Temporary Closure of HERC Multipurpose Room

The City of Homer (City) has been working with the Alaska Department of Conservation (ADEC) on characterizing the potential hazardous materials within the Homer Education and Recreation Complex (HERC) in order to determine the potential environmental reclamation that may be required in advance of future demolition.

The ADEC’s contractor has recently notified the City that they found lead-based paint on all of the interior and exterior windows frames of HERC 1 (the large building).  Of particular concern was the finding of flaking lead-based paint and dust from the interior window frames in the Multipurpose room, which is used for Community Recreation programs including several youth programs.  Lead is of particular concern for children due to known developmental concerns, (though is less of a concern for adults.)

Lead-based paint and contamination is a common problem in Alaska, and the Department of Health confirmed that closing the Multipurpose room to all users is the appropriate action until remediation can occur. Notification was given to the Recreation Manager to find alternative areas to host recreational programs.  The Recreation Division has reached out to class instructors who utilize the Multipurpose Room notifying them of the closure. The Division is working to secure alternative locations to offer ongoing programs with some short-term, temporary solutions at Homer High School.  It is likely the Multipurpose room will not be usable for several months.

Public Works will be working to expedite remediation of this space.  There are two immediate options being considered to determine which is most cost-effective and timely.  These options include:

1. Removal of flaking lead-based paint, encapsulation of the remaining lead-based paint by painting over it, and decontamination of any lead dust from surfaces inside the room, or
2. Replacement of all windows within this room, and decontamination of any lead dust from surfaces inside the room.

The Public Works Department is working on a solution that will minimize the cost of remediation and allow for activities to resume in the Multipurpose room as soon as possible. Staff will bring remediation information to Council for action.

The HERC Multi-Purpose room will be closed until such time that the room is remediated, retested, and found to be free of lead contamination. The City recognizes the importance of this space to the community and is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.