Environmental Permits

Administered Under the Uniform Procedures Act (UPA)

Essential to protecting New York's air, water, mineral and biological resources are a system of permits under the Uniform Procedures Act (UPA), Article 70 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL). The UPA is intended to ensure a fair, timely and thorough review; eliminate inconsistent procedures; and encourage public participation. DEC's regulation for implementing the UPA is 6 NYCRR Part 621.

Also under authority of the UPA, DEC may issue General Permits to allow similar types of work not unique to a particular location. Such work may be the result of natural disasters or extraordinary weather, or for other activities that have been determined not to have a significant impact on the environment.

Next Steps

Use the links below under the permit categories for specific program information and guidance.

Or, select from the following items to:

• Find Permit Forms and Requirements
• Apply for a Permit
• Check the Status of a Permit

Environmental Permit Categories

Waterways, Coastlines & Wetlands

• Protection of Waters Permits
• Coastal Erosion Management Permits
• Freshwater Wetlands Permits
• Tidal Wetlands Permits
• Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Permits
   

Wastewater, Stormwater & Water Withdrawal

• State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES)
• Stormwater
• Water Withdrawal Permits
• Long Island Well Permits

Air

• Air Pollution Control Permit Program

Mineral Resources

• Mined Land Reclamation Permits

Waste Management

• Solid Waste Management Permits
• Hazardous Waste Management Permits

Other Permits

• General Permits
• Endangered/Threatened Species-Incidental Take
• Floating objects in navigable waters within the Adirondack Park
• Liquefied Natural Gas Facility Permit

Additional Permits?

Your Project or activity may require additional permits under other DEC programs.

For example, Protection of Waters permits are required for certain activities such as dredging or filling that take place in navigable waters or for activities that may result in disturbance to the bed or banks of protected streams. If the activity will require a permit from the Corps of Engineers, then a Section 401 Water Quality Certification by DEC may also be needed.

Freshwater Wetlands permits are required for areas designated on the freshwater wetlands maps. In many cases, these areas are near tidal wetlands, and their adjacent areas may overlap. Coastal Erosion Hazard Area permits are required along sensitive shorelines in structural hazard areas or natural protective feature areas, which are indicated on Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Maps.

Unsure? Contact the Department!

If you are not sure whether your project requires more than one permit, contact the Regional Permit Administrator for the county where the project is located.

Submit all materials required for all permit applications at the same time to allow simultaneous review of the entire project. Project review may not commence until these materials are received.

State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR)

Your Project or Activity Will Require a Determination Under The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR).

State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA)

In accordance with the State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA), DEC must evaluate whether or not a project may have an impact on historical structures or archaeological sites. If your application packet includes a Structural Archaeological Assessment Form (SAAF), please fill out the form according to its instructions. In some cases, a cultural resource survey, including a field study of archaeological or historic features may be needed.