Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route This document is a non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Copies of the full Environmental Statement Environmental Statement 2007 and the Draft Road Orders are available to view at the following locations: Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route Managing Agent Transport Scotland Aberdeen Business Centre Trunk Roads: Infrastructure and Professional Services Willowbank House Buchanan House The way ahead Non-Technical Summary Willowbank Road 58 Port Dundas Road The timetable below sets out the estimated timescales for Aberdeen Glasgow AB11 6YG G4 0HF the next stages of the project. August 2007 Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council 2007 Publication of Draft Compulsory Purchase St Nicholas House Woodhill House Orders and Side Road Orders Broad Street Westburn Road Aberdeen Aberdeen Re-publication of Draft Special Road Orders AB10 1BX AB16 5GB and Draft De-trunking Orders Copies are also available for the public to view at selected Aberdeen City and 2008 Probable Public Local Inquiry (PLI) and decision Aberdeenshire Council offices and public libraries or on the AWPR website

www.awpr.co.uk Publication of Made (Final) Orders A bound paper copy of the Environmental Statement may be purchased at a 2009 Procurement of construction works cost of £500 or in DVD format at a cost of £10 by writing to Transport Scotland. Further copies of the Non-Technical Summary are available free of charge from the 2010 Construction begins Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route Managing Agent.

Any person wishing to comment on the Environmental Statement should write to: 2012 Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route opens to traffic Transport Scotland Trunk Roads: Infrastructure and Professional Services Buchanan House 58 Port Dundas Road Glasgow G4 0HF

Comments are invited within six weeks of the advertised date of publication of the Environmental Statement.

Working in partnership To Peterhead

South Kingswells (A944) Ellon AWPR to Craibstone

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route Scheme Location Plan A944 to Aberdeen Key Plan

To Peterhead A944 to Westhill Milltimber Junction (A93) Goval Junction (A947/B977) Blackdog Junction (A90) Legend AWPR to Milltimber

AWPR to South Kingswells for large scale

A90 Ellon AWPR to Goval maps A947 to Dyce AWPR to Craibstone

River Don

To Aberdeen Grass Verge Grass Treatment Ponds Treatment Detention Basins/ A947 to Newmachar To Potterton Cleanhill Junction To Banff & Macduff AWPR to Cleanhill Newmachar Local access A90 PROPOSED SCHEME PROPOSED Cutting to A93 Embankment

A90 to Ellon Route Proposed To Blackdog

AWPR to Blackdog AWPR to Charleston Fig 20 A947 Fig 17 NORTHERN LEG Goval Fig 19 Fig 18 Blackdog Fig 16

Fig 15 OTHERS Waterbodies Bridge of Don Watercourses AWPR to Milltimber Aberdeen

Fastlink to Stonehaven To Inverurie Airport Dyce National Cycle Route Charleston Junction (A956) North Kingswells Junction Craibstone Junction (A96) A96 A90

To Aberdeen Fig 13 AWPR to Craibstone

Kingswells

Westhill A956 Fig 12 Monument (SAM) Monument A96 to Aberdeen Ancient Scheduled A944 ABERDEEN

CITY HERITAGE CULTURAL

A956 to Altens A90 AWPR to Cleanhill Fig 11 AWPR to Goval SOUTHERN LEG Cults Bieldside Fig 10 Stonehaven Junction (A90) AWPR to South Kingswells Milltimber AWPR to North Kingswells River Dee Peterculter A93 Significance A956 A96 to Inverurie LANDSCAPE Area of Landscape Area Fig 9

Fig 7 FigCharleston 8

To Dundee Cleanhill Fig 6 Fig 5 A90 Fastlink to Cleanhill AWPR JUNCTIONS

Portlethen Study of Grade separated junction Fig 4 Environmentally Site of Interest to Site of Interest Sensitive Areas (SESA) Areas Sensitive Natural Science (SINS) Grade separated half junction To Aberdeen Newtonhill Fig 3 At grade junction (roundabout) A90 to Dundee FASTLINK Muchalls (DWS)

Fig 2 Woodland ECOLOGY District Wildlife Sites Wildlife District

B979

A957 Fig 1

Stonehaven Interest (SSSI) Interest Special Area of Area Special Conservation (SAC) Site of Special Scientific Introduction

The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is a Need for the Scheme new 46km long dual carriageway proposed jointly The AWPR was identified as a key element of an by the Scottish Executive, Aberdeen City Council integrated transport system for the North East of and Aberdeenshire Council. The proposed scheme Scotland, following studies by the regionalTo Peterhead transport comprises three sections: partnership NESTRANS. The overall proposals are called the Modern Transport System (MTS)Ellon and n Northern Leg (North Kingswells to include a range of public transport measures as well Blackdog) as the AWPR.

n Southern Leg (Charleston to North Kingswells) To Banff & Macduff Newmachar

A90

n Fastlink (Stonehaven to

A947 NORTHERN LEG Cleanhill) Goval Blackdog

Bridge of Don These sections are shown on the plan at the front of Aberdeen To Inverurie Airport Dyce this booklet, with more detailed maps of the route at A96 A90 the back.

Kingswells

Westhill A956

It is anticipated that construction will start in 2010 A944 ABERDEEN CITY and that the road will open for use in 2012. A90

SOUTHERN LEG Cults Bieldside This booklet is a Non-Technical Summary of the Milltimber River Dee Peterculter A93 Environmental Statement (ES) prepared in 2007 for A956 the AWPR. The 2007 ES replaces the December 2006 Charleston ES, which is now withdrawn. Cleanhill MTS Elements A90

AWPR JUNCTIONS Portlethen The ES is a report of the findings of the Grade separated junction Grade separated half junction Newtonhill Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) work At grade junction (roundabout) carried out on the scheme proposals. This summary FASTLINK Muchalls seeks to present the key issues identified from this work, including the beneficial and adverse impacts B979 considered to be of particular importance, in an A957 easily understandable form. Full details of all impacts Stonehaven identified may be found within the ES.

The MTS was developed in recognition of the level of congestion experienced on existing roads in and around Aberdeen, together with the use of unsuitable local roads by traffic wishing to bypass the city. The AWPR functions within the MTS by removing traffic from both the city areas

AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 01 and unsuitable local roads, thus enabling public In December 2005, following consideration of transport improvements to be implemented. the alternative corridors and informal public consultation, the Minister for Transport selected To achieve this, the AWPR acts as both a bypass for the Milltimber Brae option for the route corridor long-distance traffic and a distributor road for local between Charleston and Kingswells, with the journeys. In doing so, it provides links between addition of a link to the A90 at Stonehaven. The n Stonehaven (A90) structures to cross the River Dee, the River Don and existing and proposed Park and Ride sites and corridor between North Kingswells and Blackdog the Aberdeen to Inverness Railway, as well as at the connects industrial sites around the city with each remained unchanged. n Charleston (A956) junctions on the route. Street lighting will only be other and with the proposed rail freight transfer required in junction areas, where it will be restricted sites. Various options have been considered in the work n Milltimber (A93) to the side roads and the ends of the slip roads. outlined above. This process has involved the production of a number of reports and papers n South Kingswells (A944) that set out the environmental, engineering and Alternatives considered economic advantages and disadvantages of the n North Kingswells General Approach to Environmental options in question. Impact Assessment Proposals for a peripheral route around Aberdeen n Craibstone (A96) have been considered for many years. In the The EIA has been undertaken as an integral part 1990s proposals were developed for the Western The Proposed Scheme n Goval (A947/B977) of the design process, informing decisions on the Peripheral Route (WPR) connecting Charleston, on proposals as they were developed. Environmental the A90 south of Aberdeen, with Craibstone, on The main road has been designed in accordance with n Blackdog (A90) constraints and issues were identified and the A96 west of Aberdeen. In 2002 proposals were the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, which sets incorporated into the decision-making process developed to connect Craibstone with Blackdog on out requirements for Trunk Roads. The side roads and No other public access will be provided to the route, throughout. This process used information gathered the A90 north of Aberdeen. accesses have been designed to standards agreed although a gated access for the emergency services in the extensive surveys carried out since early 2004. with the local authorities. will be provided on the Fastlink, south of Cookney at The aim of the EIA is to: The combined corridor was named the AWPR and Elrick. adopted by the Scottish Executive for promotion as The main road will be dual carriageway with two lanes n Gather information about the environment a Trunk Road in 2003. Between October 2003 and in each direction, except for the section between The Fastlink and the Southern Leg connect to each of the study area and identify environmental December 2004 the proposals were refined within North Kingswells Junction and Craibstone Junction, other at Cleanhill Junction. constraints and opportunities that may the corridor, at which time the Scottish Executive which will be three lanes in each direction. Access to influence or be affected by the proposed requested that consideration be given to alternative the route will be possible at the following junctions, The AWPR will be classified as a Special Road, and scheme corridors for the southern section of the route. which, in order from south to north, are located at: access will be restricted to certain classes of vehicles. For example, farm vehicles and cyclists will not be n Identify and assess potential environmental permitted. impacts

Side roads and existing paths and tracks crossed by n Identify and incorporate design features and the route will be maintained or realigned wherever measures to either avoid or reduce adverse practicable. Footpaths and tracks will be provided to impacts, or enhance beneficial impacts accommodate users including pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians. The EIA considers the biological, physical and historic environment, as well as human welfare and The level of the road varies along its length, with current or planned future use of the environment. sections on embankment, in cutting or close to existing ground level. The route includes major

Typical cross-section showing two-lane dual carriAgeway.

02 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 03 Scoping and Consultations Land Use As part of the EIA, a comprehensive consultation The AWPR is largely set within a rural environment, exercise was carried out with over 50 organisations, mostly in agricultural use. The total agricultural including statutory bodies, non-statutory bodies land requirement is approximately 600 hectares. and community councils. In addition, over 200 landowners and tenants were consulted. The Impacts on land use include direct loss of land, Northern Leg Fastlink purpose was to: severance and demolition of property. In addition, changes in access or other related effects are possible. The main commercial and residential areas The main commercial and residential areas include n Afford organisations with a particular interest include Dyce and Blackdog. In addition, there are Stonehaven and Cookney. In addition, there are in the environment and landowners affected Measures included in the scheme proposals to scattered properties situated in the surrounding scattered properties situated in the surrounding by the scheme the opportunity to comment reduce the impacts on agriculture will include the countryside. The viability of six farms will be countryside. No farms will have their viability on the developing proposals provision of bridges or underpasses to maintain adversely affected. There are several commercial affected. There are several commercial properties access to fields, together with reconnection of field properties in the area. Changes to access could in this area. Changes to access could have adverse n Obtain information regarding existing drainage systems, watering points for livestock and have adverse effects on six businesses. In effects on one business, which will also be directly environmental conditions reinstatement of boundary features. Where land- addition, seven businesses would be affected by affected by land-take. The scheme will not require take or demolition is required, land or property land-take. The scheme will require the demolition the demolition of property. n Establish environmental issues and potential owners will be compensated appropriately of three residential properties and an outbuilding. impacts for consideration according to the District Valuer’s assessment. The scheme will pass through the planned The route will also affect some community land, development site between the A96 and Dyce Geology, Contaminated n Identify those issues likely to require more predominantly in the form of woodland. While Drive. In this locality, the scheme will affect part detailed study mitigation planting will compensate for the loss of Land and Groundwater of an area for a proposed Park and Ride site, some areas, overall there will be a slight decrease in There are no designated sites of geological interest although transport connections will be improved n Identify the most appropriate means of community woodland area. within the route corridor. The predominant geology by the AWPR. assessment of the area consists of shallow soils overlying varying types of underlying rock, including granite, The AWPR alignment has been progressed through with deeper soil deposits present in river valleys. close working between all key stakeholders and Groundwater is generally considered to be of Southern Leg the project team to develop a scheme that aims to good quality and there are a number of private minimise environmental impacts through avoidance wells throughout the corridor. Small areas of The main residential areas include Charleston, of sensitive features and careful design. contaminated land have been identified. Milltimber, Peterculter and Kingswells. In addition there are scattered properties situated in the Impacts on geology, contaminated land and surrounding countryside. No farms will have their groundwater will typically include potential viability affected. There are several commercial changes to groundwater flow and quality as well properties in this area. Changes to access could as risks associated with disturbance of areas of have adverse effects on one business, with nine contaminated land. businesses being directly affected by land-take and one business adversely affected by noise. Measures included in the scheme proposals to The scheme will require the demolition of the reduce the impacts include avoiding contamination International School of Aberdeen, ten residential of groundwater, monitoring of groundwater and properties and two outbuildings. replacement of affected supplies, if necessary.

04 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 05 Areas of contaminated land will be addressed Fastlink watercourse edges, where practicable, and providing Southern Leg (continued) by specific site management practices to reduce treatment facilities for road drainage prior to outfall to risks to site workers, the general public and the Fishermyre wetland is a site of ecological interest watercourses. Strict pollution prevention measures will Construction and operation impacts on the River environment. supported by groundwater. There are a number be implemented during construction. Dee SAC are not anticipated to be significant. The of springs emerging from the northern valley potential for adverse impacts on Kingcausie Burn (a of Limpet Burn. Several private wells have been tributary of Crynoch Burn) during construction has identified in this area. No significant impacts have been identified. Northern Leg been identified. Northern Leg

A number of private wells have been identified In addition to the River Don, there are around 16 in this area. No significant issues or impacts have Fastlink watercourses and field ditches, six ponds or loch been identified. Water Environment features, one surface water spring and one man There are around 21 watercourses and field ditches as The predominantly rural environment through which made waterbody, Mill Lade. Key issues include well as Fishermyre wetland located within this section the scheme passes contains a number of watercourses adverse effects predicted for Gough, Craibstone and of the scheme. Key issues include the potential for and open drainage features. The scheme includes Bogenjoss Burns. Southern Leg adverse impacts at Limpet Burn. around sixty watercourse crossings, including Aberdeen’s two major rivers, the Dee and the Don. A site of ecological interest supported by groundwater has been identified at Hare Moss. Impacts on the water environment from the AWPR are Southern Leg Ecology and Nature Conservation Numerous private wells are present in this area. mainly related to changes to the form of watercourses No significant impacts have been identified, In general, the route passes through agricultural areas that will arise through culverting or realignments. In addition to the River Dee, there are 19 watercourses although groundwater monitoring will be of low ecological value, although there are a number There is also the risk that a pollution incident during and field ditches, several ponds, one loch, and undertaken in the vicinity of Hare Moss. of sites within the route corridor designated for their construction or operation of the road could adversely two moss features. The River Dee and some of its ecological importance including the River Dee SAC, impact the water environment. tributaries, including part of Crynoch Burn, are Sites of Special Scientific Interest, District Wildlife Sites designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Sites of Interest to Natural Science. Some areas Measures in the scheme proposals to reduce the associated in part with their high level of existing are valuable habitats supporting a range of species, impacts on the water environment include bridging water quality. including protected species such as badgers, bats, sensitive watercourses, maintaining existing otters, water voles and red squirrels.

example of drainage ponds Ecology survey works

06 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 07 n Measures during construction to protect water Impacts on ecology arising from the AWPR include the quality potential for wildlife fatalities and the loss, fragmentation and severance of habitat. The scheme will also result Northern Leg (continued) Southern Leg (continued) n Incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Systems in some disturbance to species and the potential for (SUDS) to treat road drainage pollution of freshwater habitats. n Craibstone due to risk of wildlife fatalities and the n Milltimber Wood owing to the fragmentation fragmentation of badger, otter and red squirrel of badger and red squirrel habitats and the n A combination of measures to protect the Mitigation measures included in the scheme proposals habitat potential for risk of wildlife fatalities River Dee SAC to avoid or reduce impacts on ecology include: n Kirkhill Forest / surrounding woodlands and n Gairnhill Wood owing to the potential for red In locations where impacts on protected species could n Adjustment of the alignment during scheme Bogenjoss Burn due to risk of wildlife fatalities, squirrel fatalities arise, licences may be required to allow the appropriate design habitat loss, fragmentation and disturbance of measures to be put in place to avoid or reduce impacts. otter, red squirrel and freshwater habitats The design of the proposed bridge and scheme in n Incorporation of measures to reduce habitat the vicinity of the River Dee SAC takes account of the fragmentation such as bridges for use by n Goval Burn and Corsehill due to fragmentation need to avoid impacts on freshwater pearl mussels, Northern Leg wildlife at Cleanhill Wood and Kirkhill Forest and disturbance of badger and otter habitats salmon and otters. Stringent measures will be put in place during construction to protect designated Important locations include the Scottish Agricultural n Habitat replacement and creation using n Corsehill and Little-John’s Wood due to risk species and their habitats. College Campus at Craibstone, the Kirkhill Forest area, carefully selected plant species throughout of wildlife fatalities and fragmentation of red the River Don valley, the Goval Burn area, Red Moss the scheme, including areas at Kingcausie, squirrel habitat (Parkhill) and Corby and Lily Lochs. These key areas Kirkhill Forest and Goval Burn provide valuable woodland and riparian habitats Fastlink for otters, badgers, bats, birds and red squirrels. The n Use of fencing to prevent wildlife fatalities provision of mitigation measures will avoid or reduce In general, the ecology of the Fastlink is less sensitive Southern Leg adverse impacts on habitats and protected species. than the other sections of the AWPR. Important n Culverts designed to allow fish and mammal locations include Limpet Burn, Megray Wood, Burn of passage Important locations include the River Dee valley which Key issues include adverse impacts at: Muchalls and Fishermyre. Fishermyre is an important is designated as a SAC for Atlantic salmon, otters area supporting wetland habitats, otters, bats, birds n Mammal underpasses, in particular for badger and freshwater pearl mussels. Hare Moss, Cleanhill and water voles. and otter movements Wood, Kingcausie, Milltimber and Gairnhill are also important habitats for protected species, such as The provision of mitigation measures will avoid or otters, badgers, bats and red squirrels. reduce adverse impacts on habitats and species. The provision of mitigation measures will avoid or Key issues include adverse impacts at Fishermyre due reduce adverse impacts on habitats and protected to the severance of otter habitats at Green Burn from species. Fishermyre Moss and other wetland habitats to the west of the scheme. Key issues include adverse impacts at:

n Kingcausie owing to habitat fragmentation, severance and loss of terrestrial habitats

n Cleanhill Junction owing to the disturbance of bat species

GOVAL BURN

08 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 09 RIVER DON Landscape Southern Leg The road crosses a predominantly rural landscape, The River Dee valley and its immediate Impacts will typically occur where a receptor is Southern Leg which has a range of landscape characters relating surroundings to the south lie within an area close to the route or where open views are possible to topography, vegetation and land use. designated as an Area of Landscape Significance. towards the route. The impacts will generally be Built receptors in this area are generally scattered, with Key issues include adverse impacts where the associated with physical aspects of the scheme larger settlements present at Charleston, Milltimber, Impacts will typically be associated with the AWPR: itself, or with traffic and moving headlights being Kingswells and Westhill. Outdoor receptors such as introduction of the road, embankments, cuttings, present within a rural setting. roads and pedestrian, equestrian and cycle routes are bridges, junctions, lighting and vehicle movements n Cuts through the wooded hillside at Craigingles spread throughout the area. into the open and wooded farmland, hill and valley Measures included in the scheme proposals to landscapes. n Crosses the open and scenic Dee Valley reduce these impacts include the use of false Once the mitigation planting has established, key cuttings and planting to screen the road. In issues include adverse impacts at 436 built receptors, Measures included in the scheme proposals to n Passes through the residential area of Milltimber addition, eased earthworks, slopes and boundary with clusters in the following areas: reduce impacts on the landscape include careful in a large cutting treatments that match existing boundaries will help alignment of the road and easing of embankment to reduce the visual impact. n Crossroads (Banchory-Devenick) and cutting slopes to blend with existing landforms n Crosses the slopes of Fifeshill and Beans Hill and allow a potential return to agriculture. n Haremoss Appropriate boundaries, such as drystone walls or planting, will be put in place to reflect existing Northern Leg n Burnhead/Cleanhill boundaries and maintain the character of the Fastlink landscape. The effectiveness of this planting will Built receptors in this area are generally scattered, n Milltimber typically increase over time as vegetation matures. There are no landscape designations in this area. with larger settlements present at Kingswells, Key issues include adverse impacts where the Dyce, Potterton and Blackdog. Outdoor receptors n Silverburn/Gairnhill area AWPR: such as roads and pedestrian, equestrian and cycle routes are spread throughout the area. Northern Leg n Kingswells n Crosses the open farmland of Muchalls and the rural valley at the Burn of Muchalls Once the mitigation planting has established, The area to the north of the River Don is n Westhill key issues include adverse impacts at 360 built designated as an Area of Landscape Significance. n Passes through open farmland on embankment receptors, with clusters in the following areas: Key issues include adverse impacts where the Key issues also include adverse impacts at 137 outdoor at Blaikiewell AWPR: receptors in mainly rural locations for example n Chapel of Stoneywood and A96 junction footpaths and minor roads in the areas around Hare n Cuts through hillsides at Megray, Cookney, n Passes through the mature woodlands at Moss, Cleanhill, the River Dee, Gairnhill and Kingswells. Rothnick and Stranog n Northern bank of the River Don around Goval Craibstone and bridges the A96 and Corsehill

n Cuts through the open undulating farmlands Key issues also include adverse impacts at 45 outdoor Fastlink around Goval where the realigned A947 will Visual receptors in mainly rural locations, including the roads bridge the AWPR The assessment of visual impact considers views and paths around Craibstone and Goval. Built receptors in this area are generally scattered, from buildings and outdoor public areas which with the only larger settlement being Stonehaven. n Crosses the lower slopes of Tyrebagger Hill are called ‘receptors’. Although there are locations Outdoor receptors such as roads and pedestrian, throughout the route where receptors are clustered equestrian and cycle routes are spread throughout the n Passes through open farmlands between Kirkhill together, predominantly they are scattered and area, with outdoor recreation spaces concentrated in and Dyce and between Goval and Blackdog dispersed throughout the route corridor. Stonehaven.

10 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 11 FASTLINK (continued) Cultural Heritage Northern Leg (continued) Air Quality There are a number of sites of cultural heritage Existing air quality throughout the route corridor is Once the mitigation planting has established, key Key issues include: importance located within the route corridor. The generally very good, with poorer levels only being issues include adverse impacts at 77 built receptors, effects on these include direct physical impacts and experienced close to existing busy roads. with clusters in the following areas: n Adverse direct impacts predicted at Ashtown indirect impacts on their setting. Boundary Stone 39 (Category B Listed Building), The impacts resulting from the scheme include n Megray Parkhill Pumping Station (Category B Listed Where possible, the route of the road has been both increases and decreases in air pollutant levels Building) and Wester Hatton Cottages Cropmark designed to avoid or reduce direct impacts or at various locations. Within 500m of the scheme, n The Burn of Muchalls valley impacts on the setting. Where this has not been more locations will experience adverse impacts n Adverse impacts on setting predicted at possible, archaeological recording is proposed for than beneficial impacts. However, the overall n Cookney Tyrebagger Hill SAM and Aberdeenshire Canal known sites where direct impacts are predicted. impact across the wider area will be to reduce SAM Works will also be undertaken to identify and exposure to air pollutants, especially in the centre n Stranog record previously unknown sites. In addition of Aberdeen, where levels currently exceed the landscape design proposals have been developed health protection standards. These standards are n Burnhead/Cleanhill to reduce impacts on setting. not predicted to be exceeded in the vicinity of the Southern Leg AWPR, even where pollution levels increase. Key issues also include adverse impacts at 83 outdoor receptors in mainly rural locations, such Important sites include the Kingswells Consumption Emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases as footpaths and minor roads around Megray, the Northern Leg Dyke SAM, which is a thick stone wall formed during are expected to increase as a result of the scheme, Burn of Muchalls valley, Cookney, Stranog and agricultural improvement. Located to the west of but in a national context these increases will be Cleanhill. Important sites include the Aberdeenshire Canal Kingswells is Cloghill Longcairn SAM, a Neolithic extremely small. Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) which, in burial monument. Also close to Kingswells is a the vicinity of the AWPR, survives as two parallel Friends’ (Quakers) Burial Ground. This feature and an As no significant impacts have been identified, no banks of earth and stone. Another SAM in the archaeological landscape complex on Beans Hill have specific measures to reduce impacts are proposed Northern Leg study area is Tyrebagger Hill been proposed as SAMs. in respect of air quality. Recumbent Stone Circle, comprising a circle of 11 stones. Key issues include adverse impacts on setting at the Kingswell Consumption Dyke SAM, Longcairn SAM, Beans Hill, Friends’ Burial Ground and as well as Traffic Noise andV ibration Kingcausie House. Existing noise and vibration levels throughout the route corridor are generally low, with the background noise level being typical of a rural Fastlink environment. Higher noise levels are experienced close to existing busy roads. Important sites include the East Crossley hut circle and field system, White Hill hut circles and Cantlayhills cairn, The impacts resulting from the scheme include which are all SAMs. both increases and decreases in noise levels associated primarily with proximity to the road Key issues include adverse impacts on the setting of network. There are also changes in the number of these SAMs and a number of other sites of cultural people likely to be bothered by airborne vibration, heritage importance including Stranog Hill Cairns and as the response to this is related to the noise levels. sites on Kempstone Hill. kingswells consumption dyke

12 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 13 Example of timber noise barrier

Measures to reduce adverse impacts include the Southern Leg use of lower road noise surfacing materials, and screening by earthworks and noise barriers where There are 1,176 residential properties within 500m of Pedestrians, Cyclists, Equestrians Craibstone, Gairnhill/Kingshill Wood, Milltimber required. The use of screening to reduce noise, the centreline of the AWPR. Noise assessment was and Hatton. No significant community impacts are where practicable, has been considered based on a carried out for all of these receptors. and Community Effects identified in the Northern Leg and Fastlink areas as combination of: they are characterised by scattered communities There are a number of roads, paths and tracks Key issues include adverse noise impacts within 300m and have fewer facilities. In the Southern Leg, throughout the route corridor used by pedestrians, n The existing noise level experienced at ground floor level predicted for 226 properties access to community facilities in the Peterculter and cyclists and equestrians. at the year of opening, with beneficial effects at 215 Milltimber areas is more adversely affected than n The predicted increase in noise as a result of the properties. Specific noise mitigation is incorporated elsewhere. The impacts resulting from the scheme include AWPR in the scheme proposals, including over 7,500m of the severance of communities and key routes. noise-reducing fences, barriers and walls. There are Diversions could increase journey length, and n The threshold above which it is desirable to 25 properties where it has not been feasible to reduce Vehicle Travellers amenity value may decrease along sections of reduce noise exposure in this area ground floor noise impacts at year of opening to existing routes, owing to traffic noise and visual Drivers experience significant stress on the existing within threshold levels. Three properties may qualify intrusion, for example. road network where traffic volumes are high. The for noise insulation in terms of the NISR due to noise AWPR will generally reduce driver stress on these Northern Leg level exceedence at ground floor level. Measures included in the scheme proposals to existing roads due to transfer of traffic to the AWPR. reduce these impacts include connecting routes Driver stress is predicted on the AWPR at areas There are 476 residential properties within 500m No significant vibration impacts have been identified. via new paths and overbridges or underpasses to where it is highly trafficked. of the centreline of the AWPR. Noise assessment cross the AWPR. Other measures include landscape was carried out for all of these receptors. planting and safety provision. Measures to reduce driver stress such as high Fastlink quality road signage will be developed as part of Key issues include adverse noise impacts within Adverse impacts on journey length and amenity the detailed design. 300m at ground floor level predicted for 171 There are 411 residential properties within 500m of will remain in some locations including Blackdog, properties at the year of opening, with beneficial the centreline of the AWPR. Noise assessment was effects at 119 properties. Specific noise mitigation carried out for all of these receptors. is incorporated in the scheme proposals, including over 2,400m of noise-reducing fences, barriers Key issues include adverse noise impacts within 300m and walls. There are four properties where it at ground floor level predicted for 86 properties at has not been feasible to reduce ground floor the year of opening, with beneficial effects at 76 noise impacts at year of opening to within properties. Specific noise mitigation is incorporated in threshold levels. One property may qualify for the scheme proposals, including over 600m of noise- noise insulation in terms of the Noise Insulation reducing fences, barriers and walls. Ground floor (Scotland) Regulations 1975 (NISR) due to noise noise impacts will be within threshold levels for all level exceedence at ground floor level. properties at year of opening. There are no properties which may qualify for noise insulation in terms of the No significant vibration impacts have been NISR at ground floor level. identified.

No significant vibration impacts have been identified.

14 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 15 Vehicle travellers are also affected by the views Disruption due to Construction from the road, where exposure to different types of The scheme lies within a predominantly rural setting. scenery and longer range views can be beneficial. The impacts that could arise from the scheme include noise, vibration, dust and loss of amenity due to the operation of equipment and movements Northern Leg n Careful planning of all works that have the n Disturbance to ecology – noise and of construction traffic. In some instances, this potential to affect watercourses, including increased human activity will result in temporary closure of roads or paths Low driver stress is predicted for vehicle travellers using settlement ponds to control discharge and tracks. Construction work may also affect the on the Northern Leg except between North of surface water from the site and avoid n Visual impacts – likely near construction natural environment through the disturbance of Kingswells and Craibstone, where moderate to sediment entering watercourses compounds, major structures and species, pollution of watercourses or damage to high driver stress will be experienced. earthworks sensitive habitats. n Use of secure fencing in order to maintain New planting, as it matures, will enclose many of safety and security within the area of the Measures included in the scheme proposals to the views from the AWPR, but travellers will still works Policies and Plans reduce these impacts include: gain attractive, open rural views in contrast with The AWPR scheme has been assessed in terms of the enclosed urban views currently experienced The appointed contractor will document their n Compliance with restrictions on acceptable its compliance with relevant plans, policies and along the A90 through Aberdeen. specific proposals in a construction Environmental noise levels in relation to sensitive locations guidance operating at national, regional and local Management Plan (EMP), which must be approved levels. prior to works commencing. n Provision of screening to reduce the visual intrusion of construction operations at The AWPR, which will be a major infrastructure Southern Leg Adverse construction impacts not described sensitive locations development lying partially within greenbelt, is elsewhere in this document include: supported within the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Low driver stress is predicted for vehicle travellers n Minimisation of earthworks movements, Structure Plan and the Aberdeen City Local Plan. on the Southern Leg. Most views from the AWPR n Noise – adverse impacts at properties close including transport of materials on and off Although the Aberdeenshire Local Plan does not will be enclosed by planting and sections of cuttings to the works site include policies supportive of development within through Cleanhill and Milltimber, but elsewhere a greenbelt, it does include supportive transport and range of attractive, rural views across rolling farmland n Dust – dust soiling at properties close to the n Management of earthmoving operations, infrastructure policy. will provide a pleasant journey for drivers in contrast works including spraying water to reduce dust and to the enclosed urban views currently experienced storing materials in suitable locations along the A90 through Aberdeen.

n Implementation of a traffic management plan to maintain an acceptable level of Fastlink service on roads that remain open and permit temporary closures only where Low driver stress is predicted for vehicle travellers on suitable alternative routes exist the Fastlink. n Scheduling the work to avoid disturbance of Views from the AWPR will offer a significant change protected species and using measures such to those currently available from the A90. Views will as protective fencing to prevent species be more open, across rolling farmland and hills. The entering construction areas nature of views from the new road will generally be similar to that of views from the B979.

road construction works

16 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 17 Appropriate measures to reduce the identified n Cumulative visual impacts are likely to be adverse impacts have been carefully formulated adverse for outdoor receptors, but beneficial in accordance with relevant policy and guidance. for users of the proposed scheme However, there are some impacts that conflict n During construction of the AWPR, with planning policy in terms of cultural n The scheme will act as an ecological the implementation of appropriate heritage, landscape and visual impact, the water barrier around Aberdeen. Successful environmental strategies including an environment, ecology and nature conservation and implementation of mitigation will be environmental management system, and public access. required to reduce the risk of adverse the re-use of materials where practicable, cumulative impacts on ecology due to will assist in meeting sustainability targets habitat loss, fragmentation and severance of UK and local government policy and guidance Cumulative Impact Assessment n The AWPR requires some 600 hectares of agricultural land. This will have a significant The cumulative impact assessment identified a Due to the scale of the scheme and the method overall effect on farming interests requirement for wider-area mitigation measures adopted to carry out the Environmental Impact such as habitat creation and woodland planting, Assessment (EIA), the Environmental Statement (ES) n Within the water environment there will along with support for existing species and habitat considers separately the impacts of the Northern be realignments and culverting of many management schemes. The scope and detail of this Leg, Southern Leg and Fastlink. In order to assess watercourses throughout the route, wider-area mitigation is currently being developed the combined impacts of the scheme as a whole, leading to adverse changes to the form and through liaison between the project team and key cumulative assessment has been undertaken. composition of watercourses over a wide stakeholders. scale Cumulative impacts are described from the perspective of whole scheme impacts for each n Separate major future developments environmental topic area as well as considering the proposed for this area will be controlled cumulative effects of the AWPR and other major through the local planning process. These, developments proposed in the area. The combined taken together with the AWPR, have the effect of different types of impact at specific potential to create significant cumulative locations is also addressed, and whole scheme impacts on agricultural land use, ecology, impacts are discussed in terms of sustainable landscape, noise and access development objectives.

n Key areas which may experience a The assessment found that: cumulation of different types of impacts include Kingcausie Wood, the River Dee n The AWPR will result in beneficial changes to crossing, Milltimber, Craibstone, Kirkhill air quality and noise levels within the wider Forest and the River Don crossing study area, in particular in the urban areas of Aberdeen

n Potential adverse cumulative effects include impacts on land use, the water environment, landscape and access

view of proposed river dee viaduct

18 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 19 Figures Figure 1 Legend

KEY ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

ECOLOGY

Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

District Wildlife Sites (DWS)

Site of Interest to Natural Science (SINS) Study of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (SESA)

Woodland

LANDSCAPE

Area of Landscape Significance

CULTURAL HERITAGE

Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM)

OTHER

Watercourses

Waterbodies

National Cycle Route

PROPOSED SCHEME

Proposed Route

Embankment

Cutting

Grass Verge

Detention Basins/ Treatment Ponds

20 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 21 Figure 2 Figure 3

22 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 23 Figure 4 Figure 5

24 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 25 Figure 6 Figure 7

26 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 27 Figure 8 Figure 9

28 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 29 Figure 10 Figure 11

30 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 31 Figure 12 Figure 13

32 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 33 Figure 14 Figure 15

34 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 35 Figure 16 Figure 17

36 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 37 Figure 18 Figure 19

38 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007 39 Figure 20

40 AWPR Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary August 2007