Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Friday, February 19, 2007

FORT MCPHERSON - An aging and strangely built ventilation system caused Chief Julius school to fill with foul-smelling air recently. Inspectors were called in when the scent of sewage seeped into the hallways.

The school was closed for two days, from Jan. 26 and 27, while Public Works investigated and repaired the problem.

An air quality check was also performed by Public Health, to check for airborne diseases.

Roy V. Clarke, Regional Superintendent

Public Works and Services, said the water traps in several sinks had dried out, allowing scents from the utilidor system to enter the school.

He said, a series of air vents were also built improperly.

Some pipes were built to vent inside a classroom and a boiler room, rather than outdoors as is the standard.

"I have never seen the likes of that before," Clarke said.

"A couple of vents were venting inside the building and not outside. Why? I can't answer, I don't know.”As part of the repairs, Clarke said Public works capped these indoor air vents.

They are now sealed permanently, and air is vented through the roof.

Clarke said custodial staff has been instructed to run water in the sinks regularly, to avoid the traps drying out.

Beaufort Delta Education Council Superintendent Dennis Parsons said the pipes were installed about 10 years ago.

He said Public Health performed an air quality survey last month in the school and reported it posed no risk.

The school reopened on Monday, Jan.29, after leaving windows open to fan out the smell over the weekend.

On Feb. 15, Clarke said no estimates have yet been made for the repairs.

He added it was surprising no one noticed the problem before now, since smells or dirty air could have wafted into the school at any time.