The proposed renovation of the Pulaski County Courthouse would have to deal with lead paint and mold, as well as asbestos. Project liaison Nathan Origer told the county commissioners last week that of the almost 300 samples taken, lead paint was detected in 83 of them.
“That’s all three floors, plaster, flooring, ceiling, door frames, doors, all sorts of different surface materials, all sorts of different substances that have just been painted and treated over the years,” Origer explained. “Any work that would be done in the future would have to be done in compliance with OSHA standards regarding lead paint.”
Evidence of mold spores was found in the courthouse basement, but no current moisture intrusion or mold growth.
Additionally, Origer said that of 10 air and soil samples taken, only one revealed the presence of a “volatile organic compound.” “This was an air sample taken near the elevator which revealed the presence of 1,2-dibromoethane,” Origer said. “None of the five drillings and soil samples revealed any evidence of intrusion.”
He said that while there was enough to be detectible, there didn’t appear to be enough to pose a significant health threat. The only evidence of asbestos was in piping insulation above the ceiling of the Assessor’s former basement office.
