When the school was tested about 10 years ago, high levels of radon were found, Kern said. Follow-up tests were done last year by the Ouray County Health Department with small home-use units, which also indicated high levels of radon, she said. More sophisticated testing equipment was installed over the winter with help from the Montrose County Health Department.
“We had six full-sized units for six weeks during the winter; they said it was the best time to do it,” she said. “We have not received a written report.”
However, a verbal report from the Montrose County Health Department indicated that earlier mitigation efforts might be failing. Kern said she didn’t know yet which rooms were affected.
To further complicate the matter, the Environmental Protection Agency has lowered its numbers for harmful levels of radon by about half, Kern said.
“The rooms that might not have qualified last go-round may qualify for mitigation now,” she said. “We’re still waiting for a written report before we do anything else.”
With only six weeks left in the school year, work to lower the radon rating will probably be done this summer so as not to disrupt classes, she said.
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