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Board adopts resolution urging coordinated cleanup of PCE contamination near 2500 Block of Irving Street
Summary
The Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution urging the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, San Francisco Department of Public Health and other agencies to provide a coordinated response to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination in the vicinity of the 2500 Block of Irving Street.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution (item 53) on July 12, 2022 urging the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and other agencies to provide a comprehensive, coordinated response to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination around the 2500 Block of Irving Street.
Sponsor Supervisor Mar told the board the contamination was discovered in connection with affordable housing work at 2550 Irving and that oversight has been fragmented. "The community has a right to know, to understand what the health impacts are and really to have confidence that our public oversight agencies are doing their jobs and truly protecting public health and the environment," Mar said.
Multiple residents and neighborhood groups provided public comment asking for remediation before any further construction. Speakers included nearby residents who said indoor-air testing detected PCE at levels of concern, longtime neighborhood association representatives, and advocates calling on DTSC to take lead responsibility and coordinate cleanup. Eileen Bokin of the Sunset Parkside Education and Action Committee (SPEAK) noted the neighborhood’s sandy soils can allow vapor plumes to spread more easily and urged outreach to state officials.
The board adopted the resolution unanimously (11-0). The resolution calls for DTSC, SFDPH and other agencies to coordinate, prioritize remediation using appropriate technology such as soil vapor extraction when warranted, and to protect current and future occupants and construction workers.
Why it matters: PCE is a legacy dry-cleaning solvent associated with cancer risk; residents, homeowners and future occupants of new affordable housing raised health and safety concerns. The resolution asks state and city agencies to coordinate and prioritize cleanup before further development.
Next steps: The resolution expresses the board’s formal request that DTSC and SFDPH provide a coordinated response and to work with community groups and responsible parties on remediation plans and public outreach.
