In which situation might annual reporting be preferred over inspection?

Annual reporting is preferred in situations where minimized disturbance is desired because this approach allows for a less intrusive method of monitoring the facility's compliance with regulations. Inspections often require physical presence on-site, which can disrupt operations, disturb habitats, or interfere with ongoing activities. By opting for annual reporting, reviewers can obtain necessary data and information without the need to conduct frequent physical inspections, thereby reducing potential disturbances to the site and its surroundings.

While choosing annual reporting could be advantageous in remote locations, continuous operation, or when operators guarantee performance, these situations do not specifically emphasize minimizing disturbance in the same way. The focus of annual reporting as a method is directly related to ensuring that activities are monitored with the least amount of disruption, aligning with principles of sustainable management and environmental sensitivity.