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)
Date of Assessment(s): January 6 and 7, 2019
The Office of the Environment walked various hallways and classrooms. While walking, various staff members were interviewed about the odor:
- Some reported the odor smelled like pine needs and some reported an ammonia smell (similar to cat urine).
- Some individuals did not smell an odor.
- One or two individuals identified the odor outside of the building during recess.
- Many indicated that the odor started in the back of the building and then moved to the front.
- It was reported that the odor was not present when teachers arrived but was present when students began to arrive (approximately 9-9:30AM).
- The main hallways were primarily impacted.
While onsite, a faint pine needle odor was identified at the back of the building within the main hallway outside of classrooms 6E and 6F. No odor was identified within the classroom.
The odor did not appear to be emanating from the nearby supply diffuser, however a definitive source was not identified.
Areas above the drop-ceiling were assessed (main hallway, outside of 6 E/F). No odors or building deficiencies were identified above the ceiling.
During the assessment, exterior areas, upwind (wind out of the west) of the school were assessed for potential odor sources. No odors were identified directly upwind of the school. No odors were identified in the vicinity of the stormwater management pond, also located upwind of the school during the time of the assessment.
According to historical weather data, for the majority of the day winds below out of the west or southwest. At a brief time (9-10AM), the winds shifted and came out of the north. There is an active construction site adjoining the school, to the northeast. Residential development (new) is located directly to the north.
The site was revisted on January 7, 2020, before and during the start of the HVAC system. No pine/ammonia odors were identified.
A definitive cause of the odor was not identified. It is likely that an odor from a neighboring property (likely the construction site) was entrained into the school's HVAC system.
If the odor returns, please contact the Office of the Environment as soon as possible. If available, a staff member from the Office of the Environment will visit the site to attempt to identify the source of the odor.