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2. SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE CANDIDATE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
2.1 This section of the report summarises the findings of the assessment of environmental effects of each of the Candidate National Developments. The fuller findings of the assessment, supported by references to the relevant baseline and research evidence, are provided in Appendix 2. The purpose of this summary is to highlight the environmental effects of each of the developments in turn, focusing on those which are considered to be significant at this stage. The fuller findings in Appendix 2 provide a finer grain assessment, identifying more minor issues which may be of interest to consultees. The outline specifications, including assumptions on their nature and location, for each of the Candidate National Developments are provided in the Appendix. These assumptions formed the basis for the assessment, but may be subject to further refinement or change at later stages in the process.
2.2 During the assessment, careful consideration has been given to the level of significance of each of the predicted environmental effects. Given that this assessment is being conducted from a national perspective, significant effects are those which:
- are of a large spatial magnitude, of lengthy duration and high probability, and / or
- are likely to affect internationally or nationally significant receptors when factors including sensitivity, value, vulnerability and rarity are taken into account; and / or
- are likely to influence or be relevant to international or national environmental protection objectives.
2.3 In most cases, significant effects which have been identified combine two or more of these criteria. Further analysis of cumulatively significant environmental effects has been undertaken and the findings from this are detailed later in the report.
2.4 Reflecting the content of the NPF and the nature of the National Development designation, the assessment focuses on the concept of each development, as opposed to providing comprehensive assessments of the specific projects and detailed alternatives to them. It should be recognised that significance may vary when the projects are considered at different scales: a local level assessment of the individual projects (e.g. project level EIA) may draw different conclusions as a result of the local context within which it will be viewed, finer grain of environmental information available, and more specific nature of the project proposals. This approach is nevertheless considered appropriate for the NPF assessment, given its geographic scale and strategic intention, and the need to ensure the SEA identifies and focuses on issues which are particularly significant in relation to a national spatial strategy.
2.5 The following paragraphs summarise the potential significant environmental effects of each development. The need for mitigation, further environmental assessment and consideration of more detailed alternatives within this, is also defined as far as possible.
1. Forth Replacement Crossing
2.6 The development of a new bridge over the Forth, without appropriate environmental planning and mitigation, has the potential to generate significant adverse effects on biodiversity as a result of the important and sensitive nature of the Firth of Forth. Without mitigation, there is also potential for the development to result in adverse effects as a result of the increase in travel distance and associated energy consumption that would be likely to arise from a substantial increase in road capacity in this location. However, the magnitude of this effect cannot be accurately defined at this stage, as it will be highly dependent on a number of factors such as the extent to which public transport provision will be increased as a result of dedicated lanes provided on the bridge. Potentially significant adverse effects on air quality could arise, particularly when the existence of Air Quality Management Areas ( AQMAs) on an arterial route in the West of Edinburgh is taken into account.
2.7 Significant effects on soils are also predicted as a result of the loss of agricultural land, likely level of soil sealing and increased risk of diffuse pollution. Mitigation measures, including the integration of SUDS into the scheme design, and appropriate construction and operation should avoid any significant adverse effects on the water environment. Significant adverse impacts relating to sustainable waste management are also expected: whilst there will be limited scope to reuse waste materials within the construction of the bridge itself, there may be an opportunity to achieve this in the construction of access roads. The bridge also has the potential to lead to significant adverse effects on cultural heritage, by damaging and causing the loss of, and alteration to the setting of a number of protected sites, as well as having implications for the wider undesignated and unknown historic environment. These effects are also being managed as far as possible through appropriate mitigation measures. Finally, significant negative landscape and visual effects are predicted, particularly during the construction phase.
2.8 As noted above, mitigation measures have already been identified. An Appropriate Assessment of the strategy to consider options for a new crossing of the Forth in 2007 concluded that the development can be undertaken in a way which avoids adverse effects on the Firth of Forth and Forth Islands SPAs. Appropriate construction methods and high quality design should also mitigate many further potentially significant environmental effects.
2.9 In terms of scheme level alternatives, a full SEA of the proposals has already been undertaken, which explored the construction and routing options. An Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA) of the project will also be required at the consent stage.
2. Edinburgh Airport Expansion
2.10 The proposals for the enhancement of Edinburgh Airport could generate adverse environmental effects as a result of the contribution they could make to increasing air transport movements and associated greenhouse gas emissions. As with other projects, these are considered to be potentially significant in light of Scottish Government's commitments to climate change mitigation. Significant adverse effects on the local water environment are also predicted, in the light of the potential contribution of the development to exacerbating flood risk, and the implications of increased soil sealing arising from the construction of additional areas of hardstanding. Significant adverse effects on landscape are also predicted, in the light of the location of the development in the green belt and the important role that this plays in forming Edinburgh's landscape setting.
2.11 The assessment also showed that some members of the population may derive significant positive effects on quality of life as a result of the improved connectivity and economic opportunities that the development would provide, including the proposed West Edinburgh strategic business area. At the same time, however, some communities may experience negative impacts as a result of nuisance effects such as noise.
2.12 Mitigation measures include improvements to public transport access to the airport, aviation industry commitments to fiscal measures, technical advances to reduce the impact of operations, and ongoing work on flood management, as identified in the West Edinburgh Planning Framework. Further environmental assessment, potentially including an Appropriate Assessment that defines effects of the scheme on the Firth of Forth SPA, and scheme-level mitigation, including appropriate design and landscaping, will also be required.
2.13 A fuller appraisal of specific alternatives to the proposals (e.g. siting options and other detailed aspects) has not been undertaken at this stage.
3. Glasgow Airport Expansion
2.14 The improvement of airport facilities and associated infrastructure at Glasgow Airport may have significant positive effects on quality of life for some members of the population, given the project's potential to support economic development and improved connectivity. However, as with the other airport proposals some communities may also experience negative impacts as a result of nuisance effects such as noise. As with Edinburgh Airport, significant negative effects are also predicted to arise from the tension with Government targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly those arising from the transport sector.
2.15 Mitigation measures noted in the assessment include ongoing work to achieve biodiversity management (including in relation to the nearby Black Cart SPA) by BAA in liaison with environmental organisations. Surface transport improvements would increase the share of passengers accessing the airport by public transport although, as noted by consultees responding to the SEA of the Discussion Draft NPF, the benefit of this in terms of reduced emissions would be limited when compared with the damaging effect of increased air transport. Further commitments by the aviation industry to technical development and fiscal measures could help to offset the negative effects of the development in the longer term.
2.16 Further environmental assessment and scheme-level mitigation will also be required to avoid or reduce the predicted negative effects of the development. An Appropriate Assessment may be required, to ensure the development does not adversely affect the Black Cart SPA. The need for this should be confirmed by the existing partnership responsible for the airport's development.
2.17 A fuller appraisal of specific alternatives to the proposals (e.g. siting options and other detailed aspects) has not been undertaken at this stage.
4. Aberdeen Airport Expansion
2.18 As with the other proposed airport developments, the assessment suggested that there will be positive effects on quality of life for some members of the population as a result of the improved economic opportunities and connectivity that the development would provide. However, some communities may also experience negative impacts as a result of nuisance effects such as noise. Significant negative effects in terms of greenhouse gas emissions are also expected from the projected increase of passenger levels to nearly three times the 2003 levels. More detailed information for the area referred to in the assessment suggests that local air quality issues will be manageable without generating significant adverse effects.
2.19 Mitigation measures that will require further consideration at the project level include the aviation industry's commitment to fiscal measures and technical developments that aim to reduce the impact of air travel over the longer term. Further environmental assessment and scheme-level mitigation will also be required to avoid or reduce the predicted negative effects of the development.
2.20 A fuller appraisal of specific alternatives to the proposals (e.g. siting options and other detailed aspects) has not been undertaken at this stage.
5. Prestwick Airport Enhancement
2.21 As with the other proposed airport developments, the assessment suggested that there will be positive effects on quality of life for some members of the population as a result of the improved economic opportunities and connectivity that the development could support. However, some communities may also experience negative impacts as a result of nuisance effects such as noise. Significant negative effects in terms of greenhouse gas emissions are expected from the projected increase of passenger levels over the long term.
2.22 Mitigation measures that will require further consideration at the project level include the aviation industry's commitment to fiscal measures and technical developments that aim to reduce the impact of air travel over the longer term. Further environmental assessment and scheme-level mitigation will also be required to avoid or reduce the predicted more minor negative effects of the development at the local level, focusing on issues including impacts on soil, water, cultural heritage and landscape,
2.23 A fuller appraisal of specific alternatives to the proposals (e.g. siting options and other detailed aspects) has not been undertaken at this stage.
6. A9 Upgrading: Dunblane - Inverness
2.24 The proposals for improving the A9 aim to reduce road journey times between Inverness and the Central Belt and improve road safety on the route. The assessment showed that there was potential for significant negative effects on biodiversity from this development, given the number of internationally and nationally designated sites close to certain parts of the route, which could potentially be affected. The development could generate a significant rise in emissions of CO 2, as result of increased road usage, induced by increased road capacity and travel time improvements, although the actual scale of these effects remains uncertain at this stage. The development could have significant negative landscape and visual impacts, given the particularly high quality of the landscape through which the route passes, and its sensitivity to this type of development.
2.25 The development also has the potential to generate significant positive effects for the communities of Perth, Inverness and settlements in between as a result of improved connectivity and access to services. However, these benefits may be reduced in some cases by the possibility of temporary adverse effects arising during construction and longer term issues such as noise. These require further assessment at a more detailed level.
2.26 The development would probably require an Appropriate Assessment as more detailed proposals are identified to mitigate potential effects on Natura sites. Further, more minor issues which are predicted, including increased noise impacts on sensitive receptors, construction impacts on neighbouring communities, and impacts on water, soils and cultural heritage which will also require more detailed assessment at the project level.
2.27 Further assessment should also explore the scope for mitigating the significant effects on landscape and global emissions.
7. Targeted Road Improvements: Glasgow - Fort William
2.28 This Candidate National Development could take a number of forms, although the proposals defined in the A82 Route Action Plan provide the basis for this assessment. Without mitigation, these proposals are predicted to generate significant negative effects on biodiversity, given the sensitivity of some sections of the route and the presence of a number of internationally and nationally protected sites. Although the route already exists, there is nevertheless potential for increased severance of habitat networks by reinforced or strengthened linear infrastructure, and the implications of this for wider biodiversity may be significant.
2.29 Significant negative effects on the historic environment are predicted as the route is close to numerous protected sites, landscapes and buildings, and in light of the likely existence of further currently unknown archaeological resources. Although the route already exists, landscape and visual effects of the improvements may be significant as a result of the sensitive landscape context, including Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and two National Scenic Areas.
2.30 Significant positive effects are predicted for communities along the length of the route, with the proposals playing a particular role in supporting rural development and improving rural connectivity in this part of Scotland. Significant positive effects are also expected as a result of the role the project would play in achieving a substantial reduction in accident rates.
2.31 Further assessment, including an Appropriate Assessment, could be required to mitigate the potentially significant adverse environmental effects some proposed interventions in the plan. At the more detailed level, more minor adverse effects on communities (as a result of construction), water quality and soils may require further investigation and mitigation.
8. A96 Growth Corridor
2.32 The masterplan for a major growth corridor along the A96, including proposed transport improvements, has the potential to result in significant adverse effects on biodiversity, due to the land take involved and partly as a result of the relationship between the development area as a whole and nearby national and internationally designated sites. However, extensive environmental mitigation has already been proposed as part of the area's masterplanning process, which may reduce or eliminate some of these effects.
2.33 Mixed effects on the population are currently expected, with negative effects being predicted during the construction phase, but also potentially significant positive effects arising from improved provision of, and access to, community services and facilities, employment and affordable housing in the longer term.
2.34 There is a need to give consideration to how issues such as increased CO 2 emissions from a growth in travel, water environment impacts, impacts on soils, cultural heritage and landscape can be mitigated. To some extent, these have already been taken into account in the masterplanning process, with measures such as improved walking and cycling routes, the use of SUDS, water infrastructure improvements, and landscaping having been identified.
2.35 Although an SEA of the Masterplan has already been undertaken, project- specific environmental assessment will also be required, focusing on mitigating the adverse effects noted above.
2.36 The SEA of the Masterplan included consideration of a number of strategic alternatives to the development proposals.
9. A1, A68 and A7 Improvements
2.37 This project includes a series of route improvements to key roads in south east Scotland, although the precise nature and location of the proposed improvements remain unclear at this stage. It is predicted that the most significant effects of the project are likely to be on the landscape, given the quality of the landscape context of some sections of these routes. Further assessment would be required at a more detailed stage in the process to mitigate these effects as far as possible.
2.38 Potentially more minor effects on biodiversity (the routes cross the River Tweed SAC), population and health (as a result of the construction phase), water, soils, and cultural heritage would also require additional assessment and mitigation at the scheme design stage.
2.39 The development could result in a minor increase in CO 2 emissions, but the extent of any changes will depend on the nature of the interventions and their individual and combined effect on traffic flows and travel demand.
10. Improved Rail Connectivity in the West of Scotland
2.40 This project may involve linking Glasgow Central and Queen Street Stations, although the precise means of achieving this remains open to debate. The project is not currently expected to result in any significant adverse environmental effects, but could lead to significant positive effects in terms of its contribution to providing sustainable infrastructure to serve long-term patterns of settlement development. Significant positive effects may also arise as a result of the modal shift that the project supports, and its implications for reducing CO 2 emissions in the long term.
2.41 Further environmental assessment will be required at a more detailed level, to identify and mitigate potential minor effects on water, soil and cultural heritage. A more comprehensive appraisal of specific alternatives for the project will be undertaken at an appropriate stage in the process.
11. Edinburgh - Glasgow Rail Improvements Programme
2.42 Electrification of the rail line between Glasgow and Edinburgh could result in significant positive effects by achieving a modal shift from road to rail, thereby reducing CO 2 emissions. The project would also contribute to the sustainable economic development of the Central Belt as a whole. Further assessment at a more detailed level will be required to explore the landscape and visual impacts of new infrastructure and effects on soils and cultural heritage, and to mitigate these effects as far as possible.
12. High Speed Rail Links to London
2.43 Establishing high speed rail links between Scotland and the south of England could involve general upgrading of the existing rail infrastructure and construction of new sections of track. The assessment is based on the current assumption that improvements would cover both the East and West Coast Main Line. There is potential for this development to result in significant adverse effects on biodiversity, given the length of the line, possible requirements for additional land take, and increased disturbance and severance of habitat networks at a strategic scale. Given the potential extent of the development and the nature of the operations involved, there may also be significant adverse effects on the water and soil environments, landscape and cultural heritage. The latter is of significance given the particular value of railway heritage.
2.44 The development could, however, lead to a significant improvement in the availability of sustainable transport infrastructure, which supports development and investment into the long term. By providing a more sustainable alternative to road and short-haul air transport options, the development may also achieve substantial reductions in CO 2 emissions.
2.45 Further environmental assessment would be required at a more detailed level, with a particular focus on addressing the significant effects noted above in a coherent way. In addition, further consideration of health and social effects during the construction phase is required, to resolve issues arising for relevant communities as well as existing users of the system.
2.46 No further assessment of specific project alternatives has been undertaken at this stage.
13. Rail Links within Aberdeen
2.47 This project aims to reduce road congestion in the centre of Aberdeen by upgrading and improving rail links between communities in the north and south of the city. No adverse effects are expected from the development, although there remains considerable uncertainty in the absence of detailed specifications for the project. The development could, however, generate significant positive effects by proactively providing more sustainable transport options and improved infrastructure that supports the long-term development of the area.
2.48 Further environmental assessment and consideration of specific alternatives would be required at a more detailed level.
14. Rail Service Enhancements between Aberdeen and Inverness
2.49 Previous work exploring options for improving rail services between these cities has identified positive effects in terms of providing a sustainable transport infrastructure improvement (making best use of existing infrastructure), and for communities as a result of secondary impacts including improved air quality through reduced road congestion, better access to community facilities and employment, and reduced accident rates. Effects on water, soils and cultural heritage remain uncertain at this stage, with the latter being potentially significant as a result of the existence of a number of protected and unprotected historic sites in the vicinity of the railway line.
2.50 Further environmental assessment will be required to clarify the unknown effects identified above, and to explore possible adverse effects on biodiversity in more detail, given that minor effects are currently predicted.
15. Rail Service Enhancements on the Highland Mainline to Inverness
2.51 Focusing on the Highland Rail Line between Perth and Inverness, this development would involve journey time and service frequency improvements to provide hourly departures, as well as some new track and rail loops.
2.52 The development has the potential to make a significant positive contribution to quality of life, as a result of improved access to services, and increased opportunities for more sustainable commuting. However, given that it passes through the Cairngorms National Park, three National Scenic Areas and other locally important landscape areas, there is potential for significant adverse landscape and visual effects to arise from new infrastructure.
2.53 These effects require further consideration at a more detailed level of environmental assessment. In addition, potentially minor adverse effects on biodiversity (the line is close to several Natura 2000 sites), water and cultural heritage also require further assessment and mitigation at the scheme-design stage.
16. Borders Rail Link / Waverley Line and Extension to Carlisle
2.54 The assessment of this development focuses on the potential extension of the Waverley Line in the long term from Tweedbank to Hawick and beyond to Carlisle. Potentially adverse effects on the water environment may arise from this development, due to the likely requirement for engineering solutions which could adverse affect the morphology or quality of a number of watercourses. Several of these watercourses (including the River Tweed) are also protected as a result of their ecological value, and as a result there may be significant adverse impacts on biodiversity, combined with potentially more direct effects on other areas of ecological value. The historic environment may be adversely affected by the development, owing to the number of protected sites in the general vicinity of the project, and this could be compounded by further effects on non-designated and currently unknown archaeological remains in the area.
2.55 However, the development has the potential to result in positive effects on population, by improving community access to services, education and employment and stimulating investment and the development of key sectors including tourism. Effects may be particularly significant given the largely rural nature of the population which could be serviced by the line, and the relative peripherality of much of the area through which it would extend. The development would provide sustainable infrastructure that meets long-term needs for development and investment and may result in a significant decrease in CO 2 emissions, given the current reliance on the car in the area. Finally, adverse effects on landscape are also predicted, given that parts of the existing rail infrastructure are covered in vegetation at the moment, and that it is not currently in use.
2.56 There is a need for further assessment of the proposal, possibly including an Appropriate Assessment, to define and mitigate these potentially significant adverse environmental effects as far as possible. This should also explore currently uncertain or minor effects, including on soils and population during the construction phase. Noise issues require more detailed modelling, given the likely sensitivity of the current baseline environment. More detailed options and alternatives for the development also require further consideration.
17. Edinburgh Tram
2.57 This proposed National Development focuses on the extension of the Edinburgh Tram / LRT to service South East Edinburgh. The only significant adverse effects currently expected relate to the historic environment. In particular, the international value of the Edinburgh townscape requires a sensitive solution to be defined at a more detailed level of planning and assessment, which takes into account cumulative effects on the broader townscape as well as focusing on impacts on specific protected sites and buildings. However, it is important to recognise that the tram would make use of existing road infrastructure, with minimal physical alterations or additions being required.
2.58 Otherwise, largely positive local and regional effects are expected from the development, given its potential to provide sustainable transport infrastructure, improve community accessibility, and reduce car use within the city centre. The latter effect may also generate positive secondary effects by helping to improve air quality, reduce noise, and address existing traffic congestion, with tertiary effects on population and health.
18. National Long Distance Trails Network
2.59 No significant environmental effects are currently expected from this development, given its positive contribution to the realisation of a wide range of environmental objectives, and the scope for scheme-level mitigation to avoid adverse effects arising from damage or disturbance as a result of improved access to sensitive areas.
19. Rail Service Enhancements between Aberdeen and the Central Belt
2.60 This involves investment in the railway line between Aberdeen and the Central Belt, to improve journey times. Current infrastructure constraints would be addressed through physical interventions and service improvements. Negative effects are expected for biodiversity, given that a key area where physical intervention is required is at Montrose, where there are extensive international and national ecological designations. In addition, cultural heritage may be adversely affected, and this may be a significant issue given the extent of protected, and further unknown, heritage sites in the vicinity of the rail line.
2.61 However, positive effects are predicted for the population as a result of improved access and associated connectivity of investment and services. The development would also constitute a substantial improvement in sustainable transport infrastructure, that could help to meet long-term development and investment aspirations.
2.62 An Appropriate Assessment of the development is likely to be required, with a particular focus on works to be undertaken at Montrose. Further environmental assessment would also be required to define and mitigate the potentially significant adverse effects identified above, as well as more minor adverse effects on water, soil and landscape.
20. Further Electrification of the Strategic Rail Network
2.63 This project aims significantly to increase the efficiency of the rail network and support improved internal and external connectivity. The assessment has focused on the possible effects of targeted upgrades. The development could facilitate a substantial improvement in rail connectivity when considered from a national perspective. The reduction of CO 2 emissions which could arise from the modal shift and elimination of diesel traction that the development would support is likely to be significant, but will be dependent on the level of shift achieved and other factors including the source of the electricity used to power the lines.
2.64 Further environmental assessment would be required as more detailed proposals emerge, and there would be a particular need to identify and mitigate potential adverse effects on landscape and cultural heritage.
21. Far North Rail Line Improvements
2.65 This project would involve improvements to the Far North Rail Line, taking the form of either minimal intervention (introduction of a supplementary express bus service) or major change, including new track construction and a possible new crossing over the Dornoch Firth. The latter option has the potential to generate adverse environmental effects, including on biodiversity as there are a number of designated sites in the vicinity, and on water and soil, given the high organic content of soils in the area and the potential for additional land take for new rail construction. Adverse effects on landscape are predicted as a result of the high quality environment within which possible physical interventions would be made. There are also implications for the historic environment arising from major change and infrastructure upgrading.
2.66 Communities along the route could derive benefits, including improved access to facilities and reduced journey time to Inverness, a key employment and service centre. The development would also represent a substantial improvement in sustainable transport infrastructure.
2.67 Whilst the first option for improving the route presents relatively few environmental or planning issues, more substantial upgrading would require considerable further assessment and mitigation to address the negative effects identified above. Further environmental assessment and potentially an Appropriate Assessment would be required if the more ambitious second option were to be actively pursued.
22. Upgrade Edinburgh Haymarket Public Transport Interchange
2.68 While it is recognised that long-term improvements to Waverley are proposed that would build on recent upgrades, the Haymarket public transport interchange has formed a more immediate focus for this assessment. This could have adverse effects on cultural heritage, given the particular value and sensitivity of the townscape within which the development would take place.
2.69 Positive effects may be achieved for the local community, directly as a result of improved public transport accessibility, and indirectly due to the potential for the project to contribute to a decrease in traffic in the centre of Edinburgh where there are existing noise, congestion and air quality issues. Reductions in CO 2 emissions may also be achieved, and a decrease in other air pollutants that are currently causing localised air quality problems.
2.70 Further assessment of the proposals is already being undertaken. As identified within this process, more detailed design and specifications for the project should mitigate the effects noted above, and potential minor adverse effects on biodiversity (unknown protected species) and the water environment, including existing sewage and drainage infrastructure. The ongoing design process should lead to an appropriate design solution which maximises the amenity benefits of the scheme and adequately addresses the potentially significant impacts on the historic environment discussed above, as well as more minor effects. Detailed scheme alternatives have been explored at the local level.
23. Rail Service Enhancements between Glasgow and Inverclyde/Ayrshire
2.71 Taking the form of the reopening of an existing railway to facilitate capacity and service improvements, this development has the potential to result in positive effects by providing sustainable transport infrastructure that meets long-term development and regeneration objectives. Meaningful reductions in CO 2 emissions may also be achieved as a result of the contribution of the project to securing a modal shift from road to rail. Further assessment of the proposals will be required as the options for the project become clearer.
24. Reducing Conflict between Local and Strategic Traffic in Dundee
2.72 The assessment has taken into account the potential intervention of delivering road improvements around Dundee, specifically construction of a new Northern Bypass. This project could play a role in addressing existing air quality issues in the city centre, thereby generating significant positive effects, but is likely to increase transport borne greenhouse gas emissions overall.
2.73 There is also, however, potential for adverse effects on landscape and cultural heritage, given the value, sensitivity and character of the baseline environment to the north of Dundee. The development may not constitute an attractive option in environmental terms, as it would involve substantial new construction as opposed to possible improvement of existing road infrastructure.
2.74 Further assessment of the environmental effects of the development would be required, with a particular focus on defining and mitigating the significant negative effects noted above. In addition, more localised issues including effects on biodiversity, impacts on the population particularly arising from construction, and uncertainties around effects on water and soil, would also need to be examined in more detail at the scheme-design level.
25. A90 Aberdeen to Dundee
2.75 This proposal focuses on the A90 with a view to improving connectivity between Aberdeen and Dundee. Although it may comprise a series of targeted improvements, the precise nature and location of the interventions is not known at this stage. However, given the baseline environment which provides the setting for the route, there is potential for a range of adverse environmental effects, including on biodiversity (possibly affecting internationally and nationally protected sites), energy consumption and associated emissions, water, soils, the historic built environment and landscape.
2.76 Given the uncertainty at this level, these findings should be considered with caution. There is a clear need for further environmental assessment as more detailed proposals emerge.
26. Grangemouth Freight Hub
2.77 Improvements to Grangemouth port and the road and rail infrastructure to support its role as a container port and freight distribution centre could result in adverse effects on air quality. The area is already designated as an Air Quality Management Area ( AQMA) as a result of high concentrations of SO 2, and this could be exacerbated by an increase in shipping activity. Shipping is considered a relatively sustainable freight transport option which could make a significant contribution to reducing more polluting forms of freight transport. However, the sector's overall contribution to international greenhouse gas emissions is significant, and so further negative effects may result from the development in relation to international climate change mitigation targets. The overall balance which is struck will depend on the more detailed nature of the operational activities undertaken, and the mode of transport which is displaced by the new shipping facility. The ecological sensitivity of this area must also be recognised, with potential for the project to result in cumulative adverse effects on internationally and nationally protected sites.
2.78 No other significant effects are anticipated, although there may be a need for further environmental assessment and scheme-level mitigation to minimise localised effects on biodiversity, water quality, an the historic environment. An Appropriate Assessment of the development may be required. Scheme-specific options have not been explored as part of this assessment.
27. Rosyth International Container Terminal
2.79 No significant adverse environmental effects are currently predicted from this development, although the implications of increased greenhouse gas emissions from a growth in freight shipping were raised as an issue in the assessment.
2.80 There will be a need for further environmental assessment and scheme-level mitigation to minimise localised effects on biodiversity, water quality, and the historic environment. Effects on biodiversity may be significant, particularly given the potential cumulative impacts from a number of developments proposed for the Firth of Forth. These should be investigated further and it is likely that the development will require an Appropriate Assessment. Scheme-specific alternatives have not been explored as part of this assessment.
28. Scapa Flow International Container Transhipment Facility
2.81 Development of an international container transhipment facility in Scapa Flow has the potential to result in significant adverse effects on biodiversity, partly due to the proximity of a number of internationally protected sites to the proposed development, and the particular sensitivity of the marine environment in this area
2.82 Although no further significant adverse environmental effects are predicted, extensive mitigation may be required at the project level, given the sensitivity of the marine and coastal environment, the cultural heritage value of the area, and the potential for increased shipping activity to contribute to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Further environmental assessment will be required to ensure that necessary measures are fully defined. An Appropriate Assessment at the project level is likely to be required. Scheme-specific alternatives have not been explored as part of this assessment.
29. Hunterston Transhipment Facility and Clean Coal Power Station
2.83 The development of a international transhipment hub and clean coal power station at Hunterston is likely to result in significant adverse effects on a nationally protected biodiversity site, given the sensitivity of the area and its value for aggregations of wildfowl. Other potentially significant negative effects include emissions arising from shipping, which have the potential to be significant over the long term, depending on the level of freight movements involved. The health and atmospheric effects of the clean coal element of the development remain unclear, and would require further exploration and mitigation at the project level and the application of appropriate consenting regimes to mitigate potential effects.
2.84 Although no further significant adverse environmental effects are predicted, further assessment and environment mitigation will be required at the project level, given the issues raised above, the more general sensitivity of the water and coastal environment to shipping activity, the landscape character of the location and the potential implications of fossil fuel based power generation. Scheme-specific alternatives have not been explored as part of this assessment.
30. Loch Ryan Gateway Port
2.85 No significant adverse environmental effects are predicted as a result of the proposed development. Although shipping can generate greenhouse gas emissions, the improved facilities should reduce the length of the crossing and would help to promote the route as a more sustainable alternative to more polluting options, specifically short haul flights. However, the sensitivity of the local area to the development on the basis of the condition and value of its biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and landscape require further consideration and mitigation at the project level.
2.86 Further environmental assessment will be required to ensure these measures are fully defined. Scheme specific alternatives have not been explored as part of this assessment.
31. Peterhead Deep Water Port
2.87 The expansion of port facilities at Peterhead Harbour to accommodate deep water access and associated shipping activity is not currently expected to have any significant adverse environmental effects. The development raises potential water quality issues, and may generate an increase in greenhouse gas emissions overall. There may also be local issues associated with impacts on the historic environment, as a result of the concentration of historic sites in and around the harbour area.
2.88 Further environmental assessment at the scheme level will be required to mitigate potential effects on water quality and cultural heritage. In addition, the negative impact of shipping on greenhouse gas emissions should be taken into account and mitigated as far as possible.
32. Sullom Voe Oil Transfer Facility
2.89 The expansion of oil transfer facilities at Sullom Voe could generate significant adverse effects on biodiversity and water, given the sensitivity of the receiving environment, including the proximity of internationally and nationally protected sites, and the contribution that an increase in this type of activity would make to increased levels of risk to the marine environment.
2.90 In terms of mitigation, appropriate consent regimes would be applied to minimise the risks arising from oil transfer in this sensitive location, although it is unlikely that these risks could be wholly eliminated. Further environmental assessment at the project level would be required to mitigate as far as possible more localised potential effects, for example on the historic environment. The potential contribution of the development to increased greenhouse gas emissions from shipping activity should also be taken into account and minimised as far as possible. An Appropriate Assessment of the development would be required at the more detailed level.
33. Port of Dundee
2.91 Further expansion of the Port of Dundee is not currently expected to generate any significant adverse environmental effects. However, environmental assessment at the project level is required to ensure that more minor potential effects on biodiversity (particularly the Firth of Tay SPA), and the historic environment are avoided or mitigated as far as possible.
34. Sub-sea super grid
2.92 The laying of an offshore electricity transmission cable is likely to generate a range of significant environmental effects, given the scale of the development and the sensitivity of the receiving environment. There is potential for significant adverse effects on marine and coastal habitats and species including proposed offshore Natura sites and several existing protected sites with marine elements. Significant negative effects on the water environment more generally are also predicted.
2.93 However, significant positive effects are also expected, reflecting the potential for the project to unlock extensive renewable energy opportunities which may be of international significance. Significant positive effects on reducing greenhouse gas emissions are therefore currently predicted overall.
2.94 Less significant adverse environmental impacts are predicted for soils (seabed disturbance and erosion), underwater archaeology and coastal landscapes and seascapes, which should be mitigated at both the strategic and project level.
2.95 There will be a need for additional environmental assessment of the proposal, including consideration of the environmental effects of alternative alignments, coastal connections and transmission technology. This would be achieved through an SEA of the proposed development. An Appropriate Assessment is likely to be required, depending on the location and potential impacts of the specific proposals.
35. Grid Reinforcements to Support Renewable Energy Development
2.96 Reinforcement of the on and offshore electricity transmission network is likely to generate significant adverse environmental effects, given the scale of the developments and the inherent sensitivity of many areas to this type of development. Significant adverse effects are predicted for biodiversity, flora and fauna, with overhead lines, underground cables and associated components such as substations having the potential to directly and indirectly damage or result in the loss of habitats and species, including many of those which are nationally protected and designated at the international level. There is considerable uncertainty around the effects of this type of development on health and community wellbeing. Significant negative effects on water are predicted, as a result of the cumulative, direct and indirect implications of the development for ground and surface water bodies. The development may have significant adverse effects on the historic environment, with issues ranging from alteration of the setting of protected sites, buildings and remains, to more direct loss of known and unknown archaeological resources. Finally, there is potential for significant adverse visual and landscape effects as a result of the development, with significance being dependent on the route and nature of the constituent projects, and the sensitivity of the environments in which they are located.
2.97 However, it is also important to note that significant positive effects are predicted in relation to the SEA objective of sustainable development and infrastructure provision, recognising the potential of the project to unlock extensive renewable energy opportunities. Significant positive effects on reducing greenhouse gas emissions are also predicted, although this may also be reduced to an extent by some of the potential negative secondary effects of this type of development (i.e. disturbance of peatland by onshore wind farm developments).
2.98 Further exploration of strategic alternatives is recommended. In addition, all of the components will require detailed environmental assessment and scheme-level mitigation to avoid or minimise the negative environmental effects set out above, as well as more minor effects at the local level (e.g. soils). An Appropriate Assessment is likely to be required, depending on the location and potential impacts of the specific proposals.
36. New non-nuclear baseload capacity at existing power station sites
2.99 This would involve new baseload electricity generating capacity and associated infrastructure at a number of existing power station sites to be delivered over the long term as current facilities reach the end of their life. There is potential for these developments to result in significant adverse effects on biodiversity, given their scale and likely construction and operational requirements, and their proximity to protected biodiversity sites. These developments may also have direct negative effects on water, soils, cultural heritage and landscape. Secondary effects may also arise from the sourcing and transportation of coal and other minerals used in the operation of such facilities. All of these effects will require further consideration at the project level.
2.100 Effects on climate change related objectives remain uncertain at this stage. Whilst clean coal technology combined with carbon sequestration has the potential to provide a more sustainable option than the existing coal fired power stations, actual benefits will be dependent on further technological development and in particular the effective deployment of carbon sequestration measures. However, new baseload generating capacity in this form could contribute positively to the aim of diversifying energy supplies.
37. Outer Hebrides National Energy Zone
2.101 The aspiration to create a national energy zone in the Outer Hebrides could have potentially significant adverse effects on biodiversity, given the sensitivity and international and national value of the large number of sites and protected species on the islands. Potentially significant adverse secondary effects on soils are also predicted as a result of the high organic content of soils in the Outer Hebrides. This could generate further synergistically adverse effects when the role of these areas as carbon reservoirs is taken into account. Negative effects on landscape are predicted also to be significant, due to the value and sensitivity of the area to this type of development, and the status of a large part of the Outer Hebrides as a National Scenic Area.
2.102 However, the project should also contribute positively to climate change mitigation and this should ultimately lead to more positive environmental effects (e.g. on biodiversity) in the long term. Significant positive effects are also predicted from the contribution of the project to providing sustainable infrastructure and securing an increased contribution from the renewable energy sector. Positive and negative effects on the local population are also expected, ranging from short-term adverse effects during construction, to long-term positive effects arising from employment generated by the renewables sector.
2.103 Further environmental assessment of the constituent projects that together make up this Candidate National Development will be required to mitigate the potentially significant adverse effects identified above, and other more minor effects on the water environment and cultural heritage.
38. Stornoway West Harbour Energy Portal
2.104 The proposed development of the harbour area would accommodate a range of connections including: the proposed sub-sea connection to the national grid and a fibre optic cable. It would also allow for increased shipping of oil, gas and other bulk goods. The development encompasses the Arnish fabrication yard, stimulating a cluster of activity around the energy and renewables sectors. No significant adverse effects are currently expected from the development, although further environmental assessment would be required to mitigate potential localised adverse effects on the water environment, cultural heritage and landscape. The limited nature of the predicted effects at this level reflects the relatively small scale of this development as compared to the previous proposal.
39. Hunterston - Carradale Subsea Cable
2.105 The installation of a subsea cable connection at this location could generate significant positive effects by contributing to an overall reduction in emissions from the energy sector. However, several more minor adverse environmental effects are predicted, including on marine biodiversity, water quality, the historic environment, and possible secondary effects on landscape. Many of these effects are expected to be minor as they are temporary in nature, arising mainly during the installation phase. It is proposed that these can be mitigated through appropriate scheme design, installation techniques and the application of existing regulatory mechanisms. Further environmental assessment would be required at the project level.
40. Nigg Complex
2.106 The redevelopment of the Nigg Fabrication Yard to provide a multi-use facility and deliver economic development is predicted to have potentially significant implications for biodiversity, given the sensitivity of the Cromarty Firth and the nearby Moray Firth, and a number of other internationally and nationally protected sites in the vicinity of the development. The project would, however, provide significant positive environmental effects by redeveloping an extensive brownfield site and contributing to targets and economic development aspirations associated with the renewable energy sector.
2.107 Further environmental assessment would be required at the project level, including potentially an Appropriate Assessment, to define and fully mitigate effects on the relevant Natura sites. More minor effects should also be addressed within site-level mitigation of potential effects on water including the Cromarty Firth itself, soils (possibly arising from mobilisation of contaminants during remediation) and cultural heritage, as the settings several protected sites close to the development could be adversely affected. Scheme-specific alternatives for this project have not been identified or assessed at this stage.
41. Peterhead Carbon Sequestration
2.108 Some aspects of this development, which would take place adjacent to the existing Peterhead Power Station, have the potential to generate significant adverse effects on marine biodiversity, although the likelihood of this remains uncertain, given the untested nature of the technology and operations involved. There are also uncertainties around the potential safety implications of the development on which further information is required before the impacts of the development can be fully understood. However, significant negative effects on the water environment, specifically marine areas, are predicted given the implications of problems such as leakage over the long term. Potentially significant positive effects are predicted from the development in terms of reduced emissions from the energy sector, although these remain uncertain and are likely to be offset by the role of the project in possibly accommodating clean coal energy generation and securing further oil production, which will ultimately result in emissions.
2.109 Further environmental assessment of the project would be required to address these issues, and to secure mitigation of potentially more minor adverse effects, including those on the historic environment and landscape. Scheme-specific alternatives for this project have not been identified or assessed at this stage.
42. Westfield Energy Development Centre
2.110 No significant adverse environmental effects are predicted as a result of the proposed development of an energy development centre at Westfield in Fife. Minor positive effects are expected as a result of the contribution of the development to the renewable energy sector and sustainable waste management.
2.111 Further environmental assessment will be required at the project level to ensure that more minor potential secondary effects on biodiversity, quality of life from construction and operational activities, cultural heritage and landscape are mitigated as far as possible.
43. Fife Energy Park, Methil
2.112 The redevelopment of the Methil Docks area to provide an energy park is expected to have significant positive effects as a result of the opportunity it provides to establish a sustainable use for a currently derelict site. Minor positive effects are expected as a result of the development's contribution to the renewable energy sector. No significant or minor negative effects are predicted as a result of the proposals, although there will be a need for careful management of impacts on the historic environment, given the industrial heritage significance of the area.
44. Energetics Cluster on the Ardeer Peninsula
2.113 The redevelopment of the Ardeer Peninsula raises a number of environmental issues. There is potential for minor negative effects from the development on biodiversity and air quality, as a result of increased transport movements which may arise. The process of remediating contaminated land will require careful management to avoid negative secondary effects on health, soils and the water environment. Further environmental assessment will be required to achieve this, and to mitigate possible effects on the historic environment and landscape. Significant positive effects on quality of life are also predicted, as a result of the scope the project provides to deliver environmental improvements and economic development opportunities, and part of the long-term benefit of the project lies in the opportunity it offers to sustainably reuse brownfield land.
45. Glasgow Strategic Drainage Plan
2.114 This proposed national development involves upgrading and replacing drainage infrastructure, together with associated catchment management and flood risk reduction measures. Significant positive effects are predicted for biodiversity, as a result of measures such as SUDS and wetland creation, although these will require careful consideration at a project level, given that the development could have implications for sites including the Inner Clyde SPA. The development is expected to have significant positive effects by contributing to quality of life for communities suffering from particularly high levels of deprivation, and delivering sustainable infrastructure which supports development and regeneration into the long term. The water environment is also expected to benefit significantly from the project.
2.115 Further project design and associated environmental assessment should mitigate any minor adverse effects on archaeology and the wider historic environment.
46. Commonwealth Games Facilities and Infrastructure
2.116 The provision of a range of facilities for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is predicted to have significant positive effects on health, by delivering environmental improvements in areas with high levels of deprivation and by providing opportunities to stimulate increased levels of physical activity. In addition, more generally positive effects are expected to arise for quality of life and the development will provide infrastructure and green network improvements that support sustainable settlement development into the long term. Significant positive effects will arise as a result of the opportunities the projects provide to deliver a sustainable use for currently vacant and derelict land. Effects on biodiversity and cultural heritage may be more mixed, with potential for significant positive effects, but also some localised effects that will require mitigation at the project level, including effects on the setting and character of listed buildings which will be used and altered to accommodate the events.
2.117 Further environmental assessment of the projects is planned to explore potential environmental effects and the scope for mitigation and enhancement in more detail. There is an aspiration to ensure that the Games facilities operate on a carbon neutral basis, and for sustainable waste management to be achieved.
47. Central Scotland Green Network
2.118 The Central Scotland Green Network was included as a key concept within the Discussion Draft NPF, and work has continued to develop this into a practical plan of action. This initiative should generate a number of significant positive effects, including for biodiversity, by assisting with the development of a national ecological network, as well as providing local level protection and enhancement. Significant positive effects on health and quality of life should also be delivered, as a result of the extent of proposed environmental improvements, and the application of good practice in green network development that adds value by stimulating improved physical and mental health, supports education, training and delivers employment and investment.
2.119 The Green Network would also provide sustainable green infrastructure into the long term, with potential synergies arising as a result of links with other types of infrastructure, for example improvements focusing on strategic transport routes. The project would improve perceptions of environmental quality in the Central Belt, directly and indirectly contributing to wider aspirations for regeneration and reuse of brownfield land. Significant benefits for landscape are also predicted, partly due to the emphasis on restoring degraded landscapes. Any potential minor negative effects, such as conflicts between woodland expansion and some habitats or landscapes, are expected to be wholly mitigated through project-level planning, given that overall environmental quality would be the driver of the project. Further environmental assessment would form an integral and natural part of the project as it evolves and is delivered on the ground.
48. Development of the Canal Network (Lomond Canal)
2.120 The construction of a new canal link to connect Loch Lomond with the Clyde has the potential to result in significant negative effects on biodiversity, given the internationally protected status of the two waterbodies which would be joined, and increased risks arising from a substantial growth in navigation in the area. However, significant positive effects are predicted for quality of life, given that the development would contribute to economic development, environmental improvements and tourism within an area with existing high levels of social deprivation.
2.121 Further environmental assessment will be required to ensure the above biodiversity impacts are mitigated, and to address more minor negative impacts including water pollution, soil disturbance and compaction arising from requirements for excavation, and possible adverse effects on the historic environment and landscape. Significant positive effects for cultural heritage may also arise, subject to mitigation of localised effects, and broader positive use and interpretation of the area's industrial heritage and valuable sites and buildings.
49. National Network of Waste Facilities
2.122 Based on consideration of the generic health and environmental effects of waste facilities, the development of a national network of waste facilities, including additional targeted landfill capacity and energy from waste facilities (in undefined locations) has the potential to generate significant adverse effects (or minor benefits) for biodiversity, depending on the methods deployed and locations selected. For some communities, there is potential for significant adverse effects arising from impacts on amenity, as a result of construction and operational activities, and issues such as odour, visual effects and secondary effects from transport movements, although benefits would also be derived from improved infrastructure provision and potential for employment generation.
2.123 Effects may arise as a result of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by some types of waste management facility, including landfill and incineration, although the significance of these effects cannot be accurately assessed without further information on the balance which is struck between methods of waste management with different levels of impact. Potential minor negative effects on soils, the water environment, cultural heritage and landscape would require mitigation at the project level. Overall, the proposed development is expected to provide significant positive effects by ensuring a strategically driven approach to sustainable waste management in line with national targets and capacity driven requirements.
2.124 Further environmental assessment of these projects is already being delivered through the requirements for SEA of area waste plans, and this would be taken further by project-level Environmental Impact Assessment, together with the application of appropriate consenting regimes. As a result, it is expected that the uncertainties and potential negative effects identified above could be mitigated on an area-wide and case-by-case basis, with the projects leading to residual positive effects in relation to sustainable waste management requirements.
50. Coastal protection -Firth of Forth
2.125 The development of strategic-level coastal protection measures in the Firth of Forth has the potential to result in significant adverse effects on biodiversity, given the particular sensitivity of the area and its national and international protected status, although the precise effects remain uncertain in the absence of detailed specifications for the project. The project has the potential, however, to also deliver significant positive environmental effects by securing the delivery of sustainable infrastructure that would be robust in relation to long-term climate change impacts and offering opportunities to create new wetland habitats through managed coastal retreat. Further environmental assessment (including an Appropriate Assessment) would be required to address the biodiversity issues raised above, as well as possible negative effects on soils, the historic environment and landscape. The extent and significance of these effects cannot be fully identified at this stage in the process, given the lack of certainty about the nature and location of the proposals.
51. The Energetica Corridor
2.126 The development of an energy-related lifestyle corridor between Aberdeen and Peterhead has the potential to generate significant positive effects for quality of life, sustainable infrastructure development and settlement patterns, and renewable energy. The assessment, which considers the implications of the project as a holistic concept, as opposed to focusing on the effects of its proposed constituent projects, concluded that further negative localised environmental effects would require additional environmental assessment and mitigation at the project level. Any such assessment should take into account the international and national biodiversity sites that are protected in and around the area, possible adverse effects on health and quality of life during construction, the possibility of negative effects on greenhouse gas emission targets from increased travel distances, and effects on water, soils and cultural heritage. The masterplanning process for the development is already exploring scope for environmental enhancement that has the potential to deliver benefits for a range of environmental receptors, including landscape. This process should consider the relative effects of project alternatives at the more detailed level.
52. Edinburgh BioQuarter
2.127 The development of the Edinburgh BioQuarter, including the provision of additional infrastructure required to service the site, has the potential to result in positive effects on the health and quality of life of some members of the community, as well as more minor negative effects for others arising during the construction process. Further environmental assessment of the project would be required to address issues including potential negative effects on biodiversity and green networks, the potential for increased greenhouse gas emissions depending on the levels of traffic that would be generated and modes of transport used to service the area, and issues arising for water, soils (soil sealing) and the historic environment.
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