Board approves mold remediation payment

Written by Alex Davis Thursday, April 26, 2012 10:54 am

 MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – A Pennsylvania company found mold that causes asthma and hay fever in Middle Township Elementary School No. 2 during testing in late March.

Earlier this month, another Pennsylvania company cleaned the Cape May Court House school. Middle Township School District Superintendent Michael Kopakowski indicated the school will keep an eye on the situation.

 

On Thursday, April 19, the Board of Education agreed to pay $63,800 for remediation, $3,344 for pre-testing and not to exceed $5,000 for post-testing.

ALS Environmental of Harrisburg conducted visual inspections and took air and surface samples in late March at the elementary school. The company looked for signs of fungal growth and water infiltration.

INX Technology Corp. of Chester County, Pa., cleaned the school in April when students were on spring break.

In its initial report, ALS detected Cladosporium in four classrooms. ALS said moisture causes that mold to grow, and it causes asthma and hay fever.

In ALS’s visual inspections, the company found water staining and possible fungal growth on exterior ductwork, fire suppression pipes, roof deck and light fixture supports. ALS said supply vents were dirty in two classrooms.

The company also noted that the elementary school had clogged gutters and blocked or disconnected downspouts.

Middle Township Elementary School No. 2 faced mold problems several years ago. During a summer, classrooms had been infested with mold, Kopakowski said in an earlier interview.

In March, a parent raised concerns over ceiling tile discoloration in the one classroom at elementary school.

ALS also conducted mold testing at Middle Township Elementary School No. 1 in December and January.

For mold work at that school, the Board of Education paid $103,258 for remediation, initial testing for $1,875, additional testing for $4,560 and other work that did not exceed $5,000.

Middle Township Elementary School No. 2 was built in 1992 and is at West Pacific Avenue in Cape May Court House. Students in third through fifth grades attend that school.