The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999

[F1 Location of the project U.K.

2.   The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by the relevant project 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 [F2 or Natura 2000 as defined in regulation 3(1) of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017;]

(vi) areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards laid down in [F3 retained EU law] 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.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 1 substituted (16.5.2017) by The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Environmental Impact Assessment and other Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/582), reg. 1, Sch. 1 (with reg. 23)

F2 Words in Sch. 1 para. 2(c)(v) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 3(12)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F3 Words in Sch. 1 para. 2(c)(vi) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 3(12)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)