STAFFORD – A mold inspection conducted at the Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library early last month revealed evidence of three different types of fungal species on the premises.
The October 15th report submitted by TTI Environmental did not call for immediate shutdown of the library. Library officials took advantage of the facility’s Election Day holiday observation to begin the 2- to 3-day clean-up and mold remediation.
“The Ocean County Library is proactive in immediately addressing water issues and does due diligence in maintenance of the building including ongoing remediation and cleaning protocols,” said Susan Quinn, Ocean County Library Director.
According to the report submitted by TTI Environment, library officials reported that water enters the building during heavy rainstorms. An outside vendor subsequently removes the water using vacuum equipment.
TTI conducted its testing during normal working hours and determined that temperature and humidity readings were all within acceptable standards. Notwithstanding, fungal spore trap air samples revealed evidence of Basidiospores and Aspergillus Penicillium.
According to the environmental expert’s report, “indoor airborne fungal concentrations should be approximately the same or below those found outdoors and display similar genus distribution.” Elevated concentrations are often related to moisture conditions.
The sample containing the highest indoor concentration of airborne fungi was the area marked lower-level highway and foyer. The total is 3,080 fs per m3 as compared to 108,200 outside.
Fungal swap samples showed Aspergillus/Penicillium high mold growth in the Break Room, Ceiling Tiles by the HVAC diffusers with high growth of Cladosporium in the Staff Office-Block Wall/Ceiling Expansion Joint. Other lesser growths of Aspergillus/Penicillium also confirmed visual suspicions of mold and documented its concentration.
Stafford Township Councilman George Williams said the results of the report should not be minimized. He termed the findings as pointing to a public health crisis that could have been prevented.
“I have no idea how many of our residents were infected by the library and subsequently came down with COVID-19,” suggested Williams. “It could be a hundred; it could be a zero.”
Medical journals do not currently address any specific correlation between mold exposure and COVID-19. However, mold can create allergic reactions or trigger an asthmatic response.
“The Ocean County Library is a valuable asset to our community,” said Stafford Township Mayor Greg Myhre, who also referred to the TTI report and the library’s remediation plans. “…There is no need for panic or for chicken little style activism.”
A visit to the Stafford Branch prior to remediation revealed a smell associated with mold or mildew. Library staff on duty declined to speak of the odor or any experiences with discomfort.
The TTI report makes suggestions regarding replacement of water-stained ceiling tiles and a general cleaning of the facility. Further recommendations include the necessity of keeping moisture out of the building to reduce the possibility of mold growth. The company does not call for a shutdown of the library while remediation work is done.
“There is one area in the basement that is elevated and a few areas that need surface cleaning,” Quinn said prior to the proposed clean-up. “This work will be done by a certified remediation company.”
After the cleanup efforts are complete, the facility will be retested to ensure samples alleviate concerns.
In an October 30th Facebook post, Williams said local officials should close the building down to avoid a public safety issue.
“The people in charge of this building have failed to keep you safe, and any new building in the area, under control of these same people, will more than likely also be terribly neglected as well,” Williams wrote.
Ocean County Administrator Carl Block said that the county library commission regularly checks all of the 21 buildings throughout the system. Block indicated that because Stafford had previous issues with infiltration, maintenance staff keeps an eye on it.
A new library serving Stafford’s growing community received approval months ago. Concerns about water infiltration are a part of the proposed replacement, together with the need for more parking and additional space.
Williams and Councilman Michael Pfancock both voted against splitting the cost of a new library with county government. Block indicated the cost of the 19,000 square feet facility is estimated at under $10 million.
“We are also looking at grants that could cover up to $5 million and no more than half of the project,” shared Block. “They could be lower.”
Once the new library is completed, the current facility would be sold with the proceeds split between Stafford and Ocean County.
“There is a small but vocal minority that is opposed to anything related to the library which includes respecting the patrons and staff of the existing library or building a long overdue new facility to meet the needs of Stafford residents,” said Myhre. “The majority of the council and I support the construction of a purpose-built modern library that is appropriate for of our growing and educated community.”
Click here to read the report.
