Department of Environment & Conservation
Robert Martineau, Commissioner

Drycleaning

NEW REGULATIONS

FOR PERCHLORETHYLENE (PERC) DRYCLEANERS

 

On July 27, 2006, EPA published new regulations for perc drycleaners.  These regulations revised the 1993 federal rules affecting perc drycleaners.  The revisions changed perc drycleaner permitting requirements.  The State Air Pollution Control Division revised and reissued these needed permits in 2008.  All perc drycleaners should have a permit with an issuance date of 2008 or later.

The new perc rule revision:

• Required affected sources to submit a notification of the status of compliance with all provisions of the revised rule by July 28 , 2008
• Banned new construction of perc drycleaners located in residential buildings (co-located)

• Phased out perc use at co-located drycleaners by Dec. 21, 2020

• Eliminated the use of transfer machines after July 27, 2008

• Requires a dry-to-dry machine with refrigerated condensers that recirculates the perc vapor stream through a non-vented carbon adsorber before the door is opened.

• Strengthened monitoring and record keeping with the following:

• Required a monthly perc leak check using an instrument capable of detecting a perc vapor concentration of 25 ppmv in addition to the required weekly perceptible leak check.
• Added ‘all’ filter housings to list of required sites of inspection, replacing the ‘cartridge’ filter housing
• Increased the methods that can be used in the weekly monitoring of the refrigerated system performance to include the option of using the monitoring of the range between the high and low pressures during the drying cycle

 

For more information including a summary of the new rule requirements, click here for a brochure.

Air Pollution

In Tennessee air pollution is regulated in five geographical areas.  There is a State Air Pollution regulatory Program and four local air pollution control Programs.  The State regulates sources in ninety one counties.

• All drycleaners regulated by the State should apply for a permit to construct at least 120 days before commencing construction.
• Existing sources with operating permits should renew their operating permit 60 days prior to the permit’s expiration date.

Sources in the following counties are regulated by local programs.

 

Locals

Davidson County
Hamilton County
Knox County
Shelby County

Dry Cleaner Environmental Response Program (DCERP)

All drycleaners must register with the DCERP. Visit the DCERP permit page for information.

Hazardous Waste Management

• All Perc Drycleaners are hazardous waste generators. For general hazardous waste regulatory information visit the hazardous waste permit page.

New Federal Uniform Manifest for Hazardous Waste Generators and Hazardous Waste Handlers

• For more information click here
  

Special Waste Management

Most non-perc drycleaning waste is classified as Special Waste. Visit the special waste permit page for general Special Waste information.

Quick Reference

  » Dry Cleaners!  Did You Know? - An overview of Tennessee Regulatory Requirements for Dry Cleaners.

Copy of the July 27, 2006 Perc Drycleaners NESHAP, 40 CFR 63 Subpart M new rule with links

New Perc Rule brochure that summarizes the rule requirements

  » Helpful Information on recordkeeping and reporting for non perc facilities

  » Chapter 400-15-3 Dry Cleaner Environmental Response Program (DCERP) Regulations

  » Chapter 1200-3-31-.13 - State air pollution regulations for perchloroethylene dry cleaners

  » Chapter 1200-3-18-.36 - Volatile organic compounds regulations for Petroleum Solvent Dry Cleaners

  » Chapter 1200-3-16-.49 - New Source Performance Standards for Petroleum Dry Cleaners