(Dec. 17, 2015) Several workers at the Ocean Pines golf course this week confirmed a report issued last week that mold is a problem at the clubhouse.
In the report to Ocean Pines officials, golf course management company Landscapes Unlimited said it was concerned that “mold may be causing unhealthy working conditions in the clubhouse,” adding that several employees had become sick while working there.
Constructed in 1972, the building is considered one of the oldest parts of Ocean Pines’ major amenities.
Golf Shop Assistant Tyler Strickler said he saw a portion of the ceiling collapse on the first floor of the building, revealing what looked like black mold on the underside of several ceiling tiles.
“There was black stuff all over there. It’s kind of all over the place,” he said.
Strickler said at least one employee there had called in sick several times, complaining of having trouble breathing after working in the building. He added that he had not experienced any symptoms.
“You can kind of smell it when you come in,” he said. “It smells really bad, and you can see it on the vents.”
Apparently, mold has been at least a minor issue at the clubhouse dating back to 2011. In June of that year, General Manager Bob Thompson issued a memorandum that said, “There is evidence of mold in the drop-down ceilings. This is a potentially serious health issue,” adding that further evaluation was needed.
In September 2011, consulting firm Allen & Shariff Engineering performed an evaluation of the building that produced photos of mold and mildew in the mechanical space.
Microbial samples analyzed for the report found a mold concentration in the ladies’ interior locker room that was higher than background control samples.
Allen & Shariff wrote that surface samples found in the ductwork and ceiling “indicate elevated microbial fungal spore counts that were classified as ‘high,’” although it was concluded that “This mold type should not pose a health concern to a healthy person.”
The company recommended extensive mold remediation, giving an estimated cost of $4,125.
Landscapes Regional Manager Scott Nissley said he was aware of the problem but that, as he understood it, the situation did not pose an immediate health risk to employees.
“We are relying on the most recent mold tests, that probably is 2011,” he said during a phone interview on Tuesday. “The mold detected in that report presents no permanent health risk to employees and building inhabitants.”
Nissley added that the company was in the process of determining what action it would take, “if any.”
“It is an important issue and we’re reviewing the details in that report and determining whether we need additional tests,” he said. “Now that we’re aware of these situations, we just have to follow through. We’re going to continue to investigate.”
It is unclear if the recommended remediation was ever performed, although former director Marty Clarke said that although he had asked the general manager on several occasions, he never received a definitive answer.
Thompson did not return calls for comment.
In the report to Ocean Pines officials, golf course management company Landscapes Unlimited said it was concerned that “mold may be causing unhealthy working conditions in the clubhouse,” adding that several employees had become sick while working there.
Constructed in 1972, the building is considered one of the oldest parts of Ocean Pines’ major amenities.
Golf Shop Assistant Tyler Strickler said he saw a portion of the ceiling collapse on the first floor of the building, revealing what looked like black mold on the underside of several ceiling tiles.
“There was black stuff all over there. It’s kind of all over the place,” he said.
Strickler said at least one employee there had called in sick several times, complaining of having trouble breathing after working in the building. He added that he had not experienced any symptoms.
“You can kind of smell it when you come in,” he said. “It smells really bad, and you can see it on the vents.”
Apparently, mold has been at least a minor issue at the clubhouse dating back to 2011. In June of that year, General Manager Bob Thompson issued a memorandum that said, “There is evidence of mold in the drop-down ceilings. This is a potentially serious health issue,” adding that further evaluation was needed.
In September 2011, consulting firm Allen & Shariff Engineering performed an evaluation of the building that produced photos of mold and mildew in the mechanical space.
Microbial samples analyzed for the report found a mold concentration in the ladies’ interior locker room that was higher than background control samples.
Allen & Shariff wrote that surface samples found in the ductwork and ceiling “indicate elevated microbial fungal spore counts that were classified as ‘high,’” although it was concluded that “This mold type should not pose a health concern to a healthy person.”
The company recommended extensive mold remediation, giving an estimated cost of $4,125.
Landscapes Regional Manager Scott Nissley said he was aware of the problem but that, as he understood it, the situation did not pose an immediate health risk to employees.
“We are relying on the most recent mold tests, that probably is 2011,” he said during a phone interview on Tuesday. “The mold detected in that report presents no permanent health risk to employees and building inhabitants.”
Nissley added that the company was in the process of determining what action it would take, “if any.”
“It is an important issue and we’re reviewing the details in that report and determining whether we need additional tests,” he said. “Now that we’re aware of these situations, we just have to follow through. We’re going to continue to investigate.”
It is unclear if the recommended remediation was ever performed, although former director Marty Clarke said that although he had asked the general manager on several occasions, he never received a definitive answer.
Thompson did not return calls for comment.