Environmental Investigative Activites

In 2016, JPR performed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) for a coin-operated laundry and dry-cleaning facility. The Phase I ESA identified a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) related to the historical use of the dry-cleaning solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE). Because of this, JPR recommended the implementation of a Phase II ESA to determine if the shallow soil and groundwater at the subject site had been adversely impacted by the use of PCE.

The ESA identified its presence along with other associated solvents at concentrations that exceeded the applicable IDEM Remediation Closure Guide (RCG) screening levels. Based on the initial results, a release was reported to IDEM on April 19, 2017.

To delineate the nature and extent of the impacted soil and groundwater, an Initial Site Investigation was implemented with the advancement of soil borings and the installation of groundwater monitoring wells to collect samples for analytical testing. In October 2017, the findings were summarized in an Initial Site Investigation Report. Since then, numerous further site investigations (FSIs) and quarterly sampling events have been conducted.

As part of additional investigations to delineate the contamination, a total of 27 soil borings have been advanced and 40 groundwater monitoring wells have been installed across the site. Paired sub-slab and indoor air sampling events were also conducted on the building and at an adjacent facility to the west. Once the impact was sufficiently delineated, JPR developed a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to remediate the soil, groundwater, and vapor impacts across the site.

In 2020, upon IDEM approval of the CAP, JPR oversaw the implementation of bioremediation injections by Regenesis Remediation Services. The IDEM approved corrective action utilized enhanced in situ anaerobic bioremediation. Through this, a bacterial population capable of complete reductive dechlorination of the source contaminants of PCE and TCE will be generated – with the end product being a non-toxic ethene. Complete reduction to ethene is typically achieved within two to three years.

The 2020 bioremediation solution (consisting of 3DME, BDI Plus, and CRS) has resulted in a dramatic decrease in PCE concentrations in the groundwater across the site. Prior to the remediation injections, 9 of the then 30 monitoring wells exhibited groundwater samples with PCE at concentrations exceeding its IDEM RCG Tap Water Screening Level of 5 ug/L. As of the most recent sampling event that took place mid-2022, only three of the 30 monitoring wells exhibited groundwater samples with concentrations exceeding its screening level.

Additional delineation of the groundwater plume is needed toward the west and northwest. If the sampling of the planned additional monitoring wells indicates the absence of PCE (and other related constituents) at concentrations exceeding IDEM screening levels, a request for site closure will be made to IDEM.