November 20, 2018 Director, Department of Residential Facilities ...reslife.umd.edu/global/documents/notifications/TheVertexCompanie… · VERTEX provided these services consistent

THE VERTEX COMPANIES, INC. 6990 COLUMBIA GATEWAY DRIVE, SUITE 325 COLUMBIA, MARYLAND 21046 443.539.7757 | VERTEXENG.COM

November 20, 2018 Ms. Andrea Crabb, PE Director, Department of Residential Facilities University of Maryland 1200 Leonardtown Office Building 4725 Rossborough Lane College Park, Maryland 20742 Re: Report of Findings: Post-Remediation Efficacy Assessments

University of Maryland - Elkton Hall 3981 Denton Service Lane College Park, MD 20740

VERTEX Project Number: 53218 Dear Ms. Crabb: The Vertex Companies, Inc. (VERTEX) is pleased to provide this report which presents the observations, conclusions, and recommendations of a limited evaluation of microbial remediation effectiveness in residential units on the 1st through 5th floors at the Elkton Hall student dormitory addressed 3981 Denton Service Lane in College Park, Maryland.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

It was reported that students began moving in to Elkton Hall between August 24-26, 2018, for the fall semester. Shortly after move-in, some students began reporting suspected microbial growth on furniture such as desks and the backs of beds. Around September 10, 2018, University representatives reportedly began spot cleaning and/or replacing furniture items in a small number of units. During this time weather was unseasonably hot and humid, which is believed to have contributed to the reported conditions. Additionally, there were reports of students moving beds or other belongings in a manner that caused the blockage of airflow to/from the fan coil units. Reports of suspected microbial growth began to increase to the point where spot cleaning/replacement no longer was considered feasible. Remediation contractors Sandow Construction Inc. (Sandow) and Infinity Restoration Inc. (Infinity) were contracted by the University of Maryland (the University) to perform cleaning on a floor-by-floor basis. Additionally, mechanical contractor, WL Gary Companies, Inc., was contracted to perform assessment and cleaning of the fan coil units (FCUs).

REMEDIATION ACTIVITES

As noted, Sandow and Infinity performed the remediation in the units, with each contractor performing work in one wing of a floor. VERTEX was on-site during remediation activities of floors 1 through 5 and observed engineering controls utilized within the work areas to include 6-mil polyethylene barriers and High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-filtered air filtering machines to create negative air pressure within the contained spaces. Prior to work being performed on a floor, students were relocated to hotels and

University of Maryland – Elkton Hall Page 2

all personal belongings, linens, etc. were removed from the Units. It was reported that students were offered off-site cleaning/laundering services of any clothes/personal belongings removed from the units. The units were left for remediation with only University-issued furniture remaining, which included desks, chairs, dressers, refrigerators, bed frames, vinyl blinds, and vinyl-sealed mattresses. The scope of work within each unit included remedial cleaning of the ceiling, walls, entry doors, closet components (folding doors, shelves, pipes, hooks, etc.), blinds, window frame, bed frame/mattress cover, wood trim, furniture (all surfaces, including the insides and undersides of all drawers), FCU internal components (coils, drip pans, pipes, diffuser fins), floors, and chairs. Cleaning was performed via wet-wiping using Shockwave® antimicrobial solution, and HEPA-filtered vacuums. It was also reported that the FCUs were being assessed for proper operation including repositioning of temperature sensors, verifying temperature set points and sealing any open chilled water piping penetrations. It should be noted that remediation activities on the 6th through 8th floors were performed between September 25 and September 30, 2018, prior to VERTEX’s involvement on the project. VERTEX did not perform visual assessment in any units on these floors.

METHODOLOGIES

The following assessment methods were utilized.

Visual Observation – Review of the work areas included observation of accessible portions of the work area and remaining building materials for evidence of residual water and/or microbial damage as well as associated remediation engineering controls. VERTEX’s inspections included pulling out drawers to assess the inside, underside tops and backs (interior and exterior).

POST-REMEDIATION OBSERVATIONS

The following schedule identifies the dates that VERTEX was on-site to oversee remediation activities and perform visual assessments: 5th Floor – October 1, 2018 4th Floor – October 4, 2018 3rd Floor – October 5, 2018 2nd Floor – October 9, 2018 1st Floor – October 8, 2018 During each shift VERTEX representatives performed visual assessment of a residential unit and the FCU once VERTEX was notified that the remediation contractors, mechanical contractor, University Student Housing representatives, and University Mechanical Plant staff that remedial cleaning and repairs were complete, and that inspection and approval/certification from the referenced University departments had been issued for both the residential unit and the FCU. Ultimately, University Mechanical Plant staff was unable to perform assessment and certification in a timely manner, and since time was of the essence, VERTEX eventually performed assessment of the FCUs upon notification directly from the mechanical contractor that the FCU work was considered complete. VERTEX utilized a site checklist to ensure that a thorough assessment was performed. If any areas were deemed unsatisfactory and required re-cleaning during the initial assessment, VERTEX informed the respective contractor, and the required cleaning was completed. VERTEX then performed re-inspection to ensure satisfactory completion.

University of Maryland – Elkton Hall Page 3

Once deemed complete, VERTEX posted a certification note at the door to the unit to inform other contractors and University representatives that the visual assessment was completed and further restoration activities (replacing FCU cover, reconfiguring/arranging furniture, etc.) could be performed. Appendix A includes a complete list of units that were assessed and the date the assessment and certification was completed. Appendix B includes the field checklists. The field checklists were not created until after 5th floor inspections were completed, therefore there are no checklists for the 5th floor. It should be noted that VERTEX’s visual assessments were limited to residential units and did not include the common areas or associated bathrooms. Assessment also included limited surficial assessment of the Resident Advisor (RA) apartment units located on Floor 1, which were only partially cleared of the occupant’s belongings.

CONCLUSIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS

During the final post-remediation visual inspection, VERTEX did not observe visible microbial contamination, debris, or water damaged materials within the work areas. Based on observations VERTEX concluded that remediation in each work area met established industrial efficacy standards. It is recommended that the source(s) of suspected microbial growth be identified and corrected.

LIMITATIONS

It should be noted that VERTEX’s scope of work was limited to performing visual post-remediation efficacy assessments. VERTEX did not provide any input into developing the scope of work or performing initial assessments within the units. Additionally, VERTEX was not involved in investigating the source of the suspected microbial growth nor potential source correction actions. VERTEX also did not assess any personal belongings that had been removed from the units. VERTEX provided these services consistent with the level and skill ordinarily exercised by members of the profession currently practicing under similar conditions. This statement is in lieu of other statements either expressed or implied. This report is intended for the sole use of The University of Maryland. The scope of services performed in execution of this evaluation may not be appropriate to satisfy the needs of other users, and use or re-use of this document, the findings, conclusions, or recommendations is at the risk of said user. Although a reasonable attempt has been made to identify suspect fungi (mold) in the areas identified, the inspection techniques used are inherently limited in the sense that only full demolition procedures will reveal all building materials of a structure, and therefore, all areas of potential fungal growth. Additionally, the passage of time may result in a change in the environmental characteristics at this site. This report does not warrant against future operations or conditions that could affect the recommendations made. The results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this report are based only on conditions that were observed during VERTEX’s inspection of the site.

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Thank you for this opportunity to be of service to University of Maryland. Should you have any questions, please contact us at 443-451-8699. Sincerely, The Vertex Companies, Inc. Derek R. Dauberman Michael D. Plainte Division Manager Columbia, MD

Vice President Mid-Atlantic

Attachments: Appendix A – Post-Remediation Efficacy Assessment Summary Table Appendix B – Field Visual Assessment Checklists Appendix C – Photographic Documentation

APPENDIX A

Post Remediation Efficacy Assessment Summary Table

Elkton Hall – Post Remediation Efficacy Assessment Summary Table

Unit Number Date of Inspection

First Floor 1101 10/8/2018 1102 10/8/2018 1103 10/8/2018 1104 10/8/2018 1105 10/8/2018 1107 10/8/2018 1109 10/8/2018 1110 10/8/2018 1111 10/8/2018 1113 10/8/2018 1120 10/8/2018 1126 10/8/2018 1128 10/8/2018 1131 10/8/2018 1133 10/8/2018 1135 10/8/2018 1137 10/8/2018 1139 10/8/2018 1141 10/8/2018 1143 10/8/2018

Second Floor 2101 10/9/2018 2102 10/9/2018 2103 10/9/2018 2104 10/9/2018 2105 10/9/2018 2106 10/9/2018 2107 10/9/2018 2108 10/9/2018 2109 10/9/2018 2110 10/9/2018 2111 10/9/2018 2112 10/9/2018 2114 10/9/2018 2115 10/9/2018 2116 10/9/2018 2117 10/9/2018 2119 10/9/2018 2122 10/9/2018

Elkton Hall – Post Remediation Efficacy Assessment Summary Table

Unit Number Date of Inspection

2123 10/9/2018 2124 10/9/2018 2125 10/9/2018 2129 10/9/2018 2130 10/9/2018 2131 10/9/2018 2133 10/9/2018 2132 10/9/2018 2135 10/9/2018 2137 10/9/2018 2138 10/9/2018 2139 10/9/2018 2140 10/9/2018 2142 10/9/2018 2144 10/9/2018 2146 10/9/2018 2148 10/9/2018 2150 10/9/2018 2152 10/9/2018

Third Floor 3101 10/5/2018 3102 10/5/2018 3103 10/5/2018 3104 10/5/2018 3105 10/5/2018 3106 10/5/2018 3107 10/5/2018 3108 10/5/2018 3109 10/5/2018 3110 10/5/2018 3111 10/5/2018 3112 10/5/2018 3114 10/5/2018 3115 10/5/2018 3117 10/5/2018 3119 10/5/2018 3121 10/5/2018 3122 10/5/2018 3123 10/5/2018 3124 10/5/2018

Elkton Hall – Post Remediation Efficacy Assessment Summary Table

Unit Number Date of Inspection

3125 10/5/2018 3129 10/5/2018 3130 10/5/2018 3131 10/5/2018 3132 10/5/2018 3133 10/5/2018 3135 10/5/2018 3137 10/5/2018 3138 10/5/2018 3139 10/5/2018 3140 10/5/2018 3142 10/5/2018 3144 10/5/2018 3146 10/5/2018 3148 10/5/2018 3150 10/5/2018 3152 10/5/2018

Fourth Floor 4101 10/4/2018 4102 10/4/2018 4103 10/4/2018 4104 10/4/2018 4105 10/4/2018 4106 10/4/2018 4107 10/4/2018 4108 10/4/2018 4109 10/4/2018 4110 10/4/2018 4111 10/4/2018 4112 10/4/2018 4114 10/4/2018 4115 10/4/2018 4116 10/4/2018 4117 10/4/2018 4119 10/4/2018 4121 10/4/2018 4122 10/4/2018 4123 10/4/2018 4124 10/4/2018 4125 10/4/2018

Elkton Hall – Post Remediation Efficacy Assessment Summary Table

Unit Number Date of Inspection

4129 10/4/2018 4130 10/4/2018 4131 10/4/2018 4132 10/4/2018 4133 10/4/2018 4135 10/4/2018 4137 10/4/2018 4138 10/4/2018 4139 10/4/2018 4140 10/4/2018 4142 10/4/2018 4144 10/4/2018 4146 10/4/2018 4148 10/4/2018 4150 10/4/2018 4152 10/4/2018

Fifth Floor 5101 10/1/2018 5102 10/1/2018 5103 10/1/2018 5104 10/1/2018 5105 10/1/2018 5106 10/1/2018 5107 10/1/2018 5108 10/1/2018 5109 10/1/2018 5110 10/1/2018 5111 10/1/2018 5112 10/1/2018 5114 10/1/2018 5115 10/1/2018 5116 10/1/2018 5117 10/1/2018 5119 10/1/2018 5121 10/1/2018 5122 10/1/2018 5123 10/1/2018 5124 10/1/2018 5125 10/1/2018 5129 10/1/2018

Elkton Hall – Post Remediation Efficacy Assessment Summary Table

Unit Number Date of Inspection

5130 10/1/2018 5131 10/1/2018 5132 10/1/2018 5133 10/1/2018 5135 10/1/2018 5137 10/1/2018 5138 10/1/2018 5139 10/1/2018 5140 10/1/2018 5142 10/1/2018 5144 10/1/2018 5146 10/1/2018 5148 10/1/2018 5150 10/1/2018 5152 10/1/2018

APPENDIX B

Field Visual Assessment Checklists

1st Floor

2nd Floor

3rd Floor

4th Floor

APPENDIX B

Photographic Documentation

Photographic Documentation Elkton Hall

3981 Denton Service Lane College Park, MD 20740 VERTEX Proj. No. 53218

Photographs taken between October 1-9, 2018 by VERTEX

Photo #1: View of typical room setup with HEPA-filtered negative air machine ducted outdoors and dehumidifier.

Photo #2: View of University checklist posted at entry to each room.

Photo #3: View of typical closeout layout. Cleaning included shelves, pipe, doors and walls.

Photo #4: View of typical dresser unit

Photo #5: View of typical dresser unit with drawers removed following cleaning.

Photo #6: View of typical dresser drawer underside following cleaning.

Photographic Documentation Elkton Hall

3981 Denton Service Lane College Park, MD 20740 VERTEX Proj. No. 53218

Photographs taken between October 1-9, 2018 by VERTEX

Photo #7: Asbestos-containing black window glazing. Photo #8: LBP on metal door frame (typical)

Photo #9: View of typical desk following cleaning Photo #10: View of typical desk drawer underside following

cleaning.

Photo #11: View of typical chair cover underside. Photo #12: View of typical bunk bed/mattress underside

following cleaning.