DEQ investigates downtown solvent plume

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is investigating solvent contamination in Whitefish that likely is the result of past dry cleaning businesses that operated in downtown.

DEQ in 2011 and 2012 conducted an investigation to evaluate chlorinated solvent contamination after a preliminary assessment found the solvent at 214 Second Street East, near the intersection of Obrien Avenue. Those results found that tetrachloroethene (PCE) were located beneath several structures in downtown and may potentially be affecting indoor air.

This week DEQ begins further investigation of the two main sites in the area known as the Whitefish Solvent Site.

“We know there’s contamination, but we don’t know the extent and nature of the contamination,” said Syris Trahan, DEQ’s Environmental State Superfund Project Officer. “The plume boundaries are not well defined. The purpose of this is to gather that information and look at how we can address it.”

PCE is a solvent often associated with dry cleaning activities and has been observed at elevated levels beneath the concrete slab at two sites downtown. One is the former Martin’s Cleaners building at 239 Baker Avenue, which is now the Whitefish Liquor Store. The second site is the former Anderson Cleaners Building at 306 East Second Street, which is now Second Street Pizza.

Trahan said the primary focus is the Whitefish Liquor Store, where DEQ believes the contamination levels are the highest concentration. There has been no risk assessment done to determine potential health effects of the contamination, Trahan noted, and whether or not an assessment will be completed is based upon available funding.

DEQ is conducting its investigations along the right-of-ways near Third Street and Baker Avenue intersection, as well as right-of-ways near the intersection of Second Street and Lupfer Avenue this week. The work includes drilling investigations to further gather data needed to design interim cleanup systems for the area. Work may also include groundwater, soil and soil vapor sampling activities.

Following the investigations, the sites will be regraded, asphalt replaced, or landscaping to restore disturbed areas. DEQ expects to complete the initial investigation in late spring and additional work to be conducted likely in early fall. The state Legislature in 2015 provided limited funding to DEQ to perform cleanup at a variety of sites. The funding came from the orphan share account, which is designed for remedial actions to address risks to human health or the environment at sites where there is no readily apparent financially viable liable person. The funding is being provided to DEQ on a one-time basis to conduct investigations and cleanup at sites around the state.

DEQ is also using some of the funding to conduct interim remedial actions in certain portions of the site in Whitefish.