What is the primary reason for locating the discharge of an active soil depressurization system away from building openings?

Locating the discharge of an active soil depressurization system away from building openings is primarily to reduce the possibility of radon gas re-entering the building. When radon is drawn from the soil and expelled, placing the discharge far from doors, windows, and other openings diminishes the risk that the expelled gas will be redirected back into the home's interior. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate and pose serious health risks, making it essential to ensure that the system discharges where wind patterns and building structure will not allow for easy re-entrainment of the gas.

While aesthetic appeal, maintenance access, and airflow are relevant considerations in the design of such systems, they do not directly address the primary goal of radon mitigation. Aesthetic concerns may influence placement but are secondary to health safety; maintenance access is essential but usually factored into the initial design rather than the discharge location; and while airflow is necessary for effective venting, the primary concern remains the safety of reducing radon concentration within the building environment. Hence, the focus on establishing the discharge away from openings is to prioritize indoor air quality and occupant safety.