Shops that pay are exempt from cleanup liability, with exceptions for gross negligence or willful violation of environmental laws. Statutory requirements taking effect on June 30, will prohibit discharge of perc-contaminated wastewater to sewers, require equipment changes to prevent air emissions, mandate installation of spill containment, and require perc delivery in closed systems. Prestige Cleaners wet cleaning system provides controlled environment suitable for water-based cleaning of fabrics normally dry cleaned with perc, including wool, angora, silk, rayon, angora, and mohair. Wet cleaning reduces environmental liability and perc taxes, but dry cleaning shops and trade associations are resisting wet cleaning. Additional details on this topic are available in the full meeting minutes.
Plans call for workshop to be held statewide.
MEPs could serve as an information link between agencies and business. A resource directory of industrial service providers is being developed. PETE can help develop curricula that will meet Northwest business needs. In discussion, the need for a one-stop industrial efficiency information resource for business was identified. Businesses want trusted partners to provide information to help them improve productivity and reduce costs.