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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
B5VH |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
7/27/2010 |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Time-Critical |
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Response Lead: |
EPA |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Action |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
9/22/2010 |
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Start Date: |
9/22/2010 |
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Demob Date: |
9/15/2011 |
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Completion Date: |
9/15/2011 |
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CERCLIS ID: |
WIN000510415 |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
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State Notification: |
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FPN#: |
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Reimbursable Account #: |
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1.1.1 Incident Category
Time critical removal action.
1.1.2 Site Description
The building on-site was built as a dry cleaning facility in 1954. The dry cleaning operation has changed owners numerous times since initial construction and is currently operated as Sterling Cleaners. The property is immediately bordered on the west and north by residences. Commercial facilities are located across the street to the east and south.
1.1.2.1 Location
The Sterling Cleaners Site (Site) is located at 304 W. Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton, Outagamie County, Wisconsin.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
Historic dumping of the dry cleaning solvent perchloroethylene (PCE) at the Site resulted in significant soil contamination. The PCE migrated through the soils into the groundwater and traveled offsite, resulting in vapor intrusion at neighboring properties.
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
In March and August, 2010, U.S. EPA conducted site assessment activities. PCE was detected by U.S. EPA at levels 1,000 times greater than the Preliminary Remediation Goal in soils on Site, 7,500 times greater than the MCL in groundwater, and three times above the action level recommended by the WI Department of Health Services (WDHS) in the indoor air of neighboring properties.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
This removal action was conducted in two phases. During the first mobilization, in September and October, 2010, contaminated soils were excavated to the extent possible, in-situ treatment was applied to remaining contaminated soils, the excavation area was restored, and a sub-slab depressurization system (SSDS) was installed at a neighboring impacted residence. Performance sampling was conducted in January and May, 2011 to determine the efficacy of the initial removal action remedies. The sampling revealed that the measures taken were reducing the PCE vapors at the neighboring properties, but that there was also an ambient contribution from Sterling Cleaners' operations to the PCE contamination detected at the neighboring properties.
On August 29, 2011, U.S. EPA and its ERRS contractor remobilized to the Site to install a remedy to address the ambient PCE vapors impacting the neighboring residences. An existing exhaust fan that vented out the north side of Sterling Cleaners was replaced with a larger air intake fan and two new exhaust fans were installed on the roof of the facility. With these modifications, PCE emissions from the dry cleaning operations are now vented away from neighboring homes.
2.1.2. Response Actions to Date
A final round of performance sampling was conducted at the impacted neighboring property on September 14-15, 2011 to determine the efficacy of the U.S. EPA removal action. The sampling indicated that the PCE concentrations are now below the State of Wisconsin Vapor Intrusion Action Level. A No Further Action letter was sent to the property owner on October 27, 2011.
During this reporting period, WDNR installed groundwater monitoring wells on the Sterling Cleaners and neighboring properties to evaluate the efficacy of the removal action. Sampling conducted to date confirms continued breakdown of the chlorinated solvents in the groundwater.
The operators of Sterling Cleaners have reported to the OSC that one of the newly installed roof fans leaks occasionally. The OSC and ERRS RM have been working with the subcontractor over the last few months to correct the leak. The cause of the leak was identified and addressed. The completion date of this Removal Action was delayed pending resolution of the leaky fan.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
EPA's enforcement team continues to evaluate financial viability of PRPs.
The operator of Sterling Cleaners changed during this reporting period.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
| Concrete |
Solid |
10 cu.yds |
NA |
NA |
Valley Trail Landfill |
| PCE contaminated soil (F002) |
Solid |
150 Tons |
007796753JJK
007796754JJK
007796755JJK
007796756JJK
007796757JJK
007796758JJK
007796759JJK
007796760JJK
007796761JJK
007796762JJK |
Chemical Oxidation |
EQ |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
This removal action is complete. No further U.S. EPA action is anticipated for this Site.
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
WDNR will be conducting a PA/SSI at this Site this year. This will involve installing additional monitoring wells and collecting additional soil samples to further delineate the western end of the plume and the contamination within the sewer lateral (believed to be a preferential pathway of the contamination). Based on the results of the additional sampling, WDNR will determine if additional injections of bacteria or chemicals to treat the soils in place is appropriate.
The SSDS and HVAC systems installed as part of this removal action will be maintained by the respective property owners.
2.2.2 Issues
The location of underground gas and fiber optic lines in and around contaminated area limited the amount of contaminated soil that could be excavated.
Sampling indicates that the SSDS and HVAC systems installed as part of this removal action must be operating in order for the PCE concentrations inside the neighboring residence to be below the Wisconsin Vapor Intrusion Action Level.
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2.3 Logistics Section
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No logistics issues to report.
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2.4 Finance Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.5 Other Command Staff
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2.5.1 Safety Officer
No safety incidents occurred during the removal action.
2.6 Liaison Officer
The Appleton Health Department, WDHS, and WDNR were actively involved in the removal action. The Appleton Department of Public Works also assisted U.S. EPA with the initial mobilization and the Appleton Building Department assisted with the second mobilization.
2.7 Information Officer
Information flyers regarding the removal action were distributed in the area and to Sterling Cleaners' customers during the removal action. Copies are available at www.epaosc.org/sterlingcleaners.
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Unified Command
Not applicable.
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
Appleton Building Department
Appleton Health Department
Appleton Public Works Department
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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4. Personnel On Site
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During this reporting period, EPA OSC Halbur, RM Behrens, and the ventilation subcontractor have occasionally been at the Site to check on the reported leaky fan.
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5. Definition of Terms
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ERRS: Emergency and Rapid Response Services
HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level (drinking water standard)
PA/SSI: Preliminary Assessment/Screening Site Inspection
PCE: Perchloroethylene (also known as Tetrachloroethylene)
RM: Response Manager
SSDS: Sub-slab Depressurization System
START: Superfund Technical Assessment & Response Team
U.S. EPA: United States Environmental Protection Agency
WDHS: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
WDNR: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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6. Additional sources of information
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6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
Additional information is available at www.epaosc.org/sterlingcleaners.
WDNR Vapor Intrusion Information: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/technical/vapor.htm
6.2 Reporting Schedule
This is the Final POLREP.
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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| R5 Priorities Summary |
| This is an Integrated River Assessment. The numbers should overlap. |
Miles of river systems cleaned and/or restored |
N/A |
| Cubic yards of contaminated sediments removed and/or capped |
N/A |
| Gallons of oil/water recovered |
N/A |
| Acres of soil/sediment cleaned up in floodplains and riverbanks |
N/A |
| Stand Alone Assessment |
Acres Protected |
1 |
| Number of contaminated residential yards cleaned up |
N/A |
| Human Health Exposures Avoided |
50 |
| Number of workers on site |
10 |
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