Concern: Atholton Elementary School: November 5th, 2020 (CXXAES2020000194)

Location
Mechanical Room
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
The Office of the Environment was contacted on November 3, 2020 to respond to a water intrusion incident. The water incident occurred in relation to a fire that had started on the roof. The Howard County Fire Department responded to the fire. Water used to put out the fire entered the building through the mechanical room and subsequently impacted anscillary areas to include the Gym Office, Gym Storage, the Gym Hallway, and a nearby Custodial Closet.
IEQ Investigation Process

Identify deficiencies that may impact IEQ and/or sources of odor concerns. Typically includes the following depending on the nature of concern, but not limited to:

  • interview/questionnaire of concern individual(s)
  • inspection above drop ceiling (condition of roof deck, pipe insulation, return air plenum)
  • inspection of ventilation system (operation of variable air volume box and outdoor air dampers, check controls, measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity, sources near outdoor air intake, measure return and supply air volume, cleanliness of coils, liner and condensate pan)
  • inspection of exterior
  • inspection below drop ceiling (housekeeping, sink and floor drain traps, signs of past and present moisture concern via visual and/or moisture meter, mold growth, ensure connection of current and capping of abandoned sanitary vents, odorizers, excessive plants and fabric items, identify potential pathways, and measure volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and lighting)
Findings

Date(s) of Assessment: November 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 11, 2020

November 3, 2020

Custodial Services and Building Maintenance had already responded to the concern and extracted the majority of the water that had entered the building.

A strong smoke odor was noted on the left side of the school (Gym hallway).

Classroom 103 and 104 were assessed. No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet, casework, or drywall (Room 103).

The cove base was removed from impacted drywall and a storage closet with block walls. 

Impacted boxes in the custodial closet were discarded.

As a precaution, a containment was setup to dry underneath the raised gymnasium floor. It is unknown if a significant amount of water got under the floor.

Fans and dehumidifiers were strategically placed throughout the area of impact to facilitate drying. Additionally, two air scrubbers with carbon and High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters were utilized to assist in capturing the residual smoke odor.

November 4, 2020

The equipment setup the day prior was operating upon arrival and the materials were continuing to dry.

A slight odor was noted in the mechanical room and gym (noted by others).

Moisture readings were collected from the gymnasium floor to determine the effectiveness of the drying efforts. Moisture readings were not elevated. The gymnasium floor was also assessed by Building Services. No concerns were identified by Building Services.

The air filters were assessed in several units. None of the filters were overloaded with particulate. A slight odor was noted in association with the gym unit and AHU-2.

November 5, 2020

No odor was noted in the building.

With the exception of 2 Linear Feet, no elevated moisture was detected in the drywall. The fans and dehumidifiers remained in place regardless. 

Moisture readings were collected from the gymnasium floor to determine the effectiveness of the drying efforts. Moisture readings were not elevated.

November 6, 2020

Moisture readings were collected from the gymnasium floor to determine the effectiveness of the drying efforts. Moisture readings were not elevated.

November 10, 2020

The remaining two LF of wet drywall was determined to be dry.

Impacted fiberglass duct insulation in the main corridor had been removed and replaced by the restoration contractor.

Impacted fiberglass pipe insulation in the mechanical room had been removed.

The response actions above are intended to prevent microbial growth.

Corrective Actions
November 3rd, 2020

The Office of the Environment requested that HVAC operate the HVAC systems over-night with oudoor dampers open to dilute the odor. The Office of the Environment inspected the HVAC systems on November 4. Several units associated with the Gym and Cafeteria did not appear to be operational. The Office of the Environment requested that Building Maintenace (HVAC) correct the units and operate the units for another 24-hours to provide dilution ventilation.

November 3rd, 2020

The roof section that had been impacted by the fire and water damage was removed approximately two feet beyond the area of impact and a new roof (to include underlayment, insulation, etc.) was installed.

November 5th, 2020

Building Services (HVAC) replaced the filters in each of the HVAC units (school-wide).

November 20th, 2020

The damaged exhaust duct was removed and replaced.

Closed
Yes
Date Closed
Tracking Number
CXXAES2020000194