California Air Resources Board

In 1991, CARB identified Perchloroethylene (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, CARB 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 CARB 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.