Thursday, October 1, 2026
Because toxic chemicals in the ground pose a health risk to people in the building, the state recently declared GEM Cleaners, on North Village Avenue, a Superfund site.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) found significant quantities of the dry cleaning chemical tetrachloroethene, also know as PCE, in soil and water samples taken from the site, a report released on May 14 said. A test in 2008 showed some areas with a PCE concentration of as much as 3,200 parts per billion (ppb). The acceptable limit for PCE is 5 ppb.
Because of the high levels of contamination, the DEC declared that the site “represents a significant threat to public health and the environment.”
In addition to soil contamination, ground water under the building was also contaminated. But that does not pose an immediate health risk because the Rockville Centre Water Department gets its water from a different source.
The report also said that direct contact with the contaminated soil is unlikely, since the area is covered with buildings and pavement. However, there is a possibility that contaminated air could be inhaled in nearby buildings due to a process known as soil vapor intrusion.
According to the state Department of Health, pedestrians walking by the building are not at risk for exposure to any contaminants.
