oEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
What is perc?
Tetrachloroethylene is widely used
for dry cleaning fabrics and metal
degreasing operations. Perc can cause
neurological, liver and kidney damage
in people when inhaled. Other health
effects have been reported but not
confirmed by research studies.
Studies on people who operate dry
cleaning equipment and are exposed
to perc on the job show possible
higher risks for several types of cancer.
For more information
Ramon C. Mendoza
EPA On-Scene Coordinator
312-802-1409
mendoza.ramon@epa.gov
Susan Pastor
EPA Community Involvement
Coordinator
312-353-1325
pastor, susan@epa.gov
You may call EPA toll-free at
800-621-8421 from 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Jennifer Borski
WDNR Hydrogeologist
920-424-7887
jennifer.borski@wisconsin.gov
Henry Nehls-Lowe
Supervisor, Hazard and Exposure
Assessment Unit
WDHS Division of Public Health
608-266-3479
henry.nehls-lowe@wisconsin.gov
Site documents can be viewed at:
Gerard H. Van Hoof Library
625 Grand Ave.
Little Chute
or on the following web page:
www.epa.gov/region5/cleanup/
sandies
Removal of 'Perc' Pollution
Begins at Former Cleaners
Sandies Dry Cleaners
Little Chute, Wisconsin
September 2011
The EPA is cleaning up pollution at the former Sandies Dry Cleaner and Laundry.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun cleaning up soil and
ground water contamination at the former Sandies Dry Cleaner and Laundry,
513 Grand Ave. The cleanup began Sept. 7 and is expected to be completed
by the end of the year.
The soil and ground water is contaminated with tetrachloroethylene, or PCE.
Commonly known as "perc," this chemical is used by many dry cleaners. In
addition, some local homes and businesses may be affected by a process EPA
calls "vapor intrusion." This happens when vapors from chemicals in the soil
drift up through the ground into homes and businesses, creating indoor air
pollution.
The drinking water in Little Chute is safe. It comes from wells in an area
unaffected by the perc contamination.
The initial cleanup is focused on digging up contaminated soil and replacing
it with clean dirt. The remaining soil will be chemically treated to further
degrade any remaining perc. In addition, EPA will clean out the basement,
where standing water contaminated with perc was found. EPA may also need
to install vent fans and other equipment in the former Sandies and adjacent
businesses. This will help remove perc vapors from the air and protect people
who live or work in those buildings. EPA will monitor air quality in the area
during the cleanup to keep workers and local residents safe.
EPA is working closely on the cleanup with the Wisconsin departments of
Natural Resources and Health Services, the Little Chute Public Works and
Fire Departments, as wells as the Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage
District.
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Background
Sandies operated from 1957 to about
2003, using perc as the primary solvent
in dry cleaning. The site has been
vacant since 2006. Old machinery and
other equipment related to laundry and
dry cleaning operations are still in the
building. There is a vacant apartment
in disrepair on the second floor of the
building where the current owner says he
plans to live in the future.
The building is on Grand Avenue, with
a city-owned alley just to the west. The
block is bounded on the south by West
Lincoln Avenue, and on the north by West
Main Street. Two other businesses in the
block share brick walls with the former
dry cleaner, one on the north side and the
other on the south side. Both businesses
are operating and both have occupied
residences on the second floor.
An EPA contractor uses a mini-excavator inside the small room at Sandies that once
housed the dry cleaning operation.
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