Final Phase II Environmental Site Assessment; Temple Inland Forest Products Tracts; Big Thicket National Preserve, Beaumont, Texas

Michael Baker Jr., Inc

In early August 2005, Michael Baker Jr., Inc. (Baker) conducted a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) on five tracts of land owned and managed by Temple Inland Forest Products (Temple), located within Big Thicket National Preserve (BITH), near Beaumont, Texas. The purpose of the Phase II ESA was to provide the National Park Service with information regarding the state of recognized environmental conditions (RECs) identified in a Phase I ESA performed by RMC Consultants, Inc. (RMC). The NPS desired to use this to assist in making informed business decisions about acquisition of the properties. This report and its findings were performed in accordance with American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Guidance E 1903-97; NPS Scope of Work (SOW) dated May 16, 2005; and with generally accepted professional practices, principles, and procedures existing at the time of the preparation of this report. Five separate tracts of land were part of this Phase II ESA. These tracts included 221-02, 221-05, 222-03, 224-03, and 226-06. An asbestos and paint survey was conducted at two cabins located on Tract 221-02. Soil sampling was conducted at a former tire burn area on Tract 221-05. Soil and groundwater sampling was conducted between a former oil well and Tract 222-03 to assess if well operations impacted tract soil and groundwater. Tract 224-03 was inspected to document current conditions. Soil and groundwater sampling was conducted between an active gas well and Tract 226- 06 to asses if well operations impacted tract soil and groundwater. Conditions at each tract were documented by providing information regarding site description and features, the physical setting, site history and land use, and adjacent property land use. The scope of assessment, field methods, and analytical methods were also documented.