Regulations 17 and 27
1. A description of the development, including in particular—
(a)a description of the location of the development;
(b)a description of the physical characteristics of the whole development, including where relevant, requisite demolition works and the land use requirements during the construction and operational phases;
(c)a description of the main characteristics of the operational phase of the development (in particular, any production process), for example, energy demand and energy used, the nature and quantity of the materials and natural resources (including water, land, soil and biodiversity) used;
(d)an estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (such as water, air, soil and subsoil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation) and quantities and types of waste produced during the construction and operational phases.
2. A description of the reasonable alternatives (for example, in terms of development design, technology, location, size and scale) studied by the developer that are relevant to the development and its specific characteristics and an indication of the main reasons for selecting the chosen option, including a comparison of the environmental effects.
3. A description of the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment (baseline scenario) and an outline of the likely evolution of the environment without implementation of the development as far as natural changes from the baseline scenario can be assessed with reasonable effort on the basis of the availability of environmental information and scientific knowledge.
4. A description of the factors set out in regulation 7(2) likely to be significantly affected by the development.
5.—(1) A description of the likely significant effects of the development on the environment resulting from, amongst other things—
(a)the construction and existence of the development, including, where relevant, demolition works;
(b)the use of natural resources, in particular, land, soil, water and biodiversity, considering as far as possible the sustainable availability of these resources;
(c)the emission of pollutants, noise, vibration, light, heat and radiation, the creation of nuisances and the disposal and recovery of waste;
(d)the risks to human health, cultural heritage or the environment (for example, due to accidents and disasters);
(e)the cumulation of effects with other existing and approved developments, taking into account any existing environmental problems relating to areas of particular environmental importance likely to be affected and the use of natural resources;
(f)the impact of the development on climate (for example, the nature and magnitude of greenhouse gas emissions) and the vulnerability of the development to climate change;
(g)the technologies and the substances used.
(2) The description of the likely significant effects on the factors set out in regulation 7(2) must cover the direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, transboundary, short-term, medium-term and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of the development, taking account of the environmental protection objectives established at European Union or domestic level that are relevant to the development, including in particular those established under the Habitats Directive or the Wild Birds Directive.
6. A description of the forecasting methods or evidence used to identify and assess the significant effects on the environment, including details of difficulties (for example, technical difficulties or lack of knowledge) encountered in compiling the required information and the main uncertainties involved.
7.—(1) A description of the measures envisaged to avoid, prevent, reduce or, if possible, offset any identified significant adverse effects on the environment and, where appropriate, of any proposed monitoring arrangements (for example, the preparation of a post-development analysis).
(2) The description must explain the extent to which significant adverse effects on the environment are avoided, prevented, reduced or offset and must cover both the construction and operational phases.
8.—(1) A description of the expected significant adverse effects of the development on the environment deriving from the vulnerability of the development to risks of major accidents and disasters that are relevant to the development.
(2) Relevant information available and obtained through risk assessments under requirements imposed in accordance with European Union legislation such as the Seveso III Directive or the Nuclear Safety Directive and relevant assessments undertaken under domestic legislation may be used for this purpose provided that the requirements of the EIA Directive are met.
(3) Where appropriate, the description must include measures envisaged to prevent or mitigate the significant adverse effects of accidents and disasters referred to in sub-paragraph (1) on the environment and details of the preparedness for and proposed response to such emergencies.
(4) In this paragraph—
“Nuclear Safety Directive” means Council Directive 2009/71/Euratom of 25th June 2009 establishing a Community framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations(1);
“Seveso III Directive” means Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4th July 2012 on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances(2).
9. A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 8.
10. A reference list detailing the sources used for the descriptions and assessments included in the EIA report.
O.J. L 172, 2.7.2009, p. 18.
O.J. L 197, 24.7.2012, p. 1.