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: January 10, 26 and April 17, 2024
January 10, 2024
No odors of concern were identifed during the assessment.
A bathroom adjoins the office. The floor drain trap contained water. It was also reported that the shower is turned on occasionally, which would charge the trap associated with the shower.
The odor was reported to be emanating from the closest to the entry door (adjoins main gym hallway).
A slight odor consistent with sewer gas was evident when extremely close to the wall noted above.
No elevated moisture was detected in the drywall or carpet. The cove base was also assessed and did not show signs of a moisture issue.
No odors or concerns were identifed above the drop ceiling.
Reviewing drawings from the site, the following was noted:
- The adjoining music room and possibly a portion of the current staff office was formerly a staff bathroom that was moved to its current location within the gym office.
- Plans were reviewed for the locations of subsurface plumbing and historical/current plumbing vents.
January 26, 2024
A staff member reported the odor had returned. The Office of the Environment visited the site following the report. By the time the Office of the Environment arrived, the odor had dissipated.
The Office of the Environment requested Building Maintenance (Carpentry) remove the existing carpet to determine if any plumbing fixtures were located below the carpet and to remove the carpet as a potential variable in the assessment (i.e. carpet could have been impacted in an unreported floor drain backflow, etc.). The carpet removal and assessment of slab did not identify additional cleanouts/plumbing fixtures following the removal of the carpet. New carpet was installed.
The Office of the Environment requested Building Maintenance (Plumbing) assess existing sanitary waste lines, sanitary vents, and storm drain lines in the vicinity. On April 2, 2024, Building Maintenance (Plumbing) reported the following:
- A camera has been run through the clean out in the staff bathroom. No issues with the line were identifed.
- No additional plumbing clean outs were observed.
- The storm drain does not appear to represent an odor concern.
- A smoke test was performed to check for any separations in the plumbing vent. No issues were identifed during the smoke test.
- The roof vents were assessed. No concerns were identifed with the roof vents.
April 17, 2024
After the above referenced work was completed, the odor reportedly returned (April 15, 2024). The Office of the Environment revisited the site. During the visit, a 4" inch pipe was identifed protruding through the roof (in the adjoining music room) but was not connected to anything. This was likely the plumbing vent prior to the gym office bathroom renovation. If a moisture/odor source is trapped in this pipe, an odor could transfer to the gym office, due the negative pressure created by the gyms exhaust fans.
April 18, 2024
The Office of the Environment visited during the lunch shift in hopes of "catching" the odor. A malodor was not identifed by the Office of the Environment or staff members in the area.
Conditions have been reported to have improved since the carpet removal, however the 4" inch pipe identifed on April 17, will also be removed as a precaution.
Building Maintenance (Roofing) will remove the 4" pipe that is no longer in use.