Mold remediation in Luzerne Co. judicial chambers

Madonna Mantione
·1 min read
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WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Luzerne County will have to spend big bucks to remediate mold found in judicial chambers at the courthouse.

Luzerne County is conducting mold remediation in two judges’ chambers at the county courthouse in Wilkes-Barre.

Leaks, which were responsible for the mold growth, have been found and are being repaired to prevent any further water damage.

In a statement issued to 28/22 News, county manager Romilda Crocamo says,

“I want to reassure the public that the mold growth is localized to the affected judges’ chambers and does not pose a public safety hazard. The rest of the courthouse remains unaffected, and all necessary actions are being taken to prevent the situation from escalating into a larger problem.”

During a remodel, President Judge Michael Vough says the mold was found in county court of common pleas Judge Lesa Gelb’s chambers.

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“In the process of removing the bookshelves, we found a large amount of black mold and lead paint, flaking lead paint in her chambers, which is a safety concern for her and her staff.”

The administration also believes mold remediation will be needed in county Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr.’s Chambers.

Crocamo informed the county council it’s estimated to cost between one hundred and fifty and one hundred and sixty thousand dollars.

“Luckily we have space. We just did a new courtroom on the second floor, it’s a smaller courtroom so we could put her staff in there,” explained Judge Vough.

The mold remediation experts at Disaster Blaster encourage property owners to be vigilant.

“A lot of these issues can be going on in attics and in basements and behind appliances, behind bathroom vanities, and then can be addressed much cheaper if they just notice them early on,” stated Lyons.

Funding options and a more precise cost analysis are expected to be presented to the county council at its next meeting on April 22.

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