Forth Road Bridge, Refurbishment of the main towers

Scottish Government
Riaghaltas na h-Alba
gov.scot

TRANSPORT SCOTLAND

NOTICE OF DETERMINATION
FORTH ROAD 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 for the refurbishment of the main towers cross girders on the Forth Road 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; (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;
(vi) landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance;
(vii) coastal zones and the marine environment,
(b) the results of the Environmental Screening Assessment under section 55A(2) of the 1984 Act,
(c) the information set out in the Record of Determination dated 13 November 2022, available at https://www.transport.gov.scot/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) Although the Forth Islands Special Protection Area, Firth of Forth Special Protection Area, Long Craig Island Site of Special Scientific Interest, Firth of Forth Ramsar and Firth of Forth Site of Special Scientific Interest lies within the vicinity of work activities, all works are contained to the Bridge therefore no direct land take, land use or clearance is required, and the works will therefore not result in loss or function of any of the designated sites;
(b) The works will not damage, modify, or alter the character or footprint of the Category A listed structure;
(c) There are no properties or sensitive receptors within 0.3 km of the scheme extents; and
(d) No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of the works. The features of the project which are envisaged to avoid or prevent significant adverse effects on the environment are:
(a) There will be no in-water works;
(b) There will be limited consumption of materials and natural resources, and limited waste generation associated with the works;
(c) Containment measures of the working area will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment; and
(d) Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.

J DUNLOP
A member of the staff of the Scottish Ministers Transport Scotland, Roads, Atlantic Quay, Glasgow G2