CMX Corp

The CMX Corporation is a part of the Yakima Railroad Area (YRRA). The Yakima Railroad Area is approximately six square miles in size and includes parts of the cities of Yakima and Union Gap. The Yakima Railroad Area groundwater is contaminated with tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC) from past industrial use, and is centered around the railroad/industrial corridor of the greater Yakima area.

PCE is a manufactured chemical that is widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics and for metal-degreasing. It is also used to make other chemicals and is used in some consumer products.

Exposure to PCE can be from the air, chemical use, soil, or water.  PCE can affect the kidneys, liver, nervous system, and reproductive system, as well as unborn children. There is also an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

More information about potential sources of PCE and associated health risks can be found on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) website.

The CMX Corporation supplies photographic chemicals to local hospitals and clinics for X-ray units. The site is in a mixed residential/industrial area, bordered by residential neighborhoods to the north and south and commercial facilities to the east and west. 

Historically the site was used as an automotive service station and a plumbing facility. An indoor drain area was used to get rid of waste products and the underground sump with toxic contamination remained covered for several decades.   
 
After a Site Hazard Assessment, the Site was ranked a “3” on the Hazardous Sites List. The Hazardous Sites List is a statewide list of contaminated properties.  Sites can be ranked from a “1” to “5”.  A rank of “1” is the highest level of environmental concern compared to other sites on the List, and a rank of “5” is the lowest.

In 1985, Ecology performed RCRA/Dangerous Waste regulations Compliance Inspection in response to a complaint. During the inspection, Ecology documented toxic chemicals that were dumped in a drainfield located on-site. The materials were concluded as being below hazardous levels.  
 
An EPA inspection in 1989 concluded that groundwater and soils were not adversely impacted by previous or current operations at the site.  
 
In 1993, Ecology installed a monitoring well in the parking area south of the building, where the sump is located. Two soil samples and one groundwater sample was taken.  PCE was not detected.  

PCE was not found on the property, except in a confined sump, so Ecology agreed to a de minimus settlement that would allow effective cleanup of the sump.