Cardinal News reports that a historic courthouse in Abingdon, in southwest Virginia, has temporarily closed after an air quality study raised concerns about possible contamination inside the building.
Test results showing "microbial growth" led Washington County to close the Abingdon courthouse, the county said in a release cited by Cardinal News. Further testing was conducted Aug. 25, and officials planned to reopen the site the morning of Aug. 28, but the latest test results prompted them to keep it closed for a few more weeks, according to an updated report from Cardinal News. The courthouse is now planned to reopen on Sept. 14.
Here's what to know
After receiving the air study findings, county officials said they shut the Washington County Courthouse, located on Main Street in downtown Abingdon.
The courthouse houses Virginia's 28th Judicial Circuit courts. A temporary shutdown could disrupt hearings, filings, and other public business.
Indoor air quality issues can become serious in public buildings, particularly when "microbial growth" points to the possibility of mold or other moisture-related contamination that may worsen allergies, asthma, or respiratory irritation for some people.
More background
The courthouse is also a major local landmark. Cardinal News reported that the historic structure overlooks Courthouse Hill and dates to 1867 and 1868.
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The closure comes after the building was renovated. Officials have not publicly described the exact source or extent of the issue.
What's being done?
The county has said it does not want to reopen the courthouse until it is confident the building is safe. A press release stated that the county hired BELFOR Property Restoration to conduct "mitigation and remediation of the microbial growth within the courthouse."
As quoted by Cardinal News, county officials said safety will guide the reopening decision and thanked the public for its patience and cooperation.
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