103 Deceased Individual in Unit 2011 ARD OF HEALTH
MEMBERS
JA C.SALLOOM,CHAIR
IZANNE SMITH,M.D.
DANNE LEVIN,M.D.
min Wood,MPH,Director
rbott,RN,Public Health Nurse
Wasiuk,Health Inspector
mund Smith,Inspector
Bather McBride,Clerk
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS 01060
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH
(413)587-1214
FAX(413)587-1221
212 MAIN STREET
NORTHAMPTON,MA 01060
File Copy
On 8/21/11 a call was made to Daniel Wasiuk from the Northampton Police Department
regarding a deceased individual at 103 New South Street. The deceased individual was
found severely decomposed in his dwelling unit.
Following the call, an inspection was conducted with the assistance of the Police
Department. Findings entailed; a large amount of bodily fluids which had a high level of
decomposition coupled with the presence of insect activity(fly maggots and adult flies) in
the bedroom, a dwelling unit which was kept unsanitary by the tenant, and
leakage/infiltration of bodily fluids into the wood floor and through the downstairs tenant's
ceiling. A rancid odor was observed within the dwelling unit and adjacent common areas.
Subsequent to the inspection, a call was placed to the property management/owner. Maple
Heights Investments was notified of the situation and immediately decided to take corrective
action. Maple Heights Investments called Aftermath, a company that deals with bio-
remediation/hazardous materials/biohazard management. The company promptly arrived
at 103 New South Street and began the remedial process.
A reinspection of the property was done on 8/22/11 to ascertain corrective actions were
taken. Continual corrective actions were underway and Aftermath team members indicated
that a few additional days would be needed for cleaning/removal/disinfection. Aftermath
also clarified the need to remove the wood floor. This was due the inability to properly
clean/sanitize a porous material—the wood floor was saturated with fluids and unable to be
salvaged. In addition, the downstairs ceiling area (downstairs tenant, Douglas Stewart)was
repaired because of bodily fluid contamination —fluid seeped through the wood floor into the
cavity floor/ceiling cavity.
Another reinspection was made on 8/29/11 to determine final compliance with corrections.
The dwelling unit was cleaned and floor repaired. Maple Heights Investments was waiting
for the deceased individual's family members to remove his personal belongings and would
then continue with final cleaning practices. Odor was still present.
Evidence of high level fly activity was observed during the 8/29 visit. Management team
members were aware of the presence of flies and would take steps to eliminate/exterminate
the flies. In addition, continued efforts with odor elimination will be made by the
management team.
Maple Heights Investments LLC contacts: Dianne 413-221-0299, Management 732-1343,
Shawn Oski 328-8985
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