Mold discovery closes Ford Airport's radar room

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Mold discovery closes Ford Airport's radar room

October 24, 2007

The Grand Rapids Press,MLive.com - Grand Rapids,MI*

Posted by Ken Kolker

Categories: Breaking News

http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2007/10/mold_discovery_closes_ford_air.

html

GRAND RAPIDS -- The FAA has closed the radar room at the Gerald R.

Ford International Airport's air traffic control tower after finding

mold -- a condition that did not surprise air traffic controllers.

Controllers say they have long suspected mold was behind employee

illnesses that have ranged from burning eyes to repeated bouts of

pneumonia.

They say closing the room could lead to delays in incoming and

outgoing flights, though they said it would not endanger the public.

" It won't affect safety, but it might affect efficiency, " said air

traffic control local union President Donna Cole.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the move would

cause " minimal " disruption at the airport.

" We don't see where this could cause a delay for the flying public, "

said FAA spokeswoman Isham Cory.

FAA officials say they closed the radar room on the sixth floor of

the 10-story tower on Monday, immediately after a contractor

discovered a 10-square-foot area of mold while removing

soundproofing panels.

They moved radar operations to the tower cab, at the top of the

tower. They expect to clean up the mold and reopen the radar room

later this week.

A handful of air traffic controllers usually work in the radar room

daily, Cole said. The room controls air traffic 30 miles around the

airport.

Air traffic controllers say they started noticing health problems

similar to allergies about a decade ago after a $5.5 million

renovation. The roof started leaking immediately after that work was

done, Cole said.

Cole said the illnesses have hit most of the two dozen controllers.

" I don't know anyone who hasn't been affected, " said Cole, who said

she has suffered pneumonia four times in the past decade while

working there.

They complained to the FAA and asked it to perform a " sick-building

survey " more than two years ago, but the agency failed to respond,

Cole said.

" It's a really scary situation, " she said. " We're afraid for our

health. It's very difficult for families when you're sick so much. "

In July, complaints about the Ford tower were aired before a U.S.

House subcommittee studying working conditions at the nation's air

control towers. They heard complaints about mold, asbestos and other

hazards. Controllers at Detroit Metro airport have similar

complaints.

Controllers in Grand Rapids were using trash cans to catch leaks

during thunderstorms.

Cole said the 45-year-old, 110-foot tower is riddled with mold in

addition to the leaky roof and other federal safety violations. She

wants a new control center.

The FAA said it is spending $400,000 to fix leaks, including a new

roof, ceiling, caulk, air conditioning and ductwork. It also is

sealing a floor that contains asbestos.

Federal safety inspectors are checking the building, along with a

certified industrial hygienist, the FAA said.