National Clothesline

Drycleaners in Massachusetts will soon be forced to pay heavier fines if they fail to certify environmental compliance with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The state is targeting the cleaning industry, as well as photo processors and printers who do not willingly fulfill the requirements of DEP’s Environmental Results Program (ERP).

As part of the program, drycleaners and photo processors and printing businesses must annually submit certificates that document their air, waste and industrial wastewater control measures. Additionally, each business must measure its own environmental performance and pay fees to help support the DEP’s compliance oversight costs.

Massachusetts has about 2,000 small businesses that are required to comply. Last year, more than 80% met their regulatory obligations, but nearly 400 companies failed to do so. The DEP set its sights on those delinquent businesses and levied significant fines against 37 of them.

“In recognition that the majority of these businesses are ‘doing the right thing’ by certifying to environmental standards, and to level the playing field, DEP initiated enforcement actions against those who failed to respond to the requirements,” explained DEP Commissioner Robert W. Golledge, Jr.

Companies that failed to file their 2002 ERP certifications were given an one-time opportunity to rectify that mistake by submitting a 2003 certification and paying a fine of $200 related to the certification fee they were supposed to pay the previous year.

However, the 37 small businesses that DEP targeted were subject to stiffer enforcement actions because many of them were repeat offenders that hadn’t filed ERP certifications for years. Some of those companies had also been penalized on prior occasions for failing to certify.

In an effort to make it easier for small businesses to comply annually in the future, DEP now provides an on-line certificate submittal form located on its site: www.state.ma.us/dep/dephome .htm.

Major suppliers for the coin, on-premise and industrial laundry industries will have their latest wares on display on Tuesday, May 4 when ASN Laundry Group hosts its 2004 annual Open House.

The event will be held at ASN’s regional sales office, warehouse and service center at 159 E. 1st Ave. in Roselle, NJ.

Highlighting the event will be products by IPSO, ADC American Dryer, ESD, Jensen, Natco, Standard Change-Makers, Vend-Rite, R&B Wire and other manufacturers. Representatives from all of the companies will be present to answer questions from attendees.

Much of the equipment, as well as parts for all makes and models of laundry and drycleaning equipment stocked by the Arrow Parts division of ASN will be specially priced for the day-long event. Attendees will also benefit from a lower sales tax on all purchases since the Roselle facility is located in an Urban Enterprise Zone.

To find out more information or to register, call (800) 832-9238.