A Simple Guide To Air Quality Rules For Perc Dry Cleaners

[This document is from the State of Colorado. Please email comments to:
Nick Melliadis at nick.melliadis@state.co.us.]

Revised December 1996

A Simple Guide To Perc Dry Cleaning Rules

All dry cleaners who use perc (perchloroethylene) as their cleaning solvent are required to follow these rules.
September 22, 1996 is the deadline for dry cleaners to meet the requirements of the rule.
The state government has the main responsibility for enforcing this rule.
The rules were written by the federal government and published on September 22, 1993.

This booklet was designed to clarify the dry cleaner air quality rules. It contains nine sections, labeled (A) through (I). To use this guide, simply find the section that applies to your business and follow the Air Quality requirements outlined in that section (See INSTRUCTIONS below). At the back of this booklet, in the ATTACHMENTS section you will find forms that you need for reporting to the State and for keeping track of leak inspections and control equipment measurements.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Follow the steps outlined below to identify which section applies to your facility:

Identify the TYPE OF EQUIPMENT: transfer system or dry-to-dry system?
- A transfer system has a separate washer and dryer. The clothing must be removed from the washer at the end of the washing cycle and placed in a separate dryer. If you use a reclaimer, then your equipment is considered to be a transfer system. New transfer units are allowed only if they were installed prior to September 23, 1993. After September 22, 1993, no new transfer units are allowed. However, you are allowed to purchase a facility with an existing transfer system.
  IF YOU HAVE A TRANSFER SYSTEM, SEE (2) BELOW.
- A dry-to-dry system washes and dries the clothing in the same machine.
  IF YOU HAVE A DRY-TO-DRY SYSTEM, SEE (3) BELOW.
TRANSFER SYSTEMS: Identify the amount of perc used per year in your transfer system:
- If your transfer system uses 200 gallons or less of perc per year, SECTION (A) will explain the rules for your facility. Turn to SECTION A.
- If your transfer system uses more than 200 gallons but no more than 1,800 gallons of perc per year, SECTION (B) will explain the rules for your facility. Turn to SECTION B.
- If your transfer system uses more than 1,800 gallons of perc per year, SECTION C will explain the rules for your facility. Turn to SECTION C.
DRY-TO-DRY SYSTEMS: Identify whether the dry-to-dry system is EXISTING or NEW:
- EXISTING dry-to-dry systems are systems installed before December 9, 1991.
- NEW dry-to-dry systems are systems installed on or after December 9, 1991.
IF YOUR DRY-TO-DRY SYSTEM IS EXISTING, SEE (4) BELOW.

IF YOUR DRY-TO-DRY SYSTEM IS NEW, SEE (5) BELOW.
EXISTING DRY-TO-DRY SYSTEMS: Identify the amount of perc used per year:
- If your existing dry-to-dry system uses 140 gallons or less of perc per year, SECTION (D) will explain the rules for your facility. TURN TO SECTION D.
- If your existing dry-to-dry system uses more than 140 gallons but not more than 2,100 gallons of perc per year, SECTION (E) will explain the rules for your facility. Turn to SECTION E.
- If your existing dry-to-dry system uses more than 2,100 gallons of perc per year, SECTION (F) will explain the rules for your facility. Turn to SECTION F.
NEW DRY-TO-DRY SYSTEMS: Identify the amount of perc used per year:
- If your new dry-to-dry system uses 140 gallons or less of perc per year, SECTION (G) will explain the rules for your facility. Turn to SECTION G.
- If your new dry-to-dry system uses more than 140 gallons but not more than 2,100 gallons of perc per year, SECTION (H) will explain the rules for your facility. Turn to SECTION H.
- If your new dry-to-dry system uses more than 2,100 gallons of perc per year, SECTION (I) will explain the rules for your facility. Turn to SECTION I.

If you have questions about the information contained in this packet, call the Air Pollution Control Division at (303) 692-3150. In the Grand Junction area, call (970) 249-6337.

SECTION A

EXISTING TRANSFER MACHINES
Small Area Sources

This rule applies to dry cleaners who meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Dry cleaners whose transfer machines were installed before September 23, 1993.
Dry cleaners who use 200 gallons or less of perc (perchloroethylene) per year. The amount of perc used is based on adding together the purchasing records for the past 12 months. See the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Requirements (General)

No new air pollution equipment is required.
Each time the operator adds or removes clothes from the washer or dryer, the operator must close the door immediately. Also, the door should stay closed except when the operator is adding or removing clothes.
The operator must run the machine based on the manufacturer specifications and recommendations. This information should have been provided when the operator purchased the machine. If you don't have this information call your perc distributor, dry cleaning machine salesperson, or the manufacturer.
Before removing any filters from the dry cleaning machine, the operator must drain the filters in their housing or in a sealed container for a 24 hour period.
The operator must store all perc and perc wastes in sealed containers that do not leak.
The operator must check for leaks in and around the machine every two weeks while the machine is running. The attached Leak Detection Inspection Log will help the operator with these inspections.
The operator must repair any leaks found in the inspection within 24 hours. If new parts are needed, they should be ordered within two days of finding the leak, and new parts should be installed within five days of receiving the part.

(Monitoring)

On the first day of every month, the operator should write down the amount of perc purchased the month before and add together the amount purchased in the past 12 months. This information should be written down in the attached Perc Consumption Record.

(Reports and Records)

Each operator must keep all receipts, inspection logs, and logs of the perc the operator has bought for 5 years.
Each operator must send to the State the following reports:
- An Initial Notification Report due by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Control Requirements by October 23, 1996.

Copies of the above three reports are attached for your use. If you have not already submitted these, please send the completed forms to the following address:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
APCD - Small Business Assistance Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530

SECTION B

EXISTING TRANSFER MACHINES
Large Area Sources

This rule applies to dry cleaners who meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Dry cleaners whose transfer machines were installed before September 23, 1993.
Dry cleaners who use more than 200 but no more than 1800 gallons of perc (perchloroethylene) per year. The amount of perc used is based on adding together the purchasing records for the past 12 months. See the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Requirements (General)

The operator must have either a refrigerated condenser on each dry cleaning machine, OR use a sniffer (carbon adsorber), ONLY IF THE SNIFFER WAS INSTALLED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 22, 1993.
Each time the operator adds or removes clothes from the machine, the operator must close the door immediately. Also, the door should stay closed except when the operator is adding or removing clothes.
The operator must run the machine based on the manufacturer specifications and recommendations. This information should have been provided when the operator purchased the machine. If you don't have this information call your perc distributor, dry cleaning machine salesperson, or the manufacturer.
If the operator installs a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator must make sure that the condenser does not release perc vapor while the machine is operating.
The operator must make sure that a valve is installed on the refrigerated condenser of the dryer to prevent outside air from coming into the condenser when the door is open.
If the operator installs a refrigerated condenser on a washer, the operator needs to ensure that the perc emissions are not released to the air until the door is open.
The operator cannot use the same refrigeration coil for the washer and the dryer. There must be a separate coil for each.
If the operator has a sniffer, the sniffer should be used at all times the machine is running.
Before removing any filters from the dry cleaning machine, the operator must drain the filters in their housing or in a sealed container for a 24 hour period.
The operator must store all perc and perc wastes in sealed containers that do not leak.
The operator must check for leaks in and around the machine every week while the machine is running. The attached Leak Detection Inspection Log will help the operator with these inspections.
The operator must repair any leaks found in the inspection within 24 hours. If new parts are needed, they should be ordered within two days of finding the leak, and new parts should be installed within five days of receiving the part.

(Monitoring)

If the operator uses a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator must measure and record the temperature of the exhaust on the outlet of the refrigerated condenser once a week. The temperature must be 45F or less. If the temperature is greater than 45F, the operator should make repairs or adjustments and write down all changes. Attached is a Weekly Temperature Log to assist the operator.
If the operator uses a refrigerated condenser on the washer, the operator must measure the temperatures of the perc vapors at the inlet and outlet of the refrigerated condenser once a week. The difference between the temperature of the vapors going into the refrigerated condenser and the temperature of the vapors coming out must be 20F or greater.
If the operator uses a sniffer, the amount of perc vapor in the exhaust of the sniffer must be measured once a week. A colorimetric detector tube should be used to measure the perc. The measurement should be taken at the end of the last dry cleaning cycle while the perc is released to the sniffer prior to steaming out (cleaning) of the sniffer. The concentration of perc must be 100 ppm or less. Attached is a Weekly Concentration Log to assist the operator.
On the first day of every month, the operator should write down the amount of perc purchased the month before and total the amount purchased the past 12 months. This information should be recorded in the attached Perc Consumption Record.

(Reports and Records)

Each operator must also keep all receipts, inspection logs, and logs of the perc the operator has bought for 5 years.
Each operator must send to the State the following reports:
- An Initial Notification Report due by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Control Requirements by October 23, 1996.

Copies of the above three reports are attached for your use. If you have not already submitted these, please send the completed forms to the following address:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
APCD - Small Business Assistance Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530

SECTION C

EXISTING TRANSFER MACHINES
Major Sources

This rule applies to dry cleaners who meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Dry cleaners whose transfer machines were installed before September 23, 1993.
Dry cleaners who use more than 1800 gallons of perc (perchloroethylene) per year. The amount of perc used is based on adding together the purchasing records for the past 12 months. See the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Requirements (General)

The operator must have either a refrigerated condenser on the transfer machine or use a sniffer ( carbon adsorber) ONLY IF THE SNIFFER WAS INSTALLED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 22, 1993.
The operator must have this dry cleaning unit in a separate enclosed room. The room needs to have walls that will not allow perc to escape and the room needs to have fans at the doorway so that no perc will be released when doors are opened.
Each time the operator adds or removes clothes from the machine, the operator must close the door immediately. Also, the door should stay closed except when the operator is adding or removing clothes.
The operator must run the machine based on the manufacturer specifications and recommendations. This information should have been provided when the operator purchased the machine. If you don't have this information call your perc distributor, dry cleaning machine salesperson, or the manufacturer.
If the operator installs a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator must make sure that the condenser does not release perc vapor while the machine is operating.
The operator must make sure that a valve is installed to prevent outside air from coming into the condenser when the door is open.
If the operator installs a refrigerated condenser on a washer, the operator needs to ensure that the perc emissions are not released to the air until the door is open.
The operator cannot use the same refrigeration coil for the washer and the dryer. There must be a separate coil for each.
If the operator has a sniffer, the sniffer must be used at all times the machine is running.
The operator needs to make sure that all of the air from inside the room enclosure is vented through a sniffer. This sniffer is required in addition to any sniffer already used on the machines.
Before removing any filters from the dry cleaning machine, the operator must drain the filters in their housing or in a sealed container for a 24 hour period.
The operator must store all perc and perc wastes in sealed containers that do not leak.
The operator must check for leaks in and around the machine every week while the machine is running. The attached Leak Detection Inspection Log will help the operator with these inspections.
The operator must repair any leaks found in the inspection within 24 hours. If new parts are needed, they should be ordered within two days of finding the leak, and new parts should be installed within five days of receiving the part.

(Monitoring)

If the operator uses a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator needs to measure and record the temperature of the exhaust on the outlet of the condenser once a week. The temperature must be 45F or less. If the temperature is greater than 45F, the operator should make repairs or adjustments and write down all corrections. Attached is Weekly Temperature Log to assist the operator.
If the operator uses a refrigerated condenser on the washer, the operator must monitor the temperature of the perc vapors at the inlet and outlet of refrigerated condenser The difference between the temperature of the vapors going into the refrigerated condenser and the temperature of the vapors coming out must be 20F or greater.
If the operator uses a sniffer, the amount of perc in the exhaust of the sniffer needs to be measured once a week. A colorimetric detector tube should be used to measure the perc. The measurement should be taken at the end of the last dry cleaning cycle while the perc is released to the sniffer prior to steaming out (cleaning) of the sniffer. The concentration of perc must be 100 ppm or less. Attached is a Weekly Concentration Log to assist the operator.
On the first day of every month, the operator should write down the amount of perc purchased the month before and total the amount purchased in the past 12 months. This information should be recorded in the attached Perc Consumption Record.

(Reports and Records)

Each operator must also keep all receipts, inspection logs, and logs of the perc the operator has bought for 5 years.
Each operator must send to the State the following reports:
- An Initial Notification Report due by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Control Requirements by October 23, 1996.

Copies of the above three reports are attached for your use. If you have not already submitted these, please send the completed forms to the following address:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
APCD - Small Business Assistance Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530

**** IMPORTANT: ****

THE OPERATOR MUST APPLY IMMEDIATELY FOR AN "OPERATING PERMIT".
CALL (303) 692-3100.

SECTION D

EXISTING DRY TO DRY MACHINES
Small Area Sources

This rule applies to dry cleaners who meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Dry cleaners whose dry to dry machines were installed before December 9, 1991.
Dry cleaners that use 140 gallons or less of perc (perchloroethylene) per year. The amount of perc used is based on adding together the purchasing records for the past 12 months. See the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Requirements (General)

No new air pollution control equipment is required.
Each time the operator adds or removes clothes from the dry to dry machine, the operator must close the door immediately. Also, the door should stay closed except when the operator is adding or removing clothes.
The operator must run the machine based on the manufacturer specifications and recommendations. This information should have been provided when the operator purchased the machine. If you don't have this information call your perc distributor, dry cleaning machine salesperson, or the manufacturer.
Before removing any filters from the dry cleaning machine, the operator must drain the filters in their housing or in a sealed container for a 24 hour period.
The operator must store all perc and perc wastes in sealed containers that do not leak.
The operator must check for leaks in and around the machine every two weeks while the machine is running. The attached Leak Detection Inspection Log will help the operator with these inspections.
The operator must repair any leaks found in the inspection within 24 hours. If new parts are needed, they should be ordered within two days of finding the leak, and new parts should be installed within five days of receiving the part.

(Monitoring)

On the first day of every month, the operator should write down the amount of perc purchased the month before and add together the amount purchased in the past 12 months. This information should be written down in the attached Perc Consumption Record.

(Reports and Records)

Each operator must also keep all receipts, inspection logs, and logs of the perc the operator has bought for 5 years.
Each operator must send to the State the following reports:
- An Initial Notification Report due by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Control Requirements by October 23, 1996.

Copies of the above three reports are attached for your use. If you have not already submitted these, please send the completed forms to the following address:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
APCD - Small Business Assistance Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530

SECTION E

EXISTING DRY TO DRY MACHINES
Large Area Sources

This rule applies to dry cleaners who meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Dry cleaners whose dry-to-dry machines were installed before December 9, 1991.
Dry cleaners that use more than 140 but no more than 2,100 gallons of perc (perchloroethylene) per year. The amount of perc used is based on adding together the purchasing records for the past 12 months. See the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Requirements (General)

The operator must have either a refrigerated condenser on the dry to dry machine or use a sniffer (carbon adsorber) ONLY IF THE SNIFFER WAS INSTALLED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 22, 1993.
Each time the operator adds or removes clothes from the machine, the operator must close the door immediately. Also, the door should stay closed except when the operator is adding or removing clothes.
The operator must run the machine based on the manufacturer specifications and recommendations. This information should have been provided when the operator purchased the machine. If you don't have this information call your perc distributor, dry cleaning machine salesperson, or the manufacturer.
If the operator installs a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator must make sure that the condenser does not release perc vapor while the machine is operating.
The operator must make sure that a valve is installed on the refrigerated condenser of the dryer to prevent outside air from coming into the condenser when the door is open.
If the operator has a sniffer, the sniffer should be used at all times the machine is running.
Before removing any filters from the dry cleaning machine, the operator should drain the filters in their housing or in a sealed container for a 24 hour period.
The operator must store all perc and perc wastes in sealed containers that do not leak.
The operator must check for leaks in and around the machine every week while the machine is running. The attached Leak Detection Inspection Log will help the operator with these inspections.
The operator must repair any leaks found in the inspection within 24 hours. If new parts are needed, they should be ordered within two days of finding the leak, and new parts should be installed within five days of receiving the part.

(Monitoring)

If the operator uses a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator must measure and record the temperature of the exhaust on the outlet of the refrigerated condenser once a week. The temperature must be 45 F or less. If the temperature is greater than 45 F, the operator should make repairs or adjustments and write down all changes. Attached is a Weekly Temperature Log to assist the operator.
If the operator uses a sniffer, the amount of perc vapor in the exhaust of the sniffer needs to be measured once a week. A colorimetric detector tube should be used to measure the perc. The measurement should be taken at the end of the last dry cleaning cycle while the perc is released to the sniffer prior to desorption of the sniffer. The concentration of perc must be 100 ppm or less. Attached is a Weekly Concentration Log to assist the operator.
On the first day of every month, the operator should write down the amount of perc purchased the month before and total the amount purchased the past 12 months. This information should be recorded in the attached Perc Consumption Record.

(Reports and Records)

Each operator must also keep all receipts, inspection logs, and logs of the perc the operator has bought for 5 years.
Each operator must send to the State the following reports:
- An Initial Notification Report due by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Control Requirements by October 23, 1996.

Copies of the above three reports are attached for your use. If you have not already submitted these, please send the completed forms to the following address:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
APCD - Small Business Assistance Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530

SECTION F

EXISTING DRY TO DRY MACHINES
Major Sources

This rule applies to dry cleaners who meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Dry cleaners whose dry-to-dry machines were installed before December 9, 1991.
Dry cleaners who use more than 2,100 gallons of perc (perchloroethylene) per year. The amount of perc used is based on adding together the purchasing records for the past 12 months. See the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Requirements (General)

The operator must have either a refrigerated condenser on the dry to dry machine or use a carbon adsorber (ie. sniffer) ONLY IF THE SNIFFER WAS INSTALLED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 22, 1993.
The operator must have this dry cleaning unit in a separate enclosed room. The room needs to have walls that will not allow perc to escape and the room needs to have fans at the doorway so that no perc will be released when doors are opened.
Each time the operator adds or removes clothes from the machine, the operator must close the door immediately. Also, the door should stay closed except when the operator is adding or removing clothes.
The operator must run the machine based on the manufacturer specifications and recommendations. This information should have been provided when the operator purchased the machine. If you don't have this information call your perc distributor, dry cleaning machine salesperson, or the manufacturer.
If the operator installs a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator must make sure that the condenser does not release perc vapor while the machine is operating.
The operator must make sure that a valve is installed to prevent outside air from coming into the condenser when the door is open.
If the operator has a sniffer, the sniffer must be used at all times the machine is running.
The operator needs to make sure that all of the air from inside the room enclosure is vented through a sniffer. This sniffer is needed in addition to any sniffer already used on the machines.
Before removing any filters from the dry cleaning machine, the operator must drain the filters in their housing or in a sealed container for a 24 hour period.
The operator must store all perc and perc wastes in sealed containers that do not leak.
The operator must check for leaks in and around the machine every week while the machine is running. The attached Leak Detection Inspection Log will help the operator with these inspections.
The operator must repair any leaks found in the inspection within 24 hours. If new parts are needed, they should be ordered within two days of finding the leak, and new parts should be installed within five days of receiving the part.

(Monitoring)

If the operator uses a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator needs to measure and record the temperature of the exhaust on the outlet of the condenser once a week. The temperature must be 45 F or less. If the temperature is greater than 45 F, the operator should make repairs or adjustments and write down all corrections. Attached is Weekly Temperature Log to assist the operator.
If the operator uses a sniffer, the amount of perc in the exhaust of the sniffer needs to be measured once a week. A colorimetric detector tube should be used to measure the perc. The measurement should be taken at the end of the last dry cleaning cycle while the perc is released to the sniffer prior to desorption of the sniffer. The concentration of perc must be 100 ppm or less. Attached is a Weekly Concentration Log to assist the operator.
On the first day of every month, the operator should write down the amount of perc purchased the month before and total the amount purchased the past 12 months. This information should be recorded in the attached Perc Consumption Record.

(Reports and Records)

Each operator must also keep all receipts, inspection logs, and logs of the perc the operator has bought for 5 years.
Each operator must send to the State the following reports:
- An Initial Notification Report due by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Control Requirements by October 23, 1996.

Copies of the above three reports are attached for your use. If you have not already submitted these, please send the completed forms to the following address:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
APCD - Small Business Assistance Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530

**** IMPORTANT ****

THE OPERATOR MUST IMMEDIATELY APPLY FOR AN OPERATING PERMIT
CALL: (303) 692-3100

SECTION G

NEW DRY TO DRY MACHINES
Small Area Sources

This rule applies to dry cleaners who meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Dry cleaners whose dry to dry machines were installed on or after December 9, 1991.
Dry cleaners who use 140 gallons or less of perc (perchloroethylene) per year. The amount of perc used is based on adding together the purchasing records for the past 12 months. See the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Requirements (General)

The operator must have a refrigerated condenser on the dry to dry machine.
Each time the operator adds or removes clothes from the dryer, the operator must close the door immediately. Also, the door should stay closed except when the operator is adding or removing clothes.
The operator must run the machine based on the manufacturer specifications and recommendations. This information should have been provided when the operator purchased the machine. If you don't have this information call your perc distributor, dry cleaning machine salesperson, or the manufacturer.
The operator must make sure the refrigerated condenser does not release perc while the machine is operating.
The operator must make sure that a valve is installed to prevent outside air from coming into the refrigerated condenser when the door is open.
Before removing any filters from the dry cleaning machine, the operator must drain the filters in their housing or in a sealed container for a 24 hour period.
The operator must store all perc and perc wastes in sealed containers that do not leak.
The operator must check for leaks in and around the machine every two weeks while the machine is running. The attached Leak Detection Inspection Log will help the operator with these inspections.
The operator must repair any leaks found in the inspection within 24 hours. If new parts are needed, they should be ordered within two days of finding the leak, and new parts should be installed within five days of receiving the part.

(Monitoring)

If the operator uses a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator must measure and record the temperature of the exhaust on the outlet of the refrigerated condenser once a week. The temperature must be 45F or less. If the temperature is greater than 45F, the operator should make repairs or adjustments and write down all changes. Attached is a Weekly Temperature Log to assist the operator.
On the first day of every month, the operator should write down the amount of perc purchased the month before and add together the amount purchased in the past 12 months. This information should be written down in the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Each operator must also keep all receipts, inspection logs, and logs of the perc the operator has bought for 5 years.

(Reports and Records)

Each operator must send to the State the following reports:

An Initial Notification Report due by June 18, 1994.
A Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention by June 18, 1994.
A Compliance Report for Control Requirements by October 23, 1996.

Copies of the above three reports are attached for your use. If you have not already submitted these, please send the completed forms to the following address:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
APCD - Small Business Assistance Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530

SECTION H

NEW DRY TO DRY MACHINES
Large Area Sources

This rule applies to dry cleaners who meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Dry cleaners whose dry to dry machines were installed on or after December 9, 1991.
Dry cleaners that use more than 140 but no more than 2,100 gallons of perchloroethylene (Perc) per year. The amount of perc used is based on adding together the purchasing records for the past 12 months. See the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Requirements (General)

The operator must have a refrigerated condenser on the dry to dry machine.
Each time the operator adds or removes clothes from the dryer, the operator must close the door immediately. Also, the door should stay closed except when the operator is adding or removing clothes.
The operator must run the machine based on the manufacturer specifications and recommendations. This information should have been provided when the operator purchased the machine. If you don't have this information call your perc distributor, dry cleaning machine salesperson, or the manufacturer.
The operator must make sure the refrigerated condenser does not release perc while the machine is operating.
The operator must make sure that a valve is installed to prevent outside air from coming into the refrigerated condenser when the door is open.
Before removing any filters from the dry cleaning machine, the operator must drain the filters in their housing or in a sealed container for a 24 hour period.
The operator must store all perc and perc wastes in sealed containers that do not leak.
The operator should check for leaks in and around the machine every week while the machine is running. The attached Leak Detection Inspection Log will help the operator with these inspections.
The operator must repair any leaks found in the inspection within 24 hours. If new parts are needed, they should be ordered within two days of finding the leak, and new parts should be installed within five days of receiving the part.

(Monitoring)

If the operator uses a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator must measure and record the temperature of the exhaust on the outlet of the refrigerated condenser once a week. The temperature must be 45F or less. If the temperature is greater than 45F, the operator should make repairs or adjustments and write down all changes. Attached is a Weekly Temperature Log to assist the operator.
On the first day of every month, the operator should write down the amount of perc purchased the month before and add together the amount purchased in the past 12 months. This information should be written down in the attached Perc Consumption Record.

(Reports and Records)

Each operator must also keep all receipts, inspection logs, and logs of the perc the operator has bought for 5 years.
Each operator must send to the State the following reports:
- An Initial Notification Report due by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Control Requirements by October 23, 1996.

Copies of the above three reports are attached for your use. If you have not already submitted these, please send the completed forms to the following address:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
APCD - Small Business Assistance Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530

SECTION I

NEW DRY TO DRY MACHINES
Major Sources

This rule applies to dry cleaners who meet BOTH of the following conditions:

Dry cleaners who bought dry to dry machines on or after December 9, 1991.
Dry cleaners who use more than 2,100 gallons of perc (perchloroethylene) per year. The amount of perc used is based on adding together the purchasing records for the past 12 months. See the attached Perc Consumption Record.

Requirements (General)

The operator must have either a refrigerated condenser on the dry to dry machine or use a carbon adsorber (ie. sniffer) immediately before the door of the machine is opened or as the machine door is opened.
Each time the operator adds or removes clothes from the machine, the operator must close the door immediately. Also, the door should stay closed except when the operator is adding or removing clothes.
The operator must run the machine based on the manufacturer specifications and recommendations. This information should have been provided when the operator purchased the machine. If you don't have this information call your perc distributor, dry cleaning machine salesperson, or the manufacturer.
If the operator installs a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator must make sure that the condenser does not release perc vapor while the machine is operating.
If the operator uses a sniffer, the sniffer must be used at all times the machine is running.
Before removing any filters from the dry cleaning machine, the operator must drain the filters as they sit in the machine or in a sealed container for a 24 hour period.
The operator must store all perc and perc wastes in sealed containers that do not leak.
The operator must check for leaks in and around the machine every week while the machine is running. The attached Leak Detection Inspection Log will help the operator with these inspections.
The operator must repair any leaks found in the inspection within 24 hours. If new parts are needed, they should be ordered within two days of finding the leak, and new parts should be installed within five days of receiving the part.

(Monitoring)

If the operator uses a refrigerated condenser on the dryer, the operator needs to measure and record the temperature of the exhaust on the outlet of the condenser once a week. The temperature must be 45F or less. If the temperature is greater than 45F, the operator should make repairs or adjustments and write down all corrections. Attached is Weekly Temperature Log to assist the operator.
If the operator uses a sniffer, the amount of perc in the exhaust of the sniffer needs to be measured once a week. A colorimetric detector tube should be used to measure the perc. The measurement should be taken at the end of the last dry cleaning cycle while the perc is released to the sniffer prior to steaming out (cleaning) of the sniffer. The concentration of perc must be 100 ppm or less. Attached is a Weekly Concentration Log to assist you.
If the sniffer is used before the door of the machine is opened, the operator should measure the perc with a colorimetric tube at the end of the dry clean cycle on a weekly basis. The perch vapor must be equal to or less than 300 ppm.
On the first day of every month, the operator should write down the amount of perc purchased the month before and total the amount purchased the past 12 months. This information should be recorded in the attached Perc Consumption Record.

(Reports and Records)

Each operator must also keep all receipts, inspection logs, and logs of the perc the operator has bought for 5 years.
Each operator must send to the State the following reports:
- An Initial Notification Report due by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention by June 18, 1994.
- A Compliance Report for Control Requirements by October 23, 1996.

Copies of the above three reports are attached for your use. If you have not already submitted these, please send the completed forms to the following address:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
APCD - Small Business Assistance Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530

IMPORTANT: Operator must IMMEDIATELY apply for an operating permit.
Call (303) 692-3100.

ATTACHMENTS

Records:

Perc Consumption Record
Leak Detection Inspection Log
Refrigerated Condenser Weekly Temperature log
Carbon Adsorber Weekly Perc Concentration Log
Supplemental Carbon Adsorber Weekly Perc Concentration Log

Reports:

Initial Notification Report
Compliance Report for Pollution Prevention
Compliance Report for Control Requirements

A Simple Guide To Air Quality Rules For Perc Dry Cleaners

A Simple Guide To Perc Dry Cleaning Rules

INSTRUCTIONS:

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