Maine Initiates Vapor Intrusion Testing

The State of Maine is conducting tests on residences near existing drycleaners to see if there is evidence of vapor intrusion into their homes.  These tests were being performed after the State had readings of elevated levels of perc in residences surrounding superfund sites in the state that involved abandoned cleaners. 

These tests are being conducted by the State, and not by the drycleaners affected.  Thee cleaners were chosen because they are among the oldest drycleaners in the state, and the department feels there would be the likeliest cleaners to have a problem.  There have already been two sites identified, and one site has already undergone the testing.  The numbers the state is using as an action level are EXTREMELY low.  The State  is currently using a 2 micrograms/cubic meter standard as its background level for Perc.  They are using a draft guidance document from the Me CDC to look at a remediation goal of 4 micrograms/cubic meter (.6 ppb) and are considering 100 micrograms/cubic meter (15ppb) as constituting an immediate health threat.

NEFA has worked with the first cleaner tested, and so for the results have been good.  The second cleaner will be undergoing further testing in the next few weeks, and NEFA has been attempting to contact them to offer assistance.

The number is very low, and needs to be challenged.  NEFA has enlisted the help of IFI and HSIA to present a more reasonable approach to developing a realistic number.  HSIA has been able to supply data on what other states have done... Continue on Next Page