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Commissioners weigh independent smoke test after sewer‑gas smell discovered in hospital ceiling spaces
Summary
Hospital ceiling spaces began emitting a sewer‑gas smell after HVAC changes; commissioners debated whether the project caused it and whether to authorize a roughly $10,000 independent smoke test to locate leaks, and who should pay.
During the workshop several commissioners and presenters described a persistent sewer‑gas odor found in ceiling spaces after recent HVAC changes in the hospital. Speakers said increased return airflow may have drawn odors from aging piping into occupied areas. One presenter said a smoke test could identify leak locations and estimated the test at about $10,000.
"We could... spend the $10,000 to do the smoke test," a commissioner said while urging an independent test rather than one performed by the contractor. Commissioners debated whether the issue is an existing facility maintenance problem or a construction‑caused condition; some said if the project caused the issue, mitigation should be part of the construction scope, while others urged an independent study first. Staff were directed to coordinate oversight and report back with a recommendation on testing and funding.
