School officials shall:

(1) Visually monitor the school facility for water intrusion and moisture accumulation that may lead to mold growth, especially after severe weather events.

(2) Begin corrective action within twenty-four hours of discovering water intrusion or moisture accumulation to inhibit and limit mold growth by:

(a) Identifying and eliminating the cause of the water intrusion or moisture accumulation; and

(b) Drying the affected portions of the school facility.

(3) When mold growth is observed or suspected, use recognized remediation procedures such as those provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001). Begin recognized procedures within twenty-four hours to:

(a) Identify and eliminate the cause of the moisture or water contributing to the mold growth;

(b) Dry the affected portions of the school facility;

(c) Investigate the extent of the mold growth, including evaluation of potentially affected materials and surfaces inside walls and under floor coverings, when moisture or water has entered those spaces;

(d) Minimize exposure to indoor mold spores and fragments until mold remediation is complete using methods including, but not limited to, containment and negative air pressure; and

(e) Remediate surfaces and materials contaminated with mold.

(4) When remediation is required under subsection (3) of this section and there is significant risk of exposure, including when the total area affected is greater than ten square feet, promptly inform school facility staff, students, and parents of the conditions and the plans and time frame for the remediation. The extent of this communication will depend on the likelihood of individual exposure, the scope of the remediation project, and the time required to complete it.