SEPI will complete a 'preliminary' Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to assist the design engineers in identifying any environmental contamination 'hotspots' that may affect the proposed alignment. This task involved government records review and individual file reviews to assess the risks of known historic contamination as it relates to the proposed sewer alignment. SEPI compiled the studies results into a report and GIS maps to show the relative position of the historic contamination and the proposed sewer line.

For the Phase I ESA, SEPI conducted background research on the study area and the proposed alignment, including review government records, landowner contacts, and historical maps, a field review of the area; and a report of findings.

SEPI is completing a wetland, stream and Neuse buffer determination review with in the proposed study area. After the field review, SEPI will digitize the approximate location of wetlands, streams, and buffers in GIS. The design engineer will utilize the information to avoid and minimize impacts to wetlands, streams and buffers the maximum extent practicable. After an alignment has been finalized, SEPI will delineate the preferred route, and this delineation will be reviewed with the US Army Corps of Engineers and NC Division of Water Quality.

SEPI will complete a Section 404/401 and Neuse buffer authorization request when the design of the sewer line has been finalized, and when the project is months away from construction.