9 Substitution of regulation 7
For regulation 7 (preparation of environmental statement) substitute—

“7 Preparation of an environmental statement
1 A drainage body must ensure that in any case to which regulation 6 applies a written statement (an “environmental statement”) in respect of the improvement works is prepared by a competent person which—
(a) includes the information specified in paragraph (2);
(b) is based on the opinion given under regulation 8;
(c) takes into account the results of any relevant EU environmental assessment which are reasonably available to the drainage body; and
(d) states the relevant expertise and qualifications of the competent person.
2 The specified information is—
(a) a description of the improvement works comprising information on the site, design, size and other relevant features of the improvement works;
(b) a description of the likely significant effects of the improvement works on the environment;
(c) a description of any features of the improvement works or measures to avoid, prevent, reduce or offset any likely significant adverse effects of the improvement works on the environment;
(d) a description of the reasonable alternatives studied by the drainage body, which are relevant to the improvement works and their specific characteristics, and an indication of the main reasons for the option chosen, taking into account the effects of the improvement works on the environment;
(e) a non-technical summary of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d); and
(f) any additional information specified in Schedule 1 relevant to the specific characteristics of particular improvement works or type of improvement works and to the environmental features likely to be affected.”

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