The Environmental Planning section provides assistance and guidance to Federal, state and local government agencies and the general public regarding coastal-related problems and activities. Land use, zoning and environmental data and information are assembled, portrayed and analyzed in support of the preparation of management plans and recommendations pertaining to Suffolk County's three major estuaries (the Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay System and the South Shore Bays), numerous harbors and watersheds, fragile shorelines and associated natural habitats and resources. Existing land use, land available for development, surface water quality, groundwater resources, public access, flooding and erosion hazard mitigation, fisheries management, dredging and the assessment of environmental impacts of development activities are typical topics that have been investigated. The Section also prepares and assists other County departments in the preparation of grant applications for funding from Federal and state programs that is used for special studies and project implementation.