Appendix H: Mold Remediation
The incident may cause facilities to be inundated or exposed to wet and humid weather conditions for extended periods of time, triggering mold growth that threatens public health and increases structural repair costs. This appendix outlines the technical remediation techniques and material-specific actions authorized under the Public Assistance (PA) Program to address mold contamination.
I. Mold Remediation Methods
The selection of a mold cleanup technique depends on the physical state of the contaminated material and whether liquid water is actively present.
Core Equipment and Packaging Standards
- Wet Vacuuming: Employed when underlying structural materials are wet. This method must be applied where water has accumulated, such as on floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. Operating a wet vacuum is strictly prohibited if sufficient liquid is not present.
- Damp Wiping: Wiping or scrubbing non-porous (hard) surfaces using a combination of water and mild detergent. Applicators must follow all handling instructions listed on the product label.
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Vacuuming: Utilized for final cleanup operations after structural materials are thoroughly dry and contaminated elements have been extracted. It is recommended for cleaning up transient dust outside the immediate remediation containment area. Operators must properly seal the HEPA filter. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is highly recommended, and filters and vacuum contents must be disposed of in well-sealed bags.
Contaminated Material Discard Protocols
Containment Packaging Rules: Subrecipients must completely discard building materials and furnishings that cannot be salvaged or remediated. Loose contents must be sealed inside two separate bags using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Large structural items must be fully covered in polyethylene sheeting and tightly sealed with duct tape. To limit further cross-contamination, the wrapping and sealing of all discarded materials must occur entirely within the containment area.
II. Application of Remediation Methods
Specific water-damaged materials require distinct structural actions to ensure proper abatement and protect building integrity.
Structural Material Action Index
- Books and Paper: Discard non-valuable items. For valuable or important documents, photocopy the pages and discard the contaminated originals. Invaluable or historic items must be frozen in a frost-free freezer or meat locker, or freeze-dried.
- Carpet and Backing: Extract water with a wet vacuum. Reduce ambient humidity levels using a dehumidifier and accelerate the drying process with high-velocity fans.
- Ceiling Tiles and Insulation: Cellulose insulation, fiberglass insulation, and ceiling tiles must be completely discarded and replaced.
Permanent Work Eligibility Limits
PAG Framework Constraint: The physical replacement of ceiling tiles, fiberglass insulation, and cellulose insulation is eligible for funding strictly as Category E Permanent Work, never as an emergency protective measure.
- Concrete or Cinder Block Surfaces: Apply a wet vacuum to standing water and accelerate the drying process using dehumidifiers, fans, and/or structural heaters.
- Hard Surfaces and Porous Floorings: For linoleum, ceramic tile, and vinyl, vacuum or damp wipe the surfaces with water and a mild detergent. Manual scrubbing may be necessary to remove growth before allowing the floor to dry.
- Upholstered Furniture: Extract moisture using a wet vacuum and accelerate drying using a combination of dehumidifiers, fans, and structural heaters.
- Window Drapes: Launder or clean the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Wood Surfaces: Remove surface water with a wet vacuum and accelerate drying with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.
Wall Cavity Ventilation Rules
- Drywall and Gypsum Board: If obvious swelling is present and the seams are no longer intact, the wallboard must be discarded. If there is no obvious swelling and the structural seams remain intact, the drywall may be dried in place.
Flood-Line Removal Cutoffs
Ventilation Mandate: Subrecipients must properly ventilate the interior wall cavity. This process may include the mandatory physical removal of wallboard up to 12–16 inches above the documented waterline to ensure the cavity dries completely. Wet wood paneling must be completely discarded to ventilate the underlying wall cavity.
- FEDERAL REGULATIONS & LAWS CITED
