Report Blames Construction Process For Mold

Posted: 9:51 pm CST March 14, 2002

The consultants' report is in, and the source of the mold at Madison's Chavez Elementary school has been determined.

Rainwater said the engineering report takes "the first step" toward what needs to be done to address all the legal issues.

The report describes 14 specific factors that fueled the growth of mold spores within Chavez. Some involve untreated lumber and items not built according to specifications.

But most of the problems cited focus on construction site condition, including "inadequate" controls on humidity, a release of water in the kindergarten wing and rainwater coming in through unprotected holes in the roof.

"To me the report clearly indicates that there were issues in the construction of the building that lead to the issues of the mold," Rainwater said.

Westra Construction of Waupun built the school.

"To have a full report and a full evaluation, you need to look at all important factors -- not just construction, but also include design and building maintenance," Brian Mullins, Westra's attorney.

Mullins told News 3 that Westra Construction hopes the school district continues its investigation into those areas, and Westra has and will continue to talk and work with the school district.

That contradicts a letter Westra sent in December, refusing to help rebuild Chavez and calling the mold clean up excessive, News 3 reported.

But Thursday's report, as well as News 3 sources, shine the spotlight back on Westra and how it handled construction.

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