Post-Remediation Clearance Testing in Camano Island, WA

We had water come in during a winter storm. How long before clearance makes sense?

Longer than most people expect. Island County says that although it has no major rivers, flooding generally comes in winter when intense storms line up with high tides, and wind-driven waves frequently overtop shore protection. In late December 2022, a king tide combined with low pressure and heavy rain flooded Camano Island State Park, closing the boat launch for several days, and Cama Beach State Park closed its cabins when water came within an inch of some front doors. If water reached your house in an event like that, EPA says to assume mold is growing where things could not be dried within 24 to 48 hours. Drying and cleanup come first, and clearance waits until framing and subfloor read dry, which can take a while in cold, damp weather.

What does the assessor actually look at?

Inside the containment, the assessor checks for remaining growth or stains on wood, dust on plastic and framing, and debris in corners. A moisture meter goes on studs, joists and sheathing. When the job involved wall or floor cavities, or you want documentation, surface samples can help show whether the area was adequately cleaned, as EPA notes, and air samples from inside are compared with outdoor air the same day. There is no federal pass number, so the report should explain how results were compared.

Should the company that removed the mold do the test?

Washington does not forbid it, but Angi recommends separate companies for testing and remediation, which keeps the pass-or-fail call neutral. Washington also has no state mold license or certification, according to the Department of Health, so ask about training, voluntary credentials and the lab used.

After the pass on Camano

The Island County Building Department has an office at the Camano Annex on North East Camano Drive, so Camano residents can handle repair permits on-island. Island County's flood damage prevention rules set construction standards for frequently flooded areas, which can matter for rebuilds near the shoreline on Saratoga Passage, Port Susan or Skagit Bay.