Select Page

Lance W. Fontenot, Ph.D., PWS

Lance W. Fontenot, Ph.D., PWS
Principal, Toxicology, Health, and Ecological Sciences

Lance W. Fontenot, Ph.D., PWS

Principal, Toxicology, Health, and Ecological Sciences

Dr. Fontenot specializes in assessing the human health and ecological effects of hazardous substance releases.  His academic background in ecology and environmental toxicology, combined with applied consulting experience in toxicology and ecological studies, provides a unique approach to the field of risk assessment.  Dr. Fontenot has more than 25 years of experience in teaching, technical literature review, and scientific research.  He has published articles on several aspects of ecotoxicology and on other basic ecological studies, usually involving aquatic environments.  Dr. Fontenot has served as a technical reviewer and on the editorial board for the Society of Environmental Toxi...

Dr. Fontenot specializes in assessing the human health and ecological effects of hazardous substance releases.  His academic background in ecology and environmental toxicology, combined with applied consulting experience in toxicology and ecological studies, provides a unique approach to the field of risk assessment.  Dr. Fontenot has more than 25 years of experience in teaching, technical literature review, and scientific research.  He has published articles on several aspects of ecotoxicology and on other basic ecological studies, usually involving aquatic environments.  Dr. Fontenot has served as a technical reviewer and on the editorial board for the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry’s journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.  Dr. Fontenot has experience in the preparation of human health risk assessments as well as ecological risk assessments and biological inventories.  He has utilized the EPA Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, ASTM International Standard Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action, Texas Risk Reduction Program, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Risk Evaluation/‌Corrective Action Program (RECAP) regulations for risk assessment projects.  His field experience has included sample collection of soil, water, sediment, invertebrates, mussels, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.  Dr. Fontenot is qualified as an expert in environmental toxicology, risk assessment, and biology and has provided testimony on environmental impacts from a range of activities including oil and gas, pesticide use, and process/‌stormwater discharges in Louisiana and Texas.

Read More    Read Less   

The Benthic Zone (January Edition): Integral's Sediment Newsletter

Press Release

January 04 2023

Bioremediation and Phytoremediation of an Oil-Contaminated Salt Marsh in South Louisiana

Resource

January 04 2023

Offshore Wind Development News: BOEM Site Assessment and Construction and Operations Phase

Resource

December 08 2022

Offshore Wind Development News: Gulf of Mexico Wind Energy Areas and Draft Environmental Assessment

Press Release

August 04 2022

Integral Welcomes Principal Lance Fontenot, Opens New Office in Baton Rouge

Press Release

March 24 2021

Scientific critique places the results of a salinity tolerance study into perspective for future evaluations

Case Study

March 05 2024

Using ecological risk assessment to evaluate environmental impacts of desalination effluent

Case Study

March 05 2024

Supporting the permitting process for the water intake structure of a proposed desalination facility

Case Study

March 05 2024

Risk Assessment

Industrial Clients, Louisiana Prepared LDEQ RECAP Management Option 1 (MO-1), MO-2, and MO-3 risk assessments and developed environmental site investigations to support RECAP for more than 20 industrial clients in Louisiana.
Pesticide Manufacturer, St. Gabriel, Louisiana Conducted a toxicity assessment for two semivolatile constituents (o-toluidine and 5-chloroaminotoluene) and proposed toxicity criteria for use in calculating LDEQ risk-based corrective action levels.  The assessment and action levels were accepted by LDEQ.
Chemical Manufacturer, Donaldsonville, Louisiana Conducted a toxicity assessment for ammonia and calculated LDEQ RECAP standards for use in a RECAP MO-1 risk assessment.  Developed a Groundwater Biogeochemical Characterization Program to determine the biodegradation potential of ammonia in shallow groundwater.
Chemical Company, Oakdale, Louisiana Prepared LDEQ RECAP MO-1 and MO-2 risk assessments and developed environmental site investigations to support RECAP.  Conducted toxicity assessment and developed a reference dose (RfD) for tall oil for the calculation of LDEQ RECAP standards.  RECAP risk assessments and toxicity assessments were accepted by LDEQ and utilized for corrective action.
Major Railroad Company, Eunice Train Derailment, Louisiana Participated in emergency response and risk communication activities associated with a major train derailment in Louisiana.  Prepared LDEQ RECAP MO-1, MO-2, and MO-3 risk assessments and supported environmental site investigations.  Conducted toxicity assessment and developed an RfD for disodium iminodiacetate for calculation of LDEQ RECAP standards.  Utilized soil attenuation model for development of soil RECAP standards protective of groundwater. Conducted multiple fish tissue investigations and demonstrated that consumption of fish caught within the Eunice City Lake posed no excess health risk to human recreational receptors due to site-related constituents of concern (COCs). A health consultation conducted by ATSDR concurred with the results of the fish tissue investigations. Served as task manager for field sampling of surface water, sediment, and fish from a lake and bayou.  Calculated LDEQ RECAP standards for sediment, surface water, and fish tissue.
USACE New Orleans District, Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Conducted an evaluation of the potential risks to human health and the environment associated with the low-level organic chemical concentrations to be placed in the proposed confined disposal facility (CDF).  An evaluation of potential human health risks was conducted based on normal operation of the CDF and an extreme catastrophic failure due to hurricane events or other significant flood events of the CDF (both operational and closed).  The human health evaluation showed that the number of exposure pathways that could result in impacts to human health was limited, especially after closure of the facility.  Human health risks from contact with dredged material placed in the facility even under an extreme failure were minimal based on comparison to conservative risk standards assuming no dilution of the dredged materials after release from the CDF.  Risks after construction were considered to be even lower.  Successfully conducted a RECAP evaluation utilizing existing data to confirm for LDEQ that the dredged material posed no significant risk to human health or the environment and was, therefore, exempt from solid waste regulations.  This determination significantly reduced the cost of construction, impact to project schedule (associated with permitting a disposal unit), and long-term maintenance requirements associated with an LDEQ Solid Waste Permit.
Major Railroad Company, Southeast Louisiana At a former wood treating facility, performed passive sampling using SiREM’s SP3™ sampler in sediment below the mudline to measure upwelling groundwater COC concentrations before the groundwater transitioned into surface water.  Passive sampling data were evaluated within the context of EPA guidance on evaluating groundwater–surface water interactions to update the conceptual site model.  Porewater concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pentachlorophenol (PCP), as measured by passive samplers, were used to evaluate the contaminant flux and to perform a screening level evaluation of the potential for human health and ecological risks. Passive sampling results enabled the identification of the location and concentrations of COC flux within the transition zone. EPA’s equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks (ESB) screening approach for PAH mixtures was utilized to refine the screening level estimates and provide focus areas for further evaluation.
Trade Association, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Developed a white paper for risk communication of ethylene oxide emissions to address growing concerns related to cancer risk associated with ethylene oxide emissions.  Local industrial facility managers used the white paper as talking points.
Utility Supplier, South Louisiana Provided exposure assessment, toxicological support and review of the public health effects claims from an accidental release of hydrated lime into a residential community.
Oil and Gas Supplier, South Louisiana Performed LDEQ RECAP site investigations at three former petroleum release sites located in south Louisiana that were used as bulk storage sites for hydrocarbon products including crude oil, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and waste oil.  BTEX, TPH, and PAH impacts were observed during the tank removal/closure activities and the LDEQ required additional assessment of the soil and groundwater. The sites were evaluated using RECAP under MO-1 and MO-2.  For each site, a conceptual site model was developed to guide the investigation and RECAP evaluation.  Activities included preparation of a RECAP investigation work plan, collection of soil and groundwater data, preparation of a RECAP report, and negotiations with the agency.  LDEQ subsequently approved the RECAP reports for all three sites and granted a “no further action” determination.  Based on the findings at each site, the BTEX, TPH, and PAH in soil and groundwater were within the limits of the respective limiting RECAP standards.
Former Retail Gasoline and Diesel Station, Natchitoches, Louisiana Performed assessment, monitoring, and reporting activities for a former retail gasoline and diesel station located in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  Activities included preparation of a RECAP investigation work plan, collection of additional soil and groundwater data for an expanded RECAP parameter list, preparation of a RECAP report, and negotiations with the agency.  LDEQ subsequently approved the RECAP report.  Based on the findings of the RECAP report, the COCs have been reduced to a single constituent (benzene) in one medium (groundwater).  A corrective action plan was prepared to address the benzene in groundwater at the site. Corrective action was implemented and LDEQ regulatory closure was achieved.
Energy Company, South Louisiana For the proposed development and permitting of an industrial riverfront area that included plans for dredging sediment and soil, performed environmental due diligence and property transaction support, onsite environmental investigations of soil and groundwater to clear areas for environmental concerns, onsite waste management assistance and developed remediation cost estimates.  Offshore investigations included subaqueous soil sampling of multiple groundwater bearing zones to evaluate potential migration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of concern in groundwater from adjacent areas of documented contamination.  Sampling was conducted utilizing a barge mounted drilling rig to target the elevations of the groundwater zones.  Results demonstrated that VOCs have not migrated to the sediment and soil areas proposed for dredging within the shallow groundwater zones.  Permitting support was also provided for soil, groundwater, and wetland environmental issues and contingency planning for the potential of encountering contaminated sediment/soil during proposed dredging.
Former Louisiana State Police Firing Range, South Louisiana Performed field screening utilizing x-ray fluorescence (XRF) to identify areas of elevated lead concentrations to develop a more focused and cost-effective scope of work for the environmental site assessment (ESA) to be conducted for the property.  Conducted a limited soil and groundwater assessment that verified impacted soil areas identified by XRF screening and identified lead impacts in shallow groundwater.
Chemical Manufacturer, Westwego, Louisiana Prepared five LDEQ RECAP MO-1 risk assessments at a chemical manufacturing facility with soil and groundwater impacted by volatile and semivolatile constituents, PCBs, and metals.  The assessments were accepted by LDEQ and regulatory closure was achieved.
Inactive and Abandoned Facility, Louisiana Performed preliminary risk screening, using LDEQ RECAP guidance, for an inactive and abandoned facility in Louisiana that was under consideration for Superfund listing. Conducted additional RECAP MO-1 risk assessment and field screening of soils for PCBs using a rapid immunoassay field screening kit.
Underground Storage Tanks, Shreveport, Louisiana Prepared an LDEQ RECAP risk assessment and closure plan for an underground storage tank site in Louisiana.  The assessment and corrective action were accepted by LDEQ.
Petrochemical Manufacturer, Louisiana Prepared a baseline risk assessment work plan as part of a RCRA facility investigation (RFI) for two units at a Louisiana chemical manufacturing facility with soil and groundwater impacted by volatile and semivolatile constituents.  Prepared LDEQ RECAP MO-1 and MO-2 risk assessments and supported environmental site investigations for the RFI.  Successfully utilized the RECAP investigation for the response to an EPA RCRA 3013 Order.
Dutchtown Superfund Site, Dutchtown, Louisiana Developed risk-based corrective action levels for groundwater, protective of a downgradient surface water resource, as part of the contingency measures for the monitoring program at the Dutchtown Oil Treatment Superfund site in Louisiana.  The corrective action levels were accepted by EPA Region 6.
Industrial Landfill, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Task manager for a human health and ecological risk assessment requiring development of site-specific health-based levels for metals and organics in groundwater discharging to surface water at a major industrial landfill in Louisiana.  A MO-3 baseline risk assessment was prepared to evaluate potential human health and environmental risks associated with a closed landfill.  Historical analytical data indicated the occurrence of several constituents in well samples collected at the landfill.  Because of the proximity of a surface water body to the site, the focus of the risk assessment was to evaluate the potential impact of leachate discharging from the landfill into the surface water body.  Results of the RECAP Ecological Risk Assessment Checklist indicated that the site did not meet the criteria for exclusion from further ecological assessment because of the long-term threat of release (via groundwater discharge) to the surface water body.  Therefore, a screening level ecological risk assessment was conducted that evaluated the potential effects of groundwater discharge to aquatic receptors in the surface water body.  A comparison of maximum predicted groundwater discharge concentrations (within the surface water body assuming no dilution) to ambient water quality criteria or to toxicological screening benchmarks for freshwater aquatic biota when LDEQ or EPA criteria were not available revealed that none of the COCs exceeded their risk-based aquatic toxicity criteria.  The RECAP MO‑3 risk assessment was accepted by LDEQ.
Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing Facility, Luling, Louisiana Prepared a risk assessment as part of the RCRA Corrective Action Program being conducted at two solid waste management units.  The risk assessment was consistent with the requirements of RECAP and evaluated the results of the RFI and site-specific exposure conditions for the development of the risk assessment. The screening option of the LDEQ RECAP guidance was employed to select COCs.  A site conceptual exposure model was developed that depicted the potential sources of COCs, chemical release and transport mechanisms, affected media, known and potential routes of migration and potential human and ecological receptor populations.  MO-1 RECAP standards were developed for COCs that exceeded LDEQ RECAP screening standards in groundwater. Concentrations of 1,2‑dichloroethane and benzene exceeded the limiting MO-1 RECAP standards.  Although BIOSCREEN modeling results demonstrated that groundwater would not migrate appreciably from the area where COCs were detected, the results of the MO-1 risk assessment indicated that corrective action was warranted for groundwater.  A monitored natural attenuation compliance program was chosen to address the area of the site that exceeded the RECAP standards.  The MO-1 RECAP standards were proposed as an action standard for the monitored natural attenuation compliance program.  Conducted additional RECAP MO-1 and MO-2 risk assessments for other areas at the facility.
Gillis W. Long Hansen’s Disease Center, Carville, Louisiana Performed an environmental site investigation for three former disposal areas (i.e., landfills). The purpose of the investigation was to provide appropriate data sufficient to meet the requirements of the LDEQ RECAP.  The investigation focused on assessing shallow soils and groundwater in the interior and the immediate area surrounding each landfill. A RECAP screening option evaluation was performed to identify areas of investigation and COCs.  A conceptual site model was developed to depict the potential exposure pathways under both current and potential future exposure scenarios. The soil quality data compiled during the investigation indicated minor to moderate impacts of shallow soils at each landfill.  The shallow groundwater data indicated that there were no adverse impacts to groundwater due to the landfill operations.  Performed a MO-1 risk assessment of the three landfills.  Results of the risk assessment indicated that corrective action was warranted for soils at one landfill only; no further action at this time was recommended for the remaining two landfills. A soil cap/cover was recommended as the appropriate corrective action. A cap of clay and vegetated soil was placed over the affected area to prevent exposure to elevated lead concentrations.
Big Lake West Former Crude Oil Terminal, Big Lake, Louisiana Performed an environmental site investigation and LDEQ RECAP risk assessment for the Big Lake West Former Crude Oil Terminal.  Five areas of investigation for soil and groundwater were defined during the RECAP process and included both industrial and residential land use.  Benzene, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, 2‑methylnaphthalene, benzo[a]pyrene, and gasoline-, diesel-, and oil-range total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH-GRO, TPH-DRO, and TPH-ORO) were the COCs. Corrective action was warranted for soil at the site for the protection of human health and the environment. The area of investigation for soil was defined by the limiting RECAP standards for TPH-DRO and benzo[a]pyrene.  A corrective action plan was prepared and implemented to address the areas of corrective action identified for soil in the area of investigation.  After additional RECAP evaluation using site-specific fate and transport modeling, corrective action for groundwater was not required at the site. The assessment and corrective action were accepted by LDEQ.
Superfund Site, Northwest Florida Conducted a baseline ecological risk assessment associated with the operation of a battery reclamation facility at an NPL site in Florida.  Results of the ecological assessment were used to develop an alternative approach to the EPA-accepted record of decision (ROD), which specified the dredging of approximately 29 acres of wetlands.  As part of the approach, worked closely with EPA Region 4, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to design a strategy to conduct the required ecological assessment activities in a cost-effective manner that would satisfy the requirements of the regulatory community.  This was one of the first ecological risk assessments mandated by EPA Region 4 to be conducted according to its Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (EPA 540-R-97-006, OSWER Directive 9285.7-25).  As part of the ecological risk assessment, developed a detailed sampling and analysis plan for the evaluation of potential impacts to the wetland ecosystem potentially impacted by site activities.  Tasks completed as part of the evaluation included surface water and sediment collection for metals analysis and for use in sediment toxicity tests using Chironomus riparius and Hyalella azteca.  Prey species tissue samples were collected and analyzed to validate food-web exposure models and to determine site-specific bioaccumulation factors.  A vegetation evaluation was conducted to determine the occurrence of, and potential for, cypress regeneration within the wetland ecosystem.  Successfully completed the rigorous time-critical sampling event under EPA oversight.  Following receipt of the analytical results, performed a weight-of-evidence evaluation to determine the potential impacts to the wetland ecosystem.  The results of the evaluation were used to determine appropriate and realistic remediation goal options within the wetland system for protection of ecological populations and to develop an amendment to the ROD.
Superfund Site, Louisiana Conducted a peer review of the ecological risk assessment prepared for a Superfund site in Louisiana with impacted soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment.  Recommendations included clarifications of the technical approach and adherence to established EPA ecological risk assessment guidance.
Petrochemical Plant, Port Neches, Texas Prepared Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) affected property assessment reports for an industrial client in southeast Texas.  Five affected property assessment reports, two response action plans, and multiple post-response action care reports were accepted by TCEQ.  The response action plan for a landfill area included the use of dredged material as a cover.  Performed a toxicity assessment and developed an RfD for morpholine to use for calculation of protective concentration levels.
Specialty Petrochemical Manufacturer, Baytown, Texas Prepared two Risk Reduction Standard 2 closures and conducted additional risk assessment activities to support the RFI.  Results were used to establish remedial goals for the groundwater corrective action program.
Chemical Facility, Galena Park, Texas Prepared a screening-level ecological risk assessment for a chemical facility in Texas with PAH-impacted soils.  Results of the Tier 2 screening-level ecological risk assessment indicated the potential for ecological risks to terrestrial receptors exposed to soils at one area of concern.
Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing Facility, Orange, Texas Provided technical review and assistance with project strategies for an ecological risk assessment of PAH- and metal-impacted sediment at a synthetic rubber manufacturing facility in Texas.
Petrochemical Manufacturing Facility, Houston, Texas Prepared a baseline human health risk assessment for a chemical facility in Texas with organic, pesticide, and metal constituents in groundwater.
Major Railroad Company, Gautier, Mississippi Prepared a site-specific risk assessment to evaluate post-Hurricane Katrina risks to human health and the environment at a former wood treating and preserving facility in Mississippi.  Major activities included a human health risk assessment of contaminants in soil, groundwater, sediment, and biota; ecological risk assessment of contaminants in sediment and biota; site-specific biological investigations; sediment quality triad assessment; and evaluation of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and fish and crab tissue residues.  The human health and ecological risk assessment were approved by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).
Petroleum Storage Sites, Southern Mississippi Performed Phase II ESA soil and groundwater sampling activities at two petroleum release sites.  Phase II ESA investigation results were evaluated using MDEQ Tier 2 Petroleum Hydrocarbon Evaluation – TPH Fractioning to limit the extent of corrective action required.  Corrective action soil confirmation sampling was performed to document that petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in soils remaining at the site were below applicable MDEQ standards.
Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment of PCBs, Crystal Springs, Mississippi Prepared a human health and ecological risk assessment of PCBs in soil, sediments, and biota at a lake in Mississippi.  Site-specific ecological field studies included benthic macroinvertebrate community evaluation and fish and crawfish tissue residue evaluation.
Major Railroad Company, Gautier, Mississippi Performed an ecological risk assessment and assisted in the preparation of a human health risk assessment and a remedial action plan, for a former wood treating and preserving facility in Mississippi with PAH and PCP constituents in soil, groundwater, and sediments.  The risk-based remedial action plan was approved by MDEQ.
Shipbuilding Facility, Pascagoula, Mississippi Developed risk-based cleanup goals for volatile organic compounds in groundwater, protective of a downgradient surface water resource, at a shipbuilding facility in Mississippi.  The cleanup goals were considered in the decision-making process for termination of the remedial system currently in operation.
Major Utility, Kingston, Tennessee Prepared ecological risk assessments of amphibian and reptile receptors for the baseline ecological risk assessment of the Kingston Ash Recovery Project in Roane County, Tennessee.
Major Railroad Company, Jacksonville, Florida Prepared a screening-level ecological risk assessment for an industrial client in Florida with PAH- and pesticide-impacted sediment, surface water, and soil.  This project included the derivation of site-specific sediment quality criteria and evaluation of benthic macroinvertebrate survey data.
Ecological Risk Assessments at a Chemical Facility, Mulberry, Florida Prepared a screening-level ecological risk assessment and baseline ecological risk assessment problem formulation for a chemical facility in Florida with metal-impacted sediment, surface water, and soil.
U.S. Army, Fort Gordon, Georgia Prepared screening-level ecological risk assessments for sediment waste management units as part of the RFI process.
Fertilizer Facility, Dodge City, Kansas Performed an ecological exclusion screening and checklist as part of the RFI for the facility.  Utilized a comprehensive habitat-based approach and ecological exposure analysis to demonstrate that the site meets the criteria for exclusion from further ecological assessment.
Industrial Clients, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas Prepared ecological reconnaissance reports and checklists for ecological assessment/sampling as part of the RFI for chemical manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

Water Management

Proposed Desalination Facility, South Texas Prepared a report that evaluated the potential for impingement and entrainment of marine life due to the operation of an intake structure located in the Gulf of Mexico.
Former Wood Treating Facility, Superfund Site, Navassa, North Carolina Prepared  a technical approach and implemented the fieldwork for a nonaqueous-phase liquid survey utilizing systematic probing, a floating/quaking marsh survey to distinguish marsh types, and a marsh functions and values assessment.
Paper Mill, Bogalusa, Louisiana Emergency Response Coordinator and Biological Team leader for a fish kill incident response and recovery evaluation in southeastern Louisiana.  Performed endangered species agency coordination, fish population monitoring, and fish/seafood tissue safety evaluation.  Coordinated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the threatened Gulf sturgeon and special endangered species protocol daily reporting for Gulf sturgeon as a result of the process wastewater discharge to the Pearl River.
Pest Control Company, Southeast Texas Conducted an evaluation of a fish kill resulting from a pesticide application (Patrol® and Tekko Pro®) for mosquito control adjacent to a pond. Compiled a literature review on the ecotoxicity and fate and transport properties of the pesticides and identified contract laboratories for nonstandard analysis of the pesticides.  Collected surface water, sediment, tap water, and fish tissue samples and provided interpretative reporting for the fish kill incident.
USACE, New Orleans District Supported preparation of baseline salinity conditions and preliminary ecological impact analysis for the Violet Freshwater Diversion project.  This analysis included determination of the presence of endangered or threatened species and evaluation of the potential impacts on critical habitats.
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, South Pecan Island Freshwater Diversion, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana Technical reviewer for effects of salinity changes on fresh, intermediate, and brackish marshes for the South Pecan Island Freshwater Diversion, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana.  An evaluation of the environmental assessment prepared by NOAA indicated there would not be water quality effects on wetland creation and restoration.  The evaluation also concluded that there were no known endangered or threatened species, critical habitat, marine mammals, or other nontarget species occurring in the area.
Refinement of Aquatic Life Use Categories, Terrebonne Basin, Louisiana Led a team that collected physical, chemical, and biological data to establish a basis for the refinement of aquatic life use categories and applicable water quality criteria for freshwater and estuarine water bodies in the Terrebonne Basin of Louisiana.  In the Terrebonne Basin, all bodies of water are specified for the protection of fish and wildlife propagation and have a dissolved oxygen) criteria of either 4 mg/L (for estuarine waters) or 5 mg/L (for freshwater and coastal marine waters). Thus, a study was conducted in the basin to collect information that can be used as a basis for adjusting the dissolved oxygen criteria for water bodies within the basin to better reflect natural conditions.  A reconnaissance was conducted to ensure the highest quality waters were chosen.  Physical, chemical, and hydrological measurements were collected during each sampling event.  Habitat assessment and biological sampling was performed only during the critical season (summer) events.  Fish and small animals, such as insects living on the bottom, were collected at all locations. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected at each location.  The results of water quality analyses indicated that the selected sites did represent “least impacted” conditions with respect to basic water quality parameters. With respect to dissolved oxygen, however, average levels decrease to below the 5 mg/L criterion at some time (usually during the summer) at almost all of the freshwater and mixed salinity sites.  The majority of the selected reference sites in the Terrebonne Basin supported a reasonably diverse and healthy biological community, despite the fact that dissolved oxygen is below the current standard.  Neither minimum nor average dissolved oxygen below 4−5 mg/L appeared to be correlated with reductions in species richness or diversity.
Pipeline Company, South Louisiana For a major pipeline company, collected data for a natural resource damage assessment pre-assessment for a gasoline spill in Louisiana, including field sampling of water, sediment, fish, and mussels.  Environmental sampling reports were prepared that documented the methods used and summarized results of each investigation.
Petrochemical Manufacturer, Louisiana Prepared a literature review of the environmental fate and toxicity of cyanide-bearing waste effluents.  Performed stormwater sampling for NPDES permits.
Petrochemical Facility, Port Neches, Texas Assessed the potential impact of constituents in a stormwater discharge at a petrochemical facility in Texas in accordance with applicable water quality standards, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission standards, and EPA Region 6 permitting policy.
Major Railroad Company, Effingham, Illinois Reviewed aquatic toxicity data for two organic compounds (tert-butyl phenol and butyraldehyde) and the calculation methodology used by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for development of water quality criteria to determine conformance with regulatory requirements and to evaluate possible alternative criteria development approaches.

Ecological Risk Assessment

Oil and Gas Company, South Louisiana Prepared a bioremediation and phytoremediation work plan for an oil-contaminated salt marsh.  Implemented the plan, which included pretreatment assessment, treatment design, field monitoring, and assessment of treatment efficacy and treatment endpoints.  Monitoring results to date have demonstrated an increase in nutrient levels from baseline conditions above target nitrogen concentrations for initial microbial degradation, and documented new marsh plant growth and an increase in vegetative coverage of denuded areas. This nondestructive approach for achieving cleanup and restoring critical coastal habitat appears to be a feasible alternative to traditional remediation methods.
Oil and Gas Company, South Louisiana Prepared a sediment investigation work plan that included methods for the analyses of chemical bioavailability and mobility for metals, barium, and PAHs in sediment. The work plan was approved by LDEQ and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.
Major Railroad Company, Eunice Train Derailment, Louisiana Conducted a comprehensive ecotoxicological tissue residue and pathology study on turtles from the Eunice City Lake in response to reports of turtles being affected by an apparent shell disease.  The findings of this study demonstrated that the turtle shell disease observed in red-eared slider turtles was not related to the chemicals from the train derailment.
Frog Population Assessment, Western Massachusetts Prepared a literature-based frog population assessment and conducted a laboratory audit of a frog reproduction and development toxicity study.  Conducted a northern leopard frog egg mass survey in PCB-contaminated wetland habitats.
Chemical Manufacturer, Westwego, Louisiana Conducted wetland delineation using the USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual to define the extent of wetlands surrounding an industrial landfill.
Major Telecommunications Client, South Louisiana Conducted wetland assessments and delineations in South Louisiana using the USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual.  Obtained wetland permits following USACE, New Orleans District, guidelines.
Ready-Mix Concrete Plant, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Conducted a field delineation of the area to survey the extent of impacted wetlands by recently deposited cement fines.  Soil pits were used to distinguish between the cement fines and native soils within the wetland area and also to determine the volume of cement fines present.  Healthy vegetated areas with historical cement fines were considered as the limit of the delineation.  After completion of the soil delineation, the limits of areas that required excavation were identified with survey stakes and approximate depths of cement fines were recorded.  Approximately 1,700 cubic yards of cement fines were removed from the jurisdictional wetland area.  USACE indicated that the voluntary restoration was satisfactory, and no additional action was required.  However, a voluntarily replanting of the project area was implemented.  Planting consisted of 250 trees (200 cypress and 50 water hickory) planted on an approximately 12- by 12-ft spacing. The area was inundated to a depth of approximately 1 ft during this planting.  An additional 50 willow oak trees were planted.  Based on a qualitative estimate, greater than 90 percent tree survival was achieved.
Major Railroad Company, Eunice Train Derailment, Louisiana Obtained emergency wetland permit for remediation activities for a tributary and bayou adjacent to a train derailment site.  Completed remediation of tributary by removal of contaminated sediments and restored tributary to natural conditions.  Developed wetland restoration plan for a railroad bridge replacement and environmental remediation that included restoration to pre-project natural surface contours and restoration of bottomland hardwood wetlands in the mitigation area by planting appropriate tree seedlings as needed to fulfill compensatory mitigation requirements specified in the USACE permits.  Restoration of 4.5 acres of wetlands with bottomland hardwood adjacent to the proposed bridge replacement and environmental remediation site was completed.
Kansas Lane Connector Environmental Impact Statement, Monroe, Louisiana Senior ecologist for the Kansas Lane Connector environmental impact statement in Monroe, Louisiana, for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD).  Responsible for wetlands, threatened and endangered species desktop research and field surveys.  Protected species included the pallid sturgeon, red cockaded woodpecker, bald eagle, and the Louisiana black bear.
Kansas Lane-Garrett Road Connector and Interchange Improvements Environmental Assessment, Monroe, Louisiana As senior ecologist, completed technical review of the draft wetlands delineation and findings technical memorandum for the Kansas Lane-Garrett Road connector and interchange improvements environmental assessment in Monroe, Louisiana, for LADOTD. Changes in the features of this interchange improvement and railroad overpass project increased the project footprint.  New areas impacted were reviewed against available electronic data to confirm the presence/absence of wetlands signatures.  Also responsible for review of findings related to threatened and endangered species and critical habitat presence.
Chef Menteur Bridge and Approaches Replacement Environmental Assessment, Louisiana Served as senior ecologist for the Chef Menteur Bridge and Approaches Replacement environmental assessment and line and grade study for a high-priority bridge replacement for LADOTD.  Responsibilities included fieldwork; wetlands, biological, and desktop research; and related coordination of the Phase I ESA technical documents.
LA 143–US 165 Connector and Ouachita River Bridge, Louisiana Served as senior ecologist for the LA 143–US 165 Connector and Ouachita River Bridge, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, for the LADOTD.  Responsible for wetlands, threatened and endangered species desktop research and field surveys.
Wetlands Delineation Update and Permit Revisions, Louisiana Senior ecologist for the wetlands delineation update and permit revisions for the Kansas Lane Extension update of the Jurisdictional Determination, Wetlands Delineation, and Mitigation Plan submitted to the Vicksburg District of the USACE.
I-49 South-Raceland to Westbank Expressway Environmental Impact Statement, Louisiana Served as senior ecologist for the I-49 South-Raceland to Westbank Expressway environmental impact statement for LADOTD for final field investigations and sample collection for the wetlands delineation report produced for the second segment of this interstate project on the West Bank of the Mississippi River in Lafourche and Jefferson Parishes, Louisiana.  Also responsible for desktop research and fieldwork related to threatened and endangered species presence and impacts.  Protected species included piping plover, bald eagle, West Indian manatee, brown pelican, pallid sturgeon, Gulf sturgeon, green sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, and the loggerhead sea turtle.
Ecological Database and Biological Inventory, Louisiana Reviewed an ecological database and biological inventory and evaluation report of an aquatic ecosystem for a major industrial client in Louisiana.  Recommendations included clarification of technical approach and data limitations.
Southeastern Louisiana University, Louisiana Assisted in field sampling of fishes from the Tangipahoa River and processing of plankton net samples from Pass Manchac in Louisiana.  Assisted in a study of the ecology of alligators from the Manchac Wildlife Management Area in Louisiana.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Reptile and Amphibian Task Force Served as a member of the task force and, in this capacity, conducted a hazard assessment of pesticides to amphibian and reptile populations.
EPA Region 4 Provided technical assistance for a PCB bioaccumulation study in an aquatic food web conducted by EPA.  Northern water snakes (Nerodia sipdeon) were collected from a PCB-contaminated watershed and ecological data provided for the study.
South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, Clemson, South Carolina Conducted a status survey of the threatened bog turtle, Clemmys muhlenbergii, for the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department.  A final report was submitted to the department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Expert Testimony

Proposed Desalination Facility, South Texas Applied the ecological risk assessment paradigm to estimate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed desalination effluent on the regional aquatic ecosystem.  Submitted science-based written and oral expert testimony to the court and successfully argued that the proposed desalination effluent would not adversely affect the regional ecosystem. The court concurred and accepted the effluent permit with some additional modifications.
Pesticide Spray Drift and Crawfish Mortality, Louisiana Provided expert opinion and trial testimony for the defense of a pesticide spray drift and crawfish mortality case.  The case involved the environmental toxicity and aquatic assessment of two pesticides (Curacron and Baythroid).  The case was decided in favor of the defendants.
Oilfield Legacy Site, South Louisiana Provided expert opinion and deposition testimony regarding alleged environmental damages and human health risks for the defense of an oilfield “legacy” site in south Louisiana.  The case settled.
Crawfish Pond and Hydrocarbons, Louisiana Provided deposition testimony for the defense of a crawfish pond case.  The case involved the potential impact of hydrocarbons on the taste and marketability of crawfish. The case settled.
Pesticide Use for Mosquito Control, South Louisiana Provided expert litigation support in the matter of a pesticide (permethrin) used in aerial applications for adult mosquito control in south Louisiana.  The evaluation utilized the exposure assessment and ecological effects elements of EPA ecological risk assessment guidance, established fish kill investigation principles, and a review of toxicological data to conclude that ultra-low volume aerosol applications of permethrin were not likely to have caused a crawfish kill.
Oilfield Legacy Cases, Louisiana Provided litigation support for multiple oilfield “legacy” cases in south Louisiana regarding site investigation, risk assessment, and ecological damages.
RETURN TO OUR TEAM PAGE