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Board hears update on school odor; district says cracked pipe and ventilation balance fixed
Summary
A cracked cast-iron pipe and unbalanced classroom ventilation were identified as likely causes of a recent odor in the building; repairs, pressure diagnostics and an outside inspection were reported to have improved conditions while further testing continues.
Board member Jesse briefed colleagues on an investigation into a smell reported at the school. Maintenance staff, led by Bill Schromm, found a cracked roughly 6-foot section of cast-iron pipe near the auditorium and several loose fittings. The board was told the cracks could release odors into building chases and that repairs have been completed.
Jesse said newly installed uni-vent units increased airflow in some rooms; until balancing diagnostics were done those units could draw odors from the repaired pipes into classrooms. The district completed pressure diagnostics and corrected fresh-air intake routing in areas near the odor source. Jesse said the smell has been improving and that additional testing will confirm containment.
Dedham Risk Management conducted an inspection of the chase system; Jesse referenced Mike Needham, president of the company, as having reviewed the system and not finding an active biological ('yeast') hazard.
Board members thanked facilities staff for prompt response and asked that further monitoring be reported to the board if problems persist.
