CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Housing Authority said Tuesday that elevated readings of radon have been discovered in some of their units set for redevelopment, which they said they are working to address immediately.

However, the concerns are just now coming to light after the tests were conducted in November 2025, and the results were returned to CHA at the beginning of December, according to documents obtained by Clarksville Now on Wednesday.

What is radon? Where does it come from?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is an invisible radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium, thorium or radium, which are radioactive metals, break down in rocks, soil and groundwater.

“People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps in buildings and homes. Because radon comes naturally from the earth, people are always exposed to it,” said the EPA.

Redevelopment environmental review process

The CHA, under the leadership of new Executive Director Wanda Allen, said that in November 2025, radon testing was initiated as part of the environmental review process with the planned redevelopment of Clarksville Housing Authority properties including Lincoln Homes.

“This testing was a routine and important component of due diligence required to support responsible redevelopment planning and environmental compliance,” said the CHA statement. “Since stepping into the role in March 2026 and learning more recently of the results of the radon testing, the current executive director has continued implementation of the redevelopment plan and has additionally taken proactive steps to address findings identified through the testing process.”

The CHA Board as a whole was not informed of the December test results, Allen said. She only discovered them last week and informed the board on April 21.

Elevated readings, relocations at Housing Authority’s expense

In the units where elevated radon readings were identified, residents have been notified and offered early relocation at the Housing Authority’s expense. This comes ahead of the broader relocation schedule already planned as part of the redevelopment, said the statement.

“Residents with questions or concerns related to radon may raise those concerns with the Housing Authority, and any need for additional testing will be evaluated in coordination with environmental professionals and applicable guidance, including HUD protocols and requirements,” the statement said.

What will CHA do about radon?

Educational information will be distributed to residents on what radon is, how it is addressed, and the steps being taken to protect resident health, said the statement.

According to the EPA, elevated radon levels can be addressed by selecting a qualified radon mitigation contractor to reduce the radon levels in one’s home. Solutions could include anything from installing a radon mitigation system to sealing cracks and openings and improving ventilation.

“Resident health and safety remain our top priority. We are working with environmental professionals and following all appropriate guidance regarding mitigation measures and next steps. This reflects a continued commitment to identifying concerns, addressing them responsibly, and using redevelopment as an opportunity to improve housing quality for residents,” the statement said.

“We want to assure residents and the community that this matter is being approached with transparency, urgency, and care. The radon testing initiated in November 2025 is part of the broader environmental due diligence supporting safe, modernized housing as redevelopment moves forward. Clarksville Housing Authority remains committed to keeping residents informed and taking all appropriate steps to protect resident well-being while advancing the long-term revitalization of our communities,” said the statement.

Lead-based paint findings also released

In a statement shared with Clarksville Now on Wednesday, the Clarksville Housing Authority Resident Council said they have launched an informational campaign to alert Lincoln Homes families to serious environmental concerns regarding both radon and lead-based paint (LBP).

Allen said she found out Wednesday about the lead-based paint test results.

According to documents obtained by Clarksville Now, the conclusions and recommendations for those results are the following:

  • If the properties are to undergo renovation or alteration that would disturb the lead-based paint, the LBP material will need to be removed prior to renovation, due to the release of lead dusts.
  • Removal of LBP must be done by a qualified Lead Abatement Contractor.
  • It is recommended that deteriorated LBP surfaces be removed prior to being disturbed and/or dislodged during normal working operations or any renovations.

The lead-based paint testing was conducted in November and December 2025 and provided by TTL to Gorman USA in January, a month before Allen became executive director.

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