GREEN BILL OF HEALTH FOR AIRDRIE-BATHGATE LINE
Wednesday December 23, 2009
Six months into the construction of Scotland’s longest new section of railway in half a century, Network Rail’s Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link project has been given a clean bill of health for its environmental protection credentials by two key government agencies.
From the outset, Network Rail has put the protection of the local environment at the top of its agenda. A key part of the project’s development was to complete a full Environmental Impact Assessment and develop a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan with SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage) and SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency).
Both agencies have provided praise for the company’s approach.
Mervyn MacGregor (Environmental Protection Officer) from SEPA commented,
“SEPA have been involved in the planning of this project for some time and I’m pleased to see many of our recommendations being taken on board through the design of the project. With construction along so many watercourses, it has been encouraging to see Network Rail proactively involving our agency.”
Vivienne Gray, (Area Officer for West Lothian) from SNH, added:
“Having recently been along the length of the construction site, I am happy that the collaborative working between ourselves and Network Rail has paid off. Protected species are being managed effectively and natural habitats are being preserved. With an independent monitoring officer being appointed to monitor the work, Network Rail is giving the right level of priority to these issues.”
To promote a collaborative approach in relation to environmental issues, an independent Planning Monitoring Officer (PMO) has been appointed to monitor Network Rail compliance with the requirements of environment and planning bodies. This includes developing a close working relationship with site staff including regular inspections and site visits.
Andrew Ramand, PMO on the project, said:
“I have become immersed in the delivery of this huge project. Helping to promote partnership between the environmental agencies and Network Rail in an open and transparent way has been key to its success. As an independent adviser on the project, it is has been extremely encouraging.”
Network Rail’s efforts to minimise the environmental impact of the project have taken on numerous forms:
• To reduce stress and disturbance of local birdlife, all vegetation clearance has been kept to non-nesting months. Appropriate vegetation replanting is planned once construction of the new railway line is complete
• Pulp and bark from felled trees has been used to improve the quality of the earth and used as flooring in a local playground
• Artificial badger setts and otter holts have been built in some locations to provide new accommodation away from the new railway
• Specially designed newt fence have been erected to stop great crested newts (a European protected species) from accessing the construction site or the new railway
• To protect the Hillend reservoir from becoming choked with silt, a boom has been installed adjacent to the project’s nearby construction site
Ron McAulay, Network Rail Director Scotland commented:
“Rail is the least environmentally damaging method of public transport and we feel that the construction process should be equally considerate of the environment. We’re pleased that this approach has been recognised by the appropriate authorities.
“One of the main objectives of the new line is to provide a greener, alternative transport solution to those living in the central belt, taking pressure off the M8 and reducing dependency on cars. This electrified railway will provide clean, sustainable public transport and can contribute to lower overall C02 emissions. In addition, we are building a new cycle route along side the line to encourage bike use for shorter journeys.”
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