Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago has failed to comply with federal and state Environmental Protection Agency regulations, according to the Chicago Tribune. The facility draws nearly 20 million gallons of water per day from the Chicago River, which is the second highest volume of nearly a dozen high-rises that draw cooling water from the river.
Trump Tower is the only facility that has not documented the measures it took to limit the number of fish pinned against intake screens or killed by changes in pressure and temperature. The Chicago River is home to as many as 30 types of fish.
All other buildings that use Chicago River water have filed appropriate documents and taken steps to slow water velocity at intakes and cool return water. Trump Tower returns its cooling water to the river up to 35 degrees hotter, according to the article.
Trump Tower facility managers were notified recently that environmental groups, including the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, are preparing a lawsuit against the building, accusing it of violating the Clean Water Act.
Earlier this year, Trump Tower ran afoul of ADA regulations, prompting a lawsuit alleging violations in restaurant restrooms and improper counter heights. Trump Tower was also last in Chicago’s 2017 Energy Star rankings with a score of 9.
This Quick Read was submitted by Greg Zimmerman, executive editor, Building Operating Management. Read his cover story profiling Northwestern University’s vice president of facilities management, John D’Angelo.
