NJ DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Compliance and Enforcement
Air Compliance & Enforcement

Notice of Rule Proposal
Control and Prohibition of Air Pollution by Toxic Substances; N.J.A.C. 7:27-17

Public Notice
Take notice that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection is proposing new rules to be included in N.J.A.C. 7:27-17, Control and Prohibition of Air Pollution by Toxic Substances. A statement of the substance of the proposal follows:

The Department is proposing to regulate the use and air emissions of perchloroethylene, an air toxic regulated by N.J.A.C. 7:27-17, in the dry cleaning industry. New Jersey has approximately 1600 dry cleaning facilities, with approximately 1800 dry cleaning machines, the majority of which utilize perchloroethylene, also known as perc, PCE or tetrachloroethylene.

The Department is proposing amendments to N.J.A.C.7:27-17 that will require a transition from the use of perchloroethylene at dry cleaning facilities to alternative technologies. Full transition from perchloroethylene dry cleaners would occur by January 1, 2021. Starting January 1, 2010, facilities must replace perchloroethylene equipment classified as third generation equipment with fourth generation equipment, or install a vapor barrier.

The Department also proposes requirements that operators of all existing and new perchloroethylene machines comply with Federal rules for perchloroethylene dry cleaners. The Department anticipates that implementation of these proposed amendments to N.J.A.C.7:27-17 would reduce perchloroethylene emissions in New Jersey by at least 467 tons per year and possible as much as 545 tons per year.

The proposal is scheduled to be published in the New Jersey Register dated December 17, 2007. A copy of the proposal is available from: https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/rules/proposals/121707b.pdf.

A public hearing concerning the proposal is scheduled as follows:

Friday, January 18, 2008, at 10:00 A.M. until end of comments
NJDEP
First Floor Public Hearing Room
401 East State Street
Trenton, New Jersey

Written comments may be submitted by February 15, 2008 to:

NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Alice Previte
ATTN: (DEP Docket No. 27-07-11/582)
Office of Legal Affairs
PO Box 402
Trenton, New Jersey 08625