Environmental Site Assessment Guidelines - Ohio Department of ...

evidence of a release since the utility company will be responsible for the relocation of their
transformers for the transportation project. These are the majority of transformers encountered
during a project and a letter from the utility company stating they own these transformers is not
necessary. Transformers associated with private ownership are more of a concern since they are a
part of the liability that may be assumed with the acquisition of the property. These privately owned
transformers are typically found at manufacturing sites that required large amounts of energy during
the manufacturing process. Because of the liability and potential waste management issues that
may be involved if they are acquired as part of the project, privately owned transformers will
typically require a detailed investigation.
While it is not necessary at this stage to conduct interviews with individual property owners, local
officials from the fire department, health department or other emergency response agencies,
interviews may be conducted at this level to acquire information regarding spills or releases of
hazardous substances in the project study area.
5.1.8 Conclusions and Recommendations
The conclusions and recommendations section must include a discussion of the findings of the
investigation and recommendations of all of the properties within the project. Properties
recommended for a Phase I ESA should be in the project. Only on rare occasion will a property
outside of the project be investigated. If a property is recommended for a Phase I ESA, the
reason(s) for this recommendation must be provided. Residential and/or agricultural properties
that do not have any concerns may be grouped together; however, residential and/or agricultural
properties with concerns (i.e. commercial non-farm USTs) must be listed separately. If a large
number of parcels are included in the project, this information may be provided in tabular format.
5.2 ESA Screening Checklist Form
An ESA Screening Checklist Form for screening projects is available (see Appendix E); it is also
available in electronic form and can be used as supportive information. A screening checklist form
should be completed for each commercial and/or industrial parcel investigated. One form may
address a group of residences and/or agricultural fields. Screening checklist forms must be included
in the appendices of the ESA Screening report.
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