Safety agency cites women's prison again for mold in building

East Lyme — For the third time in six years, the state Department of Correction has been cited by the state Department of Labor, Division of Occupational Safety and Health for the discovery of mold at a women's correctional facility in Niantic.

During an unannounced inspection last August, OSHA reported seeing mold on ceiling tiles in the front entrance/lobby and west wing hallway, as well as ceilings and walls in the bathrooms on the first and second floors in the Davis Building at the Janet S. York Correctional Institution. In 2007 and 2003 the DOC was cited for having mold problems in other areas inside the Davis Building. In all cases, the department was never fined.

The Marilyn Baker House, a six-month inpatient program for inmates with alcohol and substance abuse issues, is in the Davis Building. About 78 inmates and a dozen staff members spend time in the 70-year-old building.

OSHA reported finding common types of mold that aren't toxic, but are known allergens associated with eye, nose and throat irritation. In its report, OSHA strongly recommended that the DOC investigate the potential source of moisture and remediate the areas where mold exists.

After the inspection in August, York's Warden Kevin Gause, Plant Facilities Engineer Kenneth White and Correctional Maintenance Supervisor Mark Sullivan discussed the violations. The DOC was given a deadline of Dec. 7 to clean up the mold, but reported to OSHA that the issues were resolved in October. OSHA said its investigation is closed.

"We've taken immediate action to correct the problem and will continue to do so," Brian Garnett, DOC spokesman said. "We will do whatever it takes to ensure that the health of our staff and inmate population is protected."

Garnett was not specific on the long-term plan to remediate the mold, but said the department will try to maintain upkeep on the aging building.

Walter L. Edwards II, a 19-year veteran of the DOC and correctional treatment officer at York, filed a grievance this fall with the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Local 1565, which represents 2,500 correction officers. Edwards said his supervisors attempted to transfer him to the Davis Building, where he started having allergic reactions to the mold. Edwards said he believes he was treated unfairly compared to other staff members who experienced similar reactions to the mold.

Edwards also filed an appeal in November to the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities because he said he feels he's being discriminated against because of his race, color and sex.

"A lot of people at work are afraid to bring this up. I am not afraid. Some people have come forward while some have been silent while we sit there congested and we all have identical rashes," Edwards said. "And they still say nothing is wrong."

Union President Luke Leone said it's too early in the grievance process for the union to be notified of any complaints regarding the mold, so he is unsure if any other correction officers filed complaints.