These Regulations implement, in respect of Wales, Community legislation on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment and on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. They apply in relation to Welsh waters as defined in these Regulations.
The Regulations require a permission for marine dredging projects which fall within the scope of the implemented Directives. Applications for dredging permission must be made to the Welsh Ministers. An appropriate assessment is carried out of the effects of such dredging, where it is likely, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, to have a significant effect on a European site designated under Directive 92/43 and on sites designated as special protection areas under Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds. The Regulations require that any application for permission shall include an environmental statement and provide for consultation with any other EEA state where dredging is likely to have significant effects on the environment in that EEA state.