Fire Station 27 environmental report released, city announces next steps
BIRMINGHAM – A comprehensive study for the presence of airborne mold and spores, asbestos and nuisance dust conducted at Fire Station 27 has been completed and the city has announced actions that will be taken at the facility.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin met with members of Fire Station 27 Friday, July 19, 2019 to discuss the results of the environmental sampling of the building and detail work that is underway.
Mayor Woodfin ordered the building closed last month due to employee concerns about the quality of the air inside. Bhate Environmental Associates Inc. conducted the comprehensive study for the presence of airborne mold and spores, asbestos and nuisance dust from June 4-8.
Lab results from that sampling indicated that the “indoor air was not significantly affected by the presence of the asbestos-containing building materials or the air exchange between the bays.”
Bhate provided a list of recommendations, including the replacement of damaged ceiling tiles and a regular schedule of deep cleaning at the station.
Based on Bhate’s findings and concerns expressed by employees, the building will remain closed as the city addresses the recommendations and additional steps at the facility, including:
- Removal and replacement of floor tiles
- Removal of HVAC tape on duct above the ceiling
- Replacement of damaged ceiling tiles
- Installation of a hood for the gas stove
- Ventilation systems in Bay 1 and Bay 2 will be updated as necessary
- The city will coordinate an initial deep cleaning
- Fire command staff will ensure that deep cleaning of the floors is part of routine cleaning at all fire stations
- Dormitory 2 will become a storage room only
Fire Station 27, located at 401 Huffman Road, was built in 1956.
The firm which conducted the environmental report, Birmingham-based Bhate Environmental Associates, Inc., provides a diverse range of technical services in the environmental and infrastructure markets to the federal government and private industry both nationally and globally.
The full environmental report is available below.
