HILLSDALE—A remediation consultant told the Borough Council on July 11 that he anticipates soil excavation and groundwater monitoring activities to continue on the former Alexander Cleaners site, with most on-site remediation activities to mitigate an underground plume of contamination likely to conclude by December 2024.
Jerry Blustein, H2M Architects & Engineers, told council that the former site of the dry cleaner business, operating from the 1960s through 1997 at 137 Broadway on the southwest corner of Orchard Street and Broadway, will continue to be monitored for air and groundwater contaminants on site and potentially moving off site through 2025 and 2026.
Blustein said the proposed remediation schedule for 2024 was “dependent upon permit approvals/authorizations from third parties and contractor availability.”
He noted that perchlorethylene, or PCE, which has been found in site groundwater and soil samples, is a chlorinated volatile organic compound widely used in dry cleaning operations.
CDC’s National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health, said PCE, also known as tetrachloroethylene, is a colorless liquid with a mild, chloroform-like odor. Exposure to tetrachloroethylene may cause irritation in eyes, skin, nose, throat, and respiratory system. It may also cause liver damage and is a potential occupational carcinogen. “Workers may be harmed from exposure to tetrachloroethylene. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.”
Blustein provided a 21-slide overview of the longstanding contamination concerns, noting the movement of an underground plume of PCE-contaminated groundwater and areas of contaminated underground soil.
Several local Environmental Commission members questioned the extent of the underground contamination plume and what impacts the remediation activities might have on residents.
Blustein said that the contamination had affected groundwater at least nine to 10 feet below ground, but that the contamination was not impacting air quality, and that the contaminated plume was not exposing residents to any contaminants at the surface.
Scott Raymond, a commission member, questioned Blustein’s conclusions. Other commission members worried about the off-site migration of contaminated groundwater, and Blustein told them that the next remediation actions would be to excavate the contaminated soils and remove contaminated groundwater, thereby removing the source of contamination.
He said additional delineation was needed to determine the extent of the contaminated plume underground. Blustein noted that while the plume has migrated underground toward Veterans Memorial Park, once the contaminated source material is removed next year.
“We believe that will address the groundwater plume positively,” he said.
Blustein said that during site remediation activities, the contractor will monitor for volatile vapors, as well as particulate matter and contaminated soils excavated and brought to the surface for dewatering and proper disposal. They will also monitor for noise levels, he said.