Cory OKs contract to rid municipal offices of mold

CORAOPOLIS -- Coraopolis Police Chief Alan DeRusso said Wednesday that the boroughs employees are at risk after the discovery of high mold and bacteria levels in the municipalitys Fifth Avenue offices.

A study performed by Bactronix Corp. of Moon Township revealed spore counts 10 times higher than safe, normal levels, DeRusso said.

Its been ignored for far too long, and we have to breathe that stuff every day, he said of his fellow officers and borough employees.

Borough Council took steps toward rectifying the issue Wednesday by approving a $7,350 agreement with Bactronix for mold remediation.

Council members expressed uncertainty, though, about how long the remediation work would yield low spore counts, considering the municipal buildings age and ongoing deterioration.

Bactronix officials are expected to address all of the councils questions in the next few weeks.

The three-story building, constructed in 1929 and renovated in 1979, houses the police station -- including cells for short-term prisoners -- the boroughs administrative offices and the volunteer fire departments main station. DeRusso said moisture has penetrated the walls through the years, leading to sagging floors, chipped paint and mold growing in the walls.

DeRusso, who has been with the department for more than 25 years, said hes concerned about his health and the well-being of his fellow employees.

Ive personally spent time in the hospital for upper-respiratory problems, he said, and people getting sick is a regular occurrence around here.

Borough Manager Ray McCutcheon thanked the council for approving the remediation.

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Cory OKs contract to rid municipal offices of mold