Consultants investigate odors in Randle-Rather Building

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GONZALES – County Commissioners on Monday received a report from Burcham Environmental Services on tests they recently conducted regarding possible airborne fungal contaminants in the Randle-Rather Building. The tests were ordered by architect Tim Gescheidle after county employees complained of strong odors in the building -- particularly in its basement.

In his report, BES representative Kent Burcham said that during their June 5 visit, they identified “visible suspect fungal growth on one of the building’s walls.”

“We also identified a strong odor within this area upon arrival,” Burcham said.

The report said the odor had the characteristics of a “Volatile Organic Compound odor.”

“Our sampling strategy included the collection of interior samples and an exterior sample. A comparative analysis was conducted between the interior and exterior air samples to determine whether elevated airborne fungi were identified within this area,” Burcham said.

A review of the tests indicated the building currently requires no additional air testing at this time. Burcham did however recommend a review of the elevator mechanical room, as odors generated in the room were spreading into the basement, the location about which employees complained. Burcham added that outside water was leaking into the basement through the interior north and south walls, and recommended applying an antifungal solution to the walls. He also recommended a cleaning of chemical residues from the basement floor.

Gescheidle said the building’s general contractor noted that several different kinds of paints and varnishes were used during the building’s recent renovation, and that their containers have been covered or removed from the site.

“This could have been the cause of the VOC-like odors identified during our site visit,” Burcham said.

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