sandyhillarena mouldinvestigation april2013€¦ · t. harris environmental management inc. 5 2.2...

205 – 240 Catherine Street Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2G8

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1 Montreal · Ottawa · Toronto · London · St. John’s

E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.tharris.ca

April 22, 2013 City of Ottawa Corporate Services Department RPAM, Comprehensive Asset Management 100 Constellation Crescent Ottawa, Ontario K2G 6J8 Attention: Mr. Gilles Renaud Facilities Management Co-ordinator Re: Mould Assessment and Truss Paint Analysis Sandy Hill Arena – Cedar Deck 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario 1.0 BACKGROUND T. Harris Environmental Management Inc. (THEM) was retained by Mr. Gilles Renaud of the City of Ottawa to conduct a mould assessment and truss paint sample analysis at the Sandy Hill Arena prior to the Steel Truss Painting project. The Sandy Hill Arena tongue and groove cedar deck is enclosed by a low-emissivity ceiling fabric which has been trapping moisture in the ceiling space between the fabric and deck. This condition has led to possible mould growth on the cedar deck. Personnel from THEM performed a visual assessment and conducted bulk sampling of the cedar deck construction materials to determine the extent of possible mould contamination. One (1) representative sample of ceiling beam/truss paint was also collected during the investigation and analyzed for lead, mercury and arsenic.


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T. HARRIS ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT INC. 2

2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Mould Microorganisms are a normal and essential component of the earth’s terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Bacteria and fungi break down complex molecules found in dead organic materials from animals and plants and recycle minerals and carbon to simple substances. Fungi (also called mould or mildew) are microbiological organisms that can live and reproduce and potentially cause health problems in indoor environments. They are chlorophyll-lacking plant-like organisms that are unicellular (e.g., yeast) or grow in a multinucleate mass (e.g., bread mould), subsist on decomposed organic matter or nutrition from living hosts, and reproduce by production of spores (3 to 200 m in size). Fungi, also called mould or mildew, are microbiological organisms that can live and reproduce and potentially cause health problems in indoor environments. They are chlorophyll-lacking plant-like organisms that are unicellular (e.g., yeast) or grow in a multinucleate mass (e.g., bread mould), subsist on decomposed organic matter or nutrition from living hosts, and reproduce by production of spores 3 to 200 m in size. There are two types of fungal spores: dry spores such as those of Aspergillus spp. or Penicillium spp., which are easily disturbed and can become airborne; and slimy spores, such as those of Stachybotrys spp. and Fusarium spp., which are produced in a slimy mass that is seldom airborne. Mould spores of various types are usually present in indoor and outdoor air. Typically, fungal spore contamination occurs within building construction (e.g., insulation materials) and does not become a problem until it affects the ventilation system. Ventilation systems can harbour and continuously disseminate fungal spores. 2.1.1 Guidelines Mould growth inside buildings is due to excess moisture caused by leakages, condensation or capillary movement of water into the building. Generally mould growth needs water, food, temperatures (21-30 degrees Celcius), stagnant air and time. Mould growth can occur as early as 48 hours after water damage to susceptible building materials. Toxic moulds such as Stachybotrys chartarum and some species of Aspergillus spp. are greenish-black, wet and slimy moulds that grow on soaking wet cellulose-based materials. They are often found near leaks or where drying is very slow, and can form after flooding if insufficient cleanup and drying occurred. Stachybotrys chartarum grows slower than most moulds within 7-12 days. They will generally not occur if materials are kept dry. The presence of mould spores in indoor environments may not be significant in terms of the causation of fungal infestation since most microorganism contamination does not become a problem until it becomes disturbed and is distributed into the ventilation system or air within the building. In other words, there may be little hazard if microorganisms do not multiply or do not


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accumulate to harmful levels, if there is no means for microorganisms to become airborne, or if aerosolized microorganisms do not reach susceptible receptors. Fungi or moulds which are typically found on building materials that have become damaged due to moisture problems, can cause or exacerbate allergic type symptoms in occupants who have a history of hypersensitivity diseases (e.g., asthma). Thus, people suffering from respiratory disorders or severe allergies may be at greater risk for developing health problems associated with exposures to fungi found in water damaged areas. Such people may need to be removed from the affected areas until remediation and clearance testing, if required, is completed. However, any decisions regarding medical removal must be based on recommendations made by an occupational medicine specialist trained in symptomatology related to this type of exposure. 2.1.2 Hazard Categories In order to define the risk for areas that are suspected or confirmed to be contaminated with mould and/or water damaged, the extent of visible mould growth and/or water damage on building materials must be considered. THEM recommend the following criteria for determining risk levels (hazard categories) and associated remediation protocols. The criteria are based on the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration and IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.

Table 1

Recommended Mould Risk Management Levels

Hazard

Category

Mould Growth Present in Accessible Areas, Based

on Visual Inspection1

Summary of Minimum Recommended Remediation Requirements

Level 0

No visible signs of mould growth, no evidence of water damage and no

health complaints.

No remediation required.

Level 1 Small Areas of Growth (Source Containment)

- Work should be conducted by a qualified environmental contractor.

- Personnel conducting the work should be wearing the appropriate PPE.

- No critical barriers required. - Mould contaminated building materials can be

contained with polyethylene sheeting and duct tape, and removed.


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Hazard

Category

Mould Growth Present in Accessible Areas, Based

on Visual Inspection1

Summary of Minimum Recommended Remediation Requirements

Level 2 Moderate Levels of

Growth (Local Containment)



- A polyethylene enclosure should be erected to isolate mould contaminated materials.

- A decontamination chamber may be required. - HEPA vacuum and clean with damp mop and/or mop

with a detergent solution after remediation.

Level 3 Extensive Mould Growth (Full Scale Containment)



- The mould contaminated room and/or building section should be isolated with critical barriers.

- Building materials within the remediation area that cannot be cleaned effectively must be sealed off with polyethylene barriers.

- A decontamination unit is required. - HEPA vacuum and clean with damp mop and/or mop

with a detergent solution after remediation. Note 1: May or may not include destructive testing.


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2.2 Paint One (1) representative bulk sample of paint was collected from ceiling beams/trusses for laboratory analysis of lead, arsenic and mercury 2.2.1 Lead Lead is considered a hazardous substance and can be found in paint, solder joints, brass hardware, caulking, mortar, ceramic tile glazing and shielding. Lead is commonly found in paints prior to 1980. 2.2.2 Mercury Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in the earth's crust with natural deposits generally found as a vermilion red ore called cinnabar. Mercury exists in three different forms: elemental, inorganic and organic. Mercury exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages. 2.2.3 Arsenic Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust and is classified as a semi-metal or “metalloid”. Soluble inorganic arsenic is acutely toxic. Intake of inorganic arsenic over a long period can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning (arsenicosis). .


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3.0 SAMPLING METHODOLOGY 3.1 Mould 3.1.1 Visual Assessment Our visual assessment was limited to the cedar deck, low emissivity ceiling fabric and beams and trusses of the Sandy Hill Arena. Destructive testing (i.e. exploratory openings in walls and flooring) was not performed by THEM. The focus of the visual inspection included but was not limited to searching for signs of water staining, damage, accumulation, and/or infiltration and visible signs of mould growth and/or staining. Identification of visibly wet areas, even without visual evidence of mould growth, can be considered indicative of potential mould growth. 3.1.2 Moisture Measurements Moisture measurements of various building materials can be collected in conjunction with visual inspections. Selected measurement locations are generally areas with differing building materials. Building materials can be probed for moisture content using a Dri-Eaz Moisture PRO Penetrating Moisture Meter and Dri-Eaz Non-Destructive Moisture Meter. These instruments are designed to accurately measure moisture content in wood, but can also provide accurate readings for drywall, plaster, insulation, and other porous building materials. When used on surfaces other than wood, the instruments give a qualitative reading for moisture content because the quantitative moisture reading is compared against a reading of similar material that is known to be dry. Based on past experience and information provided by the manufacturer, typical "dry" readings from materials such as drywall, oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are 10-12%, 8-11% and 15% respectively. As indicated in the Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (S500-08) as published by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), wood materials are considered dry enough when readings are within 4% of the dry standard, and generally, moisture content below 20% inhibits the growth of destructive fungi. As indicated by the Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (S500-08) as published by the IICRC, concrete and stone materials are porous and can absorb moisture. Normally these materials are not damaged under water damage conditions of reasonable exposure time and temperature. Moisture from within or even below slabs may wick alkaline salts into flooring material. Concrete and stone generally retain varying amounts of moisture depending on environmental and seasonal conditions. Therefore it is important that moisture measurements are compared to a “dry standard” from known dry materials (i.e. concrete, stone) in undamaged areas. Elevated moisture levels can be used in conjunction with visual inspection results to identify potential areas of mould growth. Areas of elevated moisture content indicate recent or chronic


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water damage and the potential for mould growth on the unexposed side of the material being measured. 3.1.3 Bulk Sampling In order to verify the presence of (or absence) of suspected mould growth on some of the surfaces assessed, bulk sampling was performed. Bulk samples of materials were collected using a utility knife. The samples were placed in a sealed bag for courier-delivery to Paracel Laboratories Ltd. Microscopically, fungal cells are observed either as moulds (hyphae with conidia or spores) or as yeast. Moulds are then identified to their family or genus level based on distinct colonial colour and texture. The quantity of moulds seen growing are then subjectively graded by the laboratory analyst on a scale representing Trace, Low, Moderate, High mould spore counts, with High denoting the highest numbers. It should be noted that the microscopic detection of mould spores alone, especially those indicative of normal conditions (i.e. a mix of spore types that are usually seen outdoors and typically seen on surfaces everywhere) does not constitute a mould growth site. The presence of certain marker genera (i.e. those spore types that are normally present in small numbers but often multiply indoors under favourable conditions) seen with underlying mycelia and/or sporulating structures is typically required before mould growth on the surface tested is indicated. It should be noted that no culture analysis of the bulk samples for further mould speciation was conducted at this time.


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3.2 Paint One (1) representative bulk sample of paint was retrieved from the ceiling beams and trusses for the laboratory analysis lead, arsenic and mercury. The paint sample was scraped down to the building base structure, with all possible layers present, and then submitted to an independent laboratory, Exova Accutest Laboratories Ltd. 3.2.1 Lead

The sample was treated with an Aqua-Regia digest and analyzed for lead using Flame Atomic Absorption (AA) Spectroscopy. 3.2.2 Mercury The sample underwent a H2SO4/HNO3 digestion, and was analyzed for mercury using Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption (AA) spectrometry. 3.2.3 Arsenic The paint sample was treated with an Aqua-Regia digest and analyzed for arsenic using Flame Atomic Absorption (AA) Spectroscopy


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4.0 FINDINGS 4.1 Mould 4.1.1 Visual Observations Results obtained from the visual assessment conducted on April 11, 2013 are summarized in Table II below. Locations where Photographs (P#) were taken that support our visual assessment results are included in Appendix III.

TABLE II

Summary of Results Obtained from Visual Assessment and Moisture Measurements Sandy Hill Arena, 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario

Location Inspected

Significant Observations Recommendations

Sandy Hill Arena

Basic building materials noted include: Floor was concrete. Walls were concrete block. Ceiling was low emissivity ceiling fabric. Deck was tongue and groove Cedar. Visual observations and moisture measurements noted include: Visible water staining and mould growth was observed on the tongue and groove Cedar deck. Ceiling beams and trusses were corroded and the ceiling fabric exhibited water staining. Samples: M13-01, M13-02, M13-03 & M13-04 Temperature: 6°C RH: 54.4%

Level 3 Remediation


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4.1.2 Mould Bulk Sampling Results

TABLE III Summary of Bulk Mould Material Sample Results

Sandy Hill Arena, 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario

Sample # Location Fungal Elements Identified Relative Amount

Indication of Fungal Growth

M13-01

Ice Rink adj. south exhaust – Cedar Deck with suspect mould growth

Cladosporium spores hyaline mycelia fragments

Low Low

Yes

M13-02

Ice Rink adj. south exhaust – Low emissivity ceiling fabric with suspect mould growth

Pollen Trace No

M13-03

Ice Rink adj. north exhaust – Cedar Deck with suspect mould growth

Cladosporium spores pigmented mycelia fragments

Low Low

Yes

M13-04 Ice Rink – Centre Ice – Cedar Deck with suspect mould growth

Cladosporium spores pigmented mycelia fragments

Moderate Moderate

Yes

*ND – None Detected 4.2 Paint Results

TABLE IV Summary of Bulk Paint Material Sample Results

Sandy Hill Arena, 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario

Analyte Units L13-01

Ceiling Beams/Trusses Lead ppm 780 Mercury ppm 0.45 Arsenic ppm 70


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5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Mould Our inspection on April 11, 2013 noted suspect mould growth on the Cedar Deck and low emissivity ceiling fabric of the Sandy Hill Arena, 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario. Bulk sampling was conducted and fungal spores containing Cladosporium spores, hyaline mycelia fragments, pollen and pigmented mycelia fragments were detected. A level 3 mould remediation operation is recommended. The above criteria are based on the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 Standard and Reference for Professional Mould Remediation, August 2008 and Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry, 2004. In general, the single most effective way to prevent mould contamination within a building is prompt removal of any suspected contaminated material and repairing the structural components of the building that lead to the water infiltration or excessive condensation. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper maintenance of the building and prompt repair of any water-damaged areas. In all situations, the underlying cause of the water leak and condensation buildup must be rectified or the problem will reoccur. 5.2 Paint 5.2.1 Lead Paint contained a concentration of lead of 780 parts per million (ppm). Ontario Regulation 490/09, as amended to O. Reg. 148/12 - Designated Substances made under OHSA states that airborne levels of lead particles should not exceed 0.05 mg/m3. Any demolition or stripping work should be performed under controlled conditions according to the Ontario Ministry of Labour Guideline - Lead on Construction Projects dated April 2011. The disposal of construction waste containing lead is controlled by Ontario Regulation 347/90 as amended to O. Reg. 348/12 – General Waste Management, under the Ontario Environmental Protection Act. Leachate tests for lead in construction waste must not exceed 5 mg/L in order to be disposed of at a local landfill without treatment.


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5.2.2 Mercury Paint contained a concentration of mercury of 0.45 ppm. There is no occupational or environmental concern associated with mercury if it is not released to the air. Exposure to mercury in industrial establishments is regulated under O. Reg. 490/09, amended to O. Reg. 148/12 – Designated Substances, made under OHSA. The TWA should not exceed 0.025 mg/m3 for all forms except alkyl compounds. Alkyl compounds of mercury should not exceed 0.01 mg/m3. All waste material including switches, thermostats and thermometers, must be handled and disposed of according to O. Reg. 347/90, amended to O. Reg. 348/12. The Safe Handling of Mercury: A Guideline for the Construction Industry outlines the health effects of mercury exposure, potential sources of mercury on construction sites, and provides guidance on clean up procedures for spills and respiratory protection for workers involved in clean up operations. All mercury containing waste must be handled and disposed of according to Ontario Regulation 347/09, as amended to O. Reg 348/12. In Ontario, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) puts the onus on the owner to perform a leachate test as per Leachate Criteria Testing (Schedule 4) of O. Reg. 347/09 as amended to O. Reg 348/12, on all waste that may be hazardous and in turn handle the waste according to the test results. Leachate tests for mercury in construction waste must not exceed 0.1 mg/L in order to be disposed of at a local landfill without treatment. 5.2.3 Arsenic Paint contained a concentration of arsenic of 70 ppm. There is no occupational or environmental concern associated with mercury in its current state and condition. Exposure to arsenic in industrial establishments is regulated under Ontario Regulation 490/09, amended to 148/12 – Designated Substances, made under OHSA. According to Ontario Regulation 490/09 the TWA to a worker to airborne arsenic shall not exceed 0.01 mg/m3 of air without a respirator. All arsenic containing waste must be handled and disposed of according to Ontario Regulation 347/09, as amended to O. Reg 348/12. In Ontario, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) puts the onus on the owner to perform a leachate test as per Leachate Criteria Testing (Schedule 4) of O. Reg. 347/09 as amended to O. Reg 348/12, on all waste that may be hazardous and in turn handle the waste according to the test results. Leachate tests for arsenic in construction waste must not exceed 2.5 mg/L in order to be disposed of at a local landfill without treatment.


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6.0 LIMITATIONS In this statement of limitations, the “Client” refers to the persons or entities to whom this report is addressed. “THEM” refers to T. Harris Environmental Management Inc.

This report is subject to the limitations set out below, and any other limitations set out in the body of this report or in the Scope of Work between THEM and the Client.

The investigation and assessment described in this report were conducted in accordance with the Scope of Work agreed upon by the Client in a manner consistent with a reasonable level of care and skill normally exercised by members of the industrial hygiene consulting profession currently practising under similar conditions in the Province of Ontario.

In preparing this report, THEM has relied on information provided by others, including without limitation, information concerning the history and operation of the site, and test results and analyses of other consultants, independent laboratories, or testing services. Except as expressly stated in this report, THEM has not made any independent verification of such information. Findings cannot be extended to portions of the site which were unavailable for direct observation.

The assessment in this report has been made in the context of regulations which were in force and effect at the time of the assessment and which are specified in this report. The assessment did not take into account any regulations which were not in effect at the date of the assessments, or any guideline or standard not specified in this report. Regulatory standards do not exist for all materials of a potentially hazardous nature.

The collection of any samples at the site (including the location of samples and the analytical parameters applied to the samples) was undertaken in accordance with the Scope of Work agreed upon by the Client, based upon the information provided to THEM by the Client concerning existing site conditions. Conditions between sample locations (if any) may differ from those indicated in this report.

This report is intended solely for the use or uses specified in this report and/or the Scope of Work. Use of this report for purposes other than those set out in this report and/or the Scope of Work will be at the sole risk of the Client.

Copying of this report except as may be reasonably required for internal use by the Client, and any distribution of this report to persons other than the Client in whole or in part, is not permitted without the express written permission of THEM.

This report is for the sole use of the Client. THEM makes no representation or warranty, either express or implied, to any third party with regard to this report and the work referred to in this report and expressly disclaims any, and accepts no duty of care to any third party or any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third party for any loss, expenses, damages (direct, consequential or contingent), fines, penalties, or other harm that may be suffered or incurred by


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any third party as a result of any use of, any reliance placed upon, or any decision made or actions taken based upon this report or the work referred to herein.

In no event shall THEM be liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, or damages from lost of profits, revenue, or use, incurred by either the client or any third party, whether in an action in tort or contract, even if THEM has been advised of the possibility of such damages. THEM's liability for damages shall in no event exceed the amount of fees paid by the client.

If new information concerning the subject matter of this report arises, THEM should be contacted to re-evaluate the conclusions of this report and to provide amendments as required Sincerely, T. HARRIS ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT INC.

Richard Nelligan, B.Sc., M.A., AMRTVice President Eastern Canada

Melissa Hagmann, Dipl. Env. Tech, AMRT, Senior Environmental/OH&S Technician

Angeline Snow, Dipl. Env. Tech, AMRT, C.E.T. Project Coordinator


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APPENDIX I

PARACEL LABORATORY CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS


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APPENDIX II

EXOVA LABORATORY CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS


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APPENDIX III

SITE PHOTOGRAPHS


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Photograph 1: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, Centre – Cedar Deck and Trusses & Beams


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Photograph 5: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, Centre –Trusses & Beams


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Photograph 6: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, Centre – Cedar Deck and Trusses & Beams (M13-04)


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Photograph 8: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, North End – Cedar Deck and Trusses & Beams


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Photograph 9: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, North End –Trusses & Beams


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Photograph 10: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, North End – Cedar Deck (M13-03)


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Photograph 11: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, North End – Cedar Deck and Trusses & Beams


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Photograph 12: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, South End – Cedar Deck and Trusses & Beams


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Photograph 13: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, South End – Cedar Deck and Trusses & Beams


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Photograph 14: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, South End – Low Emissivity Ceiling Fabric


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Photograph 15: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, South End – Cedar Deck and Trusses & Beams (M13-01)


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Photograph 16: Sandy Hill Arena – 60 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario – Ice Rink, South End – Cedar Deck


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APPENDIX IV

DRAWING


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