National Engineering and EPA Work Hand-in-Hand to Solve Ironton School's Odor Problem

IRONTON, OH - December 4, 2000 - Ironton High/Junior High School has suffered for over 12 years with noxious odors throughout the south end of the historic facility. When the odor returned at the start of cold weather season this year, Steve Kingery, Superintendent of Ironton City Schools, was determined to get to the root of the problem. He contracted National Engineering Ltd., of Columbus, Ohio, to look at the issue.

In response, National Engineering sent a team of engineers to the site the same day to investigate the situation. It was quickly determined that the source of the odor was sewer gas that was entering into the building's ventilation system. Working together, Ralph Sneed and other members of Ironton's maintenance staff, the Ironton Sanitation and Fire Departments, and Rich Jones, a number of other possible sources were eliminated. At this stage, the USEPA and the Ohio EPA joined the search.

Relying on National Engineering's school design experience and understanding of the building's operation, the team was able to isolate the source to a broken storm water pipe below the basement. Mr. Sneed's crew repaired the line in less than 2 hours. After repairs were completed, the EPA tested th building for methane, a major component of sewer gas and reported that they had returned to normal levels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Engineering Ltd. - 784 Morrison Road - Columbus, Ohio 43230

Voice 614.751.9610 - Fax 614.552.5240

E-mail main@nationalengineering.com