# The Waterways (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019, Paragraph 2: Location of the works


The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by the works must be considered, 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 EEA States’ legislation, Natura 2000 areas designated by EEA States pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC;
(vi) areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards, laid down in any legislation applicable in Northern Ireland and relevant to the works, 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.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2019/209/schedule/1/paragraph/2 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/waterways-environmental-impact-assessment-regulations-northern-ireland-2019/schedule-1/paragraph-2
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.