The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Environmental Impact Assessment and other Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2017

Regulation 57

SCHEDULE 6

Regulations 2 and 4

“SCHEDULE 2 MATTERS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN GIVING A DIRECTION UNDER REGULATION 4(2)

Characteristics of relevant pipe-line works

1.   The characteristics of the relevant pipe-line works having regard, in particular, to—

(a) the size and design of the relevant pipe-line works and of the pipe-line;

(b) the cumulation with other existing or approved pipe-line works;

(c) the use of natural resources in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity;

(d) the production of waste, pollution and nuisances;

(e) the risk of major accidents or disasters which are relevant to the relevant pipe-line works or to the pipe-line, including those caused by climate change, in accordance with scientific knowledge; and

(f) the risks to human health (for example, due to water contamination or air pollution).

Location of relevant pipe-line works

2.   The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by the relevant pipe-line works, having regard in particular, to—

(a) the existing and approved land use;

(b) the relative abundance, availability, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources (including soil, land, water and biodiversity) in the area and its underground;

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

(i) wetlands, riparian areas, river mouths;

(ii) coastal zones and the marine environment;

(iii) mountain and forest areas;

(iv) nature reserves and parks;

(v) areas classified or protected under national legislation, Natura 2000 areas designated by member states pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC or Directive 2009/147/EC;

(vi) areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards laid down in EU legislation and relevant to the project or in which it is considered that there is such a failure;

(vii) densely populated areas; and

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

Type and characteristics of the potential impact

3.   The likely significant effects of the relevant pipe-line works on the environment in relation to the criteria set out under paragraphs 1 and 2, and having regard in particular to the impact of the works on the factors specified in Article 3(1) of the Directive, taking into account—

(a) the magnitude and spatial extent of the impact (for example geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected);

(b) the nature of the impact;

(c) the transboundary nature of the impact;

(d) the intensity and complexity of the impact;

(e) the probability of the impact;

(f) the expected onset, duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact;

(g) the cumulation of the impact with the impact of other existing or approved developments; and

(h) the possibility of effectively reducing the impact.”