Written Question · S2W-19856 · Session 2
Why it was decided that the Dalkeith Northern Bypass did not meet the criteria for environmental impact assessment (EIA) in 1992 under Sche…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive why it was decided that the Dalkeith Northern Bypass did not meet the criteria for environmental impact assessment (EIA) in 1992 under Schedule 2 to the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1988 given the proximity of the route to an established Site of Special Scientific Interest and why, given the tightening of the EIA regime in 1999, the issue of whether the road should be subject to an EIA has not been reconsidered, in light of the recent decision to proceed with the construction of the bypass.
The answer
An Environmental Assessment for Dalkeith Northern Bypass was undertaken in 1992 but because the proposed road was greater than 100m from the boundary of the Site of Special Scientific Interest there was no statutory requirement to publish an Environmental Statement.
The statutory procedures for Dalkeith Northern Bypass were completed in 1993 and substantial advance earthworks and ground consolidation works were undertaken in 1996.
The agreement to proceed to procure the main roadworks does not require the procedures to be revoked. However, the Executive is updating earlier environmental work to take advantage of contemporary environmental practice and ensure that any changes that have taken place are fully taken into account in the final environmental design.
The statutory procedures for Dalkeith Northern Bypass were completed in 1993 and substantial advance earthworks and ground consolidation works were undertaken in 1996.
The agreement to proceed to procure the main roadworks does not require the procedures to be revoked. However, the Executive is updating earlier environmental work to take advantage of contemporary environmental practice and ensure that any changes that have taken place are fully taken into account in the final environmental design.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-19856 by reference.