EPA v. RAINBOW CLEANERS (CAMILLA DRY CLEANERS)

Case summary

On March 10, 2025, EPA Region 1 issued a Clean Air Act (CAA) combined Notice of Violation (NOV) and Administrative Compliance Order (Order) to Camila Dry Cleaners, LLC, d/b/a Rainbow Cleaners (Rainbow Cleaners). Rainbow Cleaners operates a dry cleaning business that uses perchloroethylene (PERC) in dry cleaning operations at its facility located in Providence, Rhode Island. The combined NOV and Order addresses Rainbow Cleaners alleged violations of the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS), specifically Subpart M the National Perchloroethylene Air Emission Standards for Dry Cleaning Facilities, 40 C.F.R. 63.320 63.326 (Subpart M). Since December 21, 2020, Subpart M has prohibited PERC emissions from any dry cleaning system that is co-located in a building with a residence. Under the Order, Rainbow Cleaners has six-months to come into compliance with Subpart M. PERC exposure may lead to adverse health effects, like respiratory irritation, kidney disfunction, neurological effects, immune system disruptions, and impacts on development and reproduction. EPA has classified PERC as likely to be carcinogenic to humans. Co-residential dry cleaning facilities with PERC dry cleaning operations, like Rainbow Cleaners, pose a unique exposure scenario, as residents may face to higher cancer risks from chronic exposure to PERC. EPA's investigation into Rainbow Cleaners was initiated as a result of compliance concerns identified by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

Defendants (1)

• Camilla Dry Cleaners, LLC d/b/a Rainbow CleanersNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• RAINBOW CLEANERS

  101 RESERVOIR AVENUE, PROVIDENCE, RI, 02907

  Registry ID: 110004905764

Statutes cited

• CAA 112 — Hazardous Air Pollutants

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• RAINBOW CLEANERS (CAMILLA DRY CLEANERS)entered 2025-03-10

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2025-03-10Final Order Issued
• 2025-03-10Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2025-03-26Enforcement Action Data Entered