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SEQRA - Revised Model EAF Forms and DRAFT Workbook

Effective Date for Revised EAFs Extended to October 7, 2013 and Draft Full EAF Workbook Available

The effective date of the new model Environmental Assessment Forms has been postponed until October 7, 2013.

On January 25, 2012, the Department adopted revised model environmental assessment forms (EAFs) (to be published at 6 NYCRR 617.20, appendices A and B) following more than one year of public review and comment. This is the first major update to the forms in decades as the Full EAF has not been substantially revised since 1978 while its sister form, the Short EAF, was last substantially revised in 1987.

The revised model EAFs, which replace the existing ones set out at 6 NYCRR 617.20, appendices A, B, and C, are a general update to the existing forms, and incorporate consideration of areas of environmental concern that have arisen since the existing forms were last promulgated in 1978 and 1987. In addition to substantive changes, the structure of the forms has been updated, to make them easier to use.

Between now and October 7, 2013, the Department expects to introduce various electronic features into the EAFs that have been requested by the public. The Department is also preparing detailed guidance instructions for completing the forms (called the workbooks), and expects to solicit public comment on the workbooks through its website and notice in the Environmental Notice Bulletin once the workbooks are completed in draft.

The revised model EAFs are presented below along with the Department's responses to public comments on the draft forms (which include responses to comments on the Regulatory Impact Statement and flexibility analyses).

Questions or comments on the revised model EAFs may be directed to the attention of Robert Ewing at 518-402-9167 and sent by e-mail to depprmt@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Please include NEW MODEL EAFs in the subject line.

DRAFT Full EAF Workbook

The DRAFT Workbook for the Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) has been prepared and is available for public review and comment at a separate, temporary Draft Workbook website off of DEC's site. A printable PDF version of this DRAFT Workbook is also available on that site. Comments will be accepted as discussed below through May 20, 2013.

The DRAFT Full EAF workbook contains information to guide project sponsors and agency reviewers in the preparation and review of a Full EAF. It contains background information on topics and, when completed, will provide built-in-links to spatial data needed to answer the questions in the Full form. The workbook should make it easier and more likely that project sponsors will have access to information that will allow them to provide an accurately completed Full form. It will also make it easier for the reviewing agencies to confirm responses and provide guidance on how to determine the size and potential significance of an impact.

Comments on the DRAFT Full EAF Workbook may be submitted to the DEC by e-mail to depprmt@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Please include DRAFT FEAF Workbook in the subject line. Comments will be received until May 20, 2013.

Environmental Assessment Forms

Short Environmental Assessment Form (PDF) (271 KB)

Full Environmental Assessment Form - Instructions (PDF) (226 KB)

Full Environmental Assessment Form - Part 1 (PDF) (351 KB)

Full Environmental Assessment Form - Part 2 (PDF) (383 KB)

Full Environmental Assessment Form - Part 3 (PDF) (243 KB)

Regulatory Documents

Certificate of Adoption (PDF) (45 KB)

Introduction to Public Comments and Responses (PDF) (67 KB)

Response to Short EAF Comments (PDF) (115 KB)

Response to Full EAF Comments (PDF) (211 KB)

List of Commentators (PDF) (41 KB)

For the complete text of State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA) documents related to the revision of the environmental assessment forms see the February 15, 2012 and November 24, 2010 editions of the New York State Register. The New York State Register is available through the New York State Department of State's website at the following address: http://www.dos.ny.gov/info/register.htm. Paste the link into your browser and click on the appropriate year and date to view the original (November 24, 2010) and final documents (February 15, 2012).

November 2010 Draft Model Short and Full Environmental Assessment Forms