Environmental Investigations in Dry Cleaning Operations
Contaminant Source Areas – Where to Sample IV
Floor Drains
Sampling should also be conducted near floor drains.
If solvent wastes are discharged down floor drains plumbed with PVC piping, PCE can soften and even dissolve the PVC. The elbow joints of drain lines are particularly susceptible to dissolution.
Floor drains are commonly located in the boiler room at drycleaning facilities. Since PCE vapors are denser than air, the vapors tend to settle to the floor, particularly after the drycleaning plant has been shut down for the day. These vapors will migrate to low spots along the facility floor and floor drains.
Floor expansion joints and cracks in the floor slab are prime entry point for these vapors.
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