The Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Production, Unloading and Storage (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2020

Location of the project

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

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

(1)

S.I. 2017/1012. Amended by S.I. 2019/579. There are other amendments which are not relevant.