Dry Cleaner Update

On January 15 th , 2009, the Maine DEP formerly proposed amendments to Chapter 125, PERCHLOROETHYLENE DRY CLEANER REGULATION. These amendments align the state's requirements with the EPA amendments discussed below. Maine 's proposal includes several minor changes and three changes which are more stringent then the EPA regulations:

Ch. 125 requires the use of the halogenated hydrocarbon leak detector during weekly inspections. (EPA requires a monthly check).
Maine DEP has defined “co-located” to include a building with a residence or with a day care center, a health care facility, a prison, an elementary school, a middle or high school, a children's pre-school, a senior center, a youth center or other facility inhabited by children or the elderly. Thus, new dry cleaners can not be installed in co-located buildings and existing co-located units must eliminate use of perchloroethylene and remove all perchloroethylene dry cleaning equipment by 12/21/2020.
will limit to seven days the amount of time dry cleaning equipment can operate while awaiting repairs.

Chapter 125

Public Hearing Notice

Dry Cleaner Air Resources

On June 27, 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated amended the standards for perchloroethylene for dry cleaning facilities. On July 27, 2008, owners and operators of facilities using perchloroethylene (PERC or PCE) solvents must comply with new requirements and standards.

Some of the requirements include:

Dry cleaning machines must undergo a monthly leak inspection using a halogenated hydrocarbon leak detector or a perc gas analyzer when the machines are in operation. ( Maine 's requirement for weekly perceptible leak checks still applies). A list of halogenated hydrocarbon leak detectors. pdf format
Dry cleaners must submit a Notification of Compliance status form to EPA – Region 1 and the Maine DEP by July 27, 2008 certifying compliance with the new and existing EPA rules. Notification of Compliance Status pdf format
Existing perc dry-cleaner units in residential buildings will be completely phased out by December 21, 2020. Co-located dry cleaners that started construction between December 21, 2005 – July 26, 2006 must eliminate use by July 27, 2009. Perc dry cleaning units installed after July 26, 2006 cannot emit Perc if located in a residential building.

Outreach letter (pdf format)

Notice of Compliance Status Form (pdf format)

EPA's 40 CFR part 63 Subpart M (entire rule)

63 Section 322

Summary fact sheet: pdf format

EPA fact sheet:

EPA Dry cleaner NESHAP amendments: