impacts on o No significant beneficial to some species. works maintained on adjacent areas. disturbance of typical impermeable surfaces to contain species of the habitat oil spills. • All earth bunds and spoil storage

Natural Capital Ltd 43 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 areas well managed to minimise runoff and erosion. • Any surface water drainage features affected by the proposals made good. • Any new culverts to be sensitively designed following best practice guidance. • Concrete additives to be added to all concrete placed underwater to limit separation and concrete release into the water. • All feasible wastes to be recovered and reused within the works where possible. • The application of full environmental management systems and planning for the whole works.

Ecology - Habitats • Ecological survey and use of existing studies/surveys to inform final design and construction methods. • Construction of the proposals would seek to minimise nature conservation impacts in areas not required for construction and maximise opportunities to enhance local biodiversity on restoration of construction areas. • Habitat loss restricted to the minimum necessary for the works. • All areas affected by the construction works would be

Natural Capital Ltd 44 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 carefully restored at the end of the works. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents, which could affect neighbouring habitats.

New Structures • The effects of new infrastructure on sediment patterns to be modelled to ensure no significant adverse effects on mudflat, sandy, rocky reef and coastal areas etc. • New structures to be designed to provide new habitats where feasible (e.g. possible roost sites for birds).

Scheme R18c: Western isles spinal route – road improvement options

South Uist Machair (SAC and Water Pollution Some road-based improvements Water Pollution Water Pollution Ramsar) • Pollution (chemical and particulate may require minimal construction • The listed • No long-term adverse Qualifying Features – suspended solids and turbidity) works, whereas others involving mitigation effects predicted on • Corncrake (Crex crex) caused by construction activities. capital works for road alignment, measures would water quality. • Dunlin (Calidris alpina) • Pollution caused by oil and fuel culverting and possible bridge protect water • No corresponding • Little tern (Sterna albifrons) spills and leakages. works would be likely to need quality (against damage to estuarine • Oystercatcher (Haematopus • Pollution from run-off and erosion. more detailed measures chemical/oil and processes and ostralegus) • Pollution associated with concrete including: suspended associated habitats • Redshank (Tringa etanus) structures. solids/sediment predicted. • Ringed plover (Charadrius • Contamination from waste Water Pollution contamination). hiaticula) materials • Contractors required to identify Ecology - General • Sanderling (Calidris alba) appropriate control measures Ecology - General • If all mitigation Ramsar: Ecology - General (including best practice guidance • The listed measures are taken • Supporting outstanding examples • Destruction of habitats (mudflats, for construction) to minimise the mitigation would there would be no risk of pollution during prevent impacts adverse effects on Natural Capital Ltd 45 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 of a range of wetland habitats salt marsh, sandy and shingle risk of pollution during prevent impacts adverse effects on • Supporting many rare local plants substrate) caused by construction construction and to consult with on qualifying qualifying feature and animals activities with resultant habitat the Scottish Environment feature habitat habitat. • Regularly supports internationally loss. Protection Agency (SEPA) on all and would help • Some loss of non- important populations of breeding • Impacts on adjacent habitats temporary and permanent to minimise qualifying feature birds caused by construction activities. pollution control measures. impacts on non- habitat would be likely • Regularly supporting an • Severance of wildlife corridors and • Oil and fuel storage facilities and qualifying feature but mitigation should internationally important wintering connected habitats. small static plant to be well habitats in keep this to an population of ringed plover • Disturbance of species frequenting managed to minimise the risk of general. absolute minimum. areas where construction taking leaks to soil and groundwater. • Some temporary • The mitigation should Habitat Conservation Objectives place (e.g. noise and physical • Appropriate measures adopted to disturbance ensure that • To avoid deterioration of the activity). reduce the risk of particulate or during appropriate qualifying habitats thus ensuring • Destruction of feeding and roosting chemical contamination from the construction but biodiversity that the integrity of the site is sites. site polluting the aquatic good site enhancement maintained and the site makes an • Disturbance to feeding and environment during construction. practices would measures are appropriate contribution to roosting sites. • Contingency plans to be again keep this incorporated into final achieving favourable conservation • Water pollution impacts on developed for implementation in to a minimum. restoration thus status for each of the qualifying substrates and food sources for the case of any spillage. • With avoidance improving general features; and waders and wildfowl. • Oil pollution prevention of damage or conservation status • To ensure for the qualifying equipment (booms, absorbent disturbance to and providing general habitats that the following are pads and granules, sand bags key feeding and ecological benefits in maintained in the long term: etc) to be stored on site and site roosting sites no areas around the road o Extent of the habitat staff briefed on how to use them significant works. on site in case of spillage. adverse residual o Distribution of the • Plant and vehicles used for the effects predicted. habitat within site works maintained on o Structure and function impermeable surfaces to contain of the habitat oil spills. o Processes supporting • All earth bunds and spoil storage the habitat areas well managed to minimise o Distribution of typical runoff and erosion. species of the habitat • Any surface water drainage o Viability of typical features affected by the species as proposals made good. components of the • Any new culverts to be habitat sensitively designed following o No significant best practice guidance.

Natural Capital Ltd 46 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 disturbance of typical • Concrete additives to be added species of the habitat to all concrete placed underwater to limit separation and concrete Species Conservation Objectives release into the water (for new • To avoid deterioration of the bridge works in particular). habitats of the qualifying species • All feasible wastes to be (listed below) or significant recovered and reused within the disturbance to the qualifying works where possible. species, thus ensuring that the • The application of full integrity of the site is maintained environmental management and the site makes an appropriate systems and planning for the contribution to achieving favourable whole works. conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and Ecology - General • To ensure for the qualifying species • Ecological survey and use of that the following are maintained in existing studies/surveys to inform the long term: final design and construction methods. • Population of the species • Construction of the proposals as a viable component of would seek to minimise nature the site conservation impacts in areas • Distribution of the species not required for construction and within site maximise opportunities to • Distribution and extent of enhance local biodiversity on habitats supporting the restoration of construction areas. species • Habitat loss restricted to the • Structure, function and minimum necessary for the supporting processes of works. habitats supporting the • Construction area would be species fenced during the construction • No significant disturbance period to contain the site of the species activities. • All areas affected by the South Uist Machair and Lochs (SPA) construction works would be Qualifying Features carefully restored at the end of • Corncrake the works. • Dunlin • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise

Natural Capital Ltd 47 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Little tern would be adopted to minimise • Oystercatcher intrusion into adjacent habitats • Redshank and the risk of pollution incidents. • Ringed plover • Requirements in the construction • Sanderling contract would ensure that disturbance to wildlife is kept to Conservation Objectives the minimum necessary for the • To avoid deterioration of the works. habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring the integrity of the site is maintained: and • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained: o Population of the species as a viable component of the site o Distribution of the species within the site o Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species o Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species o No significant disturbance of the species

Scheme R19a: A816 Oban to Lochgilphead

Moine Mhor (SAC) Hydrological and Associated Water Hydrological and Associated Hydrological and Hydrological and Qualifying Features Pollution Risks Water Pollution Risks Associated Water Associated Water

Natural Capital Ltd 48 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Active raised bogs • Changes to surface water • All detailed drainage measures Pollution Risks Pollution Risks • Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco- morphology through realignment, would be designed to benefit • The listed • No long-term adverse Puccinellietalia maritimae) culverting etc of watercourses and nature conservation where this is mitigation effects predicted on • Degraded raised bogs still capable alterations to the beds of practical and feasible taking measures would water quality. of natural regeneration watercourses and drains. account of the future help to protect • No corresponding • Marsh fritillary butterfly • Changes to drainage maintenance requirements. The hydrological damage to (Euphydryas (Eurodryas, characteristics, aquatic habitats contractor would be required to regime and also hydrological Hypodryas) aurinia) and hydrology in the locality of the follow best practice guidance. water quality processes and • Otter (Lutra lutra) site through physical works. • All existing crossed (against associated habitats • Mudflats and sandflats not covered • Changes to the watercourses would be culverted chemical/oil and predicted. by sweater at low tide hydrogeology/hydrology of the or bridged at their current suspended • Old sessile oak woods with llex and area through physical works. location to maintain the existing solids/sediment Ecology - General Blechnum • Pollution of associated streams, flow path. Culverts would be contamination) • If all mitigation springs, seepages and wetland provided under the road at each so safeguarding measures are taken Habitat Conservation Objectives areas (chemical and particulate – location and would be of important there would be no • To avoid deterioration of the suspended solids and turbidity) adequate size for predicted flows springs, adverse effects on qualifying habitats thus ensuring caused by construction activities. and to minimise the risk of seepages and qualifying feature that the integrity of the site is • Pollution caused by oil and fuel blockage. wetland areas habitat. maintained and the site makes an spills and leakages. • The detailed drainage design associated with • Some loss of non- appropriate contribution to • Pollution from run-off and erosion. would ensure that there is not an qualifying qualifying feature achieving favourable conservation • Contamination from waste increased risk of flooding of features. habitat would be likely status for each of the qualifying materials. areas in proximity to the works but mitigation should features; and as a result of the scheme. Ecology - General keep this to an • To ensure for the qualifying • Contractors would be required to • The listed absolute minimum. habitats that the following are General Ecology - including identify appropriate control mitigation would • The mitigation should maintained in the long term: Qualifying Feature Habitat measures (including best prevent impacts ensure that o Extent of the habitat • Destruction of habitats caused by practice guidance for on qualifying appropriate on site construction activities with construction) to minimise the risk feature habitat biodiversity o Distribution of the resultant habitat loss. of pollution (from e.g. sediments, and would help enhancement habitat within site • Impacts on adjacent habitats oil and chemicals) during to minimise measures are o Structure and function caused by construction activities. construction and to consult with impacts on non- incorporated into final qualifying feature of the habitat • Severance of wildlife corridors and the Scottish Environment restoration thus habitats in o Processes supporting connected habitats. Protection Agency (SEPA) on all improving general general and on the habitat • Disturbance of species frequenting temporary and permanent conservation status the important o Distribution of typical areas where construction taking pollution control measures. and providing general associated species of the habitat place (e.g. noise and physical • Oil and fuel storage facilities and ecological benefits. species and food o Viability of typical activity). small static plant to be well species as managed to minimise the risk of supplies.

Natural Capital Ltd 49 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 species as managed to minimise the risk of • Some temporary components of the Ecology - Otter leaks to soil and groundwater. disturbance to habitat • Habitat destruction. • Appropriate measures adopted to non-qualifying o No significant • Severance of routes between reduce the risk of particulate or feature habitat disturbance of typical feeding and sheltering habitat. chemical contamination from the during species of the habitat • Removal of safe passage up and site polluting the aquatic construction but down stream. environment (including springs, good site Species Conservation Objectives • Destruction of holts and couches. seepages and wetland areas) practices would • To avoid deterioration of the • Disturbance to habitat and damage during construction. again keep this habitats of the qualifying species to food supplies. • Contingency plans to be to a minimum (listed below) or significant • Impacts of possible pollution as developed for implementation in and would not disturbance to the qualifying described above either directly on the case of any spillage. extend beyond species, thus ensuring that the the otter (direct toxicity) or • All earth bunds and spoil storage the time scale of integrity of the site is maintained indirectly on the food supply areas well managed to minimise construction and the site makes an appropriate (ingestion and bioaccumulation). runoff and erosion. period. contribution to achieving favourable • Noise and disturbance during • Any surface water drainage conservation status for each of the construction. features affected by the qualifying features; and proposals made good. Ecology - Otter • To ensure for the qualifying species • Any new culverts to be • The listed that the following are maintained in sensitively designed following mitigation would the long term: best practice guidance. protect otter o Population of the species as a • All feasible wastes to be habitat and viable component of the site recovered and reused within the ensure safe o Distribution of the species works where possible. passage and within site • The application of full freedom of o Distribution and extent of environmental management movement. habitats supporting the species systems and planning for the • No significant o Structure, function and whole works. adverse residual supporting processes of effects would be habitats supporting the species General Ecology - including predicted. o No significant disturbance of Qualifying Feature Habitat the species • Ecological survey and use of existing studies/surveys to inform final design of route enhancements and construction methods. • Construction methods would

Natural Capital Ltd 50 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 seek to minimise impacts in areas not required for construction and maximise opportunities to enhance local biodiversity on restoration of disturbed areas. • Habitat loss restricted to the minimum necessary for the works. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents that could affect neighbouring habitats.

Ecology - Otters • Access to an updated otter survey for area where road widening and associated works likely to be located to inform final design. • Identification of holts, couches and other potential shelters at earliest stages of design process to enable avoidance of such areas where possible. • Locating construction site compounds away from potential otter habitat. • Avoidance of night working in areas where otter active. • Use of fencing to exclude otters from site works areas and provide safe passage. • Ensure that preferred otter paths not obstructed.

Natural Capital Ltd 51 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Reinstatement of natural habitat to provide adequate cover for otter movements.

Scheme R22a: A838 Kinlochbervie to Lairg – Removal of single track at Laxford Bridge

Laxford Loch (SAC) Water Pollution Water Pollution Water Pollution Water Pollution Qualifying Features • Pollution (chemical and particulate • Contractors required to identify • The listed • No long-term adverse • Reefs – suspended solids and turbidity) appropriate control measures mitigation effects predicted on • Shallow inlets and bays caused by construction activities. (including best practice guidance measures would water quality. • Pollution caused by oil and fuel for construction) to minimise the protect water • No corresponding Conservation Objectives spills and leakages. risk of pollution during quality (against damage to coastal • To avoid deterioration of the • Pollution from run-off and erosion. construction and to consult with chemical/oil and processes and qualifying habitats thus ensuring • Pollution associated with concrete the Scottish Environment suspended associated reef that the integrity of the site is structures. Protection Agency (SEPA) on all solids/sediment habitats predicted. maintained and the site makes an • Contamination from waste temporary and permanent contamination). appropriate contribution to materials pollution control measures. Ecology - Habitats achieving favourable conservation • Oil and fuel storage facilities and Ecology - Habitats • If all mitigation status for each of the qualifying Ecology – Including Qualifying small static plant to be well • The listed measures are taken features; and Feature Habitat managed to minimise the risk of mitigation would there would be no • To ensure for the qualifying • Destruction of reef habitats caused leaks to soil and groundwater. prevent impacts adverse effects on habitats that the following are by construction activities with • Appropriate measures adopted to on qualifying qualifying feature maintained in the long term: resultant habitat loss. reduce the risk of particulate or feature habitat habitat. o Extent of the habitat • Impacts on adjacent habitats chemical contamination from the and would help • Some loss of non- on site caused by construction activities. site polluting the aquatic to minimise qualifying feature o Distribution of the environment during construction. impacts on non- habitat would be likely habitat within site • Contingency plans to be qualifying feature but mitigation should o Structure and function developed for implementation in habitats in keep this to an of the habitat the case of any spillage. general. absolute minimum. o Processes supporting • Oil pollution prevention • There will be the habitat equipment (booms, absorbent scope to avoid o Distribution of typical pads and granules, sand bags sensitive areas species of the habitat etc) to be stored on site and site and prevent o Viability of typical staff briefed on how to use them impacts on species as in case of spillage. adjacent areas. components of the • Plant and vehicles used for the habitat works maintained on

Natural Capital Ltd 52 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 o No significant impermeable surfaces to contain disturbance of typical oil spills. species of the habitat • All earth bunds and spoil storage areas well managed to minimise runoff and erosion. • Any surface water drainage features affected by the proposals made good. • Any new culverts to be sensitively designed following best practice guidance. • Concrete additives to be added to all concrete placed underwater to limit separation and concrete release into the water. • All feasible wastes to be recovered and reused within the works where possible. • The application of full environmental management systems and planning for the whole works.

Ecology - Habitats • Ecological survey and use of existing studies/surveys to inform final design and construction methods. • Construction of the proposals would seek to minimise nature conservation impacts including those in areas not required for construction and maximise opportunities to enhance local biodiversity on restoration of construction areas. • Habitat loss restricted to the

Natural Capital Ltd 53 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 minimum necessary for the works. • All areas affected by the construction works would be carefully restored at the end of the works. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents, which could affect neighbouring habitats.

Scheme R26a: A832 Gairloch to Garve – Road improvements

River Kerry (SAC) River Kerry - Water Pollution Risks River Kerry - Water Pollution Water Pollution Water Pollution Qualifying Features • Pollution (chemical and particulate Risks • The listed • No long-term adverse • Freshwater pearl mussel – suspended solids and turbidity) • Contractors required to identify mitigation effects predicted on (Margaritifera margaritifera) caused by construction activities. appropriate control measures measures would water quality. • Pollution caused by oil and fuel (including best practice guidance protect water • No corresponding Conservation Objectives spills and leakages. for construction) to minimise the quality (against damage to river • To avoid deterioration of the • Pollution from run-off and erosion. risk of pollution during chemical/oil and processes and habitats of the qualifying species or • Pollution associated with concrete construction and to consult with suspended associated habitats significant disturbance to the structures (if new or relocated the Scottish Environment solids/sediment predicted. qualifying species, thus ensuring bridges constructed). Protection Agency (SEPA) on all contamination) that the integrity of the site is • Contamination from waste temporary and permanent so safeguarding Ecology - General maintained and the site makes an materials. pollution control measures. key qualifying • If all mitigation appropriate contribution to • Oil and fuel storage facilities and features measures are taken achieving favourable conservation Ecology – General and in relation small static plant to be well (freshwater pearl there would be no status for each of the qualifying to Qualifying Species managed to minimise the risk of mussel and its adverse effects on features; and • Destruction of habitats caused by leaks and spills to surface water, respective qualifying feature • To ensure for the qualifying species construction activities with soil and groundwater. habitat). habitat. that the following are maintained in resultant habitat loss. • Appropriate measures adopted to • Some loss of non- the long term: • Smothering and coating of river reduce the risk of particulate or Ecology - General qualifying feature o Population of the substrate (sand and gravels) with chemical contamination from the • The listed habitat would be likely species as a viable solids and polluting materials. site polluting the aquatic mitigation would but mitigation should component of the site • Impacts on adjacent habitats environment during construction. prevent impacts keep this to an on qualifying absolute minimum. Natural Capital Ltd 54 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 o Distribution of the caused by construction activities. • Contingency plans to be on qualifying absolute minimum. species within site • Destruction of and/or disturbance developed for implementation in features and their • The mitigation should o Distribution and to freshwater pearl mussel habitat. the case of any spillage. habitat and ensure adequate extent of habitats • Toxicity effects of associated water • Oil pollution prevention would minimise protection for the supporting the pollution on freshwater pearl equipment (booms, absorbent impacts on non- freshwater pearl species mussel either direct or indirect via pads and granules, sand bags qualifying feature mussel and that o Structure, function food chain. etc) to be stored on site and site habitats in appropriate and supporting staff briefed on how to use them general. biodiversity processes of habitats in case of spillage. • Some temporary enhancement supporting the • Plant and vehicles used for the disturbance measures are species works maintained on during incorporated into final o No significant impermeable surfaces to contain construction but restoration. disturbance of the oil spills. good site species • All earth bunds and spoil storage practices would o Distribution and areas well managed to minimise again keep this viability of the runoff and erosion. to a minimum. species’ host species • Any surface water drainage o Structure, function features affected by the Ecology – and supporting proposals made good. Freshwater pearl processes of habitats • Any new culverts to be mussel supporting the sensitively designed following species’ host species best practice guidance. • The listed • Concrete additives to be added mitigation would to all concrete placed underwater protect to limit separation and concrete freshwater pearl release into the water (in case of mussel habitat. bridge construction). • Any route • All feasible wastes to be enhancements recovered and reused within the involving works where possible. structures would • The application of full be designed to environmental management avoid mussel systems and planning for the beds. whole works. • Hydrological and water pollution Ecology – General and in relation control to Qualifying Species measures would prevent adverse

Natural Capital Ltd 55 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Ecological survey and use of prevent adverse existing studies/surveys to inform effects on water final design and construction quality which in methods. turn would • Construction of the proposals protect would seek to prevent or freshwater pearl minimise the impacts on mussel. freshwater pearl mussel and its habitat. • Construction would also seek to minimise nature conservation impacts in areas not required for construction and maximise opportunities to enhance local biodiversity on restoration of construction areas. • Habitat loss restricted to the minimum necessary for the works. • Construction area fenced during construction period to contain site activities. • All areas affected construction would be carefully restored at the end of the works. • Best site management practices would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats and the risk of pollution incidents that could affect neighbouring habitats.

Ecology – Freshwater Pearl Mussel • Construction of the proposals would seek to prevent impacts on freshwater pearl mussel and its

Natural Capital Ltd 56 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 habitat. • Identification of mussel beds at earliest stages of the design process to ensure that any structures and associated construction processes avoid adverse impacts. • Hydrological and water pollution mitigation measures listed above will protect the freshwater pearl mussel from negative impacts on its aquatic environment.

Scheme A9 Inverness to Perth

Insh Marshes (SAC) Hydrological and Associated Water Hydrological and Associated Hydrological and Hydrological and Qualifying Features Pollution Risks Water Pollution Risks Associated Water Associated Water • Alder woodland on floodplains • Changes to surface water • All detailed drainage measures Pollution Risks Pollution Risks • Clear-water lakes or lochs with morphology through realignment, would be designed to benefit • The listed • No long-term adverse aquatic vegetation and poor to culverting etc of watercourses and nature conservation where this is mitigation effects predicted on moderate nutrient levels alterations to the beds of practical and feasible taking measures would water quality. • Very wet mires often identified by watercourses and drains. account of the future help to protect • No corresponding an unstable `quaking` surface • Changes to drainage maintenance requirements. The hydrological damage to • Otter (Lutra lutra) characteristics, aquatic habitats contractor would be required to regime and also hydrological and hydrology in the locality of the follow best practice guidance. water quality processes and Habitat Conservation Objectives site through physical works. • All existing crossed (against associated habitats • To avoid deterioration of the • Changes to the watercourses would be culverted chemical/oil and predicted. qualifying habitats thus ensuring hydrogeology/hydrology of the or bridged at their current suspended that the integrity of the site is area through physical works. location to maintain the existing solids/sediment Ecology - General maintained and the site makes an • Pollution of associated streams, flow path. Culverts would be contamination) • If all mitigation appropriate contribution to springs, seepages and wetland provided under the road at each so safeguarding measures are taken achieving favourable conservation areas (chemical and particulate – location and would be of important there would be no status for each of the qualifying suspended solids and turbidity) adequate size for predicted flows springs, adverse effects on features; and caused by construction activities. and to minimise the risk of seepages and qualifying feature • To ensure for the qualifying • Pollution caused by oil and fuel blockage. wetland areas habitat. habitats that the following are spills and leakages. • The detailed drainage design associated with • Some loss of non- maintained in the long term: • Pollution from run-off and erosion. would ensure that there is not an qualifying qualifying feature features.

Natural Capital Ltd 57 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 o Extent of the habitat • Contamination from waste increased risk of flooding of features. habitat would be likely on site materials. areas in proximity to the works but mitigation should o Distribution of the as a result of the scheme. Ecology - General keep this to an habitat within site General Ecology - including • Contractors would be required to • The listed absolute minimum. o Structure and function Qualifying Feature Habitat identify appropriate control mitigation would • The mitigation should of the habitat • Destruction of habitats caused by measures (including best prevent impacts ensure that o Processes supporting construction activities with practice guidance for on qualifying appropriate the habitat resultant habitat loss. construction) to minimise the risk feature habitat biodiversity o Distribution of typical • Impacts on adjacent habitats of pollution during construction and help to enhancement species of the habitat caused by construction activities. and to consult with the Scottish minimise impacts measures are o Viability of typical • Severance of wildlife corridors and Environment Protection Agency on non-qualifying incorporated into final species as connected habitats. (SEPA) on all temporary and habitats, restoration. This could components of the • Disturbance of species frequenting permanent pollution control associated provide opportunities habitat areas where construction taking measures. species and food to improve habitats o No significant place (e.g. noise and physical • Oil and fuel storage facilities and supplies. and conservation disturbance of typical activity). small static plant to be well • Some temporary status along existing species of the habitat managed to minimise the risk of disturbance road curtilage in Species Conservation Objectives Ecology – Associated Fauna (birds leaks to soil and groundwater. during heath, upland • To avoid deterioration of the and animals) • Appropriate measures adopted to construction but grassland and bog habitats of the qualifying species • Habitat destruction. reduce the risk of particulate or good site areas. (listed below) or significant • Severance of routes between chemical contamination from the practices would disturbance to the qualifying feeding and sheltering habitat. site polluting the aquatic again keep this species, thus ensuring that the • Disturbance to habitat and damage environment (including springs, to a minimum integrity of the site is maintained to food supplies. seepages and wetland areas) and would not and the site makes an appropriate • Impacts of possible pollution as during construction. extend beyond contribution to achieving favourable described above either directly on • Contingency plans to be time scale of conservation status for each of the the species (direct toxicity) or developed for implementation in construction qualifying features; and indirectly on the food supply the case of any spillage. period. • To ensure for the qualifying species (ingestion and bioaccumulation). • Oil pollution prevention • Use of best that the following are maintained in • Noise and disturbance during equipment (booms, absorbent practice in the long term: construction. pads and granules, sand bags restoration o Population of the species as a etc) to be stored on site and site should viable component of the site Ecology - Otter staff briefed on how to use them compensate for some of the o Distribution of the species • Habitat destruction. in case of spillage. habitat loss. within site • Severance of routes between • Plant and vehicles used for the

o Distribution and extent of feeding and sheltering habitat. works maintained on Ecology - Otter habitats supporting the species • Removal of safe passage up and impermeable surfaces to contain oil spills.

Natural Capital Ltd 58 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 o Structure, function and down stream. oil spills. • The listed supporting processes of • Destruction of holts and couches. • All earth bunds and spoil storage mitigation would habitats supporting the species • Disturbance to habitat and damage areas well managed to minimise protect otter o No significant disturbance of to food supplies. runoff and erosion. habitat and the species • Impacts of possible pollution as • Any surface water drainage ensure safe described above either directly on features affected by the passage and River Spey – Insh Marshes (SPA and the otter (direct toxicity) or proposals made good. freedom of Ramsar) indirectly on the food supply • Any new culverts to be movement. Qualifying Species (ingestion and bioaccumulation). sensitively designed following • No significant • Hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) • Noise and disturbance during best practice guidance. adverse residual • Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) construction. • All feasible wastes to be effects would be recovered and reused within the predicted. Spotted crake (Porzana porzana) • works where possible. • Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus • The application of full Ecology – cygnus) environmental management Freshwater pearl • Wigeon (Anas penelope) systems and planning for the mussel • Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola) whole works. • The listed Conservation Objectives General Ecology - including mitigation would Qualifying Feature Habitat protect • To avoid deterioration of the • Ecological survey and use of freshwater pearl habitats of the qualifying species mussel habitat. (listed below) or significant existing studies/surveys to inform • Any route disturbance to the qualifying final design of route enhancements species, thus ensuring that the enhancements and construction involving integrity of the site is maintained; methods. structures would and • Construction methods would be designed to seek to minimise impacts in areas not required for avoid mussel • To ensure for the qualifying species construction and maximise beds. that the following are maintained in opportunities to enhance local • Hydrological and the long term: biodiversity on restoration of water pollution • Population of the species disturbed areas. control as a viable component of • Non-qualifying feature habitat measures would the site loss restricted to the minimum prevent adverse • Distribution of the species necessary for the works. effects on water within site • Construction area would be quality which in turn would • Distribution and extent of fenced during the construction period to contain site activities. protect

Natural Capital Ltd 59 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 habitats supporting the period to contain site activities. protect species • All areas affected by the freshwater pearl • Structure, function and construction works would be mussel. supporting processes of carefully restored at the end of habitats supporting the the works. species • The seedbank within the topsoil, • No significant disturbance together with associated peat of the species and vegetation would be stripped River Spey SAC from areas to be affected and Qualifying Features replaced on the site at the end of the works to aid vegetation • Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa growth. and Fraxinus excelsior • Best site management practices • Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) would be adopted to minimise intrusion into adjacent habitats • Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and the risk of pollution incidents Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) • that could affect neighbouring • Otter (Lutra lutra) habitats.

• Requirements in the construction Conservation Objectives contract would ensure that • To avoid deterioration of the disturbance to wildlife is kept to qualifying habitats thus ensuring the minimum necessary for the that the integrity of the site is works. maintained and the site makes an Ecology - Otters appropriate contribution to • Access to an updated otter achieving favourable conservation survey for area where road status for each of the qualifying widening and associated works features; and likely to be located to inform final • To ensure for the qualifying design. habitats that the following are • Identification of holts, couches maintained in the long term: and other potential shelters at o Extent of the habitat on site earliest stages of design process o Distribution of the habitat to enable avoidance of such within site areas where possible. o Structure and function of the • Locating construction site habitat compounds away from potential o Processes supporting the otter habitat. habitat

Natural Capital Ltd 60 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 o Distribution of typical • Avoidance of night working in species of the habitat areas where otter active. o Viability of typical species as • Use of fencing to exclude otters components of the habitat from site works areas and No significant disturbance of typical provide safe passage. species of the habitat • Ensure that preferred otter paths not obstructed. Kinveachy Forest (SAC) • Reinstatement of natural habitat Qualifying Features to provide adequate cover for • Bog woodland otter movements. • Caledonian forest Ecology – Freshwater Pearl Conservation Objectives Mussel • To avoid deterioration of the • Construction of the proposals qualifying habitats thus ensuring would seek to prevent impacts on that the integrity of the site is freshwater pearl mussel and its maintained and the site makes an habitat. appropriate contribution to • Identification of mussel beds at achieving favourable conservation earliest stages of the design status for each of the qualifying process to ensure that any features; and structures and associated • To ensure for the qualifying construction processes avoid habitats that the following are adverse impacts. maintained in the long term: • Hydrological and water pollution o Extent of the habitat mitigation measures listed above on site will protect the freshwater pearl o Distribution of the mussel from negative impacts on habitat within site its aquatic environment. o Structure and function of the habitat o Processes supporting the habitat o Distribution of typical species of the habitat o Viability of typical species as components of the

Natural Capital Ltd 61 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 habitat o No significant disturbance of typical species of the habitat

Kinveachy Forest (SPA)

Qualifying Species • Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) • Scottish crossbill (Loxia scotica)

Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

o Population of the species as a viable component of the site o Distribution of the species within site o Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species o Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species o No significant disturbance of the species

Drumochter Hills (SAC) Qualifying Features

Natural Capital Ltd 62 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 • Acidic scree • Alpine and subalpine heaths • Blanket bog • Dry heaths • Montane acid grasslands • Mountain willow scrub • Plants in crevices on acid rocks • Species-rich grassland with mat- grass in upland areas • Tall herb communities • Wet heathland with cross-leaved heath

Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the qualifying habitats thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and • To ensure for the qualifying habitats that the following are maintained in the long term: o Extent of the habitat on site o Distribution of the habitat within site o Structure and function of the habitat o Processes supporting the habitat o Distribution of typical species of the habitat o Viability of typical species as

Natural Capital Ltd 63 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 components of the habitat o No significant disturbance of typical species of the habitat

Drumochter Hills (SPA) Qualifying Features • Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus) • Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: • Population of the species as a viable component of the site • Distribution of the species within site • Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species • Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species • No significant disturbance of the species

Natural Capital Ltd 64 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5

Tulach Hill and Glen Fender Meadow (SAC) Qualifying Features • Base-rich fens • Dry grassland and scrublands on chalk and or limestone • Dry heaths • Limestone pavements

Qualifying Species • Geyer`s whorl snail • Round-mouthed whorl snail

Habitat Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the qualifying habitats thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and • To ensure for the qualifying habitats that the following are maintained in the long term: o Extent of the habitat on site o Distribution of the habitat within site o Structure and function of the habitat o Processes supporting the habitat o Distribution of typical species of the habitat o Viability of typical

Natural Capital Ltd 65 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

European Site Potentially Affected Assessment of Possible Impacts of Potential Mitigation Residual Effects Implications to the Site with Qualifying Features and Intervention Conservation Objectives5 species as components of the habitat o No significant disturbance of typical species of the habitat

Species Conservation Objectives • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

• Population of the species as a viable component of the site • Distribution of the species within site • Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species • Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species • No significant disturbance of the species

Natural Capital Ltd 66 HITRANS

Appropriate Assessment

3 CONCLUSIONS This study has identified the particular types of environmental impact that have the potential to generate adverse effects on the integrity of European sites within the HITRANS area. The screening process summarised in Annex 1 describes the rationale for taking particular interventions together with relevant European and Ramsar sites forward for more detailed assessment. The assessment presented in Table 1 looks at the interventions that could generate environmental effects and thus pose a risk, assesses the risks with regard to the European sites in question and identifies mitigation measures to avoid/reduce these effects so that the integrity of the sites is not affected. The residual effects and implications for all sites once the mitigation has been put in place can be summarised as follows:

3.1 HYDROLOGICAL AND ASSOCIATED WATER POLLUTION RISKS

In all cases it has been identified that there would be sufficient mitigation available (including best practice guidance for design and construction, consultation with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) on all temporary and permanent pollution control measures, and the adoption of comprehensive environmental management systems for the duration of the project) to ensure that:

• no long-term adverse effects would be predicted for water quality; • no corresponding damage to hydrological processes and associated habitats would be predicted. In the case of wetland areas the listed mitigation measures: • would help to protect the hydrological regime and also water quality (against chemical/oil and suspended solids/sediment contamination) thus safeguarding important springs, seepages and wetland areas associated with qualifying features.

3.2 ECOLOGICAL RISKS – INCLUDING QUALIFYING FEATURE HABITAT AND SPECIES In all cases it has been identified that there would be sufficient mitigation available (including ecological survey and use of existing studies/surveys to inform final design of route enhancements and construction methods so as to avoid sensitive habitats/species and remove any risks to qualifying features, the adoption of best practice in dealing with the requirements for qualifying species such as the otter, and the overall adoption of an environmental management systems approach to the project) to ensure that:

• any disturbance during construction is minimal and that good site practices ensure that impacts are not significant; • any habitat loss is minimal and not related to any qualifying feature habitat; • appropriate biodiversity enhancement measures are incorporated into final restoration which although not relevant to qualifying features and the site integrity of European sites would nevertheless be of benefit to the overall supporting environment. Such measures would take into account the nature of the specific habitat(s) in question (i.e. whether heath or bog areas) and also the nature of any physical interventions (i.e. bridge works, road margins, railway embankment etc).

Natural Capital Ltd 67 HITRANS Appropriate Assessment

In the case of European and Ramsar sites frequented by important bird populations, mitigation measures that include avoidance of damage or disturbance to the key feeding and roosting sites can be employed. If these are rigorously implemented then no adverse residual effects would be predicted for such sites. In conclusion: • the proposed interventions within the RTS considered in this assessment would not adversely affect the integrity of the European sites in question; • the assessment identifies mitigation measures to avoid/reduce possible effects so that the integrity of the sites is not adversely affected; • project-specific potential adverse impacts have been identified but have been considered to be capable of being satisfactorily mitigated through the detailed design and implementation of best management practices during construction. Without prejudice to the appraisal that has been carried out (Table 1) HITRANS believes that more detailed assessments will be required under Regulation 486, if and when any of the interventions are taken forward. As such (subject to Regulation 496) an intervention would only be allowed to proceed if it was ascertained that there would be no adverse affect on the integrity of the site. Project based appropriate assessments, and where necessary Environmental Impact Assessments, are the next stage to provide this more detailed approach as and when interventions progress, and these will be informed by detailed baseline ecological data. Through an iterative process these assessments should inform the final design of any scheme and its associated construction techniques.

6 The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) (the Habitats Regulations)

Natural Capital Ltd 68 HITRANS

ANNEX 1 SCREENING OF INTERVENTIONS AND EUROPEAN SITES

Appropriate Assessment Annex 1

Table 1 HITRANS RTS Schemes that may impact on Natura sites (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas)

Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? S1b: A82 corridor– The option consists of route enhancement between Onich to North The Onich SAC has been identified as Yes Ballachulish to Fort William Ballachulish and Fort William (widening, upgrading etc.). Ballachulish Woods the only Natura site impacted by Route enhancements There are some old designs on stretch but may need to be (SAC) potential enhancements on this stretch developed from scratch, and needs significant work to – A82 goes directly through this SAC. advance. However, the Route Action Plan for this route has Any work will have to avoid highlighted this stretch as a priority for improvement. encroachment into old sessile oak There is the potential for widening of a limited nature along woods that form the qualifying interest A82 through Onich to North Ballachulish Woods, but it is and ensure mitigation of any other recognised that impacts would have to be minimal, and kept possible impacts within road curtiledge within the existing zone of disturbance, adopting principle of in this section staying on the road line and maintaining road speed restrictions as opposed to realignment (which was originally proposed). S1c: A82 corridor – Tarbet Advanced planning stage for Tarbert to Inverannan Rannoch Moor (SAC) Direct or indirect hydrological Impacts Yes to Ballachulish strategy (road (Transport Scotland scheme), early planning stage for Rannoch Moor on Rannoch Moor, as A82 crosses improvement to Tarbet to Tyndrum to Ballachulish. No designs for improvements on (Ramsar) Rannoch Moor between Tyndrum and Inverannan & route this latter stretch, and significant amount of work required to Ballachulish; and direct or indirect Glen Coe (SAC) enhancement Tyndrum to advance option. 50-60 miles of route, 2 track, high altitude. impacts on drainage/water quality in Ballachulish. No work on alignment but widening may be required at Glencoe from any road improvements, strategic locations (i.e. widening road to standard of 7m, as A82 crosses through Glencoe SAC, increasing width by 1m strip). Requires new modern as well as mitigating any impacts during junctions at Bridge of Orchy, Ballachulish, Glencoe (but all construction phase. Apply best practice within cartilage of existing roads) etc. Climbing lane to mitigate impacts. proposed at Loch Tulla, just beyond Bridge of Orchy, at Black Mount. May be bridge replacement on sections, including through Glencoe, although no specific designs at present. S1d: A82 corridor - Pinch Road improvement work proposed, although early in River Moriston at Likely to be indirect impacts on water Yes points / junction planning stage. Improvements to the current pinch points Invermoriston (SAC) quality from any work at River Moriston improvements Fort William and junctions. A need to do a feasibility study/RAP first to (River Moriston crosses the A82 at to Inverness highlight key strategic works – no desire to upgrade whole Invermoriston) so good practice needs of road to 7.3m width. 67miles (108km). Progress a series to be applied to mitigate impacts from

Natural Capital Ltd 1 - 1 HITRANS Appropriate Assessment Annex 1

Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? of road to 7.3m width. 67miles (108km). Progress a series to be applied to mitigate impacts from of phased improvements over lifetime of RTS. Some work construction and run-off/pollution. likely to be required on swing bridges over canals. Possibility of new bridge at River Moriston – road may be re-aligned with new bridge. S1e: A82 corridor - A82 to Major scheme to build new link road around Inverness, Moray Firth (Marine Link road will cross River Ness, and Yes A9 / A96 link road linking A82 in east with A9/A96 in south/west. In 2 sections SAC) may be a need for a new bridge over – eastern section, which is advanced in the planning stage Inner Moray Firth the River Ness on western side, so as related to major development of East Inverness and A96 (SPA) need to consider water quality impacts Masterplanning; western link road least advanced. Link road on Moray Firth SAC, as well as Inner Moray Firth will be on the south side of Inverness. The road will cross sedimentation impacts. Indirect run-off (Ramsar) the River Ness and may require building of new bridge over impacts on Moray Firth SAC from entire River Ness (although this option has not been selected as scheme. Need to consider ‘in- preferred option as yet). combination’ effects with other development including the Inverness Flood Prevention Scheme and possible cumulative effects on the River Ness which in turn could impact on the Moray Firth. S9d: A9 road north – route Designs exist for, 2 climbing lanes, 2.5km each, at Tore and East Caithness Cliffs Main impacts assessed to be indirect Yes action plan to provide Cromarty Bridge. Proposals also for climbing lanes on the (SAC) ones through drainage run-off into climbing lanes Black Isle and north of Dornoch. Cromarty Firth Cromarty Firth Ramsar from Cromarty (Ramsar) Bridge climbing lane (not on bridge itself) and potentially work north of Dornoch (Loch Fleet), during construction and operation. which will need to be mitigated. No direct or indirect impacts on East Caithness Cliffs as some distance from this SAC. S2a: Highland mainline – Improve the journey time and increase the frequency to River Spey (SAC) Only work screened in for AA is Yes journey time and frequency hourly service – particular priority to increasing frequency as Insh Marshes (SAC) reinstatement of loop at Newtonmore. improvements most deliverable. “Room for Growth” study recommends Realignment of track over current bed

Natural Capital Ltd 1 - 2 HITRANS Appropriate Assessment Annex 1

Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? improvements investigation of the following after consideration of a number River Spey – Insh to create a loop over a km. No of options: Marshes (Ramsar) movement outside current railway line Detailed timetable study and computer simulation of an Kinveachy Forest although may need some work on hourly passenger service derived from more detailed (SAC) embankments and on drainage cess. Therefore, potential indirect specification to prove timetable and obtain information Cairngorm Mountains drainage/run-off impacts on River Spey regarding pinch points and possible performance risks on (SAC) present infrastructure; SAC and Insh Marshes SAC. Other Monadhliath (SAC) SACs not impacted by improvements •Carry out similar timetable study and computer simulation Drumochter Hills (SAC) between Daviot and Culloden. on new infrastructure e.g. double line Daviot – Culloden with reinstated loops at Newtonmore and Ballinluig; and Tulach Hill and Glen Fender Meadows • Re-visit gauging clearances to W9 and W10 gauge for new (SAC) freight opportunities S5: Inverness – Aberdeen Several RTS options within this overall desire to improve Potential run off impacts on Lower Yes rail line this rail line. Lower River Spey – River Spey Bay SAC from any work at Option S5a Commuter services Elgin to Inverness, The Spey Bay (SAC) Forres, which will need to be mitigated. option is for an additional 5-6 services per day depending Inner Moray Firth SAC Potential run-off impacts on Inner on the stopping pattern in each direction between Inverness Moray Firth SAC from new station at and Elgin, increasing the frequency from between 10 and 11 Dalcross, which will need to be trains per day to 16-17 trains per day. This represents a mitigated (although SUDS already significant improvement to the current level of service agreed by Highland Council with provision. May involve track realignment at Forres Station, SEPA). and possible new bridge over river. Option 5b: new railway station at Dalcross, to serve Inverness airport and wider business park development in that location. New station will involve development on green land, car park etc, so impacts on drainage. Highland Council are the applicant for Dalcross rail halt, and already far in the planning process – have consulted SNH and SEPA, and SAC apparently not raised as an issue (correspondence available from Colin Howell at Highland Council). SUDS will be implemented to respond to SEPA comments on drainage.

Natural Capital Ltd 1 - 3 HITRANS Appropriate Assessment Annex 1

Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? S6a: A96 corridor – Dual Dualling of existing double track road, although is likely to Moray Firth (Marine Drainage issues need to be considered Yes Carriageway Inverness – be new alignment. Approved by HC Committee in Nov SAC) to mitigate impact of run off during Airport 2006. Contained within Development Framework for East construction and operation on Moray Inverness, which has been approved by Highland Council Firth SAC. Planning, Dev, Europe and Tourism committee in Nov 2006. S6c: A96 corridor – Elgin Elgin bypass with demand management & provision of Loch Spynie (SPA) Potential impact on Loch Spynie SPA Yes. Bypass space for passenger transport / cycling through Elgin, plus Moray and Nairn Coast from any northern bypass alignment as bus priority on approaches and P&R. Some work has been (Ramsar) a site of European importance as a done on route alignment, although recent STAG work has roost for Icelandic Greylag Goose. developed three main alternative options of alignment – one Moreover, geese feed and roost for to the north, and two to the south of Elgin. No detailed EIA miles around SPA. or AA as yet, only at STAG 2 stage. Elgin Flood Alleviation No impact on Moray and Nairn Coast project at draft Flood Protection Order stage, report to due to distances involved. Council early July. Flood Team at Moray Council currently in discussions with SNH about scope of AA, which they know they have to do, and they already have detailed data on Loch Spynie. S8a: Far North Line – New Advanced planning stage - New station at Conon Bridge to Conon Islands (SAC) Impacts of run off considered as SAC is No station at Conon Bridge serve a proposed new housing development in the Cromarty Firth (SPA) located at the mouth of the River Conon immediate area and to serve as a commuter service station. at Conon Bridge – however, as new Submitted to Transport Scotland and awaiting discussion on station will be entirely within existing commitment – have not asked if going to support this. Has built-up site and there are established to go through planning process. HRP for more detail of drainage systems in place, assessed to location. be no impacts on Natura sites. Conon Station will be south of the River Conon and the Conon Islands are to the east. The station will be entirely within the existing site of the old station, in a built up area where drainage systems already in place. S9a: A9 (north) – Berriedale The existing road geometry with tight radii and hairpin Berriedale and New valley crossing crosses the SAC, Yes Braes Crossings bends are exacerbated by the steep gradients as the road Langwell Waters (SAC) so run-off impacts may occur during descends/ascends either sides of the valley. Heavy goods construction, which need to be vehicles have particular difficulties negotiating the tight mitigated. bends and it is not uncommon for them to get stuck blocking

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Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? bends and it is not uncommon for them to get stuck blocking the road. Large HGVs require to be escorted through this section of A9, with the road being shut off to opposing traffic to allow these loads to pass through. The proposed scheme to deal with this section of road will be a valley crossing at height. S9b: A9 (north) - bypass Early in planning stage. The A9 currently passes through a Berriedale and Berriedale and Langwell Waters and No settlements on route number of existing settlements along its route. The speed Langwell Waters (SAC) East Caithness Cliffs (north of limits and distances that the road travels through range from East Caithness Cliffs Helmsdale) are located further north being derestricted through smaller villages for 200-300m (SAC and SPA) than Golspie and Brora and therefore being subject to passing 30mph limits as they pass through no effects on the Natura sites Golspie and Brora for distances of around 2km. All on anticipated. landward side of these settlements. Local plan is identifying land for bypasses. Scottish Executive/ Transport Scotland need to take forward, but done no work to date. S10b: Oban A85 – Oban Additional return journeys and journey time enhancement to Loch Etive Woods No infrastructural works so no impact No and Fort William rail line Fort William/ Oban; upgrade Oban line to Class 66 (SAC) assessed on Natura sites. service enhancement / operation (freight); and enhance timetable integration and frequency increase management. Consultancy report on timetable recast due in January 07. All timetabling work underway, although no appraisal work of physical works required as yet. S12a: Kyle rail line – The option is to provide an early morning service into Conon Islands (SAC) No infrastructural works so no impact No commuter services to Inverness from Kyle of Lochalsh such that is would be assessed on Natura sites. Inverness attractive to potential commuters. Proposal to retime the first train to achieve a pre 0900 arrival in June 07. R15a: Orkney internal Inter-isles connectivity enhancements including ferry and Hoy (SPA) Construction of new linkspan at North Yes – for the connectivity – inter-isles air. Currently 9 vessels and 13 ferry routes, many of the Calf of Eday (SPA) Ronaldsay may impact on Sanday SAC Northern Isle ferry and air service vessels are coming to the end of their lifespan. Ongoing and Ramsar improvements East Sanday Coast connectivity enhancements programme of cascading and vessel replacement needed, (terminal (SPA, SAC and Construction of new linkspan on together with upgraded infrastructure due to changes in improvements Ramsar) Stronsay may impact on Sanday SAC

Natural Capital Ltd 1 - 5 HITRANS Appropriate Assessment Annex 1

Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? accessibility/Health and Safety/working time regulations etc. Ramsar) Stronsay may impact on Sanday SAC and operation and opportunities to improve operational efficiency and/or Faray and Holm of and Ramsar. of larger connectivity. First new ferry vessels required by 2010. Faray SAC Terminal enhancements at Rapness vessels) Thereafter, 15 yr programme. Exploration of future may impact on the Faray and Holm of Yes – Hoy / feasibility/development of air services in partnership with the Faray SAC Flotta terminal ferry cascade programme. Planning permission required for An AA has already been undertaken by change harbour developments. Orkney Council for this scheme and Provision of Ro-Ro terminals where these currently don’t identified that no significant adverse exist, so potential issues during construction. No significant impact will occur on the and Holm of infrastructure developments. Vessels may change by not SACs or on the Calf of Eday SPA. routes and the same applies to air services. Improvements Some impacts are possible on the East are identified as: Sanday coast SPA, SAC and Ramsar North Ronaldsay – new linkspan at the same location as at sites however mitigation measures present which will enable operation at all states of the tide have been identified for these. and improve connectivity. Relocation of the mainland base of the Stronsay – linkspan operation at a new location on the north Hoy / Flotta service to Stromness may west coast of the isle. impact on the Hoy SAC / SPA as the Papa Westray and Pierowall – hard ramps in the existing new route will follow the eastern port areas. This will allow a Ro-Ro connection through coastline of Hoy Westray to Kirkwall (instead of Papa Westray straight to Kirkwall) and will therefore half the number of services travelling past and Holm of Faray SACs. Terminals will also require modification at Eday, Sanday and Westray (Rapness). North Ronaldsay service improvements - increase from one sailing per week to two sailings per week (AA has been carried out for this) Hoy/Flotta – relocation of the mainland base to Stromness and the cascade of one of the existing Outer North Isles vessels (no harbour improvements required as would utilise existing infrastructure in Stromness) Modification of Shapinsay terminal for linkspan operation

Natural Capital Ltd 1 - 6 HITRANS Appropriate Assessment Annex 1

Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? with a cascaded vessel. Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre – terminal alterations and dredging undertaken as required for operation with a lengthened and refurbished vessel. Graemsay – modifications to the Graemsay terminal to enable a limited RO-RO service either side of high tide. Air services – to include enhancements to the air service connections to North Ronaldsay and perhaps Papa Westray. Enhancements would focus on increasing capacity links where these are not catered for by ferry. Rationalisation of the remaining network will include reducing services to meet only essential links that can not be accommodated by ferry.

R16a: Easdale, Lismore, Early planning stage for most of these elements. The option Firth of Lorne (SAC) Lismore and Islay-Jura no impacts on Yes Luing and Islay – Jura covers a broad spectrum of improvements, from vessel Firth of Lorne SAC. ferry services – replacement to potential fixed links, all of which require Potential impacts on Firth of Lorne SAC replacement vessels and / or further research/exploration. from Luing and Easdale work, including infrastructure Luing – STAG2 complete, with preferred option for a fixed construction of fixed links or harbour link, a High level bridge, where optimum location would facilities, which will need to be involve construction of road links from existing network to mitigated, during construction and ends of bridge, located between naturally occurring cliffs at operation. some distance away from the villages of North and South Cuan although no specific location defined (in north of island, between Luing and Seil, see figure 1.1 in STAG2 of Cuan Sound). Easdale – STAG currently being undertaken, at option development stage – fixed link and ferry improvements both being considered. See location map of existing ferry, across Easdale Sound (east of island). Lismore – Scottish Executive carrying out STAG Islay – Jura – nothing progressed to date.

Natural Capital Ltd 1 - 7 HITRANS Appropriate Assessment Annex 1

Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? R18c: Western isles spinal Road improvement of remaining 80km of single track to South Uist Machair Of remaining work, South Uist main Yes route – road improvement modern 2 track standard, 7.3m width where possible (no (SAC and Ramsar) area of potential impact on Natura sites options kerbs needed, 0.5m width). Double tracking work has been South Uist Machair and (no Natura sites on South Harris and completed from Stornoway to Tarbert, and further section Lochs (SPA) work largely complete elsewhere on from Lochmaddy to Clachan. Remaining sections are spinal route). Therefore, impacts on

Tarbert to Leverburgh (South Harris), and South Uist. South Uist Machair (SAC and Ramsar), Primarily widening existing road, although will be small and South Uist Machair and Lochs sections (approx 10%) where change alignment e.g. at (SPA) need to be mitigated, as A865 bends, also culverting, new bridges. So far effort has been South passes through these areas. focused on easiest sections to double track. Programme of phased improvements. R19a: A816 Oban to Road improvement – large-scale structures on 3 bridges to Moine Mhor (SAC) Whilst Moine Mhor SAC is set away Yes Lochgilphead upgrade to double-track provision. In addition, re-alignment from the A816, and unlikely to be and widening of sections. Remove all pinchpoints significantly impacted by construction or STAG work ongoing. operation of structures on the A816, there may be potential indirect impacts on hydrology which need to be mitigated. R20a: A848 and A849 Upgrade the 10km section north of Salen from single track Mull Oakwoods (SAC) Improvements will be north of Salen. No Tobermory to Fionnphort to double track, providing a standard 6-metre wide This SAC is located in the South of the and Iona Ferry – Route carriageway. This will ensure double track road provision island therefore no effects on this enhancement from Craignure to Tobermory and remove the requirement Natura site anticipated. for passing places. Detailed design stage. Full EIA has been done. R22a: A838 Kinlochbervie To remove single track section at Laxford Bridge, and Laxford Loch (SAC) Impact on the SAC could occur during Yes to Lairg – Removal of single upgrading 0.5km of road to 2-track carriageway. Bridge will construction / upgrade to the bridge so track at Laxford Bridge be 2 track, to cope with HGVs, with footpath as well – 6m impacts need to be mitigated. width, plus 600mm. Designs been done, land acquired. Road design for road widening exists, but not for bridge. R22b: A838 Kinlochbervie Route enhancement of the majority of the route; small Foinaven (SAC) Work already largely complete (bar No to Lairg – Route scheme including improving visibility at key locations. 30/40 500m stretch) on Laxford Bridge-

Natural Capital Ltd 1 - 8 HITRANS Appropriate Assessment Annex 1

Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? enhancement mile stretch. Enhancements can be done as and when Rhiconich section, so limited impact on funding received – work tends to be done with limited SAC from this work. Topography and design as experienced engineers etc. Therefore, money contours unlikely that run-off potential goes into improvements as opposed to planning and design. to SAC is limited from works on road to Some work has already been carried out on this route. No south east. Therefore, not considered planning consent required. necessary to take to AA. R25a: A98 from Elgin to Road improvement including addressing pinch points and Turclossie Moss (SAC) No SACs / SPAs in the vicinity of the No Fraserburgh and A950 to providing overtaking opportunities works proposed. Peterhead – Road 28km Fochabers to HITRANS boundary. £11.5m – 4 improvement options schemes and contingency for general widening. - £2m east of Fochabers, £1.5m Tynet realignment and new bridge, £2m Cullen Bay, £3m 2 stacking lanes, £3m widening works in between these projects. NB: One scheme not included in this option – Cullen, Grade A listed viaduct, single lane road. In Moray Capital programme but no detailed work done to date.

R26a: A832 Gairloch to To improve the A832 in terms of route enhancement and River Kerry (SAC) Improvements are scheduled for Yes Garve – Road improvements improving road safety (further details required). All 2 track Kerrysdale, so potential impact on the until just before loch – last bit to Gairloch is single track (3/4 River Kerry, which need to be km or half a mile). Second section in question is between mitigated. Contin and Garve – high accident record, 2 track but poor alignment, trunk road. Layouts and design in place for section near Gairloch, HC. Trunk road section Contin to Garve – designs done by Exec 15/20 yrs ago but nothing done on them. Gairloch section is a priority as bottleneck and inhibiting economic development. Hydro scheme alongside road. Specific improvements proposed at Kerrysdale – single track road needs realigned (avoiding bends), new or

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Go forward to Scheme Description Sites Impacted Key Questions in Screening Stage AA? relocated bridges, (road crosses river at least twice). Improvements around Loch Maree and Achanalt Marshes have already been done. Only outstanding section is the approaches to Gairloch from Slattadale. A9 Inverness to Perth Strategic dualling Inverness to Perth. It is likely that this Insh Marshes (SAC) There is potential impact on the Insh Yes dualling would occur on-line however they are now River Spey – Insh Marshes from construction of a bridge discussing constructing a crossing of the Spey at Kingussie. Marshes (SPA and at Kingussie. Likely to want to extend the dualling between Drummochter Ramsar) Dualling between Drummochter Hill and Hill and the summit. River Spey (SAC) the summit is likely to impact on the Drummochter Hills SAC and SPA. Kinveachy Forest (SAC) Impact on other SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites in the vicinity of the road Drumochter Hills (SAC could occur and issues such as and SPA) drainage and run-off will need to be Tulach Hill and Glen considered and mitigated. Fender Meadow (SAC)

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Post-adoption statement

CONTROL SHEET

Project/Proposal Name: STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS REGIONAL TRANSPORT STRATEGY

Document Title: Post-adoption statement

Client Contract/Project Number:

SDG Project/Proposal Number: 206623

ISSUE HISTORY

Issue No. Date Details 2 15/09/08 Revised version following comments REVIEW

Originator: KKM

Other Contributors:

Review By: Print:

Sign:

DISTRIBUTION

Clients: Dave Duthie

Steer Davies Gleave:

P:\Projects\207400 - 7499\207467-A HITRANS T&M\Work\206623-A\Hitrans Post adoption statement_FINAL.doc

Control Sheet