May the general public, including private organizations, interest groups and individuals be considered as interested agencies?
No. The term “agency” is defined in 617.2(c) to mean a state or local agency. However, private organizations, interest groups and individuals all have an ability to participate in the SEQR process. 6. When and how may the general public begin to participate in review of specific actions under SEQR? There are several key points in the SEQR process when interest groups and agencies and individuals may participate. If such groups, agencies or individuals are aware that a proposed action is under consideration and will require a determination of significance, they should communicate their environmental concerns and questions to the lead agency or one of the involved agencies. If a positive determination of significance (positive declaration) is made, interested agencies, organizations and individuals may participate by: • contributing relevant scoping topics, either through written communication to the lead agency or at public scoping sessions, if such sessions are called for by the lead a
