Expanding on Step 4 on the previous  page, the walkthrough inspection of the building(s) and the property typically  follows the logic of asking what materials are used and whether they could get  out of the facility into the environment.

4a.The logical questions revolve around the possibilities for releases to  the air, water or soil underneath or outside the building. Some examples:

• Are waste water treatment floor sumps intact?
• Are the chemicals used subject to tight controls on spillage?
• Are there any floor drains to which a spill would flow or be washed?
• If spilled, is there any pathway to the environment?

4b.A release of dust materials to roof vents could have environmental  implications. Logical questions are:

• What type of control device is in place; what is its control efficiency?
• Are materials emitted subject to deposition on the roof?
• Are materials emitted subject to washout in rain or snow?
• Are there patterns on the ground indicating any persistent impact?

4c.Dumpsters are frequently potential release areas. Logical questions  are:

• What is (or was) in the dumpsters?
• Any free-flowing liquids present?
• Does the dumpster have weep holes in the sides or bottom?
• Any staining visible around/under dumpster?

4d.Material or waste storage sheds are usually potential release areas.  Logical questions are:

• Was material handled outside a controlled (bermed) area?
• Are there visible stains on the ground, or reported spills?
• What's the chemical composition of the materials?
• Any floor drains inside the shed?
• Where do they discharge?

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4e.Empty drums may or may not represent potential release areas. Logical  questions are:

• Did the drums contain solids or liquids?
• If solid, is the material soluble or leachable in rainfall/snowfall?
• If liquid, is there indication of release onto the ground(staining)?
• The area paved or unpaved?

4f.Tanker truck loading/unloading stations are generally considered  potential release areas. Logical questions are:

• Nature of the materials transferred?
• Is/was there a designed containment or other control for spills?
• Were any spills reported/recorded for the unloading/loading area?
• How do spills get reclaimed or cleaned up?

4g.Above-ground tanks may exist on the property, indoors or outdoors; they  almost always are considered potential release areas. Logical questions are:

• Nature of the materials stored?
• Any potential release paths to the environment?
• Any secondary containment or other control measures for spills?
• Any reports/records of spills?

4h.Underground tanks may exist on the property, usually outdoors; they  always are considered potential release areas. Logical questions are:

• Nature of the materials stored?
• How old are the tanks? Piping?
• Any secondary containment or other control measures for spills?
• Any reports/records of spills?
• Any leak detection devices or inventory control mechanisms?

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