Environmental Permits Forms And Requirements

As of January 1, 2023, there was an increase in permit application fees for Freshwater Wetlands and Tidal Wetlands. The new fee structure is provided below.

It is important to complete the required forms and additional items found in the checklist below when applying for an environmental permit. All the materials required for each DEC permit should be submitted simultaneously so that the project may be reviewed as a whole - DEC will not begin a review of your project until a complete application is received.

Other requirements for a complete application may be necessary, please check to see if your project will need additional DEC permits or any other approvals based upon the jurisdictions of other agencies. Be aware that you are responsible for obtaining other permits and approvals, as well as easements and rights-of-way that may be required to carry out your proposed project.

Once you have determined the materials needed for the permit you are applying for, please review the steps of getting an environmental permit to become familiar with the timeline and review process under the Uniform Procedures Act (UPA). For any help in navigating the application process, please contact your Regional Permit Administrator.

For permit transfers (a change in facility ownership or a change in permittee name), the completion of an Application for Permit Transfer form (PDF) is required. The Application for Permit Transfer requires certification by both the proposed new owner/operator and the present permittee. The application should generally be submitted at least 30 days prior to transfer. For permit transfers with an Environmental Monitor Requirement and an established escrow account, please submit the Supplement A - Resolution of Environmental Monitor Escrow Account (PDF).

Use the links below to jump to the following permit categories to review requirements for a complete DEC application.

Waterways, Coastlines, & Wetlands

Wastewater & Stormwater (SPDES) 

Water Withdrawal

Mining of Mineral Resources

Air Facility

Waste Management

Other

General requirements include:

• Signatures of the Applicant, Owner and Agent, where applicable, are required.
  • If the applicant is not the owner of the land for which the application is submitted, written permission of the landowner is needed for the applicant to file the application and undertake the proposed activity. If the applicant is the landowner, this landowner attestation form (PDF) can be used as an electronic signature.
  • If the application is for state-owned underwater lands, written notice that the applicant is seeking the appropriate grant, easement or lease of such lands from the New York State Office of General Services is sufficient.
• Email* as an attachment, or mail 3 hard copies of:
  • the application form,
  • any required supplemental forms, such as the Permission to Inspect Property Form (PDF), if needed, and
  • all other required items to the NYSDEC Regional Permit Administrator for the county where the project is located.

*If you choose to email the application materials, please follow up by using the postal service to mail a hard copy.

Additional Required Application Items

Location Map

• A US Geological Survey (USGS) Quadrangle Map, or equivalent, identifying the project location.
• An acceptable location map may be obtained from DEC's online Environmental Resource Mapper.

Project Plans

• A sketch plan view and cross-section drawn to scale with dimensions given, or engineering drawings showing location and extent of work.
• Refer to Sample Plans (PDF) available on the Department's website page.​
• Refer to additional requirements for specific permit types.

Photographs

• At least 3 color photographs, taken from multiple directions, which clearly depict the site of the proposed activity without snow cover.
• Include any existing structures on the site and the area surrounding the site.
• Indicate the time and date when taken.
• The Project Plans should note from which direction the photographs are taken.

Application Fees

• Required for Liquefied Natural Gas Facility and both Freshwater and Tidal Wetlands applications. Refer to the tables below for Freshwater Wetlands, Tidal Wetlands, and Liquefied Natural Gas Facility application fee amounts. For additional information, see the: Freshwater and Tidal Wetlands Application Fee FAQs.

Record of Compliance

• A Record of Compliance form (PDF) may be needed in order to complete a permit application or for a permit renewal, as determined by DEC.

Application Fees

Application Fees - Effective January 1, 2023

New York State agencies are exempt from freshwater and tidal wetland application fees for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2023.

Environmental Review and Historic Preservation 

State Environmental Quality Review

• In accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR), an application is not complete until:
  • a properly completed environmental assessment form (EAF) has been submitted,
  • a lead agency has been established, and
  • a negative declaration or a conditioned negative declaration has been filed or a draft environmental impact statement has been accepted by the lead agency.
• The EAF Mapper Application is used to complete questions required for both the Short and Full EAF.
  • If your project is an Unlisted Action, submit a completed Part 1 of a the Short EAF
  • If your project is a Type I Action, submit a completed Part 1 of the Full EAF.

State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA)

• In accordance with the State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA), certain applications are not complete until a determination has been made concerning the impact of the project on properties listed on or eligible for listing on the State or National Register of Historic Places.
• Where applicable, submit a project for review to the NYS Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) through the Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) to receive an effect finding letter; or
• submit a completed Structural Archaeological Assessment Form (PDF), with your application. In some cases, a cultural resource survey, including a field study of archaeological or historic features may be needed. See the Applicant's Guide to the State Historic Preservation Act (PDF).