Earlston Bridge, Environmental Impact Assessment

Scottish Government RiaghaLtas na h-Alba gov.scot
TRANSPORT SCOTLAND

NOTICE OF DETERMINATION
A68 EARLSTON BRIDGE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
DETERMINATION UNDER SECTION S5A OF THE ROADS
(SCOTLAND) ACT 1984

The Scottish Ministers give notice that they have determined that the project to replace the parapet and install a vehicle restraint system on the A68 Earlston Bridge 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;

(iii) pollution and nuisances;

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

(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 regulation 48 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 ("the 1994 Regulations") concluded that, with mitigation, 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 23 August 2022, available at

, the project does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The main reasons for the conclusion that no Environmental Impact Assessment is required are:

(a) There is no requirement for in-water works;

(b) The 1994 Regulations Assessment has shown that there is enough information and assessment evidence to conclude that the proposed scheme will not likely cause a significant effect on the connected environmentally sensitive site, either alone or in combination with other projects or plans; and

(c) Works are limited to the bridge deck and will not damage, modify, or alter the character or footprint of the bridge. The features of the project which are envisaged to avoid or prevent significant adverse effects on the environment are:

(a) With good practice pollution prevention measures implemented, there is a negligible risk of a pollution event, and any potential impacts of the works are expected to be temporary, short-term, and limited to the construction phase;

(b) There will be no impacts on vehicle travellers, and measures will be in place to limit any short-term impacts on non-motorised users. The works will provide a permanent safety improvement for all utilising the bridge; and

(c) Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste, with the waste hierarchy being applied at all times. 

M POLLAND
A member of the staff of the Scottish Ministers, Transport Scotland, Roads, Buchanan House, 58 Port Dundas Road, Glasgow C4 0HF