Environmental impact assessment7A

1

The environmental impact assessment is a process consisting of—

a

the preparation of an environmental statement by the applicant;

b

the carrying out of consultation, publication and notification as required by rules 13 and 14 and, where relevant, rule 16; and

c

the steps that are required to be undertaken by the Secretary of State under section 13B.

2

The environmental impact assessment must identify, describe and assess in an appropriate manner, in light of each individual case, the direct and indirect significant effects of the proposed works on the following factors—

a

population and human health;

b

biodiversity, with particular attention to species and habitats protected under Directive 92/43/EEC33 and Directive 2009/147/EC34;

c

land, soil, water, air and climate;

d

material assets, cultural heritage and the landscape; and

e

the interaction between the factors referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d).

3

The significant effects to be identified, described and assessed under paragraph (2) shall include—

a

the operational effects of the proposed works, where those works will have operational effects; and

b

the expected significant effects arising from the vulnerability of the proposed works to major accidents or disasters that are relevant to those works.