An overview of state programs to investigate and remediate contaminated dry cleaner sites

Abstract

It is estimated that between 75 and 90 percent of dry cleaner sites are contaminated due to improper use and disposal of solvents. Since 1994, twelve states have passed legislation creating programs to investigate, remediate, and prevent contamination at these facilities. These programs are similar to insurance pools in that dry cleaners pay fees that go into a fund used to remediate contaminated sites. In June 1998, the US Environmental Protection Agency, Technology Innovation Office brought the states together in the belief that technical issues and problems concerning solvent contamination at dry cleaner sites are not unique to one state and that the free exchange of information would benefit all. The result of that effort is the State Coalition for the Remediation of Dry Cleaners (SCRD), a forum for sharing technical and programmatic information regarding the remediation of dry cleaner sites. Member states include Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. In addition, participation in SCRD as Represented States is open to states without dry cleaner-specific programs; however, they are actively remediating dry cleaner sites under other authorities. Maryland, New York, and California currently participate as Represented States. Even though the programs are fairly new and most have very limited budgets, they have been effective in performing necessary remedial actions in a timely manner. State dry cleaning programs have performed at least 630 assessments, 197 response actions, and closed 83 dry cleaning sites. These numbers are increasing rapidly as each state program develops. © 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.