Ark Valley News - Quick fix for smell in high school gym

Quick fix for smell in high school gym
By The News staff
Last Updated: February 19, 2015

A foul smell forced the evacuation of Valley Center High School's main gymnasium Feb. 13 and officials discovered a problem with the school's sewer venting system.

Officials performed air-quality tests and determined there was no danger to students or staff, Principal Jamie Lewis said.

When administrators noticed the odor, classes going on inside the gym were moved to a different part of the building, and the district's maintenance director shut down the heating system and called for assistance.

In an email to parents, Lewis said the company determined that the school's venting pipe system had become "dry," which allowed sewer gases to vent through rooftop vents. Those vents, he said, are located close to the rooftop HVAC units.

When the HVAC turned on in the morning of Feb. 13, they drew in the vented air, which created the odor in the gym.

"The problem was quickly corrected by adding water to the venting/drain system," Lewis said. "We turned the units back on and allowed them to run for approximately one hour to ensure the situation was completely resolved."

Normal activities resumed at 11:30 a.m.

"We appreciate the quick, precautionary actions taken by all involved in maintaining the safety and well-being of our students and staff," Lewis said.