(a) a description of the physical characteristics of the proposed pipe-line works and the proposed pipe-line, and the land-use requirements during the construction and operational phases;

(b) a description of the main characteristics of the production processes proposed, for instance, the nature and quality of the materials to be used;

(c) an estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (including, without limitation, water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, and radiation) resulting from the proposed pipe-line works and the proposed pipe-line when in operation.

     2. A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed pipe-line works, including in particular, population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors.

     3. A description of the likely significant effects of the proposed pipe-line works on the environment which may result from-

(a) the existence of the proposed pipe-line works or the proposed pipe-line;

(b) the use of natural resources;

(c) the emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste,

and a description of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the environment.

     4. A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 3 above.

     5. An indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered by the public gas transporter in compiling the required information.

(a) the size of the proposed pipe-line works and of the proposed pipe-line;

(b) the cumulation with other developments;

(c) the use of natural resources;

(d) the production of waste;

(e) pollution and nuisances;

(f) the risk of accidents, having regard in particular to substances or technologies used.

Location of proposed pipe-line works
     2. The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by proposed pipe-line works must be considered, having regard, in particular, to-

(a) the whole or any part of which, or the whole or any part of any working width for which, will be within a sensitive area; or

(b) which will have a design operating pressure exceeding 7 bar gauge.

(a) obtain from the Secretary of State a determination as to whether the proposed works should be made the subject of an environmental statement by reason of the fact that they would be likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as their nature, size or location, or

(b) give notice that he intends in any event to produce an environmental statement in respect of the pipe-line works (regulation 3(2)).

The matters to be covered by an environmental statement are specified in regulation 2(1) and Schedule 1.

In addition, where it appears to the Secretary of State that any pipe-line works falling outside the specified criteria would nevertheless be likely to have significant effects on the environment he is required to direct a public gas transporter to produce an environmental statement (regulation 3(3)). In any case where the Secretary of State has made a determination that an environmental statement is required, or has given a direction to that effect or the public gas transporter has given notice that he will provide an environmental statement, the consent of the Secretary of State is required before the works can be carried out (regulation 3(5)).

The Regulations set out the procedure to be followed by the Secretary of State in determining at the request of a public gas transporter whether an environmental statement is required (regulation 6), including a requirement for the Secretary of State to consult the relevant planning authorities.

Provision is made requiring the Secretary of State, when so requested, to give a preliminary opinion to a public gas transporter as to the information to be included in an environmental statement which the transporter is to submit (regulation 7). The Secretary of State is required to consult certain public bodies (defined in regulation 2(1) as "the consultation bodies") and the public gas transporter before giving an opinion.

Provision is made for copies of determinations and directions by the Secretary of State as to the need for an environmental statement to be made available to the public by local planning authorities (regulation 8).

Provision is made to enable persons proposing to carry out pipe-line works to obtain information from the consultation bodies to assist in the preparation of environmental statements (regulation 9).

The Regulations also lay down requirements for publicity for and public consultation on the environmental statement and the application for consent (regulation 10), after which the Secretary of State may give a consent to the carrying out of the pipe-line works, with or without conditions, if he judges it appropriate (regulation 14). The Secretary of State must be satisfied before granting a consent that the requirements of the Regulations as to publicity and consultation have been substantially complied with and must consider the representations of the consultation bodies and the public. Provision is also made for consent decisions by the Secretary of State to be made public.

Power is conferred on the Secretary of State to require persons proposing to carry out pipe-line works to provide further information in relation to environmental statements submitted to him and for such information to be subject to publication requirements similar to those laid down by regulation 10 (regulation 11).

Provision is made for other member States to participate in the decision making process in relation to pipe-line works likely to have a significant effect on their environment (regulation 13).

Provision is made by the Regulations for the making of applications to the court by persons challenging certain decisions of the Secretary of State. Subject to certain exceptions, provision is also made for the Secretary of State to make applications to the court to seek remedies in respect of the carrying out of pipe-line works without a consent granted in accordance with these Regulations or in breach of any conditions attached to such a consent (regulations 15, 16 and 17).

Provision is made creating offences in respect of the intentional or reckless submission of false or misleading information pursuant to the Regulations and subject to certain exceptions, the carrying out of pipe-line works without a consent granted pursuant to the Regulations or in breach of any conditions attached to such a consent (regulation 18).

Provision is made in relation to the service of notices and other documents pursuant to the Regulations (regulation 19).

Finally, regulations 4 and 5 deal with the interaction between these Regulations and the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/293) and the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1988 (S.I. 1988/1221) in cases where planning permission is required in respect of proposed pipe-line works by virtue of directions given under article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/418) or, in Scotland, article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/223).

A regulatory impact assessment is available from Oil and Gas Directorate, Department of Trade and Industry, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET (Tel: 0171 215 5151).

Command Paper 9424 (the UNESCO Convention referred to in paragraph (f) of the definition of "sensitive area" in regulation 2(1)) is out of print but photocopies of the document can be obtained by HMSO from the British Lending Library Division (BLLD). Customers, unless already registered with BLLD, should order via HMSO (Photocopies), PO Box 276, London SW8 5DT, enclosing £5.50 per complete copy required.