Leaaf Environmental, LLC (Leaaf) was engaged to perform a series of environmental site investigations at the Distinctive Cleaners property in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. The site had been operational as a dry cleaner since at least 1986, with historical use of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and other chlorinated solvents raising concerns about potential contamination. The primary goal was to determine the extent of soil, groundwater, and subsurface vapor contamination stemming from historical dry cleaning operations and to recommend appropriate mitigation measures. Leaaf’s scope of work included sampling and analysis, regulatory communication with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), and the development of remediation strategies to ensure compliance with state environmental standards.

Initial site investigations conducted by others resulted in elevated levels of PCE and trichloroethylene (TCE) were detected in sub-slab soil vapor samples, prompting further investigations.

Additional Site Investigation: To address LDEQ’s requests, Leaaf conducted more extensive sampling, including sub-slab vapor testing beneath the dry cleaner and adjacent grocery store. Soil gas and sub-slab sampling results were compared to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Vapor Intrusion Screening Level (VISL) The results confirmed the presence of chlorinated solvent vapors, warranting further investigation.

Second Additional Site Investigation: Deeper groundwater sampling and vapor testing were conducted, focusing on offsite contamination risks. Groundwater and vapor results revealed that while chlorinated solvent concentrations were high beneath the dry cleaner, there was no significant offsite migration toward neighboring properties.

Third Additional Site Investigation: This phase involved installing monitoring wells around the site to determine groundwater flow direction. The investigation confirmed that chlorinated solvent contamination remained localized beneath the dry cleaner, and no exceedances were found in the groundwater samples.

Final Site Investigation and Report: The final investigation confirmed that while groundwater and soil contamination levels met regulatory standards, elevated vapor concentrations persisted beneath the dry cleaner. Soil gas samples were collected along the perimeter of the site to determine if elevated vapor concentrations were migrating to the adjoining residential properties.  All perimeter soil gas sample concentrations were below the soil gas residential standards. Leaaf recommended installing a vapor mitigation system and filing a conveyance notice to restrict the property’s future use to commercial purposes.

Leaaf provided comprehensive reporting at each stage of the project, summarizing findings and presenting recommendations to address contamination concerns. Regular communication with LDEQ ensured that all regulatory requirements were met, and the site remained compliant with environmental standards. Leaaf recommended corrective measures, including the installation of a vapor mitigation system to address elevated chlorinated solvent vapor levels. Continued monitoring and support were provided to ensure long-term compliance and safety at the site.