Mold Problems Have Plagued Dothan City Buildings Again

June 20, 2006

Deborah Tuff

WTVY - Dothan,AL

In January of 2004, Dothan officials had to close Fire Station

Number 2 after tests confirmed the identification of a fungus. The

Lakewood station located on Buford Lane had repeated problems with

mold. The fire station was reopened later that year. Officials say

the problem is now in other city buildings.

Insidious in nature, mold problems have plagued Dothan Fire Stations

4, 6, 8, and 9, and the Wiregrass Museum of Art for years.

When a string of the newly built fire stations were constructed in

the early 90's there was one problem. It also seems to be a

concurrent problem with the Wiregrass Museum of Art, which was built

in 1913. Both seem to have air conditioning units that are too large.

Dothan City Manager Mike West said, " Air conditioning was oversized

for the buildings and therefore didn't run long enough to help move

the humidity out. "

This is the second time this issue has come up. Back in the mid-90's

the same fire stations had the same problem.

Despite costly cleanup, could the answer be faulty design?

" I wouldn't call it faulty design. On the agenda this week is to

hire polyengineering to do remedial action to develop a plan long-

term to make sure we do solve the problem, " said West.

The project will cost an estimated $166,000. The money will come

from surplus funds that city officials saved last year.

As far as health problems, city officials say what they are

calling, 'black mold' hasn't affected any employees so far.

If it does, however, symptoms could include respiratory problems,

emphysema, and possibly death. There will be reshuffling at the

museum and fire stations.

Once cleanup begins, art classes at the museum will either be

postponed or have a time change. All four fire stations will be

temporarily closed. Those stations' firefighters will be moved to

either Dothan's Central Station or Station Number 3.

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