Hampton - Appendix E - Bldg 110B - Lmtd Mold Rep.pdf

1734 Seibel Drive N.E.

Roanoke, VA 24012

T 540.344.7939 | F 540.344.3657

Corporate HQ: 3015 Dumbarton Road Richmond, Virginia 23228 T 804.264.2701 F 804.264.1202 www.fandr.com

VIRGINIA • NORTH CAROLINA • SOUTH CAROLINA • MARYLAND • DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

A Minority-Owned Business

Record No: 59Z-0149 May 7, 2021

Mr. Douglas Ehlers, P.E. dehlers@charlotteengineers.com

Director of Project Management

Charlotte Engineers, LLP

5838 Monroe Road

Charlotte, NC 28212

Phone: 704.531.3000

Regarding: Limited Mold and Moisture Evaluation

Select Areas of Building B110

Hampton VA Medical Center

100 Emancipation Drive

Hampton, Virginia 23667

Mr. Ehlers:

Froehling & Robertson, Inc. (F&R) is pleased to present this letter report documenting Limited Mold and

Moisture Evaluation services performed on April 14, 2021. This document also includes limited recommendations based on our observations on the day of the assessment.

1.0 Background

Construction activities are scheduled for Building 110, specifically 110B, located on the Hampton, Virginia

Veteran Administration (VA) Medical Center (VAMC) campus addressed 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton, Virginia. Targeted areas of Building 110B are scheduled for renovation that will affect approximately 5,000 SF of interior space. As a Best Management Practice (BMP), the VAMC has requested that a mold assessment be conducted in advance of the renovation assessment. As outlined in F&R proposal number 2059-00846 Rev. 2, F&R was requested to evaluate specific spaces for visible evidence of moisture intrusion and mold growth in order to document areas potentially associated with mold growth and to provide limited recommendations.

The Scope of Work for the renovation that necessitates the mold and moisture evaluation is detailed in the

Hampton VAMC Architect Engineer (A/E) SCOPE OF WORK Construct Rehab Medicine Facility Project #590-220

(77 pages, no date). Item 3 on the first page of the Scope of Work requirements for environmental surveys to include mold identification. In the General section of the Project Scope page 3 indicates that all field work will be completed by a certified industrial hygienist. F&R has presumed this requirement to refer to an American

Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

F&R was also engaged to evaluate Building 52 for asbestos containing materials (ACM), and lead based paint

(LBP) as well as to prepare abatement project design specifications for materials within the structure which may require abatement and/or special handling and disposal considerations. These are provided separately.

The proposed services had anticipated the need for evaluation of select areas within Building 110 at the VAMC campus with respect to ACM and LBP; however, evaluation of this building was deemed unnecessary due to dehlers Typewritten Text Appendix E

Charlotte Engineers, LLP Building 110B – Mold and Moisture Evaluation

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 2 May 7, 2021 the existence of sufficient survey data from earlier efforts. Consequently, asbestos and lead evaluation for

Building 110 was not conducted.

2.0 Procedure

F&R’s scope of limited mold and moisture evaluation services during the April 14, 2021 site visit included visual observations during a walkthrough of the targeted areas as denoted in Table I, below in Section 2.1.

Sampling was not conducted during the assessment. The visual assessment was conducted by F&R CIH Mr. E.

Glenn Hargrove (CIH 10730 CP). The spaces selected for assessment were designated by a VA representative.

Mr. Hargrove was accompanied by a VA representative who provided access to the assessed areas. Mr.

Hargrove was further assisted by F&R industrial hygienist Mr. James Wallace. The results of evaluations are presented below. A photo log of select areas is included as an attachment to this report. The following sections summarize the assessment procedures utilized at the site; findings, conclusions, and recommendations follow. Note: This was not a comprehensive building survey and only selected areas of the building were assessed using non-intrusive techniques.

2.1. Visual Review

F&R reviewed areas located throughout the targeted areas including above the lay-in-ceiling (LIC) system, where present. The areas were assessed in order to evaluate for indications of moisture intrusion and/or the presence of visible suspect mold growth. To the degree possible without conducting destructive review, F&R observed concealed areas. Areas reviewed and relevant observations are detailed in the following table.

TABLE I – April 14, 2021 Visual Observations

Area

Moisture

Intrusion

Observed-Yes/No

Suspect Mold

Observed Yes/No

Component

Affected Notes

GB-121 Yes No Roof deck-fire proofing

Staining likely associated with original application-material likely is dry

GB-121 Yes No Ceiling tile

Ceiling tile along east wall stained-no visible suspect mold noted on top of the tile-source of moisture not readily apparent

GB-121-E No No NA

Accumulations of dust observed above LIC on light fixtures

Supply vent appears to be discolored around perimeter-possibly rust or light mold

GB-121-D Yes No Ceiling tile

No visible suspect mold noted on top of the tile-source of moisture not readily apparent

GB-121-J No No NA ---

GB-121-C No No NA --

GB-121-K No No NA ---

GB-116 No No NA ---

GB-108 Yes No1 Ceiling tiles

Several ceiling tiles above one audio booth have collapsed onto the top of the testing booth

GB-103 No No NA ---

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 3 May 7, 2021

Area

Moisture

Intrusion

Observed-Yes/No

Suspect Mold

Observed Yes/No

Component

Affected Notes

GB-105 No No NA --

GB-106 No No NA ---

GB-107 No No NA --- 1 An adequate visual assessment of the impacted ceiling tiles was not possible due to the location between the top of the booth and the LIC.

3.0 Observations and Conclusions

The following sections summarize the results of the visual observations recorded during the assessment.

GB-108: Three to four ceiling tiles have been severely impacted by a water intrusion event at some time in the past in GB-108, the Audiology Clinic. Based on the location of the impacted ceiling tiles and the relative inaccessibility of the area it is likely that this water intrusion event has gone largely unnoticed. Materials were not obviously wet at the time of the site visit. Current water intrusion is not suspected.

GB121: Structural components located above the LIC have been treated with a spray-applied fire-proofing (SAF) at some time in the past, likely during original construction. Some areas of the SAF are stained and likely represent areas of differential curing after application. While visible suspect mold growth was not noted on the SAF, the potential remains for mold spores or concentrated growth to be present in a greater degree at areas where staining was identified. Materials were not obviously wet at the time of the site visit. Current water intrusion is not suspected.

GB-121 and GB-121D: One water stained ceiling tile was noted in each area. Visible suspect mold growth was not noted associated with the ceiling tiles. The source of water was not identified but is likely associated with condensation at times of peak relative humidity, based on the relatively small size of each water stain and the location around the HVAC register where temperature and humidity gradients are likely to be the greatest.

GB-121-E: Light to moderate accumulations of dust were noted above the LIC on horizontal surfaces such as light fixtures. A component of the dust likely comprises mold spores. One HVAC supply vent was noted to display discoloration around the perimeter of the vent. This is likely associated with condensation and the discoloration could be rust or light mold growth.

4.0 Recommendations

The following details F&R’s recommendations based on visual observations recorded during the April 14, 2021 site visit.

1. Prior to renovation work in GB-108, the Audiology Lab, a mold remediation should be conducted in this area. In conjunction with the remediation, the source of moisture should be investigated and corrected. The remediation should be performed by a trained and experienced contractor using appropriate engineering controls for capturing dust and fugitive release of mold related structures.

The work should be guided by a written Protocol drafted by a CIH. Upon completion of the remediation, a formal clearance process should be performed prior to releasing the area to the

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 4 May 7, 2021 renovation contractor. Based on the medical susceptibility of some of the veterans that seek medical aid at the facility and the supposition that the renovation of this area may not occur in the foreseeable near future, the VA may want to expediting remediation efforts as soon as possible.

2. Renovation work that affects the SAF, especially in areas where staining is present, should be performed utilizing appropriate controls to minimize dust. This work should be performed in conjunction with a current Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) developed specifically for the renovation areas.

3. Renovation work that affects areas above the LIC where visible accumulations of dust are present should be performed utilizing appropriate controls to minimize dust. This work should be performed in conjunction with a current ICRA developed specifically for the renovation areas.

4. Stained ceiling tiles should be replaced and the source of the moisture be investigated. Removal of stained ceiling tiles should be performed exercising caution so that release of dust is minimized.

Removed ceiling tiles should be placed in leak-proof containers as soon as they are removed from the grid. Workers that perform this work should be trained with some level of mold awareness.

HVAC supply vents that have been installed in ceiling tiles and that display signs of water intrusion should be carefully inspected and cleaned and the affected ceiling tile removed if mold growth is detected.

The above list is not exhaustive and may include items that are not found to be impacted by actve moisture sources. Additionally, the moisture sources may be multiple and the effects, including but not limited to microbial growth, may be additive rather than a singular.

A variety of cleanup methods are available for remediation. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected. The methods to be used for the areas described should be consistent with methods described in this report (EPA, IICRC, New York, etc.) and should include damp wiping with detergents. Where concentrated mold growth or water staining is present on porous materials, removal of the impacted material would be warranted; based on F&R’s observations, this would be appropriate for ceiling tiles. If concentrated mold growth is noted on semi-porous or non-porous materials that are to remain, mold remediation can be effected by light sanding or other aggressive means of removal such as soda or dry ice blasting. Aggressive methods should not be used on insulation; those materials should be replaced if cleaning is not practical. Note that replacement of building materials and finishes may be conducted by the remediation contractor, the owner, or others provided persistent mold growth or moisture intrusion has been addressed. Close scrutiny during the final visual inspection of the audio booths should be made to check for dust and debris having entered into the insulation of the booth.

For the remediation of the audiology booths, F&R recommends that the area be subjected to a Post

Remediation Verification (PRV) prior to releasing the work area for reoccupation. If conducted, clearance of the space will be based on the following criteria:

a. There is no visible mold growth on remaining building materials;

b. The work area is free of visible dust or debris;

c. There are no elevated moisture levels (>17% WME) in building materials to remain;

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 5 May 7, 2021

d. Air sample total spore counts and detected mold genera are comparable with outside values and show no significant elevations of indicator species of mold. Note: Interpretation of air samples can involve subjective determinations; the CIH of record should use professional judgement in reviewing clearance results based on their understanding of current accepted industry standards.

As noted, in general, F&R recommends that the temperature and relative humidity levels inside the occupied portions of the building be maintained within the acceptable indoor guidelines as outlined by

OSHA. Recommended indoor relative humidity and temperature ranges are 30-60% RH and 68-78°F, respectively, per OSHA Indoor Air Quality Guidance Document, Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and

Institutional Buildings. Following the above completion of the above recommendations, F&R recommends that the relative humidity in the space be evaluated to confirm conformance with the noted guidelines.

F&R recommends routine maintenance of the building’s HVAC system and building envelope to ensure there are no leaks, improper drainage of condensation, or abnormal accumulation of moisture.

Additionally, moisture levels within the HVAC and associated areas should be kept relatively dry to inhibit opportunities for potential mold growth to occur.

5.0 Other Notes

1. It should be noted that the purpose of mold remediation is to correct the moisture problem and to remove or clean moldy and contaminated materials to prevent human exposure and further damage to building materials and furnishings. As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide, is not enough. The mold must be physically removed, since the chemicals and proteins in some mold genera and species, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. Additionally, efforts should be made to minimize the environment that is conducive to mold amplification. Note that without proper controls and maintenance mold growth can recur.

2. Complete remediation of all microbial organisms within a building cannot be guaranteed and a

“mold free” building cannot be expected. It is important to note that the reported mold levels are only reflective of conditions at the time of this test and that mold populations can vary over time, depending upon a number of conditions, including environmental factors (i.e., temperature and relative humidity). Because of the nature of mold growth, complete remediation is difficult. If significant mold growth reappears, or if the occupants experience prolonged allergic-type health complaints, they should seek further investigation of the problem.

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 6 May 7, 2021

6.0 Acknowledgements

We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you on this project. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely yours, Froehling and Robertson, Inc.

E. Glenn Hargrove, CIH Jesse D. Phillips, CIH

Director of Industrial Hygiene Practice Leader, Industrial Hygiene

Enclosures: References

Limitations

Certificates

Photographic Documentation

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 7 May 7, 2021

7.0 General Remediation Procedures Guidelines

Scope of Work

This work plan outlines the methods and procedures to be used for the treatment of mold-impacted and water-damaged building materials.

1. Building materials involved may include, but are not limited to, porous items (i.e., gypsum wallboard, pressed-wood products, plaster, insulation, ceiling tiles, and similar), semi-porous items (i.e., hard woods, plywood, and similar), and non-porous materials (i.e., concrete, coated metals, plastics, and similar).

2. Any work conducted within the building that will require electrical, plumbing, HVAC or other contractor services will be conducted in accordance with Commonwealth of Virginia and local municipality requirements and/or building codes.

3. The contractor shall obtain all permits for the work to be performed, where required.

4. Disposal of all materials removed from structure(s) as part of this work shall be in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

5. A Qualified Mold Remediation Contractor should be retained to perform remediation in general accordance with the guidelines described in EPA’s September 2008 document “Mold Remediation in Schools and

Commercial Buildings.”

Personal Protective Equipment

1. The remediation contractor is responsible for providing sufficient means, methods, and equipment to protect workers from any hazards associated with the work.

a. For all remediation work areas involving greater than 10 square feet (sf) of confirmed mold growth within the facility, all persons performing remediation activities and/or entering a work area during active remediation activities shall wear protective disposable coveralls, protective disposable gloves, non-skid footwear or coverings, eye protection and respiratory protection.

b. At a minimum, a half-face air purifying respirator equipped with dual high-efficiency particulate air

(HEPA) filters shall be used when performing tasks requiring respiratory protection.

c. Each worker must perform positive and negative air pressure fit test each time the respirator is used. All proper medical clearance and monitoring and fit testing must be completed prior to using a respirator.

Work Area Preparation

1. Work area preparation procedures will be provided based on the extent of remediation to be performed.

Based on the nature of the service provided to Veterans at the facility, more stringent methods may be prudent. Additionally, all work should be performed within the guidelines that have been established by the local and federal VA health and safety departments. At a minimum, the general work area preparation requirements are listed below.

a. The mold remediation contractor (the “contractor”) shall isolate the work areas from the remainder of the unit and/or structure, if the work areas are within a facility that includes non-work areas. At a minimum, critical barriers will be installed at locations within each unit that sufficiently separate

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 8 May 7, 2021 affected/potentially-affected building materials from unaffected areas. Critical barriers shall consist of a minimum 6-mil, polyethylene sheeting or equivalent. The contractor shall construct barriers in a fashion to minimize damage to walls, ceilings, and floors.

b. Any wall or ceiling openings at non-affected locations shall be sealed with tape and/or sheeting.

HVAC equipment including supply diffusers, return registers, and mechanical closets shall be sealed if present in the work area when not a part of the work area during the mold remediation work.

c. A minimum 2 feet of buffer area from adjacent water damage or mold affected building materials

(i.e., wallboard) shall be provided, unless infeasible (for example, prohibited by room configuration).

d. All contents and furnishings, if present, in the work areas that will be excluded from the mold remediation methods shall be removed and/or sealed in the same type of sheeting used for critical barriers.

e. All remediation shall be conducted within the facility (the interior of the facility will be defined as all areas within the outer building envelope including crawl spaces and attics).

f. Engineering controls should be used to prevent fugitive dust and mold spore emissions. In order to minimize the spread of contamination during remediation, F&R recommends obtaining a minimum of -0.020 inches of water pressure differential in the work area, using HEPA-filtered local exhaust ventilation (negative air machine) directly adjacent to the area(s) being cleaned unless prohibited by unit configuration. Maintain HEPA filtration continuously during remediation activities and prior to clearance sampling.

g. At all times during the work, the contractor shall maintain relative humidity levels below 50 percent.

General Remediation/Cleaning Procedures

1. The cleaning procedures to be employed for mold-impacted and water-damaged building materials that will not be removed, sanded, and/or encapsulated will vary based on the type of surface or material affected.

2. Non-porous materials: Surfaces shall be cleaned by HEPA vacuuming, wiping/cleaning with a surfactant/detergent, followed by a final HEPA vacuuming. Additional cleaning/wiping may be required for heavily affected surfaces.

3. Porous materials: Unless removed for replacement and with the exception of personal belongings, cleaning of porous surfaces such as carpeting, pads, rugs, and draperies shall be performed by thoroughly HEPA vacuuming of all surfaces followed by steam cleaning. Building materials that exhibit elevated levels of moisture and/or visible mold growth shall be cleaned and dried. Minimize breaking and disturbance of mold affected materials.

4. Semi-porous materials: Wood support members, plywood, and similar building materials are considered semi-porous materials. These items shall be cleaned by HEPA vacuuming, wiping/cleaning with a surfactant/detergent, followed by a final HEPA vacuuming. If staining remains in surface of material, additional surface treatment, including but not limited to wire brushing and/or sanding and/or dry ice or soda blasting, among other methods, may be warranted. Additional cleaning/wiping may be required for heavily impacted surfaces. HEPA vacuuming shall be performed following any removal activities. Semi-porous materials that exhibit rot shall be removed as specified by the owner or owner’s representative.

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 9 May 7, 2021

5. All removed materials shall be double bagged using minimum 6-mil opaque trash bags. All bags will be sealed with tape within containment (i.e., before being removed from the unit), and all removed materials will be removed from the facility at the end of each work day.

6. After all affected building materials have been properly remediated; a qualified person may perform a final visual clearance inspection.

7. In the event that biocides or other chemical product may be used by the contractor to affect remediation of materials or items, such chemicals shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and only after review and approval by the owner or owner’s representative.

8. F&R recommends that the mold be remediated in general accordance with the guidelines described in EPA’s

September 2008 document “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.” Due to the potential visible fungal growth and/or moisture damage in the affected areas, F&R generally recommends following the procedures given in Table 2: “Guidelines for Remediating Building Materials with Mold Growth Caused by

Clean Water” (for large areas greater than 100 ft2).

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 10 May 7, 2021

8.0 References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Air and Radiation. Mold Remediation in Schools and

Commercial Buildings. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, March 2001, reprinted September 2008.

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. IICRC S500: Standard and Reference Guide for

Professional Water Damage Restoration. 4th edition Las Vegas, Nevada: IICRC, 2015.

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. IICRC S520: Standard for Professional Mold

Remediation. 3rd edition Las Vegas, Nevada: IICRC, 2015.

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. IICRC R520: Reference Guide for Professional

Mold Remediation. 3rd edition Las Vegas, Nevada: IICRC, 2015.

National Air Duct Cleaners Association. ACR 2013 Assessment, Cleaning, and Restoration of HVAC Systems.

United States of America, 2013 NADCA

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 11 May 7, 2021

9.0 Limitations

This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Charlotte Engineers, LLP and/or their authorized agents.

This report has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted environmental practices. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made. Our conclusions and findings are based, in part, upon information provided to us by others and our site observations. We have not verified the completeness or accuracy of the information provided by others. Our observations and findings are based upon conditions readily visible at the site at the time of our site visit and upon current accepted industry standards. The scope of services performed was limited to those requested by the Client and does not constitute a full microbial assessment of the site or a comprehensive moisture survey of the site. Because of the nature of this type of work (microbial contamination reduction) and the difficulties involved in conducting remediation work, F&R cannot guarantee that the methods or recommendations described in this report will eliminate all microbial contamination within the building, or prevent return of microbial contamination or re-growth under favorable conditions. Since monitoring the performance of the remediation work is beyond F&R's scope of services, F&R also cannot be held responsible for the performance or execution of the remediation work.

It is important to note that microbial levels may fluctuate dependent upon a variety of factors including the weather and time of year. The information provided in this study is only indicative of conditions observed at the immediate time of the study. Professional services and scientific observations have been performed, and recommendations prepared in accordance with customary principles in the fields of engineering and analytical science. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied. The work performed in conjunction with this assessment and the information developed is intended as a description of available information at the dates and locations given. This report does not warrant against future operations or conditions, nor does it warrant against extant, or future, conditions of a type or at a location not investigated.

F&R, by virtue of providing the services described in this report, does not assume the responsibility of the person(s) in charge of the site, or otherwise undertake responsibility for reporting to any local, state, or federal public agencies any conditions at the site that may present a potential danger to public health, safety, or the environment. In areas that require notification of local, state, or federal agencies as required by law, it is the Client’s responsibility to so notify. Under this scope of services, F&R assumes no responsibility regarding any response actions or additional studies, which may be required as a result of these findings. Response actions are the sole responsibility of the Client and should be conducted in accordance with local, state, and/or federal requirements, and should be performed by appropriate trained and qualified personnel, as warranted.

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 May 7, 2021

ATTACHMENT A

CERTIFICATES

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 May 7, 2021

ATTACHMENT B

PHOTOGRAPHS

Hampton VA Medical Center-Building 110B Photo Log-Mold and Moisture Assessment

Hampton VAMC-Building 110B 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton, VA

F&R Project Number 59Z-0149 Date Taken: April 14, 2021

Photograph #1 View of water damaged ceiling tiles above the audiology booths in GB-108.

Photograph #2

View of fallen sections of ceiling tiles above the audiology booths in GB-108.

Photograph #3 View of water staining on fire-proofing above the lay-in-ceiling in the vicinity of GB-121.

Photograph #4

View of the fire-proofing where no staining was noted.

Photograph #5 View of water stained ceiling in GB-121E.

Photograph #6

View of stained ceiling tile in GB-121K.

Photograph #7 View of the top side of the stained ceiling tile in GB-121K for which no visible suspect mold growth was noted.

Photograph #8

View of the supply vent in GB-121E noted to display signs of moisture impacts, likely condensation. Backside of the ceiling tile should be inspected prior to removing.

Photograph #9 View of accumulation of dust on to of the lighting fixture in GB-121E.