SEQR Handbook
New SEQR Regulations in effect January 1st 2019
Draft Revised SEQR Handbook (PDF, 2.8 MB)
Since it first appeared in March 1982, the SEQR Handbook has been a standard reference book for state, county and local government officials; environmental consultants; attorneys; permit applicants; and the public at large.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) is accepting comments on proposed revisions to the SEQR Handbook, a reference document providing agencies, project sponsors, and the public with a practical reference guide to the procedures prescribed by the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). The SEQR Handbook addresses common questions that arise during the process of applying SEQR. The draft revised document for comment is available at the link above. This proposed 4th addition will entirely replace the previous editions and reflects the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process as it now stands. The major updates NYS DEC made to the document are additions to address the most recent revisions to the statewide SEQR regulations, Part 617 of Title 6 of New York's Codes, Rules and Regulations, adopted by the NYS DEC Commissioner on June 27, 2018 and which became effective January 1, 2019. Other changes include clarifications of existing sections to address questions or suggestions that NYS DEC has received since the current (3rd) edition of the SEQR Handbook was released in 2010.
We welcome your comments! To send comments, suggestions or corrections, please e-mail us. If you prefer to send comments via surface mail, you may send them to:
NYSDEC
Division of Environmental Permits
625 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany NY 12233-1750
Comments on the draft revised Handbook are due on February 1, 2019.
