FINAL

Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field Army Aviation Support 

Facility, Louisiana

Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic 

Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

July 2020

Prepared for:

Army National Guard Bureau

111 S. George Mason Drive

Arlington, VA 22204

UNCLASSIFIED
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

i

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................1

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................5

Authority and Purpose ..............................................................................................5

Preliminary Assessment Methods .............................................................................5

Report Organization ..................................................................................................6

Facility Location and Description...............................................................................6

Facility Environmental Setting ...................................................................................7

1.5.1 Geology .........................................................................................................7

1.5.2 Soil .................................................................................................................7

1.5.3 Hydrogeology .................................................................................................8

1.5.4 Hydrology .......................................................................................................9

1.5.5 Climate ...........................................................................................................9

1.5.6 Current and Future Land Use .........................................................................9

2. Fire Training Areas ...........................................................................................................13

North Ramp/Wash Rack and South Ramp ..............................................................13

3. Non-Fire Training Areas ...................................................................................................15

Hangar Buildings 6001 and 6002 ............................................................................15

Sewage Oxidation Pond .........................................................................................15

Firehouse Building 6004 .........................................................................................15

Hazmat Storage Building 6067/6068 .......................................................................15

4. Emergency Response Areas ............................................................................................18

5. Adjacent Sources .............................................................................................................19

6. Conceptual Site Model .....................................................................................................20

AOI 1 Sewage Oxidation Pond ...............................................................................20

AOI 2 North Ramp/Wash Rack and Hangar Buildings 6001 and 6002 ....................21

AOI 3 South Ramp ..................................................................................................21

AOI 4 Firehouse Building 6004 and Hazmat Storage Building 6067/6068 ...............22

7. Conclusions .....................................................................................................................28

Findings ..................................................................................................................28

Uncertainties ...........................................................................................................28

Potential Future Actions ..........................................................................................29

8. References ......................................................................................................................32
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

ii

Figures

Figure ES-1 Summary of Findings

Figure ES-2 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model, AOI1, AOI 2, AOI 3 and AOI 4 at Esler Field

AASF, LA

Figure 1-1 Facility Location

Figure 1-2 Groundwater Features

Figure 1-3 Surface Water Features

Figure 2-1 Fire Training Areas

Figure 3-1 Non-Fire Training Areas

Figure 6-1 Areas of Interest

Figure 6-2 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model for AOI 1

Figure 6-3 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model for AOI 2

Figure 6-4 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model for AOI 3

Figure 6-5 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model for AOI 4

Figure 7-1 Summary of Findings

Tables

Table ES-1 AOIs at Esler Field AASF

Table 6-1: Exposure Pathways at AOI 1

Table 6-2: Exposure Pathways at AOI 2

Table 6-3: Exposure Pathways at AOI 3

Table 6-4: Exposure Pathways at AOI 4

Table 7-1 AOIs at Esler Field AASF

Table 7-2 Uncertainties

Table 7-3 PA Findings Summary

Appendices

Appendix A Data Resources

Appendix B Preliminary Assessment Documentation

B.1 Interview Records

B.2 Visual Site Inspection Checklists

B.3 Conceptual Site Model Information

Appendix C Photographic Log
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

iii

Acronyms and Abbreviations

°F degrees Fahrenheit

AASF Army Aviation Support Facility

AECOM AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

AFFF aqueous film forming foam

AOI Area of Interest

ARNG Army National Guard

BeB Beauregard silt loam

bgs below ground surface

Ca Caddo silt loam

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability

Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

ChB Cahaba fine sandy loam

CSM conceptual site model

DPT Direct push technology

EDRTM Environmental Data Resources, Inc.TM

FD Fire department

FTA fire training area

LAARNG Louisiana Army National Guard

LsB Libusse silt loam

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

OWS Oil Water Separator

P&A plugged and abandoned

PA Preliminary Assessment

PFAS per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances

PFOA perfluorooctanoic acid

PFOS perfluorooctanesulfonic acid

SI Site Inspection

UCMR3 Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3

US United States

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

USACHPPM United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine

USAEHA United States Army Environmental Hygiene Agency

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

USGS United States Geological Survey

VFD Volunteer Fire Department

VSI visual site inspection
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

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Executive Summary

The Army National Guard (ARNG) is performing Preliminary Assessments (PAs) and Site

Inspections (SIs) for Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Impacted Sites at ARNG Facilities Nationwide. A PA for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

(PFAS)-containing materials was completed for Esler Field Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF;

also referred to as the “facility”) near Pineville, Louisiana, to assess potential PFAS release areas

and exposure pathways to receptors.

The facility (originally named Camp Beauregard Army Airfield) was constructed in 1940 and

closed in 1946. In the 1950s, the property was ceded to the Rapides Parish Police Jury. In 2001,

the airport’s management was transferred to the Louisiana ARNG (LAARNG) in a 99-year lease.

The performance of this PA included the following tasks:

· Reviewed available administrative record documents and Environmental Data Resources,

Inc. (EDRTM) report packages to obtain information relevant to potential PFAS releases, such

as: drinking water well locations, historical aerial photographs, Sanborn maps, and

environmental compliance actions in the area surrounding the facility; Reviewed data

resources to obtain information relevant to suspected PFAS releases;

· Conducted a site visit on 24 January 2019 and completed visual site inspections at

locations where PFAS-containing materials were suspected of being stored, used, or

disposed; 

· Interviewed personnel during the site visit who are associated with Esler Field AASF,

including a former facility commander, current/former maintenance supervisors, and a safety

officer (onsite since 1996); and,

· Identified Area(s) of Interest (AOIs) and developed a preliminary conceptual site model (CSM)

to summarize potential source-pathway-receptor linkages of potential PFAS in soil,

groundwater, surface water, and sediment for each AOI.

Four AOIs related to potential PFAS releases were identified at Esler Field AASF during the PA.

The AOIs are shown on Figure ES-1 and described in Table ES-1 below.

Table ES-1: AOIs at Esler Field AASF

Area of

Interest Name Used by Potential Release Date

AOI 1 Sewage Oxidation

Pond LAARNG Between 1996 and 2007

AOI 2

North Ramp/Wash

Rack;

Hangar Buildings

6001 and 6002

LAARNG jointly with the

Holloway Volunteer Fire

Department (FD);

LAARNG

North Ramp/Wash Rack

training between 1996 and

2007; 

hangar AFFF storage from

1980s to current

AOI 3 South Ramp LAARNG jointly with the

Holloway Volunteer FD Between 2006 and 2007

AOI 4

Firehouse Building

6004;

Hazmat Storage

Building 6067/6068

LAARNG jointly with

Holiday Village FD;

LAARNG

Between late 1980s and

1990s; 

Since 1996
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

2

Based on potential PFAS releases at four AOIs, there is potential for exposure to PFAS

contamination in media at the facility. The preliminary CSM for Esler Field AASF, which presents

the potential receptors and media impacted, is shown on Figure ES-2. ARNG will evaluate the

need for an SI based on the potential receptors, the potential migration of PFAS contamination

off the facility, and the availability of resources.

Based on the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Unregulated Contaminant

Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) data, no PFAS were detected in a public water system above the

USEPA Health Advisory (HA) within 20 miles of the facility. The HA is 70 parts per trillion for PFOS

and PFOA, individually or combined. PFAS analyses performed in 2016 had method detection

limits that were higher than currently achievable. Thus, it is possible that low concentrations of

PFAS were not detected during the UCMR3 but might be detected if analyzed today.
Approximate

Path of Storm

Sewer Pipe

AOI 1

AOI 2

AOI 4 AOI 3

Firehouse

Building 6004

Hazmat Storage

Building 6067/6068

North Ramp/Wash

Rack

South Ramp

Hangar

Building 6002

Hangar Building

6001

Sewage Oxidation

Pond

Flagon Bayou

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SS

3/19/2020

3/19/2020

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Esler Field, LA

1:7,200

3/19/2020 ­ Figure ES-1

RG 3/19/2020

0 300 600 1,200

Feet

Summary of Findings

Base Map: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS,

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

Legend

Area of Interest

No Suspected Release

Potential PFAS Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

River/Stream

0 300 600 1,200

Feet

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876 PM

3
Media

SOURCE PATHWAY RECEPTOR

AOI 1, AOI 2,

AOI 3, &

 AOI 4

Runoff at 2 flight

aprons where fire

training was

conducted, runoff

from leaks/spills

at AFFF storage

facilities,

underground

stormwater

conveyance to

the sewage

oxidation pond

and downgradient

runoff during rain

events

PFAS in

Surface Soil,

Surface

Water and

Sediment

Human

Activities

Precipitation/

Run-Off

Leaching/

Infiltration

Airborne Soil

Particulate

Surface Soil

at AOIs

Surface

Water/

Sediment

Shallow

Groundwater

Subsurface

Soil

Source Release

Mechanism Media Transportand Migration Media ExposureRoutes

Inhalation of

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors:

Current/ Future

Flow-Chart Continues

Partial / Possible Flow

Flow-Chart Stops

Incomplete Pathway

Potentially Complete Pathway

Complete Pathway

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

LEGEND

Figure ES-2

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

AOI 1, AOI 2, AOI 3, & AOI 4 at Esler Field AASF, LA

Potential

Off-Facility

Source Not

under

Control of

ARNG

/ /

/ / /

/

Ingestion

/

/

/ / / /

Notes:

1. The resident and recreational user

receptors refer to an off-site resident and

recreational user.

2. Dermal contact exposure pathway is

incomplete for PFAS.

/ / /

/ / / /

/

4
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

5

1. Introduction

Authority and Purpose

The Army National Guard (ARNG) G9 is the lead agency in performing Preliminary Assessments

(PAs) and Site Inspections (SIs) for Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic 

acid (PFOA) at Impacted Sites at ARNG Facilities Nationwide. This work is supported by the 

United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Baltimore District and their contractor 

AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) under Contract Number W912DR-12-D-0014, Task 

Order W912DR17F0192, issued 11 August 2017.

The ARNG is assessing potential effects on human health related to processes at their facilities 

that used per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), primarily in the form of aqueous film 

forming foam (AFFF) released as part of firefighting activities, although other sources of PFAS 

are possible. In addition, the ARNG is assessing businesses or operations adjacent to the ARNG 

facility (not under the control of ARNG) that could potentially be responsible for a PFAS release. 

PFAS are classified as emerging environmental contaminants that are garnering increasing 

regulatory interest due to their potential risks to human health and the environment. PFAS 

formulations contain highly diverse mixtures of compounds. Thus, the fate of PFAS compounds 

in the environment varies. The regulatory framework at both federal and state levels continues to 

evolve. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued Drinking Water Health 

Advisory (HA) for PFOA and PFOS in May 2016, but there are currently no promulgated national 

standards regulating PFAS in drinking water. The HA is 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA, 

individually or combined. 

This report presents the findings of a PA for PFAS-containing materials at Esler Field Army 

Aviation Support Facility (AASF; also referred to as the “facility”), near Pineville, Louisiana, in 

accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 

(CERCLA), as amended, the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan 

(40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 300), and Army requirements and guidance. 

This PA documents the locations where PFAS were historically stored and reportedly released 

into the environment at Esler Field AASF. The term PFAS will be used throughout this report to 

encompass all PFAS chemicals being evaluated, including PFOS and PFOA, which are key 

components of AFFF. 

Preliminary Assessment Methods

The performance of this PA included the following tasks: 

· Reviewed available administrative record documents and Environmental Data Resources, 

Inc. (EDRTM) report packages to obtain information relevant to potential PFAS releases, such 

as: drinking water well locations, historical aerial photographs, Sanborn maps, and 

environmental compliance actions in the area surrounding the facility; Reviewed data 

resources to obtain information relevant to suspected PFAS releases;

· Conducted a site visit on 24 January 2019 and completed visual site inspections at locations 

where PFAS-containing materials were suspected of being stored, used, or disposed; 

· Interviewed personnel during the site visit who are associated with Esler Field AASF, 

including a former facility commander, current/former maintenance supervisors, and a safety 

officer (onsite since 1996); and,
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

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· Developed a preliminary conceptual site model (CSM) to outline the potential releases and 

pathways of PFAS for the Area(s) of Interest (AOIs) and the facility.

Report Organization

This report has been prepared in accordance with the USEPA Guidance for Performing 

Preliminary Assessments under CERCLA (USEPA 1991). The report sections and descriptions of 

each are as follows:

· Section 1 – Introduction: identifies the project purpose and authority and describes the 

facility location, environmental setting, and methods used to complete the PA

· Section 2 – Fire Training Areas: describes the potential or suspected fire training areas 

(FTAs) at the facility identified during the site visit 

· Section 3 – Non-Fire Training Areas: describes other locations of potential or suspected 

PFAS releases at the facility identified during the site visit 

· Section 4 – Emergency Response Areas: describes areas of potential or suspected PFAS 

releases at the facility, specifically in response to emergency situations 

· Section 5 – Adjacent Sources: describes sources of PFAS release adjacent to the facility 

that are not under the control of ARNG 

· Section 6 – Preliminary Conceptual Site Model: describes the pathways of PFAS transport 

and receptors at the AOIs and the facility

· Section 7 – Conclusions: summarizes the data findings and presents the conclusions of the 

PA 

· Section 8 – References: provides the references used to develop this document

· Appendix A – Data Resources

· Appendix B – Preliminary Assessment Documentation

· Appendix C – Photographic Log

Facility Location and Description

Esler Field AASF is located in central Louisiana off Louisiana Highway 116 (Esler Field Rd), in 

Rapides Parish, approximately 12 miles northeast of Alexandria (Figure 1-1). Esler Field 

encompasses approximately 1,991 acres and is immediately adjacent (south of) to the 12,889-

acre Camp Beauregard Training Site, which is geographically separate from the 729-acre Camp 

Beauregard Cantonment Area. Esler Field was constructed in 1940 for the US Army Air Corps 

and was originally named Camp Beauregard Army Field. The Air Corps used the facility 

extensively through 1942. The facility was renamed Esler Army Airfield in 1941 to honor 

Lieutenant Esler. In 1945, the facility was reassigned directly to Third Air Force and began the 

process of deactivation. The facility was finally closed in 1946, and it remained Federal property 

until the 1950s, when it was ceded to the Rapides Parish Police Jury as surplus property. Under 

the Rapides Parish Police Jury, the facility served as the City of Alexandria’s commercial airport 

until the 1990s, when commercial traffic was moved to Alexandria International Airport (LAARNG, 

n.d.).

In 2001, Rapides Parish Police Jury transferred the facility’s management to the LAARNG in a 

99-year lease, and the facility is now used for numerous training exercises. Currently, roughly 60 

percent of the airport’s operations are military, and the rest are civilian. Although Esler Field 

doesn’t offer private jet passenger services, it does provide both military and civilian aircraft fuel 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

7

services. In December of 2011, the MMR Group, which previously based its aviation operations 

at Alexandria International Airport, completed work on its new corporate aviation facility at Esler 

Field. The facility includes 10,000 square feet of hangar space and 3,000 square feet of office 

space. MMR shares its facilities with Crest Industries, and the two groups currently support 

multiple aircraft. 

Facility Environmental Setting

Esler Field AASF is located in the Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic region. The 

topography of the facility is considered gently rolling, and the elevations across the area range 

from approximately 60 to 140 feet above mean sea level. The higher elevations occur on the 

northern most portion of the facility, whereas lower elevations are located along the northern 

floodplain of Flagon Bayou, along the south and eastern boundaries of the facility (LAARNG, 

2007). 

1.5.1 Geology

In general, the geology of central Louisiana is composed of marine sediments deposited during 

fluctuating sea levels, and fluvial sediments deposited by the meandering Mississippi River 

system. These sediments dip less than five degrees toward the south-southeast, and their 

compositions range from clays to sands (US Army Environmental Hygiene Agency [USAEHA], 

1994). The Oligocene to Miocene fluvial and marine deposits in the central portion of the State 

comprise, from oldest to youngest, the Catahoula Formation overlain by the Lena, Carnahan 

Bayou, and Dough Hills members of the Fleming Formation (USAEHA, 1994). The Catahoula 

formation contains thick sand beds that are interbedded with thinner clay layers (US Army Center 

for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine [USACHPPM], 2004). The three members of the 

Fleming Formation consist of consolidated clays with discontinuous silts and sands (USAEHA, 

1994). 

As shown on Figure 1-2, most of Esler Field AASF is mapped as the Dough Hills Member of the 

Miocene Fleming Formation described as undifferentiated fluviatile silts and sands with 

calcareous brackish-water clays (US Geological Survey [USGS], 2019a). Immediately north and 

south are more recent Quaternary alluvial and fluvial deposits overlying the older Oligocene to 

Miocene sediments. These Quaternary deposits are composed of alternating clayey and sandy 

to gravely facies. The sandy to gravely facies have high porosity and permeability, which allow for 

greater rainwater infiltration. The clayey facies act as a surficial confining layer limiting infiltration 

into the underlying formations (USAEHA, 1994). 

Soil borings advanced along the western boundary of Camp Beauregard Training Site (north of 

Esler Field) show sediments in a downward coarsening sequence from primarily silt at the surface, 

to sand, and eventually to sand and gravel at depths between 15 and 25 feet below ground 

surface (bgs). An abrupt facies shift from the overlying coarse sand and gravel to a stiff clay was 

identified across the investigation area at depths ranging from 25 feet to 35 feet bgs. The 

thickness of this clay layer was not determined due to direct push technology (DPT) rig refusal. 

Soil borings advanced near the southwestern boundary of Camp Beauregard were noted with 

sandy silts observed to fine downward into stiff silty clay and clay, where the DPT rig was refused 

at depths ranging between 15 and 26 feet bgs (USACE, 2014).

1.5.2 Soil

Surficial soils at Esler Field consist primarily of fine sandy loam and clay loam derived from marine 

and alluvial Quaternary deposits (US Department of Agriculture [USDA], Soil Conservation 

Service, 1980). Soils present at Esler Field include Beauregard silt loam (BeB), Caddo silt loam 

(Ca), Cahaba fine sandy loam (ChB), and the Libusse silt loam (LsB). The Beauregard, Caddo, 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

8

and Libusse silt loams have relatively low permeability, while the Cahaba is well drained and

moderately permeable. All of these soil types are described as relatively acidic with slight

erodibility (USDA, 2019).

1.5.3 Hydrogeology

Esler Field is underlain by the Coastal Lowlands aquifer system, locally known as the Miocene

Fleming Formation. The Coastal Lowlands aquifer system consists of a gulf-ward thickening,

heterogenous, unconsolidated to poorly consolidated wedge of discontinuous beds of sand, silt,

and clay, with an approximate thickness of 2,000 feet thick in the vicinity of Esler Field. This

system yields large quantities of water for agricultural, public supply, domestic, commercial, and

industrial uses (USGS, 2009). The inferred direction of groundwater flow is north-northeast

(Figure 1-2). It is possible that the groundwater may locally flow to the southeast, towards Flagon

Bayou.

Underlying the Coastal Lowlands aquifer system is the Mississippi Embayment aquifer system,

which is in poorly consolidated sedimentary rocks of Late Cretaceous to middle Eocene age. The

two systems are separated by a thick, effective confining unit. Of the six aquifers contained within

the Mississippi Embayment aquifer system, the Middle Claiborne aquifer is the most heavily used; 

it has a reported thickness in the vicinity of Esler Field, ranging from 600 to 800 feet. (USGS,

2019b).

Water to the facility and areas north, south, and west is supplied by the Water Works District No. 3

of Rapides Parish (WWD #3). WWD #3 distributes water sourced from seven groundwater wells

(40 percent) and a surface water structure on Big Creek, in Grant Parish, Louisiana (60 percent),

over 8 miles north of Esler Field. Two of the WWD #3’s supply wells are located at Camp

Beauregard. Two wells at Esler Field (#8 and #9) were drilled in 2007 to depths of 651 and 621

feet, respectively. These wells are offline due to methane, which is cost prohibitive to remove.

However, well #8 (north of AASF) is used to supply the Esler Field maintenance facility’s fire

protection system water storage tank (French, 2020). Residents and businesses east of Esler

Field are served by Buckeye Water District No. 50. The Buckeye District obtains all source water

from five wells that range from 1,800 to 2,000 feet deep. Two wells (#1 and #2) are located

northeast of Buckeye, off LA-115 (over seven miles east of Esler Field); three wells (#3, #4, and

#5) are located in Libusse, Louisiana (approximately two miles south southwest of Esler Field)

(Charrier, 2020).

An EDRTM report conducted a well search for a 1-mile radius surrounding the facility (Appendix

A). Using additional online resources, such as state and local GIS databases, wells were

researched to a 4-mile radius of the facility. A total of 23 wells were identified within 1 mile of the

facility (EDRTM, 2019), included in Appendix A). One well (named Esler Field Well No 2) is located

on the northwest portion of the airfield in the same location as Esler Field Well #8 (Figure 1-2).

Esler Field Well No 2 is reported as drilled in 1941 to a depth of 635 feet bgs and screened from

591 to 633 feet bgs. LAARNG reports this well is offline. Six wells are noted as USGS Louisiana

Water Science Center wells, with depths ranging from 150 to 675 feet bgs, and they are installed

in the Carnahan Bayou member of the Fleming Formation. The Carnahan Bayou unit is identified

as a confined aquifer within the Coastal Lowlands aquifer system, with approximate depths to

water ranging from 20 to 90 feet. Of the remaining sixteen wells, one well with a depth of 650 feet

bgs is reported as destroyed (owner: LA National Guard immediately north of the facility), and

fifteen wells are reported as plugged and abandoned (P&A). Eleven of the fifteen P&A wells were

reported as test holes, with depths ranging from 260 to 706 feet bgs, and four of the fifteen wells

were reported as monitoring wells owned by TEXACO and located in close proximity to the facility,

with depths of 30 feet bgs (EDRTM, 2019).
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

9

Based on the USEPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) data, it was indicated

that no PFAS were detected in a public water system above the HA within 20 miles of the facility.

The HA is 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA, individually or combined. PFAS analyses

performed in 2016 had method detection limits that were higher than currently achievable. Thus,

it is possible that low concentrations of PFAS were not detected during the UCMR3 but might be

detected if analyzed today.

1.5.4 Hydrology

Esler Field AASF is located in the Lower Flagon Bayou Watershed (Figure 1-3). Surface water in

the vicinity of the facility consists of perennial and intermittent streams, open water bodies, and

wetlands. The ground surface slopes to the south, toward Flagon Bayou, which flows east then

northeast, discharging to Catahoula Lake. Catahoula Lake, covering over 46 square miles in

LaSalle Parish, supports multiple species of waterfowl including duck, geese, and wading birds,

and it is used for recreational fishing and hunting (Horst, 2019).

Wastewater from the facility is conveyed to the west via underground pipe to a small, square,

lined sewage oxidation pond on the southwest corner of the facility.

1.5.5 Climate

Esler Field, located in north-central Louisiana, has a sub-tropical climate influenced by its

proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The average temperature (1981-2010) for Esler Field is 65

degrees Fahrenheit (°F), with an average daily low of 37°F in January to an average daily high of

94°F in August. Annual precipitation is 57.5 inches and is relatively evenly distributed, with the

lowest precipitation from July to September (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[NOAA], 2019). The mean annual relative humidity is 74 percent (LAARNG, 2007). The mean

annual evaporation rate in central Louisiana is 45 inches (NOAA, 1982). Thunderstorm activity is

most common during hurricane season (1 June–31 October), when tropical storms and hurricanes

regularly develop in the Gulf of Mexico. The tropical disturbances cause high winds and excessive

rainfall (LAARNG, 2007).

1.5.6 Current and Future Land Use

Esler Field AASF is currently leased from Rapides Parish and is primarily used for a variety of

helicopter-related training activities (LAARNG, 2007). Access to the facility is restricted and

controlled by fencing and gates. Reasonably anticipated future land use is not expected to change

from the current land use. Residential areas are located approximately 1 mile to the west and 1

mile to the southeast.
CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SS

10/29/2019

10/29/2019

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Esler Field, LA

10/29/2019

1:253,440 ­ Figure 1-1

PM RG 10/29/2019

Q:\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\LA\Esler_Field\Esler_Field_PA_MXDs\Fig_1-1_FacilityLocation.mxd

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Facility Location

^_

Base Map: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS,

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

0 2 4 8

Miles

Legend

Facility Boundary

Esler Field

10
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Basin

Middle

Prairie

Catahoula

Lake

Catfish

Prairie

Little River

Brushy Fo r k

ClearBa you

W aters

Bayou

Blac k Branch

Flagon Cree k

Mi ll Cree k

Cl inton Branch

H orsepen Cre ek

Litt le Cree k

Clear Cr eek

Beaver Creek

Haw

Creek

Little

Ho rs epen C r ee k

DryCr e ek

H ai nesC reek

Dy son Creek

Big

C re ek

Fla gon Bayou

Legend

Facility Boundary

Water Body

Wetland

River/Stream

Inferred Groundwater

Flow Direction

Geology

Recent Alluvium

Prairie Terraces

Intermediate Terraces

High Terraces

Williamson Creek

Carnahan Bayou

Dough Hills

Wells

!P Commercial Public

Supply

!P Domestic

!C( Public Supply

!5 Irrigation

A! Monitoring

A! Other - Offline

0 0.75 1.5 3

Miles

Q:\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\MAES 2012 Unrestricted\Fort Meade\E. Data Management\GIS\MXDs\Chisholm_6th\March2017\ Fig_1-2_Groundwater.mxd

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

SK

MS

3/19/2020

3/19/2020

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Esler Field, LA

3/19/2020

Figure 1-2

PM RG 3/19/2020

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Groundwater Features

Base Map: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye,

Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,

1:96,000 ­

11
Hardwater

Lake

Beaver

Lake

Bayou

Maria Basin

Lehman Lake

Middle

Prairie

Catahoula

Lake

Williams

Lake

Catfish

Prairie

Brushy

Fork

D u ck Slo ugh

Little River

S lash Bayou

Bla c kB ran ch

Clea r

M

Bayou

ill Creek

Cl i

nton Bra nc h

C onst anti ne

Branc h

Hors epen Cre e k

Litt le

Hor se penC ree k

Haw Cree k

Littl e Cre e k

Beaver Creek

Rou th

Creek

Sc h

o

o

lho useBran ch

B ig Creek

RedRiver

Eva ns

Bran ch

Dry C re ek

Ha i nes Creek

Dy son Creek

Fl agon Cree k

Bayou

M aria

Wat ersBayo u

Clear Cre ek

Flagon B ayo u

Long Bran ch

Upper Flagon

Bayou

Watershed

Kitterlin

Creek

Watershed

Horsepen

Creek

Watershed

Upper

Wiggins

Bayou Watershed

Lower

Big Creek

Watershed

Haines Creek-Dyson

Creek Watershed

Big Creek

Watershed

Big Saline

Bayou

Watershed

Little

River-Catahoula

Lake Watershed

Williams

Lake-Red

River Watershed

Routh Creek-Devils

Creek Watershed

Lower Flagon

Bayou Watershed

Hurricane

Creek-Little

River Watershed

Clear Creek

Watershed

Legend

Facility Boundary

Water Body

Wetland

River/Stream

Canal/Ditch

Pipeline

Surface Water Flow

Direction

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

SK

MS

3/17/2020

3/17/2020

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Esler Field, LA

3/17/2020

Figure 1-3

PM RG 3/17/2020

\\URSGermantown.us.ie.urs\Germantown\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\LA\Esler_Field\Esler_Field_PA_MXDs\Fig_1-3_Surfacewater_Features.mxd

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Surface Water Features

Base Map: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye,

Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,

1:126,720

0 1 2 4

Miles

­

12
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

13

2. Fire Training Areas

One FTA was identified within the AASF facility during the PA through interviews. This FTA is 

described below and shown in Figure 2-1.

North Ramp/Wash Rack and South Ramp

AASF personnel reported fire training at the north ramp/wash rack was conducted annually 

between 1996 and 2007. After the south ramp was constructed in 2005-2006, fire training also 

was conducted at the south ramp until 2007. The exact location of the training events held on the 

ramps varied from year to year. During these drills (held jointly with the local Holloway Volunteer 

Fire Department [VFD]), expired or near expired Tri MaxTM foam carts were fully expended. After 

training, the expended carts were recharged with five-gallon buckets stored in the hazmat storage 

building (discussed in Section 3.4). Foam dispensed from Tri-MaxTM carts during training was 

rinsed from the ramp down into a nearby stormwater drain. Drains convey stormwater southwest 

(north ramp) and west (south ramp) to an oil water separator and then to a square sewage 

oxidation pond located on the southwestern portion of the facility (discussed in Section 3.2). With 

the exception of these training exercises, AASF personnel reported no suspected release of AFFF 

or spill incident at these locations. The geographic coordinates for the north ramp/wash rack are 

31° 23'27.15"N; 92°17'45.64"W, and the geographic coordinates for the south ramp are 31° 

23'24.84"N; 92°17'38.92"W. 
Approximate

Path of Storm

Sewage Oxidation Sewer Pipe

Pond

Flagon Bayou

North

Ramp/Wash

Rack

South Ramp

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

GC

SS

3/19/2020

3/19/2020

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Esler Field, LA

1:7,200

3/19/2020 ­ Figure 2-1

PM RG 3/19/2020

\\URSGermantown.us.ie.urs\Germantown\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\LA\Esler_Field\Esler_Field_PA_MXDs\Fig_2-1_FireTrainingAreas.mxd

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Fire Training Areas

Base Map: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS,

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

Legend

Facility Boundary

No Suspected Release

Potential PFAS Release

Water Body

River/Stream

0 300 600 1,200

Feet

14
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

15

3. Non-Fire Training Areas

In addition to FTAs, the PA evaluated areas where PFAS-containing materials may have been 

broadly used, stored, or disposed. This may include buildings with fire suppression systems, paint 

booths, AFFF storage areas, and areas of compliance demonstrations. Information on these 

features obtained during the PA are included in Appendices A and B. Five non-FTAs where AFFF 

was stored and/or potentially released were identified during the PA. The AASF facilities consist 

of several buildings, including two hangars, a former firehouse, and hazardous storage. Facilities 

also include two concrete flight lines (north and south ramps), a wash rack (situated within the 

north ramp footprint), and a sewage oxidation pond. The non-FTAs are described below and 

shown on Figure 3-1, with photographs provided in Appendix C. 

Hangar Buildings 6001 and 6002

Hangar Buildings 6001 (primary hangar built before 1955) and 6002 (built between 1955 and 

1971) are located in close proximity to each other, in the south-central portion of the facility. The 

fire suppression systems in the hangars are water deluge (no foam). Three percent (%) 

Chemguard AFFF is stored in each building. To the best of their knowledge, AASF personnel 

(including the Safety Officer onsite since 1996, when AFFF was first brought to Esler Field) 

reported no suspected release of AFFF or spill incident at these locations. Due to AFFF storage 

in the hangars, they are identified as possible AFFF release locations. The geographic 

coordinates for the hangars are 31° 23'28.67"N; 92°17'46.84"W (6001) and 31° 23'30.01"N; 

92°17'50.54"W (6002).

Sewage Oxidation Pond

Stormwater is conveyed from various points on the facility to an approximately 1.3-acre square, 

lined, sewage oxidation (oxidation) pond on the southwestern portion of the installation. With the 

exception of AFFF conveyed to the pond through the stormwater system during training between 

1996-2007 (as described in Section 2.1), AASF personnel reported no AFFF release or spill 

incident at this location. LAARNG reports the sewage oxidation pond overflows at least once a 

year. The sewage oxidation pond is considered a possible secondary AFFF release location. The 

geographic coordinates for the sewage oxidation pond are 31° 23'18.34"N; 92°18'15.23"W.

Firehouse Building 6004

The firehouse building was active from the late 1980s through the 1990s, when Esler Field was 

still Esler Regional Airport. According to personnel interviews, Building 6004 was a civilian 

firehouse run by the Holiday Village Fire Department (FD), and AFFF was stored in 5-gallon 

buckets within the building. The firehouse shut down in the late 1990s, and fire response is now 

currently handled through a pre-accident plan with the Holloway VFD. To the best of their 

knowledge, AASF personnel who had been working on site since 1996 reported no AFFF releases 

or spill incidents at this location. Due to AFFF storage in the building, it is identified as a possible 

AFFF release location. The geographic coordinates for the firehouse building are 31° 23'30.01"N; 

92°17'56.20"W.

 Hazmat Storage Building 6067/6068

AFFF was previously stored in a portable building before being moved to the Hazmat storage 

building (6067/6068), located just south of the primary hangar (6001). Currently, three containers 

of Chemguard 3% solution are stored in the hazmat building. During training from 1996 to 2007, 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

16

five-gallon buckets of AFFF were used to recharge the fire extinguisher carts located on the north

and south ramps. To the best of their knowledge, AASF personnel who had been working on site

since 1996 reported no AFFF releases or spill incidents at this location. Due to AFFF storage in

the building, it is identified as a possible AFFF release location. The geographic coordinates for

the hazmat storage building are 31° 23'27.15"N; 92°17'49.38"W.
#*

Approximate

Path of Storm

Sewer Pipe

Drain to Sewage

Oxidation Pond

Sewage Oxidation

Pond

Firehouse

Building

6004

Hazmat Storage

Building 6067/6068

Hangar

Building

6002 Hangar

Building

6001

Flagon Bayou

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

GC

SS

3/19/2020

3/19/2020

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Esler Field, LA

1:7,200

3/19/2020 ­ Figure 3-1

PM RG 3/19/2020

\\URSGermantown.us.ie.urs\Germantown\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\LA\Esler_Field\Esler_Field_PA_MXDs\Fig_3-1_Non-FireTrainingAreas.mxd

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Non-Fire Training Areas

Base Map: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS,

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

Legend

Facility Boundary

Potential PFAS Release

Water Body

River/Stream

0 300 600 1,200

Feet

17
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

18

4. Emergency Response Areas

During the PA interviews, AASF personnel onsite since 1996 reported one emergency response

area on the facility. The Holloway VFD responded to a potential electrical fire located at building

6004 (west of hangar 6002) sometime between 2005-2006. According to the interviews, AFFF

was not used during this response.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

19

5. Adjacent Sources

Off-site sources of PFAS located adjacent to Esler Field AASF were not identified during PA

interviews (Appendix B.1) or in the EDRTM report (Appendix A).
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

20

6. Conceptual Site Model

Based on the PA findings, four AOIs were identified at Esler Field AASF: AOI 1 Sewage Oxidation 

Pond, AOI 2 North Ramp/Wash Rack and Hangar Buildings 6001 and 6002, AOI 3 South Ramp 

and AOI 4 Firehouse Building 6004 and Hazmat Storage Building 6067/6068. The AOIs are shown 

on Figure 6-1. The following sections describe the CSM components and the specific preliminary 

CSMs developed for AOIs 1, 2, 3 and 4. The CSM identifies the three components necessary for 

a potentially complete exposure pathway: (1) source, (2) pathway, (3) receptor. If any of these 

elements are missing, the pathway is considered incomplete.

In general, the potential PFAS exposure pathways are ingestion and inhalation. Human exposure 

via the dermal contact pathway may occur, and current risk practice suggests it is an insignificant 

pathway compared to ingestion; however, exposure data for dermal pathways are sparse and 

continue to be the subject of PFAS toxicological study. Receptors at Esler Field AASF include site 

workers, construction workers, trespassers, off-facility residents, and off-facility recreational 

users. The preliminary CSM for Esler Field AASF indicates which specific receptors could 

potentially be exposed to PFAS. 

AOI 1 Sewage Oxidation Pond

AOI 1 Sewage Oxidation Pond, located at the southwest corner of the facility, is connected to the 

North and South Ramps via the facility stormwater drain system. AFFF was released at the ramps 

during training on several occasions and then rinsed into ramp storm drains. The water then flows 

to an oil and water separator and is then conveyed to the Sewage Oxidation Pond. As a result, 

these training events may have potentially released PFAS to surface water, sediment, and surface 

soil at the Sewage Oxidation Pond. PFAS may have migrated from surface soil to subsurface soil 

and groundwater via leaching. Overflow of this lined pond would result in PFAS releases to 

surface soil and off-site surface water/sediment (specifically to tributaries to Flagon Bayou or Mill 

Creek) and potentially migrate via leaching to subsurface soil and groundwater.

Esler Field AASF receives its water from WWD #3. WWD #3’s two supply wells at Esler Field are 

offline. Based on information provided by LA ARNG a third well is also offline, i.e., Esler Field No 

2 discussed in Section 1.5.3 and referenced in Appendix A EDRTM report. While the assumed 

groundwater flow is to the north-northeast, the specific hydrogeology beneath the facility is 

uncertain. It is unknown if there is communication between the shallow and deeper aquifers locally 

and if undocumented private supply wells may be downgradient of the facility. 

The preliminary CSM for AOI 1 is presented on Figure 6-2. Potential PFAS exposure pathways 

resulting from releases at AOI 1 are described in Table 6-1:

Table 6-1: Exposure Pathways at AOI 1

Pathway Receptor

Surface Soil Considered a potentially complete pathway to site workers, construction 

workers and trespassers via ingestion or inhalation of dust

Subsurface Soil Considered a potentially complete pathway to construction workers via 

ingestion or inhalation of dust

Surface Water 

and Sediment 

Considered a potentially complete pathway to all receptors via ingestion

Groundwater Considered a potentially complete pathway to construction workers and 

off-facility users of groundwater for potable water (residents and workers) 

via ingestion
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

21

AOI 2 North Ramp/Wash Rack and Hangar Buildings 6001 and 

6002

AOI 2 has been identified as the North Ramp/Wash Rack and Hangar Buildings 6001 and 6002. 

AFFF is stored in Hangar Buildings 6001 and 6002. AFFF was released at the ramp/wash rack 

on several occasions and rinsed into drains on the ramp. Drainage from the ramp/wash rack is 

conveyed via underground piping to the Sewage Oxidation Pond. During training exercises, some 

PFAS may have been released to surface soil in adjacent unpaved areas, which could then 

migrate to the subsurface. 

The preliminary CSM for AOI 2 is presented on Figure 6-3. Potential PFAS exposure pathways 

resulting from releases at AOI 2 are described in Table 6-2:

Table 6-2: Exposure Pathways at AOI 2

Pathway Receptor

Surface Soil Considered a potentially complete pathway to site workers, construction 

workers and trespassers via ingestion or inhalation of dust

Subsurface Soil Considered a potentially complete pathway to construction workers via 

ingestion or inhalation of dust

Groundwater Considered a potentially complete pathway to construction workers and 

off-facility users of groundwater for potable water (residents and workers) 

via ingestion

AOI 3 South Ramp

AOI 3 has been identified as the South Ramp. AFFF was released at the ramp on several 

occasions and rinsed into drains on the ramp. Drainage from the ramp is conveyed to the Sewage 

Oxidation Pond. During training exercises, some PFAS may have been released to surface soil 

in adjacent unpaved areas, which could then migrate to the subsurface or, during precipitation 

events, flow south overland to Flagon Bayou. 

The preliminary CSM for AOI 3 is presented on Figure 6-4. Potential PFAS exposure pathways 

resulting from releases at AOI 3 are described in Table 6-3:

Table 6-3: Exposure Pathways at AOI 3

Pathway Receptor

Surface Soil Considered a potentially complete pathway to site workers, construction 

workers and trespassers via ingestion or inhalation of dust

Subsurface Soil Considered a potentially complete pathway to construction workers via 

ingestion or inhalation of dust

Surface Water 

and Sediment 

Considered a potentially complete pathway to all receptors via ingestion

Groundwater Considered a potentially complete pathway to construction workers and 

off-facility users of groundwater for potable water (residents and workers) 

via ingestion
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

22

AOI 4 Firehouse Building 6004 and Hazmat Storage Building 

6067/6068

AOI 4 has been identified as the Firehouse and Hazmat Storage Buildings. While no reported 

AFFF releases were identified at these buildings, the potential exists for leaks or spills associated 

with storage of AFFF. Incidental spills may have been released to the surrounding paved and soil 

covered areas, which could then migrate to the subsurface. 

The preliminary CSM for AOI 4 is presented on Figure 6-5. Potential PFAS exposure pathways 

resulting from releases at AOI 4 are described in Table 6-4:

Table 6-4: Exposure Pathways at AOI 4

Pathway Receptor

Surface Soil Considered a potentially complete pathway to site workers, construction 

workers and trespassers via ingestion or inhalation of dust

Subsurface Soil Considered a potentially complete pathway to construction workers via 

ingestion or inhalation of dust

Groundwater Considered a potentially complete pathway to construction workers and 

off-facility users of groundwater for potable water (residents and workers) 

via ingestion
AOI 4

Sewage Oxidation

Pond

Approximate

Path of Storm

Sewer Pipe

AOI 1

AOI 2

AOI 3

Firehouse

Building 6004

Hazmat Storage

Building 6067/6068

North

Ramp/Wash

Rack

South Ramp

Hangar

Building 6002

Hangar

Building

6001

Flagon Bayou

MillCreek

Lower Flagon

Bayou Watershed

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

GC

SS

3/19/2020

3/19/2020

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Esler Field, LA

1:12,000

3/19/2020 ­ Figure 6-1

PM RG 3/19/2020

\\URSGermantown.us.ie.urs\Germantown\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\LA\Esler_Field\Esler_Field_PA_MXDs\Fig_6-1_AOIs.mxd

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Area of Interest

Base Map: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS,

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

Legend

Area of Interest

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

Wetland

River/Stream

Surface Water Flow Direction

Inferred Groundwater Flow Direction

0 500 1,000 2,000

Feet

23
Media

SOURCE PATHWAY RECEPTOR

AOI 1

Runoff from

precipitation and

stormwater

conveyed from

fire training areas

which drain to

sewage oxidation

pond pond

PFAS in

Surface Soil,

Surface

Water and

Sediment

Human

Activities

Precipitation/

Run-Off

Leaching/

Infiltration

Airborne Soil

Particulate

Surface Soil

at AOIs

Surface

Water/

Sediment

Shallow

Groundwater

Subsurface

Soil

Source Release

Mechanism Media Transportand Migration Media ExposureRoutes

Inhalation of

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors:

Current/ Future

Flow-Chart Continues

Partial / Possible Flow

Flow-Chart Stops

Incomplete Pathway

Potentially Complete Pathway

Complete Pathway

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

LEGEND

Figure 6-2

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

AOI 1 Sewage Oxidation Pond Pond at Esler Field AASF, LA

Potential

Off-Facility

Source Not

under

Control of

ARNG

/ /

/ / /

/

Ingestion

/

/

/ / / /

Notes:

1. The resident and recreational user

receptors refer to an off-site resident and

recreational user.

2. Dermal contact exposure pathway is

incomplete for PFAS.

/ / /

/ / / /

/

24
Media

SOURCE PATHWAY RECEPTOR

AOI 2

Fire Training

Areas; Runoff

from precipitation

PFAS in

Surface Soil

Human

Activities

Precipitation/

Run-Off

Leaching/

Infiltration

Airborne Soil

Particulate

Surface Soil

at AOIs

Surface

Water/

Sediment

Shallow

Groundwater

Subsurface

Soil

Source Release

Mechanism Media Transportand Migration Media ExposureRoutes

Inhalation of

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors:

Current/ Future

Flow-Chart Continues

Partial / Possible Flow

Flow-Chart Stops

Incomplete Pathway

Potentially Complete Pathway

Complete Pathway

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

LEGEND

Figure 6-3

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

AOI 2 North Ramp/Wash Rack at Esler Field AASF, LA

Potential

Off-Facility

Source Not

under

Control of

ARNG

/ /

/ / /

/

Ingestion

/

/

/ / / /

Notes:

1. The resident and recreational user

receptors refer to an off-site resident and

recreational user.

2. Dermal contact exposure pathway is

incomplete for PFAS.

/ / / /

/ / / /

25
Media

SOURCE PATHWAY RECEPTOR

AOI 3

Fire Training

Areas; Runoff

from precipitation

PFAS in

Surface Soil

Human

Activities

Precipitation/

Run-Off

Leaching/

Infiltration

Airborne Soil

Particulate

Surface Soil

at AOIs

Surface

Water/

Sediment

Shallow

Groundwater

Subsurface

Soil

Source Release

Mechanism Media Transportand Migration Media ExposureRoutes

Inhalation of

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors:

Current/ Future

Flow-Chart Continues

Partial / Possible Flow

Flow-Chart Stops

Incomplete Pathway

Potentially Complete Pathway

Complete Pathway

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

LEGEND

Figure 6-4

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

AOI 3 South Ramp at Esler Field AASF, LA

Potential

Off-Facility

Source Not

under

Control of

ARNG

/ /

/ / /

/

Ingestion

/

/

/ / / /

Notes:

1. The resident and recreational user

receptors refer to an off-site resident and

recreational user.

2. Dermal contact exposure pathway is

incomplete for PFAS.

/ / / /

/ / / /

26
Media

SOURCE PATHWAY RECEPTOR

AOI 4

Leaks/spills

associated with

AFFF storage

PFAS in

Surface Soil

Human

Activities

Precipitation/

Run-Off

Leaching/

Infiltration

Airborne Soil

Particulate

Surface Soil

at AOIs

Surface

Water/

Sediment

Shallow

Groundwater

Subsurface

Soil

Source Release

Mechanism Media Transportand Migration Media ExposureRoutes

Inhalation of

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors:

Current/ Future

Flow-Chart Continues

Partial / Possible Flow

Flow-Chart Stops

Incomplete Pathway

Potentially Complete Pathway

Complete Pathway

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker

Off-Facility

Resident

Trespasser/

Recreational User

LEGEND

Figure 6-5

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

AOI 4 Firehouse Building 6004 and Hazmat Storage Building

6067/6068 at Esler Field AASF, LA

Potential

Off-Facility

Source Not

under

Control of

ARNG

/ /

/ / /

/

Ingestion

/

/

/ / / /

Notes:

1. The resident and recreational user

receptors refer to an off-site resident and

recreational user.

2. Dermal contact exposure pathway is

incomplete for PFAS.

/ / / /

/ / / /

27
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

28

7. Conclusions

This report presents a summary of available information gathered during the PA on the use and 

storage of AFFF and other PFAS-related activities at Esler Field AASF. The PA findings are based 

on the information presented in Appendix A and Appendix B.

Findings

Four AOIs related to potential PFAS releases were identified at the AASF during the PA. A 

summary of the AOIs is shown in Table 7-1 and their location on Figure 7-1.

Table 7-1: AOIs at Esler Field AASF

Area of 

Interest Name Used by Potential Release Date

AOI 1 Sewage Oxidation 

Pond LAARNG Between 1996 and 2007

AOI 2

North Ramp/Wash 

Rack;

Hangar Buildings 

6001 and 6002

LAARNG jointly with the 

Holloway VFD;

LAARNG

North Ramp/Wash Rack 

training between 1996 and 

2007; 

hangar AFFF storage from 

1980s to current

AOI 3 South Ramp LAARNG jointly with the 

Holloway VFD Between 2006 and 2007

AOI 4

Firehouse Building 

6004;

Hazmat Storage 

Building 6067/6068

LAARNG jointly with 

Holiday Village FD;

LAARNG

Between late 1980s and 

1990s; 

Since 1996

Based on potential PFAS releases at these AOIs, there is potential for exposure to PFAS 

contamination in media at or near the facility. The preliminary CSMs for Esler Field AASF, which 

present the potential receptors and media impacted, are shown on Figures 6-2 through 6-5.

Uncertainties

A number of information sources were investigated during this PA to determine the potential for 

PFAS-containing materials to have been present, used, or released at the facility. Historically, 

documentation of PFAS use was not required because PFAS were considered benign. Therefore, 

records were not typically kept by the facility or available during the PA on the use of PFAS in 

training, firefighting, or other non-traditional activities, or on its disposition. 

The conclusions of this PA are predominantly based on the information provided during interviews 

with personnel who had direct knowledge of PFAS use at the facility. Sometimes the provided 

information was vague. Gathered information has a degree of uncertainty due to the absence of 

written documentation, the limited number of personnel with direct knowledge due to staffing 

changes, the time passed since PFAS was first used (1969 to present), and a reliance on personal 

recollection. Inaccuracies may arise in potential PFAS release locations, dates of release, volume 

of releases, and the concentration of AFFF used. There is also a possibility the PA has missed a 

source of PFAS, as the science of how PFAS may enter the environment continually evolves.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

29

In order to minimize the level of uncertainty, readily available data regarding the use and storage 

of PFAS were reviewed, retired and current personnel were interviewed, multiple persons were 

interviewed for the same potential source area, and potential source areas were visually 

inspected. Table 7-2 summarizes the uncertainties associated with the PA.

Table 7-2: Uncertainties

Area of Interest Source of Uncertainty

AOI 1 Sewage Oxidation 

Pond

The condition of the lining in the sewage oxidation pond is 

unknown. 

AOIs 1, 2, and 3 Sewage 

Oxidation Pond, North 

Ramp/Wash Rack/Hangars, 

and South Ramp

Limited information was available on other types of AFFF 

(other than Chemguard 3%) that may have been used and the 

quantities released during training.

AOI 3 South Ramp The underground pathway between the south ramp drains and 

the pond is unclear.

AOI 4 Firehouse Building 

6004 and Hazmat Storage 

Building 6067/6068

No leaks or spills of AFFF were reported however uncertainty 

exists based on the potential for releases associated with 

historical and current AFFF storage.

Potential Future Actions

Interviews with LAARNG facility staff indicate that past ARNG activities might possibly have 

contributed PFAS contamination to soil, groundwater, surface water, or sediment at the facility or 

adjacent areas. 

Interviews and records indicate that former LAARNG activities may have resulted in potential 

PFAS releases at the AOIs identified. Based on the preliminary CSMs developed for these AOIs, 

there is potential for receptors to be exposed to PFAS contamination in soil, groundwater surface 

water, and groundwater at the AOIs. Table 7-3 summarizes the rationale used to determine if the 

AOIs should be considered for further investigation under the CERCLA process and undergo an 

SI. 

ARNG will evaluate the need for an SI based on the potential receptors, the potential migration of 

PFAS contamination off the facility, and the availability of resources. 

Table 7-3: PA Findings Summary

Area of Interest AOI Location Rationale Potential Future 

Action

AOI 1 Sewage 

Oxidation Pond

31° 23'18.34"N and 

92°18'15.23"W

AFFF was used for fire 

training exercises and 

released to the ramps, 

which drain to the pond

Proceed to an SI, 

focus on soil, 

surface water, 

sediment and 

groundwater

AOI 2 North 

Ramp/Wash Rack 

and Hangar 

Buildings 6001 and 

6002

31° 23'27.15"N and 

92°17'45.64"W

AFFF was used for fire 

training exercises and 

released to the 

ramp/wash rack and it 

was stored in Hangars 

6001/6002

Proceed to an SI, 

focus on soil and 

groundwater
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

30

Area of Interest AOI Location Rationale Potential Future

Action

AOI 3 South Ramp 31° 23'24.84"N and

92°17'38.92"W.

AFFF was used for fire

training exercises and

released to the ramp

Proceed to an SI,

focus on soil,

surface water,

sediment and

groundwater

AOI 4 Firehouse

Building 6004 and

Hazmat Storage

Building 6067/6068

31° 23'30.01"N; 

92°17'56.20"W. and

31° 23'27.15"N; 

92°17'49.38"W.

AFFF stored in two

buildings may have

leaked or spilled

Proceed to an SI,

focus on soil and

groundwater
Approximate

Path of Storm

Sewer Pipe

AOI 1

AOI 2

AOI 4 AOI 3

Firehouse

Building 6004

Hazmat Storage

Building 6067/6068

North Ramp/Wash

Rack

South Ramp

Hangar

Building 6002

Hangar Building

6001

Sewage Oxidation

Pond

Flagon Bayou

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SS

3/19/2020

3/19/2020

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Esler Field, LA

1:7,200

3/19/2020 ­ Figure 7-1

RG 3/19/2020

0 300 600 1,200

Feet

Summary of Findings

Base Map: Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS,

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

Legend

Area of Interest

No Suspected Release

Potential PFAS Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

River/Stream

0 300 600 1,200

Feet

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876 PM

31
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

32

8. References

Charrier, Roy. 2020. Telephone communication. 10 January 2020.

French, James, 2020. Telephone communication. 10 January 2020.

Horst, Jerald, 2019. Defining Lake Catahoula, Louisiana Sportsman.

https://www.louisianasportsman.com/hunting/waterfowl-duck-hunting/defining-lake-catahoula/ /

(Accessed December 2019).

Louisiana Army National Guard (LAARNG). 2007. Final Integrated Natural Resources

Management Plan, Louisiana Army National Guard, Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, Fiscal Years

2006–2010. February.

Louisiana Army National Guard (LAARNG). (n.d.). Esler Field History.

https://geauxguard.la.gov/installations/camp-beauregard/esler-field/ (Accessed November

2019).

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) 1982. Mean Monthly, Seasonal and

Annual Pan Evaporation for the United States, December.

https://www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/hdsc/PMP_related_studies/TR34.pdf (Accessed January 2020).

NOAA, 2019. Climate Information for Alexandria Esler Field Rapides Parish Louisiana.

https://www.weather.gov/lch/KESF (Accessed December 2019)

USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). 2014. Operational Range Assessment Phase II Report,

Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. July.

USACHPPM (United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine). Army

Operational Range Assessment Team. 2004. Range Condition Assessment No. 38-EH-02RN-04,

Louisiana Army National Guard, Major Training Area Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. 16-19 March.

USAEHA (U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Agency). 1994. Site Assessment Survey No. 38-26-

1333-94, Camp Beauregard, Louisiana Army National Guard. 18–22 July.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1991. Guidance for Performing

Preliminary Assessments under CERCLA. September.

USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture), Soil Conservation Service. 1980. Soil Survey of Rapides

Parish, Louisiana.

USDA. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2019. Web Soil Survey.

https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx (Accessed December 2019).

USGS (U.S. Geological Survey), National Geologic Map Database. 2019a. (original data source

referenced as Fisk, H.N., 1940. Geology of Avoyelles and Rapides Parishes: Louisiana Geological

Survey, Geological Bulletin GB-18, scale 1:62,500). https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngmbin/pdp/zui_viewer.pl?id=2566 (Accessed December 2019).

USGS, 2019b. Groundwater Atlas of the United States, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi.

https://pubs.usgs.gov/ha/ha730/ch_f/F-text3.html (Accessed December 2019).

USGS, 2009. Water Resources of Rapides Parish.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

Appendix A

Data Resources
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

Data Resources will be provided separately on CD. Data Resources for Esler Field AASF

include:

 Environmental Data ResourcesTM

· 2019 EDRTM Report Aerial Photo Decade Package, Esler Field, LA. April

· 2019 EDRTM Report Radius Map Report with GeoCheck®, Esler Field, LA. April

· 2019 EDRTM Report Radius Map Report with GeoCheck® Addendum, Esler Field, LA.

April

· 2019 EDRTM Report Certified Sanborn® Map Report, Esler Field, LA. April

Water Resources Fact Sheet

USGS Water Resources of Rapides Parish Louisiana

 Previous Investigations Completed at Adjacent ARNG Facility (Camp Beauregard)

2007 Camp Beauregard Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

Appendix B

Preliminary Assessment Documentation
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

Appendix B.1

Interview Records












1

From:

Sent: Friday, January 10, 2020 2:25 PM

To:

Subject: Buckeye Water District No. 50_water sources

Dear Mr. ,

Thank you for taking time to speak with me today. As I mentioned, AECOM is working for the Army National Guard at

Esler Field and Camp Beauregard. This confirms information you provided, specifically that your District obtains all

source water from 5 water wells that range from 1,800 to 2,000 feet deep. Two wells (#1 and #2) are located northeast

of Buckeye off LA-115; three wells (#s 3, 4 and 5) are located in Libuse LA.

Best regards,

**********

Principal Geologist

Geoenvironmental and Remediation Services

1

From:

Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2020 1:27 PM

To:

Cc:

Subject: FW: Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish_water sources

Hi ,

Thanks for calling today on behalf of Mr. and agreeing to research the total depths of the 2 supply wells at Esler

(#8 and #9) and the 2 at Camp Beauregard Cantonement Area (# 2 and #7). I am copying as he is working with me

on the Preliminary Assessment reports we are preparing for both of these facilities. I believe you also mentioned that

one of the Esler wells is being targeted for plug and abandonment due to ongoing water quality issues. Would that be

#9? If you have any additional information about when that is planned, please advise.

I had also asked Mr. about information regarding other wells WWD#3 uses for their water supply, specifically

locations and depths, particularly if they are within 4 miles of Esler or Beauregard facilities.

Lastly we would also be grateful if you are in a position to share results of any future PFAS sampling of one or more of

the wells you mentioned you may be conducting, so we can provide those results to our Army National Guard clients

accordingly.

Best regards,

********

From:

Sent: Friday, January 10, 2020 2:45 PM

To:

Subject: Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish_water sources

Dear Mr. ,

Thank you for taking time to speak with me today. As I mentioned, AECOM is working for the Army National Guard at

Esler Field and Camp Beauregard. This confirms information you provided, specifically that your District obtains

approximately 60% of its source water from surface water drawn from Big Creek in Grant Parish; 40% from groundwater

including two wells at Camp Beauregard (#2 and #7) which require treatment to remove organic color. Two wells at Esler

Field (#8 and #9) are offline due to methane which is cost prohibitive to treat. However, well #8 is used to supply Esler

Field’s maintenance facility’s fire protection water storage tank.

I look forward to receiving any additional information you can provide about the depths of these wells; and,

location/depth of other wells used by WWD#3, at your earliest convenience.

I was able to speak with Mr. with the Buckeye Water District #50 regarding their wells, so I greatly

appreciate you directing me to them.

Best regards,

Sarah
WATER WORKS DISTRICT No. 3 GENERAL SERVICE AREA 

& GROUND WATER MAP 

PROPOSED GROUND STORAGE TANK REPLACEMENT SITE 20" WATER MAIN BIG CREEK SURFACE WATER INTAKE STRUCTURE AND PUMP STATION KINGSVILLE 500,000 GALLON ELEVATED TANK CAMP LIVINGSTON SURFACE WATER TREATMENT PLANT PROPOSED COLOR REMOVAL EQUIPMENT SITE WELL No. 1 

LL No. 5 WELL No. 4 WELL No. 2 WELL No. 7 WELL No. 9 WELL No. 8 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

Appendix B.2

Visual Site Inspection Checklists







PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

Appendix B.3

Conceptual Site Model Information
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Site Name: Esler Field AASF, LAARNG

Why has this location been identified as a site? Fire training with AFFF conducted on ramps, AFFF

stored.

Are there any other activities nearby that could also impact this location? None identified

Training Events

Have any training events with AFFF occurred at this site? Yes

If so, how often? Annual

Identify Potential Pathways: Do we have enough information to fully understand over land surface

water flow, groundwater flow, and geological formations on and around the facility? Any direct

pathways to larger water bodies?

Surface Water:

Surface water flow direction? South to Flagon Bayou then east then north to Catahoula Lake

Average rainfall? 58 inches

Any flooding during rainy season? moderate

Direct or indirect pathway to ditches? Underground storm sewer drains west to pond

Direct or indirect pathway to larger bodies of water? Indirect. Flagon Bayou drains to Catahoula Lake

Does surface water pond any place on site? No

Any impoundment areas or retention ponds? Yes

Any NPDES location points near the site? Unknown

How does surface water drain on and around the flight line? Storm drains present on flight lines.

Possible overland flow to surrounding grassy areas during storm events
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Groundwater:

Groundwater flow direction? Unknown

Depth to groundwater? Unknown

Uses (agricultural, drinking water, irrigation)? Drinking, agricultural

Any groundwater treatment systems? No

Any groundwater monitoring well locations near the site? Unknown

Is groundwater used for drinking water? Yes

Are there drinking water supply wells on installation? Two wells onsite but not online

Do they serve off-post populations? Not currently

Are there off-post drinking water wells downgradient? Yes

Waste Water Treatment Plant:

Has the installation ever had a WWTP, past or present? Unknown

If so, do we understand the process and which water is/was treated at the plant?

Do we understand the fate of sludge waste?

Is surface water from potential contaminated sites treated?

Equipment Rinse Water

1. Is firefighting equipment washed? Where does the rinse water go? OWS conveys water to pond

2. Are nozzles tested? How often are nozzles tested? Where are nozzles tested? Are nozzles cleaned

after use? Where does the rinse water flow after cleaning nozzles? Training/nozzle testing with AFFF

conducted annually 1996-2007 on North and South ramps

3. Other?
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Identify Potential Receptors:

Site Worker Yes

Construction Worker Yes

Recreational User Offsite

Residential Offsite

Child Offsite

Ecological Yes

Note what is located near by the site (e.g. daycare, schools, hospitals, churches, agricultural, livestock)?

Documentation

Ask for Engineering drawings (if applicable).

Has there been a reconstruction or changes to the drainage system? When did that occur? Unknown
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field AASF, Louisiana

Appendix C

Photographic Log
Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field Army Aviation Support Facility, Louisiana

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

AECOM

APPENDIX C – Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary

Assessment for PFAS Esler Field AASF Pineville, Louisiana

Photograph No. 1

Description:

Photo of Wash Rack on north

ramp of Hangar 6001.

Date: 01/24/19

Photograph No. 2

Description:

Photo of Wash Rack drains on

north ramp of Hangar 6001.

Date: 01/24/19
Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field Army Aviation Support Facility, Louisiana

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

AECOM

APPENDIX C – Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary

Assessment for PFAS Esler Field AASF Pineville, Louisiana

Photograph No. 3

Description:

Photo of oil/water separator

manholes on west-southwest

corner of Hangar 6001.

Date: 01/24/19

Photograph No. 4

Description:

Photo of north ramp of Hangar

6001.

Date: 01/24/19
Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field Army Aviation Support Facility, Louisiana

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

AECOM

APPENDIX C – Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary

Assessment for PFAS Esler Field AASF Pineville, Louisiana

Photograph No. 5

Description:

Photo of AFFF fire

extinguisher.

Date: 01/24/19

Photograph No. 6

Description:

Photo looking west at Esler

Field from entrance to

oxidation pond.

Date: 01/24/19
Preliminary Assessment Report

Esler Field Army Aviation Support Facility, Louisiana

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

AECOM

APPENDIX C – Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary

Assessment for PFAS Esler Field AASF Pineville, Louisiana

Photograph No. 7

Description:

Photo of oxidation pond west

of Esler Field.

Date: 01/24/19

Photograph No. 8

Description:

Photo of oxidation pond west

of Esler Field.

Date: 01/24/19