Federal charges for selling tetrachloroethylene illegally

Federal charges against three for selling dry cleaning solvent illegally

The news of illegal sale of dry cleaning solvent was reported by DurhamRegion.com (a Metro Media Publication). The ministry of environment pressed charges against GFL Environmental Inc. and three of its employees. The allegations are quite serious however are not yet proved in the court.
Among these three accused employees is the CEO and President of the company, Mr. Patrick Dovigi. The other two include Mr. John Petlichkovski, the company’s vice-president of sales and marketing and another employee, Louie Servos. Continue to read more about illegal sale of dry cleaning solvent must, visit Priory Dry Cleaners first.

Patrick Dovigi

About GFL Environmental Inc.

The company has a good reputation for providing diversified environmental solutions mainly solid waste management, liquid waste management and soil remediation. It has a brigade of bright green trucks that are spotted in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). GFL Inc. is seen as a major hauler of municipal solid waste in many municipalities. The waste goes through various processes starting from collection and transportation of waste then processing, recycling and disposing a wide range of liquid waste.

The main reason behind the pressed charges was that the company did not first determine that its customers had the required equipment before selling tetrachloroethylene (also known as “perc”) to them. The act strictly prohibits the sale of this chemical until the regulations are met. The inspectors reported that they witnessed inadequate wastewater containment systems and floor drain plugs that were not resistant to perc. The worst part is that the inspectors found pails and containers of residue that were not equipped with secondary containment systems.

perc-storage

What is tetrachloroethylene?

Tetrachloroethylene is a colorless, volatile, nonflammable, liquid, chlorinated hydrocarbon known of having a strong ether-like odor. It may emit toxic fumes of phosgene when exposed to sunlight or flames. There are some serious medical conditions known that are caused by this chemical including irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes and adverse neurological effects as well as kidney and liver damage. If released into the environment it can evaporate or contaminant the subsurface.

Laws and regulations

The Environment Canada and Climate Change (ECCC) accused GFL of selling tetrachloroethylene (a solvent used in dry cleaning). The charges were laid under a section of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) that prohibits the sale of tetrachloroethylene.

Tetrachloroethylene

It was back in1979 when these regulations were made for the first time with the purpose of maintaining a check and balance on this business. It was made sure that the drycleaners used efficient machines so as to minimize the spillage of perc and also managing the collection and disposal of residue and waste water. We offer exceptional & quick Dry Cleaning Service in all over UK at affordable price. Visit us at priorydrycleaners.co.uk and get free price quotes.

GFL says otherwise

The charges laid by ECCC pin point the sale of perc in 2013 and 2014 by GFL to nine dry cleaning operations in the Greater Toronto Area that were not properly implementing the Tetrachloroethylene Regulations. According to DurhamRegion.com, GFL is vowing to fight these alleged charges.  “At GFL we take our environmental responsibilities seriously.  We plan to vigorously defend these charges,” said the executive vice-president of strategic planning with GFL.