While dry cleaners are small businesses, they generate relatively large volumes of hazardous substances. EPA estimates the average dry cleaner generates 660 gallons of hazardous wastes a year. Unlike petroleum contamination which may break down over time by naturally-occurring bacteria in the environment, the chlorinated solvents that are used by dry cleaners are resistant to biodegradation. As a result, groundwater contamination from dry cleaners has a greater potential to migrate off-site which can be problematic since dry cleaners are often located within proximity to residential neighborhoods. Indeed, a 2002 Florida study found that dry cleaner contamination had migrated off-site at 57 percent of the contaminated sites. Due to these types of environmental hazards when commercial land is sold require a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment according to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Why would the type of monitoring required as part Phase 1 Environmental Assessments be important if a dry cleaner was being sold? A) The monitoring will indicate any environmental damage done that should be remediated prior to selling the land.

B) This type of monitoring will allow the government to only sell land to businesses that have environmentally friendly practices.

C) The monitoring prevents the land from being resold to any dry cleaning businesses which can be damaging to the environment.

D) The monitoring will allow the government to determine which type of business is better for the environment so dangerous businesses can be closed.