250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-120-05-23.14

Current through November 7, 2024

Section 250-RICR-120-05-23.14 - General Requirements for Perchloroethylene Dry Cleaning Facilities

A. Dry cleaning systems shall be operated and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations.

B. Washer/extractor and reclaimer doors on transfer machine systems and the doors on dry-to-dry machines shall be kept closed except when necessary for maintenance of the equipment or when articles are being loaded or unloaded;

C. Filtration cartridges must be drained in the filter housing for at least twenty-four (24) hours or vented to the control device before disposal.

D. All perchloroethylene and perchloroethylene-containing waste must be stored in sealed containers with no perceptible leaks.

E. The owner or operator of a dry cleaning facility shall inspect the facility for perceptible leaks at least once per week while the dry cleaning system is operating. Liquid leaks shall be detected by visual inspection for pools or droplets of liquid. Vapor leaks shall be detected using a portable halogenated hydrocarbon detector. The following components must be included in the weekly inspection if present at the facility:

1. Hose and pipe connections, unions, couplings and valves;

2. Machine door gaskets and seatings;

3. Filter head gaskets and seatings;

4. Pumps;

5. Solvent tanks and storage containers;

6. Water separators;

7. Muck cookers;

8. Distillation units;

9. Cartridge filter housings;

10. Diverter valves; and

11. Exhaust dampers.

F. All leaks of perchloroethylene liquid or vapor must be repaired immediately upon detection if no new parts are needed or if replacement parts are available at the facility. If parts are needed and are not available at the facility, a purchase order for those parts shall be issued within two (2) working days. Repair parts shall be installed within five (5) working days of receipt.

G. If parameter values monitored pursuant to the requirements in §§ 23.8(A)(7), 23.9(B), or 23.10(A)(5) of this Part exceed the allowable levels specified in §§ 23.8(A)(1), 23.9(A)(4), or 23.10(A)(2) of this Part, respectively, adjustments or repairs shall be made to the dry cleaning system to meet those limits. All repairs must be done immediately if no parts are needed or if replacement parts are available at the facility. If parts are needed and are not available at the facility, a purchase order for those parts shall be issued within two (2) working days. Repair parts shall be installed within five (5) working days of receipt.

H. Any liquid perchloroethylene that is drained from water separators on reclaimers, dry-to-dry units or carbon adsorbers must be collected using one of the following methods:

1. The liquid shall be drained through a collection tube into containers which have a single small hole for the collection tube and which do not have other gaps or holes; or

2. The liquid shall be drained directly to a storage tank.

I. Fugitive perchloroethylene emissions from any part of a dry cleaning system must not exceed fifty (50) ppm, as measured with a colorimetric detector tube, at any time, except during short-term maintenance operations involving the opening of dry cleaning system components for inspection or repair.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-120-05-23.14

Amended effective 12/24/2018