Mold Could Cost Maine Town $20,000

Mold a problem at future library site
Growth considerably worse than noted at time of purchase

November 26, 2009

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — A significant presence of surface mold has been found in the basement of the former St. Michael's Church on Young Street, future home of the South Berwick Library. Its removal could cost the town an estimated $20,000.

Town Manager John Schempf and several town councilors recently toured the building to look at the extent of the problem. When it was purchased in 2008, the town was aware of the existence of mold due to poor property drainage, but officials didn't anticipate the problem growing as fast as it has since the initial discovery, Schempf said.

"We knew the building had a moisture problem," Schempf said. "(The problem) has gotten much worse, much quicker than anyone expected."

On Nov. 20, Schempf led the councilors and several South Berwick residents to the basement to view the mold, which is concentrated on the walls, cabinets and ceiling tiles.

-------------------------------------

It takes only 60% relative humidity to have a very significant mold colonization inside your home within 24-48 hours.

Common sources of indoor moisture that can cause mold problems include flooding, roof and plumbing leaks, damp basement or crawl spaces, or anywhere moist air condenses on cold surfaces.

Concerns relating to the presence of mold in the home or dwelling requires an independent, 3rd Party, Certified Residential Mold Inspector to conduct a thorough site assessment. Turtle Clan will take the necessary and appropriate actions to assure proper IESO, IAQA, ACGIH, IICRC, ISO, NADCA, ASHRAE, OSHA, EPA, AIHA and all State and local governmental protocol is followed in all investigations.