Environmental Permits Guidance Documents
Division of Environmental Permits Program Policies
Permitting and Disadvantaged Communities Under The Climate Leadership And Community Protection Act May 8, 2024 (PDF) - provides guidance for DEC staff when reviewing permit applications associated with sources and activities, in or likely to affect a disadvantaged community, that result in greenhouse gas, or co-pollutant emissions regulated pursuant to Article 75 of the Environmental Conservation Law.
Assessing and Mitigating Visual and Aesthetic Impact, December 13, 2019 (PDF) - provides guidance to staff on evaluating visual and aesthetic impacts when DEC is lead agency under SEQR or when no lead agency has been established.
Assessing and Mitigating Noise Impacts (PDF) - presents noise impact assessment methods, examines the circumstances under which sound creates significant noise impacts; and identifies avoidance and mitigative measures to reduce or eliminate noise impacts.
Transfers of Permits and Pending Applications - Program Policy #DEP-01-1 (PDF) - provides guidance regarding applications for permit transfers in accordance with 6NYCRR Part 621.13, Applications for Permit Renewal or Modifications (Including Transfers). Transfer of pending applications from an existing applicant to a new applicant are also addressed.
Environmental Impact Assessment
The Environmental Impact Assessment in New York State web page contains information for practitioners and the general public relating to the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR; Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law). In addition to the SEQR regulations, the site provides links to documents that provide information on how impact assessments should be conducted. Many of the posted references are electronic versions of materials also available in hard copy. Some of the available documents address the formal steps in SEQR, for example, the SEQR Cookbook and SEQR Flow Chart and Time Frames. Others provide interpretation of SEQR's application in specific circumstances, for example, the SEQR Handbook, Local Official's Guide to SEQR, or Citizen's Guide to SEQR. Spanish versions of several of these basic SEQR references are also posted. Finally, several technical references provide advice on assessing or mitigating specific classes of impacts, such as policies on Assessing Visual Impacts and Assessing Noise Impacts, plus links to a range of stormwater management information.
Guidance for Applicants Seeking Permits Subject to the Uniform Procedures Act (UPA)
Information and guidance on obtaining permits under numerous regulatory programs of the Department are provided. Identification of permit jurisdictions, application content requirements, and Department review and decision making procedures are contained in publications and guidance materials. The procedural and substantive provisions of UPA are detailed in multiple publications and policies. View additional information on DEC's permits, licenses, and registrations webpage.
