New York strengthens cooling tower inspection laws

USA: Building owners in New York City must now certify that their cooling towers have been inspected, tested, cleaned, and disinfected in compliance with new legislation. 

The move follows a number of legionnaires’ disease outbreaks that have hit the city in recent years. 

The new legislation (S08472-A/A09058A) sets timelines for building owners to notify the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) and take steps to remedy any public health hazards in cooling towers. It also increases civil penalties on building owners who fail to report or address these issues.

In July this year, an outbreak in New York City’s Upper East Side, infected 92 and led to seven deaths. Of 183 cooling towers tested at 160 buildings, 59 tested positive for live legionella bacteria. An outbreak in Harlem last year led to 114 confirmed cases and seven deaths. Legionella bacteria was discovered in 12 cooling towers at 10 buildings.

The new legislation will require biannual certifications taking place in January and July of each year or by dates specified by NYC DOB. In addition, it clarifies that the building owner must take steps to address maintenance deficiencies within 48 hours, and must take steps to address levels of microbes that present a serious health threat within 24 hours. 

It also increases civil penalties for violations to $2,500 for a first violation, $7,000 for a second or subsequent violation, and up to $12,500 for a violation that results in a fatality or serious injury.

“Protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers is my highest priority,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Recent outbreaks of legionnaires’ disease underscore the urgency of certification requirements, and we look forward to working with the City to ensure New Yorkers are protected against these public health threats.”