I{ELLENIC REPTJBLIC MIMSTRY FOR TIIE ET\TVIRONMENT ...

to avoid archaeological sites, existing villages orsettlements and to cross the minimum possible offorest areas. In general the route is in rathersparsely populated areas.oRationale for location of proposed activity(e.g.socio-economic, physical-geographic basis)Time-frame for proposed activity(e.g. start and duration ofconstruction andoperation)The approach is to assure the full sustainability ofthe infrastructure with particular care toenvironmental protection by avoiding to themaximum extent possible crossing or passingthrough sites presenting geological orgeotechnical difficulties, and by minimizing itstotal length.The Greek route does not cross anv NATURAprotected area/zone.Front End Engineering Design & EnvironmentalImpact Assessment Study has commenced in2011.It is expected that the Detailed Design andConstruction will be completed by the end of2014.Lifetime of operation - 40 years.Maps and other pictorial documents connectedwith the information on the proposed activityAdditional information/commentsHerewith attached is a map of proposed andalternative(s) route options in relation to theProject.iii) Information on exDected environmental impacts and proposed mitigation MeasuresoScope ofassessment(e.g. consideration ofi cumulative impacts,evaluation of alternatives, sustainabledevelopment issues, impact of peripheralactivities, etc.)The relevant National and European legislation rsapplicable, including the recently voted law401412011. The Preliminary Definition ofEnvironmental Requirements (an activity which isoptional in the new law) has taken place with thesubmission of the Preliminary EnvironmentalImpact Assessment Study (PEIAS).The Environmental Impact Assessment willfollow, considering, among others, the following:allowed land uses; location, design and technicalcharacteristics of the project, during itsconstruction and operation; evaluation ofalternative routes; data of the natural andanthopogenic environment; evaluation andassessment of potential significant impact to theenvironment during both construction andoperation; mitigation measures, in order to delete,reduce and counterbalance any potentialsignificant negative impacts; environmentalmanagement and monitoring; specialized studies,to be performed in the above mentionedEnvironmental Studies.