BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — Mold in their current location is forcing the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office to move.
Morgan County Sheriff Johnnie Walter told the Panhandle News Network Tuesday their current building was remediated for mold before they moved into the facility in December 2019 but the ceiling back where the deputies sit recently started turning black.
He said no one is sick or showing any symptoms from mold exposure at this time.
Tuesday and Wednesday are moving days for the department, Walter said. The offices are closed as they move to their new temporary offices off War Memorial Drive.
Walter said a big concern is making sure they remember to bring everything they need because as the mold abatement is underway, they won’t have access to their old offices off Gayle Drive.
He said cleaning will involve adding air purifiers, tearing ceiling tiles out in affected areas, and cleaning surfaces.
The evidence room was impacted as well, where crews will also have to do drywall removal. Walter said that area is complicated because anyone who goes in to clean has to have an escort.
Walter said condensation seems to be a factor in the ceiling mold, but the building did experience some minor flooding recently.
Their new offices will be at 81 War Memorial Drive next to the old hospital In the offices most recently occupied by the Economic Development Authority.
Sheriff Walter says the new temporary offices have three steps to get in. Anyone visiting the sheriff’s office who is mobility impaired is asked to call ahead so representatives from the sheriff’s office can unlock a door on the side of the building.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office will reopen Thursday at 81 War Memorial Drive in Berkeley Springs.
Remediation could last two months, according to Sheriff Walter.
The sheriff’s office can be contacted for emergencies by dialing 911 or (304) 258-0305 for non-emergencies.