A9 Dualling. Perth to Inverness. Yvette Sheppard Environmental Manager, Transport Scotland

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1 A9 Dualling Perth to Inverness Yvette Sheppard Environmental Manager, Transport Scotland

2 Background In 2008, the Scottish Government s Strategic Transport Project Review set out the future investment programme for transport in Scotland over the next 20 years. This included the upgrade of the A9 to dual carriageway between Perth and Inverness. December 2011, the Scottish Government s Infrastructure and Investment Plan commits to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness by March 2012, strategic work to progress the A9 Dualling Programme commences

3 A9 Dualling Objectives To improve the operational performance of the A9 by: Reducing journey times Improving journey time reliability To improve safety for motorised and non-motorised users by: Reducing accident severity Reducing driver stress To facilitate active travel within the corridor To improve integration with Public Transport Facilities

4 A9 Dualling Challenges Engineering rock cuttings new bridges and major bridge widening public utilities proximity of the Highland Mainline Railway Local Communities improving accessibility providing facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians improving links to public transport facilities minimising impacts of construction Traffic and Road Safety addressing accident clusters improving lay-by provision minimising impacts of construction Business & Tourism economic growth improved access to tourist and recreation sites including the Cairngorms National Park improved business connectivity Environmental SAC, SPA, Ramsar sites Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Cairngorms National Park National Scenic Areas (NSA) Scheduled Monuments Flooding Preliminary Engineering Services Outline Business Case Strategic Environmental Assessment

5 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) route-wide mapping of A9 environmental constraints identify potential significant environmental effects and propose mitigation identify opportunities for enhancement and propose recommendations identify requirements for further specific strategic studies develop principles for use in later design and assessment stages high-level Habitats Regulations screening

6 Strategic Environmental Assessment Preliminary Engineering Assessment Landscape Character Review Habitats Regulations Appraisal Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Route Corridor Options Review Engineering, Environment & Transportation/Economics 200m wide on-line corridor Environmental Principles Environmental Design Guide

7 Applying HRA at a strategic programme level: the A9 dualling approach

8 Overview Target Time Topic Lead 0-20 Introduction to the A9 Dualling Programme & the strategic approach to Habitats Regulations Appraisal Yvette Sheppard Transport Scotland John Fox CH2MHill Scenario 1 Alternative corridor options testing River Tay SAC and Shingle Islands SAC Scenario 2 Pinch point en-route Drumochter Hills and River Truim (River Spey SAC) Scenario 3 Multiple designations on same site River Spey-Insh Marshes (SAC/ SPA/ Ramsar) John Fox CH2MHill Darren Hemsley SNH Scenario 4 Ecological connectivity issues Capercaillie

9 A9 route (~110 miles) 7 dualled sections (~30 miles) 12 dualling projects (~80 miles) 200m online corridor 3 design contracts 1 overarching programme 2025 completion 31 Natura sites considered 107 qualifying interest features

10 Development Planning & HRA Source: SG Advice Note Aligning Development Planning procedures with Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) requirements

11 Road Projects HRA Typical DMRB Process DMRB Stage 1 Broad Corridor Options Assessment DMRB Stage 2 Alternative Route Options Assessment DMRB Stage 3 Preferred Alignment Design, EIA & Information to inform Appropriate Assessment (IIAA) Outcome: Preferred Corridor Outcome: Preferred Route Outcome: Detailed Design & Environmental Statement with no AESI A9 Route-wide Strategic Studies SEA, PES, SFRA, HRA A9 Dualling Programme Process 12x A9 Projects Comparative Options Re-Screen HRA Each project Detailed design, EIA, AA Iterative mitigation to avoid AESI Outcome: Outcome: Outcome: 200m wide online corridor No AESI at the Programme level Preferred alignment and sites for next stage Appropriate Assessment where LSE No AESI & no IROPI required Environmental Statement Contractual mitigation & monitoring schedules

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15 International sites agreed with SNH International designations/ sites Distance from A9 (km) 1. Abernethy Forest SPA Anagach Wood SPA* Beinn a' Ghlo SAC & 5. Cairngorms SAC and SPA Cairngorms Lochs Ramsar* Cairngorms Massif SPA Carn nan Tri-tighearnan SAC Craigmore Wood SPA* & 11. Drumochter Hills SAC and SPA Dunkeld-Blairgowrie Lochs SAC Firth of Tay & Eden Estuary SAC, SPA and Ramsar* Forest of Clunie SPA & 18. Inner Moray Firth SPA and Ramsar* Insh Marshes SAC 0 20 & 21. Kinveachy Forest SAC and SPA Loch Vaa SPA Monadhliath SAC Moray Firth SAC* River Spey SAC 0 26 & 27. River Spey - Insh Marshes SPA and Ramsar River Tay SAC Shingle Islands SAC Slochd SAC Tulach Hill and Glen Fender Meadows SAC 0 * Potentially ecologically or hydrologically linked to sites within 5km of the A9

16 A9 Pressures Habitat loss and/ or fragmentation (associated with route widening/ crossing structures) Barrier effects to fauna (associated with a widened route/ new structures) Increased collision risk to fauna (associated with widened carriageways and potentially faster traffic) Visual, noise and vibration disturbance to fauna (considered most relevant during construction) Recreational disturbance to fauna (potential issue where laybys/ rest areas might increase recreational use of SAC/ SPA/ Ramsar habitats) Changes to water quality (considered most relevant during construction, SuDS expected to improve road discharge quality over the operational phase) Changes to hydrology (considered most relevant during construction; however, permanent change could be associated with linear infrastructure/ flood protection/ structures for crossings) Changes to air quality (considered most relevant for sensitive habitats/ species during construction; however, also relevant for emissions deposition over the operational phase) Lighting disturbance (temporary lighting during construction, and potential for permanent lighting at junctions)

17 International sites removed from further assessment following HRA Screening Ramsar sites 6. Cairngorm Lochs 15. Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary 18. Inner Moray Firth Special Protection Areas (SPA) 14. Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary 17. Inner Moray Firth Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) 3. Beinn a`ghlo 8. Carn nan Tri-Tighearnan 13. Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary 23. Monadhliath 24. Moray Firth International sites taken forward to Programme-level AA Ramsar sites 27. River Spey Insh Marshes Ramsar Special Protection Areas (SPA) 11. Drumochter Hills SPA 26. River Spey Insh Marshes SPA 1. Abernethy Forest SPA (SNH) 2. Anagach Wood SPA (SNH) 5. Cairngorms SPA (SNH) 7. Cairngorms Massif SPA (SNH) 9. Craigmore Woods SPA (SNH) 16. Forest of Clunie SPA (SNH) 21. Kinveachy Forest SPA (SNH) 22. Loch Vaa SPA (SNH) Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) 10. Drumochter Hills SAC 19. Insh Marshes SAC 25. River Spey SAC 28. River Tay SAC 31. Tulach Hill and Glen Fender Meadows SAC 4. Cairngorms SAC (SNH) 12. Dunkeld and Blairgowrie Lochs SAC (SNH) 29. Shingle Islands SAC (SNH) 30. Slochd SAC (SNH)

18 International Site: Dunkeld and Blairgowrie Lochs SAC Qualifying Habitats Conservation Objectives (Habitats) Qualifying Species Conservation Objectives (Species) Very wet mires Clear-water lakes or lochs Principal pressures on site: (Source: JNCC Natura 2000 Standard Data Forms) Qualifying Interest (QI): HRA Comment: A9 Dualling HRA Screening Identified Pressures Habitat loss and/ or fragmentation Barrier effects (terrestrial/ aquatic) Increased collision risk Disturbance: Visual/ Noise/ Vibration Disturbance: Recreational Changes to water quality Changes to hydrology Changes to air quality Changes in lighting Additional Commentary: Summary of Mitigation: Otter To avoid deterioration of the qualifying habitat(s) listed thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and To ensure for the qualifying habitat(s) that the following are maintained in the long term: Extent of the habitat on site Distribution of the habitat within site Structure and function of the habitat Processes supporting the habitat Distribution of typical species of the habitat Viability of typical species as components of the habitat No significant disturbance of typical species of the habitat Slender naiad Otter To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species listed or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: Population of the species as a viable component of the site Distribution of the species within site Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species No significant disturbance of the species Maintenance of the oligo-mesotrophic lochs and associated aquatic vegetation including slender naiad is critically dependent upon maintaining low levels of dissolved nutrients. Quaking bogs and transition mire can sustain only low levels of physical disturbance and require a high water table for their maintenance. Consideration is being given to a catchment-based approach to management. No SAC habitat in A9 corridor footprint given the distance from the A9 (over 2km) and the local topography (up-gradient from the A9), the qualifying interest habitats would not be vulnerable to any habitat loss or changes to hydrology or water quality associated with A9 dualling. Changes to air quality were considered in the HRA, which determined no LSE due to the distance of the SAC from the A9. HRA screening determined no LSE for qualifying habitats and slender naiad, SNH recommend proceeding to AA stage only for consideration of potential barrier and collision risk effects on otter A9 Delivery Phase (pressure applies to ) Constru ction Mainten ance Operati on X X X X Last assessed condition status: HRA Screening determination before avoidance and mitigation LSE (Precautionary) LSE (Precautionary) Favourable maintained HRA Screening Rationale Otters have large territories and SNH recommend precautionary LSE as A9 dualling could present potential barrier effects and/ or increased collision risk to otters moving to/ from this SAC. Between the Pass of Birnam and Dunkeld the A9 lies to the opposite side of the River Tay SAC therefore barrier effects and/ or collision risks are less likely to be significant south of the Jubilee Bridge/ Tay Crossing. North of the Jubilee Bridge/ Tay Crossing the single carriageway A9 already presents a physical barrier between this SAC and the River Tay SAC with a current dual carriageway section beginning at Ballinluig. QI category: Relevant incombination Plans None identified Annex II species present as a qualifying feature but not a primary reason for site selection Programme level AA avoidance and mitigation to avoid AESI The A9 Dualling Programme includes an overarching biodiversity principle on improving permeability through the route for mobile species, including otter. DMRB Stage 3 preferred alignment design will be informed by project level HRA and EIA, with otter surveys along the River Tay SAC, to determine recommendations on opportunities otter enhancement/ mitigation. Programme level AA therefore determines that there will be no adverse effect on the conservation objectives for the otter population of the Dunkeld & Blairgowrie Lochs SAC. AA determination after mitigation No adverse effect on site integrity Barrier Effects/ Increased Collision Risk: The A9 Dualling Programme includes an overarching biodiversity principle on improving permeability through the dualling works for mobile species, including otter. DMRB Stage 3 preferred alignment design in the vicinity of the River Tay SAC will be informed by project level HRA and EIA with SNH consultations to determine appropriate otter measures including: Otter surveys and specialist ecological advice to inform the location, scale and design details of otter mitigation/ enhancement opportunities; Incorporation of improved otter crossings in drainage solutions; Maintenance of free passage along watercourses (for otters and their fish prey species); Provision of escape routes from earthworks and trenches; Provision of mammal ledges or tunnels at bridges and culverts. Programme level AA recommends that specific consideration is given to the incorporation of otter passes, within dualling works for the single carriageway sections between the Pass of Birnam dual carriageway and the Ballinluig dual carriageway, to minimise the potential for barrier effects/ collision risks for otters travelling between the Dunkeld-Blairgowrie Lochs SAC, the River Tay SAC and beyond. Implementation of such measures through design and construction is considered sufficient to ensure no AESI for Dunkeld & Blairgowrie Lochs SAC otters. The provision of safer underpass crossings to replace at-grade crossings for non-motorised users will also help mitigate potential barrier/ collision risks for otter by providing additional opportunities to cross under the road surface. Changes considered at DMRB Stage 2: Changes considered at DMRB Stage 3:

19 Discussion Scenarios Key Issues Overview on Natura site boundaries and key issues considered HRA Outcome Balanced appraisal Delegates to discuss issues Risk based hierarchy Additional Issues Other constraint issues taken into consideration Appropriate Assessment recommended mitigation for later DMRB design stages Delegates to discuss/ determine headline recommendations

20 Scenario #1 Alternative corridor options testing River Tay SAC and Shingle Islands SAC Key Issues Online proximity to River Tay SAC Shingle Islands SAC (multiple locations within River Tay SAC boundaries) Offline option followed HML route Offline option required significant new crossing at Dalguise Additional Issues River Tay floodplain Fluvial geomorphology Ancient Woodlands HRA Outcome Balanced appraisal level of risk associated with offline option greater than online Removal of offline option and online dualling recommended Appropriate Assessment recommended mitigation for later DMRB design stages avoidance of SAC boundaries water crossings to avoid in-channel works detailed survey where not possible pollution prevention & levels of SuDS provide opportunities for otters & fish passage revisit & document HRA/ AA at each stage

21 Scenario #2 Pinch point en-route Drumochter Hills and River Truim (River Spey SAC) Key Issues Narrow corridor between Drumochter Hills SAC/ SPA designation boundaries River Spey SAC to west side (River Truim forms part of Spey SAC) Additional Issues HML & NMU constraints to west BDL pylon constraints to east Limited space for dualling Topography and ground conditions National Park HRA Outcome Balanced appraisal considered space required for widening Required demonstration that viable engineering options are available Appropriate Assessment recommended mitigation for later DMRB design stages avoidance of SAC boundaries via engineered slope solutions water crossings to avoid in-channel works detailed survey where not possible pollution prevention & levels of SuDS provide opportunities for otters & fish passage avoid sensitive merlin seasons (disturbance) revisit & document HRA/ AA at each stage

22 Scenario #3 Multiple designations on same site River Spey-Insh Marshes (SAC/ SPA/ Ramsar) Key Issues Most heavily designated A9 area (Ramsar, SAC, SPA, SSSI, NNR significant for wetland habitats & birds) A9 generally runs parallel to site (Ralia-Ruthven & Kingussie-Kincraig) A9 crosses site at Kingussie (embankment & bridge) A9 crosses multiple tributaries Additional Issues Extensive flood plain issues Active fluvial geomorphology (erosion & deposition) Ancient Woodland HRA Outcome Balanced appraisal considered space required for widening Required demonstration that viable engineering options are available Appropriate Assessment recommended mitigation for later DMRB design stages avoidance of site boundaries/ impacts via engineered slope and viaduct options water crossings to avoid in-channel works detailed survey where not possible pollution prevention & levels of SuDS provide opportunities for otters & fish passage avoid bird breeding & over-wintering seasons detailed flood risk modelling required revisit & document HRA/ AA at each stage National Park

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24 Scenario #4 Ecological connectivity issues Capercaillie Key Issues 5x capercaillie SPAs (Kinveachy Forest SPA to west of A9 other 4 all to east side of A9) Single Strathspey meta-population No direct impacts on SPA sites A9 considered as a barrier to movement between sites Additional Issues Construction stage disturbance Deer fencing Stepping stone habitats/ woodlands Recreational disturbance (A9 dualling likely to increase visitors nos.) HRA Outcome Balanced appraisal considered space required for widening & potential for lighting requirements determined that visitor management falls under the responsibility of other authorities management plans Appropriate Assessment recommended mitigation for later DMRB design stages minimisation of dualling footprint (width and laybys) around Kinveachy & stepping stone woodland areas avoid construction during lekking, nesting & chick rearing periods (approx. April-August more appropriate as an EIA/ AA/ DMRB Stage 3 recommendation) avoid deer fencing & where required use suitably visible fence markings revisit & document HRA/ AA at each stage