Dry cleaning blues.

Dry cleaners around the state face a 2010 deadline to stop using perchloroethylene (perc) machines built before 1995. And they must completely end use of the machines using this toxic chemical by 2023 under a rule recently finalized.

The California Air Resources Board last month sent out an advisory notice to all registered dry cleaners in the state informing them of this new rule. It was passed a year ago, but the final language wasn't set in stone until Dec. 27.

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A ban on the sale or lease of new perc dry cleaning machines took effect this past Jan. 1. According to Mike Belote, lobbyist for the California Cleaners Association, several dry cleaners rushed to buy perc machines before the ban took effect, creating a shortage.

The 2010 deadline applies to perc machines at facilities that share a wall with or are in the same building as a residence. Also, on that date, perc machines built before 1995 must be removed from service. All remaining perc machines must be phased out by 2023.

The rule also requires dry cleaning facilities with perc machines to file records with the state and it requires operators of perc machines to complete state-certified training.

For more information on the perc rule, log on to arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean.

Staff reporter Howard Fine can be reached at [phone], ext. 227 or at [e-mail]