Creation of a permanent COVID-19 wastewater testing program and the reporting of testing results, and to repeal section 24-531 of such code, relating to the creation of a pilot program to test sewage for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the creation of a permanent COVID-19 wastewater testing program and the reporting of testing results, and to repeal section 24-531 of such code, relating to the creation of a pilot program to test sewage for SARS-CoV-2 RNA

This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to permanently establish the COVID-19 Wastewater Testing Program initially established through Local Law 28 of 2021. This bill would also require publication of the results of wastewater testing under the program on the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website on a weekly basis. Finally, the bill would also require DOHMH, in consultation with DEP, to submit a report on the COVID-19 wastewater Testing Program to the Mayor and the Speaker of the Council by August 31 of each year.