The Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005

Regulation 4(4)

SCHEDULE 1 SELECTION CRITERIA FOR RELEVANT PROJECTS

Characteristics of projects

1.  The characteristics of projects must be considered having regard, in particular, to –

(a) the size of the project;

(b) the cumulation with other projects;

(c) the use of natural resources;

(d) the production of waste;

(e) pollution and nuisances;

(f) the risk of accidents, having regard in particular to substances or technologies used.

Location of projects

2.  The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by projects must be considered, having regard, in particular, to –

(a) the existing land use;

(b) the relative abundance, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources in the area;

(c) the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas –

(i) wetlands;

(ii) coastal zones;

(iii) mountain and forest areas;

(iv) nature reserves and parks;

(v) areas classified or protected under EEA States' legislation; special protection areas designated by EEA States pursuant to Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds(1) and Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(2);

(vi) areas in which the environmental quality standards laid down in Community legislation have already been exceeded;

(vii) densely populated areas;

(viii) landscapes of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

Characteristics of the potential impact

3.  The potential significant effects of projects must be considered in relation to criteria set out under paragraphs 1 and 2, and having regard in particular to –

(a) the extent of the impact (geographical area and size of the affected population);

(b) the transfrontier nature of the impact;

(c) the magnitude and complexity of the impact;

(d) the probability of the impact;

(e) the duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact.

Regulation 6(1)

SCHEDULE 2 INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSED PROJECT

1.  A description of the project, including in particular –

(a) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole project and the land-use requirements during the construction and operational phases;

(b) a description of the main characteristics of the production processes, for instance, nature and quantity of the materials used;

(c) an estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation etc.) resulting from the operation of the proposed project.

2.  An outline of the main alternatives studied by the developer and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking into account the environmental effects.

3.  A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed project, including, in particular, population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors.

4.  A description (which shall cover the direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of the project) of the likely significant effects of the proposed project on the environment resulting from:

(a) the existence of the project;

(b) the use of natural resources;

(c) the emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste,

and the description by the developer of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the environment.

5.  A description of the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and where possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment.

6.  A non-technical summary of the information provided under the above headings.

7.  An indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered by the developer in compiling the required information.

(1)

O.J. L103 25.4.79, p. 1

(2)

O.J. L206 22.7.92, p. 7