(a) Leak check requirements. The trained operator, must inspect the dry cleaning system for perceptible liquid and vapor leaks and other fugitive emissions. The trained operator, or a designee, must record the status of each component on a checklist supplied by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Completed checklists must be kept for at least five years from the date of the inspection.
(1) The dry cleaning system must be thoroughly inspected, at least weekly, for vapor leaks using one of the following devices or methods for detecting vapor leaks:
(i) a halogenated-hydrocarbon detector;
(ii) a portable gas analyzer;
(iii) an air sampling pump and colorimetric tube; or
(iv) an alternative method approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
(2) all equipment referenced in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be properly calibrated.
(b) The following components of the dry cleaning system must be inspected weekly for perceptible liquid and vapor leaks and for proper operation as required by 15 RCNY § 12-08 (operation and maintenance requirements) while the dry cleaning system is operating:
(1) hose and pipe connections, fittings, couplings and valves;
(2) door gaskets and seatings;
(3) filter gaskets and seatings;
(4) pumps;
(5) solvent (including spent solvent) tanks and containers;
(6) water separators;
(7) muck cookers;
(8) stills;
(9) exhaust dampers;
(10) diverter valves; and
(11) cartridge filter housings.
(c) Carbon adsorber vents must be tested weekly using colorimetric detector tubes or portable halogen detectors and the test results must be noted on the checklist.
(d) The temperature of the vapor stream on the inlet and outlet side of a refrigerated condenser must be measured weekly and recorded on the checklist.
(e) Preparedness and prevention equipment and conditions as required in paragraph (d)(7) of 15 RCNY § 12-08 must be inspected weekly to ensure proper operation and maintenance. A notation must be made on the checklist at the time of inspection.
(f) The inward air velocity for a loading door fan must be checked weekly with a portable velometer or equivalent measurement instrument. A notation of the instrument reading must be made on the checklist.
(g) Any liquid leak, vapor leak, or malfunction that has been detected by the operator must be noted on the checklist and, if at all possible, repaired immediately. If the leak cannot be repaired at the time of detection, the leaking component must be physically marked or tagged in a manner that is readily observable by an inspector and must be repaired within 24 hours of detection, unless repair parts are unavailable.
(1) If repair parts are not available at the facility, the parts must be ordered within two working days of detecting such a leak. Such repair parts must be installed within five working days after receipt. Equipment with a leak that has been repaired by the end of the 15th working day after detection must not be operated until the leak is repaired, unless the facility owner or operator receives a leak-repair extension from the Department.
(2) The Department may grant a leak-repair extension to a facility owner for a single period of thirty days or less. Any person applying to the Department for a leak-repair extension shall include a copy of a leak-repair extension granted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. If no leak-repair extension has been granted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, then the application to the Department shall state that no leak-repair extension has been granted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A leak-repair extension may be granted only if the Department makes the following findings:
(i) the delay in repairing the leak could not have been avoided by action on the part of the facility owner or operator;
(ii) the facility owner and operator used reasonable preventive measures and acted promptly to initiate the repair;
(iii) the leak will not significantly increase perc exposure near the facility; and
(iv) the facility is in compliance with all other requirements of this section and has a history of compliance.
(3) Once a repair is completed, the completion date must be recorded on the checklist.
(4) Where a hazard is imminent or has already occurred, remedial action must be taken immediately.
(5) All uncontainable releases, fires or explosions must be reported to the Department and appropriate emergency response agencies immediately.
(h) A fugitive emission concentration of 50 ppm of perc emanating from any part of the dry cleaning system is a violation; except for short-term maintenance operations involving the opening of dry cleaning system components for inspection or repair.
(i) Any exceedance of the leak inspection requirements of this Rule that has been detected by the operator must be noted on the checklist and repaired/adjusted immediately.