Union Parish Courthouse Environmental Inspection Update
During the initial HVAC inspection at the Union Parish Courthouse—conducted prior to the start of the replacement project—inspectors identified small amounts of asbestos in a few areas of the building. Before construction on the new HVAC system can begin, these areas must be fully remediated.
During the asbestos abatement process, crews have worked diligently under strict safety protocols. Continuous air monitoring systems have been in place throughout the project to ensure no asbestos fibers escape into the air. Chris Castleman with Abatement Services, Inc. notified Mrs. Strickland on October 16th that the abatement process has been completed. The basement, 1st floor and 2nd floor were deemed safe to re-enter by the air monitoring results.
Recently, reports surfaced alleging that Stachybotrys (commonly known as black mold) had been found in the courthouse. Stachybotrys is known to be a toxic mold species and can pose serious health risks. These claims caused concern, as no mold had been reported in previous inspections.
However, on Wednesday, October 22, an official report confirmed that no Stachybotrys mold was found in the Union Parish Courthouse, and the earlier article making that claim was inaccurate.
Environmental specialist Doug Crawford of Crawford Environmental Services (CES), who led the inspection, has nearly 40 years of experience conducting similar environmental assessments across Louisiana, including post-Hurricane Katrina recovery work. According to Mr. Crawford, the small microbial spots observed on a concrete block wall were identified as common, non-toxic household mold that developed over dust accumulation in humid conditions.
“Stachybotrys requires a constant water source and typically takes a week or more to develop,” Crawford explained. “The block wall where the spots appeared does not retain moisture, so there was no environment conducive to toxic mold growth.”
The comprehensive inspection revealed only one other minor instance of non-toxic mold beneath a desk, also attributed to light humidity.
To ensure thorough remediation, the Union Parish Police Jury has approved the application of two coats of biocide mold treatment to the affected areas. All courthouse walls will be cleaned and wiped down, and CES will also treat operational air conditioning units and ductwork. The inspection and treatment will cost the police jury close to $2000.00.
Crawford further noted, “I have worked 38 years in environmental inspection and abatement. There are approximately 25 non-toxic types of mold found in Louisiana and only two that are considered toxic—one being Stachybotrys. Mold cannot be definitively identified without proper testing, and in this case, no toxic mold was present. CES recommends treating and cleaning the affected walls, wiping down furniture, and fogging the active HVAC units to eliminate any residual spores.”
He also recommended that the HVAC duct system be professionally cleaned and sanitized in the spring of 2026 to maintain air quality and prevent future growth.
Danielle Harkins, Owner
The Banner News
318-285-7424