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Construction and environmentSubject 7 of 19

Negative declaration

A lead agency's determination under SEQRA that an action will not have a significant adverse environmental impact.

Direct answer

What does Negative declaration mean?

A lead agency's determination under SEQRA that an action will not have a significant adverse environmental impact.

Exam cue: A negative declaration ends the EIS requirement for that review, subject to the governing rules.

What does it look like in a question?

New York example

After reviewing the EAF and record, the agency finds no potentially significant adverse impact.

Common exam trap

What should you not confuse it with?

Negative declaration does not mean the project has no environmental effect at all.

Related construction and environment terms

AsbestosA group of mineral fibers formerly used in many building materials and associated with health risks when fibers become airborne and are inhaled.Environmental assessment formA New York SEQRA form used by an agency to help evaluate the environmental significance of a proposed action.Environmental impact statementA detailed document examining potentially significant environmental impacts, mitigation and reasonable alternatives under SEQRA.FoundationThe part of a structure that transfers building loads to the soil or supporting material below.Lead-based paintPaint containing lead that can create serious health hazards, especially for children, when it deteriorates or creates contaminated dust.Load-bearing wallA wall that carries structural load from above in addition to its own weight.
Sources used2 references with section locators

The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.

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