This Fact Sheet provides Best Management Practices (BMPs) that are recommended for facilities that conduct cleaning of apparel, textile industrial goods and other fabric items.  The dry cleaning industry includes commercial, industrial, and coin-operated facilities.           

Potential Pollutant Sources
The following activities are potential sources of pollutants:
·          Chemical Storage
·          Chemical Use
·          Equipment Maintenance and Repair
·          Cooling water 

Pollutants may include:
·          Toxic chemicals (solvents, chlorinated compounds, glycols)
·          Hydrocarbons (oil and grease, PAHs) 

Pollution Prevention  
Implementation of pollution prevention measures may reduce or eliminate the need to implement other more costly or complicated procedures. 

The following pollution prevention principles apply to most facilities:
·          Use alternative, safer, non-toxic, and/or recycled products;
·          Reduce storm water flow across the site and redirect flows away from storm drains, gutters, and streets;
·          Reduce the use of water and/or use dry methods;
·          Recycle and reuse waste products and waste flows; and
·          Provide on-going employee training. 

Best Management Practices and Procedures  

GENERAL
►       If water is being used for cleaning shop floors and adjacent outdoor areas, contain the wash water and dispose of in the sanitary sewer (with permission of sewer provider) or for offsite disposal, do not dispose of in the gutter or street.
►       Maintain facility grounds and move or cover activities and materials to prevent contact with storm water.
►       Dispose of chemical recovery filters appropriately.
►       Stencil on-site storm drains.

CHEMICAL STORAGE
►       Clearly label all chemicals containers.
►       Store chemicals indoors, if possible.  If chemicals must be stored outside, construct a covered and bermed area to protect the containers from contact with storm water and to contain spills.
►       Do not leave chemical containers uncovered.  Use air-tight containers for chemical storage. 

CHEMICAL USE  
►       Use only as much chemicals as needed for cleaning.  Reuse or recycle chemicals, if possible.
►       Collect wash water and dispose of properly.  Do not discharge wash water into storm drains, gutters, or streets.
►       Use a licensed service to dispose of hazardous waste.  Hazardous wastes can include used rags soaked with solvents, floor cleaners and detergents. 

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR  
►       Move maintenance and repair activities indoors, if possible.  If it is not possible, cover the repair area with a roof and cover the ground with a tarp, ground cloth, or drip pans.
►       Regularly inspect equipment for leaks.  Collect leaking or dripping fluids in drip pans or containers.
►       Use biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents for cleaning machines rather than solvents. Contain wash water and dispose of in the sanitary sewer (with permission of sewer provider). 

SPILL CONTROL  
►       Develop and maintain a spill response plan.
►       Place an adequate stockpile of spill cleanup materials where it will be readily accessible.
►       Spot clean leaks and drips routinely.
►       Clean leaks, drips, and other spills with as little water as possible.  Use rags for small spills, a damp mop for general cleanup, and dry absorbent material for larger spills.
►       Remove the absorbent materials promptly and dispose of properly.
►       Keep the spill from entering the street, gutter, or storm drain.
►       Do not use bleach or disinfectants if there is a possibility that rinse water could flow to a street, gutter, or storm drain. 

Employee Training  
·          Train employees on these practices
·          Train staff on the proper maintenance of the facility.
·          Train employees on the facility’s spill control plan and spill containment/cleanup procedures.
·          Establish a regular training schedule, train all new employees, and conduct annual refresher training.
·          Use a training log or similar method to document training. 

PHONE NUMBERS
San Joaquin County Stormwater Management  468-3055
San Joaquin County Sanitary Sewer Agency    468-3090
City of Stockton Stormwater Management        937-8791
City of Stockton Sanitary Sewer Agency          937-8750