Section 17 Meaning of expressions used in section 16 and schedule 2I1

Expressions used in section 16 have the following meanings for the purposes of this Chapter—

• “environmental activities” means—

  1. (a)

     activities that are capable of causing, or liable to cause, environmental harm, and

  2. (b)

     activities connected with such activities,

• “protecting and improving the environment” includes, in particular—

  1. (a)

     preventing deterioration (or further deterioration) of, and protecting and enhancing, the status of ecosystems, and

  2. (b)

     promoting the sustainable use of natural resources based on the long-term protection of available natural resources.

In subsection (1)—

• “activities” means activities of any nature whether industrial, commercial or otherwise and whether carried on in particular premises or otherwise; and includes (with or without other activities) the production, treatment, keeping, depositing or disposal of any substance,

• “environmental harm” means—

  1. (a)

     harm to the health of human beings or other living organisms,

  2. (b)

     harm to the quality of the environment, including—

     1. (i)

        harm to the quality of the environment taken as a whole,

     2. (ii)

        harm to the quality of air, water or land, and

     3. (iii)

        other impairment of, or interference with, ecosystems,

  3. (c)

     offence to the senses of human beings,

  4. (d)

     damage to property, or

  5. (e)

     impairment of, or interference with, amenities or other legitimate uses of the environment.

In schedule 2 (introduced by section 18), “regulated activities” means any environmental activities in respect of which regulations under that section make provision.