Re: Elizabeth Middle School at County Road 13 in Elizabeth, CO Limited Ambient Microflora Inspection & Sampling

Transcription

1 November 19, 2012 Mr. Ron Patera Elizabeth School District 633 Dale Court Elizabeth, CO Re: Elizabeth Middle School at County Road 13 in Elizabeth, CO Limited Ambient Microflora Inspection & Sampling Dear Mr. Patera: At your request, on November 6, 2012, Robert A. Woellner and Tony Konowal of Quality Environmental Services & Technologies, Inc. (QUEST) met Steve Thiessen, the Elizabeth Middle School Principal, and conducted a limited ambient microflora inspection and air sampling assessment in the following Principal/Teacher-specified locations at Elizabeth Middle School: Science Room 101, Science Wing Storage Area, Computer Room, Room 102, Room 105, Room 106, Room 109, the Auditorium, Room 202, Room 203, Room 207, Room 401, Room 501, Room 504, Room 502, Room 608 and Room 304 (Counseling). The Elizabeth School District retained QUEST to conduct an ambient microflora inspection and air sampling assessment in specified locations at the school, and to review the findings and mold remediation recommendations presented in the October 12, 2012 A.G. Wassenaar Physical Water Intrusion/Mold Evaluation report after a teacher reportedly experienced adverse medical symptoms while occupying Science Room 101. This report summarizes our site observations, sample results and conclusions. Background Information While on site, Mr. Thiessen and other Elizabeth Middle School representatives provided background information to QUEST. It is our understanding that the north wall of the Science Wing, an addition (built between 1978 and 1985) to the 1978 originally-constructed Elizabeth Middle School, has had ongoing water intrusion issues since last summer from roof and exterior wall leaks that have impacted the interior finishings of Science Room 101. A teacher reportedly experienced adverse medical symptoms while occupying Science Room 101. The teacher has since moved locations and is currently conducting class in the Library and is reportedly feeling better physically. Following the relocation of the teacher, Science Room 101 was shut down and the room s supply diffusers and exhaust grills were closed and sealed with plastic. In October 2012, A.G. Wassenaar conducted a microflora inspection and air sampling in Science Room 101, the hallway outside Science Room 101 and the Science Wing Storage Area. Mr. Thiessen provided QUEST with copies of the October 12, 2012 A.G. Wassenaar Physical Water Intrusion/Mold Evaluation report and the corresponding October 9, 2012 EMLab P&K Spore Trap Analysis laboratory reports. The A.G. Wassenaar report identified water staining and mold growth

2 Mr. Ron Patera November 19, 2012 Page 2 in Science Room 101 and the Science Wing Storage Area; and as detailed in their laboratory report, Science Room 101, the hallway outside Science Room 101 and the Science Wing Storage Area air samples each contained elevated total indoor fungi concentrations relative to the outdoor air. You retained QUEST to conduct additional sampling and provide a second opinion regarding A.G. Wassenaar s findings and scope of work for mold remediation activities. Mr. Thiessen explained that BELFOR Property Restoration has reportedly been retained to conduct the mold remediation in the impacted areas of the Science Wing and awaits your authorization to commence work. Site Observations On November 6, 2012, the QUEST representatives conducted an ambient microflora inspection and sampling in the accessible areas of the above mentioned seventeen (17) rooms/locations at Elizabeth Middle School. At the time of our inspection, Science Room 101, one of the locations scheduled for mitigation along with the Science Wing Storage Area, was not occupied and the supply and return air vents were sealed with plastic. There was carpet flooring in the southern half of Science Room 101 and vinyl floor tiling in the northern half. The southern half of the room contained tables and chairs while the northern half consisted of laboratory bench space. A large fish tank was present in the classroom. In the northwest corner of the room, water staining was observed on three ceiling tiles; reportedly additional stained ceiling tiles in this location had been replaced. The QUEST representative removed a ceiling tile from the northwest corner of Science Room 101 and inspected the adjacent building materials in the ceiling plenum for signs of water damage. There was no visible mold growth, but there were localized areas of limited water staining on the north (exterior) and west walls as viewed from inside the plenum. Localized water staining was observed on the I-beam and trusses that appear to have originated from the roof and run down. The water staining appears to have migrated down the insulation and onto the ceiling tiles. Several of the floor tiles in the northwest corner of the room contained cracks and water staining. The cove base had been peeled back from the base of the laboratory cabinets/benches located against the north and west walls as well as the cabinets/benches located centrally in the north half of the classroom, exposing the particle board kick plates and base stud framing. The cove base along the eastern portion of the north wall, in a location where there were no benches, had also been peeled back. Water damage, staining and suspected mold growth were observed on the exposed particle board kick plates and stud framing at the base of the cabinet/benches located along the north and west walls and centrally in the north half of the classroom as well as on the exposed dry wall behind the peeled back cove base along the eastern portion of the north wall. The Science Wing Storage Area, located north of (behind) Rooms 102 and 105 and along the north exterior wall contained a rolling shelving system consisting of five (5) bays at the west end of the Storage area. Water staining was observed on the ceiling tiles and light fixtures above the rolling shelves. The metal base for the rolling shelving system was significantly oxidized, indicative of a past history of water exposure. The cove base on the north wall (behind the shelves) had been peeled back in locations exposing water stained and damaged areas of dry wall. Although the north wall (behind the shelves) the dry wall had been floated approximately one (1) inch up off the floor. Water staining was evident approximately eight (8) inches up the dry wall. Water staining and suspected mold growth were observed on the base of the drywall.

3 Mr. Ron Patera November 19, 2012 Page 3 Several ceiling tiles were out of place in the Science Wing Storage Area at the time of QUEST s inspection and small amounts of localized water staining, but no mold growth, were observed on the top sides of the moved ceiling tiles. Other rooms that are part of the Science Wing include a Computer Room (unoccupied) located along the north exterior wall and Rooms 102, 105 and 106. Rooms 102 and 105 are located south of the Science Wing Storage Area and Room 106 is located in the northeast corner of the school. There was water staining observed on the north wall (around the windows) of the Computer Room. Room 102 contained seventeen (17) stained ceiling tiles, particularly in the northeast corner of the room. Room 102 was not occupied at the time of our inspection, and a teacher was cleaning the student tables. Room 105 was not occupied at the time of our inspection and contained 6 stained ceiling tiles. Room 105 had a strong odor of cleaning supplies. One of two supply air ducts located in Room 105 was obstructed (southwest corner of room). Two plants were also observed in the room. Room 106 was occupied (approximately thirty students) at the time of our inspection and sampling. There were approximately six plants, one fish tank and two birds in cages observed in Room 106. Room 106 contained a fume hood located centrally along the north wall; and there was staining of the ceiling tiles directly around the fume hood exhaust duct. Although there was localized ceiling staining in the other Science Wing rooms, no significant damage or mold growth were observed in the other locations inspected. Eleven other locations throughout Elizabeth Middle School were inspected by QUEST. The Auditorium (occupied by approximately twenty students) contained areas of limited ceiling staining as well as areas of significant water damage. The Auditorium backstage area contained approximately fifteen stained ceiling tiles, particularly in the northwest corner. Room 202 was occupied (approximately twenty students) at the time of our inspection and contained no stained ceiling tiles. Room 202 contained two supply air vents, one of which was closed. There were no return air grilles in Room 202, however an approximately two inch gap in the ceiling tiles against the north wall allowed for significant airflow from the plenum into the room. Room 203 (occupied-approximately twenty students) contained no stained ceiling tiles and contained the same plenum airflow system as observed in Room 202. Generally, Rooms 109 (occupiedapproximately ten students), 207 (not occupied-students had recently vacated), 401 (occupiedapproximately twenty students), 501 (not occupied-students had recently vacated), 504 (not occupied), 502 (not occupied), 608 (occupied-approximately twenty students) and 304 (Counseling office) visibly appeared to be in good environmental condition and contained limited numbers of stained ceiling tiles, no significant damage, and no visible mold growth. Room 504 contained a side office that was the site of a toilet leak approximately one month ago. The toilet leak has since been repaired, mold-impacted building materials reportedly have been mitigated, and the office was being painted at the time of our inspection. The eleven rooms inspected that were not in the Science Wing contained some localized ceiling staining, but no significant water damage or mold growth was observed, with the exception of the localized yet significant ceiling tile damage observed in the Auditorium stage ceiling. The QUEST representatives briefly inspected the gutter downspout located on the east side of the school s main entrance along the north wall, in a location that corresponded to the interior northwest corner of Science Room 101. The QUEST representative observed the gutter to be clogged with numerous plastic bottles, leaves and other debris. As this is a suspected location of

4 Mr. Ron Patera November 19, 2012 Page 4 historical water intrusions into the school, particularly Science Room 101, QUEST recommends a thorough cleaning of the gutter and downspout in this location as well as all of the other Elizabeth Middle School gutters and downspouts. QUEST Sampling and Data Assessment On November 6, 2012, QUEST collected seventeen (17) viable fungi air samples from Science Room 101, Science Wing Storage Area, Computer Room, Room 102, Room 105, Room 106, Room 109, the Auditorium, Room 202, Room 203,, Room 207, Room 401, Room 501, Room 504, Room 502, Room 608, Room 304 (Counseling) and outside of the building (background). Some of the classrooms sampled were occupied at the time of sampling. Please see specific room observations in the Site Observations section to distinguish which rooms were occupied at the time of sampling. The air samples were collected using an Anderson type (AeroTech) singlestage impactor on Malt Extract Agar media. The samples were submitted to EMLab P&K for fungi identification and quantification. The samples were analyzed by EMLab P&K microbiologists following laboratory and industry bioaerosol guidelines. As detailed in the attached laboratory report, the total indoor fungi concentration in each indoor sample was lower than that of the outdoor air sample. The genera/species detected are those typically found in indoor and outdoor air, and the detected genera/species in the indoor samples were generally representative of normal outdoor air. QUEST s visual observations confirm that there is water damage and mold growth in Science Room 101 and in the Science Wing Storage Area. The laboratory results identify that at the time of sampling, the air quality in these two locations as well as throughout Elizabeth Middle School, was not adversely affected by mold spores associated with the history of water intrusion. Rather than generating a slightly different recommended scope of work than that which exists from A.G. Wassenaar, QUEST approves the remediation recommendations provided to you by A.G. Wassenaar in their October 12, 2012 Physical Water Intrusion/Mold Evaluation report and additionally recommends that a post-mitigation / final clearance inspection and air sampling assessment be conducted after the mitigation activities are completed. Conclusions QUEST conducted an ambient microflora inspection and air sampling assessment in specified locations at the Elizabeth Middle School. Based on our assessment, the following conclusions are provided: 1. Water staining, water damage and localized visible mold growth were identified in the north and west portions of Science Room 101 and the adjacent Science Wing Storage Area; especially behind the cove base of the exterior walls, on the kick plates and base framing of the laboratory cabinets/benches, on the base of the rolling shelves, and on the nearby drywall and ceiling tiles;

5 Mr. Ron Patera November 19, 2012 Page 5 2. Although there was localized water staining in the other Science Wing rooms, no significant water damage or mold growth were observed; 3. The eleven rooms inspected that were not part of the Science Wing contained some areas of ceiling tile staining, but no significant water damage or mold growth were observed, with the exception of the localized yet significant water damage observed in the Auditorium stage ceiling; 4. The gutter downspout east of the school s main entrance, in a location that corresponds with the water damaged areas of Science Room 101, was clogged with numerous plastic bottles, leaves and other debris. QUEST recommends that all gutters and downspouts be cleared and inspected to assure adequate water discharge away from the building; 5. As detailed in the attached laboratory report, the total indoor fungi concentration in each indoor sample was lower than that of the outdoor air. The genera/species detected are those typically found in indoor and outdoor air, and the detected genera/species in the indoor samples were generally representative of normal outdoor air; 6. Although QUEST observed water damage and mold growth in Science Room 101 and the adjacent Science Wing Storage Area, the laboratory results from airborne fungi samples from locations throughout the school identify that there was no associated impact to the air quality at the time of sampling; 7. Rather than generating a slightly difference recommended scope of work than that which has been presented by A.G. Wassenaar, QUEST approves the remediation recommendations provided to you by A.G. Wassenaar in their October 12, 2012 Physical Water Intrusion/Mold Evaluation report and additionally recommends that a postmitigation / final clearance inspection and air sampling assessment be conducted after the mitigation activities are completed. If occupants experience adverse medical symptoms, we recommend they seek medical attention and provide their physician with information such as that which is provided in this report. If air quality concerns persist, we recommend that a more detailed assessment be conducted. The conclusions presented in this report are based on limited observations and sampling. Conclusions should not be construed as a guaranteed presence or absence of such concerns, but merely the results of the evaluation. If you have any questions, or if we may be of additional service, please contact Bob Woellner at We look forward to our continued association. Sincerely, Robert A. Woellner President/Senior Scientist Anatole Konowal Project Manager Attachment: Site Photographs & Laboratory Report

6 Mr. Ron Patera November 19, 2012 Page 6 November 6, 2012 Site Photographs Water damage, staining and suspected mold growth were observed on the exposed particle board kick plates and stud framing at the base of the lab benches along the north and west walls of the Science Room 101 as well as on the exposed dry wall behind the peeled back cove base along the eastern portion of the north wall. Water damage, staining and suspected mold growth were observed on the exposed particle board kick plates and stud framing at the base of the lab benches along the north and west walls of the Science Room 101 as well as on the exposed dry wall behind the peeled back cove base along the eastern portion of the north wall.

7 Mr. Ron Patera November 19, 2012 Page 7 The metal base for the rolling shelving system located in the Science Wing Storage Area was significantly oxidized, indicating a history of water exposure. The cove base on the north wall (behind the shelves) of the Science Wing Storage Area contained localized water staining and suspected mold growth.

8 Mr. Ron Patera November 19, 2012 Page 8 Room 106 contained water staining on the ceiling tiles adjacent to the fume hood near the center of the north wall; there were staining of the ceiling tiles directly around the fume hood exhaust duct. The Auditorium ceiling contained several areas of damage that appeared to be the result of a history of roof leakage.

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11 Report for: Kim Moore, Mr. Robert Woellner Quest Environmental, Inc S. Quebec Street Greenwood Village, CO Regarding: Project: ; Elizabeth Middle School EML ID: Approved by: Dates of Analysis: Culturable air fungi (Incl. Asp spp.): Technical Manager Aaron Agajanian Service SOPs: Culturable air fungi (Incl. Asp spp.) (1043) AIHA accredited service All samples were received in acceptable condition unless noted in the Report Comments portion in the body of the report. Due to the nature of the analyses performed, field blank correction of results is not applied. The results relate only to the items tested. EMLab P&K ("the Company") shall have no liability to the client or the client's customer with respect to decisions or recommendations made, actions taken or courses of conduct implemented by either the client or the client's customer as a result of or based upon the Test Results. In no event shall the Company be liable to the client with respect to the Test Results except for the Company's own willful misconduct or gross negligence nor shall the Company be liable for incidental or consequential damages or lost profits or revenues to the fullest extent such liability may be disclaimed by law, even if the Company has been advised of the possibility of such damages, lost profits or lost revenues. In no event shall the Company's liability with respect to the Test Results exceed the amount paid to the Company by the client therefor. Aerotech Laboratories, Inc EMLab ID: , Page 1 of 6

12 Client: Quest Environmental, Inc. C/O: Kim Moore, Mr. Robert Woellner Re: ; Elizabeth Middle School CULTURABLE AIR FUNGI REPORT Location: 1: #101 EMLab P&K 1501 West Knudsen Drive, Phoenix, AZ (800) Fax (623) Date of Sampling: Date of Receipt: Date of Report: : N. Wall Storeroom 3: #102 4: #105 Comments (see below) None None None A Lab ID-Version : Sample volume (liters) Positive Hole Medium: MEA MEA MEA MEA CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % TOTAL CFU* Acremonium Alternaria Aspergillus species Aspergillus ustus Aspergillus versicolor Aureobasidium Bipolaris/Drechslera group Cladosporium Curvularia Epicoccum Mucor Non-sporulating fungi Penicillium Phoma Phoma/coelomycetes Rhizopus Scopulariopsis Stachybotrys chartarum Ulocladium Yeasts * cfu = colony forming units Positive hole correction chart used for all calculations Comments:A) No impaction marks detected. A "Version" indicated by -"x" after the Lab ID# with a value greater than 1 indicates a sample with amended data. The revision number is reflected by the value of "x". Total CFU has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision. Fungal culture types listed without a count or data entry were not detected during the course of the analysis for the respective sample. Aerotech Laboratories, Inc EMLab ID: , Page 2 of 6

13 Client: Quest Environmental, Inc. C/O: Kim Moore, Mr. Robert Woellner Re: ; Elizabeth Middle School CULTURABLE AIR FUNGI REPORT Location: 5: #106 EMLab P&K 1501 West Knudsen Drive, Phoenix, AZ (800) Fax (623) Date of Sampling: Date of Receipt: Date of Report: : Auditorium (On Stage) 7: #202 8: #203 Comments (see below) None None None None Lab ID-Version : Sample volume (liters) Positive Hole Medium: MEA MEA MEA MEA CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % TOTAL CFU* Acremonium Alternaria Aspergillus species Aspergillus ustus Aspergillus versicolor Aureobasidium Bipolaris/Drechslera group Cladosporium Curvularia Epicoccum Mucor Non-sporulating fungi Penicillium Phoma Phoma/coelomycetes Rhizopus Scopulariopsis Stachybotrys chartarum Ulocladium Yeasts * cfu = colony forming units Positive hole correction chart used for all calculations Comments: A "Version" indicated by -"x" after the Lab ID# with a value greater than 1 indicates a sample with amended data. The revision number is reflected by the value of "x". Total CFU has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision. Fungal culture types listed without a count or data entry were not detected during the course of the analysis for the respective sample. Aerotech Laboratories, Inc EMLab ID: , Page 3 of 6

14 Client: Quest Environmental, Inc. C/O: Kim Moore, Mr. Robert Woellner Re: ; Elizabeth Middle School EMLab P&K 1501 West Knudsen Drive, Phoenix, AZ (800) Fax (623) Date of Sampling: Date of Receipt: Date of Report: CULTURABLE AIR FUNGI REPORT Location: 9: 10: 11: 12: # # # #501 Comments (see below) None None None None Lab ID-Version : Sample volume (liters) Positive Hole Medium: MEA MEA MEA MEA CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % TOTAL CFU* Acremonium Alternaria Aspergillus species Aspergillus ustus Aspergillus versicolor Aureobasidium Bipolaris/Drechslera group Cladosporium Curvularia Epicoccum Mucor Non-sporulating fungi Paecilomyces Penicillium Phoma Phoma/coelomycetes Rhizopus Scopulariopsis Stachybotrys chartarum Ulocladium Yeasts * cfu = colony forming units Positive hole correction chart used for all calculations Comments: A "Version" indicated by -"x" after the Lab ID# with a value greater than 1 indicates a sample with amended data. The revision number is reflected by the value of "x". Total CFU has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision. Fungal culture types listed without a count or data entry were not detected during the course of the analysis for the respective sample. Aerotech Laboratories, Inc EMLab ID: , Page 4 of 6

15 Client: Quest Environmental, Inc. C/O: Kim Moore, Mr. Robert Woellner Re: ; Elizabeth Middle School EMLab P&K 1501 West Knudsen Drive, Phoenix, AZ (800) Fax (623) Date of Sampling: Date of Receipt: Date of Report: CULTURABLE AIR FUNGI REPORT Location: 13: 14: 15: # # #608 Comments (see below) None None None Lab ID-Version : Sample volume (liters) Positive Hole Medium: MEA MEA MEA CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % TOTAL CFU* Acremonium Alternaria Aspergillus species Aspergillus ustus Aspergillus versicolor Aureobasidium Bipolaris/Drechslera group Cladosporium Curvularia Epicoccum Mucor Non-sporulating fungi Paecilomyces Penicillium Phoma Phoma/coelomycetes Rhizopus Scopulariopsis Stachybotrys chartarum Ulocladium Yeasts * cfu = colony forming units Positive hole correction chart used for all calculations Comments: A "Version" indicated by -"x" after the Lab ID# with a value greater than 1 indicates a sample with amended data. The revision number is reflected by the value of "x". Total CFU has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision. Fungal culture types listed without a count or data entry were not detected during the course of the analysis for the respective sample. Aerotech Laboratories, Inc EMLab ID: , Page 5 of 6

16 Client: Quest Environmental, Inc. C/O: Kim Moore, Mr. Robert Woellner Re: ; Elizabeth Middle School CULTURABLE AIR FUNGI REPORT Location: 16: EMLab P&K 1501 West Knudsen Drive, Phoenix, AZ (800) Fax (623) Date of Sampling: Date of Receipt: Date of Report: : Outside #304 (Counseling) Comments (see below) None None Lab ID-Version : Sample volume (liters) Positive Hole Medium: MEA MEA CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % CFU* CFU*/m3 DL/m3 % TOTAL CFU* , Acremonium Alternaria Aspergillus species Aspergillus ustus Aspergillus versicolor Aureobasidium Bipolaris/Drechslera group Cladosporium , Curvularia Epicoccum Mucor Non-sporulating fungi Paecilomyces Penicillium Phoma Phoma/coelomycetes Rhizopus Scopulariopsis Stachybotrys chartarum Ulocladium Yeasts * cfu = colony forming units Positive hole correction chart used for all calculations Comments: A "Version" indicated by -"x" after the Lab ID# with a value greater than 1 indicates a sample with amended data. The revision number is reflected by the value of "x". Total CFU has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision. Fungal culture types listed without a count or data entry were not detected during the course of the analysis for the respective sample. Aerotech Laboratories, Inc EMLab ID: , Page 6 of 6