New Federal Regulations Will Reduce Emissions From Dry Cleaning Operations

OTTAWA, August 28, 2001 - Proposed regulations to dry cleaning operations under the new Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) will significantly reduce the release of a toxic substance called tetrachloroethylene (PERC).

The proposed Tetrachloroethylene Regulations, Used in Dry Cleaning, will require dry cleaners across Canada to meet new national performance requirements.

"These proposed regulationswill bring cleaner air, less toxic contamination in our communities and promote recycling of used solvent, as well as improve the quality of the workplace environment," said Environment Minister David Anderson. "While many dry cleaners are already greening their operations through new technologies and improved waste management, these regulations accelerate that trend, create a level playing field for the industry and ensure that public health and safety standards are met across Canada."

The use of new technology by the dry cleaning industry has reduced releases of PERC by about 50 per cent from 1994, according to a 1998 study carried out by Environment Canada. The proposed regulations will mean a further 20 per cent reduction. Other regulations under CEPA to reduce environmental releases from solvent degreasing operations, the other major source of tetrachloroethylene, are being developed.

The proposed regulations, published in the Canada Gazette, Part 1 for a 60-day public comment period, contain the following key provisions:

• the phase out of old technology dry cleaning machines by 2002;
• the use of cleaning machines which consume less toxic solvent by 2002;
• a stewardship provision for solvent suppliers to collect contaminated waste and waste water from dry cleaners; and
• an option for dry cleaners to manage and treat their own contaminated waste.

The regulations also fulfill the Government of Canada's obligation to develop control measures for the life-cycle management of tetrachloroethylene, which has been found to be toxic to the environment as defined under CEPA. Almost all of the solvent used in dry cleaning is lost to the environment as emissions during the cleaning process, or from spills or improper disposal of waste and waste water.

Both short and long term exposure to tetrachloroethylene can affect the health of humans. Possible symptoms range from respiratory and ocular irritation to headaches and loss of memory. More serious cases can result in neurological impairment, liver and kidney damage and cardiac ailments.

The toxin can also adversely affect plants and aquatic organisms, such as fish. It will disappear when concentrations in the environment are lowered and eventually degrade due to sunlight.

Tetrachloroethylene enters the atmosphere mainly through evaporation and may be transported for considerable distances until deposited with precipitation. Levels of the substance found in groundwater and springs were identified as a concern, particularly in contaminated areas caused by inappropriate disposal of tetrachloroethylene.

The new regulations can be found on Environment Canada's Green Lane at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry. The new regulations are expected to be in force in early 2002.