35 166. In the case of large combustion plants (with a rated thermal input of 50 MW), the environmental impact study must also contain information, in the light of Joint Ministerial Order H.P. 15393/2332, on measures taken to combat pollution and measure emissions, along with details on the choice of best available techniques and waste management measures and their environmental impact. Lastly, under Article 16 of Appendix II to Joint Ministerial Order H.P. 11014/703/F104, carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions must be taken into account when calculating limit values of air emissions (the list of pollutants is not exhaustive). Air pollution control 167. Joint Ministerial Order 3277/2091 on ambient air quality assessment defines the basic principles of a common strategy to protect ambient air in order to prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole. Under this Order, the Ministry of the Environment’s Directorate General for the Environment is responsible for framing general guidelines and co-ordinating policy at national level. The appendix to Article 5 of the Order includes the list of air pollutants to be taken into account when assessing and managing ambient air quality. 168. Joint Ministerial Order 58751/23702 sets out the measures and conditions for the control of air pollution from large combustion plants. Under Article 5§5, the Ministry of the Environment may authorise higher limit values for emissions in combustion plants using Greek lignite. To justify this exception, it is argued that lignite is the main electricity generating fuel in Greece and by its very nature raises major problems, even if the best possible affordable pollution abatement techniques are used. The state is required to notify the European Commission of such cases so that joint decisions can be made on what measures to take. Specific mining regulations 169. The specific legal framework governing the impact of mining on the environment is the Mines and Quarries Regulation3. Under Article 85, mining and quarrying must be planned to avoid any damage to the environment. The mine operator (in this case, DEH) is required to take measures to this effect in cooperation with the authorities. A special environmental impact study must be carried out to analyse and describe the natural and human environment, propose alternative methods, evaluate the effects of operations, particularly the most negative ones, and propose remedies. Article 85 also sets out requirements concerning specific protection and restoration measures. Article 86 states that measures must be taken to prevent pollution when loading, transferring or storing products, materials or waste. Specific and appropriate measures must also be taken to spray and cover dust to prevent particulate matter pollution. 170. Joint Ministerial Order 40786/21434 expressly recognises the need to reduce fly-ash emissions from the Kozani and Florina combustion plants by introducing pollution abatement measures. 1 Official Journal B 180 (17/2/2000). The text is in line with Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality. Official Journal B 264 (15/04/1993) brings national law into line with Directive 88/609/EEC on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants. 3 Adopted in accordance with ministerial order II-5H/F/17402/1984, Official Journal B 931 (31/12/1984). 4 Official Journal B 341 (06/06/1988). 2