The documented story

What happened here?

The Northtown Inc. Brownfield Cleanup Program site covers three areas within the larger Northtown Plaza at 3097 Sheridan Drive. A former dry-cleaning operation using tetrachloroethene was identified as the likely source of PCE contamination, while two inactive heating-oil tanks created separate petroleum impacts.

Cleanup removed contaminated soil and installed sub-slab depressurization systems in two buildings. DEC issued a Certificate of Completion in 2016 with institutional and engineering controls for continuing commercial use.

Chronology in context

Turning points in the public record

1950s–1980s

The shopping center developed in stages; dry-cleaning and other retail uses occupied tenant spaces.

2013–2015

Investigation identified PCE-affected soil near the former cleaner and petroleum impacts near inactive tanks.

2015–July 2016

Crews removed affected soil and tanks and installed vapor-mitigation systems.

December 2016

DEC certified cleanup completion with continuing controls and site management.

Chemical guide

Chemicals named in this record

These links explain potential hazards and exposure pathways. A chemical named in a record does not establish that anyone was exposed or harmed.

Tetrachloroethylene

Environmental record

Documented impacts

PCE affected subsurface soil near the former dry cleaner, and petroleum impacts were associated with two heating-oil tanks.
The vapor investigation led to mitigation systems in two buildings.

Response

Cleanup and controls

Cleanup removed 1,883 tons of PCE-contaminated soil and 1,026 tons of petroleum-contaminated soil.
Two sub-slab depressurization systems, an environmental easement, groundwater-use restriction, and site-management requirements remain part of the remedy.

Then and now

The site today

The property remains a commercial shopping center managed under the completed brownfield remedy and continuing controls.

Northtown Plaza / Former Dry Cleaner