Dry Cleaning Program

This page last reviewed March 25, 2011


Background:

In 1991, the Air Resources Board (the Board or ARB) identified Perchoroethylene (Perc) as a toxic air contaminant (TAC) under California's Toxic Air Contaminant Identification and Control Program (Health and Safety Code section 39650 et. seq.). As a result of its identification, the ARB was required to prepare a report on the need to control Perc and adopt appropriate measures. On October 14, 1993, the Board adopted the Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Emissions of Perc from Dry Cleaning Operations (Dry Cleaning ATCM) and the Environmental Training Program for Perchloroethylene Dry Cleaning Operations (Environmental Training Program). The Dry Cleaning ATCM sets forth the equipment, operations and maintenance, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for Perc dry cleaning operations. The Environmental Training Program sets forth the criteria for the ARB to approve instructors to train dry cleaning operators on the proper maintenance and operation practices for their Perc dry cleaning equipment.

In 2003, staff began an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Dry Cleaning ATCM. The evaluation showed that although Perc emissions from dry cleaning operations have been reduced by about 70 percent, more could be done to reduce Perc emissions from this source category.

At its public hearing on January 25, 2007, the Board approved amendments to the Dry Cleaning ATCM and the adoption of requirements for Perc manufacturers and distributors. The amendments will over time phase out the use of Perc dry cleaning machines and related equipment by January 1, 2023. In addition, the amendments will put in place revisions to the Curriculum for the Environmental Training Program for Perc Dry Cleaning Operations (Training Curriculum). On December 27, 2007, the approved Dry Cleaning ATCM and the requirements for Perc manufacturers and distributors became state law. The major requirements of the amended Dry Cleaning ATCM are summarized in the March 2007 fact sheet entitled, Amended Dry Cleaning ATCM Requirements. Changes to the Training Curriculum are summarized in the March 2007 Advisory Notice entitled, Amendments to the Environmental Training Program Curriculum for Perc Dry Cleaning Operations.

This site contains information related to California's dry cleaning regulations. If you have a question concerning one of the aspects of dry cleaning in California, please refer to the Contact List for the appropriate ARB staff person. If you would like to be notified of news related to the dry cleaning program, please subscribe to the dry cleaning e-mail list server.


What's New?

December 2010

  • California State Fire Marshal Information Bulletin on Fire Protection Systems for Dry Cleaning Plants with Type III-A Dry Cleaning Systems and the 2010 California Fire Code Requirements  (Added December 15, 2010)

June 2010

  • A letter developed jointly by the Air Resources Board and the California Air Pollution Control Officer’s Association providing guidance to local Air Pollution Control Districts in addressing those dry cleaners that are having difficulties coming into compliance with the Dry Cleaning ATCM by July 1, 2010. (Added June 2, 2010)

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