Huntingtown, MD – As the new school year begins, an indoor environmental issue is being addressed by facilities personnel with Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS). The problem started with the discovery of mold in an area of Plum Point Middle School (PPMS) in Huntingtown.
Director of School Facilities Thomas “Tuck” Powers told The BayNet the discovery was made Aug. 18 in PPMS’ technology education room and the mold was found on desks and chairs. Facilities personnel then went to work to eradicate the mold, which proved to be a bit more widespread than originally thought.
“The work has included both specific extra cleaning and HVAC mechanical work,” state PPMS Principal Kelley Adams in a missive sent to parents last week. “This work is being done to address a white, mildew-like substance that was discovered on the underside of some furnishings and on some articles located in several areas of the building. Though there are no rules or regulations regarding mold, School Facilities does follow Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines when it’s discovered in our buildings. EPA recommends cleaning all the affected areas and, whenever feasible, removing affected articles from the building along with eliminating conditions that are conducive to mold growth, i.e. high humidity and over-cooled spaces.”
School officials have reported an outside environmental contractor/industrial hygienist, Jenkins Environmental of Towson, has been conducting tests, which will continue until “they are satisfied with PPMS’ indoor air quality,” Adams stated. “Air samples are being taken by Jenkins Environmental and then being analyzed by an independent testing lab. The large pieces of equipment you may see located throughout the building are commercial air scrubbers and dehumidifiers.”
Adams told PPMS parents that test results reported Thursday, Aug. 25 indicated that air quality was still a concern. The numbers “were still a little elevated, the results indicate that the areas of concern are improving. We will continue to pass along any updates to you as we receive them. As always the health and safety of our students and staff is paramount. If your child has any documented seasonal allergies and/or you have specific concerns please feel free to contact our school nurse at 410-535-7406.”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com