reg 2 Location of relevant pipe-line works
The environmental sensitivity of geographical areas likely to be affected by the relevant pipe-line works, 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 national legislation, Natura 2000 areas designated by member states pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC or Directive 2009/147/EC ; (vi) areas in which there has already been a failure to meet the environmental quality standards laid down in EU legislation and relevant to the project 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.