Screenings and Preliminary Assessments

Screenings (also known as site evaluations) and Preliminary Assessments (PAs) are important elements within the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ’s) Site Assessment Program. As DEQ’s initial site review, a screening is designed to be a brief summary of readily available information, and usually does not include a site visit. A screening covers site history, known or suspected contamination issues, and ways that human or environmental receptors could be exposed to site contamination.

A PA represents a higher level of assessment, typically involving detailed evaluations of: 1) facility operational history; 2) waste management practices; 3) past sampling data (if available); and 4) potential exposure pathways. A PA is usually accompanied by a site visit and sometimes includes limited sampling.

The following links provide detailed information on DEQ’s screening process and explain the structure and content of DEQ Preliminary Assessments.

• Screening
• Preliminary Assessment (major sections of a PA follow):
  • Background Information (site description, ownership/operational/regulatory history)
  • Source Areas and Waste Characteristics
  • Pathways of Exposure
    • Groundwater
    • Surface Water
    • Air
    • Direct Contact
• Summary and Conclusions
• References

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