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Preliminary Assessment and Site Inspection Training
Hosted by U.S. EPA
Office of Superfund and Emergency Management

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.

Important Notice: Due to the content presented during a CEC course and the restrictions in place for non-citizens to enter federal buildings, international attendees are not permitted to attend CEC courses.

For general information contact CEC Registrar via e-mail at cec-registrar@emsus.com

More information on this event is available, click here This link opens in a new window.

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