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We've Moved: The Illinois EPA Headquarters has moved to 2520 W Iles Ave, PO Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276.

Groundwater Contamination at Former Dry Cleaner Site

This property is located on the east side of the Fox River in McHenry on Elm Street (Route 120). Gem Cleaners occupied the site from 1970 to 1977, after which it was occupied by carpet dealers, an automotive repair facility, and a tire store. The site is approximately 1/3 of an acre on which a 4,782 square-foot building is currently a car rental business. The site is located in a mixed industrial, commercial and residential area. Parts of the area are incorporated, and some are not. Currently, the public water supply is only available to some properties along Route 120, where there is a water main in place. Most of the homes and businesses use private wells for their water source.

Historic use of solvents at this location has resulted in contamination of the soil and groundwater by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are common chemicals found in industrial and commercial solvents. Soil contamination appears to be associated with a former septic field and another spill area on-site. Groundwater contamination appears to extend beyond the property boundaries. The Fox River is located approximately 1100 feet west of the site. The consultant for the site owner is currently determining the rate and extent of the groundwater contamination.