New Cooling Tower Regulations in Effect in NYS
August 31, 2015
Legionella illnesses are on the rise in New York State. Legionella bacteria may be present in various water sources, including cooling tower water, which has led to emergency cooling tower regulations.
In response to the increasing number of cases of Legionella illness associated with cooling towers, NY State has created emergency cooling tower regulations that have gone into effect as of August 17, 2015.
Legionella bacteria that may be present in various water sources, such as cooling tower water, can cause serious illness. If inhaled, Legionella can cause symptoms similar to flu and usually requires hospitalization. According to NY State, from 5% to 30% of Legionellosis cases are fatal.
Watts Architecture & Engineering is ready to assist building owners and managers in complying with this new cooling tower regulation. We can provide each of the services listed below with our staff of engineers and scientists.
Owners of buildings that have cooling towers must comply with the following:
- Register cooling towers with the NYS Department of Health. Must be completed by September 16, 2015.
- Perform collection and analysis of cooling tower water samples. Initial sampling must be completed by September 16, 2015. Ongoing sampling must be repeated every 90 days after the initial event.
- Visual inspection of each cooling tower by a qualified professional (e.g., professional engineer, trained environmental consultant). Initial inspection must be completed by September 16, 2015. Inspections must be repeated every 90 days after the initial event. Inspection findings, deficiencies and corrective actions must be reported to NY State.
- Prepare and implement a cooling tower maintenance program and plan by March 1, 2016.
- Certification of the cooling tower by November 1, 2016. The qualified professional certifies that the cooling meets the requirements of the regulations.
- Building owners must maintain all records for inspections, testing and cleaning/disinfection for at least three years.
Disinfection or decontamination may be required based on the results of the water sample analysis, as set forth in the regulation. Watts will provide a list of companies that can conduct these services.
For more information on the regulations and how Watts can help you meet them, please contact Karen Peissinger, Sr. Industrial Hygienist, at (716) 206-5177.
Images provided by Biotex Testing
