Cross Tay Link Road

There are valuable habitats and species of nature conservation importance which could be impacted by the proposed CTLR Project. The assessment on biodiversity (defined as plants and animals and the habitats in which they live) considers the potential effects of the construction and operation of the proposed CTLR Project on the following:

Important Ecological Features (IEFs);

River Tay Special Area of Conservation (SAC);

Ancient woodlands;

Protected species including badger, beaver, otter, pine marten and red squirrel, bats, breeding birds, freshwater fish and pearl mussel; and

Habitats.

The presence of a range of IEFs within the ecological survey area has been assessed by means of desk-based assessment, detailed surveys and consultations, in accordance with the DMRB and other standard survey guidance documents.

One of the key risks to biodiversity as a result of the construction of the proposed CTLR Project is from silt-laden and contaminated run-off entering the River Tay SAC from river bank-side work. Should such events occur there is potential for adverse effects to occur to the populations of Atlantic salmon, lamprey and otter for which the SAC is designated, and freshwater pearl mussel which meets the criteria for SAC designation. However, the construction works will be subject to a number of control and management measures, including construction site licensing under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR Regulations). During operation, control measures including SuDS would mitigate the risk of uncontrolled polluted run-off.

The clearance of vegetation (including ancient woodland habitat) during the construction of the proposed CTLR Project would result in the loss of woodland habitat and nesting, roosting, resting and foraging habitat for a range of species. The loss of mature woodland habitat will be partly offset by the provision of woodland planting, however, the loss of ground flora, soils, seed bank and structure alongside the loss of roosting habitat for bats would result in a significant residual effect.

A range of mitigation measures will be implemented to reduce the adverse effects of the proposed CTLR Project on individuals and populations of notable species. Mitigation measures include:

• Fencing;
• Culverts adapted for mammal passage;
• Replacement roosting habitat for bats;
• Provision of wetland habitat (SuDS Wetland Area) for a range of species;
• Provision of Highfield Green Bridge which has been designed to be suitable for both human and animal users; and
• Implementation of best practice and site-specific mitigation measures during construction and operation.

To view the full Biodiversity assessment please click: