Stepping Through the SEQR Process
Steps toward satisfying SEQR: Step through the process by clicking the Step 1 link and after reading each page, click on the link for the next step which you will find at or near the bottom of each page. Or you may click on the links that follow. While the image maps a branching path between steps 4 and 5 and between step 6 and 7, this text version makes a linear representation. You do not go on to step 5 unless you are faced with impacts that cannot be avoided or mitigated through conditions placed on a permit. At step 6 you may review the Draft EIS and determine that it must be returned for revision rather than proceeding to step 7.
More about Stepping Through the SEQR Process:
- Follow the SEQR Path - Mapping of the SEQR path
- Step 1. Classifying the Action - The first step in classifying the action is to decide whether it is subject to SEQR
- Step 2. Complete the Correct Environmental Assessment Form - NYSDEC SEQR Process - Step 2 Environmental Assessment
- Step 3: Coordinate Review - NYSDEC SEQR Process - Step 3 Coordinate Review
- Step 4: Determine Significance - The lead agency has 20 calendar days to make its determination of significance
- Step 5: Scope the Draft EIS - Scoping is the process by which the issues to be addressed in the draft EIS are identified
- Step 6 Preparation of the Draft EIS - The applicant always has the right to prepare the draft EIS. If the applicant refuses to prepare the draft EIS, the lead agency has the option of preparing the draft EIS, having it prepared by a consultant, or terminating its review of the action
- Step 7 Determine the Adequacy of the Draft EIS for Public Review (Accept or Return for Revision) - Upon receipt of a submitted draft EIS, the lead agency has 45 days to determine whether the document is adequate for public review in terms of scope and content
- Step 8: Publish Notice that an EIS is Accepted for Public Review - Publish Notice
- Step 9 Public Comment - The filing of the Notice of Completion of a Draft EIS starts the public comment period
- Step 10 Decide Whether to Hold a Public Hearing - After the lead agency accepts the draft EIS, it must decide whether to hold a public hearing [see 617.9(a)(4)]
- Step 11 Preparation of the Final EIS - The lead agency is responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the final EIS, regardless of who prepares it
- Step 12 SEQR Findings - Part 617.11 requires that each involved agency must prepare its own written SEQR findings statement, after a final EIS has been filed and before the agency makes a final decision
