34 Environmental impact assessment 162. Joint Ministerial Order H.P. 15393/23321 defines the categories of work and activities with common features for the purposes of evaluating and appraising their environmental impact, dividing them into ten main groups, one of which is “mining and related activities” (Article 3§1.5) and another “industrial installations”, including solid fuel combustion plants (Article 3§1.9). 163. Article 3 of Joint Ministerial Order H.P. 11014/703/F104 2 establishes the procedure for preliminary environmental evaluation. The evaluation must include the following information: (a) the location and scale of the operations; (b) the type and general technical characteristics of the operations or activity and the technology used; (c) the conditions in the sector in which the operations or activity are to be carried out, particularly as regards the natural and cultural environment; (d) the use of natural resources; (e) combined work with other operations or activities; (f) any waste produced; (g) any pollution caused; (h) accident prevention measures, particularly when using certain substances or technologies; (i) in principle, a brief description of measures taken to avoid, reduce and if possible redress major negative effects; and (k) a brief description of the main alternatives planned by the applicant and the main reasons for his or her choice, bearing in mind its impact on the environment. 164. Articles 4 to 7 of this Order govern the approval of environmental criteria. Applications for approval must be made to the Ministry of Environment for operations in category A, sub-category 1 (mining operations covering 500,000 sq. m – or about 125 acres – and combustion plants with a rated thermal input 50 MW). All of DEH’s lignite mines and all of Greece’s lignite-fired power plants except LiptolPtolemaida fall into this category. 165. Joint Ministerial Order H.P. 3711/20213 establishes the arrangements for informing the public about and participation in the procedure to approve the environmental criteria of projects and activities. Under this Order, prefectures are required to publish preliminary environmental evaluations and appraisals (Article 2) and environmental impact studies (Article 4) in the local press so that everyone can express their concerns, on the basis of "adequately documented" information, within thirty days of the publication of studies. After this, it is for the prefecture concerned or the relevant Ministry of the Environment department to publish the notice of approval of the environmental criteria (Article 5). 1 Official Journal B 1022 (05/08/2002) Official Journal B 332 (20.03.03), implementing section 4 of Act No. 1650/1986, as amended by section 2 of Act No. 3010/2002, and harmonising it with Directives 97/11/EC and 96/61/EC, as cited above. 3 Official Journal B 1391 (29/09/2003). This law brings Greek law into line with Directive 85/337/EEC, Directive 96/61/EC and Directive 97/11 as above. 2