Leaaf Environmental, LLC

October is officially dubbed Brownfields Month at Leaaf! Join us every Monday for a new blog post diving into the world of brownfields. First up: Understanding Brownfields—Opportunities and Challenges.

Discover how redeveloping brownfields can revitalize communities, promote environmental cleanup, and leverage government incentives. Learn about the challenges too, from high assessment costs to regulatory hurdles and liability concerns.

Don't miss our series and stay informed about the transformative potential of brownfield redevelopment!

Read more and follow our series: https://leaaf.com/understanding-brownfields-opportunities-and-challenges/

Understanding Brownfields: Opportunities and Challenges | Leaaf Environmental, LLC Understanding Brownfields: Opportunities and Challenges Brownfields are properties where the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances complicates redevelopment. These sites, often abandoned or underutilized, present both significant opportunities and challenges. Here’s a closer look ...

It’s Fieldwork Friday!

Recently, our Health and Safety team, Anthony Sagnard and Mallory Picard, were out in the field conducting water sampling in the New Orleans area. Water sampling is essential to ensure that water used for drinking, recreation, and industrial processes meets the highest safety and regulatory standards. By testing for contaminants like Legionella, coliforms, and metals, we can prevent contamination, maintain water quality, and protect vital infrastructure.

Regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for coliforms and metals, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guidelines for managing Legionella. Additionally, new General Services Administration (GSA) laws have introduced stricter water quality testing requirements for federal facilities, reinforcing the importance of compliance with environmental standards and rigorous water testing to safeguard water supplies.

If you would like more information on how Leaaf can assist with water sampling, give us a call today!

Managing hazardous materials in the workplace is crucial for safety and compliance. Want to ensure your team is protected and your operations are up to code? Check out our latest blog post for top best practices!

Learn about effective inventory management, proper storage techniques, essential training, and emergency preparedness to keep your workplace safe and compliant.

Read about it all right here: https://leaaf.com/best-practices-for-managing-hazardous-materials-in-the-workplace/

Best Practices for Managing Hazardous Materials in the Workplace | Leaaf Environmental, LLC Best Practices for Managing Hazardous Materials in the Workplace Effective management of hazardous materials is essential for ensuring workplace safety and protecting the environment. Proper handling, storage, and disposal practices can prevent accidents, reduce health risks, and comply with regulat...

Last week, Jesse Hoppes attended the Annual Louisiana Bankers Association Executive Management Conference in Fairhope, Alabama. During the three-day event, he connected with bankers from across Louisiana, participated in informative workshops, and gained a clearer understanding of the industry's current state. Sessions highlighted key strategies for growth and leadership transitions, along with updates on important legislative changes.

While there, he also had the opportunity to showcase his pickleball skills alongside Chip Lynch, as a fun and informal way to engage with colleagues.

Thank you once again to the Louisiana Bankers Association for organizing an exceptional event!

Fieldwork Friday took on a new focus last week for our Environmental Health and Safety Division, with Stephen Paternostro MPH, CIH, CSP, and Mallory Picard attending the American Industrial Hygiene Association – Deep South Section September Seminar. The event brought together several industry leaders to discuss significant topics impacting workplace safety, health standards, and emerging environmental challenges.

Key discussions included the launch of a new heat stress app developed by AIHA, practical strategies for managing heat stress programs, insights on welding fume exposure levels and controls in refineries, and the impact of urgency overlap on occupational safety.

Thank you to all the guest speakers: Lawrence Sloan, Wayne LaCombe, Jody Kliebert, and Richard Saizan for sharing their expertise and enhancing our professional knowledge as we continue to improve safety and health practices within our organizations. Also, a special thanks to AIHA - Deep South for organizing another successful event!

For more information about American Industrial Hygiene Association‘s free heat stress app, please visit their website or click the link provided here: https://healthierworkplaces.org/workplace-safety-resources-employee-employer-guidance/thermal-heat-stress-resources-oehs-professionals

The New Orleans Geological Society's Southshore Kick-Off Party has been rescheduled! We invite you to join us on the new date, October 3, 2024, at Wrong Iron.

Don't miss this exciting event filled with networking, great conversations, and celebrating our NOGS community!

Current Members/Guests: Only $10
NEW Members: Free with your 1st Year’s Dues ($35)
Students: Free! Your 1st Year Membership is sponsored by the Society, with a $15 renewal next year!

Click here for more details and to register: https://www.nogs.org/event-5854079

We are excited to be a table sponsor at the NOMAR CID event next week on October 10th!

Swing by our table and chat with our team about the wide range of environmental services we offer bankers. Whether it's environmental assessments, remediation, or compliance, we’re here to help your projects thrive.

Save the Date!

We are gearing up for our 20th Anniversary Celebration on January 16, 2025, at the Tchoup Yard, so save the date!

Join us as we celebrate two decades of success in environmental consulting and launch a year-long initiative focused on community engagement, volunteering, and minimizing environmental risk.

This lively event will feature food, drinks, and most importantly, a chance to give back to the community that has supported us over the years.

Let’s make 2025 a year to remember, full of meaningful events that make a lasting impact. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Curious about the future of environmental regulations and how they could impact your business? From stricter emission standards to circular economy initiatives, the landscape is rapidly evolving.

Discover what’s coming and how to stay ahead in our latest blog post. Learn what we believe are the key trends and strategies to ensure compliance in the future.

Read more and prepare for the future: https://leaaf.com/the-future-of-environmental-regulations-what-to-expect/

The Future of Environmental Regulations: What to Expect | Leaaf Environmental, LLC The Future of Environmental Regulations: What to Expect As we navigate an era of heightened environmental awareness and technological advancement, businesses must stay ahead of evolving environmental regulations. These regulations are poised to become more stringent and far-reaching, impacting vario...

It’s Fieldwork Friday!

Despite Louisiana’s unpredictable weather, our team continues to adapt and get the job done. Recently, Steven Darby and Jared Roche were out in the New Orleans area, conducting quarterly groundwater sampling and well gauging.

Why is this important? Groundwater sampling detects potential contaminants in groundwater, while well gauging tracks changes in water levels over time. This data is crucial for managing water resources and safeguarding public health, particularly in communities that depend on groundwater for everyday use.

Keep following along for more updates in the field!

Join us next week for the New Orleans Geological Society's Southshore Kick-Off Party on September 26, 2024, at Wrong Iron.

Don't miss this exciting event filled with networking, great conversations, and celebrating our NOGS community!

Current Members/Guests: Only $10
NEW Members: Free with your 1st Year’s Dues ($35)
Students: Free! Your 1st Year Membership is sponsored by the Society, with a $15 renewal next year!

Click here for more details and to register: https://www.nogs.org/event-5854079

Here we grow again! We are excited to welcome Jake VanCoevering to the Leaaf team!

Jake holds a Bachelor of Science in Toxicology from the University of Louisiana Monroe and brings a specialized focus on environmental risk assessment to our growing team.

With extensive experience conducting risk assessments throughout Louisiana, Jake is highly knowledgeable in LDEQ RECAP, LDNR 29-B, and EPA CERCLA regulations. His skill in employing various RECAP Management Options has led to numerous reports receiving approval from the LDEQ, LDNR, and even Louisiana judicial courts—proving his expertise in the field.

Jake’s assessments span various contaminants, including petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, RCRA metals, NORM, salts, and more. His work has covered a variety of release scenarios, site settings, and impacted media, making him a valuable asset to our environmental team.

You might find Jake hiking, woodworking, or diving into local history research when he's not conducting risk assessments.

Please join us in welcoming Jake to the Leaaf family! We're thrilled to have him on board.

Looking for the right environmental consultant for your project? Choosing the perfect match can make all the difference in your project's success! From experience and expertise to communication and cost, our latest blog post covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Discover the key factors that ensure your consultant will bring value, reliability, and top-notch service.

Read more and make the best choice for your project's future: https://leaaf.com/how-to-choose-the-right-environmental-consultant-for-your-project/

How to Choose the Right Environmental Consultant for Your Project | Leaaf Environmental, LLC How to Choose the Right Environmental Consultant for Your Project Selecting the right environmental consultant is a critical step in ensuring the success of your project. Whether you’re dealing with site assessments, remediation, or compliance, the right consultant can make all the difference. Her...

It’s Fieldwork Friday!

While out conducting stormwater sampling, Diana Muñoz had a unique run in with this little fellow and was able to capture a moment that highlighted the connection between environmental work and nature. When professionals like Diana are out in the field, they often have the chance to witness wildlife in its natural habitat, especially in places rich in biodiversity, such as Louisiana.

Moments like this make our work a little more fun. Let us know what you have encountered on your workdays out in the field!

We're excited to welcome David B. Culpepper, PG, to the Leaaf Environmental team as our Senior Geoscientist! With over three decades of experience in geosciences and environmental consulting, David brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our projects.

David’s impressive background spans geological hazard identification, environmental remediation, and managing complex projects nationwide. He’s worked with a diverse range of clients, from federal agencies to Fortune 500 companies, tackling environmental challenges with skill and precision.

Before joining us, David led The Culpepper Group, LLC, where he managed a geological fault mapping project for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, as well as environmental projects for commercial clients. He's also the founder of NanoFex, LLC, a clean technology company celebrated for its innovative work in soil and groundwater remediation.

David’s dedication to the environment doesn’t stop there! He has contributed to environmental governance by serving on the Louisiana State Water Resources Commission and continues to make an impact as a member of the Louisiana State Board of Professional Geoscientists.

When he’s not working, you’ll likely find David spending time with his grandchildren or exploring new travel destinations like Europe and the Middle East.

Join us in welcoming David to the Leaaf family—we’re thrilled to have him on board!

Jessica Rury, AICP is hosting a webinar through the Louisiana Bankers Association on Climate Change Risk as Part of Due Diligence on September 17, 2024 from 10am-10:30am.

Climate change risk assessments are becoming a crucial part of environmental due diligence. As government agencies increasingly require this analysis for their projects, it’s now bleeding over into standard practices.

It is complimentary to any LBA Member Banks.

This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in environmental consulting, risk assessments, and compliance!

Don't miss out—register now and secure your spot here: https://lba.org/LBA/Education/Event_Page.aspx?EventKey=CCDWSEP24&WebsiteKey=6d74d428-c265-4f6a-bb3c-6819a7da2fcf&New_ContentCollectionOrganizerCommon=1

Maximize Your Facility's Potential!

Ever wondered how third-party environmental audits can benefit your industrial operations? From boosting compliance to cutting costs, the benefits are substantial.

Read our blog post here and learn more about the benefits of third-party environmental audits: https://leaaf.com/the-benefits-of-third-party-environmental-audits-for-industrial-facilities/

The Benefits of Third-Party Environmental Audits for Industrial Facilities | Leaaf Environmental, LLC The Benefits of Third-Party Environmental Audits for Industrial Facilities Third-party environmental audits are an essential component of responsible industrial management. These audits provide numerous benefits, not only ensuring regulatory compliance but also enhancing operational efficiency and r...

Looking forward to this great event!

It's Fieldwork Friday!

Joseph Dupepe and Thaddeus Hebert were in Tucumcari, NM, where the City Of Tucumcari has requested a Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TBA) Phase II ESA for the former Tucumcari Truck Terminal. Our mission? To determine current site conditions before the property undergoes redevelopment.

The investigation is focused on assessing whether previously detected constituents of potential concern are still present in the soil and groundwater at levels that could pose a risk to human health or the environment. Additionally, we've conducted asbestos and lead-based paint inspections for the onsite buildings.

The findings from this comprehensive assessment will play a crucial role in shaping the cleanup and redevelopment plans, paving the way for a safer, revitalized community space.

Last week, Jennifer Lindquist, P.G. spoke at the Louisiana Brownfields Redevelopment Summit that mainly focused on the redevelopment of North Baton Rouge.

The East Baton Rouge Planning Commission has been awarded a $500K US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant to assess and remediate historic sites, gas/fire stations, and abandoned properties, incentivizing developers, commercial property owners, real estate/commercial agents, community organizations, and investors to address redevelopment issues using this grant assistance.

If you'd like to know more about the grant or if the property you are considering redeveloping would be covered, don't hesitate to reach out: [email protected]

How can waste reduction and recycling reshape our world?

Discover these practices' environmental impacts across various industries in our latest blog post. From manufacturing to technology, see how each sector can contribute to a sustainable future: https://leaaf.com/the-environmental-impact-of-waste-reduction-and-recycling/

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Happy Labor Day!

Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of every team member, vendor, and client helping us minimize environmental risk. Thank you for being part of our team!

We hope you all enjoy a well-deserved day of rest and relaxation!

It's Fieldwork Friday!

Our team will sometimes be taking on projects far away from home, but in their downtime, they're great at embracing the opportunity to explore new places. While our days are packed with fieldwork, whether it's soil sampling or site assessments, we always make time to soak in the local culture and scenery when the work is done.

Here is a glimpse from Thaddeus Hebert and Joseph Dupepe's recent trip to Tucumcari, New Mexico, where they made the most of their trip!

Here’s to combining our passion for environmental work with the adventure of discovering new places!

Last week, we had the privilege of doing a Lunch and Learn at Holly & Smith Architects! It was a great session where we discussed our environmental services (with the main focus on asbestos, lead, and mold) and how we can support architectural projects with our expertise - all presented by our incredible Madeline Dickson!

If your team is interested in learning more about what we do and how we can collaborate, we’d be more than happy to come by for a Lunch and Learn at your office too!

Feel free to reach out—we'd love to connect and explore how we can work together.

Starting September 1st, our Client Relationship and Marketing Manager Emma Hoeiris-Andersen, PCM will take her spot as the Director-at-Large Membership on the SMPS Southeast Louisiana 2024-2025 board!

This year, the organization is focused on puzzling it all together - which we know first hand Emma is a master in!

Please help us congratulate her!