Air is tested every three months. TCE levels have dropped 40-80% since June 2024, but some spots still show elevated levels.

• Installed 49 air treatment units

• Sealed floor cracks

• Upgraded HVAC with carbon filters and airflow changes

• Ongoing: Monthly maintenance, sealing more cracks, replacing filters

• Designing two long-term systems to permanently remove TCE from soil (planned for 2026)

High TCE was found in soil near the west side of Food 4 Less and along the north, south, and east sides of the property.

Testing in March 2025 showed no issues in occupied buildings. One vacant suite had slightly elevated TCE because power and ventilation were off. All suites will be retested this fall to confirm initial results.

Cleanup projects usually take several years. The focus is on keeping indoor air safe while permanent soil cleanup systems are built (expected in 2026).

When chemicals like TCE evaporate from polluted soil or water, vapors can move into buildings through cracks or drains, affecting indoor air.

Chemicals that easily turn into vapors, such as dry-cleaning solvents, degreasers, gasoline, and diesel.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical once widely used to remove grease. It’s found in some household products and exposure to high doses over long periods of time can potentially cause cancer and reproductive harm.

Very common in California and the U.S. due to past widespread use. Hundreds of cleanups like this one are underway statewide.

Yes. Drinking water is supplied by the San Diego County Water Authority and is regularly tested.

No. All stores will remain open.

ESLs are health-protective benchmarks used to guide cleanup. For TCE, levels are set very low (1 in 1,000,000 cancer risk). EPA’s urgent action level for commercial buildings is 24 µg/m³.

Direct contact with TCE in soil is not possible because the site is paved. The only potential exposure is through indoor air. So far, only Food 4 Less and one vacant suite have shown impacts.

TCE can potentially cross the placenta early in pregnancy and may increase the risk of certain heart defects. EPA’s urgent action level for TCE indoors is 24 µg/m³. Pregnant women concerned about exposure should speak with their doctor.

No. TCE leaves the body quickly and can’t be traced to a specific source. If you’re concerned about exposure, you should speak with your doctor.

Yes. Common products like cleaners, varnishes, adhesives, and dry-cleaning chemicals contain VOCs.

Past cleanups focused on groundwater, not indoor air. A nearby property review found soil vapor issues, which led to new testing here.

Projects like this take 5-10 years due to detailed testing, planning and regulatory reviews.

• MCP: Property owner, funding cleanup

• DTSC: State agency overseeing the work

• EKI: Environmental engineering firm leading investigation and cleanup

• Craig Communications: Supports project communications

DTSC (part of CalEPA) protects people and the environment from toxics. For this project, DTSC reviews and oversees all work to make sure cleanup is done correctly and provides updates to the community.