No permit lands dry cleaner in hot water

A Leeds dry cleaning company has been prosecuted for failing to apply for the proper environmental permit.

Yorkshire Laundry and Dry Cleaning, based in Horsforth, were called to appear before magistrates last month.

Having pleaded guilty, the company owners were fined £250 and ordered to pay more than £1,600 to cover costs and a victim surcharge.

Dry cleaners that use solvents are required by law to get a permit from the council to ensure emissions are controlled properly during the cleaning process.

Regulating emissions from industrial processes forms an important part of the council’s wider air quality strategy.

Environmental health officers look at drainage, how chemicals are stored, used and disposed of, training for people who operate machinery and maintenance of the kit.

The company failed to comply with the regulations, only submitting an incomplete application in March 2015 after reminders from environmental health officers following up an initial request in late 2014.

The company was found to be negligent in operating a regulated facility without an environmental permit.

Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for environmental protection and community safety, said:

“Environmental permits aren’t just pieces of paper – they are legal requirements to ensure that as a responsible business, you have the right people and processes in place to keep your customers, neighbours and the environment safe.

“The council regulates hundreds of businesses in Leeds, keeping them up to speed with the mandatory requirements. Our officers are willing to work with people as we want businesses to thrive. But we can’t allow non-compliance and will pursue people through the courts if we have to.”

Anyone who wants more help or advice should speak to the environmental health team on 0113 395 1414.