Shortcuts lead to flood damage

Although the first round of heavy rains have more-or-less subsided for the start of the spring semester, some buildings on campus are feeling the effects of damage caused by previous flooding. Thanks to unfinished construction and repairs done on-the-cheap, even a day of minor rain exacerbates some of their ongoing problems.

It is a common sight on a rainy day to walk into the Arts and Communication Building and see carpets drying in the lobby or hear fans blowing in the computer labs. Home to art and communications students, the ACB is the most prone to major leaks from the rain.

“It’s been the bane of our existence lately,” said Robert Beebe, assistant director of facilities management. We’d have to agree.

Last semester, graphic production students were displaced several times because the outer east wall of the ACB cannot withstand the rain, and moisture continues to seep into the walls. When students must meet deadlines on important projects requiring certain technology, the last thing they need is to be relocated to another classroom without computers.

Although it is not the oldest building on campus, the ACB, a converted lemon packing plant, has been around since the early 1900s, Beebe said, and with 100 years alongside a railroad track, seismic activity has made cracks in the wall.

These cracks have proved quite expensive to the University costing what Beebe calls an exorbitant amount of money, about $20,000. The amount wouldn’t seem so bad if the repairs actually worked.

An interior wall was constructed to help drain the water. Epoxy and bentonite were injected into the wall to absorb the water. Neither worked. During the process, more serious problems were found – such as mold.

Worse than the cost and potential health risks, is the fact that having to waterproof the ACB keeps facilities management away from their other jobs. The office of information technology also must be called in to protect the new G5s from water damage. Again, this is more time away from their other necessary jobs.

“Major work was done over the holidays,” said Andy Hakopian, assistant director of technology client services. He said OIT got the lab back in working condition days before classes started this semester and before that they didn’t know if the lab would be ready. The University should have a better plan than going on luck.

Since nothing else is working, Beebe said the University is seeking an expert consultant on subterranean leaks, but they have not found one yet. Maybe we should put out an ad.

Until recently, inhabitants of Miller Hall contended with flooding whenever rain water shot its way down the poorly leveled sidewalk near Davenport into the building. Beebe said since this problem has been rectified Miller has remained dry; however, regrading, which will change the level of the ground, will complete the job. This time, the work will take place over summer to prevent disrupting campus life. If only things looked this good for the ACB.

We hope that ULV’s attention continues to be directed at the costly recurring problem with the ACB. After all, we do have to save up for the new Campus Center.

Beebe is optimistic: “We are fortunate because we’re well equipped to handle it.”

If only we were as sure.

It is a common sight on a rainy day to walk into the Art and Communication Building and see carpets drying in the lobby or hear fans blowing in the computer labs. Home to art and communications students, the ACB is the most prone to major leaks from the rain.

“It’s been the bane of our existence lately,” said Robert Beebe, assistant director of facilities management. We’d have to agree.

Last semester, graphic production students were displaced several times because the outer east wall of the ACB cannot withstand the rain, and moisture continues to seep into the walls. When students must meet deadlines on important projects requiring certain technology, the last thing they need is to be relocated to another classroom without computers.

Although it is not the oldest building on campus, the ACB, a converted lemon packing plant, has been around since the early 1900s, Beebe said, and with 100 years alongside a railroad track, seismic activity has made cracks in the wall.

These cracks have proved quite expensive to the University costing what Beebe calls an exorbitant amount of money, about $20,000. The amount wouldn’t seem so bad if the repairs actually worked.

An interior wall was constructed to help drain the water. Epoxy and bentonite were injected into the wall to absorb the water. Neither worked. During the process, more serious problems were found – such as mold.

Worse than the cost and potential health risks, is the fact that having to waterproof the ACB keeps facilities management away from their other jobs. The office of information technology also must be called in to protect the new G5s from water damage. Again, this is more time away from their other necessary jobs.

“Major work was done over the holidays,” said Andy Hakopian, assistant director of technology client services. He said OIT got the lab back in working condition days before classes started this semester and before that they didn’t know if the lab would be ready. The University should have a better plan than going on luck.

Since nothing else is working, Beebe said the University is seeking an expert consultant on subterranean leaks, but they have not found one yet. Maybe we should put out an ad.

Until recently, inhabitants of Miller Hall contended with flooding whenever rain water shot its way down the poorly leveled sidewalk near Davenport into the building. Beebe said since this problem has been rectified Miller has remained dry; however, regrading, which will change the level of the ground, will complete the job. This time, the work will take place over summer to prevent disrupting campus life. If only things looked this good for the ACB.

We hope that ULV’s attention continues to be directed at the costly recurring problem with the ACB. After all, we do have to save up for the new Campus Center.

Beebe is optimistic: “We are fortunate because we’re well equipped to handle it.”

If only we were as sure.