Image: Collecting Sample from Air Beneath Floor of Classroom
A&B Norge Dry Cleaners
operated in Kalispell, Montana from 1960-2000. Chemicals once used for dry
cleaning, Perchloroethylene (PCE) and Trichloroethene (TCE), were found in the
air beneath a nearby school.
Sampling Results: Testing showed very low levels of TCE under one
classroom. No PCE and TCE were found in indoor air samples
Actions Taken: To ensure vapors are not entering classrooms, EPA has
installed a vapor mitigation system under the school. This was completed in
August 2025, before the first day of school.
Other findings: A chemical called acrolein showed up in
air samples, but EPA experts confirmed it likely came from the sampling process
itself – not the school environment.
Next steps: EPA will do more testing in winter, after the vapor
mitigation system has been used, to confirm that the building air remains below
risk levels.
EPA is taking conservative
measures to ensure parents, staff, and students are protected.
For more information,
visit the Pollution/Situation Report (Pol/Sitreps) section or contact our site
team
