Released: January 04, 2005

Environmental Workshops Planned For Dry Cleaners

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is focusing on environmental standards of compliance for dry cleaners in 2004 and 2005. The nearly 200 registered facilities in the state are subject to compliance in three areas: perchoroethylene air emissions, hazardous waste handling and disposal, and remediation or spill prevention.

In order to help dry cleaners pass these inspections, the Pollution Prevention Institute at Kansas State University will conduct two-hour workshops around the state in February. The free-of-charge sessions are designed to educate owners and employees of dry cleaning businesses on the many environmental regulations that apply to their industry.

Those interested in attending may choose either an afternoon (2:00-4:00 p.m.) or early evening (5:00-7:00 p.m.) workshop. Dates and locations will include: Feb. 9, Sedgwick County Extension Office, Wichita; Feb. 10, Carver Center, Salina; and Feb. 15, Johnson County Extension Office, Olathe. To register, call 800-578-8898.

The Pollution Prevention Institute is funded in part by the Kansas Small Business Environmental Assistance Program. In addition to the workshops, it is helping dry cleaners meet these standards by providing a customized compliance calendar, based on type of solvent used by a facility, that helps keep necessary paperwork and inspection checklists current and stored in one place. Free, confidential technical assistance is also available through on-site visits and a hotline telephone number (800-578-8898).

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Mary Rankin
mrankin@ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News