Underground Storage Tanks & Remediation Services in Louisiana
Throughout the entire life of an underground storage tank (UST) it is crucial to maintain compliance with all regulations that exist locally and nationally. Active underground storage tanks require regular monitoring and inspection to ensure they are in good condition and do not hold any safety risk.
Eventually, every UST will reach the end of its useful life. At this point, it becomes necessary to work with UST-certified companies and workers to remove them.
Leaaf assists with both UST compliance and closure work. Our team has four UST-certified workers who are ready and able to provide assistance whenever tanks need to be removed from sites.
Louisiana Trust Fund Work
There is a trust fund in the state of Louisiana that can help you with this work.
If, for example, you have a release at an active gas station, we can serve as your Response Action Contractor (RAC) to be selected to work on your behalf. Through this avenue, we can do the necessary investigation and cleanup work at your site.
We are members of the Petroleum Equipment Institute, and a member of our team sits on the board of the Louisiana Trust Fund. This means we are intimately familiar with this kind of work and are happy to allow you to use our knowledge as a crucial resource in your upcoming job.
Meet the Team
Emily Reeves, MSPH Sr. Environmental Scientist / Risk Assessor
Emily Reeves, MSPH
As a Risk Assessor with over 15 years of experience in environmental consulting, Emily Reeves, MSPH joined Leaaf in 2015 and is an integral member of Leaaf’s Soil and Groundwater Division.
Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, a Master of Science in Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences with concentrations in water quality, toxicology and risk assessment, and various environmental certifications, Emily has a variety of environmental certifications qualifying her to work on Leaaf’s soil and groundwater investigation projects, including following the tiered framework of the LDEQ Risk Assessment / Corrective Action Program (RECAP). With a particular strength in evaluating human health risks, Emily serves as a vital role at Leaaf to reduce risks to both human health and the environment for our clients. When not working, Emily enjoys attending live music events and traveling with her family.
Chase Cromwell Geologist
Chase Cromwell
Chase Cromwell joined Leaaf in 2016 as a geologist and is an integral part of the Remediation and Underground Storage Tanks (UST) Division.
Chase joined Leaaf in support of Leaaf’s Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Site Investigation Contract and has recently obtained his Louisiana Professional Geologist (PG) certification in early 2022. Prior to joining Leaaf, Chase worked for several companies providing services ranging from pest control specialist to cementing engineer. Chase is particularly adept in the preparation of work plans and utilizing mapping software such as ArcGIS and AutoCAD.
Originally from Tennessee, Chase attended the University of Mississippi earning Bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Geology. In his free time, Chase enjoys playing golf.
Jim Blazek (Member) Chief Operations Officer
Jim Blazek (Member)
Jim Blazek is one of the founding members and current co-member of the company with over 30 years of environmental experience.
Jim is a New Orleans native and Jesuit High School grad who earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL, now UL Lafayette), Jim began environmental career as an asbestos air monitoring technician. In the 1990’s, Jim was part of the ASTM E-50 committee that developed the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Standards still being used today. Jim’s diverse environmental experience has included the management of the cleanup of a plant explosion in Northern Louisiana; assisting in the training of Taiwan’s EPA personnel in hazardous chemical testing, the recovery and packaging related to hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER); the development of specifications for the demolition and/or environmental abatement of multiple public housing development sites; and the removal and replacements of the City of New Orleans fuel systems. Jim’s extensive years of experience have contributed to his ability to serve as a legal expert in various legal cases involving environmental issues. Jim is an outdoorsman, who loves to fish, hunt, backpack, ski (water and snow) and white-water kayak. Due to his diverse experiences and work in the environmental industry, Jim has been nicknamed Mr. Spock and MacGyver.
Andrew Allen Environmental Technician / Heavy Equipment Operator
Andrew Allen
Andy has worked for Leaaf since 2017 as an environmental technician and heavy equipment operator in support of Leaaf’s Remediation and UST Division.
Andy also assists in the field with various projects and supports the office as an equipment mechanic for Leaaf’s generator pumps, cars, and other machinery. Andy has had extensive experience throughout his career in automotive vehicle servicing and in heavy equipment operating. He has additionally had experience with hydraulics, leak repairs, unit overhauls, and gearboxes.
In his free time, Andy is the drummer for the local Slidell, LA band The Outsiders.
Blake HebertAdministrative Assistant
Blake Hebert
Starting his career at Leaaf as a member of the admin team, Blake Hebert quickly advanced to the Underground Storage Tank (UST)/Remediation team.
Blake Hebert is a 2020 Southeastern Louisiana University Business graduate. With a Bachelor’s Degree in hand and two summer internships in the environmental industry under his belt, Blake’s role is multifaceted. As a member of the UST/Remediation team, Blake is responsible for all hazardous and non hazardous waste. He also assists the Environmental Site Assessments team with soil and groundwater monitoring sampling and reports and the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) team on air sampling projects.
When Blake is not at Leaaf, he is either coaching the Holy Cross High School’s lacrosse team, or playing with the New Orleans Mambo Lacrosse Club. His other hobbies include cooking, golf, and spending time with his family.
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