Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2010 (L.N. 497 of 2010)

Suppliment tal-Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 18,678, 26 ta’ Novembru, 2010 Taqsima B B 5873                                                                                                à                à        à     B 5873                                                                                                à                à        à     VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5874 pjan jew programm. Awtorità responsabbli g]andha ma tibqax responsabbli legalment g]all-pjan jew programm tag]ha f’dak i\ \mien li awtorità reponsabbli [dida ta``etta r-responsabbiltà formali bil-miktub. Meta aktar minn awtorità responsabbli wa]da tkun responsabbli g]al pjan jew programm, jew partijiet minnu, l-awtorità responsabbli g]andha tkun: (a) l-awtorità nominata bi ftehim bejn l-awtoritajiet responsabbli g]al dak il-pjan jew programm; jew (b) determinata mill-Punt Fokali SEA, jekk ma jkunx hemm ftehim b]al dak; "pjanijiet u programmi" tfisser pjanijiet u programmi, inklu\i dawk kofinanzjati mill-Komunità Ewropea, kif ukoll xi modifiki li jsirulhom: (a) li huma su[[etti g]all-preparazzjoni u, jew adozzjoni minn xi awtorità fuq livell nazzjonali, re[jonali jew lokali jew li jkunu preparati minn xi awtorità g]all-adozzjoni, permezz ta’ pro`edura le[islattiva mill-Parlament jew mill Gvern, u (b) li huma me]tie[a minn disposizzjonijiet le[islattivi, regolatorji jew amministrattivi; "il-pubbliku" tfisser persuna naturali jew legali wa]da jew aktar u, skont il-le[islazzjoni nazzjonali jew il-prattika, l-asso`jazzjonijiet, l-organizzazzjonijiet jew gruppi tag]hom; "rapport ambjentali" tfisser il-parti tal-pjan jew dokumentazzjoni tal-programm li fihom l-informazzjoni me]tie[a fir regolament 6 u fl-iSkeda I; "sar disponbibbli g]all-pubbliku" tfisser il-publikazzjoni fil Gazzetta jew inkella f’ta’ l-inqas gazzetta wa]da li to]ro[ kuljum bil lingwa Ingli\a u bil-lingwa Maltija, ta’ avvi\ li jindika fejn wie]ed jista’ jara jew jikseb id-dokument; il-prezz tal-imsemmi dokument m’g]andux je``edi l-ispi\a tal-istampar u d-distribuzzjoni tieg]u; "stima ambjentali strate[ika" tfisser il-preparazzjoni ta’ xi rapport ambjentali, it-twettieq ta’ konsultazzjonijiet, it-te]id f’konsiderazzjoni tar-rapport ambjentali u r-ri\ultati tal konsultazzjonijiet fit-te]id tad-de`i\jonijiet u l-g]oti ta’ informazzjoni dwar id-de`i\joni skont ir-regolamenti 5 sa 10. VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5875 (2) Kull terminu ie]or g]andu jkollu l-istess tifsira kif mog]ti lilu fl-Att. Taqsima II Kondizzjonijiet {enerali Kamp ta’ applikazzjoni. 4. (1) Stima ambjentali strate[ika, skont ir-regolamenti 5 sa 10, g]andha ssir mill-awtorità responsabbli g]all-pjanijiet u l programmi msemmija fis-subregolamenti (2) sa (4) li x’aktarx ikollhom effetti ambjentali sinifikanti. (2) Bla ]sara g]ad-dispo\izzjonijiet tas-subregolament (3), stima ambjentali strate[ika g]andha ssir g]all-pjanijiet u l-programmi kollha li (a) huma ppreparati g]all-agrikoltura, il-forestrija, is sajd, l-ener[ija, l-industrija, it-trasport, l-immani[[jar tal-iskart, l-amministrazzjoni tal-ilma, it-telekomunikazzjonijiet, it turi\mu, l-ippjanar ta’ bliet u l-kampanja jew l-u\u tal-art u li jistabilixxu l-qafas g]all-kunsens g]all-i\vilupp futur ta’ pro[etti elenkati fl-Annessi I u II tad-Direttiva 85/337/KEE, jew (b) fid-dawl tal-effett li x’aktarx ikun hemm fuq i\-\oni, [ew stabbiliti li je]tie[u stima skont l-Artikolu 6 jew 7 tad Direttiva 92/43/KEE. (3) Pjanijiet u programmi msemmija fis-subregolament (2) li jistabbilixxu l-u\u ta’ \oni \g]ar fil-livell lokali u modifiki \g]ar g]all-pjanijiet u l-programmi msemmija fis-subregolament (2), ikunu je]tie[u stima ambjentali strate[ika biss meta l-awtorità responsabbli tistabbilixxi li dawn x’aktarx ikollhom effetti ambjentali sinifikanti. (4) Barra minn dan, l-awtorità responsabbli g]andha tiddetermina jekk il-pjanijiet u l-programmi tag]ha, minbarra dawk imsemmija fis-subregolament (2), li jistabbilixxu l-qafas g]all kunsens tal-izvilupp futur ta’ pro[etti, x’aktarx ser ikollhom effetti ambjentali sinifikanti. (5) L-awtorità responsabbli g]andha tiddetermina jekk il pjanijiet jew il-programmi msemmija fis-subregolamenti (3) u (4) humiex ser ikollhom x’aktarx effetti ambjentali sinifikanti jew billi kull ka\ ji[i e\aminat jew billi jkunu spe`ifikati t-tipi ta’ pjanijiet u programmi jew billi jkunu kombinati i\-\ew[ metodi. G]al dan il g]an l-awtorità responsabbli g]andha fil-ka\ijiet kollha tikkunsidra l kriterji rilevanti stabbiliti fl-iSkeda II, sabiex ikun assigurat li l pjanijiet u l-programmi li x’aktarx ikollhom effetti sinifikanti fuq l ambjent ikunu koperti b’dawn ir-regolamenti VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5876 (6) Fl-e\ami li jsir f’kull ka\ u meta jkunu spe`ifikati t-tipi ta’ pjanijiet u programmi skont is-subregolament (5), l-awtoritajiet imsemmija fir-regolament 7(3) g]andhom ikunu kkonsultati. (7) L-awtorità responsabbli g]andha ti\gura li l konklu\jonijiet tag]ha skont is-subregolament (5), inklu\i r-ra[unijiet g]aliex ma tintalabx stima ambjentali strate[ika skont ir-regolamenti 5 sa 10, ji[u mag]mula disponibbli g]all-pubbliku, g]all-awtoritajiet nominati msemmija fir-regolament 7(3) u g]all-awtorità kompetenti. (8) (a) Bla ]sara g]al kull regolament ie]or, l-awtorità kompetenti tista’ f’kull \mien titlob awtorità responsabbli f’livell nazzjonali jew lokali biex tippre\enta stqarrija tad-deskrizzjoni tal pjan jew programm liema stqarrija g]andha tipprovdi dettal suffi`jenti biex hi tkun tista’ tiddentifika l-effetti li x’aktarx ikollhom fuq l-ambjent, sabiex tkun tista’ tiddetermina jekk tkunx me]tie[a stima ambjentali strate[ika. (b) L-awtorità kompetenti g]andha, wara li tkun [iet ppre\entata l-istqarrija tad-deskrizzjoni tal-pjan jew programm mill awtorità responsabbli fuq livell nazzjonali jew lokali, tindika jekk il pjan jew programm jkunx je]tie[ stima ambjentali strate[ika. (`) Id-de`i\joni tal-awtorità komptenti tkun finali. (9) Il-pjanijiet u l-programmi li [ejjin mhumiex su[[etti g]al dawn ir-regolamenti: (a) il-pjanijiet u l-programmi li l-g]an ewlieni tag]hom hu li jservu d-difi\a nazzjonali jew l-emer[enza `ivili, (b) il-pjanijiet u l-programmi finanzjarji jew tal-estimi, (`) il-pjanijiet u l-programmi kofinanzjati ta]t il-perjodi ta’ programazzjoni kurrenti rispettivi tar-Regolamenti tal Kunsill (KE) Nru 1260/1999 u (KE) Nru 1257/1999. Obbligi [enerali. 5. (1) L-istima ambjentali strate[ika msemmija fir regolament 4 g]andha ssir waqt il-preparazzjoni ta’ pjan jew programm u qabel ma ji[i adottat jew sottomess g]all-pro`edura le[islattiva. (2) Meta l-pjanijiet u l-programmi jifformaw parti minn xi [erarkija, l-awtorità responsabbli g]andha, bil-g]an li tevita duplikazzjoni tal-istima, tikkunsidra l-fatt li l-istima ser issir, skont dawn ir-regolamenti, f’livelli differenti tal-[erarkija. G]all-fini li, fost l-o]rajn, ma jkunx hemm duplikazzjoni ta’ stima, l-awtorità responsabbli g]andha tapplika r-regolament 6(2) u (3). VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5877 Rapport dwar l ambjent. 6. (1) Meta stima ambjentali strate[ika tkun me]tie[a skont ir-regolament 4(1), g]andu ji[i ppreparat rapport dwar l ambjent li fih ji[u identifikati, deskritti u valutati l-effetti sinifikanti li x’aktarx ikun hemm fuq l-ambjent b’konsegwenza tal implimentazzjoni tal-pjan jew il-programm, u alternattivi ra[jonevoli, billi jkunu kkunsidrati l-g]anijiet u l-iskop [eografiku tal-pjan jew tal-programm. L-informazzjoni li g]andha ting]ata g]al dan il-g]an hi msemmija fl-iSkeda I. (2) Ir-rapport dwar l-ambjent ippreparat bis-sa]]a tas subregolament (1) g]andu jinkludi fih l-informazzjoni li tista’ tkun mitluba b’mod ra[jonevoli meta jkunu kkunsidrati l-g]arfien pre\enti u l-metodi ta’ stima, il-kontenut u l-livelli tad-dettal fil-pjan jew fil programm, l-istadju tieg]u fil-pro`ess tat-te]id tad-de`i\jonijiet u sa fejn `erti materji jkunu stmati b’mod aktar xieraq fuq livelli differenti f’dak il-pro`ess sabiex tkun evitata duplikazzjoni tal-istima. (3) L-informazzjoni rilevanti disponibbli dwar l-effetti fuq l ambjent tal-pjanijiet u l-programmi u miksuba fuq livelli l-o]ra tat te]id tad-de`i\jonijiet jew permezz ta’ le[islazzjoni o]ra tista’ tintu\a biex tipprovdi l-informazzjoni msemmija fl-iSkeda I. (4) L-awtoritajiet imsemmija fir-regolament 7(3) kif ukoll l awtorità kompetenti g]andhom ikunu kkonsultati meta jkunu qed ji[u de`i\i l-g]an u l-livell tad-dettal tal-informazzjoni li g]andha tkun inklu\a fir-rapport dwar l-ambjent. Konsultazzjo nijiet. 7. (1) L-abbozz tal-pjan jew tal-programm u r-rapport dwar l-ambjent ippreparati skont iur-regolament 6 g]andhom ikunu mqieg]da, mill-awtorità responsabbli, g]ad-disposizzjoni ta’ l awtoritajiet imsemmija fis-subregolament (3), tal-awtorità kompetenti u tal-pubbliku. (2) L-awtorità responsabbli g]andha ti\gura li l-awtoritajiet imsemmija fis-subregolament (3) u l-pubbliku msemmi fis subregolament (4) g]andhom jing]ataw opportunità bikrija u effettiva f’limitu ta’ \mien li jkun xieraq sabiex jesprimu l-opinjoni tag]hom dwar l-abbozz tal-pjan jew tal-programm u r-rapport dwar l-ambjent li jkun mieg]u qabel ma ji[i adottat il-pjan jew il-programm jew is sottomissjoni tieg]u g]all-pro`edura le[islattiva. Kull limitu ta’ \mien hawn imsemmi m’g]andux ikun iktar minn sittax-il [img]a mill-publikazzjoni tal- pjan jew programm u r-rapport dwar l-ambjent tieg]u. (3 L-awtoritajiet nominati li g]andhom ikunu kkonsultati li, min]abba fir-responsabbiltajiet ambjentali spe`ifi`i tag]hom, x’aktarx ikunu milquta mill-effetti ambjentali tal-implimentazzjoni VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5878 tal-pjanijiet jew tal-programmi, huma dawn li [ejjin: (a) l-Awtorità ta’ Malta dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar (MEPA) jew kull entità li tissu``ediha li tkun responsabbli g]all-ambjent; u fejn ikun japplika (b) l-Awtorità ta’ Malta dwar ir-Ri\orsi (MRA) jew kull entità li tissu``ediha li tkun responsabbli g]all-ilma, l-ener[ija u ri\orsi; (`) l-awtorità kompetenti responsabbli g]all agrikoltura; (d) l-awtorità kompetenti responsabbli g]as-sajd; (e) kull awtorità o]ra li hija meqjusa mill-awtorita reponsabbli li tag]ti kontribut fil-pro`ess tal-istima ambjentali strate[ika. (4) L-awtorità responsabbli g]andha tag]mel il-pjan jew programm u r-rapport dwar l-ambjent disponibbli b’mod elettroniku u b’format ippublikat g]all-wiri mill-uffi``ji tag]ha g]all-pubbliku g]all-finijiet tas-subregolament (2). (5) Sabiex ikun jista’ ji[i mil]uq il-pubbliku milqut jew li x'aktarx ikun milqut minn, jew li jkollu interess fi, it-te]id tad de`i\joni bla ]sara g]al dawn ir-regolamenti, inklu\i l organizzazzjonijiet rilevanti mhux governattivi, b]alma huma dawk li jippromwovu l-protezzjoni tal-ambjent u organizzazzjonijiet o]ra interessati, l-avvi\ tad-disponibilità tal-pjan jew tal-programm u r rapport dwar l-ambjent g]andu ji[i ppublikat f’ta’ l-inqas il-Gazzetta flimkien mad-dettalji spe`ifi`i ta’ fejn id-dokumentazzjoni tkun disponibbli u kif il-kummenti jistg]u ji[u sottomessi u sa liema data. Konsultazzjoniji et transkonfini. 8. (1) Meta l-awtorità responsabbli tikkonsidra li l implimentazzjoni ta’ xi pjan jew programm li jkun qed ji[i ppreparat g]ar-rigward tat-territorju tag]ha x’aktarx ikollu effetti sinifikant fuq l-ambjent fi Stat Membru ie]or, jew meta xi Stat Membru li x’aktarx ikun milqut b’mod sinifikattiv hekk jitlob, l-Istat Membru li fit territorju tieg]u l-pjan jew programm ikun qed ji[i ppreparat g]andu, qabel l-adozzjoni tieg]u jew is-sottomissjoni g]all-pro`edura le[islattiva, jibg]at kopja tal-abbozz tal-pjan jew programm u r rapport rilevanti dwar l-ambjent lill-Istat Membru l-ie]or fl-istadju l aktar bikri possibbli. (2) Meta xi Stat Membru tintbg]atlu kopja tal-abbozz tal-pjan jew programm u rapport dwar l-ambjent skont is-subregolament (1), dan g]andu jindika lill-Istat Membru l-ie]or jekk hu jixtieqx li VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5879 jag]mel konsultazzjonijiet qabel l-adozzjoni tal-pjan jew tal programm jew qabel is-sottomissjoni tieg]u g]all-pro`eduri le[islattivi u, jekk hekk jindika, l-Isati Membri interessati g]andhom jag]mlu l-konsultazzjonijiet dwar l-effetti ambjentali transkonfini li x’aktarx ikun hemm b]ala ri\ultat tal-implimentazzjoni tal-pjan jew tal-programm u l-mi\uri ma]suba biex inaqqsu jew jeliminaw dawk l effetti: I\da meta jsiru dawn il-konsultazzjonijiet, l-Istati Membri interessati g]andhom jaqblu dwar l-arran[amenti ddettaljati biex ji\guraw li l-awtoritajiet imsemmija fir-regolament 7(3) u l-pubbliku rilevanti fl-Istat Membru li x’aktarx jkunu milquta b’mod sinifikanti jkunu infurmati u mog]tija l-opportunità li jag]tu l-opinjoni tag]hom fi \mien ra[jonevoli. (3) Meta Stati Membri jkunu mitluba skont dan ir-regolament li jag]mlu konsultazzjonijiet, dawn g]andhom jaqblu, fil-bidu ta’ dawk il-konsultazzjonijiet, dwar \mien ra[jonevoli g]all-perjodu li matulu jsiru l-konsultazzjonijiet. (4) Fil-ka\ fejn Stat Membru jikkonsulta ma’ Malta dwar effetti transkonfini potenzjali, id-dispo\izzjonijiet tas-subregolamenti (1), (2) u (3) g]andhom jg]oddu mutatis mutandis. Te]id tad de`i\jonijiet. 9. Ir-rapport dwar l-ambjent ippreparat skont ir-regolament 6, l-opinjonijiet espressi skont ir-regolament 7 u r-ri\ultati tal konsultazzjonijiet transkonfini skont ir-regolament 8 g]andhom ji[u meqjusa matul il-preparazzjoni tal-pjan jew tal-programm u qabel l adozzjoni tieg]u jew is-sottomissjoni tieg]u g]all-pro`edura le[islattiva. Informazzjoni dwar id de`i\joni. 10. (1) L-awtorità responsabbli g]andha ti\gura li, meta xi pjan jew programm ikun adottat, l-awtoritajiet imsemmija fir regolament 7(3), l-awtorità kompetenti, il-pubbliku u kull Stat Membru kkonsultat skont ir-regolament 8 ikunu infurmati u l-materji li [ejjin jitqieg]du g]ad-disposizzjoni ta’ dawk li jkunu [ew hekk infurmati dwar: (a) il-pjan jew il-programm kif adottat; (b) prospett li jag]ti fil-qosor kif il-konsiderazzjonijiet ambjentali [ew integrati fil-pjan jew fil-programm u kif ir rapport dwar l-ambjent ippreparat skont ir-regolament 6, l opinjonijiet mog]tija skont ir-regolament 7 u r-ri\ultati tal konsultazzjonijiet li saru skont ir-regolament 8 [ew ikkunsidrati skont ir-regolament 9 u r-ra[unijiet g]all-g]a\la tal-pjan jew tal-programm kif adottat, fid-dawl tal-alternattivi ra[jonevoli l o]ra li [ew ikkunsidrati, u VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5880 (`) il-mi\uri de`i\i dwar il-monitora[[ skont ir regolament 11. (2) Id-dispo\izzjonijiet tar-regolament 7(4) u (5) g]andhom japplikaw g]all-pubblikazzjoni tal-informazzjoni lokali relatata mas subregolament (1) filwaqt li l-publikazzjoni tal-informazzjoni tal iStati Membri l-o]ra g]andha ssir permezz tal-iStat Membru stess. (3) L-awtoritajiet responsabbli g]andhom ji\guraw illi r ri\ultati kollha ta’ dawn ir-regolamenti ji[u rraportati lill-awtorità kompetenti minnufih kif jevolvi l-pro`ess. Monitora[[. 11. (1) L-awtoritajiet responsabbli g]andhom iwettqu monitora[[ fuq l-effetti ambjentali sinifikattivi li jirri\ultaw mill implimentazzjoni tal-pjanijiet u tral-programmi sabiex, fost l-o]rajn, jidentifikaw fi stadju bikri effetti ]\iena mhux imbassra, u biex ikunu jistg]u jie]du l-azzjoni ta’ rimedju kif xieraq. (2) Sabiex ikun hemm konformità mas-subregolament (1), l arran[amenti e\istenti ta’ monitora[[ jistg]u jintu\aw, jekk ikun xieraq, bil-g]an li tkun evitata duplikazzjoni ta’ monitrora[[. (3) L-awtorità kompetenti g]andha tibqa’ ti[i infurmata dwar ir-ri\ultat tal-moinitora[[ li jkun sar. Relazzjoni ma’ le[islazzjoni o]ra. 12. (1) Stima ambjentali strate[ika mag]mula skont dawn ir-regolamenti g]andha tkun ming]ajr pre[udizzju g]al kull ]tie[a skont id-Direttiva 85/337/KEE u g]al kull ]tie[a o]ra le[islattiva. (2) Fir-rigward ta’ pjanijiet u programmi li dwarhom l-obbligu li jsiru stimi tal-effetti fuq l-ambjent jirri\ulta simultanjament minn dawn ir-regolament u minn le[islazzjoni o]ra, l-awtorità responsabbli tista’ tag]mel disposizzjonijiet g]al pro`eduri kordinati jew kon[unti li jaqblu mal-]ti[iet tal-le[islazzjoni rilevanti sabiex, fost l-o]rajn, jevitaw duplikazzjoni ta’ stimi. (3) Fir-rigward ta’ pjanijiet u programmi kofinanzjati mill Komunità Ewropea, l-istima ambjentali strate[ika skont dawn ir regolamenti g]andha ssir b’konformità mad-disposizzjonijiet spe`ifi`i fil-le[islazzjoni rilevanti lokali u tal-Komunità. Informazzjoni, rappurtar u revi\joni. 13. (1) L-awtorità kompetenti u l-Kummissjoni g]andhom jiskambjaw informazzjoni dwar l-esperjenza li jkunu kisbu fl applikazzjoni ta’ dawn ir-regolamenti. (2) L-awtorità responsabbli g]andha ti\gura li r-rapporti ambjentali huma ta’ kwalità tajba biex josservaw il-]ti[iet ta’ dawn ir-regolamenti u l-ispirtu tad-Direttiva 2001/42/KE. VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5881 (3) L-awtorità kompetenti g]andha tikkomunika lill Kummissjoni kull mi\ura li tkun ittie]det fir-rigward tal-kwalità ta’ dawn ir-rapporti. Implimentaz zjoni. 14. L-obbligu msemmi fir-regolament 5(1) g]andu jg]odd g]all-pjanijiet u l-programmi li dwarhom l-ewwel att preparatorju formali jkun sussegwenti g]all-21 ta’ Lulju, 2004. Il-pjanijiet u l programmi li dwarhom l-ewwel att preparatorju formali kien qabel din id-data u li jkunu adottati jew sottomessi g]all-pro`edura le[islattiva aktar minn erbg]a i g]oxrin xahar wara dan, g]andhom isiru su[[etti g]all-obbligu msemmi fir-regolament 5(1) kemm-il darba l-awtorità responsabbli ma tidde`idix abba\i ta’ kull ka\ li dan ma jkunx possibbli u tinforma lill-pubbliku bid-de`i\joni tag]ha. Taqsima III Twaqqif tal-Awtorità Kompetenti Twaqqif tal awtorità kompetenti. 15. (1) G]andu ji[i mwaqqaf il-Punt Fokali SEA li jkollu l kompitu li wettaq supervi\joni fuq l-implimentazzjoni ta’ dawn ir regolamenti. (2) Il-Punt Fokali SEA g]andu jkun mag]mul minn Chairperson u \ew[ membri o]ra. (3) I`-Chairperson u l-membri tal-Punt Fokali SEA g]andhom ji[u ma]tura mill-Prim Ministru minn fost persuni li fl-opinjoni tal Prim Ministru huma persuni ta’ integrità mag]rufa u li hu jidhirlu li g]andhom l-g]arfien u l-esperjenza f’materji relatati mal-istima ambjentali strate[ika ta’ pjanijiet u programmi. (4) I`-Chairperson u l-membri tal-Punt Fokali SEA g]andhom jibqg]u fil-kariga g]al perjodu ta’ tliet snin u g]andhom ikunu eli[ibbli biex ji[u ma]tura mill-[did. (5) I`-Chairperson u l-membri tal-Punt Fokali SEA jistg]u jitne]]ew mill-kariga mill-Prim Ministru biss g]al ra[uni ta’ negli[enza qawwija, inkompetenza jew atti, omissjonijiet jew kondotta li ma jkunux xierqa li jsiru minn membru tal-Bord. Funzjonijiet.16. (1) L-awtorità kompetenti g]andu jkollha dawn id dmirijiet u s-setg]at li [ejjin: (a) li to]loq kuxjenza dwar l-g]an u l-]tie[a g]all-stimi ambjentali strate[i`i; (b) li tkun infurmata mill-awtorità responsabbli, jew awtoritajiet responsabbli jekk ikun japplika, li qed titwettaq VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5882 stima ambjentali strate[ika fuq pjan jew programm partikolari; (`) li tkun infurmata mill-awtorità responsabbli, jew awtoritajiet responsabbli, jekk ikun japplika, dwar ir-ra[uni g]aliex ma tkunx saret stima ambjentali strate[ika fuq pjan jew programm; (d) biex timplimenta b’mod s]i] id-dispo\izzjonijiet tar-regolament 4(8); (e) biex ti\gura bl-a]jar li tista’ li l-awtorità responsabbli, jew l-awtoritatijiet responsabbli jekk ikun japplika, ikunu ]arsu d-dispo\izzjonijiet ta’ dawn ir regolamenti u biex tiddokumenta l-pro`ess li [ie adottat inklu\i kull dokumentazzjoni li tappo[[a u kull materjal ta’ konsultazzjoni; (f) biex ta[ixxi b]ala ma]\en g]all-materjal relatat ma’ stima ambjentali strate[ika g]al pjan jew programm; (g) biex titlob g]al kull informazzjoni li tqis li g]andha x’taqsam ma’ xi stima ambjentali strate[ika minn xi entità inklu\a informazzjoni li to]ro[ minn de`i\joni biex issir stima ambjentali strate[ika jew le; (h) biex tkun ta’ gwida g]all-awtoritajiet responsabbli; (i) biex tirrappre\enta lill-Malta f’kull fora lokali u internazzjonali dwar stimi ambjentali strate[i`i; (j) biex ta[ixxi b]ala l-Punt Fokali g]all-iStati Membri l-o]ra li jixtiequ jikkonsultaw ma’ Malta f’ka\ijiet ta’ effetti transkonfini; (k) biex tippromwovi l-u\u ta’ stimi ambjentali strate[i`i f’Malta; (l) biex tivverifika l-kwalità ta’ stimi ambjentali strate[i`i biex tipprovdi kontribut ta’ terzi biex ti\gura l-kwalità vera tal-pro`ess ta’ stima ambjentali strate[ika. (2) Ebda ]a[a f’dawn ir-regolamenti ma g]andha tiftiehem li tfisser li l-awtorità kompetenti g]andha tkun responsabbli g]at twettiq ta’ xi stima ambjentali strate[ika. Kull stima ambjentali strate[ika li tkun me]tie[a li ssir skont it-termini ta’ dawn ir regolamenti g]andha taqa’ ta]t l-awtorità responsabbli. Taqsima IV VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5883 Revoka u Dispo\izzjonijiet Transitorji Revoka tar Regolamenti ta’ l-2005 dwar Stima Ambjentali Strate[ika. A.L. 418 tal 2005. 17. Ir-Regolamenti tal-2005 dwar Stima Ambjentali Strate[ika qeg]din b’dawn ji[u revokati, u huma hawnhekk ’il quddiem imsej]a "ir-regolamenti revokati". Stimi li di[à g]addejjin. 18. (1) Sakemm ir-responsabbiltà hija pprovduta skont dawn ir-regolamenti, l-awtorità kompetenti g]andha tassumi r responsabbiltà assenjata lit-Tim tal-Verifika SEA ta]t ir-regolamenti revokati u g]andha tgawdi d-drittijiet u l-benefi``ji kollha li qabel kien igawdi t-Tim tal-Verifika SEA b’effett mid-d]ul fis-se]] ta’ dawn ir-regolamenti. (2) Id-dokumenti u r-ri\orsi kollha li kienu proprjetà tat-Tim tal-Verifika SEA g]andhom isiru l-proprjetà tal-awtorità kompetenti, ming]ajr il-]tie[a tal-konklu\joni ta’ pro`eduri legali. VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5884 SKEDA I Informazzjoni msemmija fir-regolament 6(1) L-informazzjoni li g]andha ting]ata ta]t ir-regolament 6(1), bla ]sara g]ar regolament 6(2) u (3), hi din li [ejja: (a) qafas tal-kontenut, l-g]anijiet prin`ipali tal-pjan jew il-programm u r relazzjoni ma’ pjanijiet u programmi rilevanti o]ra; (b) l-aspetti rilevanti ta’ l-istat pre\enti tal-ambjent u l-evoluzzjoni li x’aktarx tirri\ulta ming]ajr l-implimentazzjoni tal-pjan jew tal programm; (`) il-karatteristi`i ambjentali ta’ \oni li x’aktarx ikunu milquta b’mod sinifikanti; (d) xi problemi ambjentali e\istenti li huma rilevanti g]all-pjan jew g]all programm inklu\i, b’mod partikolari, dawk li jirreferu g]al xi \oni ta’ importanza ambjentali partikolari, b]alma huma \oni mag]\ula bis sa]]a tad-Direttivi 79/409/KEE u 92/43/KEE; (e) l-g]anijiet tal-protezzjoni tal-ambjent, stabbiliti fil-livell internazzjonali, Ewropew jew nazzjonali, li huma rilevanti g]all-pjan jew g]all-programm u l-mod li bih dawk l-g]anijiet u xi konsiderazzjonijiet ambjentali [ew ikkunsidrati matul il-preparazzjoni tieg]u; (f) l-effetti sinifikanti li x’aktarx ise]]u fuq l-ambjent, inklu\i dwar il materji b]al fatturi tal-bijodiversità, il-popolazzjoni, is-sa]]a umana, il fawna, il-flora, il-]amrija, l-ilma, l-arja, il-klima, l-assi materjali, il-wirt kulturali inklu\ il-wirt arkitettoniku u arkeolo[iku, il-pajsa[[ u r relazzjoni bejn il-fatturi hawn fuq imsemmija. Dawn l-effetti g]andhom jinkludu l-effetti sekondarji, kumulattivi, ta’ siner[ija, fuq medda qasira, medja jew fit-tul. permanenti u temporanji, posittivi u negattivi; (g) il-mi\uri ma]suba biex jipprevjenu, jnaqqsu u kemm jista’ jkun jne]]u xi effetti ]\iena sinifikanti fuq l-ambjent b]ala konsegwenza tal implimentazzjoni tal-pjan jew tal-programm; (h) qafas tar-ra[unijiet g]all-g]a\la tal-alternattivi ma]suba, u deskrizzjoni ta’ kif l-istima saret inklu\i xi diffikultajiet, b]al ma huma defi`jenzi tekni`i jew nuqqas ta’ g]erf, li wie]ed jiltaqa’ mag]hom fil-[bir tal informazzjoni me]tie[a; (i) deskrizzjoni tal-mi\uri ma]suba dwar il-monitora[[ skont ir regolament 11; VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5885 (j) sommarju mhux tekniku tal-informazzjoni mog]tija ta]t l-intestaturi ta’ hawn fuq. SKEDA II Kriterji biex ikunu stabbiliti l-effetti li x’aktarx ise]]u kif imsemmi fir-rRegolament 4(5) 1. Il-karatteristi`i tal-pjanijiet u l-programmi, billi jitqiesu, b’mod partikolari: (a) il-grad li g]alih il-pjan jew il-programm jistabbilixxi qafas g]al pro[etti u attivitajiet o]ra, kemm g]ar-rigward tal-lok, in-natura, id-daqs u l kondizzjonijiet operattivi jew billi jkunu allokati r-ri\orsi; (b) il-grad li fih il-pjan jew il-programm jinfluwenza pjanijiet u programmi o]ra inklu\i dawk fil-[erarkija; (`) ir-rilevanza tal-pjan jew il-programm g]all-integrazzjoni tal konsiderazzjonijiet ambjentali b’mod partikolari bil-g]an li jkun jippromwovi \vilupp sostenibbli; (d) il -problemi ambjentali rilevanti g]all-pjan jew g]all-programm; u (e) ir-rilevanza tal-pjan jew tal-programm g]all-implimentazzjoni tal-le[islazzjoni tal-Komunitá dwar l-ambjent, b]al ma huma pjanijiet u programmi marbuta mal-immani[[jar tal-iskart jew il-protezzjoni tal-ilma. 2. Karatteristi`i tal-effetti u ta\-\ona li x’aktarx tkun milquta, meta jkunu kkunsidrati, b’mod partikolari (a) il-probabilità, it-tul, il-frekwenza u r-riversibilità tal-effetti; (b) in-natura kumulattiva tal-effetti; (`) in-natura transkonfini tal-effetti; (d) ir-riskji g]as-sa]]a umana jew g]all-ambjent (e\. min]abba f’a``identi); (e) il-kobor u l-firxa spazjali tal-effetti (\ona [eografika u d-daqs tal popolazzjoni li x’aktarx tkun milquta); (f) il-valur u l-vulnerabilità ta\-\ona li x’aktarx tkun milquta min]abba: VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5886 (i) fil-karatteristi`i naturali spe`jali jew wirt kulturali; (ii) fl-istandards ta’ kwalità ambjentali li jkunu maqbu\a jew valuri tal-limiti; u (iii) fl-u\u intensiv tal-art; u (g) l-effetti fuq \oni jew landscapes li g]andhom status ta’ protezzjoni rikonoxxuta b’mod nazzjonali, tal-Komunità jew internazzjonali. VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5887 L.N. 497 of 2010 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT (CAP. 435) Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2010 IN exercise of the powers conferred by article 17 of the Environment Protection Act, the Prime Minister has made the following regulations: Part I Preliminary Citation and commencement. 1. (1) The title of these regulations is the Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2010. (2) These regulations shall come into force on such date as the Minister responsible for the environment may by notice in the Gazette appoint, and different dates may be so appointed for different purposes and different provisions of these regulations. Objectives.2. (1) The objective of these regulations is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development, by ensuring that, in accordance with these regulations, a strategic environmental assessment is carried out of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. (2) These regulations transpose the provisions of Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment. Interpretation.3. (1) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires Cap. 435."the Act" means the Environment Protection Act; "competent authority" means the Strategic Environmental Assessment Focal Point, hereinafter referred to as the "SEA Focal Point" established under regulation 15; "environmental report" means the part of the plan or programme VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5888 documentation containing the information required in regulation 6 and in Schedule I; "make available to the public" means publishing in the Gazette or in at least one daily newspaper in the English language and in the Maltese language, a notice indicating where the document may be viewed or acquired; the price of the said document shall not exceed the cost of its printing and distribution; "plans and programmes" means plans and programmes, including those co-financed by the European Community, as well as any modifications to them: (a) which are subject to preparation and, or adoption by an authority at national, regional or local level or which are prepared by an authority for adoption, through a legislative procedure by Parliament or Government, and (b) which are required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions; "the public" shall mean one or more natural or legal persons and, in accordance with national legislation or practice, their associations, organisations or groups; "responsible authority", in relation to a plan or programme, means the authority by which, or on whose behalf, any plan or programme is prepared. A responsible authority shall only cease to be lawfully responsible for its plan or programme at such time as a new responsible authority accepts formal responsibility in writing. Where more than one responsible authority is responsible for a plan or programme, or parts of it, the responsible authority shall be: (a) the authority nominated by agreement between the responsible authorities responsible for that plan or programme; or (b) determined by the SEA Focal Point, if there is no such agreement; "strategic environmental assessment" means the preparation of an environmental report, the carrying out of consultations, the taking into account of the environmental report and the results of the consultations in decision making and the provision of information on the decision in accordance with regulations 5 to 10. (2) All other terms shall have the same meaning as assigned to VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5889 them in the Act. Part II General Conditions Scope.4. (1) An strategic environmental assessment, in accordance with regulations 5 to 10, shall be carried out by the responsible authority for plans and programmes referred to in sub regulations (2) to (4) which are likely to have significant environmental effects. (2) Subject to the provisions of sub-regulation (3), a strategic environmental assessment shall be carried out for all plans and programmes which (a) are prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use and which set the framework for future development consent of projects listed in Annexes I and II to Directive 85/337/EEC, or (b) in view of the likely effect on sites, have been determined to require an assessment pursuant to Article 6 or 7 of Directive 92/43/EEC. (3) Plans and programmes referred to in sub-regulation (2), which determine the use of small areas at local level, and minor modifications to plans and programmes referred to in sub-regulation (2), shall require a strategic environmental assessment only where the responsible authority determines that they are likely to have significant environmental effects. (4) In addition, the responsible authority shall determine whether its plans and programmes, other than those referred to in sub regulation (2), which set the framework for future development consent of projects, are likely to have significant environmental effects. (5) The responsible authority shall determine whether plans or programmes referred to in sub-regulations (3) and (4) are likely to have significant environmental effects either through case by case examination or by specifying types of plans and programmes or by combining both approaches. For this purpose the responsible authority shall in all cases take into account relevant criteria set out in Schedule II, in order to ensure that plans and programmes with likely significant effects on the environment are covered by these VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5890 regulations. (6) In the case by case examination and in specifying types of plans and programmes in accordance with sub-regulation (5), the authorities referred to in regulation 7(3) shall be consulted. (7) The responsible authority shall ensure that its conclusions pursuant to sub-regulation (5), including the reasons for not requiring a strategic environmental assessment pursuant to regulations 5 to 10, are made available to the public, the designated authorities referred to in regulation 7(3) and the competent authority. (8) (a) Without prejudice to any of these regulations, the competent authority may at any time request a responsible authority at national or local level to submit a plan or programme description statement which provides sufficient detail for it to be able to identify the likely effects on the environment, such that it may determine whether a strategic environmental assessment is required. (b) The competent authority shall, after submission of the plan or programme description statement by the authority at national or local level, indicate whether the plan or programme requires a strategic environmental assessment. (c) The decision of the competent authority shall be final. (9) The following plans and programmes are not subject to these regulations: (a) plans and programmes the sole purpose of which is to serve national defence or civil emergency, (b) financial or budget plans and programmes, (c) plans and programmes co-financed under the current respective programming periods for Council Regulations (EC) No 1260/99 and No 1257/99. General obligations. 5. (1) The strategic environmental assessment referred to in regulation 4 shall be carried out during the preparation of a plan or programme and before its adoption or submission to the legislative procedure. (2) Where plans and programmes form part of a hierarchy, the responsible authority shall, with a view to avoiding duplication of the assessment, take into account the fact that the assessment will be carried out, in accordance with these regulations, at different levels of VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5891 the hierarchy. For the purpose of, among other things, avoiding duplication of assessment, the responsible authority shall apply regulation 6(2) and (3). Environmental report. 6. (1) Where a strategic environmental assessment is required under regulation 4(1), an environmental report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives, taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated. The information to be given for this purpose is referred to in Schedule I. (2) The environmental report prepared pursuant to sub regulation (1) shall include the information that may reasonably be required taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment, the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme, its stage in the decision-making process and the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid duplication of the assessment. (3) Relevant information available on environmental effects of the plans and programmes and obtained at other levels of decision making or through other legislation may be used for providing the information referred to in Schedule I. (4) The authorities referred to in regulation 7(3) as well as the competent authority shall be consulted when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information which is to be included in the environmental report. Consultations.7. (1) The draft plan or programme and the environmental report prepared in accordance with regulation 6 shall be made available, by the responsible authority, to the authorities referred to in sub-regulation (3), the competent authority and the public. (2) The responsible authority shall ensure that the authorities referred to in sub-regulation (3) and the public referred to in sub regulation (4) shall be given an early and effective opportunity within an adequate time-frame, to express their opinion on the draft plan or programme and the accompanying environmental report before the adoption of the plan or programme or its submission to the legislative procedure. Such time-frames shall not exceed sixteen weeks from the publication of the plan or programme and its environmental report. (3) The designated authorities to be consulted which, by reason of their specific environmental responsibilities, are likely to be concerned by the environmental effects of implementing plans and programmes, shall be the following: VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5892 (a) the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) or any successor entity responsible for the environment; and where applicable (b) the Malta Resources Authority (MRA) or any successor entity or entities responsible for water, energy and resources; (c) the competent authority responsible for agriculture; (d) the competent authority responsible for fisheries; (e) any other authority which is deemed by the responsible authority to have an input into the strategic environmental assessment process. (4) The responsible authority shall make the plan or programme and its environmental report available to the public electronically and in published form for viewing at its offices for the purposes of sub-regulation (2). (5) In order to reach out to the public affected or likely to be affected by, or having an interest in, the decision making subject to these regulations, including relevant non-governmental organisations, such as those promoting environmental protection and other organisations concerned, the notice of availability of the plan or programme and the environmental report shall be published in at least the Gazette together with specific details of where the documentation is available and how comments can be submitted and by which date. Transboundary consultations. 8. (1) Where the responsible authority considers that the implementation of a plan or programme being prepared in relation to its territory is likely to have significant effects on the environment in another Member State, or where a Member State likely to be significantly affected so requests, the Member State in whose territory the plan or programme is being prepared shall, before its adoption or submission to the legislative procedure, forward a copy of the draft plan or programme and the relevant environmental report to the other Member State at the earliest stage possible. (2) Where a Member State is sent a copy of a draft plan or programme and an environmental report under sub-regulation (1), it shall indicate to the other Member State whether it wishes to enter into consultations before the adoption of the plan or programme or its submission to the legislative procedure and, if it so indicates, the Member States concerned shall enter into consultations concerning the likely transboundary environmental effects of implementing the plan or programme and the measures envisaged to reduce or eliminate VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5893 such effects: Provided that where such consultations take place, the Member States concerned shall agree on detailed arrangements to ensure that the authorities referred to in regulation 7(3) and the relevant public in the Member State likely to be significantly affected are informed and given an opportunity to forward their opinion within a reasonable time. (3) Where Member States are required under this regulation to enter into consultations, they shall agree, at the beginning of such consultations, on a reasonable time for the duration of consultations. (4) In the case where a Member State consults Malta on potential transboundary effects, the provisions of sub-regulations (1), (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis. Decision making. 9. The environmental report prepared pursuant to regulation 6, the opinions expressed pursuant to regulation 7 and the results of any transboundary consultations entered into pursuant to regulation 8 shall be taken into account during the preparation of the plan or programme and before its adoption or submission to the legislative procedure. Information on the decision. 10. (1) The responsible authority shall ensure that, when a plan or programme is adopted, the authorities referred to in regulation 7(3), the competent authority, the public and any Member State consulted under regulation 8 are informed and the following items are made available to those so informed: (a) the plan or programme as adopted; (b) a statement summarising how environmental considerations have been integrated into the plan or programme and how the environmental report prepared pursuant to regulation 6, the opinions expressed pursuant to regulation 7 and the results of consultations entered into pursuant to regulation 8 have been taken into account in accordance with regulation 9 and the reasons for choosing the plan or programme as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with; and (c) the measures that have been decided concerning monitoring in accordance with regulation 11. (2) The provisions of regulation 7(4) and (5) shall apply for the publication of the local information relating to sub-regulation (1) whilst the publication of the information of other Member States shall VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5894 be effected through the respective Member State itself. (3) Responsible authorities shall ensure that all outcomes of these regulations are reported to the competent authority immediately as the process evolves. Monitoring. 11. (1) The responsible authority shall monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans and programmes in order, among other things, to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects, and to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action. (2) In order to comply with sub-regulation (1), existing monitoring arrangements may be used, if appropriate, with a view to avoiding duplication of monitoring. (3) The competent authority shall be kept informed on each outcome of the monitoring carried out. Relationship with other legislation. 12. (1) A strategic environmental assessment carried out under these regulations shall be without prejudice to any requirements under Directive 85/337/EEC and to any other legislative requirements. (2) For plans and programmes for which the obligation to carry out assessments of the effects on the environment arises simultaneously from these regulations and other legislation, the responsible authority may provide for coordinated or joint procedures fulfilling the requirements of the relevant legislation in order, among others, to avoid duplication of assessment. (3) For plans and programmes co-financed by the European Community, the strategic environmental assessment in accordance with these regulations shall be carried out in conformity with the specific provisions in relevant local and Community legislation. Information, reporting and review. 13. (1) The competent authority and the Commission shall exchange information on the experience gained in applying these regulations. (2) The responsible authority shall ensure that environmental reports are of a sufficient quality to meet the requirements of these regulations and the spirit of Directive 2001/42/EC. (3) The competent authority shall communicate to the Commission any measures taken concerning the quality of these reports. VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5895 Implementation.14. The obligation referred to in regulation 5(1) shall apply to the plans and programmes of which the first formal preparatory act was subsequent to the 21st July, 2004. Plans and programmes of which the first formal preparatory act was before this date and which are adopted or submitted to the legislative procedure more than twenty-four months thereafter, shall be made subject to the obligation referred to in regulation 5(1) unless the responsible authority decides on a case by case basis that this is not feasible and informs the public of its decision. Part III Establishment of the Competent Authority Establishment of competent authority. 15. (1) There shall be created the SEA Focal Point which shall be tasked with overseeing the implementation of these regulations. (2) The SEA Focal Point shall be composed of a Chairperson and two other members. (3) The Chairperson and the members of the SEA Focal Point shall be appointed by the Prime Minister from among persons who in the opinion of the Prime Minister are persons of known integrity and who appear to him to have knowledge and experience in matters relating to the strategic environment assessment of plans and programmes. (4) The Chairperson and the members of the SEA Focal Point shall hold office for a period of three years and shall be eligible for re appointment. (5) The Chairperson and members of the SEA Focal Point may only be removed from office by the Prime Minister on the grounds of gross negligence, incompetence or acts, omissions or conduct unbecoming a member of the Board. Functions.16. (1) The competent authority shall have the following duties and powers: (a) to create awareness on the scope and necessity of strategic environmental assessments; (b) to be informed by the responsible authority, or responsible authorities if applicable, that a strategic environmental assessment is being conducted on a particular plan or programme; VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5896 (c) to be informed by the responsible authority, or responsible authorities if applicable, on why a strategic environmental assessment has not been undertaken on a plan or programme; (d) to implement fully the provisions of regulation 4(8); (e) to ensure to the best of its ability that the responsible authority, or responsible authorities if applicable, have followed the provisions of these regulations and to document the process adopted inclusive of any supporting documentation and consultation material; (f) to act as a repository of all material related to a strategic environmental assessment for a plan or programme; (g) to demand any information it deems is related to any strategic environmental assessment from any entity inclusive of information that results from a decision for a strategic environmental assessment to be undertaken or otherwise; (h) to provide guidance to responsible authorities; (i) to represent Malta in any local and international fora on strategic environmental assessments; (j) to act as the Focal Point for other Member States who wish to consult Malta in cases of transboundary effects; (k) to promote the use of a strategic environmental assessments in Malta; (l) to audit the quality of a strategic environmental assessments to provide third party input into securing the true quality of the strategic environmental assessment process. (2) Nothing contained in these regulations shall be construed as implying that the competent authority shall be responsible for the carrying out of any strategic environmental assessment. Any strategic environmental assessment as shall be required to be carried out in terms of these regulations shall fall under the responsible authority. VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5897 Part IV Revocation and Transitory Provisions Revocation of Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2005. L.N. 418 of 2005. 17. The Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2005 are hereby being revoked, and are hereinafter referred to as "the revoked regulations". Assessments already in progress. 18. (1) To the extent that such responsibility is provided in terms of these regulations, the competent authority shall assume all responsibility assigned to the SEA Audit Team under the revoked regulations and shall enjoy all the rights and benefits previously enjoyed by SEA Audit Team with effect from the entry into force of these regulations. (2) All documents and resources that were the property of the SEA Audit Team shall become the property of the competent authority, without the necessity for the conclusion of any legal procedures. VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5898 SCHEDULE I Information referred to in regulation 6(1) The information to be provided under regulation 6(1), subject to regulation 6(2) and (3), is the following: (a) an outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes; (b) the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme; (c) the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected; (d) any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC; (e) the environmental protection objectives, established at international, European or national level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation; (f) the likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter relationship between the above factors. These effects should include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects; (g) the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme; (h) an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties, such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how, encountered in compiling the required information; (i) a description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring in accordance with regulation 11; (j) a non-technical summary of the information provided under the above VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA B 5899 headings. SCHEDULE II Criteria for determining the likely significance of effects referred to in regulation 4(5) 1. The characteristics of plans and programmes, having regard, in particular, to: (a) the degree to which the plan or programme sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources, (b) the degree to which the plan or programme influences other plans and programmes including those in a hierarchy, (c) the relevance of the plan or programme for the integration of environmental considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development, (d) environmental problems relevant to the plan or programme, (e) the relevance of the plan or programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment, such as plans and programmes linked to waste-management or water protection. 2. Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected, having regard, in particular, to: (a) the probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects, (b) the cumulative nature of the effects, (c) the transboundary nature of the effects, (d) the risks to human health or the environment (e.g. due to accidents), (e) the magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected), (f) the value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to: (i) special natural characteristics or cultural heritage, VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA Ippubblikat mid-Dipartiment tal-Informazzjoni (doi.gov.mt) — Valletta — Published by the Department of Information (doi.gov.mt) — Valletta Mitbugħ fl-Istamperija tal-Gvern fuq karta riċiklata — Printed at the Government Printing Press on recycled paper Prezz/Price €1.30 B 5900 (ii) exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values, (iii) intensive land-use, (g) the effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, Community or international protection status. VERŻJONI ELETTRONIKA