Dry Cleaner Site Remediation Services

Because dry cleaners are small businesses, their environmental impacts are often overlooked in commercial real estate transactions. However, these operations use relatively large volumes of hazardous substances. Moreover, because of poor housekeeping, dry cleaners have historically had a high frequency of spills and discharges. Indeed, prior studies have estimated that 75% of the 30,000 dry cleaners in existence at that time discharged Tetrachloroethylene or Perchloroethylene (PCE) into the soil or groundwater.

One common source of contamination is discharge of contaminated wastewater into the septic systems or sewers where PCE would leak from cracks and joints into groundwater. In fact, manufacturers of dry cleaner recommended that the machines be connected to the sewer system. PCE was also often spill on floors during transfer of clothing from washers to dryers or during product transfers. The PCE would then flow into floor drains and then enter the septic system or sewer. Other sources of contamination was spills or leaks from outside waste drums holding spent solvent, storage tanks holding virgin product and used filters that were disposed in dumpsters. Another source of spills could be condensation of heated vapors vented to building exteriors. PCE can erode asphalt and penetrate concrete. Thus, unless dry cleaners had floors with sealant, PCE spills likely migrated into the environment.

Often times dry cleaner sites are in mini-malls around the New York Metro Area. GWS Environemental Contractors has the experience to remediate dry cleaners that are within confined spaces such as mini-malls, providing proper safety to receptors surrounding the AOC. Often times the other businesses are able to maintain operation during our work. Contact GWS to see how we can help you remediate your site in the most efficient and cost effective manor.