DENVER—A Denver area dry cleaner has pleaded guilty to violating environmental quality laws, according to the state attorney general.
Attorney General John Suthers said Sunday that Derby Cleaners of Commerce City illegally dried and disposed of filters contaminated with a chemical commonly known as “perc”. It’s a carcinogen that, with prolonged exposure, can cause liver and kidney damage.
In a written announcement, Suthers said the company pleaded guilty to two felonies and store owner Paul Mahowald (MA-huh-wald) pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of the Air Quality Act.
Suthers said the company has installed new dry cleaning equipment that doesn’t use “perc”. It will also be required to test soil and water on its property for the presence of the chemical.
A message left at the company’s office wasn’t immediately returned.
