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.
For additional information, contact Claudia Maxwell, Environmental Planner, by e-mail at or by phone at (914) 995-3530.