Inspection_Report_0001.pdf

CERL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

A Division of CERL, Inc.

1808 Second St, Suite D P.O. Box 4673 Santa Fe, NM 87502 Phone (505) 988-4143 Fax (505) 982-6759 e-mail: cerl@cerl-fsi.com Web Site: www.cerl-fsi.com

PO # FOUN-17ML-2024

PROJECT: Limited mold evaluation CODE: JHQ-05

LOCATION: 3115 NM-161, #17 Monument Ln, Watrous, NM OWNER: US National Park Service

INSPECTOR: Ian Keane EVAL. DATE: 5/21/2024

SITUATION

Staining from a condensate line on a forced-air heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) unit caused staining on the equipment platform in the utility room of the residence located at the referenced address. A mold evaluation of this areas was requested.

CONDITIONS AT TIME OF INSPECTION

For the purpose of this report, the service road is assumed to lie south of the residence. All measurements are approximate. The residence was vacant.

The residence is a single floor block and stucco structure constructed on a concrete slab-on-grade, with a pitched, metal panel roof. Interior finish materials include plaster on the outer walls, drywall on the ceilings and interior frame walls, floor carpet and vinyl flooring. In the utility room, flooring included sheet vinyl over 12 inch vinyl tiles. The utility room contains the HVAC unit, water heater and plumbing for a clothes washer.

The HVAC unit is situated in the southeast corner of the utility room. The original forced-air HVAC system distributed air through sub-floor ducts made of thick paper tubing. The HVAC unit had been installed above a concrete pit in the utility room that served as the plenum for the ducts. The sub-floor ducts were later abandoned and replaced by ducts located in a central ceiling plenum. Plywood had been laid loosely over the plenum pit, and a 2 foot high wood frame and plywood platform had been constructed above the pit. The platform supports the current HVAC unit and also serves as a return air plenum. A flexible plastic condensation overflow line for the unit is fastened to the south and west walls of the utility room and discharges moisture through the north exterior wall; a t-junction in the line along the west wall also diverts some moisture into a plastic bucket.

At the time of this evaluation, the following conditions were noted.

C The condensation pan for the air conditioner inside the HVAC unit appeared to be stained and rusted.

C A stained area was noted on the northwest corner of the HVAC platform surface, below the point where the condensation overflow line attaches to the unit.

C The framing and plywood side panels inside the return air plenum beneath the platform were heavily stained. The plywood panels laid over the old plenum pit in the floor were also stained.

The interior metal side panels of the HVAC unit visible from the air plenum appeared to be rusted.

C The wood baseboard and drywall finish were stained and damaged along the base of the west wall of the utility room and along the adjacent east wall of the northwest bedroom closet. The wood tack strips beneath the edge of the carpet along the south 4 to 5 feet of the east wall in the bedroom closet were visibly rotted.

C No significant moisture levels were detected in the any of the stained or damaged areas noted above.

SAMPLING

Mold

Samples were taken from the affected areas to determine if mold may be present. Samples of settled surface dust were taken from the living areas to determine if unusual concentrations of mold structures are present. Results of the sample analysis are summarized below.

SAMPLE # TYPE & LOCATION RESULTS SUMMARY

S1 utility room, return air plenum, base of the framing in the southwest corner no significant mold presence mold structures below detection limit

S2 utility room, return air plenum, top framing near the north end of the west side no significant mold presence mold structures below detection limit

S3 utility room, return air plenum, edge of the platform panel along the north side no significant mold presence mold structures below detection limit

S4 utility room, return air plenum, east side panel no significant mold presence mold structures below detection limit

S5 utility room, top of the northwest corner of the platform no significant mold presence mold structures below detection limit

S6 utility room, west wall, base of the drywall 2 feet from the south wall elevated mold presence Stachybotrys colony level presence

S7 utility room, west wall, face of the baseboard 5' from the south wall elevated mold presence Emericella colony level presence

D1 settled dust; kitchen, south wall, shelf above the stove

15,640 dust particles/cm2 mold particles = below detection limit normal dust accumulation normal mold concentration

D2 settled dust; northwest bedroom, east wall, closet door frame

60,571 dust particles/cm2 mold particles = 0.08% elevated dust accumulation normal mold concentration

Notes: The normally expected level of mold particulates in surface samples is less than about 620 mold particulates /cm2.

The normally expected concentration of mold particulates in settled dust samples is less than about 0.8%.

The normally expected level of dust particles in settled dust samples (general household) is about 31,000/cm2 ± 50% (for surfaces cleaned on a daily basis).

Colony level presence - Evidence of mold growth to include presence of hyphae/mycelia, fruiting bodies and spores.

Asbestos

Samples were collected from representative finish materials in the utility room and bedroom closet suspected of containing asbestos. The samples were archived at CERL, Inc. pending a request for analysis by the owner.

SAMPLE # MATERIAL RESULTS SUMMARY

011 drywall archived

021 drywall joint compound archived

031 12" vinyl floor tile & mastic archived

041 sheet vinyl flooring archived

Note: US EPA and OSHA define asbestos-containing material as material containing greater than 1% asbestos.

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Visible staining and rust indicate past moisture leaks inside the HVAC unit and the return air plenum beneath the unit. The staining may have originated from a leak in the condensation pan or the connection to the exterior overflow line. No significant mold presence was detected in the samples taken from the stained areas.

Staining and damage were noted on the wood baseboard and lower wall finish along the west wall of the utility room and the adjacent east wall of the northwest bedroom closet. The tack strips beneath the east edge of the carpet in the bedroom closet were visibly rotted. The damage may have originated from moisture leaks in the HVAC unit condensate overflow line along the west wall of the utility room. Mold growth was confirmed in samples taken from these areas.

The settled dust samples taken from the living areas contained an amount of mold within the normally expected concentration. The absence of an abnormal presence of mold particulates in the dust indicates mold contamination has not, as yet, had a significant effect on the remainder of the residence. An elevated amount of settled dust was detected in the sample taken from the northwest bedroom.

Based on these findings, the following actions are recommended:

1. Contact a licensed HVAC contractor to evaluate the HVAC unit and the condensation overflow line for leaks. Complete any necessary repairs.

2. Remove the carpet along the east wall of the northwest bedroom closet. Remove the damaged carpet tack strips.

3. Remove the baseboards and the lower 2 feet of finish along both sides of the wall between the utility room and the northwest bedroom closet, along the west 2 feet of the north wall in the utility room, and along the east 1 foot of the north wall in the bedroom closet. Note: The drywall system may be contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos materials should be removed by properly trained and equipped workers. It is recommended the materials be evaluated for asbestos content prior to removal.

4. If mold contamination is observed to extend to the edges of the areas from which finish materials are removed, continue removing finish materials until all of the contamination is exposed.

5. Clean and sanitize the exposed wood framing.

It is recommended the mold removal be performed by an experienced mold remediation company using properly trained and equipped employees. Recommended mold remediation methods and procedures are attached.

Because elevated dust amounts can be a cause of respiratory discomfort, it is recommended the surfaces in the northwest bedroom be thoroughly cleaned, to reduce the general dust burden. Cleaning may be accomplished using normal housecleaning techniques. Hard surfaces (trim, window sills, etc.) should be cleaned using clean damp cloths and/or electrostatically charged cleaning cloths, such as Swiffer® or Grab- It®. Porous surfaces (curtains, rugs, etc.) should be vacuumed using a vacuum equipped with a high efficiency filter.

May 22, 2024 Ian Keane CERL, Inc.

Note: Mold can grow inside walls, ceilings and floor cavities and produce no visible effect. Mold growth can occur in locations that cannot be found with normal investigative procedures, particularly if evaluated areas are dry. While every effort has been made to determine the presence of mold growth in the evaluated area, mold growth may be present which could not be identified during the current evaluation.

It is not unusual for additional mold growth to be discovered during a mold abatement project, which can require expansion of the initially designated project area(s).

SAMPLE ANALYSIS

1808 Second St, Suite D P.O. Box 4673 Santa Fe, NM 87502 Phone (505) 988-4143 Fax (505) 982-6759 e-mail: cerl@cerl-fsi.com Web Site: www.cerl-fsi.com

MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS RECORD

SURFACE SAMPLES

Project Code: JHQ-05 3115 NM-161, #17 Monument Ln, Watrous, NM

Sample Number: S1

PARTICULATE

MPN

TOTAL

cm2

% OF

TOTAL

Fungi spores BDL NA

Fungi hyphae BDL NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / cm2

NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / SQ. IN.

NA

Sample Number: S2

PARTICULATE

MPN

TOTAL

cm2

% OF

TOTAL

Fungi spores BDL NA

Fungi hyphae BDL NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / cm2

NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / SQ. IN.

NA

Sample Number: S3

PARTICULATE

MPN

TOTAL

cm2

% OF

TOTAL

Fungi spores BDL NA

Fungi hyphae BDL NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / cm2

NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / SQ. IN.

NA

Sample Number: S4

PARTICULATE

MPN

TOTAL

cm2

% OF

TOTAL

Fungi spores BDL NA

Fungi hyphae BDL NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / cm2

NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / SQ. IN.

NA

BDL - Below Detection Limits MPN - Most Probable Number - Represents a statistically reliable estimate of the number of particulates NA - Not Applicable

Sample Number: S5

PARTICULATE

MPN

TOTAL

cm2

% OF

TOTAL

Fungi spores BDL NA

Fungi hyphae BDL NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / cm2

NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / SQ. IN.

NA

Sample Number: S6

PARTICULATE

MPN

TOTAL

cm2

% OF

TOTAL

Stachybotrys CLP NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / cm2

NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / SQ. IN.

NA

Sample Number: S7

PARTICULATE

MPN

TOTAL

cm2

% OF

TOTAL

Emericella CLP NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / cm2

NA

TOTAL MOLD

PARTICULATES / SQ. IN.

NA

BDL - Below Detectable Limits CLP - Colony Level Presence - Evidence of mold growth to include presence of hyphae/mycelia, fruiting bodies and spores MPN - Most Probable Number - Represents a statistically reliable estimate of the number of particulates NA - Not Applicable

Analysis Method: Standard optical oil preparation for direct microscopic examination.

Analyst: Ian Keane Date: May 21, 2024

1808 Second St, Suite D P.O. Box 4673 Santa Fe, NM 87502 Phone (505) 988-4143 Fax (505) 982-6759 e-mail: cerl@cerl-fsi.com Web Site: www.cerl-fsi.com

MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS RECORD

SURFACE DUST

Project Code: JHQ-05 3115 NM-161, #17 Monument Ln, Watrous, NM

Sample Number: D1

PARTICULATE

MPN

TOTAL

cm2

%OF

TOTAL

Misc. Particulates 15640.00 100.00

Fungi spores BDL NA

Fungi hyphae BDL NA

TOTAL PARTICULATES

/ cm2

15640.00

TOTAL PARTICULATES

/ SQ. IN.

100903.02

Sample Number: D2

PARTICULATE

MPN

TOTAL

cm2

%OF

TOTAL

Misc. Particulates 60520.00 99.92

Eurotium-like spore morphology

51.00 0.08

Fungi hyphae BDL NA

TOTAL PARTICULATES

/ cm2

60571.00

TOTAL PARTICULATES

/ SQ. IN.

390779.86

BDL - Below Detection Limits Like - Mold presents general morphology of the indicated mold; positive ID requires laboratory culture MPN - Most Probable Number - Represents a statistically reliable estimate of the number of particulates NA - Not Applicable

Analysis Method: Standard optical oil preparation for direct microscopic examination.

Normally Expected Levels (general household):

Misc. Particulates = about 200,000 / sq. in. (31,000 / sq. cm.) ± 50% (for surfaces cleaned on a daily basis) Mold Particulates = < about 0.8%

Analyst: Ian Keane Date: May 21, 2024

RECOMMENDED MOLD REMEDIATION

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

1808 Second St, Suite D P.O. Box 4673 Santa Fe, NM 87502 Phone (505) 988-4143 Fax (505) 982-6759 e-mail: cerl@cerl-fsi.com Web Site: www.cerl-fsi.com

RECOMMENDED MOLD REMEDIATION

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

3115 NM-161, #17 Monument Ln, Watrous, NM

Project Description

The project is to be conducted in the residence located at the referenced address. In summary, the following work is to be completed.

1. Remove the carpet along the east wall of the northwest bedroom closet. Remove the damaged carpet tack strips.

2. Remove the baseboards and the lower 2 feet of finish along both sides of the wall between the utility room and the northwest bedroom closet, along the west 2 feet of the north wall in the utility room, and along the east 1 foot of the north wall in the bedroom closet.

Note: The drywall system may be contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos materials should be removed by properly trained and equipped workers. It is recommended the materials be evaluated for asbestos content prior to removal.

3. If mold contamination is observed to extend to the edges of the areas from which finish materials were removed, continue removing finish materials until all of the contamination is exposed.

4. Clean and sanitize the exposed wood framing.

Remediation

For mold growth in the affected areas, all of the materials that have visible mold growth should be removed or properly treated to eliminate the mold growth and/or to allow proper sanitizing. The general procedures to be used are as follow.

Health and Safety

The following procedures are recommended.

1. Personnel trained in the handling of biohazardous materials (mold remediation) equipped with:

a. Half-face respirators with combination chemical (selection based on sanitizing agent being used) / high efficiency particulate air (HEPA/P100) cartridges.

b. Disposable protective clothing covering both head and shoes. Note: No street clothes should be worn under protective clothing.

c. Gloves.

d. Eye protection.

2. Containment of the affected area:

a. Complete isolation of the work area from occupied or unaffected spaces using plastic sheeting sealed with duct tape (including ventilation ducts/grills, fixtures, and any other openings).

b. The use of an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter to generate negative pressurization in the work area.

c. Three chambered decontamination system for work area ingress and egress.

3. Vacating people from spaces adjacent to the work area is recommended, especially in the case of persons having undergone recent surgery, immune suppressed people, infants (less than 12 months old), or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies).

4. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the home in sealed plastic bags. The outside of the bags should be cleaned with damp cloths and a detergent solution or HEPA vacuumed in the decontamination chamber prior to their transport to or through uncontaminated areas of the home. There are no special requirements for the disposal of moldy materials.

5. The contained area and decontamination room should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with damp cloths and/or mop with a detergent solution and be visibly clean prior to the removal of isolation barriers.

6. A final clearance inspection and monitoring should be conducted by a health and safety professional prior to reconstruction occupancy to determine if the area is fit to reoccupy.

Preparation

Prior to beginning mold remediation, all furnishings and possessions in the affected areas should be removed and stored in a location that is protected from contamination by the remediation procedures.

Project Isolation

Prior to beginning mold remediation, a negative pressure, HEPA ventilated containment with a two chambered worker access should be constructed around the subject area to isolate the project from the remainder of the residence.

Carpet and Padding

1. All affected carpet and padding should be removed and discarded. Cut the carpet and padding into strips no wider than three (3) feet and carefully rolled up the removed sections.

The rolled material should be wrapped in 6 mil. plastic for transport and disposal.

2. Evaluate the sub-floor for mold contamination. If mold contamination is found:

a. Scrub the exposed concrete with a stiff brush and borax-containing laundry detergent and wipe clean with damp disposable cloths. Sanitize the cleaned concrete with 7% hydrogen peroxide or a 5:1 solution of bleach; allow a minimum contact time of 20 minutes, during which time the concrete is to be kept visibly wet with the sanitizing agent. Wipe clean with damp disposable cloths and allow to thoroughly dry (<10% moisture content).

b. After the concrete is thoroughly dry, use a HEPA equipped vacuum to remove any residual dust and contamination.

Walls and Wall Finishes, Studs, Joists, etc.

The wall finish and underlaying cavities are to be treated in the following manner.

1. Remove all wall finishes specified in the Project Description above. After this material is removed, the remaining finish material should be visually evaluated for mold growth and, where mold growth is present, that material should be removed also.

2. Remove and dispose of any insulation in the exposed wall cavities.

3. Scrub the exposed areas with a stiff brush and borax-containing laundry detergent to remove growth and wipe clean with damp disposable cloths. Sanitize the cleaned structure with 7% hydrogen peroxide or a 5:1 solution of bleach; allow a minimum contact time of 20 minutes, during which time the structural members are to be kept visibly wet with the sanitizing agent. Wipe clean with damp disposable cloths and allow to thoroughly dry (<10% moisture content).

Note: Do NOT wet electrical components if exposed. These should be protected from the wetting procedure and HEPA vacuumed after the primary cleaning process.

4. Test the treated growth area for mold penetration into the structural members and, if discoloration extends below the surface of the material, either remove and replace the member or sand until the discoloration is no longer visible. NOTE: If more than a total of ¼ inch (i.e., ¼ inch on one side or 1/8 inch on both sides) of any structural framing (studs, etc.) should be sanded off in order to eliminate the discoloration produced by the mold growth, the structural member should be replaced.

5. After all visible evidence of mold growth and associated discoloration has been removed, repeat the sanitizing process and thoroughly dry. After the treated area is thoroughly dry, use a HEPA equipped vacuum to remove any residual dust and contamination.

Final Cleaning

1. The contained area and decontamination room should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with damp cloths and/or electrostatically charged cleaning cloths.

2. All areas should be left dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

3. Do not apply paint or other sealants to cleaned materials.

Clearance

Allow the cleaned contained area to stand, with HEPA ventilation unit running, for a minimum of eight (8) hours, then call for a final clearance by a health and safety professional. Do NOT turn off the HEPA ventilation units or remove barriers until final clearance has been passed.