Date:
9/28/2002
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Donna Gutierrez
ROSWELL– Remediation and repair work at the ENMU-Roswell Child Development Center (CDC) will get underway this week. After consulting with various companies, receiving bids, and checking references and certifications, ENMU-Roswell has selected GWC Construction, Inc. from Lovington, NM to do the mold remediation and asbestos abatement at the CDC. Work is expected to begin October 1. If all goes as planned, the center could re-open in three to four weeks.
ENMU-Roswell and GWC Construction have agreed on a very detailed scope of work to clean the building. Once the mold remediation work is completed, the floor tile and mastic containing asbestos will be removed. All of the carpeting in the building will also be removed. Testing will then be conducted to certify that the building is free of mold and asbestos. Louie Acuna, from El Paso will serve as the third party testing agency. Acuna is recognized as an expert in indoor air quality with many years experience. He is a member of both American Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Associations and has a training company for IAQ. Once those clearance tests are conducted, the building will be re-carpeted and re-tiled and furniture and equipment can be moved back inside the building.
"We are confident that GWC will do everything necessary to ensure that we can safely re-open the center," said Dr. Judy Armstrong, Provost. "References we checked all highly recommended GWC, saying they were very pleased with the quality of their work and professionalism. We want what is best for our students, staff and the children who use the center and we are looking forward to re-opening the facility soon. We very much appreciate the patience of the parents and the assistance and support we have received from La Entrada and University High," she said.
The CDC was closed July 31 when water damage was found in an exterior wall of the center. It appears rain or sprinkler water seeped into the wall, causing the damage. Initial testing found evidence of various types of mold in that wall and in air samples taken in the facility. Additional testing showed low levels of common household molds in four rooms and the hallway of the center. The children and staff were relocated to the La Entrada Child Care Center at University High School where they will remain until the remediation and repair work is completed. The center will be closed until all environmental and safety issues are resolved and final clearance tests have been completed.
The Child Development Center on campus provides training for students pursuing careers involving young children (birth through age 8), such as teaching, care giving, nursing, and occupational therapy. The center is open to children in the community, as well as children of staff, faculty, and students. The center is currently serving 30 children.