Highways Agency

Respecting the Environment

Respecting the Environment

We are currently undertaking surveys into the effect of the scheme on the environment.

Our environmental surveys cover factors such as:

• Noise
• Air quality
• Water quality
• Ecology and biodiversity
• Landscape and visual issues
• Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and walkers
• Archaeology, cultural heritage and protected sites of interest

The results will be written into an Environmental Statement, which will be published in 2008-09.

Air Quality

We are working closely with the Local Authorities to produce an air quality action plan with the aim of mitigation and reduction of emissions. The aim is for future compliance of EU directives. This action plan will probably be a mixture of hard and soft measures (for example vehicle priority lanes and the encouragement of Green Travel plans), very similar to those used by the Local Authorities as part of their Air Quality Management Area strategies.

The existing method in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) models air quality using average vehicle speeds and average fleet make up. The high increases in traffic flow during peak periods at these routes, and the high levels of congestion causing vehicles to stop and start, mean that this method is not suitable here. The Highways Agency has devised a better method of assessing emissions from vehicles for this route. This will be used in association with detailed micro simulation traffic models prior to being run through an air quality dispersion model to gauge the affects of the project on the surrounding area.

In addition, we are carrying out air quality monitoring at various locations adjacent to the motorway and will also be using data from local authorities to enhance this.

Air Quality Management Areas

We are aware that parts of the M1 and the M62 are in Air Quality Management Areas. Local Authorities have declared these as part of their obligations under EU air quality directives to deal with poor air quality. The Highways Agency is working with the Local Authorities concerned with the objective to work in partnership to mitigate the effect of traffic on Air Quality and ultimately, improve it.

We are analysing local authority information on air quality near both motorways. We are also monitoring various sites near the motorways to provide additional air quality information. We will use a computer model to predict the flow, speed and type of traffic likely to use the motorways in the future. This information can then be used to calculate the effects of the motorway improvements.

Noise

We are aware of the concern that people living adjacent to the motorway network have about the affect of noise on their property.

By modelling the noise predicted in future years arising from the scheme proposals, we can identify areas which qualify for noise mitigation. We will use the traffic model to predict to predict the change in noise levels from the scheme.

We will then use set criteria to analyse which properties along the route are eligible for noise mitigation. This could include noise barriers, mounds and/or noise insulation for individual properties. The traffic model will be used to identify where noise mitigation is required. We can then build this into the detailed design for the scheme, which we will show in the public exhibitions when we publish the Environmental Statement in 2007/08.

At this stage, we are unable to provide information on where noise mitigation will be provided. We will have this information when we publish the Environmental Statement.

It is now Highways Agency policy to use noise reducing material on any new roads. On any sections where we are altering the road we will use low noise surfacing. This has been shown to have a detectable effect on noise levels.

Water quality

Where existing water courses are affected mitigation will include:

• New drainage systems within motorway boundary
• Pollution control benefits where there are currently no measures

Ecology and biodiversity

Where contact with local flora and fauna occurs we will:

• Avoid adverse ecological impacts where possible
• Enhance habitats through appropriate landscape planting, seeding and through long term management.

We are currently undertaking surveys to establish what the current situation is with regard to flora and fauna on the route.

Landscape and visual issues

We will minimise the impacts of the scheme, such as by the planting trees on slopes, next to retaining walls and in order to screen any gantries or lighting.