14.—(1) In this regulation “interested person” means—
(a)any person who—
(i)is affected or likely to be affected by environmental damage; or
(ii)otherwise has a sufficient interest; or
(b)a non governmental organisation promoting environmental protection.
(2) An interested person may submit any observations to the competent authority in relation to an instance of environmental damage or an imminent threat of such damage and request the competent authority to take action under these Regulations.
(3) A request from an interested person under paragraph (2) shall be—
(a)made in writing; and
(b)accompanied by any relevant information and data supporting any observation made under that paragraph in relation to the environmental damage or imminent threat of such damage.
(4) Upon receipt by a competent authority of a request under paragraph (2) it shall determine whether or not it is satisfied that the request and the accompanying observation demonstrate in a plausible manner that the environmental damage or an imminent threat of such damage exists and, in the event that—
(a)it is so satisfied, the procedure specified in paragraphs (5) and (6) shall be followed; or
(b)it is not so satisfied, it shall notify the person who made the request under paragraph (2) of its decision and the reasons for it.
(5) Where a competent authority is satisfied under paragraph (4) in relation to a request made under paragraph (2) it shall notify the operator of the request, provide it with a copy of the accompanying information and invite the operator to respond with any representations.
(6) After having had regard to any representations made to it by an operator, the competent authority shall notify—
(a)the person who made the request under paragraph (2); and
(b)the operator,
of its decision regarding the request and provide reasons for it.