HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESPONSE - RFP - P1005 RADON REDUCTION EFFECTIVENESSi
RADIAi BOGIES
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Home Radon Testing
& Radiation Services
4226 Westbrooke Dr.
Ft. Collins, CO. 80526
Phone: (970)491-3736
Fax: (970)491-4804
Email: jimabe@lamar.colostate.edu
Email: tessari@lamaccolostate.edu
Bid Proposal for the City of Fort Collins
Study of the Effectiveness of Passive
Radon -Reduction Systems
in 100 Fort Collins Homes
Proposal No. P1005
Date: 13 December 2005
10
The three error components and total error (ER) for this measurement are
determined as follows:
E1 = 5%; E2 = 100 x 1.4 = 2.1%; E3 = 0.02 x 10.0 = 2.0% (700 - 632)
10.0
ER = 452+2. j2+2. pz = 5.8%
Thus the scientifically correct result for the example above is 10.0 ± 0.58 pCi/L.
Duplicates
0 10% of locations measured will be tested by placing a duplicate EPERM
in the same location.
o Duplicates placed for real estate transactions do not count as field
duplicates.
o Take the average of both readings (pCi/L)
o Take the difference between both readings (pCi/L)
o The RPD = Difference/Average * 100%
o Duplicates greater than or equal to 4 pCi/L are expected to be within
14% of one another; a technician should consider the result questionable
if the RPD >25%; a technician should consider the result unacceptable if
the RPD > 36%
o Duplicates less than or equal to 4 pCi/L are expected to be within 25%
of one another; a technician should consider the result questionable if
the RPD >50%; a technician should consider the result unacceptable if
the RPD > 67%
Field Blanks
o Field blanks measure Bias.
0 5% of locations measured will be tested by placing a field blank next to
active EPERMS. (The maximum number to be placed should not
exceed 25/month)
o Take an initial reading on the field blank electret prior to deployment.
Place immediately in EPERM holder. Keep EPERM Cap closed for
duration of the Radon Test. Do not open the chamber.
o Take a final reading on the field blank electret and record the difference
in pCi/L.
o Enter the difference in the 'Field Blank' Spread sheet and compare
results to an average. 20 separate readings should be established to
determine a mean and standard deviation of background readings.
Results should be within 1 Standard deviation of readings; marginally
acceptable above 2 Standard deviations; and unacceptable above 3
Standard deviations.
o Blank results should be close to 0.0 pCi/L for electret EPERMs
Spiked SamDles
o Spiked samples measure Accuracy.
11
0 3% of readings (minimum of 3 readings per year) measured will be
tested by sending 2 EPERMs with electrets intact via mail to a NEHA
certified Radon Chamber.
o Take an initial reading on the electrets prior to mailing.
o Take a final reading on the electrets and compare the difference
between the calibrated report of the spike vs. your lab reading.
o The reading must be within 25% of the chamber value.
Performance Test
0 2 EPERMs canisters will be sent once every 2 years for a performance
test to a NEHA Certified Radon Chamber.
o The Test is a blind Test for the University Laboratory to determine the
spiked radon level and identify the chamber concentration.
o Results must be within 25% of the Chamber value.
12
8.3 Example of Residential Radon Measurements Report
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RADIAk� BOGIES
f t3 fy5µh;kk
Home Radon Testing
& Radiation Services
4 May 2005
Customer:
Name
Address
Dear `Customer:
3025 Stanford Road
Ft. Collins, CO. 80525
Phone: (970)491-3736
Fax: (970)491-4804
Email: jimabe@lamar.colostate.edu
Email: tessari@lamar.colostate.edu
At your request, the following property was tested for Radon Gas. Short-term radon tests are
intended to give you an indication of the radon levels during the measurement period in the
areas tested.
Short Term Radon Test conducted at:
`Address'
The results of the radon measurements that were conducted at are as follows:
E-Perm SST Radon Devices were used for this test.
The Test was started on: April 27, 2005 at
9:45 AM
The Test was completed on: May 2, 2005 at
9:45 AM
Electret No.
Location
Results (pCi/L)
SY6845
Walk -out Basement office, 6ft elevation
7.2 t 0.4
SY6735
Walk -out Basement office, 6ft elevation
6.9 f 0.4
SY7289
Pantry in Basement, 6ft elevation
28.9 f 1.4
SY6852
Pantry in Basement, 6ft elevation
27.9 f 1.4
Average Radon Concentration in Walk -out basement office: 7.1 pCi/L
Average Radon Concentration in Basement Pantry: 28.4 pCi/L
The owner of the residence conducted this test. Said owner was instructed to ensure `closed -
house conditions through the duration of the test. This was indicated on paperwork received
by Radiation Technologies that the residence was closed for 12 hours prior to testing and
remained closed, representing a worse case scenario and simulating winter conditions for radon
readings. Results of this test could be skewed if the occupant chose to open doors and/or
windows during the test. Results of the pantry test are not valid with regard to `Real Estate'
testing protocols. A pantry that is not regularly occupied would provide for a much less
effective risk to persons in the area of the pantry when it is closed. It is possible that the sump -
pit located in the pantry is allowing for greater concentrations of radon to enter this space.
13
Short-term radon tests are intended to give you an indication of the radon levels during the
measurement period in the area where the test was conducted. The EPA publication "A
Citizen's Guide to Radon" should be used to assist you in evaluating your test results, and to
assist you in a course of action should additional testing or mitigation be recommended.
Testing Protocols
This test has been done by the home owner who was instructed by a radiation safety specialist
in accordance with protocols recommended by the National Environmental Health Association
(NEHA) through the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP).
What Do My Test Results Mean?
The concentration of radon in the building is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). If
your average radon level is less than 4.0 pCi/L, no action is necessary. However, radon levels
less than 4.0 pCi/L can still pose some health risk, and in many cases can be reduced. The
national average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L while the average outdoor radon
concentration is about 0.4 pCi/L. The higher a building's radon concentration, the greater the
health risks to people.
What Do I Do If My Test Results Are Greater than 4.0 pCi/L?
If the test results are 4.0 pCi/L or greater, the EPA recommends that you mitigate your home.
There are simple ways to fix a radon problem that aren't too costly, and even very high
concentrations can be reduced to acceptable levels. I would first recommend that you consider
testing the home 4 times during the seasons to get a more accurate average concentration. The
4.0 pCi/L level is meant to be compared to a yearlong average. The Radon test that you
performed was in accordance with a `Real -Estate' transaction and is only meant to provide a
`snap -shot' of potential problems. A year -long test or 4 short term tests would be more
accurate. Again, "A citizen's guide to Radon" would greatly assist you in making the decision
to possibly retest the home. It is important to note that testing protocols will be different for an
owner of a home as compared to a real-estate transaction.
What Is the Health Risk Associated with Radon Gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil.
Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year from lung cancer, and in fact,
it is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Where Can I Get Additional Information on Radon?
For more information, please contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment Laboratory and Radiation Services Division at 1-800-846-3986.
If you should have any questions concerning your radon measurements, please contact me at
the telephone number listed above.
Sincerely,
James P. Abraham,
Certified Residential Measurement Provider
NEHA/NRPP ID No. 103128 RT
la
8.4 Example of Residential Radon Data QA/QC
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Name
Joe Smith
Address 1
Somewhere
Address 2
Fort Collins CO
Telephone
\
Price
Terms
Service
Radon Screening Test
Contact
Home Owner
DEPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Start -rest
11/6/200518:30
Finish Test
11/8/2005 18:30
Days/Hrs.
2.00
Gamma
13.05
DEPLOYMENT SITE INFORMATION
Name
Address 1
RPD Control Chart
80%
60%
50% a r:u
40% C::oritrol Lirnit - f%elsrnnts =-41J iiL -,_1i I ht
rri.ci L111' -Arflt -.. 30% ..-'
20%
10%
0%
1
Measurements
Address 2
TEST ANALYSIS
Electret #. Location Configuration Initial Volts Final Volts CIF PCi/L (+/-) pCi/L Analyst
SY7344 Basement SSTB 234 212 1.825807 5.3 0.4 JJT
SY6845 Basement SSTB 312 290 1.870594 5.2 0.4 JJT
REPORTED TEST RESULTS QUALITY CONTROL DATA
Average Radon Concentration - Basement 5.3 Ist QC
Relative % Difference (RPD) 2.99% Date
- Report ave concentration Reader s/n
regardless of RPD Temperature
15
8.5 References —Clients Served
Mike Birchette
1004 Ackerman Way
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Phone: 970.221.4218
Barbara Beach
2642 Wapiti Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: 970.297.4432
Troy Vandeventer
4502 Hibiscus Dr.
Fort Collins CO 80525
Phone: 970.219.0267
2
Table of Contents
1.0 Company History and Background.............................................................................3
2.0 Scope of Proposal.........................................................................................................3
3.0 Assigned Personnel......................................................................................................4
4.0 Availability.......................................................................................................................4
5.0 Motivation........................................................................................................................4
6.0 Cost and Work Hours....................................................................................................5
7.0 Firm Capability ...............................................................................................................5
8.0 Appendix.........................................................................................................................6
8.1 Equipment to be Utilized...........................................................................................6
8.2 Quality Assurance/ Quality Control.........................................................................6
8.3 Example of Residential Radon Measurements Report.....................................12
8.4 Example of Residential Radon Data QA/QC.......................................................14
8.5 References — Clients Served.................................................................................15
3
1.0 Company History and Background
Radiation Technologies L.L.C. was founded in 2002 by James Abraham and Joe
Tessari, Radiation Safety Officer and Safety Technician for Colorado State University.
Members of the company have over 15 years combined experience in Radon and
radiation safety. As members of the Fort Collins Community, Radiation Technologies
provides an unparalleled level of service and expertise. As safety professionals for
Colorado State University, we supervise the testing of all major campus buildings and
resident halls. Radiation Technologies has also tested multiple residences in North
America. We also have the ability to test for Radon in drinking water and have
performed those services for recent clients.
Our company members maintain Colorado State University's Certified Radon
Measurements Laboratory. Dual certification in measurements procedures and
laboratory quality assurance provides you with the extra confidence to trust your
results from Radiation Technologies.
National Environmental Health Association
\aadon ProficiencyP
Residential Measurement Provider
ID Number: 103128 RT
Analytical Laboratory - Colorado State University ��JL
ID Number: 103129 AL Fn'ironmental Heatlh P55%
2.0 Scope of Proposal
Radiation Technologies can easily meet the duties specified in the City's request for
proposal. We will follow the Environmental Protection Agency's protocol for "cap-
on/cap-off "radon studies. ["Design for a program to measure the effectiveness of
passive radon -resistant new construction USEPA" 7/22/1999.] Specifically the
sequence of radon measurements will follow section 3.2 of the aforementioned EPA
protocol. Commercial liability insurance of $500,000 will be obtained if RT is awarded
this contract.
Radiation Technologies will:
• Arrange with volunteers for access to interiors and roofs of homes
• Inspect and document passive radon systems
• Test each home using the cap-on/cap-off methodology
• Complete a field log data sheet for each home tested
• Provide test results in a data table
• Report results monthly as required
• Provide written report to the home owner
The work sequence will be as follows:
• Visit 1 — document radon reduction system, place test devices for two day
cap -off test
• Visit 2. — retrieve test devices, place cap on vent pipe
• Visit 3 — Return after one week ; place test devices for cap -on test
• Visit 4 — retrieve test devices after two day test, remove cap from vent pipe
4
Radiation Technologies has the option to use continuous air monitors. The use of
continuous monitors would better allow determination of inadvertent tampering with
tests. It would also allow a different set of data to be used in the analysis. Radon
concentrations rather than radon decay product concentrations should be measured
during the testing.
In addition, Radiation Technologies would like to randomly sample homes with a
continuous monitor that uses electret ion -chamber technology. The continuous
monitor allows for a determination of Working Levels (WL) — another means of radon
measurement. This technology uses radon gas concentrations as a one facet to
determine working levels. Thus, the information gathered can be used to meet the
City's requirement of radon gas measurements as well as allow for the determination
of working levels. Working Level measurements look at the daughter products that
are in the breathable fraction for persons in the home and are a more accurate means
to determine radon risk than the measurement of radon gas. Since a significant
fraction of radon gas plates out onto the interior surfaces of a home never to be
breathed again, Working level measurements provide a better estimate of radon risk.
The information generated can be used as a cross-check of other passive devices
used (E Perms) as well as provide an extra service to home -owners by providing the
standard means of measurement (pico curies per liter [pCi/1]) and a Working Level
measurement that examines the breathable fraction in a home.
3.0 Assigned Personnel
Radiation Technologies has the option to use subcontractors from Colorado State
University Radiation Control Office. All of the subcontractors are qualified radiation
safety professionals. Since Radon is a radioactive gas, Radiation Technologies
possess individuals that are in a unique position to fully understand the testing and
theory behind the testing protocols. Radiation and Radon Safety is our full-time job.
This will provide the City of Fort Collins a top -line analysis of the effectiveness of
passive radon systems in Fort Collins homes. The office is responsible for testing
Radon in University buildings and evaluating the risk to University workers. Mr.
Abraham is the current Radiation Safety Officer for the University. He has been
directly involved with any radon testing that has occurred at the University for the past
8 years. Part of the duties of this office is to maintain the University's records for
radon testing. These records comprise approximately 100 University buildings and
housing condominiums, apartments, and dormitories.
4.0 Availability
To complete the project in the time frame specified, Radiation Technologies proposes
to test 5-10 homes per week until the project meets the number of volunteers specified
by the City of Fort Collins. Radiation Technologies will also work around the
schedules of volunteers to provide the best service possible. Our company is very
willing to adjust work schedules and increase the number of homes tested per week if
so deemed necessary by the City of Fort Collins. Radiation Technologies would be
available to attend meetings as required by the scope of work.
5.0 Motivation
E
This proposal represents a tremendous opportunity for Radiation Technologies, LLC.
We are very capable and eager company and look to provide the City of Fort Collins a
superior service with strong data that provides confidence for City decisions and
policy.
6.0 Cost and Work Hours
Radiation Technologies currently charges $75 for a 2 day E-PERM Residential Radon
Test. This constitutes 2 visits to a home, one to place the test and another to pick-up
and read the test. With the proposed study requiring 4 visits, Radiation Technologies
would propose $150 per home for the complete test. This would include inspecting
the installation of the passive system, all data work -up, a written report to the
homeowner, QA/QC necessary for the study and all requirements requested by the
City of Fort Collins for the completion of the study.
Laboratory maintenance, instrument calibration, replacement of electrets, supplies and
overhead will require additional cost consideration. Radiation Technologies would
propose and additional flat cost of $5500 for materials and operational costs.
Total estimated cost for 100 homes:
100 homes at $150/home = $15,000
Laboratory Overhead = $ 5,500
Total Cost $20,500
7.0 Firm Capability
Members of Radiation Technologies currently manage the entire radiation safety
program at Colorado State University. The University has one of the largest programs
in the State of Colorado that utilizes more than 1000 personnel who work directly with
hazardous materials. Radiation Technologies possess the organizational skill and
technical background to provide the best service available to the City of Fort Collins.
Radon Testing is one prong to a multifaceted program that maintains regulations for a
major University. Our members are now currently managing the records of over 100
buildings that have been tested for radon. Testing one -hundred homes in Fort Collins
would be within the scope of projects managed by Radiation Technologies.
In closing, we look forward to discussing our proposal with you in person. We would
like to thank the City of Fort Collins for the opportunity to submit our proposal, and as
well your time in evaluating our bid.
Sincerely,
a res Abr am
Prent
R A D I A T 1 0 N
lo4etdt
Joseph Tessari
Vice President
T E C H N O L O G I E S, L. L. C
M
8.0 Appendix
8.1 Equipment to be Utilized
Radiation Technologies utilizes electret ion chambers (E-PERMs) from Rad Elec, Inc.
E-PERMs are widely accepted as the U.S. EPPA used E-PERMs for measurement of
the U/S/ ambient radon levels for its Citizens Guide to Radon. A comparison study of
Radon technologies found that electret ion chambers were one of the most accurate
devices available for testing. In addition, a prototype continuous monitor using E-
PERMS is available for cross checking data generated from passive tests. In addition,
Radiation Technologies may choose to utilize Continuous air monitors.
7
8.2 Quality Assurance/ Quality Control
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Program
For Radon Measurements using
EPERM Electret Monitors
Introduction:
Colorado State University is submitting it's Quality Assurance/Quality Control plan for
Radon Measurements using E-Perm Electret systems. The University desires to
become a certified analytical laboratory for radon measurements. The University
wishes to certify it's laboratory for radon measurements to be taken on University
property as well as for real estate transactions in the surrounding communities.
Location and Equipment:
VA
Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The laboratory will be
located in the Radiation Control Office, General Services Building, Room 133H; Dept.
of Environmental Health Services. The University employs the use of E-Perm Electret
Radon Monitors and currently possesses short-term electrets (2-7 day deployment.
Measurement Protocols
Radon Testing and deployment of devices will follow U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency Protocols for a Citizen's Guide to Radon (1992) as well as the Home Buyer's
and Seller's Guide to Radon (1993). Latest revisions of these guides are on hand in
the Radiation Control Office.
Results obtained will be verified and checked by a NEHA certified Radon
Measurements Provider. A certified Measurements provider is required to pass the
NEHA National Radon Proficiency Program Exam.
Description of Measurements:
The difference between initial and final voltages will be obtained from an Electret
reader purchased from Rad Elec., Inc. The average background gamma radiation
must be corrected for Electret readings and thus, a value of 13.05 uR/h will be used
for readings taken in Colorado. Electret readings must also be corrected for elevation
whereby an altitude of 5000 ft will be used as the elevation of Fort Collins.
Measurements taken in the Rocky Mountains will require a background gamma
measurement at the location of the test as well as the determination of the elevation at
a given location. Radon gas concentration in any given location will be done by
calculating the following formulas:
First a Correction Factor is established with the following:
(1) CF =A+B(I 2F) Where:
o A and B are constants relative to EPERM Configuation for Short Term
Radon Electrets (pg 26 EPERM System Manual for SST Electrets)
o I is the Initial Voltage of the Electret
o F is the Final Voltage of the Electret
(2) 222Rn Concentration (pCi/1) = I -F -BG xEC Where:
((CFxD)
o D is the time in Days the EPERM is actively deployed and exposed. The
total days + hours should be expressed in a decimal to 3 significant
figures.
o BG is the natural gamma background radiation expressed in uR/hr. 1
micro R/hr = 0.087 pCi/L, thus BG = uR/hr* 0.087; For Fort Collins — BG
= 13.05uR/hr*0.087 = 1.13 pCi/L
o EC = Elevation Correction Factor where the elevation for Fort Collins is
estimated to be 5004 ft. From pg 24 of the EPERM system manual, the
EC = 1.09 for S Chamber EPERMs at 5000 ft.
Quality Control and Assurance
8
Proper Handling and Use of Electrets
o Electrets are to be stored with the Electret caps and not in the EPERM
canister.
o Storage of the Electret is to be kept in dry location within the laboratory
(Cabinet in 133H).
o Electrets are not be be used when initial voltages are < 200 V.
Readings are invalid if the final voltage on an electret is <150 V.
Electrets are to be returned to Rad Elect, Inc for replacement if either
condition is met.
o Never touch an electret with your fingertips or any object.
o Place EPERM in the field according to NEHA/EPA protocols.
o When reading an electret on the SPER-1 Reader, face the serial number
toward you so that the label can be read from left to right. Changing the
orientation of the elctret may cause a variation in the result.
o Place the electret back in it's holder once the reading is complete.
Determination of Relative Percent Difference (Real Estate Transaction)
o Take the average of both readings (pCi/L)
o Take the difference between both readings (pCi/L)
o The RPD = Difference/Average ` 100%
o Duplicates greater than or equal to 4 pCi/L are expected to be within
14% of one another; a technician should consider the result questionable
if the RPD >25%; a technician should consider the result unacceptable if
the RPD > 36%
o Duplicates less than or equal to 4 pCi/L are expected to be within 25%
of one another; a technician should consider the result questionable if
the RPD >50%; a technician should consider the result unacceptable if
the RPD > 67%
o All Real Estate Transactions will have a calculated RPD to validate
readings between the two electrets.
Determination of Percent Error within a single reading
Three types of errors exist within the SPERM System
1. Systemic Error (E1) (Principal Test Technician)
Systematic E-PERM error (E1) derives from the slight dimensional variations
and other small differences in the E-PERM components from unit to unit such as
slightly different chamber volumes and electret sensitivities. E1 has been
experimentally measured to be about 5%.(6)
2. SPER-1 Error (E2) (Principal Test Technician)
The SPER-1 only reads electret voltages to the nearest volt. Accordingly, there
is an uncertainty of ± 1 volt in every initial and final electret readings. The error in the
difference of the two readings is 1.4 volts (i.e., the square root of the sum of the
squares of the two 1 volt errors). The percent error which E2 introduces into any
radon measurement is therefore:
Where:
E2 = 100 x 1.4 IV = Initial Voltage
(IV - FV) FV = Final Voltage
9
3. Gamma Background Error (E3) (Principal Test Technician)
If not corrected for, natural gamma background radiation could introduce a
substantial positive bias in E-PERM measurements. The E-PERM manufacturer
provides a list of the correction factor(s) by state that must be subtracted from every
radon measurement (See System Manual) to remove most of this bias. These
correction factors are to be calculated from the average state values for gamma
background listed in a recent EPA study. The two different correction factors listed in
that Appendix for states that have large elevation differences. The choice between
these depends on the elevation where the measurement was made in those states.
The maximum error introduced by applying the average state correction factors
in Appendix 12 to correct for background gamma radiation at various locations within a
state (rather than a precise correction factor derived from an actual gamma
measurement at the site) is less than 0.2 pCi/L. For example, it can be seen in
Appendix 13 that even if the true gamma background at a measurement site is as
much as 20% different than the average state background value (e.g., if the actual
background is 8 or 12 uR /h when the state average is 10 uR/h), the resulting error in
the radon measurement is only about 0.2 pCi/L or about 5% in a 4 pCi/L measurement
result.
It is important to note that even this small error component can be eliminated by
using the actual gamma level measured at any site. This gamma measurement can
be made with either a gamma survey meter or an E-PERM exposed while sealed in a
radon -proof heat sealable bag container(13) (available from Rad Elec Inc). Gamma
measurements in uR/h must be multiplied by 0.087 to determine the equivalent radon
concentration in pCi/I in S-chamber E-PERMs. Colorado State University will deem it
necessary to measure for gamma background (using an ionization chamber reading in
uR/hr) and correct for elevation for any readings taken in the Rocky Mountains (Above
5,500 ft).
However, Colorado State University will correct for measurements made on
the Front Range using the average state correction factor procedure described above,
all S-chamber E-PERM measurements may contain up to 2% error (see above) from
this source; therefore, E3=2%.
15.4 Total Error (ER)
The total error is the square root of the sum of the squares of individual error
components quantified above, or:
ER= E12+E22+E32
Example Calculation of Overall Error: An S-chamber fitted with an ST electret
was exposed at a site in Indiana for 3 days. The initial voltage was 700 volts and the
final voltage is 632 volts. Applying the equation given in Section 12.4 and then
subtracting the 1.0 pCi/L background gamma correction factor (See Indiana in
Appendix 13) gives a radon concentration of 10.0 pCi/L.