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AB 972 (Calderon) became effective October 13, 2001. This bill changed the Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) public review and approval process. These changes are not yet reflected on this website. Please contact the SFPD representative assigned to your county, or the DTSC, for more information on the effects of AB 972. This website is being updated to reflect the changes made by AB 972 and AB 1367 (Wiggins). AB 1367 takes effect on January 1, 2002.
If you have questions about the Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA), or you need assistance completing any of these tasks, please contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
- Perform the Assessment
- Assemble Required Documents
- Submit Required Documents
- Respond to Assessment
Typically, 50% of the estimated PEA costs, as determined by the DTSC, must be paid to the DTSC before starting the PEA.
The PEA consists of a sampling and screening risk assessment to determine whether the hazardous materials pose a threat to children's health. The PEA also may help your district identify the need for small or large-scale removal actions that may expedite final site approval.
The DTSC staff will assist your district and its environmental assessor with planning the PEA. The first step of the process is a scoping meeting to develop a work plan for the on-site investigation. Once the DTSC approves the work plan, your district's consultants must conduct an investigation including sampling, to confirm whether hazardous materials are present and to identify their concentration levels.
If sampling indicates that hazardous materials are present, your district must conduct a screening risk assessment, in accordance with the DTSC guidelines, to determine whether there is a significant risk to public health or the environment. For details, see the DTSC's "Requesting Preliminary Endangerment Assessment Guidance Manual". You can obtain this document from the DTSC through the mail or on the DTSC website at http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/Schools/index.cfm#Advisories_and_Guidance.
Prepare the following documents for submission to the DTSC:
- The PEA report
- Proof or documentation of the qualifications and experience of the environmental assessor who signs the report
- A check to reimburse the DTSC directly for all of its PEA review/oversight costs through the Environmental Oversight Agreement
After completing the PEA, the district must submit it directly to the DTSC regional office for review and approval, and must make the PEA available for public review for not less than 30 calendar days.
The DTSC must complete its review and respond within 60 calendar days of receipt of the PEA.
The PEA may find that there are no hazardous materials present or that the levels present do not pose a significant risk to public health or the environment. If the DTSC concurs, it will issue a "No Further Action" letter to your school district, with a copy to the SFPD, stating that no further action is required. Your district can proceed with the CEQA review.
If the DTSC disapproves the PEA, it will inform your district and recommend actions necessary to obtain approval. Or, the PEA itself may find hazardous materials present and conclude that they pose a significant risk to public health or the environment. If toxic problems are present, your school district is required to complete the PEA and obtain sign-off from the DTSC before proceeding with the site approval process. The DTSC may approve the PEA with a letter determining that "Further Action," a Response Action (RA), is needed.
At any time, your school district may elect to not pursue the site or project.
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