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

Regulations 2 and 4

Characteristics of relevant pipe-line works1

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 works2

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 impact3

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.