Remediation Work Ongoing at Tri-State/Harcros Site In Wichita

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is working with the city of Wichita to clean up groundwater and soil at the former Tri-State Laundry and Dry-Cleaner Supply Company and the Harcros Chemical Supply Company (known as the Tri-State/Harcros Site). The city of Wichita expects to begin cleanup activities this winter at the Tri-State/Harcros site.

Tri-State and Harcros were identified as significant sources of groundwater and soil contamination during the Gilbert and Mosley site investigation. Contamination in the Gilbert and Mosley site consists primarily of chlorinated solvents, mostly trichloroethene (TCE) and perchloroethene (PCE). The Gilbert and Mosley site is an area of contaminated groundwater located in downtown Wichita, Kansas. The site has multiple sources of contamination with co-mingled contaminant plumes, and is being remediated under a Consent Agreement between the city of Wichita and the State of Kansas. Contaminated groundwater from the site is currently being remediated via a treatment plant located down gradient from the sources. Cleanup activities at the Tri-State/Harcros site will address sources of the groundwater contamination as well as contaminated soil on site.

Remediation Activities:

The cleanup efforts this winter will include removal of contaminated soil from yards and the installation of a remedial system composed of two treatment technologies, an air sparge system and a soil vapor extraction system, to remove contaminated vapors from groundwater and soils. The cleanup system is expected to be operated by the city and will be monitored both by the city and KDHE on a regular basis to ensure contamination is being reduced.

Air Sampling:

In the last several years, EPA studies have found that chemical vapors may enter homes and buildings from foundations and subsurface soil in areas of contaminated groundwater and soil. Currently, there are no national standards established for levels of chemicals in indoor air. However, KDHE has established mitigation goals (action levels) based on the Risk-Based Standards for Kansas (RSKs), which are considered protective of human health and the environment.

In March 2004 and 2005, indoor air samples were collected from several homes in the vicinity of the Tri-State/Harcros site. The results from these sampling events suggested that PCE was migrating into the basements of homes, but at low concentrations not believed to be a threat to human health. As a precautionary measure, the city of Wichita installed vapor mitigation systems in two homes that had increasing levels of vapors. Additional indoor air sampling will be conducted this winter in area homes to ensure that concentrations remain at a safe level.

In an effort to keep residents informed, KDHE and the city of Wichita have met individually with affected homeowners and held a meeting for residents whose homes were sampled.

Background:

In May 1998, Harcros entered into an interim agreement with KDHE to conduct an investigation to determine if chemicals found in the groundwater were originating from their property. Harcros ultimately settled with the city and contributed cleanup costs for Gilbert and Mosley. This investigation identified chlorinated solvents, such as PCE, TCE, and 1,1,1- trichloroethane in the soil and groundwater.

In June 1998, KDHE issued an administrative order to Tri-State requiring them to conduct an investigation of their facility; however, Tri-State challenged this order and did not investigate. Additional investigation conducted in association with a lawsuit confirmed this facility as the source of volatile organic contamination. Tri-State declared bankruptcy, leaving the city of Wichita responsible for investigating and remediating the contamination associated with these facilities.

In 2002, the city of Wichita implemented a site-wide groundwater remediation system for the Gilbert and Mosley site. Contaminated groundwater from a five square mile area is pumped to an air stripping treatment system located at the city's Wichita Area Treatment Education and Remediation (W.A.T.E.R.) Center located at Herman Hill Park, which removes the chemicals and discharges clean water through fountains and a stream. For additional Gilbert and Mosley information, contact Kay Johnson, Environmental Services Director, city of Wichita, 316-268-8351 or visit city of Wichita's website at: http://www.wichitagov.org/CityOffices/Environmental/WATERCenter/GilbertMosleyProject/

For additional information from KDHE on the Tri-State/Harcros Site or the Gilbert and Mosley Site, please contact Aaron Hackman at 785-296-1936 or Christine Jump at 785-296-1935.

Back to KDHE News Release Index