Report on Mold Problem at Bangor (NJ) Area Middle School Suggests up to $2.3 Million in Fixes

[Tamara R Pearlman]

These types of problems are all over the US. While the problems are
very real threats to all in that building will the ISD be able to
afford to fix this issue? Remember 1 in 5 will have reactions to toxic
mold. Once in the HVAC system the entire building becomes
contaminated. Toss those library books as they are carriers of
spores...

Tamara
_________________

Report on Mold Problem at Bangor Area Middle School Suggests up to
$2.3 Million in Fixes
www.lehighvalleylive.com
by Express-Times staff

The Bangor Area Middle School building was closed for 10 days at the
beginning of the 2009-10 school years due to a mold problem. The
estimated $75,000 that it cost to control a mold problem at Bangor
Area Middle School at the start of the 2009-10 school year is a drop
in the bucket compared to what it may cost to totally eliminate and
prevent the problem, according to a report from D’Huy Engineering.

The report states that the problem was caused, in part, because of an
old HVAC system that sometimes pumps outdoor air directly into
classrooms. Doors left open during summer construction also
contributed to the presence of mold.

The price tag to eliminate the problem: $2.3 million, according to the
report.

School board member Robert Blake, who is on the buildings and grounds
committee, says that is more than the district can afford.

"(It) doesn’t mean we’re not going to do something," said Blake.
"We’re not going to go in there with a set number but we’re going to
do what it takes to get rid of the problem.”

The recommendations include:
Test and rebalance the middle school’s HVAC system ($25,000)
Insulate ducts ($60,000)
Air condition hallways ($340,000)
Replace and install chilling pipes ($440,000)
If those measures do not solve the problem, the report suggests more
big-ticket items such as new “outside air units” with built-in
dehumidifiers ($900,000), and a new HVAC control system ($550,000).

Previous stories on the mold problem at Bangor Area Middle School that
caused the building to be closed for 10 days:

Bangor Area Middle School to be closed Monday, Tuesday for mold
cleanup

Bangor Area Middle School remains closed as school district awaits
mold test

Bangor Area Middle School mold cleanup is complete: meeting tonight,
classes Wednesday

Bangor Area School District assures parents and students that school
is mold-free

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/slate-belt/index.ssf/2010/01/report_on_mold_problem_at_bang.html