The Suffolk County Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established in 1970 by Article I of the Suffolk County Charter, known as the Environmental Bill of Rights. In 1972 the County established the Suffolk County Historic Trust and designated the CEQ members as trustees of the Historic Trust. Under its mandated Charter responsibilities, the CEQ is advisory to both the County Executive and the County Legislature.

The primary responsibility of the Council on Environmental Quality is to provide advice and assistance to any department, board, commission or agency of Suffolk County government regarding the implementation of and compliance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). In addition, the Council may make recommendations to the County Legislature and County Executive as to what County-owned properties should be dedicated to the County nature preserve or historic trust and what properties not owned by the County should be acquired for purposes of dedication. The Council also serves an important role examining developments in the County that are likely to have an impact on the quality of the environment.

Below, you may view a CEQ meeting notice, agenda, summary, project information, or resolutions. Audio recordings of CEQ meetings are available upon request.

2023 CEQ Meetings

* Note June Meeting Date was changed from June 14, 2023 to align with the Suffolk County Legislative Calendar.

County Sponsored Environmental Impact Statements

Below is a summary of the SEQRA record for certain Environmental Impact Statements initiated by Suffolk County:

Suffolk County Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan

Yaphank County Center – Surplus Land Designation

Suffolk County Aquaculture Lease Program

Suffolk County Aquaculture Lease Program – Information

Suffolk County Vector Control

SEQRA documents for the Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Plan

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General SEQRA Information

New York State’s SEQRA Handbook provides a reference guide to New York SEQRA law. In addition, New York State offers information on navigating through the SEQRA process.

Under New York State’s Rules, Codes, and Regulations, Part 617 of the general regulations of the State Department of Environmental Conservation provides guidelines concerning Environmental Quality Review. Chapter 450 of the Suffolk County Code governs the implementation of SEQRA review by Suffolk County.

The following are blank Environmental Assessment Forms (EAFs):

Short Environmental Assessment Form (pdf format)

Short Environmental Assessment Form (Word format)

Long Environmental Assessment Form (pdf format)

Long Environmental Assessment Form (Word format)

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Historic Trust Manual

The Suffolk County Council on Environmental Quality first published its Historic Trust Manual in 1972. The Historic Trust Manual describes the policies and procedures for the preservation of Suffolk County-owned historic sites, areas, and buildings. It also outlines the standards that should be used by Suffolk County for the acquisition, dedication, and maintenance of properties having historical significance. The most recent edition of the Historic Trust Manual was released in 2010.

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Meetings

Archived CEQ Meetings

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