School building committee approves expanded radon venting for Millis school addition

The Town of Millis School Building Committee voted unanimously June 17 to install an expanded system of passive radon risers at the school project, adopting the consultant’s recommendation of four risers in the new addition and 10 in the existing building.

The committee discussed two options: a smaller riser layout for the new area and existing building, or the consultant’s larger layout based on ARST guidance and the square footage of the existing school. Project staff noted the site’s sandy soils and recalled that a retrofit at the Clyde Brown school later required an active mitigation system that cost roughly $175,000. Committee members said running the piping now will make any future upgrades less disruptive and less expensive than retrofitting a finished building.

Al Veltor, one of the owner-side members, spoke for proceeding proactively: “Radon is a pretty nasty thing and we’re not going to have a choice if we find it at the end. … If we can do it earlier than later, that would be a better option in my mind.” Diane, another committee member, added she did not want to repeat the retrofit work performed at Clyde Brown.

After discussion the chair moved to adopt the consultant’s recommended layout; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call. Committee members confirmed the approved scope covers the passive riser piping only and does not include wiring or fans for active mitigation. The group put the electrical work on a deferred list to revisit if testing at project completion shows active fans are required.

Next procedural steps: project staff will update chase locations and square footage for the MSBA submittal and note the decision in the VE/deferred lists. The committee recorded the vote as unanimous and moved on to remaining business.