Author: Elizabeth Hemingway

30 Years of Solving What Others Couldn’t

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

On April 1, 1996, EnviroForensics officially opened its doors, even though it had no office. What began as an idea sketched on a paper placemat has grown into a company built on integrity, defined by excellence, and committed to solving meaningful environmental problems.

Founded by Steve Henshaw, the firm started with a clear focus: to solve environmental problems in a practical way and find funding sources beyond traditional government programs. Over time, that focus sharpened into a unique brand, distinct from the competition.

More Than a Technical Problem

We came to understand that environmental problems are rarely just technical. They carry regulatory implications. Financial consequences. And for many clients, a very real personal impact. Property owners are often not responsible for the contamination affecting their sites, yet they are the ones left to deal with it. Businesses can be put at risk. Plans can stall. In some cases, everything is on the line. That reality shaped how we approach our work.

Thinking Beyond Investigation

We do not just investigate environmental problems. We think through what happens next.

Over the years, that has meant developing strategies that align technical, regulatory, and financial outcomes. In some cases, that includes leveraging historical insurance coverage to fund cleanup and restore property values. In others, it means structuring a path forward that allows a project to move ahead with clarity and confidence. Because solving the problem is not just about understanding the contamination. It is about ensuring the outcome is manageable for the people involved.

A Deliberate Approach to Risk

Just as importantly, we are deliberate about when and how we act.

Environmental investigation is not without risk. The wrong step, taken at the wrong time, can create obligations that did not previously exist.

That is why we approach each project with intention.

We strategize and develop a plan before collecting data.

We define the “what” before venturing into the unknown.

We do not create a problem without understanding how it will be managed.

That discipline has become one of the defining characteristics of our work.

Over the past 30 years, we have earned our reputation by doing the right thing and advocating for those who need a trusted partner. We are fortunate to do work that makes a difference, cleaning up the environment, helping preserve family businesses, and restoring properties in ways that strengthen the communities they serve.

A Culture That Drives the Work

The ability to do this work consistently and over decades comes down to people.

EnviroForensics has been built by a team that shares a common mindset:

We rely on each other’s strengths.

We are accountable for our commitments.

We stay adaptable and keep our eyes forward.

That culture is what allows us to take on complex challenges with confidence and deliver results that matter.

It shows up in how we collaborate across disciplines.

It shows up in how we guide clients through uncertainty.

And it shows up in our willingness to evolve as the industry and our clients’ needs continue to change.

We work hard.

We celebrate progress.

We give back to the communities we serve.

Most importantly, we continue to build a company where people can do meaningful work and grow in the process.

Looking Ahead

Thirty years in, our focus remains the same.

Do the right thing.

Solve complex problems.

And ensure that every step forward is one our clients are prepared to take.

One of the great rewards of this work is the opportunity to wear the “white hat.” We are the ones helping clean up the environment, often on behalf of the “little guy.”

Our work is challenging and requires a range of expertise, including technical, regulatory, legal, business, community advocacy, and, at times, even political navigation. That complexity is what makes the work meaningful.

We can take pride in what we accomplished and, in the impact, we continue to have. EnviroForensics has achieved regulatory closure on more sites with complex chlorinated solvent releases than any environmental consulting firm, reflecting both our expertise and our commitment to seeing problems through to resolution.

If you’re facing a complex environmental challenge, start with a conversation. The right approach begins with understanding what comes next. Contact us today.

 

 

 

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Redeveloping Indiana’s Most Stubborn Properties

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

Every Indiana community has them — the empty lot, the boarded-up building, the old gas station or dry cleaner that’s sat untouched for years. These are our Brownfields.

They’re more than just eyesores. Abandoned, tax-delinquent, or contaminated properties quietly drain city resources, erode the tax base, and discourage new investment.

At the same time, Indiana communities need new housing, stronger economies, and revitalized neighborhoods. Achieving those goals means reclaiming and reinvesting in properties that have been left behind — not expanding outward while the core of our communities sits idle.

The truth is, Brownfields represent one of the greatest opportunities for revitalization in our state. When communities choose to fix what’s broken, they demonstrate leadership, fiscal responsibility, and vision — and they lay the groundwork for sustainable growth from the inside out.

The Problem Beneath the Surface

Beneath every Brownfield lies a complex web of challenges. Environmental contamination is often just the beginning. The costs of cleanup, asbestos abatement, and demolition can be daunting. On top of that, there are serious liability concerns — cities and developers risk being held responsible for contamination they didn’t cause.

Many of these properties are also tied up in bankruptcies, estate probate, or tax delinquencies, making ownership and transfer complicated. And while EPA and state grants are available to support Brownfield cleanup, they rarely provide enough funding to fully address the problem. The result is financial uncertainty — and communities left holding the burden of properties they can’t afford to fix.

These sites are tough to tackle, so they linger. Meanwhile, new development expands outward, requiring costly new infrastructure while prime, well-located land near downtowns and neighborhoods sits idle.

But here’s the good news: with the right plan and the right partners, even the most complicated sites can be transformed — into housing, jobs, and thriving community spaces that once again serve the people who live nearby.

The Opportunity: Rebuild from Within

Redeveloping contaminated or underused properties does far more than clean up the environment — it creates long-term economic, social, and environmental value.

When cities reinvest in these sites, they protect public health, restore the environment, and strengthen local economies. They expand tax bases, create new opportunities for housing and business growth, and revive community pride and neighborhood identity.

In short, it’s not just about fixing land — it’s about reclaiming potential and reimagining what these properties can mean for the future of a community.

A Roadmap to Redevelopment

At the recent AIM (Accelerate Indiana Municipalities) Conference, EnviroForensics CEO Steve Henshaw, LPG, and environmental attorney David Guevara, PhD, Esq., shared a clear roadmap for how Indiana communities can turn contaminated properties into valuable community assets.

  1. Identify viable sites. Focus on tax-delinquent or blighted properties in strategic locations that have strong redevelopment potential.
  2. Fund the investigation and cleanup. There are successful alternatives to traditional Brownfield grants. Cities can leverage historical insurance assets, pursue responsible party litigation, or partner with an acquisition firm to purchase contaminated property, manage cleanup, and sell it back to the municipality once remediation is complete. Property owners also have standing to compel responsible parties to address contamination.
  3. Limit liability. Acquire the property as a Bona Fide Prospective Purchaser (BFPP) to protect the city and ensure cleanup activities do not expose the municipality to environmental liability.
  4. Prepare for redevelopment. Align cleanup goals with the property’s future use — whether for housing, commercial space, or mixed-use development — and integrate the project into the community’s broader redevelopment plan.

Across Indiana, cities are already proving that this approach works. Wabash is turning a 62-acre former manufacturing site into new homes and apartments. Lebanon transformed a vacant factory into a new 50,000-square-foot distribution facility, creating more than 20 new jobs. Mishawaka used insurance recovery funds to clean up a metal finishing site. In Indianapolis, a former rail spur along the Monon Trail has been redeveloped into a thriving residential area. In Madison, a former manufacturing facility has been repurposed into an apartment complex for seniors. And Terre Haute is embarking on an ambitious riverfront redevelopment, turning a former manufacturing facility into mixed-use and nature trails.

Each of these projects began with a problem property — and ended with a stronger, cleaner, more vibrant community.

Let’s Turn Challenges Into Opportunities

At EnviroForensics, we help municipalities and developers unlock funding, manage liability, and transform contaminated properties into clean, safe, and valuable assets that fuel growth for generations to come.

Because when communities reclaim what’s been left behind, they don’t just restore the environment — they restore opportunity.

That’s what we mean by turning environmental liabilities into assets®.

Have questions or want to learn how we can help your community get started? Contact us today.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling Legitimizes DNR Authority—Why It Matters for Contaminated Site Owners

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

BY: NICK HILL, LPG

In a recent 5–2 decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can enforce environmental cleanup requirements under the Spills Law without going through a formal rulemaking process. This means the DNR can take enforcement action for a reported release of a hazardous substance(s) —even if pollutant levels or types haven’t been formally defined by regulation.

This decision has important implications for responsible parties, site owners, and municipalities. It legitimizes the DNR’s authority and ability to act quickly, especially in cases involving emerging contaminants like PFAS, where formal standards may not yet exist. Properties previously viewed as low-risk could now face renewed scrutiny based on DNR discretion.

The ruling also signals a broader national trend: agencies are asserting more proactive enforcement authority, especially around emerging contaminants, like PFAS. For site owners, that means liability may arise before formal rules are even in place. It’s a reminder to be prepared—through early site assessment, thoughtful risk planning, and historical insurance reconstruction. In many cases, legacy liability can be offset by uncovering old insurance policies. PolicyFind plays a critical role in helping clients locate and reconstruct historical coverage to meet today’s obligations.

At EnviroForensics, we’re closely monitoring how this change unfolds and what it means for the future of environmental liability, cleanup strategies, and redevelopment planning in Wisconsin and beyond.

EPA Refines PFAS Action Plan Under New Administration: Progress, Promises, and Points of Concern

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

BY: NICK HILL, LPG

Over the past few weeks, the EPA issued several announcements for refining their PFAS Action Plan based on the current administration’s objectives and regulatory interpretations for addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, or “Forever Chemicals”).  Through these initiatives, the EPA aims to reduce the prevalence of PFAS in the environment and to tackle PFAS at the source by holding responsible parties accountable for PFAS releases.  A summary of the new information is presented below.

Revisiting the 2019 PFAS Action Plan: What’s Changed in 2025

First, on April 28, 2025, the EPA announced updates to February 2019 PFAS Action Plan, initially launched in under Trump’ s first term.  The 2019 PFAS Action Plan outlined both immediate and long-term strategies to better understand and address PFAS.  The new EPA updates are centered on strengthening the Science behind decision-making and response actions, fulfilling statutory obligations, enhancing communication, and building partnerships.  Several key factors include designating an agency lead for addressing PFAS, developing effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) for PFAS manufacturers and metal finishers, enforcing Clean Water Act and TSCA limitations on PFAS use and release to prevent further contamination, and working with states to assess risks from PFAS contamination and the development of analytical and risk assessment tools.

Drinking Water Regulations: A Step Forward with a Delayed Timeline

Shortly after the April 28th announcement, the EPA released a notice on May 14, 2025, emphasizing its commitments to understand and address PFAS while ensuring regulatory compliance is feasible for drinking water systems that passively receive PFAS.  The agency will maintain the current National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) regulations, initially set in April 2024, and the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).  Additionally, the EPA will be proposing an extension of the compliance deadline for drinking water systems to meet the PFOA and PFOS MCLs from 2029 until 2031 to allow more time to implement solutions for addressing PFOA and PFOS.  The proposed rule is expected to be issued this fall and finalized in Spring 2026

Industry Accountability: Strengthening Effluent Guidelines and Enforcement

The EPA’s initiatives to address PFAS at the start of the second Trump Administration show promise; however, there are concerns regarding alterations to previously established regulations and deadlines. Maintaining the initial Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS set in April 2024 ensures consistency. Furthermore, the EPA’s plan to establish effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) for PFAS manufacturers and metal finishers, and to assess other required ELGs to mitigate PFAS discharges, is a positive step towards holding responsible parties accountable for PFAS releases. Additionally, the EPA’s extension of the deadline for drinking water systems to comply with the MCLs for PFOA and PFOS, coupled with the enhancement of outreach and support mechanisms such as the existing Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) and the new PFAS Outreach Initiative (PFAS OUT), will provide the necessary tools and financial aid to communities and drinking water systems affected by PFAS pollution.

Regulatory Setbacks and Scientific Integrity: Concerns About GenX and PFBS Reversals

Of concern is the postponement of the drinking water system compliance deadline and the EPA’s decision to rescind regulatory actions for GenX chemicals and PFBS based on legal grounds rather than scientific reasons. As scientists, we acknowledge the complexities involved in understanding PFAS and addressing related exposure pathways; thus, additional information can be advantageous in developing long-term effective solutions. However, delaying PFAS treatment in drinking water systems and reversing prior decisions on GenX chemicals and PFBS without scientific justification could unnecessarily extend immediate exposures to communities currently impacted by PFAS contamination. Additionally, while the EPA has expressed intentions to hold Responsible Parties accountable for PFAS releases, the framework for doing so remains ambiguous. We anticipate future decisions and actions from the EPA concerning PFAS with great interest.

Looking Ahead: Anticipated EPA Actions and the Path to PFAS Accountability

For information about the PFAS Rule, visit Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) NPDWR Implementation. For more information about PFAS Technical Assistance, visit EPA Water Technical Assistance. You can also Request EPA WaterTA services for your community.  And if you have more questions, please contact us.

What Drycleaners Need to Know: The Trump Administration and Environmental Regulations

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

AS SEEN IN CLEANER & LAUNDERER

BY: MATTHEW BONO, CHMM, Vice-President, EnviroForensics

For drycleaners, understanding how federal environmental policies shift with each administration is crucial. These changes affect everything from compliance obligations to long-term financial planning. Under the previous administration, environmental regulations were tightened—particularly those concerning solvent use, hazardous waste disposal, and site contamination liability. Now, with the Trump administration’s deregulatory stance, some of those rules may be rolled back. But this potential loosening doesn’t tell the whole story.

Federal Rollbacks Don’t Eliminate All Risk

While the Trump administration has prioritized reducing regulatory burdens on businesses at the federal level, drycleaners should remain cautious. Environmental cleanup and compliance responsibilities often originate at the state or local level, where state and local governments can create and enforce regulations aligned with their individual priorities. In fact, states like California, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan continue to enforce strict environmental regulations regardless of the federal approach. These jurisdictions may even expand enforcement efforts in the absence of strong federal oversight.

This means that while some drycleaners in less regulated states may see a short-term reduction in compliance costs, others—especially those in environmentally progressive regions—will continue to face robust requirements.

Why Now Is Still the Time to Utilize Historical Insurance Assets

Even in a more business-friendly federal climate, environmental liabilities don’t simply disappear. Many drycleaners operate on properties that have been in use for decades—often since before environmental regulations were clearly defined. These sites may harbor contamination from past solvent use, and responsible parties (like former owners or operators) may be long gone.

That’s where historical insurance policies come into play.

Old commercial general liability (CGL) policies, often written before 1986, may contain coverage for environmental claims—even if the contamination wasn’t discovered until recently. These assets can be crucial for funding cleanup, managing legal costs, or meeting state environmental agency requirements. Unfortunately, many businesses don’t realize they may have access to this valuable coverage.

The opportunity to leverage historical insurance assets is still very much alive, but it requires proactive effort. Insurers may dispute or deny claims based on technicalities, such as lost policy documents or exclusions. That’s why working with experienced insurance archeologists, like PolicyFind, is key to successfully recovering funds.

Contamination Still Hurts Property Value—Regulations or Not

Even if regulatory enforcement is dialed back, contamination itself still carries serious financial consequences. One of the most overlooked: property value.

Prospective buyers, lenders, and developers view environmental liabilities as long-term risks—whether or not cleanup is currently mandated. A property known (or even suspected) to be contaminated often:

  • Appraises lower due to cleanup uncertainty
  • Attracts fewer potential buyers
  • Triggers environmental site assessments (ESAs) during sale or refinancing
  • Faces higher insurance premiums or more restrictive loan terms

So, while federal deregulation may reduce your immediate compliance burden, it won’t erase the environmental stigma that affects real estate value. If you plan to sell, transfer, refinance, or redevelop your property in the future, unaddressed contamination will still be a major obstacle.

This is yet another reason to act now: investigating and using historical insurance coverage can help fund site assessment and cleanup, protecting your investment for the long term.

Administrations Change—Plan for What’s Next

Regardless of the current administration’s policies, political tides can turn quickly. A future federal administration may reimpose strict environmental rules—or introduce new ones altogether. Drycleaners who base their business decisions solely on today’s leniency may find themselves underprepared tomorrow.

Planning smart means:

  • Documenting all environmental conditions at your site today
  • Identifying and preserving historical insurance policies
  • Proactively engaging environmental consultants or legal advisors
  • Understanding state and local compliance requirements, not just federal ones

In short, don’t mistake a reprieve in federal enforcement for the elimination of long-term risk. The smart move is to plan ahead—by tapping into historical insurance coverage, aligning with state laws, and protecting both your business and your property value.

EnviroForensics Strengthens Leadership to Support Growth and Client Success

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

At EnviroForensics, we’re not just growing—we’re growing leaders. Our success is rooted in a strong culture of mentorship, career development, and opportunity. As we expand to meet increasing demand for environmental investigation and remediation services across the country, we remain deeply committed to developing talent from within. By providing clear career paths and investing in our team, we ensure our people—and our clients—continue to thrive.

That’s why we’re excited to announce the promotions of three exceptional team members: R. Scott Powell, PE, LPG, to Principal and Nick Hill, LPG, to Group Manager.

“These promotions reflect the incredible talent we’ve cultivated within EnviroForensics,” said Matt Bono, CHMM, Vice President. “Scott and Nick have all demonstrated strong leadership, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to our clients and team. Their growth shows what’s possible when we invest in people and provide them with the opportunity to lead.

Scott Powell, PE, LPG – Promoted to Principal

With more than 25 years of experience in environmental consulting, Scott Powell has become a trusted expert in site investigation, remediation, and litigation support. A Professional Engineer and Licensed Professional Geologist, Scott brings an uncommon depth of insight and technical clarity to every project. His ability to serve as an expert witness in legal matters has made him a go-to advisor for attorneys and clients navigating complex contamination issues.

Scott’s promotion to Principal is a testament to his steady leadership. He exemplifies our mission of combining regulatory expertise, scientific rigor, and business-minded solutions to solve environmental problems.

Nicholas Hill, LPG – Promoted to Group Manager

Nick Hill’s career at EnviroForensics has been marked by deep technical acumen. As a Licensed Professional Geologist, Nick has overseen complex remediation efforts and site closures across various regulatory frameworks, providing clarity and confidence to clients in uncertain situations.

His promotion to Group Manager reflects his skill in managing multidisciplinary teams. Nick has grown steadily into leadership, proving that technical growth and people leadership go together. He joined EnviroForensics almost 14 years ago as a Staff Geologist now leads a team of project managers and scientists in delivering the high-quality work that defines EnviroForensics.

Leadership That Reflects Our Core Values

More than just new titles, these promotions represent what’s possible in an environment where mentorship is prioritized, hard work is recognized, and growth is intentional. Each of these professionals embodies the values that drive us forward: collaboration, scientific excellence, and a passion for solving complex challenges.

EPA Postpones Toxic Substances Control Act Final Rule and Effective Dates for Banning All Uses of TCE

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

BY: NICK HILL, LPG

On March 24, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an announcement regarding the effective date of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) final risk management rule for trichloroethylene (TCE).  As we reported in our Blog on December 19, 2024, the EPA intended to prohibit most consumer and commercial uses of TCE within 1 year of the January 16, 2025, effective date, as stated in the December 17, 2024, Federal Register 89 FR 102568.  However, according to the newest announcement, the EPA received multiple petitions for review of the final rule that were subsequently consolidated under the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and a court-ordered temporary stay has prevented the TCE final rule from going into effect.

Additionally, to comply with the terms of President Trump’s Regulatory Freeze Pending Review January 20, 2025 memorandum, the EPA issued the Delay of Effective Date for 4 Final Regulations Published by the Environmental Protection Agency Between November 29, 2024, and December 31, 2024 on January 28, 2025 (90 FR 8254).  This action initially delayed the TCE final rule’s effective date from January 16, 2025, to March 21, 2025. However, the EPA is now expecting to publish an additional notice further postponing requirements for 90 days, to June 20, 2025.  The additional 90-day postponement notice is currently under judicial review.

These rule postponements are being requested in parallel to the EPA asking for a 60-day extension to the court ordered January 16, 2025, temporary stay so the EPA can determine what next steps should be taken.

Given the delayed effective date for the TSCA TCE rule, dry cleaners and industrial operators who have not switched to non-chlorinated solvent options will have more time to consider their options and prepare for the transition. We will continue to monitor the TSCA TCE rule that will potentially ban TCE use and provide information shared by the EPA to keep our clients informed.

EnviroForensics Welcomes Michael Potter as Senior Project Manager

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

At EnviroForensics, we are committed to building a team of experts who bring deep technical knowledge and strategic insight to environmental challenges. We are excited to welcome Michael Potter, a Licensed Professional Geologist with over 23 years of experience, as our newest Senior Project Manager.

Michael has worked extensively in soil, groundwater, air, and surface water investigation and remediation, leading projects across 24 states under various state and federal regulatory frameworks, including EPA and U.S. Coast Guard guidelines. His expertise spans emergency response, site investigation, regulatory negotiation, and remediation strategy development.

“With over 23 years of experience in emergency response, investigation, and remediation, Michael brings a wealth of expertise to our company,” said EnviroForensics’ Vice President, Matt Bono. “His involvement has ranged from sudden train derailments to properties affected by long-term historical operations, covering the entire spectrum of environmental releases. His extensive background will be invaluable in helping our clients navigate through complex challenges.”

Michael has managed a diverse range of projects, including petroleum service stations, former auto manufacturing facilities, chemical warehouses, dry cleaners, electric utility substations, ports, and railyards. With 15 years of emergency response experience, he has played a critical role in addressing pipeline releases, train derailments, highway tanker-truck accidents, and industrial fires. His expertise in contaminants—such as petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, PCBs, and PFAS—allows him to develop and implement effective remediation strategies.

As Senior Project Manager, Michael will lead soil, groundwater, and vapor investigations and cleanups, ensuring projects align with regulatory requirements and client objectives. His ability to work closely with responsible parties, attorneys, regulators, and stakeholders will help clients address environmental liabilities with confidence.

EPA Finalizes Rules to Ban TCE and Phase Out PCE Under the Toxic Substances Control Act

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

BY: NICK HILL, LPG

On December 8, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a groundbreaking final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This rule bans all uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) over time (with the vast majority of identified risks eliminated within one year) and bans the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of tetrachloroethylene (PCE or “Perc”) in commerce for all consumer uses and many commercial uses.

According to Federal Register 89 FR 102568, effective on January 16, 2025, the TCE ban will eliminate most consumer and industrial uses within one (1) year.  According to Federal Register 89 FR 103560, effective January 17, 2025, the PCE phaseout introduces a timeline that will eliminate all consumer and most commercial PCE uses within 10 years.

Understanding TCE and PCE

  • PCE and TCE are nonflammable chlorinated solvents that are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with varying degrees of toxicity. PCE can biodegrade into TCE, and PCE may contain trace amounts of TCE as an impurity or a contaminant.
  • Both chemicals have historically been used in automotive repair, parts washing, manufacturing processes, and dry cleaning industries.

Key Impacts on Dry Cleaners

Both PCE and TCE have been readily used as part of the dry cleaning process for decades.  While many dry cleaners have been transitioning away from the use of PCE and TCE, some dry cleaners are still using these solvents today, especially as a spot cleaner.  For those clients who are using (or may be considering the use of) PCE and/or TCE, here are a few important notes:

  • All TCE use in dry cleaning will be prohibited after September 15, 2025.
  • All PCE use in dry cleaning will be prohibited after December 19, 2034, with the following roll-out of compliance dates:
    • New Machines: PCE use will be prohibited for dry cleaning machines acquired after January 16, 2025.
    • Existing Machines: PCE use in 3rd generation dry cleaning machines will be prohibited after December 20, 2027, and prohibited in 4th/5th generation machines after December 19, 2034.
  • Further details are available via the EPA PCE rule and TCE rule websites.

Compliance and Support

  • The EPA plans to release compliance guidance for the use of PCE in dry cleaning and for other industries affected by the TCE final rule.
  • Alternatives to TCE and PCE with comparable costs and efficacy to TCE and PCE are reasonably available, according to EPA evaluations.
  • Small businesses, including dry cleaners, may access transition funding if approved under President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

Additionally, the EPA will host a public webinar to explain what is in the PCE final rule and how it will be implemented on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. EST.  Registration is available on the Final Regulation of Perchloroethylene under TSCA webinar page.

Next Steps for Businesses

While the EPA is allowing some uses of TCE and PCE to continue under stringent workplace safety controls for longer than the presented phaseout timelines in select industries, dry cleaning is not included as an exemption.  Therefore, dry cleaners who have not switched to non-chlorinated solvent options should begin preparing for the transition.  We will continue monitoring the TCE-PCE information that EPA shares to keep our clients informed.

We have partnered with dry cleaners for over 25 years to ensure our specialized environmental services protect the long-term interests and personal needs of dry cleaners. If you have questions concerning your dry cleaner, contact us today.

Addressing Indiana’s Housing Shortage: Unlocking Residential Development Opportunities on Brownfield Sites

Posted on by Elizabeth Hemingway

BY: STEVE HENSHAW, LPG

As we’ve traveled across Indiana, engaging with mayors and local leaders, the issue of growing a workforce without an adequate housing inventory continues to be front and center. In response, we’ve launched an initiative aimed at identifying potential residential redevelopment sites within city limits by focusing on Brownfield properties.

Brownfields—sites impacted by past industrial or commercial use—often have the potential to be transformed into thriving residential spaces. With our specialized tools and expertise, we can assist cities in revitalizing these properties, potentially cleaning up environmental contaminants at little to no cost to the city or its taxpayers. At this year’s AIM Ideas Summit, EnviroForensics CEO Steve Henshaw spoke on this topic during his workshop “Finding Your Diamond in the Rough by Looking Closer at Problem Properties.” By rehabilitating these sites, we aim to contribute to the solution for Indiana’s housing shortage while turning underutilized land into valuable community assets.

We look forward to continuing our work with Indiana’s cities to create sustainable, affordable housing solutions that benefit both residents and local economies.

To learn more about our work, explore our Brownfields Redevelopment services.