Nauset Environmental Services (NES) of Orleans, in a 27-page report, outlined mold, moisture, and housekeeping problems in the Tisbury Police Department building. The report dated Sept. 1, addressed to acting Tisbury Department of Public Works director Thomas Mello, described a number of water-damaged areas throughout the building and unacceptable debris and dust levels in the reception area.
NES president and senior scientist William M. Vaughan inspected the building, which has been plagued by structural problems that include rotting sills, on August 26. The company was called in response to complaints by department employees and visitors.
“This mold/moisture inspection by NES found several areas of damp, water-impacted walls in the office areas, calling for cautious water-damage response since there is the possibility of hidden mold growth in the damp wall cavities,” the report said, raising the possibility of “Condition 3 contamination,” which refers to “actual mold growth and associated spores … active or inactive, visible or hidden.”
Air sampling revealed “acceptable mold spore levels in the reception area, but unacceptable debris/dust (irritant) levels, calling for improved cleaning and replacement of badly deteriorated carpeting,” the report said.
The report also noted a lack of general housekeeping, including a failure to change building air filters, and provided suggestions “to keep on top of irritation conditions in the building.”
NES said the cleaning staff was present during this inspection and, when questioned, “indicated that even though they are supplied with a HEPA-filtered vacuum, its HEPA filter had not been replaced in a couple of years.”
“From what I understand, heavy rains back in mid-June resulted in water intrusion through exterior areas of the building and roof that were compromised by ice and snow damage over the winter,” Tisbury board of health agent Maura Valley told The Times.
Heavy rain in early August produced noticeable water seepage at several locations in the building, the report said. As a result, there was concern about possible mold growth, “especially since there had been reports of irritation experienced in the vicinity of the reception area on the second floor — coughing by employees and visitors,” according to the report.
The report noted water damage to ceiling tiles, dirty air grates, and an “old, deteriorated carpet in reception area potentially contributing to high debris reading in air sample.”
It said leaks need to be addressed, grates needs to be cleaned, air filters need to be replaced, and the reception-area carpet needs to be replaced, as well as general housekeeping “to keep on top of irritation conditions in the building.” A scope of work was provided to address the water-damaged, potentially contaminated walls.
On Monday, Tisbury town administrator Jay Grande said it’s an ongoing process, but the issues are being addressed.
“I understand the roof was repaired, and subcontractors are being scheduled for cleaning air ducts, wall, and carpets this week,” he said. One or more subcontractors have been contacted to address the potentially contaminated walls and to clean air ducts, but no specific date has been set yet.
As a precautionary measure, the board of health plans to inspect several other buildings in town that could be similarly compromised.
“They plan on inspecting other municipal buildings, just to have a better understanding of the situation at the senior center, town hall, and other buildings,” Mr. Grande said.
Tisbury Police Chief Dan Hanavan had no comment. The condition of the building was not discussed at the Tuesday night meeting of the Tisbury selectmen.