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EPA Cites Long Island Drycleaner For Violating Clean Water Act

Release Date: 08/13/1998
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(#98101) New York, New York -- Bon Bon Cleaners on Hempstead Ave, in Malverne, New York has been cited for discharging fluids into a floor drain without a permit. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered the company to cease discharges to the drain and to properly close the drain. In addition, the Agency is seeking $14,600 in penalties for past violations. Under the Clean Water Act, facilities that discharge potentially hazardous fluids into underground injection wells, which include floor drains, dry wells and septic systems, must first obtain proper authorization from the EPA.

"While a floor drain may seem harmless, it can be a source of serious contamination if used improperly," said Jeanne M. Fox, EPA Region 2 Administrator. "EPA is concerned with these drains, along with other underground injection wells, because they can contaminate groundwater that is often a source of drinking water."

The drycleaning fluids are considered potentially hazardous because they can contain tretrachloroethylene, which is listed by EPA as a hazardous waste. After an inspection by the Nassau County Department of Health revealed that the drycleaner was using its drain for the unpermitted discharge, EPA required the facility to either apply for a permit or to submit a closure plan for the drain. The company did submit a closure plan to EPA in February 1997. The EPA approved the plan and required the drycleaner to close the drain and submit proof of this closure by May 1997. To date, the EPA has not received any information on the progress of the drain closure. The drycleaner has thirty days to respond to EPA's order.

For more information contact:
Mary Mears, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3669 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: mears.mary@epamail.epa.gov