Discovery Discovery refers to how SA staff learn of contaminated or potentially contaminated properties. ECSI is an electronic tracking system for contaminated or potentially contaminated sites, which is updated as sites progress through different stages of the cleanup process. A screening is a brief review of readily available information on site history, contamination, and ways that human or environmental receptors could be exposed to site contamination. Priorities are assigned based on the threats posed by contamination and the urgency in implementing further actions. Screenings are usually documented in written Strategy Recommendations .
PAs incorporate site visits and sometimes include limited sampling.
Closely related to the PA is a Brownfields Assessment . Information from SA evaluations is summarized in the ECSI database, which is available to the public. At some sites, all that is needed is further documentation or analysis indicating that hazardous substances pose no significant threats. At a few other sites, SA staff may be able to determine from existing documentation that no further action is necessary. The SA Program tracks its costs in performing site evaluations, and notifies property owners or operators of this policy at the beginning of the screening process.