Part 1 - Project And Setting (FEAF)
Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) Workbook
Part 1 is to be completed by the applicant or project sponsor. Responses become part of the application for approval or funding, are subject to public review, and may be subject to further verification.
Complete Part 1 based on information currently available. If additional research or investigation would be needed to fully respond to any item, please answer as thoroughly as possible based on current information; indicate whether missing information does not exist, or is not reasonably available to the sponsor; and, when possible, generally describe work or studies which would be necessary to update or fully develop that information.
Applicants/sponsors must complete all items in Sections A & B. In Sections C, D & E, most items contain an initial question that must be answered either "Yes" or "No". If the answer to the initial question is "Yes", complete the sub-questions that follow. If the answer to the initial question is "No", proceed to the next question. Section F allows the project sponsor to identify and attach any additional information. Section G requires the name and signature of the project sponsor to verify that the information contained in Part 1is accurate and complete.
How to Complete and Use the Full Environmental Assessment Form
The Applicant
- Read over all questions in Part I and gather all current information available on both the proposed project and its location. Having this information on hand will help you complete the questions.
- If the action is a municipally sponsored project such as adoption of a local law, comprehensive plan, or the construction of a public building or structure, the municipality becomes the project sponsor. In this case the municipality completes the appropriate sections of Part 1.
- Use the FEAF workbook to help you find background information, definitions, illustrations, maps, and other data that can be used to help answer each question. In addition to the application materials that may be required for the project and sources of information identified in this workbook, use other existing information that may be available locally. Good sources of information include: site plans or subdivision plats that have been completed on the parcel or nearby parcels, local comprehensive or strategic plans, and other application materials already submitted to the reviewing agency. Many municipalities have completed open space or environmental inventories or plans, and these can be excellent sources of local information. If the municipality has an appointed conservation advisory council (CAC), consider contacting them for additional information on local environmental resources. In the case of a municipal action such as adoption of a local law or plan, the municipality can use the information contained within a comprehensive plan or other inventory information as it may exist. For some sections, additional studies or inventory information may need to be completed in order to thoroughly provide the information. Note that the reviewing agency, in Part 2 may also need additional information in order to determine if there are any potential adverse impacts. It is advisable to review all information needs the reviewing agency may have for Part 2 and consider providing that information with Part 1 as well.
- Offer as much detail as possible to answer each question thoroughly. This will make the SEQR process more efficient by providing the reviewing agency with the necessary information to evaluate the project.
- Sign Part I. Remember that responses to questions in Part I become part of your application for approval or funding, and therefore are subject to both verification and public review.
The Reviewing Agency
- It is the reviewing agency's role to evaluate the information provided by the applicant in Part 1, and ensure it is complete and accurate enough to make a reasonable decision. In some cases, additional information from the applicant may be necessary to complete Part 2.
- Review any maps and other documentation submitted with the application to cross-check and verify the information supplied in the FEAF. Verification can also be done by using the links provided in this workbook for each question.
- A visit to the project site can be very helpful to familiarize the reviewing agency with characteristics about the location, neighborhood, and project.
The Workbooks have been prepared to assist applicants, project sponsors and reviewing agencies in the completion of the EAF. Note that nothing in this workbook, particularly the guidance offered in Part 2 and 3 is found in regulation. While the EAF's need to be completed according to the Part 617 regulations, determination of impacts, or interpretation on the size or significance of an impact is at the discretion of the reviewing agency. The Workbooks are not required to be used during a SEQR process. They should be considered as helpful guidance documents that contain background information, links to data and maps, and answers to questions that a reviewing agency may have. They should be considered source books to assist and guide applicants and reviewers involved in a SEQR review.
Continue to Part 1 (FEAF) Question A Project and Sponsor Information
