Leaaf Environmental, LLC (Leaaf) was contracted by the South Central Planning and Development Commission (SCPDC) to support the City of Lake Charles in the environmental cleanup and redevelopment planning of the Former Rosteet Elementary School site, a 4.2-acre property located at 1017 6th Avenue in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The City intended to demolish the existing 18,000-square-foot structure and repurpose the site for construction of an administration, training, and maintenance facility (Fire Training Facility) for the Lake Charles Fire Department. Leaaf’s responsibilities included preparing critical environmental planning and compliance documents under the South Louisiana Brownfields Coalition Revolving Loan Fund Program (SLBC-RLFP), addressing asbestos and lead-based paint concerns. The scope encompassed site inspections, development of the Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA), a Cleanup Plan, a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), and a Community Relations Plan (CRP), Public Notice coordination and response, as well as Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) oversight during abatement activities.

Leaaf concluded the project by compiling all regulatory and technical documentation into a comprehensive Project Completion Summary Report, which was submitted to the SCPDC and the SLBC-RLF Program Manager. This final deliverable included documentation of asbestos abatement activities, QA/QC measures, waste disposal records, and supporting air monitoring data. Leaaf also coordinated the final submittals with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) and responded to follow-up information requests as needed. Throughout the abatement phase, Leaaf provided ongoing support through weekly QEP oversight inspections, regular updates, and communication with City officials and SLBC stakeholders to ensure full compliance with all applicable environmental regulations and funding requirements.

Work Performed / Milestones

1. Site Visit and Asbestos/Lead-Based Paint Quantification

Leaaf conducted a site visit to quantify previously identified asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and lead-based paint (LBP) in preparation for cleanup planning. The visit included physical inspection of flooring, caulking, and building materials to support the scope development for remediation, as outlined in historical inspection reports.

2. Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA)

Leaaf developed an ABCA document to identify and evaluate multiple cleanup strategies for the site. This analysis assessed various remediation alternatives based on effectiveness, implementability, and cost. The ABCA was a critical component required by EPA Brownfields program guidelines to justify the selected cleanup approach.

3. Cleanup Plan Development

A comprehensive Cleanup Plan was prepared by Leaaf outlining specific abatement actions for asbestos and LBP, including methods of removal, waste handling, and regulatory compliance. The plan incorporated findings from the ABCA and addressed safety protocols, work sequencing, and implementation logistics to guide contractors during the abatement process.

4. Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Leaaf prepared a QAPP to define the quality assurance and control procedures to be followed during cleanup activities. The QAPP detailed project management structure, sample collection methodology (where applicable), data quality objectives, and documentation practices to ensure regulatory compliance and consistency in execution.

5. Community Relations Plan (CRP)

A CRP was developed to guide stakeholder communication throughout the cleanup process. This included preparing a chronology of community involvement, identifying public information repositories, drafting public notices, and supporting SCPDC in managing community feedback. The CRP was structured to meet EPA community engagement requirements for Brownfields projects.

6. Public Notice Coordination and Response

Leaaf coordinated a 30-day public notice process in collaboration with the City of Lake Charles, including publication in a local newspaper or on the City’s website. Following the notice period, Leaaf prepared responses to potential public comments, although no significant comments were reported. This step helped finalize the CRP and confirm public transparency and outreach.

7. EPA and LDEQ Coordination and Revisions

Leaaf responded to EPA and LDEQ comments on the draft Cleanup Plan and CRP, revising and resubmitting documents as needed. This process ensured compliance with all federal and state requirements and included multiple QA/QC reviews and coordination emails.

8. Weekly QEP Site Inspections during Abatement

During asbestos abatement activities, Leaaf provided QEP oversight, including attending pre-construction meetings and performing weekly site inspections. These inspections ensured that contractors adhered to approved plans, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements. Leaaf submitted summary updates to SCPDC documenting compliance, progress, and any concerns.

9. Project Completion Summary Report

At the close of the project, Leaaf finalized and submitted a Project Completion Summary Report summarizing abatement activities, oversight documentation, and regulatory coordination. The report included air monitoring and clearance records, contractor waste disposal documentation, and a narrative of site activities with supporting photos and figures.