NJ S2944

Requires building owners to register cooling towers with the Department of Health prior to operation, or within 30 days of the bill's effective date for existing towers, providing detailed information including owner contact, manufacturer specifications, and capacity

Mandates quarterly inspections and microbial testing of cooling towers during periods of use, with cleaning and disinfection required within 48 hours when test results indicate maintenance deficiencies, or within 24 hours with DOH notification when serious health threats are detected

Establishes civil penalties of up to $2,000 for first violations and $5,000 for subsequent violations of registration, inspection, certification, or recordkeeping requirements, with penalties up to $10,000 for violations causing serious injury or death

Creates a fourth-degree criminal offense (up to 18 months imprisonment and $10,000 fine) for building owners who knowingly fail to comply with DOH orders to clean and disinfect cooling towers presenting serious health risks

Requires annual certification to DOH by November 1 confirming compliance with inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements, with records maintained for at least three years and made available for inspection