Site Characterization and Groundwater Remediation

TRC is working with Seattle Pacific University under the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) to characterize and remediate soil and groundwater impacted with perchloroethene (PCE) beneath a university-owned parking lot. Soil and groundwater are impacted as a result of historical releases of dry cleaning solvent from the former Clean-M-Rite dry cleaning facility, which operated on the property from the early 1950s to 2006.

TRC provided assistance to SPU to resolve litigation with the parties responsible for the PCE impacts, to help establish insurance coverage for the release, and to support a funding agreement with the responsible parties. The Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) were approved by Ecology. The RI identified the lateral and vertical extents of contaminant impacts in two water-bearing zones in a complex hydrogeologic setting.

TRC designed and implemented the interim remedial action selected in the FS. The initial interim action consists of an in situ remediation system utilizing air sparging/soil vapor extraction (AS/SVE) focused on the source area and high concentration impacts to the shallow aquifer.

The treatment system is enclosed in a building, which includes three layers of sound reducing material on all walls and the ceiling in addition to other soundproofing measures. Implementation of the interim remedy required significant coordination with local residents and public notice.

TRC continues to monitor groundwater in the shallow and deeper aquifers at the Site on a quarterly basis and performs monthly operation and maintenance of the AS/SVE system to track remedial progress.