Union rep: Mold still problem at IEPA

July 1, 2007

Springfield State Journal Register - Springfield,IL*

By LAURA CAMPER

STATE CAPITOL BUREAU

Published Sunday, July 01, 2007

Flooding at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has created

mold problems that could lead to health problems, a local union

representative said.

Russ Irwin, president of American Federation of State, County and

Municipal Employees Local 1019, said water leaks are an ongoing

problem in the building at 1340 N. Ninth St. About eight months ago,

mold was found in the walls of the building, a former warehouse

converted to offices.

An industrial hygienist the union hired analyzed mold samples.

" His recommendation was that additional investigation be done and in

some areas to go ahead and do abatement, " Irwin said.

The agency did spray fungicide in the affected areas, but damaged

drywall has not been replaced because of continuing water problems,

he added.

" In the past, (IEPA) has taken pretty significant steps to try to

stop water from coming in, " AFSCME spokesman Anders ll said.

ll said the building has been plagued with flooding for five

years from multiple sources, including a leaky roof, run-off from

the parking lot and most recently, a backed-up drain hidden in a

wall.

IEPA spokeswoman Maggie Carson confirmed that a drain enclosed

between two walls caused some flooding. However, Carson said she

isn't aware of any mold problem.

The flooding took place in a training room that is not being used

while repairs are being made, she said, adding that glue from carpet

installation leaves a black residue that could be mistaken for mold.

IEPA has worked with the management company, New Frontier Companies,

to identify and correct the problem, she said.

" The plan is to replace the carpet with tile, " Carson said. " From

the IEPA's perspective, we've identified the problem and fixed the

problem. "

A spokesman for New Frontier could not be reached.

Camper can be reached at laura.camper@....

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