In response to the recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the South Bronx, the City has enacted a new law requiring the registration of cooling towers, fluid coolers and evaporative condensers with the Department of Buildings (DOB). This new law will enable the City to track where this equipment is located and how it is maintained.
Under the new law, building owners are required to comply with certain reporting requirements. Failure to do so will result in enforcement action by the Department including the issuance of violations punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000.
Owners must comply with the following mandatory requirements:
- Registration of New and Existing Equipment
- Register existing cooling towers, fluid coolers and evaporative condensers with the Department of Buildings within (30) days of the law’s enactment (August 18, 2015).
Register new cooling towers, fluid coolers and evaporative condensers with the Department of Buildings prior to initial operation.
Certification of Existing Equipment and Discontinuance of Use
- Annually certify to the DOB that cooling towers, fluid coolers and evaporative condensers have been inspected, tested and remediated in accordance with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) regulations, and that a maintenance program and plan has been developed and implemented.
- Notify the DOB within (30) days of removing or permanently discontinuing cooling towers, fluid coolers and evaporative condensers with a statement that the cooling tower was cleaned and sanitized in compliance with the DOHMHÂ requirements.