Selection criteria referred to in Article 4(3) - Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment - page 399

Annex III:
Selection criteria referred to in Article 4(3)
1. Cha r acteristics of projects
The characteristics of projects must be considered having regard, in particular, to:
— the size of the project,
— the cumulation with other projects,
— the use of natural resources,
— the production of waste,
— pollution and nuisances,
— the risk of accidents, having regard in particular to substances or technologies used.
2. Loc a tion of projects
The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by
projects must be considered, having regard, in particular, to:
— the existing land use,
— the relative abundance, quality and regenerative capacity of natural resources in the
area,
— the absorption capacity of the natural environment, paying particular attention to
the following areas:
(a) wetlands;
(b) coastal zones;
(c) mountain and forest areas;
(d) nature reserves and parks;
(e) areas classified or protected under Member States' legislation; special
protection areas designated by Member States pursuant to Directive
79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC;
(f) areas in which the environmental quality standards laid down in Community
legislation have already been exceeded;
(g) densely populated areas;
(h) landscapes of historical, cultural or archaeological significance.
3. Cha r acteristics of the potential impact
The potential significant effects of projects must be considered in relation to
criteria set out under 1 and 2 above, and having regard in particular to:
— the extent of the impact (geographical area and size of the affected population),
— the transfrontier nature of the impact,
— the magnitude and complexity of the impact,
— the probability of the impact,
— the duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact.