Berwick sits in EPA Zone 1, the highest risk classification for radon exposure in Pennsylvania. This historic Columbia County borough along the Susquehanna River is built upon Catskill Formation bedrock consisting of interbedded sandstones, siltstones, and shales deposited during the Devonian period approximately 360-420 million years ago. This ancient geological heritage means that radon - a radioactive decay product of uranium naturally present in these rock formations - is constantly being generated beneath Berwick homes.
Unlike areas to the south in Luzerne County, Berwick is NOT a coal mining area. The town's industrial heritage centers on historic iron production and textile manufacturing dating back to the 1800s, including the famous American Car and Foundry Company complex. This distinction is critical: radon in Berwick originates directly from uranium-bearing sedimentary bedrock, not from mining-related ground disturbance. The Susquehanna River Valley location creates unique conditions where ancient sandstone and shale layers contain trace amounts of uranium and thorium that naturally decay to produce radon gas.
The river's influence on groundwater levels and soil gas pressure means seasonal water table fluctuations can affect radon entry rates into buildings. Berwick's diverse housing stock - ranging from 19th-century Victorian homes near Downtown to mid-century construction and modern developments - presents varied foundation types. Older homes typically lack modern radon-resistant construction features, while the area's variable soil permeability creates unpredictable radon entry patterns through foundation cracks, sump pits, and utility penetrations.
Professional making certified radon mitigation systems essential for home safety throughout Columbia County.