The Dry Cleaning Program for nonflammable solvents (Class IV) was transferred from the Department of Public Health to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) by Executive Order 1995-18.

Executive Orders 1997-2 and 1998-2 transferred the regulation of dry cleaning establishments using flammable liquids (Class I, II, and III) from the Michigan State Police, Fire Marshall Division, to the DEQ. In September 2002, the entire Dry Cleaning Program was transferred to the Air Quality Division (AQD) as a result of the DEQ reorganization.

The Class IV Dry Cleaning Establishment Rules were promulgated in 1981 and amended in 1987 pursuant Sections 2233 and 13322 of the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368(Act 368), as amended.

Section 29.5i of the Fire Prevention Code, 1941 PA 207 (Act 207), as amended, specifically addresses the responsibility of the DEQ in regulating Class I, II and III dry cleaning establishments that utilize petroleum-based solvents. The section requires that these establishments maintain a certificate that is issued by the DEQ and specifies the collection of a fee for the certificate. The DEQ has promulgated an amendment to the Class IV dry cleaning rules to reflect changes in technology in the dry cleaning industry. In addition, the rule modifications include incorporating language into the administrative rules that define criteria that address the operation of Class I, II and III dry cleaning establishments. The amended rules also simplify previous language that was confusing to the owners of dry cleaning establishments. The amended rule package is identified by the Office of Regulatory Reform as No. 2001-055EQ and will take effect on March 24, 2004.

A Dry Cleaning Rules Advisory Committee was formed that represented stakeholders in the dry cleaning industry, including representatives of other state departments. The Drinking Water and Radiological Protection Division (now part of the Water Division) met with this committee to develop these rule modifications. The Dry Cleaning Program was then transferred to the AQD before the rule modifications were completed.

• Environmental Assistance Center (EAC) at 1-800-662-9278
• Pollution Emergency Alerting System for Around the Clock Assistance: 1-800-292-4706 or (517) 373-7660
• Web Page Technical Issues contact Kirsten Clemens at 269-567-3548 or clemensk@michigan.gov