Smell, air quality problems linger at courthouse

COLUMBUS The air quality inside the Platte County Courthouse will be tested following complaints about odor and humidity in certain areas of the building.

The Platte County Board of Supervisors approved having environmental firm Cardno ATC test the air quality. The date when the test will be done hasnt been determined, but will cost up to $2,000.

Complaints have specifically come from employees and customers who visited the treasurers office over the past few months. There has also been an odor in the sheriffs office. Those two offices are adjacent to each other.

The air throughout the entire courthouse will be looked at to determine if the problem is contained to one certain area or if it is more widespread, said Supervisor Tom Martens, chairman of the building and grounds committee. The air quality in the building will be compared to the air outside and Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and American Industrial Hygiene Association guidelines will be used as references.

Martens said he doesn't know if the air quality poses any health risks.

We dont have any idea. That is why we are having the testing done to see if there are any health dangers, he said.

Courthouse maintenance attempted to address the issue by putting dehumidifiers in the treasurers office.

So far we havent been able to eliminate the odor. I understand that the odor is more prominent on some days than others, said Supervisor Hollie Olk.

The smell could been influenced by the hot, humid weather this summer, Martens said. The windows in the courthouse have been replaced over the years and can't be opened to help circulate air.

The testing will probably be done over a couple of days and public use of the courthouse should not be interrupted, Olk said.

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Smell, air quality problems linger at courthouse