On 11/5/06, the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (KYDEP) notified the EPA Region 4 Emergency Response and Removal Branch (ERRB) of a mercury release at the Calloway Middle School in Murray, KY. A detailed NRC Report was filed by the Calloway County Emergency Management Agency (NRC 817228).
The incident, which was reported to the Kentucky Poison Control Center on 11/4/06, originated when a thirteen year old female student brought a small vial containing approximately 1-1.5 oz. of elemental mercury to onto a school bus on 10/30/06. From 10/30/06 to 11/3/06, the mercury was transferred among 13 or more students, while attending class. The incident was confirmed by Calloway County Emergency Management Agency, Purchase District Health Department, and KYDEP on 11/4/06 @2230 hrs., following confirmation of elevated mercury vapor readings inside the home where the mercury originally was stored, and on a school bus. After learning of the mercury release, the Calloway County School System was shut down on 11/5/06, at the recommendation of the Purchase District Health Department. On 11/6/2006, EPA OSC Smith and the Region 4 Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) were dispatched to oversee cleanup activities.
From 11/6/06 through 11/11/06, assessment and cleanup activities were conducted at the school and over 50 offsite locations where mercury was tracked throughout the community. EPA demobilized on 11/11/06, marking the end of the emergency phase for this incident.
