DOT PESA & PSI

Departments of Transportation (IDOT) often must acquire properties that have the potential for environmental concerns. Various recognized environmental conditions (RECs), natural features, and natural hazards may be present on existing right-of-way (ROW) or on sites proposed for acquisition. A PESA provides information on environmental conditions associated with highway or other transportation projects. They are specially focused on DOT projects and differ from industry standard ESAs or All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) reports as defined by USEPA (Federal Register, 2005).

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) require landowners, including the state, to be aware of the environmental condition of the property they own or control. DOTs routinely acquire property for new road construction and improvements to existing alignments, as well as other infrastructure projects. They must assess environmental risks and liabilities associated with such property to: to protect worker and public safety, to reduce environmental liability, and to minimize delays by operating in an efficient and cost-effective manner.