The Environmental Planning Group
has taken an active role to insure that highway projects do
not expose construction workers or the general public to hazardous
materials, whether it is during or after construction. Studies are
conducted to identify hazardous materials and asbestos involvement,
such as the leaking underground storage tanks. These studies
vary in depth of investigation depending on nature of project,
types of land uses, and the amount of ground disturbance.
The most basic study to determine prescence of hazardous materials is called a Preliminary Initial Site Assessment (PISA), which is used on all roadway projects. Should hazardous materials become identified, such studies escalate into Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III assessments. These more intense studies often result in mitigation that could include remediation, before construction begins.
The Guidelines in the right-hand
column provide information to help the consultant or local
government representative conduct accurate hazardous materials
and asbestos assessments. Included is guidance on conducting
PISA's, Phase I, II, and III assessments.
