Projects likely to have significant effects on the environment in another EEA state
15.—(1) Where—
(a)the Welsh Ministers are aware that a relevant project is likely to have significant effects on the environment in another EEA state; or
(b)a request is made by another EEA state, whose territory is likely to be significantly affected by such a relevant project,
the Welsh Ministers must, as soon as possible and not later than the publication of the notice referred to in regulation 12(1), carry out the actions specified in paragraph (2).
(2) The actions mentioned in paragraph (1) are that the Welsh Ministers must—
(a)send to the affected state —
(i)details of the location and nature of the dredging,
(ii)any available information on its potential effect on the environment in the affected state, and
(iii)a description of the nature of the decision which may be made under these Regulations;
(b)give the affected state a reasonable time in which to indicate whether it wishes to participate in the procedure for which these Regulations provide; and
(c)publish in the London Gazette a notice containing the particulars mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) and indicating the address from which additional information may be obtained.
(3) Where an affected state indicates a desire to participate in the procedure for which these Regulations provide, the Welsh Ministers must, as soon as possible, send to that affected state such of the following information as has not already been provided to it in accordance with paragraph (2)—
(a)a copy of any application made under regulation 10;
(b)a copy of any further information supplied under regulation 11 or other information provided by the applicant;
(c)a copy of any notice published under regulation 12(1);
(d)copies of any reports and advice issued to the Welsh Ministers; and
(e)relevant information regarding the procedure under these Regulations.
(4) The Welsh Ministers must also ensure that any bodies with specific environmental responsibilities who have been consulted by the affected state and the public concerned are given an opportunity, before any application is decided, to forward to the Welsh Ministers, within a reasonable time, their opinion on the particulars and information supplied.
(5) The Welsh Ministers must—
(a)enter into consultations with the affected state regarding, amongst other matters, the potential effects of the dredging on the environment of that affected state and the measures envisaged to reduce or eliminate such effects; and
(b)determine, in agreement with the affected state, a reasonable period of time for the duration of the consultation period.
(6) Where the Welsh Ministers have consulted an affected state in accordance with paragraph (5) on the decision to be made on any application concerned, the Welsh Ministers must inform that affected state of the decision and must send to it a notice of the decision; and the notice must state—
(a)the main reasons for the decision;
(b)the main considerations on which the decision is based, including, if relevant, information about the public participation process; and
(c)where permission is granted—
(i)any conditions imposed under regulation 13(7)(a), and
(ii)where applicable, the main measures to be taken to avoid, reduce and, if possible, offset any major adverse effects.