Tag: perc

Selecting A Remedial Technology

Posted on by shenshaw

Written by Steve Henshaw, P.G., President and CEO, Enviroforensics

As seen in the January 2009 issue of Western Cleaner & Launderer

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Selecting a remedial technology could be the most important decision you could make.  So how does one go about selecting a cleanup approach and what factors come into play?  The effectiveness of any cleanup technology is dependant on the chemicals being remediated (petroleum or perchloroethylene), the chemical concentrations, the geologic or stratigraphic setting of the Site, the depth to groundwater and whether or not groundwater is impacted and will need to be remediated.  If anyone tells you that they can cleanup contamination without knowing the specifics of the site, be very cautious of that individual. Continue reading “Selecting A Remedial Technology”

Environmental Corner

Posted on by shenshaw

Written by Steve Henshaw, P.G., President and CEO, EnviroForensics
As seen in the October 2008 issue of Western Cleaner & Launderer

PDF Version

Over the past few years, Randy Wendt, the editor of Western Cleaners and Launderers, and I have talked about various environmental issues that threaten the financial viability of operating a dry cleaning business.  Last month Randy asked if I would be willing to prepare periodic articles for this publication focusing on educating dry cleaners about these various issues.  As a staunch supporter of the dry cleaner industry, I am pleased to share my experiences and thoughts with readers, in an effort to demystify the topic of environmental contamination, the process of site investigations, describe different remedial alternatives, and provide insight on ways to protect you from this long tail liability.  I welcome your feedback and topic requests. Continue reading “Environmental Corner”

Dry Cleaners Find Toxins on Property

Posted on by Jeff Carnahan

Written By Mercedes Rodriguez
As Published in The Herald-Times July 13, 2008

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Steve Arthur, owner of Bloomington Cleaners, recently had his business crawling with tiny backhoes and excavators, with workmen tearing up the concrete, all to remove a dangerous chemical from the property.

Arthur closed up the dry cleaning business he has owned since 1992 the week of June 30, and had 120 tons of soil contaminated by perchloroethylene—known as perc—trucked away. “Part of it was being a good citizen, and part of it is protecting the value of the property,” Arthur said.

The building on West 17th Street has been a dry cleaners for more than 35 years, Arthur said, and years ago some dry cleaning chemicals could have leaked from old machinery or been spilled. Continue reading “Dry Cleaners Find Toxins on Property”

Anatomy of Cleanup

Posted on by Jeff Carnahan

Indianapolis firm helps dry cleaner in Bloomington remove contaminated soil

Written by Mercedes Rodriquez
Published in The Herald-Times July 12, 2008

PDF Version

Bloomington – About 120 tons of soil were removed from the site of Bloomington Cleaners, a dry cleaning business owned by Steve Arthur, during the week of June 30.

Arthur says though he entered the cleaning business in 1992, his building had housed dry cleaners for more than 35 years. Equipment used in the past more prone to leaks and spills. It was time to clean up, he said. The Indianapolis firm EnviroForensics was brought in to do environmental cleanup, to remove soil under the building and under the parking lot. The soil was found to be contaminated with perchloroethylene, a chemical used in the dry cleaning process. EnviroForensics officials estimate that a job the size of Bloomington Cleaners would costs roughly $500,000. Continue reading “Anatomy of Cleanup”