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)
Dates of Assessment: July 10, 14, 2025
On July 10, 2025, Building Maintenance contacted the Office of the Environment regarding an active leak caused by rainwater over flowing the condensate pan of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit located on the roof above Room 253. This was reported to have occurred due to the door of the HVAC unit (located on the roof) being left open during a heavy rain event.
The Office of the Environment investigated the same day and found the following:
Room 152, Room 154, Room 155, Room 252, Room 255
No stained ceiling tiles were observed. No evidence of the leak was observed within the space. No elevated moisture was identified within the bulkhead and wall systems using the infrared camera.
Room 153
Wood shelving below a drywall bulkhead was found to contain elevated moisture using a moisture meter. The drywall bulkhead above the shelving was also found to contain elevated moisture using a moisture meter. No visible mold was observed on the bulkhead or shelving.
Shelving underneath the bulkhead was removed and fans and dehumidifiers were placed in the area to facilitate drying.
Room 253
The Office of the Environment identified approximately 15 square feet of mold growth within a ceiling bulkhead above the ceiling. Based on conversations with Building Maintenance (HVAC), the condensate pan was likely leaking prior to the rainwater/leak event.
A moisture meter revealed that wood cabinetry contained elevated moisture. Shelving underneath the bulkhead was removed and fans and dehumidifiers were placed in the area to facilitate drying.
Room 254
Leaks were observed originating from the ceiling in several places including above bookshelves. A moisture meter revealed that no elevated moisture levels were found within drywall bulkhead, shelving beneath the bulkhead, or sink cabinetry.
The bookshelves were covered with plastic sheeting to prevent water damage.
On July 11, 2025, staff members contacted the Office of the Environment regarding potential mold concerns in nearby rooms (254 and 255). On July 14, 2025, the rooms of concern were evaluated as a precaution. Below are the findings from the evaluation:
Room 254
No visible mold was observed within the space. Wood components including bookshelves, cabinetry associated with the sink, and shelving beneath the bulkhead were not found to contain elevated moisture using a moisture meter. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified using a thermal infrared camera.
Room 255
No visible mold was observed within the space. Wood components were not found to contain elevated moisture using a moisture meter. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified using a thermal infrared camera.
Three stained ceiling tiles were found within the room. Upon further investigation, evidence of a leak was observed in the metal roof decking, likely associated with the above referenced leak. No porous materials were observed above the drop ceiling in the vicinity of the leak in this space. Building Maintenance was contacted to investigate further.
Below are the corrective actions performed in response to the IEQ Concern.
A board-approved restoration contractor removed the mold impacted drywall bulkhead in Room 253. The board approved restoration contractor also removed the bulkhead in room 153, however this removal occurred as part of the drying effort (not due to mold growth).
Building Maintenance informed the Office of the Environment that the leak observed in Room 255 was caused by the rooftop unit condensate drain pan.
The rooftop unit drain pan was repaired and the unit was turned back on.