How to Obtain a State Air Permit for Petroleum Dry Cleaning

              F a c t S h e e t Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Bureau of Air
How to Obtain a State Air Permit for
Petroleum Dry Cleaning
Q Do I need an air pollution control permit for my dry cleaning operation?
All petroleum solvent dry cleaners require an air pollution control permit. Only coin
operated dry cleaners are exempted from air pollution control permit requirements.
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November 2000
Q What are the general requirements for petroleum dry cleaners?
The following are general requirements:
• State construction/operating permit from the Bureau of Air at the Illinois EPA.
• Limitations may be imposed on usage of petroleum product.
• Requirements for recordkeeping and reporting (e.g., petroleum usage, leak repair,
etc.) should be kept on site for the most recent three years.
• An Annual Emission Report is required to be filed by May 1 of each year.
• An Annual Site Fee (typically $100) must be paid to the Illinois EPA based on the
total amount of emissions at the site.
• The following are general requirements for cleaners that use over 25 tons/yr (7776
gal/yr) of petroleum solvent in the Chicago non-attainment area or over 100 tons/yr
(31,104 gal/yr) of petroleum solvent for the rest of the state.
• Title V permit
• Emission limits
• Requirements for leak inspections
• Good housekeeping requirements (e.g., keep washer and dryer door
closed, keep lids closed on solvent containers, etc.)
Note: Petroleum dry cleaners whose total manufacturer rated dryer capacity is equal
to or greater than 84 lbs and were installed after December 14, 1982 have even
stricter federal requirements. (This is the total of all dryers at the plant. Dryers
installed between December 14, 1982 and September 21, 1984 with a plant
consumption of less then 4700 gallons are exempt from the federal requirements.)
If subject to the federal rules:
• Any new dryer installed after December 14, 1982 must be a solvent recovery dryer
and use cartridge filters.
• Additional requirements include testing, more recordkeeping, leak detection and
repair.
If you fall within this range, then it is recommended that you contact the Illinois EPA Permit
Section for assistance.
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