A process to avoid or limit negative impacts on the environment

The Department of Planning conducts environmental reviews on all county actions, in adherence to the requirements of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). This state law requires that all projects that involve the disturbance of the natural landscape or built environment be evaluated to determine whether they may have a significant impact on the environment. If so, efforts must be taken to avoid the impacts. If avoidance is not possible, potential impacts must be minimized as much as possible and remaining impacts must be adequately mitigated. 

For actions involving a potential environmental impact, an Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) is prepared. For actions that involving one or more potentially significant environmental impacts, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared. The SEQR law specifies the process for each type of action, including whether or not a public hearing is required.

More information on SEQR can be found at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Web site.

Major county projects currently under review

• Westchester County Airport

Completed reviews

• Westchester County Community College Master Plan (2005) 
  On May 31, 2005, the Westchester County Board of Legislators adopted these Statement of Findings as part of the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Westchester Community College's Campus Facilities Master Plan (1999). For more information contact Patrick Natarelle, Chief Planner by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or by phone at (914) 995-4406. You can view and print the Final Generic EIS and Draft Generic EIS.
  
  
• Comprehensive Mosquito-borne Disease Surveillance and Control Plan (2002)

For additional information, contact Claudia Maxwell, Environmental Planner, by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or by phone at (914) 995-3530.