Leaaf Environmental, LLC (Leaaf) was engaged by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) to perform a comprehensive Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) at the Cactus Pipe facility, a 14-acre site located at 1217 S. Fieldspan Road, Duson, Louisiana. The site, which historically operated as an oilfield tubular cleaning and refurbishing facility, had been abandoned since 1995 and presented potential environmental concerns due to its prior industrial activities. Key issues included suspected soil and groundwater contamination, asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-based paint (LBP), and the presence of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). Leaaf was tasked with investigating these potential hazards to assess their extent and develop appropriate remediation strategies. The project involved preparing a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) and Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), conducting extensive soil and groundwater sampling, and performing asbestos and LBP inspections. Leaaf also managed the regulatory compliance process, working under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and LDEQ oversight, and provided detailed reporting to support future cleanup and redevelopment efforts at the site.
Milestone 1
Leaaf completed a Phase I ESA for the Cactus Pipe site, which involved thorough research into the site’s historical use and potential environmental liabilities. The assessment included a chain-of-title search and an environmental lien search to identify any legal or financial encumbrances related to the property. This research provided a foundational understanding of recognized environmental conditions (RECs) and potential hazards, forming the basis for subsequent Phase II work. The Phase I ESA was completed in accordance with LDEQ and EPA standards under the Targeted Brownfields Assessment program.
Milestone 2
Leaaf developed and submitted a combined SAP / QAPP designed to address the recognized environmental conditions identified in the Phase I ESA. This plan laid out a comprehensive approach for the investigation of potential soil and groundwater contamination, as well as asbestos-containing materials and LBP at the Cactus Pipe site. The SAP/QAPP guided the fieldwork necessary to assess the extent of contamination and ensure compliance with Louisiana’s Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Program (RECAP). Additionally, Leaaf prepared a Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) to ensure safe working conditions for field personnel during the investigation.
Milestone 3
Leaaf implemented the SAP and conducted extensive fieldwork at the Cactus Pipe site. This included advancing soil borings, installing temporary groundwater wells, and collecting samples from various depths to evaluate contamination. NORM surveys, asbestos inspections, and lead-based paint evaluations were also carried out. The results were analyzed in accordance with RECAP and other applicable standards. The findings were documented in a comprehensive Site Investigation Report, which provided detailed data on contamination levels and recommended next steps for site remediation or redevelopment. The project was completed in close coordination with LDEQ and EPA to ensure all environmental concerns were addressed.
At the conclusion of the Cactus Pipe project, Leaaf prepared a comprehensive Site Investigation Report, which summarized all fieldwork, laboratory results, and findings related to soil and groundwater contamination, ACM, LBP, and NORM present at the site. This report was submitted to the LDEQ and the EPA for review. Leaaf provided extensive documentation, including the SAP, QAPP, and HASP, ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental standards. Ongoing support involved consultations with LDEQ to address any remaining concerns and to guide the next steps in site remediation or redevelopment. Leaaf remains available for additional environmental services or future phases of the project as needed.
