New Jersey Assembly Bill A1217

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires registration, inspection, testing, cleaning, and disinfection of cooling towers to control outbreaks of Legionnaire's Disease.

Impact

A significant aspect of A1217 is the requirement for regular inspections, testing, cleaning, and disinfection of cooling towers. Owners are obligated to implement maintenance programs aligned with current safety standards and to ensure cleanliness, particularly after the towers have been inactive for extended periods. This is necessary to address the build-up of hazardous microbial agents such as Legionella, which thrive in water systems. Non-compliance with any of these regulations may lead to civil penalties, contributing to the accountability of building owners towards public health safety.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1217 aims to regulate the maintenance and inspection of cooling towers, which are critical systems used in buildings for industrial cooling and air conditioning. The bill mandates that owners of buildings with cooling towers register these installations with the Department of Health (DOH), either before initial operation or within 30 days of the bill's enactment for pre-existing towers. This registration process is an essential first step in enabling the state to monitor and manage the potential health risks associated with cooling towers, particularly those linked to Legionnaire's Disease, which is infectious and can lead to severe respiratory illnesses.

Contention

Debate surrounding A1217 likely arises from concerns about the regulatory burden placed on building owners, especially regarding the financial implications of compliance as well as the technicalities involved in maintaining facilities to meet stringent public health standards. While proponents argue that these regulations will prevent outbreaks of Legionnaire's Disease, critics may view this bill as an undesirable expansion of state authority over private property management and an imposition on business operations.

Enforcement

The enforcement mechanism proposed by A1217 includes provisions for civil penalties for non-compliance, which encompass fees for violations that can escalate based on the severity of infractions. Additionally, the bill grants the DOH the authority to impose cleanup actions when health threats arise, thereby reinforcing the necessity for adherence to public health safeguards as it pertains to cooling tower maintenance.