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New State Air Pollution Control Permits Required for Perc Drycleaners -

-Immediate Attention Needed-  

Information Due by July 28, 2008

(For Sources NOT located in Davidson, Knox, Hamilton and Shelby Counties. Sources located in these Counties should check with their Local Air Pollution Control Authority)

On July 27, 2006, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a revision to the environmental regulations affecting perc drycleaners. Additionally, a correction to the rule was made on April 1. 2008. The revisions require the following two actions.

Drycleaners must:

  • Submit Compliance Status Notification

The new rule requires perc drycleaners to submit a compliance status notification. This is a notification to the State of Tennessee that you are in compliance with the requirements of the new rule. You can find a sample notification letter here. Submit the required notification information to the address on the sample notification letter. A copy of the rule and a brochure that summarizes the rule requirements are also available.

  • Apply for a new Air Pollution Control Permit

The Tennessee Division of Air Pollution Control (APC) will reissue drycleaner air permits for perchloroethylene drycleaners under their authority. The reissued permitswill incorporate the new regulatoryrequirements. Drycleaners should complete a permit application form (APC 20), a drycleaner source description form (APC 45) for each machine and send to the address on the forms.

All perc drycleaners must conduct new monitoring and recordkeeping requirements beginning July 28, 2008. The most significant regulatory change is the leak detection monitoring using an instrument and the recording of findings. Equipment installed after December 21, 2005, must conduct this monitoring immediately upon start-up. The 2008 Drycleaner’s Compliance Calendar provided by the Drycleaner Environmental Response Program (DCERP) has log sheets that can be used to meet the required new monitoring and recordkeeping.

Air Pollution
In Tennessee, air pollution is regulated in five geographical areas:
Davidson County
Hamilton County
Shelby County
The other ninety one counties are regulated directly by state Air Pollution Control.

Waste Management
  • New Federal Uniform Manifest for Hazardous Waste Generators and Hazardous Waste Handlers

For more information click here

  • Hazardous Waste Management

All Perc Drycleaners are hazardous waste generators. For general hazardous waste regulatory information visit the hazardous waste permit page.

  • Special Waste Management

Most non-perc drycleaning waste is classified as Special Waste. Visit the special waste permit page for general Special Waste information.

  • Dry Cleaner Environmental Response Program (DCERP)

All drycleaners must register with the DCERP. Visit the DCERP permit page for information.

Quick Reference

Supplementary Reference materials


For more information about Tennessee's Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, please contact the program at 1-800-734-3619 or by email at [email protected].