C
"Generally, we prefer the EPA recommendations. It's a
hard thing, as far as what the schools are willing to do...
what ends up happening more often is that they don't see
the need for testing."
Marcia Wilkinson, spokeswoman for Birmingham Public Schools, said the
district had conducted radon testing in the past under the advisement of
the state and its environmental consultant. However, Wilkinson said in May
that the district stopped testing several years prior at the direction of its
environmental consultant.
"As you are aware (Birmingham Public Schools) is compliant in all areas of
environmental regulations – from asbestos and lead paint to required
health and safety programs," Arch Environmental CEO Scott Staber said in a
June 12 email to the district which Wilkinson shared with Downtown. "Arch
Environmental Group has conducted sampling for various Oakland County
schools and other schools throughout the state of Michigan only when
requested (as it is not required by law). With the numerous environmental
regulations mandated on school districts, it is difficult for most districts to
conduct recommended (not required) environmental guidelines such as
radon sampling. We have conducted sampling in nearby districts with
levels that have typically been below the EPA's recommendation action
level. The EPA and Michigan DEQ have further information available for
school districts on their websites. If you need additional information or
would like to pursue radon sampling, please do not hesitate to contact me."
Bloomfield Hills Schools have done various radon testing in recent years,
with the latest conducted in 2016. District spokesperson Shira Good said
additional testing is planned for this fall.
Brian Goby, who heads up maintenance for the district, said Arch
Environmental conducted testing for the district. Those tests included
radon testing at Bloomfield Hills High School (previously Andover High
School) and the now shuttered Lahser High School. Testing was done at
Eastover Elementary School in 2016, with all tests coming back below 1.4
pCi/L. Goby said all schools in the district will be tested this fall.
Lori Grein, director of community relations for Rochester Community
Schools, said the district uses a five-year rotational schedule between
buildings to test for radon.
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