# The Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017, Paragraph 2: Location of projects


The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by projects must be considered, with particular regard to—
(a) the existing and approved land use;
(b) the relative abundance, 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 in accordance with EEA States' legislation; Natura 2000 areas ...;
(vi) areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards laid down in Union legislation prior to exit day or assimilated law and relevant to the project, or in which it is considered that there is such a failure;
(vii) densely populated areas;
(viii) landscapes of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2017/85/schedule/2/paragraph/2 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/water-resources-environmental-impact-assessment-regulations-northern-ireland-2017/schedule-2/paragraph-2
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.