December 21, 2020 Deadline for Phasing Out PERC Dry Cleaning Equipment Approaching
The 2008 National Perchloroethylene Air Emission Standards for Dry-Cleaning Facilities requires a phase-out of perchloroethylene (PERC) dry cleaning machines co-located with residential buildings by December 21, 2020. Accordingly, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has advised that existing permits for co-residential dry cleaners will automatically be terminated after December 21, 2020. In addition, PERC dry cleaners operating in co-residential locations after December 21, 2020, will be in violation of the federal rule and will be subject to penalty assessments and fines.
PERC Phase-Out
Even though PERC has been used by dry cleaners for decades as the solvent of choice, exposure to PERC can impact workers, nearby residents and the environment when released to air, water, land or groundwater. In addition, PERC and trichloroethylene (TCE) used in textile cleaning are both listed as hazardous waste under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Based on the potential health and environmental risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised certain requirements for PERC dry cleaners in 2008. In addition to requiring a phase-out of PERC machines co-located with residential buildings by 2020, the National Perchloroethylene Air Emission Standards for Dry-Cleaning Facilities also requires all dry cleaners to implement controls on PERC emissions. As detailed by the EPA, the rule requires:
Elimination of transfer machines;
Use of leak detection equipment;
Leak repair;
Record-keeping; and
For dry cleaners installed on or after December 9, 1991, use of carbon absorbers and refrigerated condensers.
Next Steps
If you are operating a PERC dry cleaner at a co-residential location, by December 21, 2020, the PERC and any PERC-contaminated waste must be removed from the machine and disposed of properly. In addition, the PERC machine must be fully disconnected or removed by that date.
Going forward, dry cleaners must switch to alternative cleaning methods, such as wet cleaning, carbon dioxide, or hydrocarbon technology. Alternatively, co-residential PERC cleaners may also elect to relocate the PERC dry cleaning machines to another facility that is not attached to any residential building.
If you have questions, please contact us
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Dan McKillop, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work, at 201-806-3364.
Dissolving Your Business: Essential Legal Steps to Protect Your Interests
If you’re considering closing your business, it’s crucial to understand that simply shutting your doors does not end your legal obligations. Unless you formally dissolve your business, it continues to exist in the eyes of the law—leaving you exposed to ongoing liabilities such as taxes, compliance violations, and potential lawsuits. Dissolving a business can seem […]
The Role of Corporate Restructuring in Mergers & Acquisitions
Contrary to what many people think, corporate restructuring isn’t all doom and gloom. Revamping a company’s organizational structure, corporate hierarchy, or operations procedures can help keep your business competitive. This is particularly true during challenging times. Corporate restructuring plays a critical role in modern business strategy. It helps companies adapt quickly to market changes. Following […]
Crypto Enforcement: A Former Prosecutor’s Warning to Criminals and the Public
Cryptocurrency intimidates most people. The reason is straightforward. People fear what they do not understand. When confusion sets in, the common reaction is either to ignore the subject entirely or to mistrust it. For years, that is exactly how most of the public and even many in law enforcement treated cryptocurrency. However, such apprehension changed […]
Understanding Chattel Paper: A Key Component in Secured Transactions
Using chattel paper to obtain a security interest in personal property is a powerful tool. It can ensure lenders have a legal claim on collateral ranging from inventory to intellectual property. To reduce risk and protect your legal rights, businesses and lenders should understand the legal framework. This framework governs the creation, sale, and enforcement […]
For years, digital assets operated in a legal gray area, a frontier where innovation outpaced the reach of regulators and law enforcement. In this early “Wild West” phase of finance, crypto startups thrived under minimal oversight. That era, however, is coming to an end. The importance of crypto compliance has become paramount as cryptocurrency has […]
Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
