More than 5,500 dry cleaners across England need to clean up their act and register for a permit to operate with their local council by 31 October 2006 or face penalties under new regulations.

The new regulations have been introduced to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds which come from using solvents in the dry cleaning process. The compounds mix with other gases in the atmosphere and, in strong sunlight, can form ground level ozone, a pollutant that can harm the environment and cause respiratory problems.

LACORS (Local Authority Coordinators of Regulatory Services) has warned that the permits to operate are part of an EU Solvent Emissions Directive (SED) which affects a range of solvent-using industries including printing, surface cleaning, vehicle coating, as well as dry cleaning. Permits for new dry cleaners have been needed since 1 April 2001, but existing businesses have until 31 October 2006 to apply for a permit.

Chemicals commonly used by dry cleaners and that are affected by the legislation include perchloroethylene, hydrocarbon solvent and siloxane.

To comply with the regulations, dry cleaners need to register for a permit with their local council and:

- follow specific maintenance procedures

- carry out checks for possible solvent spillage or leakage

- minimise the use of spot cleaning solutions containing organic solvents

- keep records to ensure that their annual solvent emissions are of no more than 20 grams per kg of product cleaned and dried.

The application fee is currently of £134, however the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, (Defra) has announced proposals to increase this to £200 for any dry cleaner missing the 31 October 2006 deadline.

According to LACORS Chairman Cllr Geoffrey Theobald OBE, in many instances local authorities have had to approach operators individually and directly to give them guidance and advice on the application process.

"Councils work hard to protect the health and wellbeing of their citizens. While many dry cleaners will to do the right thing and register for a permit, those who don't should be warned that they will be operating illegally until an application has been made and decided on. If Councils prosecute, then Magistrates could fine offenders up to £20,000 per offence or even imprison them for up to 6 months."

Notes to Editors

1. LACORS aims to promote excellence in regulatory services. LACORS is a local government central body which seeks to make a major contribution to the development of high quality, consistent and coordinated local authority regulatory services across the UK. Further information can be obtained from www.lacors.gov.uk

2. A recent consultation by DEFRA has shown that a majority of stakeholders are in favour of an application fee increase for dry cleaners missing the deadline. To see the consultation responses, please view (http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/drycleaners%2Dpollutionfee/

3. The DEFRA guidance for dry cleaners can be downloaded from www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ppc. The latest dry cleaning update (July 2006) and process guidance note, PG6/46 (04), are also available on Defra's website www.defra.gov.uk.

ENDS

Further information:

Mark Briskin - T: 020 7665 3848/M: 0790 508 1514

E: mark.briskin@lacors.gov.uk

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