Mold in Middlesex court deemed OK

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Mold in Middlesex court deemed OK

Elevated levels are found in the judge's chamber but not public

areas. More cleaning depends on tests.

Daily Press - Newport News,VA

BY JON CAWLEY

757-247-4635

December 7, 2006

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/middlepeninsula/dp-

98274sy0dec07,0,4625700.story?coll=dp-news-local-mp

MIDDLESEX -- Recent tests at Middlesex County's old courthouse found

elevated levels of mold in the judge's chamber but not in public

areas where flaking and discolored plaster are prevalent.

Middlesex County Administrator Culley said Work Environment

Associates of Richmond performed the environmental tests after

complaints were heard from workers in the building. Air samples and

tests on the discolored plaster found normal mold levels inside the

building, except in the upstairs judge's chamber and basement

crawlspace.

The report stated that water damage stemming from structural

problems led to extensive damage to walls, eventually leading to a

breakdown in the plaster. The judge's chamber and crawlspace showed

an elevated mold presence compared to outside levels, the report

stated.

Culley said the judge's chamber was thoroughly cleaned and that a

follow-up test in mid-November showed a decreased mold presence.

Culley said he is currently awaiting results from a third test of

the chamber to determine whether further work is needed. As for the

basement crawlspace areas, Culley said: " We've sealed up everything.

Unless you crawl up in there, it shouldn't be a problem.

" It's an old building that smells musty at times, " Culley said of

the 150-year-old courthouse.

He discounted health complaints that some associated with the

building. When colds or allergies flare up, workers assume " it must

be the building. It might just be that they had allergies, " Culley

said.

Middlesex Circuit Court Judge Shaw III declined to comment

on mold found in the judge's chamber, except to say: " My only

concern now is getting into the new courthouse. "

Three Middlesex judges, including Shaw, successfully sued the county

in 1999 to force the construction of a new facility. Work on the

$7.4 million building began in 2003 and was concluded more than a

year ago.

However, the new courthouse has yet to open. It remains mired in a

dispute that is now the subject of its own lawsuit, between the

county and the building's architect, over who is at fault for water

damage and mold found there before it could open. The mold since has

been cleaned.