Downtown Grand Rapids Site
Background
EPA ordered Trex Properties LLC to clean up indoor air contamination at a former solvent reclamation facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company has agreed to the cleanup and has begun work. EPA became involved at the site on June 9, 2016, after the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) requested assistance to assess a potential trichloroethylene (TCE) vapor intrusion issue.
Initial samples at the facility were taken by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and showed TCE levels up to 200 times above the state health screening level. EPA has collected indoor air samples at four nearby commercial properties. All EPA sample results showed indoor air levels below the state health screening level. Additional work by Trex Properties will include assessments of the surrounding area.
On June 14, 2016, the Kent County Health Department evacuated the commercial building at 312 Ellsworth Ave SW due to unsafe levels of TCE found in the indoor air. The property remains unoccupied until clearance is provided. Contractors installed a sub-slab depressurization system comprised of eight extraction wells installed between 6' and 11' below the basement slab. Indoor air samples of VOCs still showed levels above the health based screening level. Additional piping was installed in the property’s crawl spaces. Industrial fans were put in place to provide fresh air exchange in the basement and first floor during and after the installation. After aeration of the basement, indoor air samples were taken on both floors.
Update - July 18, 2016
North Adjoining Property
EPA collected outdoor air samples at 217, 235 Grandville Ave. SW and 300 Ellsworth Ave. SW. EPA collected one surface water sample from a storm drain along Goodrich St. SW.
Additional indoor air samples were collected at 300 Ellsworth Avenue SW on June 16, 2016 with a damper fully opened. The levels of TCE were reduced to below 1.6 ppb throughout the building and 3.8 ppb in the parking garage.