Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection (PA/SI) Training introduces the Superfund site assessment process, focusing on the preliminary assessment and site inspection phases. Based on key provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the response process established by the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), the course guides participants through conducting remedial preliminary assessments (PAs) and site inspections (SIs) at CERCLA-regulated sites, including identifying potential threats that may warrant a removal action. Topics include 1) procedures and considerations when performing a remedial PA, including assessing appropriateness, planning and execution, preparing a preliminary Hazard Ranking System (HRS) score, and documenting results for site decision-making; (2) detailed steps for conducting a remedial SI, including addressing health and safety considerations for field activities, establishing data quality objectives and developing sampling strategies for HRS scoring, validating data, and preparing a final report to support decision-making; and (3) relevant EPA guidance, policies, and resources, such as the basic structure and scoring factors of the HRS, and using EPA’s Quickscore tool for site investigations. 

Course Objectives:

• Explain the circumstances under which site assessments are performed, including when, where, why, and how they are conducted under CERCLA authorities. 
• Prepare for, conduct, and report the findings of a remedial PA. 
• Determine the need for, conduct, and document the results of a remedial SI. 
• Identify and use guidance, software, and other tools to effectively meet the requirements for conducting a remedial PA and SI. 

The PA/SI course is recommended for EPA, state and tribal personnel responsible for compiling, drafting, and reviewing documentation records and packages for preliminary PA, SI, and HRS submissions for sites proposed for the NPL. 

The course is also open to current U.S. EPA contractors that perform site investigation work. U.S. EPA contractors will need to provide approval from their EPA COCOR to Barbara Charris, EPA CEC Program Manager (charris.barbara@epa.gov) to attend the training. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, NON-EPA CONSULTANTS, NON-EPA CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.

It is recommended that you take the Hazard Ranking System training course prior to the Preliminary Assessment and Site Inspection training course.

Daily Class Times:
Tuesday - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Thursday - 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

The CERCLA Education Center (CEC) understands that questions will continue regarding the status of CEC courses currently planned for 2023. Although we hope to be able to hold classroom trainings this fall/winter, the CEC will assess current conditions and make a go/no-go decision for each course six weeks prior to the start of the delivery. The CEC will assess current local and EPA COVID-19 guidelines; current EPA travel policies; and the number of students enrolled in a course before making a decision. Registered students will receive a notification via email if the course is postponed. Information will also be posted to the appropriate Trainex page. Questions may be directed to Jodi McCarty, ICF (jodi.mccarty@icf.com).