For release: April 17, 2012

Contacts:
Jenny Root, Environmental Law Specialist, Portland, 503-229-5874
Ed Patnode, Dry Cleaning Program, Portland, 503-229-6783

Company also ordered to conduct weekly leak inspections and submit weekly updates to DEQ

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued $3,000 in penalties to Daryl Dean Allison, doing business as Peacock Cleaners, 1705 State St. NE, Salem, for long-running violations at his dry cleaning business.

DEQ cited and fined Allison on two environmental law violations at the business that have continued over the past five years:

·         Failing to conduct weekly inspections of the shop’s dry cleaning system for perceptible leaks, as required by federal air quality regulations ($2,500 penalty)

·         Failing to submit to DEQ annual dry cleaning hazardous waste and air quality compliance reports, as required, for the years 2007 through 2011 ($500 penalty)

Regular inspections for equipment leaks are important to ensure that harmful chemicals such as perchloroethylene (perc) are not spilled or released into the environment. Perc is a known or suspected carcinogen that, if inhaled or otherwise ingested, is highly toxic and can cause other serious health effects. Annual reports are an important mechanism for DEQ to ensure that dry cleaners comply with Oregon’s waste minimization regulations and federal air quality requirements to protect public health and the environment.

In addition to the penalties, DEQ has ordered Allison to begin weekly leak inspection and monitoring of dry cleaning equipment at Peacock Cleaners and to submit weekly reports documenting this work. The order also requires Allison to submit to DEQ annual dry cleaning reports for the years 2007 through 2011, using records his business has available. Allison also is required to submit dry cleaning program fee return forms for the years 2008 through 2012. Failure to comply with the order may result in additional penalties.