Transport Scotland, Planning Notice

Scottish Government RiaghaLtas na h-Alba gov.scot

Notice Of Determination
A68 New Blainslie Culvert Environmental Impact Assessment Determination Under Section 55a Of The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984

The Scottish Ministers give notice that they have determined that the project for scour protection works at the 240 C35 New Blainslie Culvert on the A68 is a relevant project within the meaning of section 55A of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 ("the 1984 Act") and falls within Annex II of Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of certain public and private projects on the environment, but that having regard to -

(a) the selection criteria contained in Annex III of that Directive, namely

(i) the use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity;

(ii) the production of waste; (Hi) pollution and nuisances;

(iv) the risks to human health (for example due to water contamination or air pollution);

(v) areas classified or protected under national legislation; Natura 2000 areas designated by Member States pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC,

(b) the results of the Environmental Screening Assessment under section 55A(2) of the 1984 Act and the Assessment under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 which determined that there would be no likely significant effects on the River Tweed Special Area of Conservation,

(c) the information set out in the Record of Determination dated 8 June 2022, available at

transport-network/roads/road-orders-and-records-of-determination/#63527,

the project does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment.
The main reasons for the conclusion that no Environmental Impact Assessment is required are:
(a) The scheme does not lie within any sites of historical, cultural, or archaeological significance and is not within a densely populated area;

(b) the Assessment under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 determined that there would be

no likely significant effects on the River Tweed Special Area of Conservation; and
(c) Any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, and limited to the construction phase. The features of the project which are envisaged to avoid or prevent significant adverse effects on the environment are:

(a) Mitigation measures and best practice will be implemented to ensure no short-term or long-term significant negative impacts on the environment;

(b) Temporary works will be put in place to provide a dry working area and a silt trap (e.g. straw bales/silt curtain, or similar) will be in place to prevent sediment and pollution from entering the waterbody; and

(c) The works are programmed for daytime hours to minimise disturbance.

HAZEL H MCDONALD
A member of the staff of the Scottish Ministers,
Transport Scotland, Buchanan House,
58 Port Dundas Road, Glasgow, G4 0HF