On June 10, 2008, a student brought in a jar of mercury and spilled an undetermined amount of it in a classroom at Pooler Elementary School, Chatham County, Georgia. Georgia Department of Environmental Protection, requested EPA's assistance in conducting air monitoring assessment with the use of a mercury vapor analyzer. Phone Duty Officer dispatched OSC Webster to conduct the assessment. OSC Webster determined from his assessment the mercury levels were above health based levels and warranted a removal action.
As a result of the mercury spill, the student's home was screened utilizing a Lumex mercury vapor analyzer on June 13, 2008. The screening confirmed elevated levels of mercury vapor throughout (the source home) 1206 Estates Way, Pooler, GA 31322. EPA OSC determined that the immediate evacuation of residents and the initiation of a removal action was warranted.
