2008 Woodie Awards
RSSFlood in Grace Hall leads to mold, relocates team
By Martina Russial
Issue date: 10/16/07 Section: News
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"The leak had caused numerous floor boards to warp and buckle," said Gary Falasca, director of facility services and head of the Grace Hall construction project. "In an attempt to save the floor, perimeter baseboards were removed around the floor and fans were run for one week to remove any excess moisture."
A similar procedure was used to preserve the floor in Taylor Gym after a leak.
However, even after the perimeter baseboards in Grace Hall were removed, the floor did not improve.
"After a week with no improvement to the floor, a repair crew from the company who installed the floor was brought in to begin removal of the damaged boards," Falasca said. "During the removal process, mold was discovered on the bottom side of the plywood sub floor."
Precautions were taken to protect students and staff after the mold was discovered.
"Lehigh's director of environmental health and safety was brought in to take air samples, which tested positive for mold," Falasca said. "These positive samples required the space to be closed for use until the cleanup was completed."
Because of the construction in Grace Hall, the volleyball team has been moved to Taylor Gym.
"Facilities have worked with athletics on this issue," Falasca said. "The athletics staff has handled the affected teams."
Sarah Cristianson, '11, a member of the women's varsity volleyball team, has only played games in Taylor Gym, and has never played in Grace Hall.
"I'm a freshman, so I haven't experienced playing in Grace Hall," Christianson said.
According to Falasca, this project is being managed for facilities services by Assistant Director David Kasten, who is the building manager assigned to Grace Hall.
