“Perc is a serious chemical that can have effects on people’s health,” said Alan J. Steinberg, EPA regional administrator. “That’s why EPA has made a concerted effort to reach out to and educate dry cleaners, and why now it is imperative that we take tough actions against those that refuse to handler their ‘perc’ waste properly.”
The EPA identified violations at the two businesses during regular inspections it conducts throughout the city. Based on those inspections, the agency issued a complaint to W.H. Christian and Sons for improperly storing hazardous wastes, with a fine of $18,525. The agency is in negotiations with the company on a final Order of Compliance.
EPA also issued a complaint against Jetomi Cleaners in Queens, proposing a $35,098 fine for failing to identify hazardous wastes, storing hazardous waste without a permit and failing to properly complete records documenting shipments of hazardous waste. In addition, the EPA found that spent fluorescent light bulbs were being improperly handled and disposed of by Jetomi Cleaners.
The EPA posts information about hazardous waste handling requirements on the Web site www.epa. gov/epaoswer/osw/hazwaste.htm.
© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2007
