March 25, 2010

McLean County begins office relocation, cleaning process

McLean County begins office relocation, cleaning process
By STU MERRY

The first step in the process of relocating county offices has begun. And if Monday’s four-plus hour meeting is any indication, it’s going to be a long, stressful inconvenient process. But before relocation can take place, every item in every office must first be rid of any trace of potential bat feces contamination.
Hearing about the daunting process that lies ahead, Maintenance Supervisor Curt Malo could only shake his head and say, “It’s more of a mess than I ever thought.”
County officials shared harsher words.
“It’s going to be a pain in the … and it’s going to take lots of dollars,” said States Attorney Ladd Erickson.
Commissioners heard what it would take to clean each and every item in the offices before relocation can take place. As details were revealed, it was evident the courthouse will soon look like a hazardous waste site with people in white HAZMAT suits walking the hallways.
Lila Marquart, environmental specialist, said that containment areas would have to be established on each floor to expedite the decontamination process.
She proposes cleaning up spores by “HEPA-vacing” everything in the building before any material is moved or relocated to off-site locations.
 


 
The Weather Network