Paragraph 2 Location of relevant pipe-line worksF1

The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by the relevant pipe-line works, having regard in particular, to—

(a)

the existing and approved land use;

(b)

the relative abundance, availability, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources (including soil, land, water and biodiversity) in the area and its underground;

(c)

the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to the following areas—

(i)

wetlands, riparian areas, river mouths;

(ii)

coastal zones and the marine environment;

(iii)

mountain and forest areas;

(iv)

nature reserves and parks;

(v)

areas classified or protected under national legislation F2or Natura 2000 as defined in regulation 3(1) of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017;

(vi)

areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards laid down in F3F4assimilated law and relevant to the project or in which it is considered that there is such a failure;

(vii)

densely populated areas; and

(viii)

landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Sch. 2 substituted (16.5.2017) by The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Environmental Impact Assessment and other Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/582), reg. 1, Sch. 6 (with reg. 58)
F2: Words in Sch. 2 para. 2(c)(v) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 5(12)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F3: Words in Sch. 2 para. 2(c)(vi) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Pipe-lines, Petroleum, Electricity Works and Oil Stocking (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1325), regs. 1(1), 5(12)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F4: Word in Sch. 2 para. 2(c)(vi) substituted (27.2.2025) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/82), reg. 1(2), Sch. 13 para. 4(2)(d)