If you operate a Dry Cleaning Installation you may be affected by the Solvent Emissions Directive and the Solvent Emissions (England and Wales) Regulations 2004, (SI107).

What is the Solvents Emissions Directive (the “SED”)?

The SED is a European Council Directive (ref no. 1999/13/EC), which relates to “the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations”. It was adopted by the European commission on 11 March 1999. Its aim is to reduce emissions of VOCs from specified industrial processes.

What are The Solvent Emissions Directive and the Solvent Emissions (England and Wales) Regulations 2004? (the SED regulations)

These are the Regulations, which the government has used to implement the SED. They came into force on 20 January 2004.

Which installations will it apply to?

The SED regulations will affect all installations using solvents to a certain extent, depending on the type of solvents in use and the amount of solvents used per year.

When do the SED Regulations come into force?

Although the SED Regulations came into force on 20 January 2004 existing dry cleaning installations (i.e. those dry cleaners which were put into operation before 1 April 2001) were not affected until 31 October 2006.

New dry cleaners (those put into operation on or after 1 April 2001) should have made an application for a PPC permit by 20 May 2004.

How will it affect me?

All dry cleaners using organic solvents, in particular perchloroethylene (PER), hydrocarbon solvent (HCS) and siloxane will have to apply for and be issued an ‘LAPPC Permit’ to operate their process after 31 October 2007. The use of carbon dioxide in dry cleaning is not covered by these regulations. More details about the LAPPC Permitting regime is given in the advice note entitled ‘Guide for Applicants’.

An LAPPC permit is essentially a legal document allowing an ‘operator’ to emit air pollution. Local councils 'permit' operators to carry out ‘activities’ at ‘installations’ within their area. The permit sets out conditions, which the operators must abide by and sets emission limits which take into account National Air Quality Standards. The installations are regularly inspected by Officers from the council to ensure they are complying with their air quality limits and meeting the conditions of their permit. Details of all installations are held on a public register.

Will it cost me any thing extra?

There is an initial application cost for obtaining a permit. In addition an annual subsistence fee must be paid. For 2008/2009 the application fee is £142 and the subsistance fee is £161.

Will I have to spend money on my installation?

If your installation does not meet the standards laid out by the government, you may have to undertake upgrading works either prior to being issued a permit, or as part of the conditions within a permit. Such works will be decided upon following an initial site inspection by council officers. In the case of existing installations (as defined above) operators had until 31 October 2007 to make any changes. New installations (as defined above) will be required to meet the full standards of the government guidance immediately.

Further guidance on the standards expected of dry cleaners can be found at the Defra website.

In addition your trade association may be able to provide you with further advice.

Will I have to change the solvents I use?

Unless you are operating an ‘open circuit’ machine or using ‘Designated Risk Phrase Solvents *defined below’ it is unlikely you will need to make any major changes to your installation. The government is however discouraging the use of in-house mixing of spot cleaning solutions.

What happens if I don’t apply for a permit?

If an operator of an installation fails to apply for and subsequently be granted a permit by the appropriate date they may, upon summary conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding £20,000, with the possibility of imprisonment, for the operation of installation without a permit. Ashford Borough Council operates an Enforcement Policy to encourage compliance with the law. If you are in any doubt as to your responsibilities please contact us on the number at the end of this advice note and we will be happy to help.

Where can I get more advice?

General guidance on policy and procedures is contained in the General Guidance Manual on Policy and Procedure for part A2 and B installations which is available from the Defra website.

Guidance on solvent consumption in dry cleaning and good housekeeping measures for solvents is available from Envirowise, the government funded programme offering free, independent advice on practical ways to minimise waste and increase profit. Quote ref nos: GG 87 and GG 28.

Where can I get an application form?

Download an application 67.5Kb PDF

Application forms for dry cleaning installations can be obtained by contacting the relevant Officers responsible for Part B processes; the names are given below. Please ask for an ‘LAPPC Dry Cleaning Permit Application Form.’

*Designated Risk Phrase Solvents are defined as:

• R40 - Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect
• R45 - May cause cancer
• R46 - May cause heritable genetic damage
• R49 - May cause cancer by inhalation
• R60 - May impair fertility
• R61 - May cause harm to the unborn child

At the time of writing and in the future it is believed unlikely that these materials will be used within the dry cleaning industry. (Details of the risk phrase material used can be found on the original suppliers packaging and in the Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the products)