Environmental Disaster Strikes… Now What?

This article focuses on the essential steps dry cleaning businesses should take before, during, and after an environmental incident, emphasizing compliance with legal requirements and proactive emergency planning. It outlines preventive measures such as proper equipment maintenance, employee training, and adherence to federal, provincial, and municipal regulations, including specific reporting obligations related to Tetrachloroethylene/Perchloroethylene (PERC). In the event of a spill or environmental emergency, immediate notification to relevant authorities—such as the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) in Ontario—and detailed reporting are mandated to mitigate adverse effects and legal consequences. The article also highlights the importance of having comprehensive emergency response, spill response, and waste management plans to reduce risks and support due diligence defenses in regulatory or civil proceedings.