Item 5 Appendix 2 HRA Flood Defence Bund Dalwhinnie 20250143DET

This document contains a Habitats Regulations Appraisal for a proposed flood defence bund near Dalwhinnie. This appraisal examines how the project might affect the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a protected natural area. While it found that freshwater pearl mussels and sea lamprey are unlikely to be impacted, there's a potential for significant effects on otters and Atlantic salmon due to construction disturbance, pollution, and changes to their habitats. The appraisal concludes that if specific protective measures are put in place, such as pre-construction surveys for protected species, timing work to avoid the Atlantic salmon spawning season, and implementing robust pollution prevention plans, there will be no lasting negative effect on the River Spey SAC.