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): August 14, 15, September 6 and October 2, 2024
August 14, 2024
The Office of the Environment arrived onsite to address the reported concern. The Office of the Environment spoke with administrative staff and was informed that an odor indicative of a dead rodent was observed prior to the HVAC turning on. Administrative staff informed the Office of the Environment that a building maintenance staff member placed an odor absorber in the bathroom.
The Office of the Environment did not observe an odor at the time of assessment.
The Office of the Environment collected temperature, carbon dioxide, and relative humidity readings from the unisex bathroom (70.4 F, 492 ppm, 55.4%), principal's office (70.4 F, 473 ppm, 55.4%), and administrative front office (69.8 F, 462 ppm, and 54.6%).
No stained ceiling tiles were observed throughout the space.
No obvious indications of rodents were observed throughout the space.
The Office of the Environment assessed air handling unit (AHU-8) which services the administrative area:
- No mal odors were observed within the unit.
- Filters appeared to clean and were dated within the last six months.
- The outside air dampers were open.
August 15, 2024
The Office of the Environment revisited the site to determine source of odor. A sewer gas odor was observed coming from the bathroom in the principals secretary's office. Administrative staff confirmed the identified odor was the odor of concern.
The Office of the Environment observed a vent pipe associated with the bathroom. No obvious concerns with the vent pipes connections were identifed. The Office of the Environment requested Building Maintenance (Plumbing) also assess the piping. No concerns were identifed by Building Maintenance (Plumbing).
No floor drains (a potential odor concern if trap is not charged with water) were observed within the bathroom.
September 26, 2024
The Office of the Environment visited the site and did not observe odors within the administrative area.
October 2, 2024
The Office of the Environment visited the site and did not observe odors within the administrative area.
November 13, 2024
The Office of the Environment visited the site and did not observe odors within the administrative area.
No mal odors have been reported as of recent. If malodors return please contact the Office of the Environment immediately. If available
September 3, 2024
Building Maintenance assessed the vent pipe in question and determined that there were no leaks occurring. Building maintenance observed that the exhaust fan was not operational and corrected the issue on October 7, 2024.