A Forensic Analysis of Contaminant Releases From a Sewer Pipe

In 1992 an obscure 23 page report titled Dry Cleaners – A Major Source of PCE in Ground Water was published. Flush water was sampled to indicate whether PCE (perchloroethylene) liquids or sludges had accumulated. Of the sixteen dry cleaners investigated, samples from 11 indicated that PCE sludges or liquids had accumulated in the sewers next to the facility and were available for exfiltration. Based on the investigation, the report stated: The literature indicates that all sewer lines leak to some extent. This led to the realization that the owners and operators of sewers, especially municipalities, were potentially liable for PCE releases via a sewer network. While the exfiltration of liquid from sewers is a mature science to engineers designing sanitary sewers, the application of this knowledge specifically to forensic issues associated with PCE releases from sewer piping is unique. This chapter provides insight into this issue, especially its application to forensic issues that arise in litigation regarding PCE discharges from sewers.