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: