Armen Cleaners, located at the northwest corner of Ashley and Mosley in central Ann Arbor, and the surrounding neighborhood is the site of this investigation. Armen’s has been operating since the 1950s and has had 4 owners over that time period. Currently, this site is the main dry-cleaning facility for Armen Cleaners who have other drop off locations throughout the city. Armen has used Perc in its dry-cleaning process since the 1950s. This facility also uses Rynex, a solvent that appears to be less toxic and less problematic for the environment.
In 1985 a neighbor reported a solvent-type odor at the dry-cleaning facility. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) investigated and found that dry-cleaning sludges and used filters had been stored and spilled on the site. With MDNR oversight, initial remediation undertaken by the owner involved removing contaminated soil adjacent to the northwest corner of the building and replacing it with clean soil as required by MDNR.
Up until the late 1990s, the primary public health risks associated with Perc were perceived to be via groundwater contamination. Since this neighborhood uses City water, and does not use groundwater for drinking, the exposure and human health risks associated with this site were considered to be low.
During the late 90’s, the public health community became more knowledgeable of the potential public health implications of indoor air quality issues associated with Perc. Additionally, subsequent sampling at and adjacent to the cleaners indicated higher levels of Perc than the initial sampling.
In 2001 and 2002, the MDEQ conducted preliminary air sampling at 4 residences close to the cleaners. In one basement, Perc levels exceeded the level considered safe for residential long-term exposure. Readings at the other locations showed either undetectable or acceptable levels of Perc in the air.
As an interim measure, air purifiers containing activated carbon were installed in the home with elevated Perc levels. Results from subsequent air sampling have been mixed and the effectiveness of this interim measure is still being examined.
As a result of these developments, the Armen Cleaners site at Ashley and Mosley has become a higher priority at both the state and federal levels. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has designated funds to study the site, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed to assist in the assessment (and potential remediation) of the site. The current study is a the result of this collaboration.