Superfund Site

Bayou Bonfouca Superfund Site
Slidell, LA

The site is the location of a former creosote-based wood treating facility that operated under various ownerships between 1872 and 1970.   In 1970, a fire destroyed the plant and a large amount of creosote reportedly was released from storage tanks onto the site and into Bayou Bonfouca. In 1982, the USEPA included the site on its Superfund NPL under CERCLA

Major components of the system include an OWS, sand filter, oleophilic filter, carbon filter unit, post-aeration tank, backwash tank, recovered oil tank, storm water sump, air compressors, air dryer system, and air blower.

The Bayou Bonfouca system extraction well network is operated to achieve three major objectives; (1) recover free-phase creosote oil from the shallow artesian aquifer, (2) recover dissolved-phase creosote compounds from the shallow artesian aquifer, and (3) minimize/prevent land surface subsidence. The first two objectives are achieved by extracting groundwater and free-phase creosote oil from the aquifer through the 44 extraction wells.  The third objective is achieved by monitoring the water level in the aquifer through the 11 groundwater monitor wells and monthly surveys of ground surface. The operation and rate of groundwater extraction is continually adjusted by the plant operators in response to the water level measurements of the monitoring wells.

Site security is maintained by facility structures and its WWTP field personnel.  General maintenance of WWTP equipment and facility grounds is performed by WWTP personnel.  Maintenance of equipment is performed on a regular schedule and in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.  Minor repair of WWTP equipment is part of WWTP field personnel daily requirements.  The replacement of incidental materials and parts is required by WWTP.  Major component replacement is managed by WWTP personnel and performed as necessary by manufacturer representatives or qualified subcontractors.