Requiring radon testing and mitigation in public schools, and including applicability provisions

Description

House File 2412 requires public school districts to establish a radon plan and complete at least one short-term radon test at each attendance center by July 1, 2027, and at least once every five years thereafter. Testing will be based on recognized national standards that outline school radon testing practices. If the results of the initial testing are above a specified level, additional testing and potential mitigation would be required within two years of the first test. Mitigation would not be required at an attendance center if the school district intends to abandon the building within five years or has a plan to renovate the attendance center within five years and the renovation will include radon mitigation. All new school construction will incorporate radon-resistant construction techniques. The Bill adds radon testing and mitigation to the list of permissible uses of revenues from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) Fund.

Background

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is produced by the natural breakdown or decay of uranium, which is found in soil and rock throughout the United States. Radon travels through soil and enters buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the natural outdoor level of radon gas at 0.4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends corrective action for indoor radon levels measured at or above 4 pCi/L. The EPA has designated all 99 Iowa counties as Zone 1 for the highest average indoor radon potential.

Assumptions

• The Department of Public Health (DPH) will work with the Department of Education to develop the standards, write rules, and handle the influx of additional applications from individuals requesting school testing designation. No additional full-time equivalent positions will be required.
• The EPA suggests initial short-term testing in all frequently occupied, ground contact rooms. Public school districts will test schoolrooms within each school building. There are 1,293 public school attendance centers in the State of Iowa, with an estimated average of 17 classrooms per attendance center.
• The current cost of a radon test is estimated to be $10 to $15 per test.
• Average mitigation costs per building are $3,300 but can vary greatly.
• New school construction is already incorporating radon-resistant construction techniques

Fiscal Impact

House File 2412 will have no fiscal impact to the State but will have a fiscal impact to local school districts.

The statewide cost estimate for initial radon testing for public schools is expected to be between $220,000 to $330,000. The cost estimate for required additional radon testing to public school districts is currently unknown and will depend on the number of radon tests that provide positive radon results. School districts may choose to use district employees trained in radon testing. Initial measurement specialist certification for radon testing is $275. Initial mitigation specialist certification for radon testing is $175. Training for an individual to receive both certifications is $400. It is unknown how many public school personnel already have certification or would pursue certification.

The estimated cost to public school districts for radon mitigation is currently unknown and would depend on the number of facilities that exceed radon limits.

House File 2412 may include a State mandate as defined in Iowa Code section 25B.3 and requires that any State mandate in the Bill be paid by a school district from the State Foundation School Aid appropriation.

Sources

• Department of Education
• Department of Public Health
• United States Environmental Protection Agency
• American Cancer Society