Bill > A09058

This bill modifies existing regulations regarding cooling towers in New York City by increasing the frequency and stringency of inspections, testing, and reporting requirements. The bill changes the certification requirement from annual to biannual, mandating that cooling tower owners submit certifications in January and July instead of just once per year. Inspection frequency is increased from every three months to every week when the tower is in use, and owners must now conduct more rigorous microbial testing and maintain records for ten years instead of three. The bill also introduces more rapid response requirements for addressing potential health risks, reducing the time for cleaning and disinfecting towers 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 violation, $5,000 to $7,000 for subsequent violations, and from $10,000 to $12,500 for violations resulting in fatality or serious injury. The goal of these changes appears to be improving public health safety by ensuring more frequent and thorough monitoring of cooling towers, which can be potential breeding grounds for harmful microbes like Legionella bacteria.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9058