Frito-Lay Distribution Center

Project Description

At the request of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP), PCA, in conjunction with Novisal, was requested to conduct a radon gas screening survey (radon monitoring) at the Frito-Lay Distribution facility in Mt. Kisco, New York. The purpose of the measurement study was to ensure radon concentrations within the facility did not exceed the USEPA maximum recommended level or the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit within a 40-hour work week.

Prior to commencing the radon gas screening survey, an initial site survey was performed, and monitoring locations were selected. PCA developed a Radon Monitoring Plan, which detailed radon monitoring and reporting procedures for NYCDEP review and approval. The plan prepared for the Frito-Lay Distribution Center was developed based on a modified protocol of the ANSI standard, “Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Schools and Large Buildings (ANSI/AARST MALB 2014).” The modification to the plan prepared for the Frito-Lay facility excluded building HVAC evaluation, as requested by NYCDEP. The Radon Monitoring Plan detailed proposed monitoring instrumentation, monitoring locations and methodology as well as reporting procedures.

Once the monitoring plan was approved by NYCDEP, the radon gas screening survey was performed by PCA President, Sharon Paul Carpenter, who is a certified Radon Measurement Technician, with assistance from a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) from PCA’s sub-consultant, Novisal. Measurements were performed using the Radon Testing Corporation of America, Inc. Charcoal Canister Test Kits. Radon kits were retrieved and set to the lab for evaluation. Test results were detailed within a Findings Report submitted to NYCDEP. Results indicated that radon concentrations within the facility were below the USEPA Maximum Recommended Level (MRL) Guideline of 4 pCi/L (The Indoor Radon Abatement Act of 1988) and were consistent with the screening levels for Mt. Kisco reported by the NYS DOH in October 2019. Based on the measurement results, no corrective actions were recommended.