This Brownfields project was completed as part of the corporate agreement between the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s (LDEQ’s) Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TBA) program and Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Brownfield and Land Revitalization Program.
The Shreveport Arts project involved the redevelopment of a former car and truck rental facility that included an underground storage tank. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) noted a former underground storage tank (UST) at the site and potential impacts from surrounding properties that included an auto repair/ painting facility, multiple former filling stations, and auto sales, repair, and service. In addition, the Phase I noted the potential for asbestos-containing material (ACM), lead-based paint (LBP), and the visible presence of mold.
Leaaf initially completed a site-specific Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP); Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and associated Quality Assurance (QA) Project Plan Review Checklist; site-specific Health & Safety Plan (HASP); and a Cost Estimate. Following EPA approval of the submittals, Leaaf conducted a TBA Phase II ESA to determine whether Constituents of Concern (COCs) associated with historic operations at the site and surrounding properties had negatively impacted the site. Leaaf collected soil and groundwater samples from seven soil borings advanced to 18-22 feet below ground surface, collected asbestos samples for laboratory analysis, conducted an LBP inspection utilizing a portable XRF analyzer, and performed a mold assessment.
This site is part of the Shreveport Common redevelopment area, an economically disinvested area between downtown Shreveport and the more affluent suburbs. Shreveport Common purchased the site to position it for future redevelopment by a private developer, Shreveport Common, Inc. or the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. The site is also located on historic Texas Avenue, in a state designated historic district (Ledbetter Heights), in a US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhood and Creative Placemaking revitalization target area. Also in the City Center Economic Development District, two blocks from the newly redeveloped Shreveport Common Park.
The proposed reuse is Artist Marketplace, Makerspace, or Artist Affordable Studios.