Salvation Army in Wellsville waits for clean-up proposal - Allegany County, New York

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Salvation Army waits for clean-up proposal

Tests find black mold, penicillium fungus

By HEATHER SIMON/Daily Reporter

WELLSVILLE -- Wellsville Salvation Army officials are waiting for a proposal

on how to remediate their Pearl Street building, which recently tested

positive for stachybotrys (also known as black mold) and a fungus called

penicillium.

" (Consultants) are in the process of getting a proposal together with cost

estimates, " said Wellsville Salvation Army Major Mark Himes.

He told the Daily Reporter two types of tests were conducted at the

Salvation Army building earlier this year by Adelaide Associates, LLC. Bulk

samples and air samples were taken from the rear portion of the

headquarters. In the bulk samples, black mold was found, Himes said.

" It is located in the rear corner of the building on solid materials, like

the baseboards, " he explained.

The air samples tested positive for a mold called penicillium. According to

Himes, this type of fungus is not as dangerous as the black mold. In the

air samples taken from classrooms located in the rear of the building, high

amounts of penicillium were recorded, according to an Adelaide Associates'

report. Other meeting rooms showed moderate levels, the study noted.

" ...Penicillium...is a normal marker associated with water damage, " the

report explained.

Meanwhile, the levels of toxins from bulk samples of sheet rock from the

rear classroom showed very high levels for black mold and a bacteria that

grows where there is a " constant water presence, " the report said.

Himes said he is aware of the ongoing water problem at the site, a situation

that has fueled the growth of mold and bacteria. " But it hasn't been a

continuous thing, " Himes said.

Roughly six years ago, a new top layer was put on the roof, Himes recalled.

" But it still leaked, especially when there were heavy rains, " he said.

Officials would call for repairs, and patches were put on. But now and then,

water would get in the building, Himes explained.

" Replacing a roof is expensive, so if you can patch it you would try that

first, " Himes explained. Once, water came up through the floor, Himes

noted.

According to the Adelaide report, a roof leak and cracked exterior concrete

blocks are causing the water intrusion. Fixing water leaks will be the

first order of business.

Removal of sheet rock, baseboards and other materials not associated with

rafters, joists and wall studs, would be the next step. Once removed, those

items would then be disposed.

Cleaning of the remaining surfaces is suggested and following further

testing of the area, reconstruction would be the final step.

Currently, the back two-thirds of the Salvation Army building is sealed off,

Himes said.

That leaves the organization's activities in a tight spot -- literally.

According to Himes, the army can use its food pantry, two offices and its

chapel.

Currently blocked off is the kitchen, two main activity rooms and three

other smaller rooms.

Once the proposal is received in Wellsville, Himes said he will contact his

Salvation Army superiors. The organization has told Himes it will assist the

local chapter with remediation.