Suffolk County, New York is committed to protecting its environment and the health of its residents. To this end, the state has established a number of regulations and policies to ensure that the county's environment is kept safe and healthy. This article will provide an overview of the environmental policies and regulations in place in Suffolk County, as well as the organizations responsible for their implementation. In accordance with New York State rules, codes and regulations, part 617 of the General Regulations of the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides guidelines on the review of environmental quality. Chapter 450 of the Suffolk County Code regulates the implementation of the SEQRA review by Suffolk County.
The Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) carries out comprehensive programs that protect Suffolk County residents against adverse environmental factors and preserve and improve the overall high quality of the county's environment. The state has more than 300 police officers and environmental conservation researchers (ECOs) patrolling an average of 400 square miles. These officers respond to requests from elected officials and agencies, as well as complaints from citizens, to investigate events that occur in the marine environment and collect necessary samples. The ECOs also participate in the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) and South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER), manage the Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan program, are part of the department's Review Board, participate in numerous county advisory committees dealing with environmental issues, and certify ecological and marine productivity criteria for county dredging projects. Land use, zoning, and environmental data and information are collected, represented, and analyzed to support the preparation of management plans and recommendations related to Suffolk County's three major estuaries (Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay System, and South Shore Bays), numerous ports and watersheds, fragile coastlines, and associated habitats and natural resources. Attorneys from the Civil Division's Chief of Environmental Litigation reinforce the Office's focus on protecting the rights of residents of the Eastern District of New York who are disproportionately burdened by environmental and health hazards. After minor revisions, NYSDEC also approved Suffolk County's SWP as a nine-element watershed plan (9E).
The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York vigorously enforces federal environmental laws to address environmental, health, and climate impacts on people and communities in the district. Suffolk County will comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act to prevent contamination of its drinking water supply. The Suffolk County Health Services Department and Department of Public Works oversaw the development and early implementation of a long-term vector control and wetland management plan throughout Suffolk County. Genesis Petroleum resolves federal environmental claims related to 13 gas stations located on Long Island, Westchester, New York, and New Jersey. The United States announces resolution of a civil action to address violations of the Clean Air Act in New York City public schools. Suffolk County is committed to protecting its environment through a variety of regulations and policies.
The state has established a number of laws that are designed to protect its citizens from adverse environmental factors while preserving and improving its overall high quality environment. The county also has a number of organizations that are responsible for implementing these policies. These organizations include police officers, environmental conservation researchers (ECOs), attorneys from the Civil Division's Chief of Environmental Litigation, NYSDEC, U. S.
Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, Suffolk County Health Services Department, Department of Public Works, Genesis Petroleum, and U. Department of Justice.
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