In a CERCLA Preliminary Assessment (PA), what action does the EPA or state authority typically take?

• A. Collects available information
• B. Conducts a site reconnaissance
• C. Evaluates whether the site poses as a threat to human health and the environment
• D. Determines whether future investigation (if so, site inspection is conducted)

Answer: (A)

Collecting available information is the main action in a CERCLA Preliminary Assessment. The PA is a quick screening step that relies on existing records, regulatory databases, prior studies, and historical site information to decide whether a site might pose a potential threat and whether a more detailed investigation is warranted. It’s designed to be efficient and to use readily accessible data rather than conducting new, in-depth fieldwork.

Site reconnaissance and on-the-ground checks are typically associated with the later Site Inspection stage, where investigators verify information and look for physical evidence. Evaluating whether a site poses a threat and deciding on next steps are outputs of the assessment process that follow the information gathered during the PA, not the primary action of the PA itself.