Frank Wear Cleaners
Facility Site ID:
444
Cleanup Site ID:
4194
What Is The Yakima Railroad Area?
Frank Wear Cleaners 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.
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.
Site Description
The Frank Wear Cleaners Site was a dry cleaning facility in a commercial area of Yakima. The area of contamination extends off-property approximately within the block bounded north/south by Chestnut and Walnut and east/west by 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue.
The Site is currently on Ecology’s Hazardous Sites List with a ranking of “1”. Sites on the Hazardous Sites List are a priority for Ecology, and have completed a Site Hazard Assessment (SHA). A SHA provides information about the environmental risk of the Site. Risk is based on the amount of contaminants, how toxic they are, and how easily they can come in contact with people and the environment. Sites are ranked relative to each other on a scale of “1” to “5”; with a rank of “5” being the lowest.
In the 1970s, the facility began using solvents containing tetrachloroethylene (PCE). Once the solvent was used, remaining PCE sludge was spread out over the area to keep the dust down. PCE was possibly released onto the soil with the overflow wash water.
The Site is currently on Ecology’s Hazardous Sites List with a ranking of “1”. Sites on the Hazardous Sites List are a priority for Ecology, and have completed a Site Hazard Assessment (SHA). A SHA provides information about the environmental risk of the Site. Risk is based on the amount of contaminants, how toxic they are, and how easily they can come in contact with people and the environment. Sites are ranked relative to each other on a scale of “1” to “5”; with a rank of “5” being the lowest.
In the 1970s, the facility began using solvents containing tetrachloroethylene (PCE). Once the solvent was used, remaining PCE sludge was spread out over the area to keep the dust down. PCE was possibly released onto the soil with the overflow wash water.
What's Been Done?
In 1985 Ecology was informed of illegal dumping of PCE at Frank Wear Cleaners. Ecology returned in 1987 for another inspection and multiple dangerous waste violations were present. Soil samples were taken on-site and revealed high levels of PCE and other volatiles. The environmental consultant recommended that soil contamination at the site should be further evaluated, especially groundwater sampling.
In 1988, Ecology took groundwater samples and found PCE above state cleanup levels.
Two underground storage tanks (one heating oil and one diesel) were removed in about 1991 that may have been 25-30 years old.
Frank Wear Cleaners participated in the Yakima Railroad Area bottled water program in 1993. Bottled water was distributed to people in the area with suspected groundwater contamination.
In 1994, Frank Wear Cleaners and Ecology agreed to do an investigation which resulted in the removal of 310 tons of contaminated soil and groundwater treatment to improve water quality.
The Frank Wear Cleaners’ building was demolished in 2001 and an additional 432 tons of contaminated soil were removed.
In 2011, Ecology learned that a day care center operated on the site. Review of existing groundwater data indicated PCE vapors might enter the building. Indoor air sampling demonstrated an interim action was needed to reduce the concentration of PCE vapors in the building and treat the contamination left underground.
In 2011, Ecology performed two rounds of indoor air sampling at the Buckle My Shoe Early Learning Center, located at 108 South 3rd Avenue in Yakima. Ecology had been concerned about the threat to children from the tetrachloroethene (PCE) vapors in the air. Test results indicate PCE vapors were present and impacted the indoor air quality. A system to improve air quality was installed. This system removes and captures the PCE vapors before they enter the Buckle My Shoe Early Learning Center and help cleanup soils.
In 1988, Ecology took groundwater samples and found PCE above state cleanup levels.
Two underground storage tanks (one heating oil and one diesel) were removed in about 1991 that may have been 25-30 years old.
Frank Wear Cleaners participated in the Yakima Railroad Area bottled water program in 1993. Bottled water was distributed to people in the area with suspected groundwater contamination.
In 1994, Frank Wear Cleaners and Ecology agreed to do an investigation which resulted in the removal of 310 tons of contaminated soil and groundwater treatment to improve water quality.
The Frank Wear Cleaners’ building was demolished in 2001 and an additional 432 tons of contaminated soil were removed.
In 2011, Ecology learned that a day care center operated on the site. Review of existing groundwater data indicated PCE vapors might enter the building. Indoor air sampling demonstrated an interim action was needed to reduce the concentration of PCE vapors in the building and treat the contamination left underground.
In 2011, Ecology performed two rounds of indoor air sampling at the Buckle My Shoe Early Learning Center, located at 108 South 3rd Avenue in Yakima. Ecology had been concerned about the threat to children from the tetrachloroethene (PCE) vapors in the air. Test results indicate PCE vapors were present and impacted the indoor air quality. A system to improve air quality was installed. This system removes and captures the PCE vapors before they enter the Buckle My Shoe Early Learning Center and help cleanup soils.
What's Happening Now?
There is still soil contamination beneath the water table and Ecology is looking into ways to improve water quality.
Ecology continues to gather more information about the extent of contamination and potential impacts to human health at the site.
Ecology continues to gather more information about the extent of contamination and potential impacts to human health at the site.
Site use restrictions called institutional controls are in effect
Institutional controls can be fences, signs, or restrictions on how the property is used. For instance, an institutional control may prohibit installing drinking water wells or disturbing a protective cap that isolates contamination. These restrictions keep the contamination contained and keep people from being exposed to the contamination. The controls are usually listed in environmental covenants recorded with the county.
Periodic reviews are required when institutional controls are required at a site. Ecology conducts reviews to make sure the controls remain effective and the cleanup still protects human health and the environment. We conduct periodic reviews about every five years.
Institutional Controls 1
Environmental Covenant
County Recording #:
7806001
County Recording Date:
6/6/2013
Restrictions/Requirements
- Prohibit Soil Disturbance
- Restrict All Ground Water Extraction/Well Installation
Restricted Media
- Groundwater
- Soil
Documents 70
Legal 8
| Document Title | Document Date | Document Type |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Environmental Covenant | 6/6/2013 | Environmental Covenant; Alternative Mechanism |
| Yakima Railroad Area 9th Ave Water EO No. DE 95TC-C212 | 7/19/1995 | Enforcement Order |
| Frank Wear Cleaners AO No. DE 94TC-C420 Amendment | 6/16/1995 | Agreed Order |
| Frank Wear Cleaners RI/FS AO No. DE 94TC-C420 | 11/7/1994 | Agreed Order |
| Yakima Railroad Area Bottled Water EO No. DE 92TC-C108 Amendment | 1/28/1993 | Enforcement Order |
| Yakima Railroad Area Bottled Water EO No. DE 92TC-C108 Amendment | 2/28/1992 | Enforcement Order |
| Yakima Railroad Area Bottled Water EO No. DE 92TC-C108 | 2/11/1992 | Enforcement Order |
| Frank Wear Cleaners PLP Ltr | 10/24/1991 | Final Potentially Liable Person Status Letter |
Public Information 9
| Document Title | Document Date | Document Type |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Evaluation of Indoor Air Results fact sheet | 6/1/2014 | Fact Sheet\Public Notices |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Evaluation of Indoor Air Results fact sheet -Spanish | 6/1/2014 | Fact Sheet\Public Notices |
| Frank Wear Cleaners March (marzo) 2014 Update - Spanish | 3/1/2014 | Fact Sheet\Public Notices |
| https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/gsp/CleanupSiteDocuments.aspx?csid=11688 | 3/1/2014 | Fact Sheet\Public Notices |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Groundwater Remediation System Interim Action Fact Sheet - Spanish | 4/10/2013 | Fact Sheet\Public Notices |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Groundwater Remediation System Interim Action Fact Sheet | 4/10/2013 | Fact Sheet\Public Notices |
| Frank Wear Cleaners SVE Fact Sheet Spanish | 12/6/2011 | Fact Sheet\Public Notices |
| Frank Wear Cleaners SVE Fact Sheet | 12/6/2011 | Fact Sheet\Public Notices |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Public Participation Plan | 12/1/2011 | Public Participation Plan |
State Environmental Policy Act 2
| Document Title | Document Date | Document Type |
| Frank Wear Cleaners SEPA Determination of Non-Significance | 12/7/2011 | SEPA Documents |
| Frank Wear Cleaners IA SEPA checklist | 11/29/2011 | SEPA Documents |
Technical Reports 51
| Document Title | Document Date | Document Type |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Vapor Intrusion Monitoring Report | 4/1/2024 | Site Specific Technical Document - other |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA GW Sampling Event - Zeilman | 3/25/2024 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA GW Sampling Event - Jones | 3/25/2024 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA GW Sampling Event - Zeilman | 9/29/2023 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA GW Sampling Event - Jones | 9/29/2023 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Sampling Event - Letter to Families - Spanish | 9/1/2023 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Sampling Event - Letter to Families | 9/1/2023 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - DOH Health Consultation | 6/15/2023 | Site Specific Technical Document - other |
| Yakima Railroad Area PCE Groundwater Quality Monitoring Data Summary 2021 | 5/1/2023 | Groundwater Monitoring Report |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA GW Sampling Event - Jones | 4/7/2023 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA GW Sampling Event - Zeilman | 4/7/2023 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Site Manager Change | 1/24/2023 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA GW Sampling Event - Zeilman | 9/30/2022 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA GW Sampling Event - Jones | 9/30/2022 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Yakima Railroad Area PCE Groundwater Monitoring Data Summary 2018 - 2020 | 4/1/2022 | Groundwater Monitoring Report |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Groundwater Sampling Event - YRRA - Zeilman | 4/1/2022 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Groundwater Sampling Event - YRRA - Jones | 4/1/2022 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA Groundwater Sampling Event - Zeilman | 9/29/2021 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA Groundwater Sampling Event | 9/29/2021 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA Groundwater Sampling - Jones | 3/29/2021 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA Groundwater Sampling - Zeilman | 3/29/2021 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Groundwater Sampling Event | 11/6/2020 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Site Meeting Scheduling Letter for adjacent Parcel | 3/3/2020 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA Groundwater Sampling Event | 9/25/2019 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - YRRA Groundwater Sampling Event | 9/25/2019 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Groundwater Sampling 4/22/2019 - 4/26/2019 | 4/16/2019 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - GW Sampling 4/22/2019 - 4/26/2019 | 4/16/2019 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Yakima Railroad Area PCE Groundwater Monitoring Data Summary 2017 | 7/1/2018 | Groundwater Monitoring Report |
| Yakima Railroad Area Bottled Water program EO Dismissal Memo | 2/7/2018 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners AO Dismissal Memo | 2/5/2018 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners SVE System 2015 - 2017 Annual Report | 10/25/2017 | Performance/Confirmational Monitoring Plan or Report |
| Frank Wear Cleaners SVE System 2014 - 2015 Annual Report | 3/7/2016 | Performance/Confirmational Monitoring Plan or Report |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Annual Performance Report | 4/2/2015 | Performance/Confirmational Monitoring Plan or Report |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Groundwater Interim Action Construction Completion Report | 3/2/2015 | Interim Action Documents |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Evaluation of July 2012 - December 2013 Indoor Air Results | 6/4/2014 | Site Specific Technical Document - other |
| Frank Wear Cleaners draft Interim Action Plan - Groundwater Remedation System | 3/28/2013 | Interim Action Documents |
| Frank Wear SVE System Construction Report | 12/4/2012 | Remedial Action Report |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Data Gap Investigation rpt | 9/18/2012 | Site Specific Technical Document - other |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Final SVE System IA Plan | 3/13/2012 | Interim Action Documents |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Health Consultation | 3/5/2012 | Site Specific Technical Document - other |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Vapor Intrusion Study Report | 11/4/2011 | Site Specific Technical Document - other |
| Frank Wear Cleaners 2011 Air Sampling Results ltr | 10/20/2011 | Site Specific Administrative Document - other (Administrative correspondence) |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Technical Memorandum | 9/20/2011 | Site Specific Technical Document - other |
| Frank Wear Cleaners FS SOW | 3/1/2008 | Scope Of Work |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Technology Screening Table | 3/1/2008 | Site Specific Technical Document - other |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Final FS rpt | 7/31/2007 | Feasibility Study |
| Frank Wear Cleaners IA rpt | 5/3/2001 | Interim Action Documents |
| Frank Wear Cleaners RI and Interim Action Rpt | 3/1/1996 | Remedial Investigation Report |
| Frank Wear Cleaners Soil Vapor Survey | 1/1/1995 | Remedial Action Report |
| Frank Wear Cleaners - Site Hazard Assessment | 8/12/1991 | Site Hazard Assessment Report |
| Frank Wear Cleaners PA rpt | 4/1/1989 | Site Specific Technical Document - other |
There may be more documents related to this site. To obtain documents not available electronically, you will need to make a public records request.
Places to see print documents
-
Central Regional Office1250 W Alder StUnion Gap, 98903-0009Please schedule an appointment to view print documents at this location.
Contaminants 1
| Contaminant Type | Soil |
Groundwater |
Surface Water |
Air |
Sediment |
Bedrock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halogenated Organics - Halogenated Solvents | C | C |
- S
- Suspected
- C
- Confirmed Above Cleanup Levels
- B
- Below Cleanup Levels
- RA
- Remediated-Above
- RB
- Remediated-Below
- R
- Remediated
This contaminant list was based on our best information at the time it was entered. It may not reflect current conditions at the site.