Identification of High-Risk Dry Cleaning Sites in San Diego County: Spatial Analysis

Kristen Monteverde

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Hazardous chemicals used in traditional dry-cleaning methods pose a serious threat to population health when spilled or discharged illegally into the environment. Children, the elderly, individuals with certain medical conditions, or those living in disadvantaged communities are at even greater risk. San Diego State University students collaborated with the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board to identify current and historic dry-cleaning sites and assess each site’s risk to human health using spatial analysis techniques. A database containing the project findings will help prioritize dry-cleaning site investigations and cleanup efforts. Dry-cleaning site records underwent an extensive validation process to ensure the highest possible positional accuracy for the spatial analysis. The two-fold analysis first found active and historic dry-cleaning sites located within disadvantaged communities, as defined by Senate Bill 535. Next, dry-cleaning sites were assessed for proximity to sensitive receptor sites. These sensitive areas have land uses where susceptible individuals are likely to spend their time, such as schools, hospitals, and residential communities. Several distance zones were used to increase the overall functionality of this assessment. Results of the spatial analysis were interpreted in the context of San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency regions, to better understand the specific challenges faced by these unique communities. Of 522 dry cleaning sites, 7.1% (n=37) are in disadvantaged communities, with highest risk to the county’s south and central regions. At the largest distance, 1,000 feet, 67.8% (n=354) of dry-cleaning sites have the potential to impact one or more sensitive receptor sites and 95.8% (n=500) pose a risk to residential communities. At the shortest distance, 300 feet, 15.9% (n=83) of dry-cleaning sites pose a risk to one or more sensitive receptor sites and 74.9% (n=391) threaten residential communities. Residential sites are the most threatened type of sensitive receptor site, followed by childcare facilities and schools. All information for individual dry-cleaning sites is available in the delivered geographic information system (GIS) layer. Based upon the analysis, several high-risk dry-cleaning sites were identified. Langley Cleaners, a historic site in National City, has the potential to significantly impact human health, should evidence of perchloroethylene pollution be found. The site is in a disadvantaged community with three sensitive receptor sites and multiple residential communities within 300 feet. Continental Cleaners & Laundry in National City and Super Wash’N’Dry in Chula Vista are each less than 1,000 feet from a municipal well and pose risks to the county’s drinking water. Additional high-risk sites can be easily determined by querying the comprehensive attribute data available for each dry-cleaning site.county’s south and central regions. At the largest distance, 1,000 feet, 67.8% (n=354) of dry-cleaning sites have the potential to impact one or more sensitive receptor sites and 95.8% (n=500) pose a risk to residential communities. At the shortest distance, 300 feet, 15.9% (n=83) of dry-cleaning sites pose a risk to one or more sensitive receptor sites and 74.9% (n=391) threaten residential communities. Residential sites are the most threatened type of sensitive receptor site, followed by childcare facilities and schools. All information for individual dry-cleaning sites is available in the delivered geographic information system (GIS) layer. Based upon the analysis, several high-risk dry-cleaning sites were identified. Langley Cleaners, a historic site in National City, has the potential to significantly impact human health, should evidence of perchloroethylene pollution be found. The site is in a disadvantaged community with three sensitive receptor sites and multiple residential communities within 300 feet. Continental Cleaners & Laundry in National City and Super Wash’N’Dry in Chula Vista are each less than 1,000 feet from a municipal well and pose risks to the county’s drinking water. Additional high-risk sites can be easily determined by querying the comprehensive attribute data available for each dry-cleaning site.

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