According to an Oct. 2 Clark-Nexsen assessment and repair report, N.C Central University may be facing a whopping $58 million repair bill to remove asbestos and mold from 11 campus buildings.

Last Thursday, the Charlotte-based architecture and engineering firm released a “Final Emergency Repair and Mitigation Assessment” regarding affected buildings across campus to officials.

Along with the report, the Campus Echo has also received a CD-Rom volume that details problems with each building.

This includes major proposed renovations to all buildings to bring them up to modern code, since the majority of the buildings were built during the 1950s.

Inspectors noted “a complete evaluation and assessment of each building for the presence, extent and condition of asbestos containing materials, lead-based paint and microbial contamination.”

These hazards were found in buildings constructed prior to 1970.

The buildings were separated into three categories:

• immediate emergency repairs
• repairs needed within a 1-year to 2-year period, and
• repairs needed within 3-5 year period.

Common problems that all the facilities shared are leaks in the plumbing and fixtures, such as ceilings and wall panels.

According to Clark-Nexsen, many of the buildings “lack adequate ventilation system to deliver outside fresh air into buildings and exhaust indoor air,” and lack of accessibility for the disabled. Additionally, asbestos has been found in floor tiles, pipe insulation.

Crews are working to remove asbestos in the steam lines near the Willis Commerce building next to Baynes Dormitory.

“The insulation covering the steam lines have been underground for over 30 years,” said Arthur Smart, capital project manager for the steam line repair and replacement project.

“The material contains asbestos. We have to make sure that they are brought up to code.”

“Asbestos is being removed by following Federal codes,” Smart Said.

Since the removal process is done using the safest methods residents near Baynes and pedestrians walking by should not worry too much.

Sharon Saunders, special assistant to the Chancellor for public relations said that schools officials are “still working on finding the funding source.”

According to Saunders Chancellor Ammons will provide a report on NCCU facilities at the Oct. 10 UNC Board of Governors meeting. “UNC President Molly Broad understands what we are going through and is supporting the administration,” said Saunders.

NCCU's $58 Million Repair Bill

Buildings itemized in Clark-Nexsen report