1.1.1 Incident Category

PRP Removal Action

1.1.2 Site Description

      The Midway Cleaners site (Site) is located in Wyoming, Pennsylvania. The Site consists of a commercial strip mall that contains various retail stores. A dry cleaning facility (Midway Cleaners) was located at the strip mall through the early 1980's. Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources (PA DER) conducted an assessment at the site in 1982. PA DER reported that dry cleaning liquids were previously discharged into a small lagoon that was located approximately 150 feet behind the strip mall. Liquids from the lagoon subsequently discharged into a pooled area/pond in a field behind the facility. Midway Cleaners had reportedly ceased discharging chemicals to the lagoon at the time of the 1982 report.

      Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) recently requested that EPA Region 3 evaluate whether there is any threat posed by potential vapor intrusion issues at the site. Assessment activities conducted by EPA in June 2015 identified an abandoned underground storage tank (UST) that appears to contain dry cleaning related chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE).  Soils gas samples collected in the vicinity of the UST contained concentrations of TCE and PCE that exceed target values listed in the EPA OSWER Vapor Intrusion Screening Level (VISL) Calculator.   

     Kennedy Wilson Properties has agreed to conduct removal and assessment activities at the site related to the UST.  EPA will monitor the progress of cleanup and assessment activities to ensure that work is conducted in in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

2.1.1 Current Activities

 -- Kennedy Wilson contractors reported that samples collected of liquid in the tank contained PCE and associated breakdown products. 

 - EPA was on site on October 21, 2015 to observe removal of the underground storage tank.  Kennedy Wilson's contractors pumped contents of the tank to a tanker truck for transportation off site and disposal.  The tank was nearly full with liquid.  Soils immediately surrounding the tank were excavated and tank was removed.  Significant pitting was observed on the side of the tank. Several dime size holes were evident.  Screening conducted with a PID indicated that tank contents may have impacted surrounding soil.  Soil samples were collected to assess potential contamination of surrounding soil. 

- EPA requested that a follow-up round of indoor air sampling be conducted inside stores after completion of tank removal activities to ensure that there are no long term exposure threats.  

- Kennedy Wilson has indicated that if contamination of surrounding soil is confirmed, they will cleanup up the site under Pennsylvania's Land Recycling Program (Act II). 

2.2.1 Next Steps

 - EPA will continue to coordinate with Kennedy Wilson Properties and PADEP regarding cleanup and assessment activities.