OES Service 3

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Site Assessment

What is an Environmental Site Assessment?

An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a study used to determine if any hazardous substances are present on a property or parcel ODOT uses to determine the potential involvement of a project's earth-disturbing construction activities with documented environmental releases from adjacent properties.

Why are Environmental Site Assessments conducted?

In general, ESAs are conducted in response to two federal laws: the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 (Public Law #96-510) as amended by the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 (Public Law #99-499) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 (Public Law #94-580). RCRA deals with waste management including the manufacture, storage, transportation, use, treatment, and disposal of wastes including hazardous waste. CERCLA establishes liability that forces cleanup costs of contaminated sites to responsible parties. SARA modified CERCLA to provide defenses to the liability provisions for contaminated sites.

What are the types of Environmental Site Assessment studies?

An ESA is generally presented in the form of an ESA Screening, Phase I ESA or Phase II ESA. However, there can be some projects that may require other ESA studies (i.e. ESA Literature Search, Geophysical Survey, Phase II ESA Work Plan, etc.) depending on the nature and complexity of the project. ESA studies on ODOT projects are conducted in accordance with the Environmental Site Assessment Guidance Manual prepared by the ODOT, Office of Environmental Services, ESA Section.

What is the primary function of the ESA Section?

The primary function of the ESA Section is to prepare ESA guidance documents and manuals. In addition, the section investigates ODOT projects for involvement with contaminated properties by reviewing consultant reports (ESA Screenings, Phase I ESAs or Phase II ESAs), conducting ESA Screenings and Phase I ESAs, reviewing project plans, and reviewing other environmental reports and technical memoranda associated with sites potentially contaminated with hazardous substances.

What are other functions of the Environmental Site Assessment Section?

Reviewing environmental documents
Reviewing documentation for project involvement with Sole Source Aquifers and Wellhead Protection
Reviewing documentation for project involvement with asbestos-containing materials
Reviewing specifications and designs for remedial alternatives and ensuring consistency with roadway plans
Providing construction assistance on projects requiring a remedial design