October 3, 2001—Proposed regulations to dry cleaning operations under the new Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) will significantly reduce the release of a toxic substance called tetrachloroethylene (PERC).
The proposed Tetrachloroethylene Regulations, used in dry cleaning, will require dry cleaners across Canada to meet new national performance requirements.
“These proposed regulations will bring cleaner air, less toxic contamination in our communities and promote recycling of used solvent, as well as improve the quality of the workplace environment,” said Environment Minister David Anderson.
The use of new technology by the dry cleaning industry has reduced releases of PERC by about 50 percent from 1994, according to a 1998 study carried out by Environment Canada. The proposed regulations will mean a further 20 percent reduction. Other regulations under CEPA to reduce environmental releases from solvent degreasing operations, the other major source of tetrachloroethylene, are being developed.
The new regulations can be found on Environment Canada’s Green Lane. The new regulations are expected to be in force in early 2002.
