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(s) of Assessment: July 31, August 8 and 13, 2025
The Office of the Environment assessed various classrooms on the basement level of the facility and identifed three rooms with mold growth on the fiberglass pipe insulation associated with chilled water lines (32, 34, and 37). Room 32 only had approximately one-linear feet of impact from a pipe extending from the adjoining Room 34.
The lower level of the school is served by two air handling units. Air Handling Unit-2 (AHU-2) serves the media center and adjoining classrooms and Outdoor Air Handling Unit-1 (OAHU-1) provides outdoor air for the perimeter classrooms. Areas served by OAHU-1 are also conditioned by individual Fan Coil Units (FCUs), which recirculate and condition indoor air for temperature control. The reported concern was associated with the OAHU-1 Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) zone.
The Office of the Environment assessed the perimeter classrooms with FCUs by removing ceiling tiles and assessing the pipe insulation and metal hangers for condensation, mold growth, and water staining.
- Mold growth was identified in the three spaces noted above.
- The remaining spaces did not have visible mold growth or significant water staining present. It should be noted that the Office of the Environment does not consider water staining a potential environmental concern for a building, however it is indicative of a moisture issue that may require additional investigation through Building Maintenance.
Spaces with mold impacted pipe insulation were all located on the west side of the building. Several of the rooms on the west side of the building (Room 36 and 37) also had flaking/peeling paint indicative of a window leak.
The Office of the Environment collected space temperatures in the vicinity of the FCUs and temperature ranged from 55.6 to 78.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The lowest temperatures (in the 50's) were in rooms 34 and 36 (corresponds with where mold was identified on pipe insulation).
After the Office of the Environment conducted the initial assessment, Building Maintenance reported that the supply fan for OAHU-1 was not operating.
The cause of the mold impacted pipe insulation is likely associated with the lack of air circulation/conditioned supply air via OAHU-1 and the FCU discharge temperatures overcooling the spaces. Additionally, if moisture is penetrating the block walls through potential window leaks, this would also exacerbate the condition.
Additional notes:
- The two science classrooms were found to have high humidity during the assessment. The Office of the Environment monitored these two spaces for visible mold growth while the repairs were occurring. No mold growth on surfaces was identified.
- No temperature/humidity concerns were identified in the media center (AHU-2).
- No mold growth or condensation was observed in classrooms on the east side of the lower level (20-29). Additionally, temperatures near the FCUs on the east side of the lower level were higher than the temperatures encountered on the west side.
- Although no mold growth was observed, Building Maintenance replaced various runs of pipe insulation with water staining.
- It should also be noted, that an odor has been reported in Classroom 20. This odor is being investigated separately, as the no concerns were identified with the pipe insulation in this space.
Building Maintenance identifed an issue with OAHU-1 and ordered a new fan motor for replacement.
A board approved restoration contractor removed mold impacted pipe insulation in rooms 32, 34, and 36. The work included constructing a containment and operating an air scrubber with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration in each room. Additionally, after the spaces were re-insulated by a Building Maintenance contractor, the board-approved restoration contractor cleaned/disinfected surfaces within the space. The Office of the Environment assessed work and confirmed completion on August 13, 2025.
A work order was created for Building Maintenance to assess the potential window leaks in Rooms 36 and 37
The Office of the Environment will review standard operating procedures with Building Maintenance (HVAC) regarding temperature settings for FCUs over the summer.