Environmental Site Assessment Guidelines - Ohio Department of ...

(PCBs). PCBs are compounds that are injurious to living organisms and have been used as
lubricants, heat transfer fluids, and dielectric fluids. Electrical transformers (pole mounted or
ground situated) owned by a utility company are not an environmental concern, unless there is
visual 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.
Buildings and some structures may contain Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs). ACMs
improperly disposed of on a property are an issue that should be addressed in the report;
however, asbestos in buildings is handled as part of the real estate acquisition process and, as
such, will not require assessment in the Phase I ESA. Bridge structures may contain ACMs
and should be inspected by a certified asbestos inspector prior to demolition and/or renovation;
however, a bridge inspection for asbestos is a separate and distinct activity and is not a part of
the Phase I ESA. Bridge structures may also contain lead paint. Lead paint materials
improperly disposed of on a property is an issue that should be addressed in the report;
however, lead paint on bridges will not require assessment in the Phase I ESA. Lead paint is
an issue on bridge painting projects, while not an issue for bridge demolition projects.
A.
Site Reconnaissance of Adjacent Properties
The properties immediately adjacent to the subject property will be inspected. The
adjacent properties should be viewed from the subject property line, public ROW, etc.
The discussion of the adjacent properties should be in relation to the proposed ROW
for the project. In addition, the adjacent property use should be noted on the site
diagram. In many cases, the properties immediately adjacent to the site have already
been investigated during the ESA Screening and may not require detailed discussion.
In some cases, the ESA Screening may have determined no further environmental
site assessment was necessary for the site, or the property was included as part of
the Phase I ESA investigation. If this is the case, the discussion should state that the
ESA Screening determined this site was not of concern or it is being addressed as
part of the Phase I ESA for the project.
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