West Hackberry

Louisiana, USA

At the request of key stakeholders, ASC Environmental provided technical consulting support for the West Hackberry Superfund Site in Louisiana. Our engagement centered on developing a non-intrusive geological conceptual model to aid in the understanding of subsurface conditions at the site. This work was conducted in a support capacity and did not involve any regulatory determinations or legal conclusions.

Geological Conceptual Site Model for U.S Superfund Site

ASC Environmental was engaged to support technical teams working at the West Hackberry Superfund Site, a location with a complex operational history and ongoing environmental management activities. Recognizing the importance of a scientifically defensible understanding of subsurface conditions, ASC contributed to the development of a geological conceptual model (GCM) that would serve as a foundation for future site assessments and strategic planning.

The GCM effort incorporated available datasets including legacy geotechnical reports, regional hydrogeologic studies, and existing site characterizations. ASC’s role was strictly consultative — focused on synthesizing stratigraphic interpretations and identifying key lithologic transitions that may influence groundwater flow and contaminant behavior. No field activities were performed by ASC; rather, the contribution was analytical and interpretive in nature, designed to supplement ongoing technical evaluations.

The final deliverables included a geologic framework that delineated major subsurface units, supported identification of potential migration pathways, and provided context for future environmental investigations. The model was structured to be flexible and updateable as additional data become available. In a setting where accuracy and neutrality are critical, ASC’s involvement ensured that the technical inputs remained grounded in sound geoscientific methodology and could support multiple stakeholder needs — without engaging in legal or regulatory advocacy.

Highlights

Developed a comprehensive geological conceptual model to support site characterization efforts.
Synthesized historical site data, borehole logs, and regional geologic data for enhanced subsurface understanding.
Served as a technical advisor, working closely with site managers and stakeholders.

Aerial Industrial Layout- A broad overhead view captures multiple rectangular plots, access roads, and open land, highlighting the scale and layout of this industrial facility.

Impact

Enabled a science-based approach to managing a complex Superfund site.
Provided a foundation for long-term remediation efforts by federal and state agencies.
Helped improve regulatory communication through visual and data-driven deliverables.

Concrete Slab with Central Equipment- A large, rectangular concrete pad stands out in a cleared area, featuring a single piece of equipment at its center, indicative of on-site operations or containment.

Results

Created a refined 3D conceptual model outlining subsurface lithology and groundwater pathways.
Supported risk assessment and future remediation planning.
Informed strategic decisions on monitoring well placement and groundwater flow modeling.

Restricted Superfund Fence- A close-up shows a chain-link fence bearing a prominent “DO NOT ENTER” sign, referencing the U.S. EPA Superfund and underscoring the area’s restricted access.