Where the Department is aware that an application or proposal to serve a variation notice mentioned in paragraph 4(1) relates to a substantial change in the operation of an installation carrying out activities listed in Annex I to the Directive in Northern Ireland which is likely to have significant negative effects on the environment of another Member State, or where another Member State likely to be significantly affected so requests, the Department shall forward a copy of the application or proposed variation notice to the other Member State at the same time as it is advertised pursuant to paragraph 4(8) (or as soon as it becomes so aware or receives such a request, if it becomes so aware or receives such a request after the application or proposed variation notice is published but before the application is determined or the variation notice is served) in order that the application or proposed variation notice may serve as the basis for any consultations necessary in the framework of the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and the other Member State on a reciprocal and equivalent basis, as referred to in Article 17 of the Directive.