Initial Site Investigation at an Active Dry Cleaner Facility

Challenge

Mundell was retained to provide consulting services at an active dry cleaning facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. Delineation of chlorinated volatile organic compound (cVOC) impacts to soil and groundwater was needed after cVOC impacts were identified adjacent to the Site during a brownfield-related investigation. The Site building was historically occupied by a dry cleaner and is currently occupied by an active dry cleaner. The Site is also located in a Five Year Time-of-Travel (W-5) municipal wellfield for the City of Indianapolis.

Action

Mundell performed initial investigation activities on the Site in order to determine the presence of cVOC impacts. This included drilling both inside and outside of the building. The soil and groundwater results indicated that a cVOC release had occurred at the Site.

Results

Mundell identified chlorinated impacts in shallow soil and groundwater underneath the Site building, which indicated a potential for on-site and off-site vapor intrusion. A subsequent vapor intrusion investigation at the Site building identified the presence of cVOC vapors beneath and within the Site building, with indoor air concentrations exceeding VI screening levels. To interrupt this potential VI pathway and protect occupants from potential vapor exposure, Mundell oversaw the installation of vapor mitigation systems.

Mundell collected soil gas samples from the Site and Right-of-Way in front of residences located adjacent to the Site. Chlorinated VOCs were detected in the soil gas samples, indicating that vapor intrusion work will need to be performed on nearby residences.

Mundell will design a Further Site Investigation Plan for review by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). This plan will include extensive vapor intrusion work around the Site along with further soil boring, groundwater sampling and initial monitoring well installation.