§ 12-09 Perc-Contaminated Wastewater Management.

(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.

§ 12-08 Operation and Maintenance Requirements.

(a) Dry cleaning facilities must be maintained and operated to minimize the release of perc to the environment.

(b) The operator must operate and maintain all components of the dry cleaning system in accordance with the requirements of this Rule and the conditions specified in a facility's operating permit. For operations not specifically addressed, the components must be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The facility operator must retain, on-site, a copy of the design specifications and the operating manuals for each dry cleaning system and each emission control device located at the dry cleaning facility.

(c) Each operation and maintenance function and the date performed must be recorded on a checklist supplied by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Completed checklists must be maintained on-site for at least five years from the date of the checklist.

(d) Operators must comply with the following operation and maintenance requirements, as applicable:

(1) Fourth generation machines.

(i) Refrigerated condensers must be operated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

(ii) Integral refrigerated condensers must be operated to ensure that exhaust gases are recirculated until the air-vapor stream temperature is 45°F or less at the outlet. The difference between the temperature of the air-perc gas vapor stream entering and exiting the refrigerated condenser must be greater than or equal to 20°F (11.1°C). The temperature differential must be determined at least weekly with a thermometer with a temperature range of from 32°F (0°C) to 120°F (48.9°C) to an accuracy of ±2°F (1.1°C) (see 15 RCNY § 12-07).

(iii) Vapor adsorbers used with a primary control system or secondary control system must be operated to ensure that exhaust gases are recirculated at the temperature specified for optimum adsorption.

(iv) Cartridge filters and adsorptive cartridge filters must be handled using one of the following methods:

(A) Drained in the filter housing, before disposal, for no less than 24 hours for cartridge filters and 48 hours for adsorptive cartridge filters. If the filters are then transferred to a separate device to further reduce the volume of perc, this treatment must be done in a system that routes any vapor to a primary closed-loop control system, with no exhaust to the atmosphere. In performing such a transfer the filter housing must be closed as soon as possible to minimize vapor leaks. The general exhaust ventilation system must be operated during this activity.

(B) Dried, stripped, sparged, or otherwise treated, within the sealed filter housing, to reduce the volume of perc contained in the filter.

(v) All steam and condensing coils must be maintained to be free of lint and hard lint build-up on interior surfaces.

(vi) For dry cleaning equipment equipped with a door fan the operator must use a portable velometer or equivalent measurement instrument to verify that the required 100 fpm inward air velocity is maintained through the effective door opening when the loading door is open. The inward air velocity must be checked on a weekly basis.

(vii) Test carbon absorber exhaust vents daily using colorimetric detector tubes or portable gas detectors. These absorbers shall be stripped periodically and maintained so that the perc concentration in the exhaust air does not exceed 20 ppm.

(2) Third Generation Machines.

(i) Refrigerated condensers must be operated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

(ii) Integral and external refrigerated condensers must be operated to ensure that exhaust gases are recirculated until the air-vapor stream temperature is 45°F or less at the outlet. The difference between the temperature of the air-perc gas vapor stream entering and exiting the refrigerated condenser must be greater than or equal to 20°F (11.1°C). The temperature differential must be determined at least weekly with a thermometer with a temperature range of from 32°F (0°C) to 120°F (48.9°C) to an accuracy of ±2°F (1.1°C) (see 15 RCNY § 12-07).

(iii) Vapor adsorbers used when the machine has been retrofitted as a fourth generation machine must be operated to ensure that exhaust gases are recirculated at the temperature specified by the manufacturer for optimum adsorption.

(iv) Cartridge filters and adsorptive cartridge filters must be handled using one of the following methods:

(A) Drained in the filter housing, before disposal, for no less than: 24 hours for cartridge filters and 48 hours for adsorptive cartridge filters. If the filters are then transferred to a separate device to further reduce the volume of perc, this treatment must be done in a system that routes any vapor to a primary closed-loop control system, with no exhaust to the atmosphere. In performing such a transfer the filter housing must be closed as soon as possible to minimize vapor leaks. The general exhaust ventilation system must be operated during this activity.

(B) Dried, stripped, sparged, or otherwise treated, within the sealed filter housing, to reduce the volume of perc contained in the filter.

(v) All steam and condensing coils must be maintained to be free of lint and hard lint build-up on interior surfaces.

(vi) For dry cleaning equipment equipped with a door fan, the operator must use a portable velometer or equivalent measurement instrument to verify that the required 100 fpm inward air velocity is maintained through the effective door opening when the loading door is open. The inward air velocity must be checked on a weekly basis.

(3) Second Generation Machines.

(i) A vented machine operated with full-sized carbon adsorbers (dry-to-dry vented) that function during the drying cycle must meet the following requirements:

(A) Desorption must be performed at the frequency specified by the manufacturer or as specified by this clause, whichever is more stringent. The minimum frequency for desorption of full-size carbon units is as follows, each time all dry cleaning equipment exhausted to the device has cleaned a total of three pounds of articles for each pound of activated carbon. Desorption must be performed with the minimum steam pressure and air flow capacity specified by the manufacturer.

(B) Once desorption is complete, the carbon bed must be fully dried according to the manufacturer's instructions.

(C) No perc vapors may bypass the carbon adsorber to the outdoor atmosphere at any time, nor be recirculated into the facility.

(D) The filter located in front of the carbon adsorber must be checked and cleaned weekly.

(E) For dry cleaning equipment in mixed-use settings, the carbon adsorber vent must be tested weekly using colorimetric detector tubes. Test results must be recorded on the checklist. Test results of five ppm or greater of perc will require an immediate stripping of the carbon adsorber.

(ii) Small external carbon adsorbers used for azeotropic control systems, must be stripped at least weekly when in use. If not in continuous daily use, adsorbers must be stripped after they have been used for ten days.

(A) Small external carbon adsorbers must be vented to outside the building and must not recirculate vapor into the facility.

(B) Small external carbon adsorbers used in mixed-use settings must be tested weekly using colorimetric detector tubes or equivalent measuring devices. Test results must be recorded on the inspection checklist. A test result of five ppm or greater of perc will require an immediate stripping of the carbon adsorber.

(iii) The exhaust damper of a vented machine must be completely closed when the machine is not being vented and must be repaired or replaced within five working days if malfunctioning.

(iv) Cartridge filters and adsorptive cartridge filters must be handled using one of the following methods:

(B) Dried, stripped, sparged, or otherwise treated, within the sealed filter housing, to reduce the volume of perc contained in the filter.

(v) All water-cooled condensers must include temperature gauges installed in the inlet and outlet water lines of the condensing coil on the dryer. The temperature difference must be maintained according to manufacturer's specifications.

(vi) Azeotropic control devices must be maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and specifications.

(4) First generation machines. An existing facility with a transfer machine operating a full-sized carbon adsorber or azeotropic control device, and cartridge filters must meet the applicable requirements of paragraph (d)(3) of this section.

(5) Ancillary Equipment.

(i) All filter muck must be treated in a still or muck cooker, which routes perc-contaminated vapors to a condenser or other control device and recycles condenser vapors into the machine. Still or muck cooker emissions must not be vented into the facility. Any still or muck cooker must not be operated in a manner that exceeds 75 percent of its capacity or other alternate value recommended by the manufacturer. Any still or muck cooker must be cooled to 100°F (38°C) or less before being emptied or cleaned.

(ii) Button and lint traps must be cleaned each working day and the lint must be placed in a tightly sealed container. Whenever possible such operations must be performed so that the opening of such traps is done quickly with the local or general exhaust ventilation system operating to minimize perc emissions.

(iii) Perc-contaminated wastewater treatment units.

(A) Carbon filtration units – carbon cartridges must be replaced according to a schedule as specified by the manufacturer to assure an effluent quality that does not exceed 20 ppb perc.

(B) Evaporators – perc contaminated wastewater evaporators must be operated to ensure that no liquid perc or visible emulsion is allowed to vaporize.

(iv) Dip tanks and drying cabinets must be exhausted to maintain an inward air flow, and be maintained under negative pressure, to ensure that fugitive emissions will be no greater than 50 ppm. Vented emissions from dip tanks and drying cabinets must not exceed 20 ppm.

(6) The owner or operator of a dry cleaning system must maintain the following equipment as recommended by manufacturer's specifications:

(i) hose and pipe connections, fittings, couplings, and valves;

(ii) door gaskets and seatings;

(iii) filter gaskets and seatings;

(iv) pumps;

(v) water separators;

(vi) muck cookers;

(vii) stills;

(viii) exhaust dampers;

(ix) diverter valves;

(x) cartridge filter housings;

(xi) drying sensors;

(7) Preparedness and prevention.

(i) All dry cleaning operations must be equipped with the following:

(A) adequate spill control equipment including sorbent materials, or alternative method for absorbing spills,

(B) vapor-proof containers for storing spill-contaminated material, and

(ii) The facility owner must maintain aisle space to allow proper inspection of the dry cleaning equipment.

(iii) A reasonable supply of spare parts for repairing dry cleaning equipment must be available at the dry cleaning facility.

(8) All parts of the dry cleaning system including solvent containers where perc may be emitted to the atmosphere must be kept closed at all times except when access is required for proper operation and maintenance.

§ 12-09 Perc-Contaminated Wastewater Management.

Perc-contaminated wastewater generated by all new and existing facilities subject to this Rule must be managed as follows:

(a) Perc-contaminated wastewater discharges.

(1) Perc-contaminated wastewater that is discharged to the public sewer system must be treated by physical separation (water separator) and double carbon filtration, or an equivalent control which has been approved by the Department, which has been properly designed to assure an effluent quality that:

(i) is less than or equal to 20 ppb perc without perc evaporation; and

(ii) complies in all other respects to the requirements of 15 RCNY Chapter 19 regulating the use of the public sewer system.

(2) Except as provided for by subparagraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, no person may discharge into the public sewer system any perc-contaminated wastewater or wastes resulting from dry cleaning processes including, but not limited to, still bottom or sludge residues, dirt, lint, soils, or any other deposits or residues extracted as a result of dry cleaning processes. The discharge into the public sewer system of filters or other filter media used in dry cleaning processes is prohibited.

(3) No person may discharge perc-contaminated wastewater to the surface or groundwaters within New York City except in compliance with the terms and conditions of a valid State Pollution Discharge Elimination Permit.

(b) Evaporation of perc-contaminated wastewater. Perc-contaminated wastewater that is evaporated must be treated by physical separation (water separator) and double carbon filtration prior to evaporation.

§ 12-10 Hazardous Waste Management.

(a) Any perc-contaminated wastes generated must be managed in accordance with Parts 370 through 376 of Title 6 of the Codes, Rules, and Regulations of the State of New York. Perc-contaminated wastewater must be handled as provided in 15 RCNY § 12-09.

(b) All perc-contaminated wastes (including spent cartridge filters, spent carbon, still bottoms, and lint) must be stored in tightly sealed containers, which are impermeable to the solvent, so that no perc is emitted to the atmosphere.

(d) Containers must be in good condition and must be kept closed except when necessary to add or remove waste.

(e) Receipts or records showing the date and volume of any perc-contaminated hazardous waste shipments must be retained for five years.

§ 12-11 Emergency Response.

(a) Dry cleaning systems must be operated and maintained to ensure that perc releases are contained and do not migrate to sewer systems or groundwater.

(1) For existing dry cleaning equipment:

(i) floor drains and flooring in the vicinity of the equipment must be sealed so as to be impermeable to spills, or

(ii) temporary dikes, berms and containment devices must be placed in areas where spills are most likely to occur and procedures for preventing spill migration must be established and followed.

(2) For new dry cleaning equipment, a spill containment system must be installed under the equipment as specified in paragraph (a)(7) of 15 RCNY § 12-06. This spill tank shall be capable of holding 125% of the capacity of the largest perc tank or vessel that is part of the dry cleaning machine.

(b) In the event of a perc release, the owner, operator or a designee must take all reasonable measures to ensure the release is contained. These measures must include, where applicable, stopping processes and operations, increasing room exhaust ventilation, collecting and containing released perc and removing and maintaining containers.

(c) If the facility owner and/or operator knows or has reason to know of any release of one (1) pound or more of perc (1 pound of perc is equivalent to 0.0740 gallons of perc), a fire, or an explosion, then the facility owner and/or operator shall report the perc release, fire, or explosion to the Department immediately and shall also comply with all other reporting requirements of 15 RCNY Chapter 11 governing Hazardous Substances Emergency Response.

(d) Any emergency response action must be recorded as specified in 15 RCNY § 12-12. This record must include, at a minimum:

(1) The date, duration and nature of any malfunction, spill or incident of the dry cleaning system;

(2) The notification procedures; and,

(3) The corrective actions taken.

Disclaimer: The Codes and other documents that appear on this site may not yet reflect the most current legislation or rules adopted by the City. In addition, certain textual errors and omissions may temporarily exist, resulting from problems in the source database provided to American Legal and from which this website was created. Although these errors and omissions are being corrected, any user discovering any such error is invited to please contact the publisher at NYC.editor@amlegal.com or at 800-445-5588 and/or the New York City Law Department at NYCCodeRulesCharter@law.nyc.gov.

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