2017 No. 86
Forestry
The Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017
Made 15th May 2017
Coming into operation 16th May 2017

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs being a Department designated for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 in relation to measures relating to the requirement for an assessment of the impact on the environment of projects likely to have significant effects on the environment, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by the said section 2(2) makes the following Regulations.
The Ministry of Agriculture became known as the Department of Agriculture by virtue of section 7(5) of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act (c.36), was renamed the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development by Article 3(4) of the Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/283 (N.I.1) and was renamed the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs by section 1 of the Departments Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c.5).
1972 c.62. Section 2(2) was amended by section 27(1)(a) of the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 (c.51) and section 3(3) of, and Part 1 of the Schedule to, the European Union (Amendment) Act 2008 (c.7).

1 Citation and commencement
These Regulations may be cited as the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 and come into operation on 16th May 2017.

2 Interpretation
The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 shall apply to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly
1954 c. 33 (N.I.)

3 Amendment of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
The Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 are amended in accordance with regulations 4 to 23.
S.R. 2006 No. 518

4 Regulation 2 (interpretation)
In regulation 2(1)—
(a) for the definition of “consultation bodies” substitute—

““consultation bodies” in relation to any project means—
any public body, statutory authority or organisation which exercises statutory functions or is otherwise designated by any statutory provision as having responsibilities relating to the environment;;”

;
(b) for the definition of “Department” substitute—

““the Department” means the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs;”

;
(c) for the definition of “the Directive” substitute—

““the Directive” means Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU”

;
(d) after the definition of “environmental information” insert—

““environmental impact assessment” means—
(a) the preparation of an environmental statement;
(b) the carrying out of consultations under regulation 9 and, where relevant, regulation 15;
(c) the consideration of the environmental statement and other information under regulation 16;
(d) reaching a conclusion about the likely significant effects of the project under regulation 16; and
(e) the consideration of that conclusion under regulation 16, before the decision whether or not to grant consent;”

;
(e) for the definition of “environmental statement” substitute—

““environmental statement” means a statement that—
(a) includes such of the information referred to in Part 1 of Schedule 1 as is relevant to the specific characteristics of a particular project or type of project and to the environmental features likely to be affected;
(b) includes at least the information referred to in Part 2 of Schedule 1;
(c) takes into account, with a view to avoiding duplication of assessments, the available results of other relevant assessments under Union or national legislation, when preparing the statement;
(d) is based on any opinion issued pursuant to regulation 7 and where such an opinion is issued, includes the information that may reasonably be required for reaching a conclusion on the significant effects of the project on the environment, taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment;
(e) is prepared by competent persons; and
(f) is accompanied by a statement from the proposer outlining the relevant experience or qualifications of such persons;”

;
(f) for the definition of ‘local advertisement’ substitute—

““local advertisement” means publishing or making available a notice—
(a) in one or more newspapers circulating in the immediate locality of any relevant project; or
(b) by a district council in that locality; or
(c) at library premises (within the meaning of section 11 of the Libraries Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 in that locality);”

;
(g) after the definition of “relevant project”, insert—

““Union legislation” means any enactment in the domestic legislation of Northern Ireland giving effect to an EU obligation”

.

5 Regulation 3 (interpretation of “relevant project”)
In regulation 3(c), for paragraphs (ii) and (iii) substitute—

“(ii) involves development which is not mentioned in Schedule 1 to, or in column 1 of the table in Schedule 2 to the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012; or
S.R. 2012 No. 59
(iii) involves development for which planning permission is granted by Part 8 of the Schedule to the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015”

.
S.R. 2015 No. 70

6 Regulation 4 (exemptions)
In regulation 4—
(a) for paragraphs (1) and (2) substitute—

“1 The Department may direct that a particular project is exempted—
(a) from the application of these Regulations, in accordance with Articles 1(3) or 2(4) of the Directive; or
(b) from provisions relating to public consultation, in accordance with Article 2(5) of the Directive, provided the objectives of the directive will continue to be met.
2 The Department shall only make a direction under paragraph (1)(a) or (b) in an exceptional case and where it does so, it shall—
(a) consider whether in that case another form of assessment of the environmental effects of the proposed project in question would be appropriate;
(b) make available to the public the information obtained under that other form of assessment, information relating to the making of the direction and the reasons for making it.”

.

7 Regulation 6 (application for an opinion whether a project is a relevant project)
In regulation 6, for paragraphs (2) and (3) substitute—

“2 An application under paragraph (1) shall include or be accompanied by—
(a) a map or plan sufficient to identify the land that is the subject of the proposed project and the extent of the proposed project;
(b) information on the characteristics of the project and its likely significant effects on the environment specified in Schedule 2A; and
(c) such further information or representations as the proposer may wish to provide or make including a description of any features of the project or measures envisaged to avoid or prevent what might otherwise have been significant adverse effects on the environment.
2A The selection criteria set out in Schedule 3 must be taken into account, where relevant, when compiling the information required by sub-paragraph (2)(b).
2B The proposer must take into account, where relevant, the available results of other relevant assessments of the effects on the environment that have been carried out pursuant to Union legislation other than legislation implementing the requirements of the Directive.
3 The Department shall, if it considers that it has not been provided with sufficient information to enable it to give an opinion under paragraph (1), notify the proposer in writing of the matters on which it requires further information and the proposer shall supply that further information to the Department within such period as the Department may reasonably require.”

8 Regulation 7 (opinion of the Department)
In regulation 7—
(a) for paragraph (1) substitute—

“1 Where a proposer applies to the Department under regulation 6, the Department shall give to him written notice of its opinion within 90 days beginning with the date of its receipt of the application or, where it notifies the proposer under regulation 6(3) that it requires further information, the date of its receipt of that information.
1A In exceptional cases, where the nature, complexity, location or size of the works demands a longer period for determination, the Department may extend the deadline in paragraph (1), informing the proposer in writing of the reasons justifying the extension and of the date on which its determination is expected.”

(b) after paragraph (4), add—

“4A Where the opinion of the Department is that a project is not a relevant project because an environmental assessment is not required, the Department must state the main reasons for not requiring such assessment, with reference to the relevant selection criteria in Schedule 3, and where proposed by the proposer, state any features of the project or measures envisaged to avoid or prevent what might otherwise have been significant adverse effects on the environment.”

;
(c) for paragraph (5) substitute—

“5 The Department may, in the absence of an application under regulation 6, give its opinion whether or not a project is or would be a relevant project and where it gives an opinion under this paragraph—
(a) it shall give written notice of its opinion to any person who reasonably appears to it to be the proposer; and
(b) paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (4A), (5) and (7) shall apply as they do to an opinion given under paragraph (1).”

.

9 Regulation 9 (request as to the information to be included in an environmental statement)
In regulation 9, for paragraphs (1) and (2) substitute—

“1 Before applying for consent in relation to a project, the Department must give its opinion as to the scope and level of detail of the information to be contained in the environmental statement required for that project.
2 Before a determination has been made whether the project is or would be a relevant project, the Department shall deal with the request on the assumption that the project is a relevant project”

.

10 Regulation 9A (Co-ordination)
After regulation 9, insert—

“9A Co-ordination
1 Where in relation to a particular project there is, in addition to the requirement for an environmental impact assessment to be carried out in accordance with these Regulations, also a requirement to carry out a Habitats Regulations Assessment, the Department must where appropriate ensure that the Habitats Regulations Assessment and the environmental impact assessment are co-ordinated.
2 In this regulation, a “Habitats Regulation Assessment” means an assessment under regulation 43 of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995.”

.

11 Regulation 12 (publicity)
In regulation 12—
(a) in paragraph (1)(d), for “28 days” substitute “30 days”;
(b) for paragraph (4)(b), for “28 days” substitute “30 days”;
(c) for paragraph (5)(b), for “28 days” substitute “30 days”.

12 Regulation 13 (further information and evidence relating to environmental statements)
In regulation 13—
(a) in paragraph (4)(b), for “28 days” substitute “30 days”;
(b) in paragraph (5)(b), for “28 days” substitute “30 days”.

13 Regulation 17 (notification of decisions)
In regulation 17—
(a) for paragraph (1)(a) substitute—

“(a) give notice in writing of its decision to the applicant, the consultation bodies and any person from whom it received representations in relation to the application in accordance with paragraph (2);”

.
(b) for paragraph (2) substitute—

“2 Each notice under paragraph (1)(a) shall inform the person concerned of the determination stating that the Department has taken into account the environmental information relating to the application and shall give a statement of—
(a) where the decision in paragraph (1)(a) is to grant consent—
(i) the reasoned conclusion of the Department pursuant to Article (1)(2)(g)(iv) of the Directive and any environmental conditions attached to the decision;
(ii) a description of any features of the project and/or measures envisaged to avoid, prevent or reduce and if possible offset significant adverse effects on the environment as well as, where appropriate, monitoring measures;
(b) where the decision in paragraph (1)(a) is to refuse consent, the main reasons for the refusal.”

.
(c) for paragraph (3)(b) substitute—

“(b) the main reasons and considerations on which its determination is based, including a summary of the results of the consultations and the information gathered pursuant to regulations 9, 10 and 15 and how those results have been incorporated or otherwise addressed; and”

.

14 Regulation 22 (conditions to be included in every consent)
For regulation 22, substitute—

“1 Every consent shall include conditions to the effect that—
(a) work in relation to the relevant project shall be commenced within such period (not being more than 5 years beginning with the date consent is granted) as is specified in the consent;
(b) no work shall be carried out in relation to the relevant project after the expiration of such period (not being more than 10 years beginning with the date consent is granted) as is specified in the consent;
(c) the proposer must implement procedures to monitor significant adverse effects on the environment.
2 In sub-paragraph (1)(c), the types of parameters to be monitored and the duration of monitoring must be proportionate to the nature, location and size of the project and the significance of its effects on the environment but, to avoid duplication, existing monitoring arrangements under Union legislation other than the Directive may be used, if appropriate.”

15 Regulation 29 (determinations following consideration of project under regulation 28)
In paragraph (1)(d) of regulation 29, for the words “28 days”, substitute “30 days”.

16 Regulation 30 (notification of determination that a proposed project is likely to have significant effects on the environment)
In paragraph (2)(c) of regulation 30, for “28 days” substitute “30 days”.

17 Regulation 32 (publicity for an environmental statement)
In regulation 32—
(a) in paragraph (2)(b), for “28 days” substitute “30 days”;
(b) in paragraph 3(b), for “28 days” substitute “30 days”.

18 Regulation 33 (assistance in the preparation of environmental statements)
In regulation 33—
(a) in paragraph (4)(b), for the words “28 days” substitute the words “30 days”;
(b) in paragraph (5)(b), for the words “28 days” substitute the words “30 days”.

19 Regulation 35 (proposed project likely to have significant effect on the environment in another EEA State)
In regulation 35(1)(c), for the words “28 days”, substitute the words “30 days”.

20 Regulation 36 (determination of whether proposed project should proceed)
In regulation 36—
(a) in paragraph (7)(a)—
(i) after the words “general and local” substitute the words “general, local and electronic”;
(ii) for the words “28 days” substitute the words “30 days”;
(b) in paragraph (7)(a)(ii), for the words “28 days” substitute the words “30 days”.

21 Regulation 38 (revocation and transitional provisions)
In regulation 38, after paragraph (2), insert—

“3 The amendments made to these regulations by the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 do not apply to projects where, before the commencement date—
(a) the proposer has applied in writing to the Department under regulation 6(1) for its opinion whether a project is a relevant project;
(b) the proposer has requested the Department to give its opinion under regulation 9(1) as to the scope and level of detail of the information to be contained in the environmental statement required for that project; or
(c) the environmental statement has been submitted under regulation 10(1).”

.

22 Regulation 39 (review)
After regulation 38, insert—

“39 Review
1 The Department must from time to time—
(a) carry out a review of the regulatory provision in these Regulations; and
(b) publish a report setting out the conclusions of the review.
2 The report must in particular—
(a) set out the objectives intended to be achieved by the regulatory provision;
(b) assess the extent to which those objectives are achieved;
(c) assess whether those objectives remain appropriate; and
(d) if those objectives remain appropriate, assess the extent to which they could be achieved in another way which involves less onerous regulatory provision.
3 The first report must be published before the end of the period of five years beginning with the date of coming into operation of this regulation.
4 Subsequent reports under this regulation must be published at intervals not exceeding five years.
5 In this regulation, “regulatory provision” has the meaning given by section 32(4) of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.”

.

23 Schedules
1 For Schedule 1 substitute the schedule contained in Schedule 1.
2 After Schedule 2, insert new Schedule 2A contained in Schedule 2.
3 For Schedule 3 substitute the schedule contained in Schedule 3.
4 For Schedule 4 substitute the schedule contained in Schedule 4.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department, of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on 15th May 2017.
Malcolm Beatty A senior officer of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1

“SCHEDULE 1 Information for inclusion in Environmental Statements
Regulations 2(1) and 13(2)
PART 1 1 A description of the project, including in particular—
(a) a description of the location of the project;
(b) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole project, including where relevant requisite demolition works, and the land-use requirements during the construction and operational phases;
(c) a description of the main characteristics of the operational phase of the project (in particular, any production processes), for instance, energy demand and energy used, nature and quantity of the materials and natural resources (including water, land, soil and biodiversity) used;
(d) an estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (such as water, air, soil and sub-soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat and radiation) resulting from the operation of the proposed project.
2 A description of the reasonable alternatives (for example in terms of project design, technology, location, size and scale) studied by the applicant, which are relevant to the proposed project and its specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reasons for selecting the chosen option, including a comparison of the environmental effects.
3 A description of the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment (baseline scenario) and an outline of the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the project as far as natural changes from the baseline scenario can be assessed with reasonable effort on the basis of the availability of environmental information and scientific knowledge.
4 A description of the factors specified in Schedule 4 likely to be significantly affected by the project—
population, human health;
biodiversity (for example flora and fauna);
land (for example land take), soil (for example organic matter, erosion, compaction, sealing), water (for example hydromorphological changes, quantity and quality), air and climate (for example greenhouse gas emissions, impacts relevant to adaptation);
material assets, cultural heritage, including architectural and archaeological aspects, and landscapes.
5 A description of the likely significant effects of the project on the environment resulting from, amongst others—
(a) the construction and existence of the project, including, where relevant, demolition works;
(b) the use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity, considering as far as possible the sustainable availability of these resources;
(c) the emission of pollutants, noise, vibration, light, heat and radiation, the creation of nuisances and the disposal and recovery of waste;
(d) the risks to human health, cultural heritage or the environment (for example due to accidents or disasters);
(e) the cumulation of effects with existing or approved projects, taking into account any existing environmental problems relating to areas of particular environmental importance likely to be affected or the use of natural resources;
(f) the impact of the project on climate (for example the nature and magnitude of greenhouse gas emissions) and the vulnerability of the project to climate change;
(g) the technologies used.
6 The description of the likely significant effects on the factors specified in Schedule 4 must cover the direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, transboundary, short-term, medium-term and long-term, permanent or temporary, positive and negative effects of the project. This description must take into account the environmental protection objectives established at Union or Member State level which are relevant to the project.
7 A description of the forecasting methods or evidence, used to identify and assess the significant effects on the environment, including details of difficulties (for example technical deficiencies or lack of knowledge) encountered compiling the required information and the main uncertainties involved.
8 A description of the measures envisaged to avoid, prevent, reduce or, if possible, offset any identified significant adverse effects on the environment and where appropriate, of any proposed monitoring arrangements (for example the preparation of a post-project analysis). That description must explain the extent to which significant adverse effects on the environment are avoided, prevented, reduced or offset, and must cover both the construction and operational phases.
9 A description of the expected significant adverse effects of the project on the environment deriving from the vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and/or disasters which are relevant to the project concerned. Relevant information available and obtained through risk assessments pursuant to legislation such as Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances amending and subsequently repealing Council Directive 96/82/EC or Council Directive 2009/71/Euratom establishing a Community framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations or UK environmental assessments may be used for this purpose provided that the requirements of the Directive are met. Where appropriate, this description should include measures envisaged to prevent or mitigate the significant adverse effects of such events on the environment and details of the preparedness for and proposed response to such emergencies.
OJ No L 197, 24.7.2012, p. 1
OJ No L 219, 25.7.2014, p. 42
10 A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 9 above.
11 A reference list detailing the sources used for the descriptions and assessments included in the statement.
PART 2 1 A description of the project comprising information on the site, design and size and other relevant features of the project.
2 A description of the likely significant effects of the project on the environment.
3 A description of any features of the project, or measures envisaged in order to avoid, prevent or reduce and, if possible offset likely significant adverse effects on the environment.
4 A description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the applicant which are relevant to the project and its specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reasons for the options chosen, taking into account the effects of the project on the environment.
5 A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 4.”

SCHEDULE 2A

“SCHEDULE 2A Information to be provided by the proposer for an application for an opinion whether a project is a relevant project
Regulation 6
1 A description of the project including, in particular—
(a) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole project and where relevant, of demolition works; and
(b) a description of the location of the project, with particular regard to the environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected.
2 A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the project.
3 A description of any likely significant effects of the project on the environment, to the extent of the information available on such effects, resulting from—
(a) the expected residues and emission and the production of waste, where relevant; and
(b) the use of natural resources, in particular soil, land, water and biodiversity.”

SCHEDULE 3

“SCHEDULE 3 Projects having significant effects on the environment: selection criteria
Regulations 6, 7(2) and (3) and 28

1 Characteristics of projects
The characteristics of projects must be considered with particular regard to—
(a) the size and design of the project;
(b) cumulation with other existing or approved projects;
(c) the use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity;
(d) the production of waste;
(e) pollution and nuisances;
(f) the risk of major accidents or disasters relevant to the project concerned, including those caused by climate change, in accordance with scientific knowledge;
(g) the risks to human health (for example, due to water contamination or air pollution).

2 Location of the project
The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by projects must be considered with particular regard 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 and Directive 2009/147/EC;
(vi) areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards, laid down in legislation and relevant to the project, or in which it is considered that there is such a failure;
(vii) densely populated areas;
(viii) landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

3 Types of characteristics of the potential impact
The likely significant effects of the project on the environment must be considered in relation to criteria set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 above, with regard to the impact of the project on the factors specified in Schedule 4, 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 projects;
(h) the possibility of effectively reducing the impact.”

SCHEDULE 4

“SCHEDULE 4 Environmental factors
Regulations 16(3) and 36(1)
The factors specified are—
(a) population and human health;
(b) biodiversity, with particular attention to species and habitats protected under Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC;
(c) land, soil, water, air and climate;
(d) material assets, cultural heritage and the landscape;
(e) the interaction between the factors mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d); above and
(f) the expected effects on those factors deriving from the vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and/or disasters that are relevant to the project concerned.”

EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006 No. 518) (the “principal Regulations”).
The principal Regulations implement in relation to forestry projects Council Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended by Directive 2003/35/EC, on the provision for public participation in certain environmental decision making and the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, including provision for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (the Department) to direct that a particular project is exempt from environmental assessment requirements, but in doing so the Department shall consider whether another form of assessment would be appropriate.
These Regulations increase the level of protection for the environment through the implementation in relation to forestry projects of Directive 2011/92/EU (repealing Council Directive 85/337/EEC), as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment.
These Regulations give effect to the implementation of Directive 2011/92/EU, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU as follows:
(a) the information to be provided in an environmental impact assessment is redefined (regulations 4(d) and 13(b) and Schedule 1);
(b) where an assessment on the effects on the environment is appropriate under the principal Regulations, provision is introduced for co-ordinated and/or joint procedures (regulation 9A);
(c) the environmental factors which need to be taken into account in the determination of applications is redefined (Schedules 1 and 4);
(d) the information, including further information required to accompany an application under regulation 6(1) of the principal Regulations has been redefined (regulations 4, 7 and 9 and Schedules 1, 2A and 3);
(e) an extension to the time limits within which the Department must make its determination (regulation 8);
(f) provision requiring an environmental statement to be prepared by competent persons regulation 4(e));
(g) the further information required to be included in the decision to grant consent (regulation 13);
(h) where the decision is made to refuse consent, the main reasons for the refusal must be stated (regulation 13);
(i) monitoring of measures envisaged to offset significant adverse effects on the environment (regulations 13 and Schedule 1);
(j) transitional provisions apply where applications to the Department under regulation 6(1) and requests for an opinion under regulation 9(1) of the principal Regulations are made before the commencement date (regulation 21).
The legislation indicated for the purpose of determining whether a project is relevant is updated (regulation 5).
A review must be carried out by the Department before the expiry of 5 years from the commencement date and a report must be published (regulation 22).
A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been produced for this instrument and it and the Explanatory Memorandum for this instrument are available alongside the instrument at www.legislation.gov.uk.