The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 No. 360

Regulations 5(2), 6(3) and 11

SCHEDULE 1MATTERS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DECIDING WHETHER RELEVANT PROJECT LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

1. The characteristics of projects having regard, in particular, to–

(a)the size of the project;

(b)the cumulation with other projects;

(c)the use of natural resources;

(d)the production of waste, pollution and nuisances; and

(e)the risk of accidents, having regard in particular to substances or technologies used.

2. The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by projects having regard, in particular, to–

(a)the existing land use;

(b)the relative abundance, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources in the area;

(c)the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas–

(i)wetlands;

(ii)coastal zones;

(iii)mountain and forest areas;

(iv)nature reserves and parks;

(v)areas classified or protected under member States' legislation;

(vi)special protection areas designated by member States pursuant to Directive 79/409/EEC(1) and 92/43/EEC(2);

(vii)areas in which the environmental quality standards laid down in Community legislation have already been exceeded;

(viii)densely populated areas; and

(ix)landscapes of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

3. The potential significant effects of projects in relation to criteria set out under 1 and 2 above, and having regard in particular to–

(a)the extent of the impact (geographical area and size of the affected population);

(b)the trans-frontier nature of the impact;

(c)the magnitude and complexity of the impact;

(d)the probability of the impact; and

(e)the duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact.

(1)

O.J. No. L103, 25.4.1979, p.1.

(2)

O.J. No. L206, 22.7.1992, p.7.