S.L. 423.32 Art. 7Determination procedure of applications.

(1) The Authority shall establish its procedure for determining an application for a permit to drill a borehole or for excavation works within the saturated zone.

(2) The Authority shall communicate to the applicant in writing within eight weeks from the date of receipt of a valid application containing all such information and documentation requested by the Authority and accompanied by the appropriate application fee, any decision taken concerning an application for a permit to drill a borehole or carry out excavation works within the saturated zone.

(3) An application for a permit issued under these regulations shall be determined by the Authority in accordance with the following criteria. The Authority shall have to be satisfied that by granting the permit:

(a) there will be no significant impact on water resources;

(b) water resources will be used efficiently in the course of any activities carried out under the permit;

(c) the water environment is protected including the limitation of discharges to the environment;

(d) the public interest in general is safeguarded.

(4) In the case of a refusal to grant a permit, the Authority shall give reasons for its decision.