The Scottish Ministers give notice that they have determined that the project for the installation of an active travel route on the A82 between Spean Bridge and Leanachan Crossroads 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),

(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 2 May 2023, 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 works are within the Parallel Roads of Lochaber Site of Special Scientific Interest, works will not have significant effects on the features of the site;

(b) Any impacts to the local landscape during the construction phase will be minor, temporary and not considered significant. Residual impacts are anticipated to be minor and will be in keeping with surrounding features; and

(c) The works will be located predominantly within the A82 carriageway boundary.

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) Containment measures of the working area will be in place to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment; and

(c) 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, George House 2nd Floor, 36 North Hanover Street, Glasgow G1 2AD