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Transport Scotland — A96 Inveramsay Bridge Improvement

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

April 2013

Geology and Soils 9-1

9 GEOLOGY AND SOILS

9.1 Introduction

This chapter considers the potential effects of the Scheme on the study area geology and soils, and has been carried out in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Vol. 11, Sec. 2, Part 5 for a Stage 2 Environmental Assessment.

It aims to identify the factors and impacts to be taken into account and to identify the constraints associated with the Scheme.

This chapter considers:

Direct impact on underlying geology and soils;

Direct impact on geological or geomorphological features which are of specific interest or importance;

Direct impact on soils through loss and destruction of agricultural soils (refer also to Chapter 5 – Landscape and Chapter 6 – Nature Conservation, for an assessment of the impact of the proposed Scheme on agricultural practices); and

Impact on Contaminated land.

This chapter should also be read in conjunction with Chapter 10 - Road Drainage and the Water Environment, for an assessment of the water quality and drainage impacts on groundwater, surface water, flooding areas and designated sites.

9.2 Approach and Methodology

Study Area

The Soils and Geology review includes a wider study of the associated geology around the exiting bridge by which the proposed Scheme may impact or be impacted by.

Stages of Assessment

The assessment has included the following stages:

Consultation with the relevant statutory and non-statutory bodies to establish geology and soil receptors within the study area;

Site visit to assess baseline conditions within the study area;

Identification of potential effects and consideration of the interactions between the proposed development and current site conditions;

Assessment of the significance of potential effects by taking into account the sensitivity of the receiving environment and the potential magnitude of each effect;

Mitigation measures devised to avoid or reduce against any significant adverse effects.

Consultation Consultations were carried out with statutory and non-statutory bodies as indicated in Section 9.3.2.

Review of Available Sources of Information

The following reports have been reviewed for this study:



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BEAR Scotland, Rural Traffic Signals at Trunk Road Structures, A96 Inveramsay Rail Bridge, on behalf of Transport Scotland, March 2008;

Extracts from Transport Scotland, Study of Rural Traffic Signals operating on Bridges within Scotland’s Trunk Road Network, June 2008;

Network Rail, 116647 Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvement, Network Rail GRIP Stage 2 Engineering Study, Inveramsay Bridge (UB293/084), 2010;

URS Scott Wilson Ltd, A96 Inveramsay Bridge Improvements – Statement of Intent. Transport Scotland, October 2011;

URS Scott Wilson Ltd, A96 Inveramsay Bridge Improvements – Preliminary Sources Study Report (PSSR), February 2012; and

Allied Exploration & Geotechnics Limited (AEG) A96 Inveramsay Bridge Improvement Ground Investigation Works (June to July, 2012).

The following independent bodies have been contacted for relevant information relating to the site:

Aberdeenshire Council: Contaminated Land and Petroleum Officers;

BEAR Scotland (Network Manager/Agent Operating Company): Information regarding significant maintenance/repair/earthworks inspection reports;

British Geological Survey (BGS):

– BGS Geological Assessment: A96 Inveramsay (2011);

– BGS Solid Geology Maps NJ 72 NW and NJ 72 SW (1989) - 1:10,000 scale;

– BGS Scotland Sheet 76E Inverurie: Solid Edition (1992) - 1:50,000 scale;

– BGS Scotland Sheet 76E Inverurie: Solid and Drift Edition (2002) - 1:50,000 scale;

– BGS Memoir: Geology of the country around Inverurie and Alford (1997);

– BGS Memoir: Cainozoic geology and landscape evolution of north-east Scotland (2003);

– Directory of Mines and Quarries (2005); and

– Historical exploratory hole logs.

The Coal Authority Gazetteer;

Forestry Commission: Information on Pitcaple Woods;

Historical Ordnance Survey (OS) maps from Landmark Envirocheck (at 1:2,500, 1:10,000 and 1:10,560 scale);

Historic Scotland - Information on listed buildings;

Landmark® Envirocheck®: Site Sensitivity data;

Mineral Valuer: Information regarding potential mining, mineral quarrying activity and land filling;

North East Scotland Biological Records Centre (NESBReC): Information regarding SINS (Site of Interest to Natural Science) sites;

Network Rail: Relevant information on the Inveramsay Bridge;

Public Utilities Organisations: Scottish Water, Scottish Gas Networks, Scottish & Southern Energy, British Telecommunications: Up-to-date service information;



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Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS): Ancient monuments information and historical aerial photography;

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA);

Scottish National Heritage (SNH) - Information on Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) locations and ecological issues within site area.

The locations of Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) and potentially contaminated land sites have also been determined through consultations.

An assessment of mining and quarrying in proximity to the site was also undertaken from assessment of the Coal Authority Gazetteer and BGS GeoIndex.

A Preliminary Sources Study has been produced separately.

Field Survey

A site walkover survey was undertaken by URS SW between the 9th and 10th of August 2011, which encompassed all the initial route options. The weather during the survey was bright and sunny with showers (9th August 2011) and persistent rain (10th August 2011).

Assessment of Effects

The significance of the potential effects of the proposed development have been categorised, taking into account the sensitivity of the receiving environment and the potential magnitude of this effect. This assessment methodology is based on experience of carrying out such assessments for a range of developments including knowledge of geology and soil characteristics in Scotland and cognisance of best practice and guidance.

Significance of Effects

The sensitivity and importance of the receiving environment was defined whilst taking into account the following range of criteria (based on the DMRB Vol. 11, Sec. 2, Part 5: Table 2.1), as defined in Table 9.1.

Table 9.1: Environmental sensitivity value

Sensitivity Typical Descriptors

Very High Very high importance and rarity, international scale and very limited potential for substitution.

High High importance and rarity, national scale, and limited potential for substitution.

Medium High or medium importance and rarity, regional scale, limited potential for substitution.

Low Low or medium importance and rarity, local scale.

Negligible Very low importance and rarity, local scale.

Magnitude of Impact

The magnitude is influenced by the timing, scale, size and duration of the potential effect. For the purposes of this assessment the magnitude (based on the DMRB Vol. 11, Sec. 2, Part 5: Table 2.2) is defined in Table 9.2. The level of magnitude can be difficult to quantify and professional judgement is often necessary to make an objective assessment.



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Table 9.2: Assessing magnitude of impact

Scale of Impact

Description of Degree of Effect

Major

Loss of resource and/or quality and integrity of resource; severe damage to key characteristics, features or elements (Adverse).

Large scale or major improvement of resource quality; extensive restoration or enhancement; major improvement of attribute quality (Beneficial).

Moderate

Loss of resource, but not adversely affecting the integrity; partial loss of/damage to key characteristics, features or elements (Adverse).

Benefit to, or addition of, key characteristics, features or elements; improvement of attribute quality (Beneficial).

Minor

Some measurable change in attributes, quality or vulnerability; minor loss of, or alteration to, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements (Adverse).

Minor benefit to, or addition of, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements; some beneficial impact on attribute or a reduced risk of negative impact occurring (Beneficial).

Negligible

Very minor loss or detrimental alteration to one or more characteristics, features or elements (Adverse).

Very minor benefit to or positive addition of one or more characteristics, features or elements (Beneficial).

No Change

No loss or alteration of characteristics, features or elements; no observable impact in either direction.

Significance of Effect

The sensitivity of the receiving environment together with the magnitude of the effect defines the significance of the effect as outlined in Table 9.3.

Table 9.3: Matrix for determination of level of impact

Magnitude of Impact

Sensitivity of Receptor

Very High High Medium Low Negligible

Major Very Large Large or Very Large

Moderate or Large

Slight or Moderate

Slight

Moderate Large or Very Large

Moderate or Large

Moderate Slight Neutral or Slight

Minor Moderate or Large

Slight or Moderate

Slight Neutral or Slight Neutral or Slight

Negligible Slight Slight Neutral or Slight Neutral or Slight Neutral

No Change Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral

These significance ratings have been used in the assessment and potential effects are therefore concluded to be of very large, large, moderate, slight or neutral significance, once appropriate mitigation measures have been implemented. It is reiterated that this assessment



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relies on professional judgement. Effects of ‘Moderate’ significance or greater are considered significant in terms of EIA Regulations.

Significance of Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects may impact on the project where singularly there is no/minor significance. The significance of these effects are outlined in Table 9.4.

Table 9.4: Environmental sensitivity value

Significance Effect

Severe Irretrievably compromised receptor/resource.

Major Key decision-making issue.

Moderate Unlikely to become issue on whether project design is selected, but may need future works to improve on current performance.

Minor Locally significant.

Not Significant Beyond current abilities or within the ability of the resource to absorb any changes.

9.3 Baseline Conditions

Scheme Description

The proposed Scheme for the upgraded A96 Trunk Road is situated to the north-east of the existing A96 trunk road and will require a new overbridge to cross the existing Aberdeen to Inverness Railway line, south east of the existing underbridge. The route is approximately 1450m in length with local access to agricultural land and properties at Station Cottages and Milton of Inveramsay on the proposed by-pass section of the A96. An underpass will link Station Cottages and Milton of Inveramsay.

Embankments are proposed from:

Northbound: Chainage 170 to 600 and 880 to 1450; and

Southbound: Chainage 0 to 1450 (excluding overbridge and underpass crossings).

Cuttings are proposed from:

Northbound: Chainage 0 to 120 and 605 to 880.

The cuttings are only superficial (i.e. regrade of existing slopes) and do not intercept rockhead.

The study area covered in this section extends beyond the proposed development, to include the possible effects on the development from surrounding factors and impacts on surrounding lands because of the development.

Consultations

Consultations were carried out with the statutory and non-statutory bodies. A summary of comments received for the study area is included in Table 9.5:



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Table 9.5: Summary of relevant Consultations with Statutory & Non-Statutory Bodies

Consultee Response

Aberdeenshire Council

Potentially contaminated sites and petroleum tanks information

BEAR Scotland BEAR currently maintain the A96 within the proposed site. The bridge team have no maintenance planned whilst the drainage team are looking to improve drainage at Dier and Dunmuir Cottages.

BGS Superficial and solid geology data.

Historic Scotland

Pitcaple Castle and structures within the grounds are listed (Grade A).

Mineral Valuation Office

The Mineral Valuer had no information to suggest that underground mineworkings occurred within the study area.

NESBReC Govals Quarry notes as a Site of Interest to Natural Sciences (SINS).

Network Rail Network Rail has recorded 14 bridge strikes since 2004. All works in relation to the A96 must take into account future twinning of the line. No works are planned for the track within the study area.

Scottish Natural Heritage

Two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are indicated at Pitcaple and Legatsden Quarries to the north of the study area.

SEPA SEPA have classified the River Urie from Pitcaple Castle south as having an overall status of Good with High confidence in 2008, with overall ecological status of Good and overall chemical status of Pass.

Geology The published BGS drift and solid geological information within the study area is reproduced on Figure 9.1 – Superficial Deposits and Figure 9.2 – Solid Geology.

Superficial Geology

Made ground was recorded within the study area at the location of the existing bridge, along the dismantled railway and beneath the road embankment. The composition of the made round varied from granular to cohesive with various extraneous materials (including ash and clinker) and was recorded from ground level to depths of between 0.50m and 1.50m.

Alluvium deposits comprising gravel, sand and silt river terrace deposits underlie occasionally organic-rich silt and clay floodplain deposits and were recorded from between 0.10m and 1.20m, to depths of 0.40m and 1.45m.

Glaciofluvial sheet and meltwater deposits, comprising silt and well sorted sand and gravel were recorded from between 0.04m and 6.40m, to depths of 0.10m and 10.65m depth.

The glacial till comprises firm and stiff sandy diamicton with clasts of schist and granite was recorded from between 0.10m and 5.40m, to depths of 0.70m and 6.00m, across the site.

Solid Geology

The depth to rockhead varied within the site. Bedrock was recorded between 0.70m (north-west site area, adjacent to railway cutting) and 10.65m depth north-west site area on road embankment above floodplain).

The underlying solid geology across the study area comprises Dalradian age metasedimentary rocks of the Aberdeen Formation and Ordovician age igneous rocks of the



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Insch and Lawel Hill Intrusions. The site is split by these two distinct groups approximately east and west, at the north of Milton of Inveramsay.

The Aberdeen Formation, part of the Dalradian Argyll Group, is indicated to the south of the geological boundary and comprises interlayered psammites and semipelites with occasional pelites and sparse ribs of calc-silicate rock. The Aberdeen Formation is further sub-divided into migmatic or hornfelsed psammites and semipelites, depending on the metamorphic grade.

Plutonic bedrock strata of the Insch and Lawel Hill intrusions are indicated within the central and north-western study area, comprising mafic, norite and gabbronorite. An inlier of hornfelsed psammites and semipelites (Aberdeen Formation) is shown across a narrow zone within the central site area.

Strata within the Aberdeen Formation are shown to dip steeply to the north.

Three shallow thrust faults are conjectured beneath the central and south-eastern site areas, with the hanging wall on the north-western side. No other major faults are recorded although localised minor faults may be present.

Soil Quality

Macaulay Land Use Research Institute (MLURI) Agricultural Land Use Classification Maps identify land quality across the study area. A desktop review of the Macaulay Institute’s “Land Capability for Agriculture – Aberdeen (Sheet 38)” map indicates that the agricultural land classification around the Scheme corridor is as follows:

North of Inveramsay Bridge:

– A96 to River Urie – Predominantly Class 3.2 (land capable of producing a moderate range of crops of average production but high yields of barley, oats and grass are often obtained) with Class 3.1 land bordering the River Urie (land capable of producing a moderate range of crops of consistently high yields but of a narrow range – principally cereals and grass – and/or moderate yields of a wider range including potatoes, field beans and root crops).

– A96 to West – Combination of Class 3.2 and Class 4.2 (land capable of producing a narrow range of crops – primarily grassland with some limited potential for other crops).

South of Inveramsay Rail Bridge

– A96 to the River Urie – Predominantly Class 3.2 with Class 3.1 land bordering the River Urie.

– A96 to the West – Predominantly Class 3.2 with a small area of Class 3.1 land located west of the Rowan Cottage, Station Cottages (x4) and Dunmuir residential properties and also west of the baseline A96/Harlaw junction.

Groundwater

The British Geological Survey Hydrogeological Map of Scotland, scale 1:625,000 (1988) indicates the Quaternary sands and gravels located within the river valley is a locally important aquifer in which intergranular flow is significant. The areas underlain with intrusive rocks are classed as impermeable, generally without groundwater except at shallow depth.

The British Geological Survey Groundwater Vulnerability Map of Scotland, scale 1:625,000 (1995) shows the superficial deposits of the river valley as moderately permeable ground whilst on higher slopes the deposits on higher ground are weakly permeable. The description of each formation is as follows:



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Moderately permeable formations: seldom produce large quantities of water for abstraction but are important for local supplies and in supplying base flows to rivers; and

Weakly permeable formations: can locally yield sufficient quantities of water for private/domestic use.

Man-made Features The following existing man-made features (which potentially have associated made ground materials) have been recorded on-site:

Aberdeen – Inverness Railway with associated embankments, rock cuttings, bridges and signalling runs parallel with the A96 throughout this study area.

Existing A96 road pavement with associated structures and earthworks;

Side roads, farm tracks and foot paths;

Developments at Station Cottages and Milton of Inveramsay; and

Former railway siding used for storage/dumping by landowner.

The following existing man-made features (which potentially have associated made ground materials) have been recorded adjacent to the site: Four bridges and an underpass have been recorded within the study area including:

– A railway viaduct (underbridge) crossing the River Urie at Milton of Inveramsay;

– A road bridge crossing the River Urie at Milton of Inveramsay;

– An underpass below the railway (for pedestrians/small vehicles) at Milton of Inveramsay;

– A footbridge (overbridge) located approximately 400m northwest of Inveramsay Bridge; and

– A road bridge (overbridge) crossing the railway at Pitcaple.

Several redundant bridges (foot/road/rail) were also recorded crossing the River Urie within the study area;

Developments along the existing A96 alignment (encountered to the west and north-west) Pitcaple, Pitcaple Castle with associated out buildings and Govals Farm;

Goval Quarry (disused); and

Former railway embankment and River Urie crossing.

Contaminated Land and Site History

A review of the historical data has indicated potentially contaminative features that are included within Table 9.6. In addition, the locations of the salient features, indicated during this review, are presented on Figure 9.3 – Possible Scheme Constraints – Review of Historical and Site Sensitivity Plans and Figure 9.4 – Potentially Contaminated Sites.



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Table 9.6: Review of Historical and Recent Information

Reference Point

Description Years Indicated on OS Map

On-site

1 Mill of Inveramsay later known as 'Milton of Inveramsay' (with subsequent developments).

1870(1) to present

2 Pitcaple Station (railway). 1868(1) to 1959

3 Inveramsay Junction (railway) with associated sidings, turntables and outbuildings. Junction for split from Great North of Scotland Railway to Macduff Section.

1870(1) to 1976

4 Station Cottages (with subsequent developments). 1868(1) to present

Adjacent to Site

5 Pitcaple village (with subsequent developments). 1868(1) to present

6 Pitcaple Castle with associated outbuildings, roads and paths.

1868(1) to present

7 Well. 1868(1) to 1900

8 Well. 1868(1) to 1900

9 The Lodge (part of the Pitcaple Castle estate). 1868(1) to present

10 Roman Road (supposed location). 1868(1) to 1870

11 The Stables (part of the Pitcaple Castle estate). 1868(1) to present

12 Govals Farm (with 2 wells and subsequent developments).

1868(1) to present

13 Quarry 1868(1) to 1900

14 Millside (former residential property) 1868(1) to 1900

15 Mill of Pitcaple (with 1 no. well) and old quarry. The buildings are still in place but have been redeveloped in residential properties.

1868(1) to present

16 Viaduct over River Urie (part of dismantled Macduff Section)

1868(1) to present

17 Icehouse (part of the Pitcaple Castle estate). 1868(1) to 1976

18 Gravel pit at Pitcaple. 1900 to 1976

19 Artificial pond with filter beds (part of the Pitcaple Castle estate).

1900 to present

20 Govals Quarry (disused from 1976). 1956 to present

21 Pitcaple Quarry with associated buildings (partially SSSI).

1956 to present

22 Petrol station. 1976 to 1994



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Reference Point

Description Years Indicated on OS Map

23 Sheep dip. 1976 to present

24 Walled garden and associated buildings (sheds & greenhouses). Redeveloped from 1900 to 1995.

1868(1) to present

25 Viaduct (railway), bridge (road) and ford crossing the River Urie. Ford no longer indicated after 1900.

1868(1) to present

26 Footbridge and ford (footbridge present but derelict, ford no longer in use).

1868(1) to present

27 Milton of Inveramsay Cottages 1977 to present

28 Corn Mill (with 1 no. well). The buildings are still in place but have been redeveloped in residential properties.

1870(1) to present

Notes

Years relate to the period that the feature was indicated on OS maps (feature may have been present before and/or

after this period).

(1) First available OS map. Feature may have been present before this point.

Aberdeenshire Council provided information on potentially contaminative sites, the locations of which are presented in Table 9.7.

In addition, the Aberdeenshire Council Petroleum Officer reported that an underground petrol tank (<2500 litres capacity) was recorded at Inveramsay Farm (outside study area), which was made safe and filled with concrete in January 2007. An above ground diesel tank is now situated at the site. There is no record of any spillages or leaks from either tank within the site. The location of this farm has not been provided by the Council.

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Geohazard Potential

The British Geological Survey has made comment regarding the potential geohazards within the preferred route, see Table 9.8.

Table 9.8: Ground Stability Risk

Geohazard Significance Comments

Collapsible Ground

Zero Potential is low and may only cause problem in exceptional circumstances.

Compressible ground

Moderate Within the floodplain where alluvium is present containing organic material, silt or clay.

Flooding Very high Floodplain recorded to north and east of existing A96 alignment.

Ground Dissolution

None Worst case would be negligible.

Landslide Moderate In areas of steep made ground (i.e. existing embankments). Negligible elsewhere.

Mining None None

Natural Ground Gas

None Only risk if significant peat deposits are encountered (non anticipated).

Radon Protective Measures

None None

Running Sand Low Low

Shrink/Swell Clay None Potential is low and may only cause problem in exceptional circumstances.

[Note: The BGS classification system is not related to the DMRB classes.]

9.4 Assessment

Plans and Policies

The planning policies which are identified as relevant to the A96 Scheme with respect to geology and soils are listed below.

Scottish Planning Policy (2010)

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) includes planning policy for a number of various topics. Amongst these he following subject areas are relevant to this assessment:

Prime Quality Agricultural Land – Paragraph 97 states that “Prime quality agricultural land is a finite national resource. Development on prime agricultural land should not be permitted unless it is an essential component of the settlement strategy or is necessary to meet an established need, for example for major infrastructure development, where no other suitable site is available”.

Landscape and Natural Heritage – The SPP notest that “A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is notified for the special interest of its flora, fauna, geology or geomorphological features. Development that affects a …SSSI …should only be permitted where: it will not adversely affect the integrity of the area or the qualities for which it has been designated, or any such adverse effects are clearly outweighed by social, environmental or economic benefits of national importance.



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Planning Advice Notes

PAN 33 Development of Contaminated Land (Oct 2000) contains relevant guidance for development where contaminated land is present. In relation to EIA assessments the guidance states that: “If the development is likely to produce contaminants, either by the project process, or in its construction, then the environmental statement should include an assessment of the likely effects. EIA must also address any measures to be used to eliminate or reduce the environmental impacts”.

Aberdeen City & Shire Structure Plan (2009)

The 2009 Aberdeen City and Shire Structure Plan outlines strategic planning policy for the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire region.

The plan recognises that transport has an important role to play in achieving its vision and a number of Strategic Growth Areas in the spatial strategy are placed along transport corridors and major routes and infrastructure such as roads and railway lines including the A96. The plan seeks to make sure new development maintains and improves the region’s important natural environment, a goal which the Scheme will to comply with.

Proposed Aberdeen City & Shire Strategic Development Plan

The Proposed Aberdeenshire SDP, although not adopted, is a material consideration. The SDP seeks to “make sure that development improves and does not lead to the loss of, or damage to, built, natural or cultural heritage assets” and this has been noted as part of this assessment. The Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (2012)

In line with DMRB guidance, a number of policies in the Aberdeenshire LDP have been considered as part of this assessment and those most relevant are listed below:

Policy 8 – Layout, siting and design of new development;

Policy 11 – Natural Heritage;

Policy 14 – Safeguarding of Resources;

SG LSD10 – Contaminated Land;

SG Natural Environment 1 – Protection of nature conservation sites;

SG Natural Environment 2 – Protection of the wider biodiversity and geodiversity; and

SG Safeguarding 2 – Protection and conservation of agricultural land.

The above polices broadly aim to ensure that development proposals do not cause adverse impacts on sensitive receptors and that natural resources are responsibly managed.

Impacts and Mitigation

Table 9.9 describes the potential effects on geology that could arise during the Scheme construction and operation, including possible mitigation measures and likely residual impacts following the implication of these measures.

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Tab

le 9

.9:

Sch

eme

Cu

mu

lati

ve Im

pac

ts, M

itig

atio

n M

easu

res,

Res

idu

al Im

pac

ts

CU

MU

LA

TIV

E IM

PA

CT

E

NV

IRO

NM

EN

TA

L

SE

NS

ITIV

ITY

(C

ON

ST

RU

CT

ION

)

MA

GN

ITU

DE

OF

IM

PA

CT

(C

ON

ST

RU

CT

ION

)

SIG

NIF

ICA

NC

E O

F

EF

FE

CT

(C

ON

ST

RU

CT

ION

) M

ITIG

AT

ION

E

NV

IRO

NM

EN

TA

L

SE

NS

ITIV

ITY

(O

PE

RA

TIO

NA

L)

MA

GN

ITU

DE

OF

IM

PA

CT

(O

PE

RA

TIO

NA

L)

SIG

NIF

ICA

NC

E O

F

EF

FE

CT

(O

PE

RA

TIO

N)

CU

MU

LA

TIV

E E

FF

EC

T

(OP

ER

AT

ION

)

Des

ign

ated

Geo

log

ical

S

ite

– Lo

ss o

f SIN

S.

Lo

w

Neg

lig

ible

S

lig

ht

(SIN

S s

ite

bou

ndar

y is

un

clea

r)

C

onsu

ltatio

n to

est

ablis

h de

sign

ated

site

bou

nda

ry

in a

dvan

ce o

f co

nstr

uctio

n.

Neg

ligib

le

Neg

ligib

le

Neu

tral

- P

rop

osed

br

idge

/roa

d co

nstr

uctio

n m

ay h

ave

a ve

ry m

inor

im

pact

on

SIN

S a

rea

if bo

und

ary

is a

s pe

r re

port

ed.

(A

dver

se).

No

t S

ign

ific

ant

Un

der

lyin

g S

ite

Geo

log

y –

Pot

entia

lly c

om

pres

sib

le

soils

and

loca

lised

failu

res

ma

y b

e en

cou

nter

ed.

Ver

y H

igh

M

ajo

r

Sli

gh

t -

App

roxi

mat

ely

400m

of r

oad

emba

nkm

ents

con

stru

cted

on

loca

lised

flo

odp

lain

de

pos

its (

Adv

ers

e).

G

roun

d im

prov

eme

nt

desi

gn.

Mo

der

ate

Min

or

Mo

der

ate

- A

ppr

oxi

mat

ely

400m

of r

oad

emba

nkm

ents

con

stru

cted

on

floo

dpla

in d

epos

its.

Sec

onda

ry c

ompr

essi

on

may

occ

ur (

Adv

erse

).

Mo

der

ate

Geo

mo

rph

olo

gy

– Im

pact

upo

n e

xist

ing

soil

and

rock

slo

pe

s an

d flo

odpl

ain

.

Med

ium

M

od

erat

e

Mo

der

ate

– S

upe

rfic

ial

cutti

ngs

in s

oil

are

requ

ired

we

st o

f the

ex

istin

g br

idge

. (A

dver

se).

S

lop

e st

abili

ty a

naly

sis.

Lo

w

Min

or

Sli

gh

t –

Sch

eme

desi

gn

to a

sses

s &

miti

gate

ris

ks

wh

ere

pres

ent

(A

dver

se).

M

ino

r

Qu

arry

ing

– Im

pact

of

quar

ryin

g o

n co

nstr

uctio

n an

d o

pera

tion

al r

oad

wa

y.

Neg

ligib

le

No

Ch

ang

e N

eutr

al –

Ro

ute

will

not

im

pin

ge o

n an

y qu

arrie

s.

D

esig

n as

sess

men

t.N

eglig

ible

N

o C

han

ge

Neu

tral

(R

out

e w

ill n

ot

impi

nge

on

any

quar

ries

) N

ot

Sig

nif

ican

t

Co

nta

min

ated

Lan

d –

P

oten

tially

co

ntam

inat

ed

lan

d us

es h

ave

bee

n id

ent

ified

, par

ticul

arly

at

the

form

er s

idin

gs.

Med

ium

M

od

erat

e

Mo

der

ate

– S

chem

e w

ill

impa

ct o

n th

e fo

rmer

ra

ilwa

y em

ban

kmen

t po

tent

ially

bui

lt us

ing

unkn

ow

n fil

l mat

eria

l (A

dver

se),

as

we

ll as

, m

ade

grou

nd fr

om

exis

ting

road

mak

e-u

p (A

dver

se)

� A

dditi

onal

test

ing,

re

med

iatio

n an

d/or

off-

site

di

spos

al. (1

) M

ediu

m

Min

or

Sli

gh

t –

The

Sch

eme

desi

gn w

ill m

itiga

te r

isks

w

her

e pr

ese

nt a

nd is

olat

e co

ntam

inat

ion

thro

ugh

ca

ppin

g or

re-

use

el

sew

her

e on

-site

, w

her

e po

ssib

le (

Be

nefic

ial).

Min

or

So

il E

rosi

on

– C

ause

d b

y st

rippi

ng o

f veg

etat

ion,

ex

cava

tions

, gro

und

dist

urb

ance

.

Lo

w

Mo

der

ate

Sli

gh

t –

Gro

und

dist

urb

ance

ass

ocia

ted

with

the

Sch

em

e w

ill

caus

e so

me

eros

ion

(Adv

erse

).

P

rogr

amm

e so

il st

rips,

ex

cava

tions

an

d gr

ound

di

stur

ban

ce to

con

side

r w

eat

her

.

Lo

w

Min

or

Sli

gh

t –

Sm

all a

mou

nt o

f so

il er

osio

n m

ay

occu

r ho

we

ver

this

can

be

min

imis

ed u

pon

com

plet

ion

of th

e S

chem

e (A

dver

se).

No

t si

gn

ific

ant

Co

mp

acti

on

of

So

ils -

Lo

ss o

f agr

icul

tura

l so

ils,

incr

ease

in r

un-o

ff, s

lope

in

stab

ility

.

Lo

w

Mo

der

ate

Sli

gh

t –

Soi

l com

pact

ion

likel

y to

occ

ur d

urin

g th

e co

nstr

uctio

n ph

ase

(Adv

erse

).

O

n-si

te p

lann

ing

site

co

mpo

und/

min

imis

e ha

ul

dist

ance

/avo

id a

gric

ultu

ral

area

s a

nd la

nd ta

ke

cons

ider

atio

n a

t de

sign

.

Lo

w

Min

or

Sli

gh

t –

Som

e co

mpa

ctio

n of

soi

l ma

y oc

cur

at a

ny a

cces

s /

serv

ice

loca

tions

ho

we

ver

this

will

be

min

imal

(A

dver

se).

No

t si

gn

ific

ant

Req

uir

emen

t to

im

po

rt

mat

eri

al –

Inc

reas

ed c

ost

and

emis

sio

ns. N

on-

sust

ain

able

co

nstr

uctio

n.

Ver

y H

igh

M

ajo

r V

ery

Lar

ge

- Li

mite

d cu

tting

s w

ill r

equ

ire

that

fill

is im

port

ed

(Ad

vers

e).

C

ut/fi

ll ba

lanc

e un

der

take

n as

par

t of

desi

gn.

Lo

w

Neg

lig

ible

N

eutr

al (

n/a

afte

r w

orks

co

mpl

ete)

N

ot

Sig

nif

ican

t

Mat

eria

l Re-

use

–

Red

uced

cos

t and

em

issi

ons.

V

ery

Hig

h

Maj

or

Neu

tral

- L

imite

d cu

tting

s w

ill n

ot p

rod

uce

sign

ifica

nt

qua

ntiti

es o

f mat

eria

l for

re

-use

(A

dver

se).

C

aref

ully

sto

ckpi

le s

oil

wo

n fr

om c

uts

and

pla

n in

ad

vanc

e.

Lo

w

Neg

lig

ible

N

eutr

al (

n/a

afte

r w

orks

co

mpl

ete)

N

ot

Sig

nif

ican

t

On

-sit

e S

tora

ge

of

Oils

, F

uel

s an

d C

hem

ical

s an

d v

ehic

le M

ain

ten

ance

–

Pol

lutio

n in

cide

nts

and

oper

ativ

e sa

fety

.

Med

ium

M

od

erat

e M

od

erat

e -

Spi

llage

fro

m

vapo

ur e

sca

pe o

f lea

ks

from

tank

s (A

dver

se).

U

se o

f bes

t pra

ctic

e at

al

l tim

es,

re-f

uelli

ng b

ays,

bu

nde

d st

orag

e ar

eas,

pr

ogra

mm

e of

che

cks,

site

sa

fety

and

mai

nten

anc

e pl

ans

.

Med

ium

M

od

erat

e

Mo

der

ate

– A

ny

spill

age

m

ay

impa

ct e

nvi

ronm

ent

lo

ng

afte

r w

ork

s ar

e co

mpl

ete

(Adv

erse

).

Min

or

T

rans

port

Sco

tland

— A

96 In

vera

msa

y B

ridge

Impr

ovem

ent

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

AL

ST

AT

EM

EN

T

Apr

il 20

13

Geo

log

y an

d S

oils

9-

16 C

UM

UL

AT

IVE

IMP

AC

T

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

AL

S

EN

SIT

IVIT

Y

(CO

NS

TR

UC

TIO

N)

MA

GN

ITU

DE

OF

IM

PA

CT

(C

ON

ST

RU

CT

ION

)

SIG

NIF

ICA

NC

E O

F

EF

FE

CT

(C

ON

ST

RU

CT

ION

) M

ITIG

AT

ION

E

NV

IRO

NM

EN

TA

L

SE

NS

ITIV

ITY

(O

PE

RA

TIO

NA

L)

MA

GN

ITU

DE

OF

IM

PA

CT

(O

PE

RA

TIO

NA

L)

SIG

NIF

ICA

NC

E O

F

EF

FE

CT

(O

PE

RA

TIO

N)

CU

MU

LA

TIV

E E

FF

EC

T

(OP

ER

AT

ION

)

Sto

ckp

ile

Man

agem

ent

– R

unof

f and

sed

imen

t to

wat

er c

ours

es.

Med

ium

M

od

erat

e

Mo

der

ate

- S

edi

me

nt a

nd

surf

ace

run-

off t

o w

ater

cour

ses,

etc

. (A

dver

se).

U

se o

f cur

ren

t be

st

prac

tice

(det

ails

to b

e in

clu

ded

in th

e E

arth

wor

ks

Des

ign

Spe

cific

atio

n).

Neg

ligib

le

Neg

ligib

le

Neu

tral

(n/

a af

ter

wor

ks

com

plet

e)

Min

or

No

tes

(1)

The

pos

sibi

lity

of r

em

edia

tion

or n

eed

for

off-

site

dis

posa

l will

be

dete

rmin

ed fo

llow

ing

the

resu

lts o

f acc

epta

bilit

y a

nd c

onta

min

atio

n te

stin

g in

line

with

rel

evan

t leg

isla

tion.



April 2013


Made ground will be assessed for potential re-use on-site, subject to the requirements of Manual of Contract Documents for Highways Work (MCHW) Volume 1 – Series 600 Earthworks and will depend on contamination testing. Where materials are deemed unacceptable for re-use, there shall be a requirement for off-site disposal to an appropriate licensed disposal site. The contractor should comply with SEPA’s Land Remediation and Waste Management Guidelines.

The contractor will be responsible for management of any waste and/ or contaminated materials arising during construction in line with relevant legislation. Waste should form an integral part of the Construction Environmental Management Document (CEMD) described in Chapter 15.

Compliance with Plans & Policies

The NPF2 and the adopted development plan identify the A96 as a strategic transport route and note that improvements to the road are required. The Structure Plan and Proposed Aberdeenshire SDP both specifically support the replacement of Inveramsay Bridge. In the context of this chapter the main impact of the Scheme relates to the loss of agricultural land, which has been minimised through the Scheme design process. This is considered acceptable in the context of the development plan due to the social and economic benefit of the Scheme.

9.5 Residual Impacts

The Scheme will require the construction of embankments and minor cuttings therefore impacting on the surrounding area.

The immediate impacts on geology and soils will therefore amount to loss of land required to accommodate the Scheme and also the cut/fill material balance required to construct the Scheme.

The total fill volume required for the Scheme is approximately 118,000m3 whereas the total cut volume is approximately 17,000m3. It has been assumed that 60% (10,000m3) of the total cut material will be suitable for re-use in other areas of the Scheme however this will result in 40% (7,000m3) of the cut material being unsuitable thus requiring to be disposed off site.

Due to the large imbalance between cut and fill, approximately 107,000m3 of imported fill will be required to be sourced by the Contractor for the Scheme. There are a number of local quarries in the area however the Contractor may source the material from borrow pits within the surrounding area.

The immediate impacts on geology and soils will therefore amount to loss of land required to accommodate the Scheme and also the cut/fill material balance required to construct the Scheme. The impact on soils is highlighted in Table 9.10 below:

Table 9.10: Direct impact on soil loss due to land take

IMPACT EFFECT OF IMPACT REASONING

Loss of soils due to land take Minor/ Moderate

Agricultural land take of c.5.3ha inclusive of compensatory planting associated with the Scheme. Areas of similar soil/type will remain in the vicinity of the site upon completion of the Scheme. Agricultural land that will be lost primarily to



April 2013


the north of the existing Inveramsay Bridge includes mostly 32 lands and a smaller amount of 31 land as defined by the (MLURI).

9.6 Summary and Conclusion

The main impacts identified and resulting from the Scheme are the loss of agricultural soils due to land-take, encroachment into the River Urie flood plain, a deficit of site-won materials suitable for use as engineering fill, potentially contaminated soils unacceptable for re-use and soil erosion.

If the mitigation measures highlighted in Table 9.9 are adopted then preferred route could be designed and constructed to minimise the impact on the geology and soils of the study area. The only significant negative impact on the environment is where large volumes of imported materials are required.



April 2013


References BEAR Scotland, Rural Traffic Signals at Trunk Road Structures, A96 Inveramsay Rail

Bridge, on behalf of Transport Scotland, March 2008;

Extracts from Transport Scotland, Study of Rural Traffic Signals operating on Bridges within Scotland’s Trunk Road Network, June 2008;

Network Rail, 116647 Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvement, Network Rail GRIP Stage 2 Engineering Study, Inveramsay Bridge (UB293/084), 2010;

URS Scott Wilson Ltd, A96 Inveramsay Bridge Improvements – Statement of Intent. Transport Scotland, October 2011;

URS Scott Wilson Ltd, A96 Inveramsay Bridge Improvements – Preliminary Sources Study Report (PSSR), February 2012; and

Allied Exploration & Geotechnics Limited (AEG) A96 Inveramsay Bridge Improvement Ground Investigation Works (June to July, 2012).

British Geological Survey (BGS):

– BGS Geological Assessment: A96 Inveramsay (2011);

– BGS Solid Geology Maps NJ 72 NW and NJ 72 SW (1989) - 1:10,000 scale;

– BGS Scotland Sheet 76E Inverurie: Solid Edition (1992) - 1:50,000 scale;

– BGS Scotland Sheet 76E Inverurie: Solid and Drift Edition (2002) - 1:50,000 scale;

– BGS Memoir: Geology of the country around Inverurie and Alford (1997);

– BGS Memoir: Cainozoic geology and landscape evolution of north-east Scotland (2003);

– Directory of Mines and Quarries (2005); and

– Historical exploratory hole logs.

The Coal Authority Gazetteer (http://coal.decc.gov.uk/en/coal/cms/services/reports/Scotland_Gazet/Scotland_Gazet.aspx);

Historical Ordnance Survey (OS) maps from Landmark Envirocheck (at 1:2,500, 1:10,000 and 1:10,560 scale);

Landmark® Envirocheck®: Site Sensitivity data;

Mineral Valuer: Information regarding potential mining, mineral quarrying activity and land filling;

Public Utilities Organisations: Scottish Water, Scottish Gas Networks, Scottish & Southern Energy, British Telecommunications: Up-to-date service information;

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS): Ancient monuments information and historical aerial photography (http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/);

Scottish National Heritage (SNH) - Information on Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) locations and ecological issues within site area (http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/).