The cleanup order relates to the site at 12210 San Pablo Avenue, Richmond, where there has been a release of tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a widely used chemical in historical dry-cleaning operations. PCE is known to the State of California to cause cancer. Although many dry cleaners used this chemical for decades, this use was phased out by 2023.
DTSC investigations confirmed that PCE had been released at the site and migrated to neighboring properties to the north, south, east and west. Left unaddressed, PCE vapors from polluted soil and groundwater can move into buildings, contaminate the indoor air and cause health concerns.
The dry cleaner operated on site from approximately 1959 to 2015 and used PCE from at least 1960 to 2000. The building was closed in 2015 and demolished in 2017. Since 2017, the site has been fenced and unoccupied. The 2023 cleanup order requires the responsible parties to investigate and address the full extent of contamination. After more is known, DTSC will require preparation of a cleanup plan for public review.
The settlement is the result of four recent consent orders with current property owner Casa Nido Partnership, and former dry cleaner operators Catherine O’Hanks, Earl Ray Anderson and Sandra Vernell.
Read the original article on dtsc.ca.gov
