Leaaf Environmental, LLC (Leaaf) provided environmental support services for the preparation of activities associated with the demolition of the Guste Low Rise Housing site. In addition, we prepared the Site Preparation Scopes of Work for the Guste III Project Development Phase for the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO).
Phase 1 ESAs:
Leaaf conducted a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of a 4-city block area with historic information dating back to the late 1800s. The site was 10 acres developed with residential, commercial and light industrial uses. Surrounding properties included historic gas stations, dry cleaners, print shops and laundries making this a very complicated Phase I ESA. Multiple recognized environmental conditions (RECs) were identified that were subsequently investigated through the Phase II ESA process. The Phase I ESA was updated following site investigation activities.
Phase II ESA and Risk Assessment:
Leaaf investigated the RECs defined in the Phase I ESA by installing multiple boreholes and monitoring wells throughout the 4-block area. The data was incorporated into a RECAP Environmental Risk Assessment and submitted to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). Following approval, Leaaf submitted a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for remediation of contaminated soils that was subsequently approved by LDEQ. Contract specification/documents were then drafted for the architect that were submitted by HANO as bid documents for remediation of the site.
Miscellaneous Environmental Surveys and Scope of Work:
Leaaf’s scope was to provide environmental professionals to complete asbestos, lead-based paint, and hazardous materials surveys within and outside the three low-rise buildings that make up a portion of the Guste Housing Development. Leaaf was tasked with the development of the environmental design Scope Sections for Asbestos Abatement and Soil Remediation; Lead Abatement and Soil Remediation; Hazardous Materials Remediation; and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) /Petroleum Oil recovery and disposal/recycling. Air quality technicians were provided to collect air samples during the course of the abatement and remediation activities. Leaaf also assisted in the tracking of waste and the oversight of the environmental phases of the demolition project. Building demolition has been completed and the site is now being upgraded into a new housing development (Guste III).
