United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region IV
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

On June 11, 2008, Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) reported that a student brought to the school a jar containing mercury and released an undetermined amount in a classroom. GAEPD requested EPA to do air monitoring and assess if the mercury was a threat to the health of the students and personnel.  

The intent of this polrep is to document that on 4:20 pm of June 17, 2008, Franklin E. Hill, Superfund Division Director, used his verbal authority to grant an additional $250,000 to OSC Webster for the Pooler Elementary Mercury Spill Site.   The additional funding is needed in order to continue with the emergency response actions that commenced on June 11, 2008.   Based on the initial assessment conducted under the OSC's warrant authority, the impact of the spill is much larger than anticipated and requires additional contractor resources than originally estimated.

The spill has affected three rooms including a gym/cafeteria that held a school dance after the spill ocurred.  There is a possibility that many more students may have been exposed to the mercury than anticipated and this has prompted EPA to offer air monitoring assessments at the students'residences.  This is being done as a precautionary measure.

Conduct air monitoring of classrooms and other areas in the school.

Determine if personal items (clothing, vehicles, etc.)may have been impacted by the mercury vapors.

Conduct air monitoring at residences and daycares of students and school staff that may have been in contact with the mercury.