What is a Site Investigation?

EPA conducts a Site Investigation to determine whether the potential threat or threats identified actually exist. The Site Investigation includes the collection of environmental samples from areas identified that have potential to contain hazardous substances or from areas where hazardous substances are present. The Site Investigation also determines whether hazardous substances are being released to the environment and are a threat to human health. Results from this sampling help to determine whether a site warrants short-term or long-term cleanup, or if a site requires no further action.