19 August 2015
NYC Building Owners Must Register Cooling Towers
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:53:12 -0400 (EDT)
From: "My NYC.gov News" <MyNYC@nyc.gov>
To: jya@pipeline.com
Subject: Building Owner Requirement to Register Cooling Towers
Dear Building Owner,
As a result of the recent unprecedented outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease
in the South Bronx, the City has enacted a new law that requires the registration
of cooling towers, fluid coolers and evaporative condensers with the Department
of Buildings (DOB). This law will enable the City to track where this equipment
is located and how it is maintained.
Effective Tuesday, August 18, 2015, building owners are mandated by the new
law to comply with certain reporting requirements. A failure to do so can
result in enforcement action by the Department including the issuance of
violations with associated monetary penalties.
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.
-
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 Department of Buildings 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 regulations,
and that a maintenance program and plan has been developed and implemented.
-
Notify the Department of Buildings 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 Department of Health and Mental Hygiene requirements.
Department of Health Commissioners’ Order Documentation
-
On August 6, 2015 the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene (DOHMH) issued a
mandatory
order to have cooling systems inspected and remediated within 14 days
of receipt of the order. Owners are encouraged to upload this documentation
to the
DOB
cooling tower tracking portal to show proof of compliance with the
Commissioner’s Order.
A failure to comply with any DOB mandatory requirements will result in the
issuance of a violation punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000.
For additional information and to register your cooling tower, fluid cooler
or evaporative condenser visit
nyc.gov/dob/coolingtowers
and follow the Cooling Tower Registration link. For information on required
maintenance standards and the DOHMH Commissioners’ Order pertaining
to cooling towers, evaporative condensers and fluid coolers, visit
nyc.gov/coolingtowers.
Rick D. Chandler, P.E.
Commissioner
(212) 393-2550
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