This data set contains areas that have been designated as Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs) under 6 NYCRR Part 617 - State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR). Local agencies may designate specific geographic areas within their boundaries as a "Critical Environmental Area" (CEA). State agencies may also designate as a CEA a geographic area which they own, manage or regulate. To be designated as a CEA, an area must have an exceptional or unique character which has a benefit or threat to human health, a natural setting (e.g. fish and wildlife habitat, forest and vegetation, open space and areas of important aesthetic or scenic quality), agricultural, social, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, or educational values, or an inherent ecological, geological or hydrological sensitivity that may be adversely affected by any change.