Paragraph 16

SEPA must, when considering an application referred to in paragraph 15—

(a)

assess the risk to the water environment posed by the carrying on of the authorised activity;

(b)

where the application is in respect of an activity that it considers has or is likely to have a significant adverse impact on the water environment—

(i)

assess the indirect effects of that impact on any other aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected;

(ii)

consider any likely adverse social and economic effects of that impact and of any indirect environmental effects identified in accordance with sub-paragraph (i); and

(iii)

consider the likely environmental, social and economic benefits of the activity;

(c)

assess the impact of the controlled activity on the interests of other users of the water environment;

(d)

assess what steps may be taken to ensure efficient and sustainable water use;

(e)

apply the requirements of the legislation referred to in Part 1 of Schedule 4, including, in particular, the provisions of Article 4 of the Directive and Article 6 of the Groundwater Directive 2006; and

(f)

have regard to the provisions of the legislation referred to in Part 2 of Schedule 4,

and must, if they grant the application, ensure that the relevant authorisation complies with the requirements of these Regulations.