The construction of a nuclear power plant can adversely affect the water quality and resources in the area through increased demand, the thermal impact of cooling water discharges and the disruption of designated habitats of ecological importance. Where these impacts are likely, applicants will need to ensure that their EIA identifies the existing levels of water quality, discharges and abstraction within the area, and the cumulative effect when considered with other industrial sites or projects existing or planned. Applicants are also required to set out the characteristics of cooling water for new nuclear power stations and the implications on marine and estua­rine environments, and will be expected to mitigate the hydrologic impacts of their activities.