How Standards, Design, and Reality Collide in Vapor Intrusion Work

Vapor intrusion mitigation is rarely straightforward.

In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, host Diane Swecker is joined by Rachel Saari and Tony McDonald for an in-depth discussion on what happens when pilot testing, system design, standards, and real-world building conditions collide.

From pressure field extension and pilot testing methodology…
to flow versus vacuum…
to system overdesign, discharge considerations, and the realities of large-scale buildings…

this conversation explores the complexities professionals face when designing and implementing vapor intrusion mitigation systems in the field.

Topics discussed include:

• Why “pressure fields aren’t round” in real-world conditions
• The role of pilot testing in mitigation design
• Flow rates, vacuum, and common design misconceptions
• Pressure field extension and soil variability
• Translating data into actionable system design
• Challenges with large commercial and industrial buildings
• The importance of ANSI/AARST standards in VI work
• System overdesign and unnecessary complexity
• Vapor discharge considerations and long-term performance
• Why collaboration across disciplines matters in successful projects

Rachel and Tony also discuss the evolving relationship between vapor intrusion mitigation, standards development, and field application — including lessons learned from reviewing real-world pilot testing reports and mitigation designs.

Whether you work in vapor intrusion, radon mitigation, environmental consulting, engineering, regulation, or standards development, this episode offers valuable insight into how experienced professionals approach system-level decision-making in complex environments.

Guests:
Rachel Saari — Principal Engineer at Arcadis and technical expert leading the firm’s vapor intrusion mitigation community of practice

Tony McDonald — CEO of A-Z Solutions and leading voice in radon and vapor intrusion mitigation

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Listen to more episodes:
IndoorEnvironments.org/podcast