Bill > S08472

This bill modifies regulations for cooling towers in New York City, changing several key requirements to enhance public health and safety. The legislation shifts from annual to biannual certification of cooling towers, requiring owners to submit documentation in January and July of each year, and mandates more frequent and rigorous inspections, with towers now required to be checked at least weekly when in use instead of quarterly. The bill also introduces stricter timelines for responding to microbial contamination, reducing response times from 48 to 24 hours for maintenance deficiencies and from 24 to 12 hours for serious health threats. Additionally, the legislation increases civil penalties for violations, raising fines from $2,000 to $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 to $7,000 for subsequent violations, and from $10,000 to $12,500 for violations resulting in fatality or serious injury. Record-keeping requirements have also been extended, with owners now required to maintain inspection and test records for ten years instead of three. These changes aim to improve monitoring and maintenance of cooling towers, which can potentially harbor harmful bacteria like Legionella, and to ensure more rapid response to potential health risks.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8472