Under the Airborne Toxic Control Measure governing perc emissions in drycleaning adopted in early 2007, all existing perc drycleaning machines at co-residential facilities and all perc drycleaning machines that are 15years old or more must be removed from service by 1 July 2010.
Local air districts are now implementing this measure, although the regulations imposed at local level may be more stringent than the statewide requirements.
The notice also reminds cleaners that there are several financial assistance programs provided for small businesses by both federal and state authorities. These programs can include low interest or guaranteed loans or help with financial planning.
CARB voted unanimously on January 25 2007 to phase out the use of perc in drycleaning, with a total ban on perc in California by 2023. Under the incremental phase-out, no new perc machines have been sold in California since 1 January 2008.