Radon levels at Washougal City Hall force changes

Air quality testing at Washougal City Hall revealed high levels of radon gas throughout the building, prompting the mayor to relocate most employees to other city buildings.

Exposure to radon, a natural component in soil gases, can cause cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The average indoor radon level is 1.3 picoCuries of radiation per liter (pCi/L) of air, the EPA says.

Testing in Washougal City Hall earlier this month measured levels between 11 pCi/L and 26 pCi/L, with the highest concentration in a closed basement storage area, Mayor Sean Guard said in a news release. Findings were received Monday.

A level of 4 pCi/L should prompt action to lower the radon level, the EPA says. Guard said the EPA stopped short of calling City Hall unsafe but said it required immediate action.

The city has already begun some upgrades to the fresh air ventilation systems in City Hall, and windows and doors will remain open during business hours to ventilate the building. Guard has also ordered additional tests in all city buildings and the installation of permanent radon monitoring systems. City contractors are planning long-term improvements that include adding suction ventilation systems beneath the basement floor to vent air outside.

While the upgrades are being made, most city staff members will be relocated to other buildings, beginning today.

The finance department will operate from the Washougal Police Station, 1320 A St. Utility payments can still be made through the night drop box at City Hall, 1701 C St., or delivered to the police station during normal business hours.

The city’s community development and planning staff will work from the building inspection office at Durgan and C streets. Public works employees will move to the operations center, 2247 Main St. Human resources staff and the mayor will stay at City Hall. Guard said he expects the change to last up to a month.

City Hall computer terminals and phones will be moved in the next day or two, which might cause a slight delay in reaching city staff. Voice mail systems will remain in place and will be answered, officials said.