Massachusetts Laundry Reaches Settlement with EPA

A West Springfield, MA, industrial laundry company will take steps to reduce air pollution from its operations under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The company also will pay a penalty of $51,700 for its alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, according to a news release.

The EPA alleged that New England Industrial Uniform Rental Service Inc.’s operations resulted in emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which impair air quality. Prior to the EPA’s enforcement action, the company had not applied for an air permit from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), and New England Uniform Service had not implemented “reasonably available control technology” (RACT) at the facility as required by the MassDEP, which would reduce emissions of VOCs, the release said.

The company launders business uniforms and industrial shop towels. Until recently, the company also laundered print towels. Print towels caused most of the facility’s air emissions, since these towels are often contaminated with solvents that contain VOCs, the release said. Under the settlement, New England Uniform Service has been prohibited from laundering print towels since June 30, and will implement best-management practices for the laundering of shop towels that contain oils and grease. Emissions of VOCs also will be limited by its new air permit. These measures will ensure that the facility stays below a specified VOC emissions limit and allow it to meet RACT requirements without additional emission controls, the release said.

To read the full release, click here. Over the past few years, the EPA has conducted numerous inspections of industrial laundry facilities across New England. For more information, contact TRSA’s Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb at kschwalb@trsa.org.