The Drainage (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017

Consideration whether proposed drainage works have significant effects on the environment

7.—(1) The Department shall provide the following information on proposed drainage works of the type listed in Annex II to the Directive—

(a) a description of the works, including in particular—

(i) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole project and, where relevant, of demolition works; and

(ii) a description of the location of the works, with particular regard to the environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected;

(b) a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the works;

(c) a description of any likely significant effects, to the extent of the information available on such effects, of the works on the environment resulting from—

(i) the expected residues and emissions and the production of waste, where relevant;

(ii) the use of natural resources, in particular soil, land, water and biodiversity,

the criteria of Schedule 2B to the Drainage Order shall be taken into account, where relevant, when compiling the information in accordance with sub-paragraphs (a) to (c).

(2) The Department shall determine within 90 days of receiving the information in paragraph (1), taking into account the selection criteria in Schedule 2B to the Drainage Order, whether or not the proposed drainage works in paragraph (1) are likely to have significant effects on the environment.

(3) Where the Department is bringing forward the proposed drainage works in paragraph (1) and will also be making the determination in paragraph (2), the Department must make appropriate administrative arrangements to ensure that there is a functional separation, when performing any duty under these regulations, between the persons bringing forward a proposal for drainage works and the persons responsible for making the determination.