Radon Reporter Dec 2024

22 | December 2024 THE RADON REPORTER | 23 STANDARDS STANDARDS IEA is thrilled to announce plans for the forthcoming release of SG-OMM Long-Term Stewardship of Radon and Soil Gas Hazards, a comprehensive guide created by industry leaders to address critical aspects of radon and soil gas management. This document not only reflects years of expertise but also serves as a platform for advancing the industry through enhanced protocols and practices. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s important, what this document covers, and how it will shape the future of soil gas system management. Why This Document is Needed Radon and chemical soil gas pose long-term health risks if not managed effectively. The concept of Operation, Maintenance, and Monitoring (OM&M) emerged in the EPA’s 1994 Radon Mitigation Standards, which recommended biennial retesting post-mitigation. However, despite ongoing guidance, in practice OM&M has often lacked formal oversight, leading to inconsistencies in application that can reduce system sustainability and result in mitigation system failure. Long-Term Stewardship of Radon and Soil Gas Hazards has been conceptualized to formalize OM&M as a routine practice and vital public policy, ensuring safer, more consistent practices for property owners, managers, and mitigation professionals alike. Key Topics in the Document 1. Measurement and Mitigation Guidelines Detailed protocols for assessing radon and soil gas hazards, including when and how to conduct post-mitigation performance tests at minimally necessary intervals. 2. Building Characterization and Monitoring Processes for evaluating soil gas systems and monitoring ongoing risks, ensuring systems remain effective over time. 3. Decommissioning Guidelines Steps for safely deactivating systems once hazardous soil gas is mitigated or naturally attenuated. 4. Annexes with Actionable Steps Supplemental guides provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for practical implementation, ensuring users can adapt the normative annexes to their specific needs. Understanding Long-Term Stewardship Long-term stewardship is the active process of managing soil gas mitigation systems to ensure sustained performance. Key components include: • Ongoing Maintenance: Regular inspections and repairs to prevent system failure. • Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous data collection to identify performance gaps or improvement opportunities. • Compliance and Documentation: Adherence to industry standards and regulations, with thorough record-keeping of all activities. • Risk Management: Proactive identification of potential issues to prevent safety hazards. • Sustainability: Operating systems efficiently to minimize costs and environmental impact. Historical Context and Development The journey to formalize OM&M began in 2011, addressing gaps observed in HUD and radon mitigation projects. In 2013, the “Long-Term Risk Management Plan” appeared in standards for multifamily buildings, marking a pivotal step in recognizing stewardship needs. Over time, the term OM&M has become synonymous with systematic oversight, emphasizing its importance across property types. Despite these advancements, OM&M compliance remains scattershot and optional. By establishing a robust legal and professional framework, this document sets the stage for future regulations as well as continued voluntary adherence, ensuring consistent application across the industry. What’s New in the SG-OMM Document This document introduces detailed protocols and specific testing processes and schedules. For instance: • Performance/Differential Testing: Requirement of differential pressure measurement to verify maintained depressurization and adheres to specific conditions outlined in Normative Annex B. • Periodic Retesting: Required every five years, or sooner following building modifications or environmental changes. • Mitigation System Effectiveness: Ongoing performance checks are mandatory, using data- driven benchmarks to guide decisions. • Jobsite Logs: Required retention of records in OM&M Manual, documenting building characteristics, mechanicals, seasonal and environmental conditions across all events. • Written OM&M Manuals: Detailed instructions of essential content, system description and components, stewardship instructions, historical information and maintenance inspection checklists. Impact on the Industry • The new OM&M standards will serve as a key reference, benefiting: • Property Owners: Clearer guidance ensures safer indoor environments. • Professionals: Expanded opportunities as compliance increases demand for skilled testing and mitigation. • Public Policy: A framework for standardizing radon and soil gas management practices across various property types. Looking Ahead This document is not just about compliance; it’s about fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and accountability. By adopting these guidelines, we collectively raise the bar for radon and soil gas management, ensuring healthier living environments for all. Preview: SG-OMM Long-Term Stewardship of Radon and Soil Gas Hazards Standard Dawn Oggier, RadonAway