Additionally, there is a mouse infestation with mice feces and urine abundantly visible.
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: August 29, September 3, 12, and October 1, 2024
August 29, 2024
The Office of the Environment met with the Assistant Principal and custodial staff to discuss the concern. The assistant principal and custodial staff reported that odors caused by mice may be causing headaches. The staff members indicated that there had been several leaks and issues with the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning as well.
The staff members and the Office of the Environment observed a deceased mouse upon entering the area of concern. The deceased mouse was disposed of by custodial staff.
An odor believed to be associated with increased pest activity was observed within the storage area.
Upon further review, mouse feces were observed throughout open containers and on shelving units. Mouse feces were also observed on top of ceiling tiles. It should also be noted that food items (used for science experiments) such as baking soda and starch were present. These containers were damaged from the mouse activity.
Water stained and damaged ceiling tiles were observed.
The Office of the Environment did not identify visible or olfactory signs of mold within the space, above the ceiling tile, or on the fins of the supply diffuser.
The Office of the Environment assessed the Air Handling Unit (AHU) that serves the space (AHU-13) and identified the following deficiencies:
- Condensation/leaks were observed on the exterior of the unit.
- Several visibly active leaks associated with the unit were observed.
- Insects observed on filters in the mixing plenum.
- Water is leaking from the coils. A temporary catchment has been installed to divert water into the drain pan.
- Significant rust was observed on the bottom of the unit.
- Roof top fume hood exhaust systems did not have rain caps. The open area is a pathway for water intrusion and pests.
In general, the primary concern appeared to be associated with the pest management issue. Due to the various items stored on shelving in the closet creating numerous locations for pests to nest/hide, it was decided to perform an initial cleaning of the area even though pest activity was still present. Once items were cleaned, they were removed from the storage closet, placed into clean containers, and stored elsewhere so that the IPM Department could fully assess/address the probable pest entry routes.
September 3, 2024
The Office of the Environment met with a board approved restoration contractor and the science lab manager to discuss a plan for cleaning and storage until the IPM Department has completed addressing the pest issue. Cleaning was to include the following:
- Removed ceiling tiles and clean the ceiling grid.
- Clean/disinfect the items on shelves and place in boxes to be stored elsewhere.
- After items removal clean/disinfect and vacuum with the shelving with a vacuum equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
- During the cleaning, a HEPA air scrubber was to be operated within the space.
September 12, 2024
The Office of the Environment confirmed that the restoration contractor had completed the initial cleaning. An email was sent to school staff informing them that the initial cleaning was completed. Minor de minimis pest debris/mouse feces may be encountered. The "bulk" of the cleanup has been completed by a third-party contractor. The de minimis items can be addressed by working with custodial staff.
Integrated Pest Management to set traps and follow up each week until the pest issue is addressed.
Email was sent to school staff indicating that de minimus mouse dropping can be cleaned by custodial staff using a HEPA vacuum and disinfectant in accordance with recommendations from Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Door sweep installed on door to chemical storage room to prevent pests from accessing space per recommendation from the IPM department.
Regarding the HVAC drip pan: Building Maintenance reported that an on-call contractor is to fabricate a new pan and then remove and replace the old pan. The work is scheduled after the cooling season since the unit will need to be shut down for an extended period of time in order to perform the work.
Building Maintenance patched penetrations in walls within the storage room to prevent pests from accessing the space per the recommendation of the IPM department.
September 12, 2024
The board approved restoration contractor completed the cleaning.
September 26, 2024
The Office of the Environment received an email from staff members indicating that some items appeared to have been stored in new containers without cleaning.
October 1, 2024
The Office of the Environment, restoration contractor, and school staff met onsite to review the items of concern. Boxes with items that had not been cleaned were separated and demarcated. The restoration contractor is to return, clean demarcated items, and place cleaned items into new containers.
October 4, 2024
The restoration contractor completed the recleaning of items separated and demarcated on October 1, 2024.
HVAC department to replace filters and investigate source of insects on filters.