Contemporary Arts Center, the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
The Problem:
 The
Contemporary Arts Center, located at 900 Camp Street in New Orleans, Louisiana,
sustained heavy wind and rain damage during Hurricane Katrina. The northwest and
southwest corners of the roof were heavily torn, and all of the skylights and
many of the windows were blown out. The result was heavy rainwater entry through
these openings, which caused the majority of water damage to the building.
The Contemporary Arts Center building mixes New Orleans’ historic architecture
with contemporary materials, open spaces and site-specific art works created by
Louisiana artists. The building is a 4-story structure, with a basement, and
covers approximately 115,000 square feet. The basement is used primarily for
storage of exhibit display materials and event furniture, among an array of
other materials. Five air handlers that serve the first floor are located in the
basement. In addition, a smaller sixth air handler serves the music room in the
basement.
Chelsea Group was brought in after the hurricane to assess the extent of
biologically impacted building materials and mechanical systems, and to document
pertinent findings for insurance coverage purposes. In addition, Chelsea Group
made recommendations addressing proper remediation, cleaning and removal
techniques to protect both workers and the art exhibits displayed in the center.
Chelsea Group Intervention:
An urgent question in many of the water damage claims resultant of the Hurricane
Katrina events was, “Where did the water come from?” Most businesses and
residences did not have flood insurance coverage. Therefore, it was necessary to
document that the water damage was caused by the wind and rain, rather than
flood water, to receive insurance compensation for the clean-up. Chelsea Group
collected water samples in the basement of the Arts Center to determine whether
bacteria indicative of wastewater contamination were present.
 Results
of the water sample analysis were negative for bacteria indicative of wastewater
contamination. This showed that the majority of water came from rainwater
intrusion through the damaged roof, skylights, and windows, rather than from
flooding.
Immediate results: By determining the cause of the water damage,
Chelsea Group proved that the building merited insurance funding, which would
not have been available if the damage was the result of flooding rather than
wind and rain.
Chelsea Group conducted a visual observation of the building with special
consideration to areas that sustained heavy water damage.
-
 Relative
humidity and dew point measurements were taken to determine potential for
condensation, as the space was unconditioned due to damage to the HVAC system.
- A moisture survey of the porous and semi-porous building materials of the
facility was conducted using a GE Protimeter moisture meter to determine the
extent of moisture damage and to outline a scope of removal work.
The extent of the materials damage was concentrated in the basement, where
almost every porous and semi-porous surface was supporting heavy microbial
growth. In addition, amplification was observed on the drywall of the atrium.
Immediate results: By performing visual inspections and moisture
mapping, Chelsea Group was able to determine the extent of the damage to the
building and to specify an approach to remediation work.
 Because the water damage affected the air handlers located in the basement,
concern was raised about the potential for these units to harbor growth while
they sat inoperable in a area full of standing water. Surface tape-lift samples
were collected from random areas within the air handlers in the basement and
heat-pump units on the upper floors. The samples were analyzed onsite by
direct
microscopic examination by a Chelsea Group industrial hygienist for quick
results, as well as being processed by an AIHA accredited environmental
microbiology laboratory for formal documentation.
Through surface sampling of the 5 large air handlers in the basement, Chelsea
Group found limited growth within the units, the prevalence being in the supply
duct lining. The types of species present indicated the units had not become
contaminated from surrounding impacted contents and building materials. The
results seemed to indicate that the humid conditions in the basement created an
environment for settled spores already in the ductwork lining to grow.
Immediate results: Chelsea Group recommended that the units be
cleaned, but only after the temporary repairs to the roof and windows were
completed to protect the building from outdoor elements, and after the
impacted contents and building materials were removed.
 Contaminated
areas and materials throughout the basement, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors were
identified. Chelsea Group provided a specification plan to contain areas during
remediation work, protecting clean areas from mold spores and contaminated
materials.
Some sections of biologically impacted building materials had been removed
before Chelsea Group was contacted. The State of Louisiana requires that workers
who provide mold remediation services be licensed. Removal of impacted materials
without the use of proper containment and dust-suppression methods can affect
workers’ health. Also, the protection of the art exhibits from damage from mold
growth was a high priority.
Immediate results: Chelsea Group provided a remediation
specification that outlined the scope of work, proper containment, worker
safety, and protection of valuable collections in order to obtain bids from
licensed contractors.
Final Results:
Although work continues on the building, in January of 2006 the Contemporary
Arts Center celebrated its reopening.
- The Contemporary Arts Center is pursuing insurance claims based on Chelsea
Group’s analysis of rainwater intrusion that caused the flooding.
- Following plans and specifications recommended by Chelsea Group,
remediation throughout the building is underway.
- Chelsea Group will perform a final review of the facility when the
remediation work is complete.
|
