Protecting Box Elder Families from Elevated Radon Levels
Box Elder is one of the fastest-growing communities in Pennington County, with a population of approximately 10,000 residents. Located just east of Rapid City along Interstate 90, Box Elder is home to Ellsworth Air Force Base — one of the region's largest employers and the home of the B-1B Lancer bomber fleet. The steady influx of military families and civilian workers has driven significant residential construction in the area, but many of these newer homes still face a serious hidden threat: elevated indoor radon levels.
Pennington County is classified by the EPA as Zone 1 for radon risk, meaning homes in Box Elder have a predicted average screening level above 4 pCi/L. The geological composition of the prairie east of the Black Hills includes uranium-bearing shale and clay deposits that produce substantial quantities of radon gas. As this gas migrates upward through the soil, it enters homes through foundation cracks, construction joints, and utility penetrations — regardless of whether the home is brand new or decades old.
Radon Concerns for Military Families at Ellsworth AFB
Military families stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base often rent or purchase homes in Box Elder's surrounding neighborhoods, including the developments along Radar Hill Road, Liberty Boulevard, and the newer subdivisions near Douglas High School. Because service members typically relocate every few years, many assume they won't be in a home long enough for radon exposure to matter. However, the EPA emphasizes that any level of radon exposure carries risk, and children are especially vulnerable due to their higher breathing rates and developing lungs.
If you're renting in Box Elder, landlords in South Dakota are not required to test for radon, making it your responsibility to ensure your family's safety. Our short-term radon testing can provide results within 48 hours, giving you peace of mind quickly. For homeowners preparing to sell, radon testing and mitigation before listing can prevent delays during the inspection process and protect the sale price.
Our Radon Services in Box Elder
We serve all of Box Elder with complete radon testing and mitigation solutions. Our technicians are experienced with the specific foundation types common in the area, including the slab-on-grade construction prevalent in many base-area homes and the full basements found in newer subdivisions.
About Box Elder and the Surrounding Area
Box Elder sits at the intersection of I-90 and Highway 14/16, providing easy access to both Rapid City to the west and the Badlands to the east. The community has its own school district, parks, and a growing commercial corridor along Box Elder Road. With ongoing expansion driven by the Air Force base mission and the planned B-21 Raider deployment to Ellsworth, more homes will be built on land with significant radon potential. We encourage every Box Elder homeowner — whether in an established neighborhood or a brand-new construction — to get a professional radon test. Most systems are installed in a single day, and we guarantee results below 4 pCi/L.