Budget board hires Risk Tech LLC to rid governor's quarters of yearlong problem
BY CLAY BARBOUR
Of The Post and Courier Staff
COLUMBIA--A Charleston-based firm, experienced in handling environmental problems at home and abroad, has been tapped to rid the Governor's Mansion of its mold problem.
On Thursday, the state Budget and Control Board hired Risk Tech LLC, a company that has dealt with similar problems in schools, hospitals and even U.S. embassies, to eliminate the mold and humidity problem that chased the state's first family from its home earlier this week.
The board closed the mansion Monday for an indefinite period as workers began trying to remove stachybotrys chartarum, a slimy greenish-black mold, from the mansion's air handling and vent system.
The mold is thought to be responsible for a year's worth of headaches, sinus problems and other ailments.
First Lady Jenny Sanford reported the problem nearly a year ago. Sanford and her four sons have returned to Sullivan's Island until the mold is gone.
Sanford has been loud in her criticism of how Budget and Control has handled the mold situation. She accused the board of being "negligent at best" for allowing the problem to continue for so long.
She wrote a letter to members of the board, requesting they use a multidisciplinary team to assess the viability of the mansion before the family returns. Budget and Control spokesman Mike Sponhour said that by the time board staff received a copy of the letter, Risk Tech already had been hired to do just that.
Risk Tech officials are reviewing work that has already been performed at the site and will develop a comprehensive testing and cleanup program, including health screenings for mansion staff and the first family.
The company also will inspect the building's heating and cooling systems to determine whether changes are needed to keep the problem from recurring.
In 2000, the mansion underwent a massive $7 million overhaul, overseen by Charleston architects Evans and Schmidt. The historic structure, built in 1856, was expanded to more than 16,000 square feet. The renovations mixed old world with new -- allowing the elaborate moldings and fancy mantels to complement the new elevators, kitchen and heating and air conditioning units.
Cost of the mold removal project is unknown, though an engineer hired by the first lady estimated the possible expense at about $30,000. Budget and Control's General Services Division will foot the bill, unless it is determined someone else is to blame for the problem.
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