Source: https://openei.org/wiki/RAPID/Roadmap/13-NY-e
Timestamp: 2017-10-19 19:21:11
Document Index: 607197003

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 663', '§ 24', '§ 24', '§ 70', '§ 70', '§ 70', '§ 70']

In New York, a developer may need to obtain a Freshwater Wetlands permit for new hydroelectric facilities, hydroelectric transmission extension projects, and any other projects that may alter the State’s freshwater wetlands or adjacent areas. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) administers the Freshwater Wetlands Permit Program, in accordance with Freshwater Wetlands Act (New York) and the New York Code, Rules and Regulations, 6 CRR-NY Part 663, to preserve and protect the benefits that freshwater wetlands provide. Freshwater wetlands provide a valuable resource necessary for flood control; surface and groundwater protection; wildlife habitat; open space; water resources; recreational, educational and research opportunities; and aesthetic values. 6 CRR-NY 663.1; New York – Environmental Conservation Law § 24-0107; Department of Environmental Conservation – Freshwater Wetlands Permits (New York); Freshwater Wetlands Program: A Guide for Applicants, at 2.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulates activities in certain freshwater wetlands and adjacent areas generally extending 100 feet outside of a freshwater wetland boundary. However, if necessary to protect and preserve a regulated wetland, the (DEC) may establish an adjacent area extending beyond 100 feet outside the freshwater wetland boundary. 6 CRR-NY 663.2.
Not all freshwater wetlands are protected by the DEC. Before submitting an application for a Freshwater Wetlands Permit, the developer should review the State’s official wetland maps, which identify wetlands qualifying for protection under the Freshwater Wetlands Act. Wetlands maps are on file and available for inspection at the DEC regional offices. Freshwater Wetlands Program: A Guide for Applicants, at 2.
Contact information for the DEC’s regional offices is available at the agency’s New York – Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Office Directory website. If the proposed project will not be located in a protected freshwater wetland or adjacent area, a Freshwater Wetlands Permit is not required.
Clearing trees and eliminating other vegetation; and/or
New York – Environmental Conservation Law § 24-0511; 6 CRR-NY 663.3(o); Freshwater Wetlands Program: A Guide for Applicants, at 3-4.
For a more detailed list of activities for which a Freshwater Wetlands Permit is required, see 6 CRR-NY 663.4.
The extent of all fill, excavation, grading, disturbance and clearing of vegetation;
The dimensions of all proposed buildings or structures; and
Generally, a developer must submit its application for a Freshwater Wetlands Permit to the appropriate DEC regional permit administrator. 6 CRR-NY 663.3.
However, if the local government has assumed the freshwater wetlands regulating authority for that area, and the DEC commissioner does not have superseding authority over the wetland area, the developer must file the application with the local government. The local government reviews and processes the developer’s application in accordance with local laws and regulations. 6 CRR-NY 663.3.
13-NY-e.10 to 13-NY-e.11 — Review Application Materials for Completeness
Within 15 days of receiving the developer’s Freshwater Wetlands Permit Application, the DEC reviews the application materials and determines whether the developer has supplied all of the information necessary for the DEC to begin review. If the application is incomplete, the DEC will send the developer a notice, identifying the additional information required.
13-NY-e.12 – Declare Application Complete and Begin Application Review Process
Freshwater Wetlands Permits: Is this Project Major or Minor?.
13-NY-e.14 - Publish Public Notice of Application
If the proposed project is considered to be a major project, the DEC must publish notice of the developer’s Freshwater Wetlands Permit application in the Environmental Notice Bulletin no later than ten days after the DEC determines that the application is complete. The developer must also publish notice of the application in a designated local newspaper no later than fifteen days after the DEC determines that the application is complete. New York – Environmental Conservation Law § 70-0109; Freshwater Wetlands Permits: Is this Project Major or Minor?.
13-NY-e.15 - Will the DEC Hold a Public Hearing?
After evaluating the developer’s application and any comments received from DEC staff, other state agencies or members of the public, the DEC may, at its discretion, hold a public hearing prior to making a permitting decision. If the DEC holds a public hearing, the DEC must notify the developer and all persons who filed comments on the project. The DEC decides whether to conduct a public hearing based on whether DEC’s evaluation of the application or comments received raise significant issues regarding the findings or determinations the DEC is required to make. New York – Environmental Conservation Law § 70-0119.
13-NY-e.16 – Provide Notice of Public Hearing
If the DEC elects to hold a public hearing, the DEC must notify the developer and all persons who filed comments on the project within 60 calendar days of determining that the developer’s application is complete. The DEC must also publish notice of the hearing in both the Environmental Notice Bulletin and a designated local newspaper. § 70-0119.
13-NY-e.17 – Hold Public Hearing
The DEC must conduct the hearing within 90 calendar days of determining that the developer’s application is complete. At the public meeting, interested parties may ask questions and provide oral and written comments regarding the developer’s permit application. New York – Environmental Conservation Law § 70-0119.
13-NY-e.18 – Review Application Materials and Public Comments
The DEC reviews the developer’s application (and public comments, if applicable) in order to determine whether the proposed project is compatible with the following freshwater wetlands compatibility tests:
Classes I, II, III, and IV For wetland Classes I, II, III, and IV, the proposed activity must be compatible with the public health and welfare, be the only practicable alternative that could accomplish the applicant’s objectives and have no practicable alternative on a site that is not a freshwater wetland or adjacent area.
Classes I, II, and III For wetland Classes I, II, and III, the proposed activity must minimize degradation to, or loss of, any part of the wetland or its adjacent area and must minimize any adverse impacts on the functions and benefits that the wetland provides.
Class IV For wetland Class IV, the proposed activity must make a reasonable effort to minimize degradation to, or loss of, any part of the wetland or its adjacent area. 6 CRR-NY 663.5.
Grant a permit with conditions as necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of the people of the state and its natural resources; or
If the DEC determines that the proposed project meets the requirements of the Freshwater Wetlands Act and approves the developer’s application, the DEC will issue a Freshwater Wetlands Permit for the proposed project. The DEC may include any mitigation efforts considered during the application review process as a condition on the developer’s permit, and may require the developer to complete mitigation prior to initiating the proposed project. 6 CRR-NY 663.5; Freshwater Wetlands Program: A Guide for Applicants, at 9-11.
Department of Environmental Conservation – Freshwater Wetlands Permits (New York)
Freshwater Wetlands Program: A Guide for Applicants (New York)
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