Skip to content

Email Subscription

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Dry Cleaners and their Environmental Challenges

PPM Simplifies
PPM Simplifies
Dry Cleaners and their Environmental Challenges
/

Between increased environmental regulations and an overall lower demand for the services, Dry Cleaners aren’t as common as they used to be. That means many old dry cleaning buildings, often in prime real-estate are up for grabs. But this poses an environmental challenge and risk.

Mike McCown, a senior geologist at PPM joins the show to chat about why dry cleaners pose such a risk, and what developers looking to re-purpose these spaces need to do to safely develop these spaces.

Key Topics and Takeaways

  • Dry Cleaners typically use solvents such as
    • Carbon Tetrachloride
    • Stoddard Solvent
    • Kerosene
    • Perchloroethylene (PCE)
    • Trichloroethylene (TCE)
    • Turpentine Mineral Spirit
    • Petroleum Base Solvents
  • When not stored properly these chemicals can be harmful to people, animals and the environment
  • Spills of these chemicals can contaminate soil and water
  • These chemicals often break down and create ‘daughter chemicals’ that are much more hazardous than the original chemical

What Developers Can Do to 

  • Due Diligence. Make sure you know what you’re getting
  • Work with a consultant to ensure the cleanup is done correctly

Links and Resources 

Dry Cleaning Information via the EPA
Mike McCowen on LinkedIn
Todd Perry on LinkedIn 
ppmco.com 

Back To Top