United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region IV
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

The Site, Kidney Specialist of Savannah Clinic, is a business housed within a single story, brick building located at 500 E 66th Street, Savannah, GA. Geographical coordinates for the Site are North Latitude 32.03029 x West Longitude -81.09736. In response to NRC Report #874319, and at the request of Savannah Fire Departments' Hazardous Materials Division (Hazmat), EPA mobilized to the clinic to provide air monitoring at the incident involving the release of elemental mercury inside the clinic. The release originated from a Sphygmomanometer. Savannah Hazmat, first responder to the Site, recovered and staged the mercury but lacked the specialized equipment needed to provide adequate screening for mercury vapors.

- On June 17th EPA conducted followup mercury vapor monitoring within the facility.  While levels within certain sections of the building had declined, the source area had elevated to at least 50,000 ng/m3.  Please see attached file in the document section for details:  www.epaosc.net/sites/4171/files/6-17-08.jpg
- On June 18th EPA mobilized an OSC back to the clinic to determine the status of the situation. Mercury vapor readings inside the building were detected at elevated levels in excess of 50,000 ug/m3.  Please see attached file of recorded readings for this situation assessment at:  www.epaosc.net/sites/4171/files/6-18-08.bmp  
- Consequent to the evaluation, the OSC assumed a PRP-oversight posture to ensure a CERCLA quality cleanup.
- Unified Command was established to manage the response, which included representatives from EPA, Chatham County EMA, Savannah Health Department and SFES.
- The PRP selected the cleanup contractor and the OSC began working with the RP and cleanup contractor to establish objectives, health and safety protocols, and work to be performed.  The contractor mobilized to the site at midday the 19th of June.
- Due to inclement weather, initial level B entries were delayed until approximately 4:30 PM. Please see attached file of recorded readings for this situation assessment at:  www.epaosc.net/sites/4171/files/6-19-2008.pdf
- These values reached the limit of the meter at 100,000 ng/m3. The contractor installed a negative pressure system and sealed off the source area using polyvinyl barriers. The system was vented throughout the night and the perimeter values were monitored throughout the night.
- On the 20th, followup level B entries were conducted by the contractor throughout the day accomplishing additional polyvinyl barriers separating the north half of the building from the south half, the installation of a second negative pressure venting system and additional mercury monitoring.  Lumex readings in the north end indicate a significant reduction in area of contamination outside the known source locations.  The entire south end indicated significant reduction as well.  Please see the attached contractor file data map for screening values at:  www.epaosc.net/sites/4171/files/6-20-2008.pdf
- Having constructed an effective barrier and confirmed by Lumex screening values, the OSC allowed the RP access to the south side of the building to pick up administrative materials (re. faxs)
- In cooperation with Unified Command, a press release and interview was conducted on the afternoon of June 20th.
- Also on the 20th, the doctor's vehicle was screened and cleared for contamination.  This vehicle was targeted due to the elevated screening value seen in doctor's office.
- On the 21st, Lumex readings demonstrated significant improvements in the north side outside of the 2 source areas. The remaining two source area rooms requiring level B access continue to be the exam room and doctor's office.  Office furniture, rugs and other various items were removed by the contractor in level B and staged in an onsite tent for decon and/or disposal.   Please see the attached contractor file data map for screening values at: www.epaosc.net/sites/4171/files/6-21-2008.bmp
- Also on the 21st, the car and home belonging to the patient involved in the mercury release were screened and cleared.
- On the 22nd, the PRPs contractor continued to make level B entries in the office and exam room. Continued removal of affected material for decon/disposal. The baseboards were removed in the exam room allowing access to approximately a dozen pinhead sized mercury beads for mercury vacuuming. Continuing to operate negative air pressure vent to the outside for the 2 rooms while conducting perimeter monitoring.  HVAC on the south side was successfully trial tested today (while the north side is isolated)and exhibited acceptable Lumex readings.

Continue to execute containment strategy of isolation and segregation while simultaneously removing known source areas.

Working towards achievement of less than 1000 ng/m3 in breathing air throughout the building before allowing normal operations at the clinic.